Baldwin Business Annual Report 2018

Baldwin Business

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

2 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

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Contents

Economic Development Baldwin boasts strong economy.................. 3 5-year Baldwin County job growth.............. 4 Major industrial employers.......................... 4 Baldwin sees impact from Port of Mobile.... 5 Tourism Tourism remains Baldwin’s top industry....... 6 Medicine Local hospitals...................................... 6, 8-9 Housing Baldwin real estate market........................ 12 Baldwin County Homebuilders Assoc......... 13 Chambers North Baldwin Chamber............................ 14 Eastern Shore Chamber.............................. 14 Central Baldwin Chamber.......................... 15 South Baldwin Chamber............................ 16

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Economic Development

Baldwin boasts strong economy

By JOHN UNDERWOOD john@gulfcoastmedia.com

ROBERTSDALE — There was a time when Baldwin County was known as a bedroom community for the neighboring metropolitan areas of Mobile and Pensacola.

While millions still choose to call Baldwin County home, there’s no longer any doubt that the strength of Baldwin’s economy is no longer dependent on the big cities nearby.

“What you’ve seen over the last few years is that our job growth has been equal to or greater than our population growth,” said Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. “That is a definite indicator that Baldwin County’s economic stands on its own.”

While the tourism industry of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and some on Baldwin’s Eastern Shore, has long been and continues to be the mainstay of Baldwin’s economy, EDA, working alongside government and other agencies, has made great strides in bringing diverse growth to the area’s economy.

“In 2018, we saw the direct results of our county’s teamwork and strategic efforts, with the announcement of a diverse group of industrial companies from all over the world,” Lawson said as part of the EDA 2018 Year in Review, which was released in February.

According to the report, 2018 saw several major global manufacturing facilities either build or break ground in Baldwin County, including: • In April, AdvanTec Manufacturing, a globally recognized industry leader in marine closure manufacturing, opened their doors on a new 40,000-square-foot facility in Robertsdale that will bring approximately 46 new jobs and more than $2.4 million in annual payroll to Baldwin County.

• In June, Resicum International announced plans to relocate their new United States operations to Gulf Shores.

With a focus on aerospace and defense, Resicum provides government services in aviation maintenance, information services and maritime services. In its first two years of operation, the company plans to bring more than $1.1 million in new payroll to the area.

• In July, Chinese-based Kaishan Compressor broke ground on a 65,000-square-foot facility in Loxley that will bring 62 new manufacturing jobs and more than $11 million in capital investment to Baldwin County during its first three years of operation.

• In August, the Daphne Industrial Development Board broke ground on a 75-acre innovation and science complex emphasizing recruiting technology and professional services companies to the area. Construction is currently being completed on $4 million in utility and transportation infrastructure improvements on-site.

• In November, a new technology-based entrepreneurial SEE ECONOMY, PAGE

4

Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 3

Economic Development 5-year Baldwin County Job Growth 2013-2018

Major Industrial Employers in Baldwin County Company Employees

Retail Trade – 9 percent Finance & Insurance – 12 percent Manufacturing – 15 percent Accommodation & Food Services – 18 percent Health Care & Social Assistance – 25 percent Administrative & Support Services – 25 percent Construction – 29 percent

UTC Aerospace Systems 830 Standard Furniture 650 Vulcan Inc. 290 Ace Hardware Support Center 255 Quincy Compressor 220 Bon Secour Fisheries 150 International Paper 145 Segers Aerospace 130 Ascend Performance Materials 120 Quality Filters 118 Hydratech Industries 105

Transportation & Warehousing – 30 percent Arts, Entertainment & Recreation – 46 percent All Industries – 15 percent 10

20

30

40

50

Source: JobsEQ (provided by Baldwin County EDA)

ECONOMY CONTINUED FROM 3

development center, Hatch, opened its doors in Downtown Fairhope. The partnership between the Baldwin County.

• In December, Loxley-based Southern Visions LLP, makers of Sweet Brew tea and lemonade, broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Bay Minette. The company plans to invest more than $24 million on their new railserved facility, which is expected to create more than 65 new jobs in the next three years.

“In addition to these stories of success, we continue to focus heavily on marketing the South Alabama Mega Site, which truly is the premier mega site in the state of Alabama,” Lawson said. “As a result of the site’s quality and opportunity, any large-scale project with the potential to locate in Alabama will look at our site as an option.”

