Posted: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 8:11 am BY JOE PERRY Morning News FLORENCE, S.C. – Leaders of business and industry gathered Tuesday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn to welcome representatives from Ruiz Foods, Honda of South Carolina, South East Express and Johnson Controls who have recently moved to the area. The event was sponsored by First Reliance Bank and Raldex Hospitality. The aim was to simply welcome newcomers and let them know Florence is happy to have them, said Joan Billheimer, community development officer for the bank. “We’re getting ready to start the second line,” said Jim Bowman, Ruiz Foods’ operations manager. “Things are looking good. so we’re excited to make product.” Bowman, who hails from Davenport, Iowa, joined the family-owned and California-based company after working for Oscar Meyer for 20 years, and was referring to a line of snack foods known as Tornados that are commonly found on ...

Florence banking community flourishes over the years

“I tripped over myself and landed in it,” he said, laughing. “I was a typical young man concerned about what path in life I would take.”

The 55-year-old Sumter native who grew up in Timmonsville first worked in consumer finance before delving into banking.

“It wasn’t until a company I was working for was sold to a much larger organization that I realized the need for clarity around my beliefs and ...