Leadership South Carolina held its graduation ceremony for the 2026 class in Florence on April 27. Jody Jernigan, Executive Director of Leadership South Carolina, led the event, which marked the fifth consecutive year that Florence was included as part of the group’s leadership development program.
The ceremony was part of an eight-month experience for a group of 50 participants who explored various challenges and opportunities across communities in South Carolina. The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Duke Energy sponsored a reception following the event at the Hugh and Jean Leatherman Medical Education Complex in Downtown Florence.
Throughout their program, members of Leadership South Carolina visited several locations across the state, including Columbia, Charleston/Seabrook Island, Greenville, McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, Greenwood and Spartanburg.
The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce contributes to community engagement by promoting local tourism and supporting businesses in the area according to its official website. The organization works to advance economic growth through education, advocacy and collaboration for both businesses and residents according to its official website. Paul Felker has served as executive director for the chamber according to its official website.
Serving the region around Florence in Arizona according to its official website, the chamber provides resources such as a member directory and networking events to support local businesses according to its official website. It operates as a community business organization according to its official website.