Overall in 2018, according to the report, Baldwin County continued to expand manufacturing opportunities across the entire region, including providing: • More than 12,000 new job opportunities.

• More than $5.2 billion in new capital expenditure opportunities.

• At least four project opportunities for each region of Baldwin County.

• Five large-scale industrial opportunities, bringing in more than 1,200 jobs at the South Alabama Mega site.

• Nine Baldwin County existing industry expansion opportunities.

Overall, Baldwin County has led the state of Alabama in job growth since 2013, with almost 14 percent growth and 4 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

Kaishan groundbreaking

Burton Property Group employees and Foley city officials break ground for the new Foley Riviera Square in May, 2018. has been ranked as the top county in the state for incoming business investment and workforce talent attraction, Lawson said.

Baldwin County has been ranked as the 11th fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States and has been ranked as one of the top 10 small MSAs for job growth.

“With strong local leadership and a supportive group of business and industry leaders, the Alliance looks to 2019 as an opportunity to maintain the strong momentum that Baldwin County has gained in recent years,” Lawson said, “and we fully expect to see great results.”

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Baldwin sees impact from Port of Mobile

By JOHN UNDERWOOD john@gulfcoastmedia.com

MOBILE — If you have a business in Baldwin County, or even have bought and sold products in Baldwin County, chances are those products have passed through the Port of Mobile.

“We get a lot of business and do a lot of business with Baldwin County,” said Judith Adams, vice president of marketing for the Alabama State Port Authority.

The Port of Mobile is Alabama’s only deep-water port.

The Alabama State Port Authority’s public terminals and some private terminals cumulatively generate more than 150,00 jobs, nearly $600 million in tax revenue and over $25 billion in economic impact, representing 12 percent of the state GDP. “Aside from supporting the SW Alabama region, we support Alabama industries/businesses across the state,” Adams said. “Whether it is farming, poultry, forestry, manufacturing, automotive production and supply, small businesses, steel or coal mining, the Alabama Seaport competitively connects all 67 Alabama counties to global markets.”

The Port is currently ranked nationally 11th largest U.S. seaport by total volume handling in excess of 58 million tons through both public and private terminals in 2017.

(USACE Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center) In all, the Port Authority generates nearly 135,000 direct and indirect jobs, nearly $500 million in direct/induced/indirect tax impact for a total economic impact of $22.4 billion.

Private terminals operating within the Port generate almost 19,000 direct and indirect jobs; more than $81 million in direct/induced/indirect tax impact for a total economic impact of $2.7 billion.

The Mobile Port is currently the second largest steel port in the United States, the third largest coal port in the United States and is one of the largest forest products ports in the U.S. Alabama’s Seaport is one of the nation’s top seaports posting double digit growth for the past three years and handling over 58 million tons annually. It is currently among the top five fastest growth container ports in North America.

ASPA public terminals currently export Alabama metallurgical coal, machinery, forest products (woodpulp, lumber, Kraft liner board, newsprint), automotive-grade steel, iron/steel products (plate, rod, structural steels, cast iron pipe, steel pipe and tubing), frozen poultry, grain, cotton, peanuts, over-dimension/heavy lift and chemicals.

Imports include automotive and aviation components, automotive-grade steel, thermal coal, pig iron, wind energy components, aluminum, forest products (woodpulp, lumber), consumer goods, home décor, cement/aggregates, over-dimension/heavy lift, and chemicals.

The Port also includes privately operated petroleum terminals, Adams said. The petroleum imported into the port supports four regional fuel refineries and two asphalt product plants. The fuel and asphalt are distributed across the state to power vehicles, vessels, and to pave roads, and to GulfCoastNewsToday.com

manufacture roof shingles.

“Chances are almost all of the products that you use every day came through the Port of Mobile,” Adams said.

Aggregates and cement are also handled out of several private terminals: Holcim, Vulcan Materials, Martin Marietta, Mississippi Limestone. These materials are used in the road construction and general construction industries.

The Port is currently in the middle of a nearly $400 million project in order to deepen and widen the harbor, allowing the Port of Mobile to handle some of the biggest container ships.

The base project cost is being provided through 75 percent federal funding ($250,067) and 25 percent state funding ($145,948) for construction and general navigation features.

Then the state pays a 10 percent cost of the base construction to be used for advance maintenance dredging or other project related expenses, then the state pays a portion of the cost to adjust the aids to navigation, dredge berths and any easements/rights of way related costs.

