Category: Business

ADP Holds Veterans Day Brunch Celebration

    On November 9th, ADP held a Veterans Day Brunch to celebrate local veterans. Captain Lakecia T. Griffin, Florence native, was the guest speaker. She is an alumni of Trident University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business. After serving 15 years as an enlisted soldier, Captain Griffin attended officer candidate school in 2008. Captain Griffin has completed multiple assignments in Ft. Bragg, NC with the 188th Brigade Support Battalion to include:  Alpha Company Fuel/Water Platoon Leader, Battalion Maintenance Officer and Executive Officer.  Captain Griffin’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and the Drill Sergeant Badge. Employees and friends of ADP were honored to pay tribute to Captain Griffin and her journey in protecting our freedom.

The Tipping Point

story by Mark W. Buyck, III

    As noted last month, South Carolina was an overwhelmingly Democrat state from the end of Reconstruction through the Second World War. In the 12 Presidential elections from 1900 to 1944, no Republican ever carried a single South Carolina county. During that time, the Democrats won every gubernatorial race and there were no Republicans in the State Legislature. Democrat dominance in the state began to crack in the 1948 Presidential race when the state overwhelmingly supported Governor Strom Thurmond and the Dixiecrats. Republican Dwight Eisenhower nearly carried the state in 1952. Democrat Adlai Stevenson carried the state in 1956; however, the majority of the voters supported either Eisenhower or an independent slate of electors opposed to the national Democrats.

    In the run-up to the 1960 Presidential election, South Carolina Democrats generally supported fellow “Southerner” Lyndon Johnson for the party’s nomination. The eventual Kennedy-Johnson ticket was not embraced by South Carolina Democrats. Vice-President Richard Nixon generated interest in the urban areas of the state, particularly Columbia and Charleston. Textile and industrial business owners who had moved to South Carolina from states with competitive 2-party elections openly supported Nixon and the Republican Party platform. Many of the supporters of the 1956 independent slate supported Nixon. Former Governor Byrnes endorsed Nixon. Strom Thurmond did not endorse either Kennedy or Nixon; however, he publicly opposed Kennedy and the Democrat platform. Kennedy won South Carolina in 1960, however, his margin of victory was less than 10,000 votes, 198,129 to 188,558. Nixon carried 21 counties, including Florence, Charleston, Greenville, and Richland.

    By the early 1960s, the Republican Party in South Carolina was aspiring to become viable at the statewide level. The Party decided to seriously contest the 1962 U.S. Senate election. The incumbent was Democrat Olin Johnston, a veteran politician who had served two separate terms as Governor as well as 18 years in the United States Senate. He was an economic populist and in his last years of office supported LBJ’s Great Society programs. Johnston easily won the Democrat primary in 1962 defeating former Governor Fritz Hollings by a 2 to 1 margin. The Republican nominee for the seat was W. D. Workman, a noted conservative political journalist. Workman ran a spirited campaign staking himself and the Republican Party as the conservative alternative to Johnston and the liberal national Democrat Party. Drake Edens, a Columbia businessman and entrepreneur, managed Workman’s statewide campaign. Workman finished with 133,390 votes (42.8%) to Johnston’s 178,712 (57.2%). Although defeated, Workman and Edens proved the viability of the Republican Party statewide in South Carolina.

    By 1964, the Republican Party was ascendant in South Carolina. W. D. Workman’s unsuccessful Governor’s race proved that Republicans could be competitive statewide. 1962 also saw the first Republican elected to the General Assembly since 1901. Drake Edens was elected as Chairman of the Party in 1963 and his organizational and fund-raising prowess brought energy to the party. Lyndon Johnson had become President in November 1963 following the assassination of President Kennedy. While nominally a Southerner, Johnson’s embrace of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and promotion of other Great Society programs was not popular with the majority of South Carolinians. The competitive balance in the State reached a tipping point in 1964. Early South Carolina Republicans were admirers of Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater.  Goldwater was fiscally conservative, anti-Communist, pro-defense and fiercely libertarian; all characteristics appealing to South Carolina Republicans. Goldwater was an opponent of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 believing it to be an overreach by the Federal Government, while Johnson was largely responsible for the Act’s passage. During the Fall campaign, Strom Thurmond declared that not only would he support Senator Goldwater but that he was changing his party allegiance to the Republicans. Democrat Congressman Albert Watson of Lexington then announced his public and active support of Goldwater.   

