[caption id="attachment_29561" align="aligncenter" width="295"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ruthchristian.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-29561"><img class="size-full wp-image-29561" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ruthchristian.jpg" alt="American Legion Beaufort Post 9, a new member of the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, is striving to promote both patriotism and successful business in the Beaufort area. It is calling attention to local businesses that proudly display the U.S. flag at their location. Post 9 presents those enterprises with a framed certificate thanking them. Here, Michelle Ladd, of Ruth’s Christian Books &amp; Gifts Center, accepts the certificate from Post Commander Chuck Lurey." width="295" height="239" /></a> American Legion Beaufort Post 9, a new member of the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, is striving to promote both patriotism and successful business in the Beaufort area. It is calling attention to local businesses that proudly display the U.S. flag at their location. Post 9 presents those enterprises with a framed certificate thanking them. Here, Michelle Ladd, of Ruth’s Christian Books &amp; Gifts Center, accepts the certificate from Post Commander Chuck Lurey.[/caption]

<b>Chamber to hold </b><b>networking event</b>

The Beaufort Regional Chamber will hold a Coffee with Colleagues from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department at 747 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort.

Attendees of this free networking event for chamber members are encouraged to bring their business cards.

<b>Chamber to celebrate </b><b>best island award</b>

Travel + Leisure readers named Hilton Head Island the No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S. and No. 8 in the World in the 2016 World's Best Awards.

Join the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce to celebrate this recognition with a special Conversation &amp; Cocktails Beach Bash. There will be a photo booth, live entertainment, complimentary food and drink, give-aways and more.

The event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island.

The cost is $10 for chamber members and $20 for future members.

<b>Golden Apple program </b><b>supports local teachers</b>

Business are being asked to show their love for local teachers by offering them a discount at their business through the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce's Golden Apple Program.

Whether it is a discount on a meal, legal or insurance services, beauty treatments, accommodations, clothing or entertainment, a little bit goes a long way for Southern Beaufort County teachers.

GAP is one of the important education initiatives supported by the chamber's Business Education Partnership committee.

At least 75 chamber members participated last year.

For more information, contact Hannah Horne, director of Public Policy and Small Business, at hhorne@hiltonheadisland.org or 843-341-8373.