When finished the project will increase the size of the channel from 45 feet deep and 400 feet wide year round to 50 feet deep in bay and river channels, 52 feet deep at the bar channel, widening the bay channel three miles in length and 100 feet in width easing the bend in the Upper Bar Channel and improving the turning basin.

The entire project will take about three to five years to complete.

Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 5

Tourism

Tourism remains Baldwin’s top industry

By CRYSTAL COLE

crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com

Tourism as an industry has a tremendous impact on Baldwin County as a whole, and the Island communities are especially impacted. You’d be hard pressed to throw a stone in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach without hitting a business or person directly involved in tourism.

Herb Malone, president and CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, recently announced the preliminary 2018 tourism numbers. The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rounded out the year with $526.1 million in lodging revenue and $938.4 million in retail sales, both being record numbers for the eighth straight year. Lodging inventory is also on the rise. To date, the area houses 17,453 existing units with 941 in the works and more being approved every month which brings the total number of accommodations to more than 18,000.

The industry took a hit in 2004 after Hurricane Ivan ravaged the coast. It was impacted again in 2010 after the disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Nevertheless, the island pushed forward to overcome both challenges and came out a more prosperous destination in the end.

“The growth in the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is strong and will continue to be strong thanks to the dedication put forth by our local business to ensure our visitors have memorable, life-changing experiences while on our beaches,” Malone said.

In 2017, visitors left $4.4 billion of their money on the island which has led to 50,574 travel-related jobs. That year also saw 6.3 million guests to lower Baldwin County. Malone said none of this would be possible without the environment people are flocking to see.

“The magical point is where the water meets the land,” Malone said. “What makes it special is there is less than 400,000 linear miles of beachfront on Earth. We’ve got the best 32 miles of it there is.”

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Medicine

North Baldwin Infirmary

Submitted BAY MINETTE — Infirmary Health provides Baldwin County with the compassionate care expected from a community hospital at North Baldwin Infirmary, located in Bay Minette. This modern medical center is known for consistently providing high patient satisfaction.

The 78-bed facility features the region’s newest and most spacious birthing suites. We also offer a senior behavioral health program and long-term care at Oakwood. Our modern campus also includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and pristine gastroenterology and radiology surgical facilities.

The state-of-the-art birth center takes new mothers from prenatal to post-birth. Childbirth classes provide information about pregnancy, labor, newborn care, CPR and safety.

The full­-service labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites — among the largest in the region - allow mother and baby to remain in the same room throughout their stay. NBI offers a full-time lactation specialist that offers a variety of 6 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

breastfeeding tips, classes and supplies.

NBI is a designated “Baby-Friendly” facility. That means that NBI meets the highest standards for maternity care and infant feeding offering skin-to-skin contact, breast­ feeding support and keeping mom and baby in a room together from day one to end of stay. Currently there are 454 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. North Baldwin Infirmary is one of only six hospitals in the state of Alabama and the only hospital in both Mobile and Baldwin counties with this distinction.

SEE INFIRMARY, PAGE

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE

DONALD B. PLUMMER, MD INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST WE DIAGNOSE, TREAT AND MANAGE INFECTIOUS DISEASES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: • Skin Infections • Bone Infections • Blood Infections • Urinary Tract Infections • Fungal Infections • Lung Infections • Parasitic Infections

1715 NORTH BUNNER STREET FOLEY, AL 36535 251-943-7604

ACCEPTED PAYORS* • AARP • BCBS • Cigna Healthspring • Medicaid • Medicare • United Healthcare • All VA Insurance

*Plus many more insurance companies

28119 NORTH MAIN ST. SUITE D DAPHNE, AL 36526 251-307-5000

www.coastalalabamainfectiousdisease.com GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 7

INFIRMARY CONTINUED FROM 6

NBI employs a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional care.

The employee dedication does not end with patient care, but overflows into the community that NBI serves. Every year, Infirmary Health hosts RIDEYELLOW, the largest charity bike ride in the state. Since its inception, RIDEYELLOW has donated more than $500,000 to various cancer charities.

While giving back to the community they serve, the teams at NBI continue to consistently provide top notch medical care. Dr. William Bose, Advanced Orthopaedics, now performs orthopaedic surgeries at NBI. Bose specializes in knee, shoulder and hip surgery. He performs both arthroscopies and replacements of the shoulder, hip and knee.