    Nationally Goldwater lost in a landslide; however, he won 6 states; Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. In South Carolina, Goldwater received 309,048 votes (58.9%) to Johnson’s 215,700 (41.1%). This was the first time that the Republicans had carried the State since 1876. He also carried 33 of the State’s 46 counties. After the election, the U.S. House Democrat Caucus censured Watson for supporting Goldwater. On February 1, 1965, Watson declared he “would not sit around to be bullied by Northern liberals,” and resigned from Congress. He announced that he would run in the special election for his seat as a Republican. Watson won the special election with 59% of the votes becoming the first Republican to represent South Carolina in the United States House of Representatives since 1896. By 1966 the Republicans were prepared to compete statewide, not just in Presidential elections, but also for Congress, the Senate, state legislature, and local offices.

Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

248 West Evans Street, Florence, SC | 843.662.3258

2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230, Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

The Next Best Thing in the World of Hair Extensions

story by Sydney Sims | photos by Tracy Rowell, Reflection Images

    You may have heard of New Year’s Resolutions, but what about New Year’s Hair Resolutions? The new year typically revolves around self-improvement. A new hair style may be just what you need to create a “new you” for 2019, and now is the perfect time to do it! Have you considered Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions?

    Caitlyn Maloney has worked at The Salon of Florence for two years where she was recently promoted to a level 3 stylist. Over the past few years of continuing her education and experience in hair, she discovered hair extensions, which quickly became her passion. 

    Caitlyn started out using a hair extension method called tape-in extensions, but she discovered Natural Beaded Rows (NBR) Hair Extensions and has done every bit of research she could on the technique ever since. She knew immediately that her future as a hair stylist would revolve around the new method!

           Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions is a unique hand tied hair extension method that does less damage, hides better, and won’t slip out. There is absolutely no glue, tape, or heat involved; simply sewing the hair onto a beaded row. This means removal time is quick and easy, lasting only about five minutes. The method was developed by a hair stylist in California who struggled to find the perfect hair extension method for her own hair. The brand has quickly grown and gained international attention. Many stylists are now educated and certified in the method and technique — including Caitlyn! Natural beaded rows give clients natural, full, light-weight, and comfortable hair!

    Not only is Caitlyn adapting to new trends, but she also has mastered the skills necessary for NBR. As someone who wears them herself, Caitlyn believes NBR can completely change the way women feel about themselves, giving them more confidence and versatility. Women with any type of hair from thin and straight, to curly or course can get Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions. Caitlyn shares, “I am a testimony to hair extensions and especially NBR. Anyone that has experienced extensions of some kind in the past can relate to the struggles that come with it.” As someone with fine, flat hair who had tape-in extensions for years, Caitlyn describes NBR as “life changing.” “It is more comfortable, easier to pull up into a ponytail, and holds the style a lot longer,” says Caitlyn. “I wear these because it actually gives me more confidence and it feels natural when I have them in.”

    Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions are the secret to natural looking hair extensions. If you are ready for a change and to experience them for yourself, give Caitlyn a call. Treat yourself this new year and feel like your best self!

To schedule an appointment with Caitlyn, call 847-284-5540. You can also find Caitlyn on Instagram @hairbyc.styling.

Tis’ the Season to Purchase Jewelry

story by Tanya Stone

    Hulon Jewelers of Marion was once located on the corner of Witcover and Main Street, only one block south of the current location. Hulon Jewelers was founded in August of 1968 by Mr. Jackie Hulon who had minimal experience and only fifty-dollars in the bank. Today Hulon Jewelers continues to thrive under the ownership of Jackie’s son, Jason Hulon, as they celebrate 50 years in business!

