Business Events to Celebrate

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Neal Zimmerman Named 2022 Recipient of High Honor for Club Professionals

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) announced tonight that Neal Zimmerman, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area has been awarded the 2022 W. Errol Sewell Leadership Award – the highest honor bestowed by BGCA to a club professional for their outstanding achievement in the area of field services. Zimmerman was presented with the award during a ceremony held at BGCA’s Northeast/Southeast Leadership Conference in Washington DC. The W. Errol Sewell Leadership Award was created in memory of the beloved former 42 year BGCA professional and is presented each year to a Club professional who best exemplifies the qualities and character that made Sewell an extraordinary leader and role model during his decades of service to the organization. “Zimmerman has devoted 50 years to the development and well-being of the children and youth, first in Gainesville Fl, then West Palm Beach, Fl and for the last 27 years in Florence, SC” stated Ricky Hood, 2020 Sewell recipient and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of East Mississippi. “He personifies the excellence we strive for, which is why he is so deserving of this honor.” Zimmerman Receives Sewell Award Zimmerman joined a club in Orlando at the age of six and has never left. His first club job was as a summer staff member teaching baseball, and since then has held nearly every position within a club organization. Over time he distinguished himself as one with boundless levels of energy, intelligence and drive. In 1995, he became Executive Director of an organization that sorely needed his guidance, vigor and experience. Over the years, Zimmerman has produced remarkable accomplishments by combining an unwavering commitment to quality programming, resource development and management skills. His strategic vision has taken the Pee Dee Area Boys & Girls Club organization from three clubs serving 350 youth in 1995, to today’s thriving awardwinning organization of 6 clubs serving more than 4,000 young people annually. “Neal is the catalyst that has moved our Pee Dee Area organization forward. He successfully steers the organization and is especially gifted at building a great team, reminding us all of the mission and leading with passion. His over-the-top commitment, institutional knowledge and infectious love of the Boys & Girls Club kids and their families make him the best in the business,” states Richard Skipper, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area. He is equally revered by board members and Club professionals, “Without question, Neal is a rare jewel that gives so much of his time, energy and resources to ensure that Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area is a premier youth organization” said Patricia Singleton Parr, who has volunteered her services for more than 6 years and serves on the Pee Dee Area Board. Meanwhile, Club professional of 22 years, Mike Woods said, “Mr. Z is the perfect recipient for this award. His unwavering commitment and leadership have led to the thousands of young people receiving a first-class Boys & Girls Club experience, including me. The countless hours he spends combined with his care in handling the organization along with the decisions he makes is always done with the children’s well-being at the center.”

Duke Energy Donates $25,000 to FMU Sensory Education Lab

Duke Energy has made a $25,000 donation to Francis Marion University to supply a new sensory lab for the university’s School of Education. The new lab will enhance FMU’s current education programs by providing additional resources to teach children through special sensory techniques. While the lab will be housed under Francis Marion’s School of Education, it will benefit students across many disciplines, including a new collateral and minor in Autism and Neurodiversity Studies created in conjunction with the psychology and speech and language pathology departments. “Duke Energy has long been a strong advocate for Francis Marion University,” says Fred Carter, president of FMU. “This new sensory lab will allow three of our academic disciplines to collaborate on developing better processes for treating and educating children with autism spectrum disorders. This is a new endeavor for the university, and we are pleased to have Duke join us both as a partner and as a philanthropist.” The sensory lab will be equipped with items used in various teaching practices benefiting autistic students. Sensory items used include weighted vests, light projectors, audiosedation systems, gel mats, and other sensory items. The lab will focus on instructing special education, early childhood education, elementary education, and secondary education teacher candidates on best practices when working with autistic students. “Duke Energy is proud to further our partnership with Francis Marion University, and continue to support the opportunities they provide their students and the region,” says Mindy Taylor, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy. “This sensory laboratory will provide experience to the students who utilize it, as well as those who receive treatment here. Our entire community benefits from the results of the work done here.” The sensory lab will be part of a new classroom building scheduled for construction on the Francis Marion University’s main campus. The new building will house Francis Marion’s School of Education as well as the School of Business and is expected to be completed in 2024. Construction on the new facility is expected to begin during the 2023 spring semester. The $24 million, 60,000 sq. ft. facility was funded entirely through state appropriations during the 2021-22 fiscal year. Located across the pond from the Lee Nursing Building on FMU’s main campus, the building is expected to be completed in 2024.

