Happy New Year and Happy Friday, Chamber members! The VIBE Friday newsletter is back!
As we embrace 2025, we are energized by the opportunities ahead for the business community and excited to work together to capitalize on them. The southeast continues to distinguish itself as a desirable and dynamic economic region, as does our state and coastal area. Opportunity is knocking.
I like to kick off the new year with my word of the year. In 2024, it was “balance” (still very applicable). Originally, my word for 2025 was going to be “sustain.” Sustaining our economy was a common theme in year-end reports, as economists now classify 2020-2024 as an economic bubble. Data shows that we are shifting and stabilizing into a period of sustainability. Upon further reflection, sustaining economic growth and creating opportunity does not mean maintaining the status quo, and I didn’t want to risk that being the take-away. We must be forward-thinking about how we can create economic prosperity for as many people as possible.
So, my word for 2025 is “forward.” If we aren’t moving forward, we will fall behind.
This means taking action, updating legislation, and focusing on strategies that create job opportunities, bridge social divides, enhance our business climate, and prepare the next generation.
Our Chamber is committed to supporting your success through advocacy, connections, and resources that foster growth. Together, we can build on our forward momentum and create an even more prosperous business environment that serves all members of our Chamber and all people in our community.
We recognize the challenges that small businesses face, from workforce shortages to rising operational costs. That’s why we’re expanding our small business support services and collaborative projects that improve access to capital, mentorship and technological resources, and workforce development initiatives. Our partnerships across the region promote strengthened connections, more local-oriented business dealings, and efforts to recruit and retain talent for current and future industries, especially those with higher earning potential.
Your investment in the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce is so much more than a membership. It’s a partnership that strengthens our community, supports local businesses, and drives meaningful progress for everyone.
Let’s get comfortable thinking outside of the box. Let’s move forward together in 2025…
What’s your word for the year?
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Megan T. Morris, President & CEO
Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce
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VIBE = Vested In Beaufort’s Economy