    Jackie Hulon was a graduate of Dillon High School. He then enlisted into the Navy where he achieved the rank of seaman first class, leaving in 1967. That same year, after rejoining civilian life, he was hired by Bennie Holbrook and Frank Causey, two men who had five jewelry stores in the Pee Dee area. Jackie was first hired as a manager for the Marion store which was called Holbrook’s Jewelers. In 1968, Mr. Causey wanted to sell his interest in the chain. Jackie Hulon talked them into selling him the Marion store outright. With only fifty dollars in the bank at the time, Mr. Causey spoke for Jackie at the bank to help push the loan through. After that, Hulon Jewelers was born!

    In 1980, a new building was purchased. The current location on North Main Street was once a restaurant called Earnie’s Grill. The original store sold jewelry, china, gift items, bed sheets, and record players. “If there was profit in it, we sold it,” says Jason. When Jackie moved to the current location he wanted to elevate the goods and focus on jewelry, specifically fine jewelry, though they kept the china and bridal gifts. 

    Today, as with other businesses, the landscape has changed for brick and mortar stores. They have also had to change with consumer and industry trends. Where Hulon Jewelers once had twenty brides a year, they now have zero. Today they mostly focus on repair work doing anything from pearl stringing to watch repairs, and also custom design to create one-of-a-kind pieces. “The metal has also changed. The big three have always been gold, silver, and platinum and now we sell tungsten, titanium, cobalt and palladium.” Jason explains that one thing never goes out of style, and that is diamonds! Other top sellers at Hulons include anything with the South Carolina shape or state tree, and gold bar and heart beat pendants.

    Hulon Jewelers is in the process of updating with new interior paint, a new exterior sign, and hopes to have a new computer system to help with tracking sales, repair work, and special orders. Tis the season to purchase jewelry as a gift for your special loved one. At Hulon Jewelers they can share their personal touch and knowledge, so you feel confident in finding the right piece. “You cannot appreciate jewelry until you hold it in your hand,” explains Jason. “Online purchases do not allow that. In 50 years, we have employed over one hundred people. Small businesses are the driving force of our local economy.”

325 N Main Street,Marion   843.423.3404

Holiday Shopping Done Right!

    Your holiday shopping isn’t complete until you step inside Main Street Mercantile in Lake City. With an expertly curated collection of clothing, accessories, and house-wares, Main Street Mercantile is the spot to buy exceptional gifts for the whole family. Unique items from local and regional designers including Caldrea, Spartina, Brackish, and Michael Michaud line the beautifully renovated walls of this century-old brick building, and the friendly staff is always ready to gift wrap your holiday purchases.

    From silver platers to beard oils and hand-crafted scarves, Main Street Mercantile brings the old spirit of the locally-owned department store to the modern artisan-driven arts economy of Lake City. Store clerks shared some of their favorite gift items with us that will help complete your holiday shopping list!

111 E Main St, Lake City • 843.374.2333

Engaging consumers through photography and videography

      Ivana Reay-Jones is no stranger to the world of media. Her father was a cameraman for a local television station, one of her uncles was a photographer, and another uncle was a magazine editor. At the age of 12, Ivana became the family photographer, capturing memories of everyone on family trips. Growing up in this type of environment inspired Ivana to obtain her master’s degree in photojournalism from Boston University.

      Ivana spent a brief period of her career as a newspaper photographer, then journeyed over into teaching mass communications. By 2015, Ivana had created her own photography business. She has since added videography and real estate photography to her repertoire. “As someone who recently bought a home, I was more likely to ask my realtor to show me homes with nice photos online. Although I cannot guarantee that nice photos will sell your home, I believe they may increase the showings and interest.” Ivana’s business continues to grow, as she is now offering brand photography for businesses. She explains, “I was a brand photographer of sorts before I was a portrait photographer. As a photojournalist, I was trained to take photos that tell a story and the expectation was to tell the news through photos and to do it right the first time – there were no repeats. I was trained to tell stories in pictures, expect the unexpected, and pay attention to details.”

