P.O. Box 1117 | Foley, Alabama 36536 | tel: 251.943.3291 | fax: 251.943.6810 | www.southbaldwinchamber.com

The Newsletter

Chicago Street Supper Club

A Collective Dining Experience Perhaps you have seen social media images containing hundreds of smartly dressed people dining in the middle of the street. Long tables are simply, yet elegantly, decorated with outdoor party lights aglow overhead. Everyone is enjoying an intimate dining experience with 300 of their new closest friends. The imagery is captivating, and there is no doubt it could be a scene out of a romantic movie. In the heart of Foley, AL, a vogue dining experience is growing in popularity and size. The Chicago Street Supper Club, a contemporary annual dining event, is where the community comes together for an evening of sumptuous food prepared by top local chefs, and wines are expertly matched with each course of the five-course meal. On Friday, October 18th, N. Chicago Street will close once again in celebration of the Annual Chicago Street Supper Club presented by Caldwell, Wenzel & Asthana, P.C.

DIPLOMAT OF THE MONTH

Cover Story . . .

SOUTH BALDWIN & COASTAL ALABAMA CHAMBERS

FORM GATEWAY COLLABORATIVE ALLIANCE

fter months of deliberation, the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) and Coastal Alabama Business Chamber (CABC) have announced a partnership between the two entities to expand South Baldwin Chamber’s Gateway Initiative into a regional capi-tal campaign that will benefit business-es throughout the southern end of Baldwin County. “The Gateway Initiative has been

making an impact in our business com-munity for nearly two years through a number of programs and partnerships,” states the Gateway Media team. “To build on this success, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Alabama Business Chamber have formed a collaborative alliance to increase band-width in order to make a larger impact on a regional business acceleration pro-gram.” Originally, both chambers had sepa-rate capital plans: the Gateway Initiative for SBCC which kicked off in 2017 and Advantage Coastal Alabama for CABC which began in 2015. “During Advantage Coastal Ala-bama, the Coastal Chamber suffered the untimely death of their president Ed Rodriguez and ACA was not able to be as successful as projected,” said President of SBCC Donna Watts. After the loss of Rodriguez, the CABC put the capital project on hold until the time when a firm plan was in place. Invoices weren’t sent and the account waited while the best plan of action was adopted.

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A

FOLEY MAIN STREET

Darrelyn Dunmore returns to her passion —

economic and community development — as

the Executive Director of Foley Main Street, a partner of Main Street Alabama. Main

Street Alabama's approach inspires people young and old not only to give back to their

community but also to come back to their hometowns: to live, to become

entrepreneurs, to breathe new life into our downtowns and neighborhood commercial

districts, and most importantly to remember what is old can be new and thriving again.

Main Street Alabama isn't just about Building Better Downtowns - it is about making

hometowns the best they can be. Economic development is at the heart of this

statewide organization’s efforts to revitalize downtowns.

In her role, she will work with the community to implement Main Street’s four-

step approach for downtown promotion, economic vitality, community connectivity; and create an overall plan

for downtown. “We are delighted to have Darrelyn spearheading the Foley Main Street initiative. She brings

years of industry expertise including economic development, business cultivation, and community relations. She

is a natural leader with a proven track record of success” said Chad Watkins, President of the Foley Main Street

Board of Directors. • Visit our website for the full press release: https://www.southbaldwinchamber.com/news

Highlight YOUR Business! AD SPACE AVAILABLE • Full, Half, & Business Card Size • Our newsletter reaches over 700+ readers in print each month; also available online! Contact Lori @ 251.943.5510 or lori@mylocalchamber.net

[…] SOUTH BALDWIN & COASTAL ALABAMA CHAMBERS FORM GATEWAY COLLABORATIVE ALLIANCE

By Jessica Vaughn | AUG 2019

gulfcoastnewstoday.com

In 2018 Greg Alexander became the president of CABC and began discussions with Watts on the accomplishments of the Gateway Initia-tive. It was noted how similar the two plans were. The five areas of concern for ACA were: support and advo-cate for existing businesses and industry; develop a highly qualified workforce; recruit and support new businesses and industry; improve infrastructure and transporta-tion; and implement responsible and sustainable environmental programs. The Gateway Initiative’s three areas of focus are: Business-Driven Talent De-velopment and Recruitment; Communi-ty Betterment and Pro-Business Advocacy; and Ex-isting Business Growth and Retention. Along with Watts and Alexander, Vulcan CEO Tommy Lee, Director of Security/Operation at The Wharf Jim Bibby, SBCC 2019 Chairman Michelle Hodg-es with SH Enterprises, CABC 2019 Chairman Dec McClelland with Edward Jones Investments, Owner of Wolf Bay Restaurants & Catering Charlene Haber, Grant Wealth Management Founding Partner Matt Grant, Director of Human Resources and Public Rela-tions at Perdido Beach Resort Penny Groux, and CEO of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism Herb

Malone formed a group of directors for the partner-ship and began working with Funding Solutions, the original company behind the Gateway Initiative’s conception, to rework the project with the combined forces. Since beginning in 2017, the Gateway Initiative

has been very successful. The campaign began with interviewing 60 different businesses, both in the area and neigh-boring counties, chamber members and non-members, to get an idea of what was needed in our community. The three initiatives were then created, and two new hires were made: Ed

