Chamber sets new vision, mission during spring retreat

With a year of reorganization behind them and hope for a growing economy ahead, the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors crafted a new vision and mission during their springtime retreat.
“It was an intense day, but I think we achieved a lot and set a strong path for the coming 12 months,” said Jon Rembold, chairman of the board of directors. “We’re seeing good indicators that our local business economy is improving. There’s a new sense of excitement with new businesses coming to the area, including downtown Beaufort.”
The chamber’s new vision statement is: “To be the most influential organization in the region creating the preferred community to invest, prosper and enjoy.”
Key phrases from board members focused on growing the local economy, advocating for area businesses, serving the community and partnering with other organizations to boost the Lowcountry for relocating families and tourists.
During 2011, the chamber added 176 new members, conducted 15 ribbon cuttings for new businesses, earned an international award for its campaign for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, set new standards for member services, reorganized tourism marketing and hired Blakely Williams as its president.
The chamber board also adopted a new mission statement: “The Beaufort Regional Chamber exists to manage and build capacity for continual community growth by advocating for a pro-business environment and building quality workforce development in order to enrich the region’s quality of life.”
Throughout the retreat, work centered on the chamber’s five “pillars”: Tourism, the military, economic development, improving education and workforce development, and member services and business growth.
“We have dedicated board members who are passionate about their work and their service, and that makes us a stronger chamber,” Rembold said.