      This chapter officially started when Ivana was hired by Flow Town Yoga in Downtown Florence. Initially seeking headshots for the studio, Ivana decided to help tell a story through her work. “The photos also showed the studio’s connection to downtown, as well as what yoga practice looks like. Adding a video enhanced the studio’s image and exposure.” Ivana showed off her storytelling skills once again when hired by Florence Pediatric Dentistry for office headshots. “We mixed it up a bit to show their relaxed, fun and playful side, and I came up with some non-traditional office photos for them.”

      According to Ivana, professional photos can help make businesses look better and stand out amongst the competition while inspiring consumer confidence. “As a consumer who is also a busy person, I like for things to be simple, clean, and easy to access, navigate, buy, or use. Having professional photos of your products or services helps to convey trust and professionalism. I am personally more likely to engage with a business if all those facets look professional. As a business owner myself, I feel that businesses need to keep up with technological advances and work for their current audiences. If you keep doing the same things over and over, you will always get the same results.”

      When it comes to helping businesses shine in the spotlight, Ivana makes it her top priority for the photos to be consistent with the business’s brand. “This is why, before I take any photos, I place emphasis on communication, planning, and research. I consider all aspects of the business: what the business owner wants to convey, the audience, the products/service, social media, and marketing. This gives me an idea as to what I want to photograph and in what manner. I approach the project with my photojournalism background and think about the brand, what the story is, and how I can help the business convey this story.”

      Videography is an extra bonus when used in marketing a business. “Videography is an extension of my photojournalism background and is a great way to increase brand awareness and to stand out in the busy, fast-paced world of social media. Videos can enhance the brand’s personality and exposure. When I don’t know how to do something, I go on YouTube. When I am unfamiliar with a business, I look it up online. And when a business I like has a professional website, behind-the-scenes or how-to videos, these increase my confidence in that brand’s expertise. Consider how many views videos get on social media and are more likely to get shared and increase exposure – that alone is free advertising. And in this digital age, we are constantly competing for attention. Adding brand videos can be very useful and beneficial.”  In addition to photography and videography, Ivana also teaches basic photography classes.

Ready to Brand Your Business?

This experience may be yours to enjoy, as Ivana will be offering a special deal for the first two businesses to mention this story through contacting her for brand photography and videography services. A brand photography session must be booked in order to receive the complimentary one minute commercial. Some rules and exceptions apply.

Ivana Reay-Jones can be contacted through her Facebook page, Ivana Reay-Jones Photography (@irjphoto), or her website www.irjphoto.com to improve your brand and expand your business! 

     South Carolina is undoubtedly a red state. The Governor as well as all eight constitutionally elected statewide officers are Republicans. Republicans have a comfortable majority in both the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate. Seven of eight United States Congressmen are Republicans as well as both United States Senators. Both South Carolina Senators have been Republicans since Fritz Hollings retired prior to the 2004 election. A Republican has been in the Governor’s mansion for 28 of the last 32 years. 

     As dominant as the Republican Party has been at the statewide level, it pales in comparison to the dominance of the Democrat Party from the end of Reconstruction in 1877 until the emergence of the modern South Carolina Republican Party. In the 34 gubernatorial elections between 1878 and 1962, the Republicans only contested twice. In 1938, the Republican candidate, Joseph Augustis Tolbert, received a total of 283 votes in the statewide general election. The most votes any Republican Presidential candidate received from 1900 until 1952 was Herbert Hoover’s 5,858 in 1928.

     The first serious Republican gubernatorial candidate was Joseph O. Rogers, who switched parties in 1966 to run against Democrat Bob McNair. Rogers received 42% of the vote. In 1970, Albert Watson running as a Republican received 46% of the vote, losing by fewer than 30,000 votes. Dr. James B. Edwards was the first modern Republican elected Governor defeating Bryan Dorn in 1974. 

