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‘I’m a purpose-driven leader.’ — An interview with Rick Saunders

“I never wanted to be an entrepreneur,” says Rick Saunders, 66. “It was not part of my life's ambition to be a bank CEO. I was perfectly fine being a banker to the community.”

Don Fujiwara

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Jul 21, 2026

Our top stories

Jul 21, 2026

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7 min read

‘I’m a purpose-driven leader.’ — An interview with Rick Saunders

Jul 16, 2026

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1 min read

SteelFab to invest $38.9M, add 108 jobs in Florence expansion

Jul 15, 2026

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1 min read

Rural infrastructure and broadband programs show ‘significant progress’ across SC

Jul 7, 2026

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3 min read

Olanta mayor hopeful infrastructure program will bolster water system

Jul 7, 2026

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1 min read

McBee taps NC firm for $241K playground construction

Jul 2, 2026

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1 min read

Hartsville seeks ’visionary development partner’ for 4th Street mixed-use project

Jul 1, 2026

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1 min read

First Reliance to be acquired by GA company in $163M deal

Commerce calendar

Jul 20, 2026

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1 min read

July 26 — Planetarium public show: ‘Perfect Little Planet‘

3 p.m.-4, Dooley Planetarium at Francis Marion University, 4822 E. Palmetto St., Florence

Commerce Calendar

Jul 20, 2026

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1 min read

July 28 — Build a business plan that works

Noon-1, online

Commerce Calendar

Jul 24, 2026

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1 min read

Aug. 8 — Big Saturday tailgate

10 a.m.-noon, Cypress Music Hall, 1 Village Park, Cheraw

Commerce Calendar

Jul 7, 2026

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3 min read

Florence County

Olanta mayor hopeful infrastructure program will bolster water system

The town of Olanta in southwestern Florence County was selected by the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority to participate in its new viability improvement program aimed at helping smaller utilities strengthen long-term viability. Olanta has a population of 550, according to 2020 US Census data.

Don Fujiwara

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