In 2017, cardiologist, Dr. Megan T. Courtney, Diagnostic and Medical Clinic, began seeing patients requiring cardiology services on a full-time basis at NBI. Plans are underway now to implement full cardiac rehabilitation services at the

North Baldwin Fitness Center, allowing local patients to rehabilitate in their community.

The state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging center provides high­quality imaging services. Patients at NBI benefit from revolutionary open MRI, digital mammography and a state-of-the-art 64-slice CT system that can capture coronary complications with higher accuracy and in a less invasive manner.

Also, unique to the hospital is a skilled nursing facility, Oakwood - North Baldwin’s Center for Living. Oakwood is a 75-bed licensed skilled nursing facility located on the campus of North Baldwin Infirmary. The staff provides roundthe-clock care in a comfortable and home-like environment.

Established in 1991, the facility includes both private and semi-private accommodations for both long and short-term care.

In 2018, North Baldwin Infirmary received an ‘A’ safety grade from The Leapfrog Group and was awarded the Women’s Choice Award based on outstanding achievement in Clinical Excellence and Consumer Experience.

For more information on North Baldwin Infirmary, visit infinnaryhealth.org/hospitals/north-baldwin-infirmary.

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center

By JESSICA VAUGHN jessica@gulfcoastmedia.com

FOLEY — South Baldwin Regional Medical Center set a bar in 2018, implementing many new technologies and plans that they seek to expand during 2019.

“Last year was really good for us when we look at what we accomplished,” said CEO Daniel McKinney. “We feel like we accomplished in three different sectors: technology, our residency program, and in our core mission, which is customer service.”

During 2018, the hospital staff improved the technology onsite by starting robotic South Baldwin Regional Medical Center’s Residency Practice orthopedic surgery through their new Mako opened in the fall of 2018. robot, investing in a new da Vinci robot, The hospital also ranked 13th in Top 100 Best Places to Work bringing in the latest technology for GYN and in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare Magazine. general surgery, and investing in 3D mammography.

During 2018 South Baldwin Regional went to 24/7 with its The residency program, which is located onsite, allows the hospital a strong pipeline for primary care development, Urgent Care in Gulf Shores, and near the end of 2018 the institute became Stroke Certified, meaning any patient who McKinney said. The first year saw eight new residents, shows up at the hospital can expect the staff to follow guidewhile 2019 will increase that number to 16, followed by a lines and protocols that have been set up by the American total of 24 come 2020.

Heart Association on how individuals with stroke sympThroughout 2018 South Baldwin Regional followed the path to excellent customer service, starting by receiving ex- toms are treated.

Going forward into 2019, McKinney states that not only cellent HCAHPS scores, which are measured for every hoswill the hospital staff be looking to uphold and improve pital across the country. South Baldwin Regional was a top upon 2018’s achievements, but they will also place a key performer for HCAHPS nationally, something McKinney focus on the ER. states the hospital administration and staff are proud of.

8 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

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Thomas Hospital cility has 12 patient rooms, a separate dining room and a physical therapy gym. The hospital serves patients with all types of physical and neurological disorders. It is the only FAIRHOPE — In the late 1950s, a small group of people comprehensive acute rehabilitation facility on the Eastern began working together to bring a healthcare facility to Shore and in Baldwin County.

Fairhope to serve the residents of the Eastern Shore and Since the origination of the hospital with eight practicing Baldwin County. Their hard work and dedication paid off. physicians, Thomas Hospital has grown to 178 active physiThomas Hospital opened its doors on Sept. 6, 1960, as an acute-care, non-profit community hospital with 36 beds and cians and 158 consulting physicians of various specialties.

The physicians are committed to promoting good health eight physicians, all general practitioners. through health education and wellness programs.

The name Thomas Hospital honors the family of GeorThomas Hospital is an integral part of the Eastern Shore ganna Thomas Ives, who donated eight acres of family propcommunity. The hospital employs more than 900 people erty to the Eastern Shore Hospital Board for construction and has an Auxiliary of 400-plus members, making it one of of the area’s first hospital. the largest volunteer Auxiliaries in the state. Thomas HosOver the past 57 years, Thomas Hospital has grown into pital has a $320 million annual impact on Baldwin County, a major community medical center offering two 24-hour provides a significant amount of charity care and supports emergency rooms, advanced diagnostic and imaging equipment, robotic surgery, a freestanding cardiac rehabilitation local organizations and schools.

