THE BEAUFORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Making Valuable, Local Connections
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos by SK SIGNS, DESIGN & MARKETING
Whether you were born and raised in Beaufort or just got here as quickly as you could, it’s almost always true that Beaufortonians feel a strong connection to our beautiful landscape and Lowcountry way of life. And once you love living here, it’s undoubtedly true that you make connections with your neighbors, colleagues, and local businesses.
There are businesses of all sizes here in Beaufort. From family-owned small businesses to corporate-scaled manufacturing, government contractors, hospitality, and everything in between. There is something for everyone who wants to make a living here in Beaufort. And it’s the role of the Chamber to create a network that supports the greater good.
Our network is growing each day. Chamber members believe that a rising tide raises all ships. The work done to help businesses work together better, more often, and for a greater impact, will bring prosperity to our economy.
There are many ways the Chamber brings people together to make meaningful connections. Sometimes it is through a strategic effort or a large-scale event, but just as often, local business leaders are making important connections over a Friday morning cup of coffee.
The Chamber is as active as ever, and in addition to our communications and advocacy to support the local economy, check out these ways that members are engaged and making fruitful connections:
Coffee with Colleagues | Get your day started with a casual networking opportunity offered monthly at various locations and businesses in our region. The networking events are held on Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m., so you can enjoy learning about the host business and networking with Chamber members on your way into the office.
Business After Hours | This premier networking event is hosted by Chamber members at their business location in the evening. This event is a great way to celebrate a business and share the latest information with attendees. All Chamber members are invited, and it is sure to provide a memorable, social atmosphere with important connections.
Milestone Celebrations | Whether it’s a grand opening, special anniversary, new business owner, renovation completion, or another opportunity to celebrate a business, it’s worthy of our support! Ribbon cuttings, dedications, and brief programs by local leaders can make your milestone a successful marketing tool and celebration of your staff. The public is encouraged to attend too.
Peer-to-Peer Roundtables | In the post-pandemic world, businesses are trying to meet customer demand and the “new normal” with ever-changing mandates and challenges. The Chamber is launching a new initiative in the months ahead to help businesses by having focused peer-to-peer sessions that deliver important information and solutions for everyone’s benefit in the months ahead. The year will begin with a roundtable focused on Human Resource issues and how local businesses can band together to create opportunities during this period of “the great resignation.”
New Member Reception | Quarterly, the Chamber hosts the leaders of businesses who recently joined the Chamber to come together, and meet the staff and fellow new members over dinner. It’s one of the many ways to get involved with the Chamber network and learn about the opportunities for your business as soon as you become a member.
Signature Events | The five signature Chamber events each year are:
Educator Appreciation, Civitas Annual Awards, Salute to Service/Military Appreciation, Economic Forecast, and Legislative Update. The Chamber presents valuable information and connections at each event, which any organization is welcome to participate in at various levels. The 2021 Civitas Awards recently honored those making a significant impact in our region, and the Salute to Service held on Veterans Day showed profound appreciation for all military service members. Next is the February 2022 Economic Forecast, when we will share bright spots in our local economy and share a data-driven outlook for the year ahead.
The more that local businesses work together and support each other, the stronger they become. Let’s keep it local – this holiday season and all year round! We hope to see you at 2022 Chamber events. If you’re a member, check out what’s coming up in our weekly email updates. And everyone can view the event calendar on the Chamber’s website: www.beaufortchamber.org.
