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Manufacturer relocating to Beaufort, bringing jobs, tax dollars About 45 new jobs will be coming to Beaufort County courtesy of an international manufacturing company that is relocating its operations to Beaufort. The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Beaufort County Council, county administration and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, has worked to recruit the company, dubbed "Project Eagle," which will also bring $2.5 million in capital investment to the county, according to a chamber release. "Beaufort County Council approved a $750,000 set aside grant to Project Eagle to assist with the cost of real property im-
provements related to the project,” said Paul Sommerville, chairman of the Beaufort County Council. “County Council is committed to the recruitment of quality, high-paying primary jobs for our citizens and we look forward to working with the Project Eagle team for years to come.” The company, which has yet to be identified, plans to utilize an existing vacant building, putting it back on the tax roll. Project Eagle is the third successful project that the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce has conducted in cooperation with Beaufort County Council, Beaufort
County administration, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. The other two recent projects have been the expansion of Harris Pillow Supply and eviCore. Between all three projects, approximately 118 primary jobs will be created in Beaufort County, and 376 primary jobs have been retained. A full announcement is expected to be made in early 2017 with hiring to commence shortly thereafter. "We are honored to welcome Project Eagle to Beaufort County, South Carolina,” said Blakely Williams, president of the Beaufort
Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The investment that Project Eagle is making in the people of Beaufort County represents a significant commitment to our community, and we couldn't be more grateful. The 45 new jobs this company is creating in Beaufort will make a real difference in the lives of so many, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the Lowcountry for a very long time." A full announcement on where the company will be located and hiring information will be released in early 2017. For more information, visit www.beaufortchamber.org.
Beaufort Arts Council is refocusing its mission
Holiday revelry abounds around town
Above: Children had tons of fun riding the Polar Express during the annual Port Royal Golf Cart Parade event. Right: A boy looks up at the lights while sitting on his father’s shoulders during the Light Up the Night Family Festival. Photos by Bob Sofaly.
By Kat Walsh
The Beaufort Arts Council (BAC) is pulling back on its services and refocusing its mission, which has taken some people by surprise. The BAC announced recently that it will continue to promote local artists and galleries via grants, printed materials and online presence, but will discontinue offering classes and operating a gallery. The BAC purchased the old jail on King and Monson streets in Beaufort earlier this year for $390,000 to turn it into the King Street Arts Center, which they said in September would include BAC offices, an art gallery and an extensive curriculum of art classes. The BAC says it will now focus on partnering with other organizations in supporting artists, exhibits and education. “This isn’t an emergency or bad news at all. It’s actually very exciting,” said Delene Miller, BAC board president. “Our long-term vision – which includes the King Street Arts Center – remains the same. We are essentially taking a step back. “We need to get back into being a grant-giving organization that will provide much needed support and
Christmas events were held around town recently and folks came out in droves to celebrate the holidays. In Port Royal, a golf cart parade was held on Dec. 10, where people decked out their carts in holiday finery. In addition to a special appearance by Santa and his elves, there were refreshments, Christmas tree decorating and a ride on the Polar Express train for the children. Additionally, on Dec. 9, Friends of Shanklin, a community-based nonprofit organization, held its Light Up the Night Family Festival, a holiday program at Habersham Marketplace. The event provided activities for all ages. There was ornament painting, letter writing to Santa, a performance by the Shanklin Elementary Choir and more. Proceeds will help to advance Shanklin Elementary students’ educational and leadership skills.
See ARTS, page A9 We are. Accreditation
A FURRY CHRISTMAS Despite the myths, pets make wonderful holiday gifts. And PAL is here to help.
ISLAND GIRLS The ladies had a great time at Island Girls Night Out at Modern Jewelers in Beaufort.
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