Through the years, Thomas Hospital has received nucenter, a family-oriented maternity program, an outpatient merous awards including BlueCross BlueShield distinction center for behavioral medicine, advanced endoscopy caawards for cardiac care, orthopaedics and maternity, the pabilities, a nationally-recognized diabetes management Women’s Choice Award for top 100 hospitals for patient program, an accredited cancer center, cardiovascular lab experience, Leapfrog A-rated hospital and the Thomson Refor cardiac catheterization and interventional procedures, uters award for top 100 cardiac hospitals. an open heart center, ambulatory surgery center, women’s Thomas Hospital is dedicated to providing the best possiservices and a health and fitness center. ble healthcare locally, and at reasonable costs. The hospital Thomas Hospital formed the Thomas Hospital FoundaBoard of Directors, staff, physicians, and volunteers all tion in 1993. To date, the Foundation has raised nearly $30 strive to maintain the hospital’s reputation for providing million for Thomas Hospital. quality patient care and compassion in a friendly, homeIn 2018, Colony Rehabilitation Hospital opened on the town environment. third floor of Thomas Hospital. The 14,000 square foot faSubmitted

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Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 9

10 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

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Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 11

Housing

Baldwin real estate market continues steady growth in 2018

By JOHN UNDERWOOD john@gulfcoastmedia.com

ROBERTSDALE — The Baldwin County real estate market continued to see a steady growth in sales during 2018.

Overall, Baldwin County sales increased nearly 5 percent from 2017 to 2018, according to figures provided by Baldwin Realtors, increasing from just over $2.1 million in 2017 to over $2.2 million in 2018.

The average sale price increased by 4 percent to $291,011, up from $279,905 in 2017 while total properties sold increased from 7,629 to 7,693, a .8 percent increase.

The biggest jump from 2017 to 2018 was the average days on the market, which decreased by 36 percent in 2018 over 2017, down to 89 days from an average of 139 days in 2017.

“The largest market continues to be the beach areas of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, followed closely by the Eastern Shore,” said Kandy Hines with Re/Max of Gulf Shores, Baldwin Realtors 2019 Board president, “but I do think we are seeing steady growth in other areas such as Central and North Baldwin.”

Condo sales dominate the Pleasure Island market, Hines said, while single-family housing and residential sales dominate in other markets.

The real estate market has seen a steady resurgence over the last several years following a sharp decline more than a decade ago, said Sheila Dodson, Baldwin Realtors chief executive officer.

“From 2006 to 2008 you saw a lot of lending institutions loaning money to people who simply couldn’t afford it,” Dodson said. “That more than anything contributed to the instability of the market.”

Following the sharp decline, there was a push for standardization in the lending market, which led to a stabilization in the market.

The decline continued following the oil spill of 2010, but with a push toward marketing the area, the recovery was almost immediate, Dodson said.

“We really only had one bad season following the oil

New Housing Starts 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

spill,” she said. “After that, people really started to come back together to put the market back on track, not only in the tourism market, but also in the push toward people settling here, buying and building here. There’s nothing more satisfying than the pride of home ownership.”

Formerly known as the Baldwin Association of Realtors, the organization began a campaign over the last year to rebrand itself as Baldwin Realtors, reflecting a push toward promoting its people.

“What we really wanted to do is to reflect that our people really is our most important asset,” Hines said. “We’ve all got to continue to move forward — united — with the same message, to make a difference.”

Total Residential Sales

8000 7000 2,033 1,710 6000 1,616 5000 1,408 1,213 1,279 4000 1,066 3000 717 2000 1000 0

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

12 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

3,643 3,835

4,512 4,669

5,230

5,571

6,562 6,395

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Baldwin County Home Builders Association

By FRAN H. DRUSE Executive Vice President, BCHBA

The Baldwin County Home Builders Association is a trade association that serves its’ members by promoting the home building and construction trade industry, monitoring legislative/ regulatory issues and providing educational and networking opportunities. BCHBA’s goal is to provide and expand the opportunity for all consumers to have safe, decent and affordable housing.

Chartered in 1973, the association is currently 775 members strong with over 5,000-member employees. The membership is comprised of 175 builder companies and 600 associate companies. Builders must be licensed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. Builders are the heart and soul of our association, from small volume builders and remodelers, to light commercial, multifamily and production builders. Associates are comprised of any person, firm or corporation in the building industry as a supplier of products or services and the many craftsmen.

