[caption id="attachment_33520" align="aligncenter" width="1257"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/salon705.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-33520"><img class="size-full wp-image-33520" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/salon705.jpg" alt="American Legion Beaufort Post 9 is striving to promote both patriotism and businesses in the Beaufort area by calling attention to those that proudly display the U.S. flag at their location. Post 9 presents those enterprises with a framed certificate thanking them. Here, Post 9 Vice Commander Paul Sweet presents Salon 705 owner Jennifer Whetsel a certificate of appreciation for displaying the flag." width="1257" height="1150"></a> American Legion Beaufort Post 9 is striving to promote both patriotism and businesses in the Beaufort area by calling attention to those that proudly display the U.S. flag at their location. Post 9 presents those enterprises with a framed certificate thanking them. Here, Post 9 Vice Commander Paul Sweet presents Salon 705 owner Jennifer Whetsel a certificate of appreciation for displaying the flag.[/caption]

<b>Fridays @ the Corridor&nbsp;</b><b>to focus on smart cities</b>

The idea of using smart and connected technologies to make communities work better is quickly gaining traction in municipalities across the world. Smart cities can increase economic development, drive citizen engagement and promote sustainability.&nbsp;

At the October Fridays @ the Corridor, Crystal Chubeck, Smart Communities architect for Verizon, will discuss how cities can develop viable and comprehensive smart platforms to help their communities become more resilient through the incremental adoption of digital technologies and automation.

This one-hour interactive forum, meant to engage and inform Beaufort's knowledge-based community, will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13.

Attendance is limited to 25 guests, with priority seating for Digital Corridor members. The nonmember fee is $10 and can be paid by cash or check at the door.

Metered and free street parking is available in and around BASEcamp at 500 Carteret St.

RSVP to fridays@beaufortdigital.com.

<b>Beaufort County joins&nbsp;</b><b>development alliance&nbsp;</b>

Beaufort County and SouthernCarolina Alliance (SCA), the regional economic development organization representing Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties, announced that Beaufort County has joined the SouthernCarolina Alliance team.&nbsp;

The partnership was finalized through the efforts of the council-appointed Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation and approved by Beaufort County Council.&nbsp;

SouthernCarolina Alliance will provide economic support services to Beaufort County through a regional strategy based on the assets of Beaufort County and the region.

“SCA welcomes Beaufort County to our regional team. The county has unique qualities that will enhance the diverse array of properties and workforce that we offer industrial prospects through our global marketing campaign,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Buddy Phillips.&nbsp;

“Beaufort County Council and community leaders share our belief that the way to stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for our citizens is through job creation.”&nbsp;

“Good economic development is a priority for Beaufort County Council,” said Beaufort County Council Chairman Paul Sommerville. “SouthernCarolina Alliance has a 21-year track record of success in recruitment and marketing, and we want to utilize that expertise to bring new opportunities to the county. Economic development not only brings new jobs for our local workforce, the capital investment by new and growing industries will allow us to expand our tax base, thereby providing sustained services to our citizens.”&nbsp;

According to SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black, Beaufort County is positioned for growth, and the focus will be on recruiting industries that will enrich the community and bring high-paying jobs to the area.&nbsp;

SouthernCarolina Alliance’s Executive Committee welcomed Beaufort County into the Alliance, saying, “Beaufort County’s workforce, from recent graduates to military personnel, will be attractive to industries demanding skilled employees. We hope that by recruiting companies to build a larger tax base to shoulder the growing costs of community services like healthcare, infrastructure and education, we can maintain the high quality of life enjoyed in Beaufort County.”&nbsp;