If you are celebrating a positive achievement or have been awarded for a newsworthy accomplishment, email Heather Page at heather@vipmagsc.com.

McLeod Physicians Dr. Davinderbir Pannu, Dr. Ravneet Bajwa, Dr. Tarek Bishara, Dr. Lisa Bishara, Dr. Rajesh Bajaj and Dr. Srinivas Kolla are pictured at the 23rd Annual An Evening of Hope Cancer Benefit.

An Evening of Hope Raises More Than $148,000

An Evening of Hope to benefit the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research was held on Thursday, September 23, 2022, at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center Amphitheatre. The event raised more than $148,000 for the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund.

Kids In Lidz Party Held at Williams Middle School

The first party for Kidz In Lids to raise money for Children's Cancer Partners was held on September 19, 2022. Pepsi of Florence was at Williams Middle School. They would like to thank all for participating and allowing Pepsi-Cola of Florence to be a part.

Freida Jemison Joins Florence County Economic Development Partnership

Freida Jemison has joined Florence County Economic Development Partnership team as Executive Assistant/Office Manager. Freida brings her experience working with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce where she served as the Partnership Services Coordinator. That experience combined with her background in human resources with companies like BCBS and Anheuser Busch make her a great addition to our team. Originally from New York, Freida is still relatively new to the Florence area. She has been happily married to Troy Jemison for 32 years and her wonderful family includes her son Drew and his wife Devin who is expecting their first grand baby in November, and her daughter Courtney who lives in Boston. You will likely see Freida on the golf course or sight seeing around town in her corvette!

The 2022-2023 McLeod Fellows Class includes: Charlie Abbott, Carolina Bank; Boone Aiken,Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd; Terence Anderson, Harbor Freight; Kimberly Barr, Sabb Law Firm;Gunter Bullock, PDI Pharmacy Services; Chris Cawthon, Exelixis; Shannon Chandler, Chandler Investments; Julie Cord, New York Life; Sandra Eckert, Assurant; Lance Evans, Carolina Door and Hardware; Megan Ferguson, Webster Rogers; Beth Jones, Coldwell Banker Real Estate; Beth Ann Owen, Community Volunteer; Robert Thomas, Greystone Properties; Caroline Toniolo, Edward Jones; John Rabun, Community Volunteer; and Greg Robinson, Florence County Economic Development Partnership.

Sixteenth McLeod Foundation Fellows Class Begins

The 16th Class of McLeod Foundation Fellows recently began at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Each year, McLeod Fellows receive a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look into medicine and complex issues driving healthcare while demonstrating the continuing need for philanthropy. During the first session of the McLeod Fellows on September 13, 2022, Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, addressed the group about the history of McLeod Health and the growth of the organization. They also observed a surgical procedure being performed by McLeod General Surgeon Dr. John Sonfield in OR1. The McLeod Fellows program is designed to give an inside look into the healthcare industry. This innovative program was introduced in 2006, and is composed of community leaders, elected officials and volunteers. During eight monthly sessions, the McLeod Fellows class receives an intimate glimpse of the many facets of healthcare. The curriculum explores the mission of McLeod Health, healthcare finances, quality and safety, and McLeod Health service lines. Participants obtain a working knowledge of the healthcare needs in the region and how McLeod Health is meeting those needs. McLeod Fellows also gain insight into medical and technological advances through access to areas of McLeod Regional Medical Center not commonly available to the public. In addition, the program gives business leaders and community members the opportunity to network with medical specialists.