From selling lumber to financing mortgages, associates are a vital part of our association.

Members receive numerous money-saving benefits through local, state and national business discounts on products, services and even insurance. Other benefits

include opportunities to participate in monthly events such as the annual Home & Product Show, Spring Tour of Homes, Parade of Homes, golf and fishing tournaments and projects benefitting local charities as well as numerous networking events.

The association has a Charitable Foundation to support its’ educational and charitable activities. It was founded to support and engage in charitable activities dedicated to the improvement of community housing and the residential housing community. It provides scholarships for students pursuing a career in the building industry as well as other educational programs. Scholarship applications can be found online at www.BCHBA.com. The deadline is March 15th.

The association is reaching out to students to encourage them to consider a career in the building industry. Whether it be as a builder, architect, HVAC, plumber, carpenter, electrician, welder, landscaper, there is a dire need for skilled individuals.

Membership provides a unique opportunity for individuals to help shape the future of their business and the home building industry. Membership begins at the local level and automatically includes membership in the state and national associations. To find out more about the association, visit online at www.BCHBA.com and on Facebook.

Snook Farms Co. Rd. 55, Summerdale, AL • 251-952-5812 www.SnookFarm.com

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Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 13

2018 Year in Review North Baldwin Chamber

By CLIFF MCCOLLUM

cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com

BAY MINETTE — 2018 was a banner year for the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, which has now grown to 300 members and represents more than 6,000 employees.

Highlights for the year included a number of networking opportunities and community events hosted by the Chamber, the #LocalLikeMe campaign launch and introduction of popular mascot #LocalLikeMe Lilly, the Discover North Baldwin Tourism Initiative, continued partnerships in economic development and awarding $10,000 in scholarships to local students.

“This is just a small amount of what we try to do each and every day for the North Baldwin community,” Chamber Director Ashley Jones Davis said.

In August 2018, the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce received the distinction of becoming an AccredChamber Awards ited Alabama Chamber of Commerce from the Chamber standards and stands as an assurance that members are of Commerce Association of Alabama. The Accredited investing in an organization working on their behalf for Alabama Chamber of Commerce program shows that the greater good. each chamber receiving the distinction is committed to “I am truly honored to be a part of the leadership team the highest standards of organization management. The North Baldwin Chamber’s State Accreditation illustrates the continued commitment to the highest professional SEE NORTH, PAGE 18

Eastern Shore Chamber

blog.

• Expand Young ProfessionFAIRHOPE — It’s a new year and time to reflect on what als Program we’ve all been able to accomplish together over the past to include year and turn our sights toward where we’re going in 2019. professional Here at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, we are development opvery proud of the growth we’ve seen in 2018. portunities.

• Launch a new 2018 Accomplishments mobile-friendly • Updated our membership and dues structure. tourism website.

• Launched the Explore Eastern Shore Brand, including • Grow the new Facebook page that has built 1,054 followers.

Explore Eastern • Created the Explore Eastern Shore Tourism Society, an Shore Tourism ambassador program for promoting our local attractions.

Society • Unveiled new branding for the Jubilee Festival of Arts, in• Publish a street cluding a new website to promote the annual festival map as a local • Enhanced the Jubilee Festival by adding a High School resource.

Art Competition.

• Broaden our • Adopted the Baldwin County Career & Job Fair as an anworkforce initianual workforce initiative. tive by connecting businesses and education resources.

• Executed an Election Education and Get Out to Vote Campaign including Voter Guides, Forums, a Meet & Greet, We’d like to thank each of our board members, volunand multi-media push. teers and members who have helped us execute these new initiatives. Your time, effort and talents make the Eastern What’s in store for 2019?

Shore the best place to live, work and do business.

• Encourage widespread use of Chamber benefits such as hot deals, job postings, community calendar and member Submitted

14 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

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SOUTHWEST ALABAMA

PARTNERSHIP

Central Baldwin Chamber

for TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

By GAIL QUEZADA Executive Director

As we look back on another successful year for the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud of the forward momentum – we’ve never been stronger. It was a year filled with growth and continued progress for our area and the county. Our Chamber staff works relentlessly to deliver value and provide the tools and resources to help businesses connect, grow and thrive.

We are now 400 members strong, representing 7,000 employees with 60 new members in 2018.

