The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Beaufort, USA, announced recently a partnership that will result in Main Street Beaufort serving as an affiliate of the Chamber. This new affiliation status will allow Main Street Beaufort to continue its 30 year success in revitalizing downtown as well as deliver its reputable annual festivals that draw thousands of attendees year after year to the Beaufort area.

Main Street Beaufort will become a Chamber affiliate effective March 11, 2016 and the first festival organized and executed from this new partnership will be the annual A Taste of Beaufort event this May. A full-time position will be created at the Chamber to support these festivals and events.

As part of its newfound affiliate status, Main Street Beaufort will remain a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, retaining membership with Main Street South Carolina and National Main Street Center. Three Main Street Beaufort board members will join the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Board and the current chairperson from the Main Street Beaufort board will have a seat on the Chamber's executive committee. Current members in good standing of Main Street Beaufort will automatically become members of the Chamber, receiving benefits for the remainder of their membership year.

"We are pleased to announce our union with the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce," said Mary Ann Thomas, Chair of Main Street Beaufort. "By combining our resources we can continue to thrive as an organization. We look forward to continuing to host those beloved annual events that our community is known for, and anticipate nothing but continued growth and success in 2016.