     While South Carolinians remained and voted solidly for local and statewide Democrat candidates through most of the 1960’s and 1970’s, and in some smaller rural counties even today, South Carolinians began their break with the national Democrat party much earlier. In 1948, Democrats dissatisfied with Harry Truman’s support of proposed civil rights legislation ran South Carolina Governor J. Strom Thurmond for President under the banner of the States’ Rights Democrat Party, the Dixiecrats. Governor Thurmond won South Carolina and three other southern states and was competitive in several others. In 1952, South Carolina voters took another step away from the national Democrat Party. The Democrats had nominated Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson as their presidential candidate and the Republicans nominated General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower had two powerful allies in South Carolina, Thurmond and Governor James F. Byrnes. Byrnes was elected Governor in 1950 after serving the State in Washington, D.C. as a member of the House, Senate, an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court as well as an influential advisor to President Roosevelt. Byrnes’s last Washington assignment was as President Truman’s Secretary of State.

     Eisenhower appeared on the 1952 presidential ballot twice; as an “Independent for Eisenhower” and as the Republican nominee. Eisenhower carried 25 of 46 counties and lost to Stevenson by fewer than 5,000 votes statewide. In 1952 while a near majority of voters were willing to vote for the Republican candidate, they were not willing to do so as Republicans. Eisenhower received 158,289 votes as an Independent yet only 9,793 as a Republican.

     Eisenhower did win 4 southern states in 1952, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, and was easily elected. In the 1956 election, Eisenhower received 75,700 votes (25%) in South Carolina appearing solely as the Republican candidate. Stevenson again carried South Carolina, but with only 46% of the vote. A slate of unpledged delegates received the remaining 29% of the vote. Unlike today, in the 1952 through 1980 elections, South Carolina was a battleground state on the Presidential level. In these 8 elections, Republicans and Democrats each won 4 times with most being closely contested.

Mark W. Buyck, III

Concentrating in Banking, Business, Civil and Business Litigation and Appeals, Contracts, Employment, Government, Real Estate

248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258

2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

Serving Businesses and Individuals from Florence to Myrtle Beach: the Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.

Most would agree, the only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability. After graduating from Francis Marion University in 2006, I began working in a local family business and believed this would be my lifelong career. In 2014, after much thought, I decided to leave that comfort and security and venture down a different path. I had no idea how much I would come to appreciate the things the Chamber of Commerce does for the Florence community. The Chamber dedicates an immense amount of time and commitment to its members, for which everyone should be thankful. I certainly am.

In 2015, I started working at Clarke & Company Benefits, which is based in Columbia, after Jim and Rhett Smith sold their local business, Insurance Services of SC. Manager Norman Clarke went in search of a local Florence resident to actively accept the challenging position of filling Jim Smith’s shoes, after he had established deep relationships with his clients and community. After a short four weeks, we were introduced by a mutual friend, and I accepted that position and started on a new path to master the business of Employee Benefits.

One of the first events Jim and I attended together was a Business Expo with the Chamber of Commerce. It was here that my appreciation for the Chamber truly began. I joined as an Ambassador and began attending things like ribbon-cuttings for new members, Business after Hours events, Legislative Breakfasts, and annual membership luncheons. The professional contacts I have met through these Chamber-sponsored networking events both helped grow my business and led me to other fantastic organizations. People ask me all the time why I joined Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Florence. My reason is that these civic organizations value the community of Florence, but also understand that the Chamber is the heart of growing that community. Florence has always been my home, and I am proud to see firsthand how the Chamber’s leadership has transformed our city into a thriving, business-friendly community.

Today, I get to work with a team of seasoned specialists who provide client-focused employee benefit solutions for businesses throughout South Carolina. Though headquartered in Columbia, we invest in the Florence community through our downtown office on Irby Street. Our growth and success, though earned from hard work and trustworthy client relationships, has been closely tied to our involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and the doors it has opened. I urge each and every one of you to partner with such a team that allows business advancement, professional networking, and community support that will encourage Florence’s progress for years to come.

Derek Hemmingsen, Clarke & Company Benefits, Employee Benefits Consultant

Florence – Columbia – Charleston – Greenville