We’re incredibly proud of our Junior Executive Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program, which is in its 13th successful year. Students get hands-on experience, team building as well as training in the business community, making connections and have the opportunity to network with local business owners and legislative officials. Over $35,000 has been awarded through our scholarship panel since its inception.

Each year our Chamber hosts community events such as Flavors of the South – Food and Wine Festival, Honoring our Heroes, Annual Prayer Breakfast, Coffee Chat Networking Breakfasts, Small Business Seminars, as well as our Annual Meeting and Cash Mobs, all of which bring decision makers, business and community leaders together for celebration, education and networking. We strive to deliver events that increase your knowledge capital, keep you connected to the community and help your organization remain competitive and relevant. Non-dues revenue that is generated from our activities not only have allowed us to grow the Chamber staff to serve our members better, but it has also allowed us to sponsor entities within our community.

The Chamber also participates in the Partnership Awards that recognize the Best of the Best in Small Business; a collaboration between The Chamber of Commerce Associate of Alabama and the Business Council of Alabama. Since the inception of this program three years ago, SEE CENTRAL, PAGE

Central Chamber Gala GulfCoastNewsToday.com

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HELPING EMPLOYERS BUILD A BETTER WORKFORCE

EMPLOYERS,

NEED TO MAXIMIZE YOUR WORKFORCE? On-the-Job Training Employers who partner with Alabama Career Center know that we can help identify workers for their specific needs, ensuring quality workers who will do a quality job. And we pay a portion of the new employee wages for a specified length of time. Find out how your business can grow with our help and our cost savings program. YOU hire. YOU train. WE pay. Contact your Alabama Career Center today!

www.SWAPTE.org Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 15

2018 Year in Review South Baldwin Chamber

By JESSICA VAUGHN

jessica@gulfcoastmedia.com

FOLEY — The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce had a successful 2018, both with member growth as well as with individual projects introduced and continued.

During 2018, 84 new members joined the chamber, with an average number of approximately 750 members during the year. For the entire county, there are 3,600 businesses between all five local chambers, with 75,000 employees between them. The Chamber was responsible for a number of events during 2018, including BBQ & Blues, Balloon Festival, Chicago Street Supper Club, Festival of Flavors, and Annual Golf Classic.

Two key things the South Baldwin Chamber is proud of during 2018 which they plan to grow going forward are the Gateway Initiative and the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, which both celebrated numerous milestones and successes during 2018.

“The South Baldwin Chamber has a long-standing record of community involvement, contributions to the business economy and helping improve the quality of life of the citizens of South Baldwin County,” said Gateway Initiative Campaign Chair Tommy Lee. “This new five-year plan is not a plan created by the chamber board and staff. It is the plan of all the communities in South Baldwin because it is the culmination of a broad spectrum of one-on-one interviews throughout South Baldwin through which community leadership in both the private and public sectors provide individual input about the programming that is important to all of us.”

The Gateway Initiative has been focusing on three specific areas in the community: Business Driven Talent Development and Recruitment, Community Betterment and Pro-Business Advocacy, and Existing Business Growth and Retention. During the five-year initiative, the chamber hopes to bring new employees and talent to our area, grow the community, and promote existing businesses to accommodate the rapid growth the area is witnessing.

During 2018, the chamber began by focusing first on Business Driven Talent Development and Recruitment, starting with bringing new apprenticeships focusing on Hospitality & Tourism, Restaurant Manager, Lodging Manager, and Chefs to the area.

These apprenticeships are “designed as a solution to equip workers with skills needed to drive a successful business, as well as giving workers the opportunity to begin a rewarding career,” as stated by the official chamber release.

Another important aspect of apprenticeships is in a partnership with local schools, allowing students to begin apprenticeships while still in high school or college, or begin one immediately upon graduation. This gives students an instant advantage when seeking careers, as well as offering opportunities to those who may not be able to attend college due to rising costs in education. Entering into an apprenticeship offers these students a chance at obtaining a future career.

16 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation worked to ensure each school in Foley’s feeder pattern had Robotics.

Gateway Initiative Kick-Off at Groovy Goat, 2018.

Along with the Gateway Initiative, the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation works to make an impact on local communities’ schools, with a mission to “enhance lives through programs and partnerships that enrich education, develop leadership, and better our community. Our goal is for all South Baldwin students to graduate and succeed.”

