<strong>LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
</strong>

Transportation infrastructure investments in our region and throughout our nation are vital to our long-term economic competitiveness.  The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for a comprehensive and sustainable plan for South Carolina  infrastructure as we believe adequate funding is vital to the continued economic prosperity of our state and region as well as the safety of our residents and visitors.  We are encouraged by the support we heard on this issue during a recent visit to Columbia and will continue advocating for progress.

On a federal level, The Beaufort Regional Chamber has joined more than 250 local, regional and state chambers of commerce urging Congress to resolve the impending insolvency of the federal Highway Trust Fund, and to pass a long term federal transportation authorization bill.  Infrastructure investment is an important economic issue and impacts all of us.  Without a sustainable source of funding, the federal Highway Trust Fund will be in a deep deficit that will require major cuts, or potential halts, in highway and transit projects which would jeopardize much needed economic and job growth.

The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to making this the preferred community to invest, prosper and enjoy.  With your support, our voice is stronger and together we can make a difference.
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>- Blakely Williams, President &amp; CEO Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce</em></p>
<strong>GRAND OPENING &amp; RIBBON CUTTING
</strong>

The Chamber was proud to be a part of the Coosaw Point Collection Grand Opening &amp; Ribbon Cutting on February 26.

<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chamber-Corner-2015-02-26-18.14.27.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-21493" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chamber-Corner-2015-02-26-18.14.27-300x225.jpg" alt="Chamber Corner-2015-02-26 18.14.27" width="300" height="225" /></a>

<strong>BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
</strong>

Congratulations to this week’s Chamber Business of the Week - Bay Street Outfitters! Each week, the Chamber highlights one member business or organization as a thank you for their investment in the Chamber and our community. Special thanks to Sonic of Beaufort for sponsoring Business of the Week!

<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chamber-Corner-2015-03-02-11.10.44.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-21494" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chamber-Corner-2015-03-02-11.10.44-300x225.jpg" alt="Chamber Corner-2015-03-02 11.10.44" width="300" height="225" /></a>

<strong>SAVE THE DATE
</strong>

Civitas Awards Gala will be on May 29, 2015. Award nominations for this year’s Civitas Awards Gala are now open! This is your chance to nominate outstanding community leaders, businesses, and organizations in our community. Visit www.BeaufortChamber.org for a complete list of the categories, past winners, and nomination forms.