Bushaw as director of Talent Development and Re-cruitment and Sally Westendorf as director of Com-munity Betterment and Pro-Business Advocacy. Travis Valentine was realigned to Vice President of Investor Relations and Business Growth & Retention. In only two years, the Gateway team has met with multiple businesses in the area to discuss their needs and assist in creating solutions; created Train-ing Academies to help ensure the workforce is properly trained and ready to work, with over 350 professionals trained since 2017; hosted Gateway to Great Customer Service Training; (continued…)

[continued from pg. 2]

(...cont.) brought youth and adult apprenticeships to the area in professions and industries relevant to South Bald-win; hosted an extremely successful Signing Day as part of the youth apprenticeship program; and much more. Investors were kept updated along every step of the way on how their money was being spent and the accom-plishments of the Gateway team and where they were going next. Gateway has 58 investors investing a total of $1,453,000 over the five-year campaign. With the com-bined forces of the chambers, it brings the total number of investors to 110. “Together we can expand the Gateway Initiative into a regional catalyst for economic and business growth and sustainability, a comprehensive program with goals, measurable outcomes, and tangible results,” said Alexan-der. “A program that will set the precedent for the state

of Alabama, the southeast, and, I say, the entire country. A program that will enhance the tri-city area and region and accelerate our economic vitality for decades to come.” Both chambers stated that there would not be any merger of organizations going along with the partner-ship, and both chambers want to continue with their separate programs and events. The partnership will only be in the form of a capital campaign to benefit both chamber’s areas. “We have the opportunity to be a guiding part of the Collaborative Gateway Initiative for our entire region, to propel an already prosperous business climate even higher for years to come,” Alexander said. “We all know the workforce issues, and if we address them now then it will make us that much stronger. | The Onlooker AUG 2019

Each Gateway Initiative investor has the opportunity to meet with our staff and set a process in place for an assessment of their business. Our staff uses a blend of project and change management principles to identify and lead the delivery of change across each company’s functions and processes. Typically, our staff will lead smaller projects and play a key supporting role in a larger program. Each project is unique – some require quick problem solving and some are reoccurring challenges that require in-depth analysis and the introduction of effective and sustainable countermeasures.

We find that many of our clients struggle with human resource planning and development. Many times, we can assist with job profiling techniques that lead to effective succession planning which helps with retention.

The Gateway program, being a sponsor with the Department of Labor, can set up apprenticeships for

any business quickly and seamlessly. Currently, we are working with 18 area businesses to set up the apprenticeship model in their business. Other typical consulting activities include: Identifying potential

opportunities, assessing issues, proposing solutions, and implementing changes and controls.

Coaching teams and sharing best practices.

Assessing current recruitment and employee development models and offering suggestions to implement effective change.

STAYBRIDGE SUITES —GULF SHORES, AL Situated just minutes from the beautiful white sand beach of the Gulf of Mexico,

the Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores offers the utmost in comfort and convenience for your business trip or family vacation. Located on Highway 59 just 4.5 miles from the coast and just minutes from shopping and dining, the Staybridge Suites in Gulf Shores, AL is ideal for any travel itinerary. The all suite hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, onsite complimentary laundry facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi as well as an evening reception Monday through Wednesday. The Staybridge Suites is conveniently located to many area attractions including OWA Amusement Park, Waterville USA and the Track Recreation Center. In addition to all the complimentary items the hotel offers, the Staybridge Suites

offers spacious accommodations with living rooms and fully equipped kitchens. Visit us today, for business or pleasure! Location: 3947 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Ste. 300, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 • Phone: 251.975.1030 • www.staybridge.com/gulfshoresal

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

CHAMBER & FOLEY HIGH SCHOOL TOUR SHIP SHAPE URBAN FARMS

A group of South Baldwin

Chamber members and a

representative of Foley High

School’s Future Farmers of

America toured Ship Shape

Urban Farms on Thursday,

August 29th to learn about

hydroponics and

agripreneurship! Ship Shape

Urban Farms is an agritech

company focused on the

development of a 3.4 acre

hydroponic farm inside an up-

cycled shipping container.

Using indoor spaces allows

farmers to grow produce in

smaller areas in a climate

controlled environment where

the crop yield is increased and

production time is reduced.

Educational and corporate

applications are a part of Ship

Shape’s plan and the Chamber

is looking into how it can help

the community.

More to come!

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am

SEP 26

SEP 12

SEP 20

LOCATION: The Gulf Bowl • Foley

TIME: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

LOCATION: Foley Civic Center

TIME: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

LOCATION: State Farm Insurance - Josh Wild

TIME: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Visit southbaldwinchamber.com for tickets and information.

SEP 25 LEADERSHIP SERIES

LOCATION: Foley Civic Center

TIME: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Herb Malone

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

FREE ENTERPRISE PERSON OF

THE YEAR

REC NIGHTS BOWLING

LEAGUE

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

WALTON M. VINES