Contributions to the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation go towards teacher/student grants, 21st Century Learning Programs, Grant Application, Project ACEd, Bridges to Success, and Junior Ambassadors. In 2018 the Foundation ensured that all six schools in the Foley Feeder Pattern had Robotics Programs within the school.

Going forward into 2019, the Gateway Initiative will continue into its second year, continuing focus on the first initiative as well as putting into motion more projects for the next two initiatives.

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where we treat your pet like family

“The customers are pleased with our work, and we keep our prices down.” — Ronnie Parker Parker Kennels started twenty years ago in 1998, brought to life by a family with a plan.

“My son worked for one of the vets here in town, and they were always full,” said owner Ronnie Parker. “He said to me one day, ‘Dad, we need to build a kennel.’ So I told him we would go and look to see what we could find out about doing just that. We did that and picked out what we liked, and then we designed it ourselves.”

The Parker family built about 80 percent of the original building themselves, taking on the majority of the work.

For the first four years of business, Ronnie ran the business with his wife, the only two employees onsite.

“You can’t just jump in and hire people, not until you get your clientele,” Parker said. “So we just built it up together, then finally we hired one employee, then two, and now we’re up to five employees plus two professional groomers.”

During the off-season, the kennels are often half-full.

Once the summer starts, they will become filled quickly.

To offset the demand, a new facility is underway, with an expected opening of June 2019. The new building will have 56 new kennels, adding to the existing building’s 44 runs, for a total of 100. Parker believes once the new building is open, it will make Parker Kennels one of the largest, if not the largest, boarding facilities in the county. Parker credits the kennel’s success to the employees and the community’s support.

“I’ve got good employees, the girls work hard,” said Parker. “They’re dedicated, and they love animals. I grew up on a farm myself, so I’ve always been around animals, and it’s an enjoyable job. It’s nice to see the different dogs, each with their own personality, and most of the time they love seeing you too. I just enjoy doing this, it’s a lot of fun.”

The vets in the area send any overflow to Parker Kennels, especially during holidays. Along with the typical boarding, Parker Kennels employees two professional groomers who are onsite Monday through Friday. This, along with the staff’s love of animals and the low prices, keeps customers coming back.

“The customers are pleased with our work, and we keep GulfCoastNewsToday.com

our prices down.

We’re one of the cheapest places in town,” Parker said.

“I’ve always figured it was quantity versus price, because you can price yourself out of business very easily. We’ve only raised our rates here one time in all of the 20 years we’ve been in business.”

The kennels opened at $12 per night, and now are only $15 per night. For anyone who brings multiple pets to be boarded together, $5 will be discounted from their total.

Tourists who are staying in hotels that do not allow pets can leave them at Parker Kennels at night and pick them up during the day to take them along to the beach or to the park, and bring them back to the kennel before 5 p.m.

Parker Kennels also offers $8 daycare for pets, so owners don’t have to leave dogs in crates throughout the day while they work.

“We try here, we try really hard, and the good Lord has blessed us,” Parker said. “If it wasn’t for Him we wouldn’t be where we’re at. It’s good, and we love what we do.”

Parker Kennels is located at 12606 County Road 65 in Foley. You can reach them by calling 251-970-3647, visiting their website at ParkerKennels.com, or check them out on Facebook.

Ronnie Parker, owner

PARKER KENNELS BOARDING & GROOMING 12606 Co. Rd. 65, Foley, AL. Phone: (251) 970-DOGS (3647) parkerkennel@yahoo.com

Mon.-Fri. 7am-5pm • Sat. 7am-12pm & 3:30pm-4:30pm Sun. 7am-8am & 4pm-5pm Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 17

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at the Chamber and am very fortunate to be able to work alongside an amazing staff, great partners, and dedicated volunteers who all made this accreditation possible,” Davis said. “We work hard for our members and community every day and we appreciate their loyalty to and faith in their Chamber.”

Davis also highlighted the cooperation between all of the other Baldwin County chambers of commerce in coming together on a legislative agenda for the legislative session in Montgomery. She said the partnership

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Central Baldwin has had two businesses recognized for their success in the Small Business of the Year Category — the most recent was in December 2018 and won in the Small Business of the Year Category 11-50 employees — the top winner in the state of Alabama. The Chamber also participates in the “Manufacturer of the Year” awards which are through the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.

As an active region requires strategic partnerships and a unified vision, we’ve collaborated with the five Chambers of Commerce in the county to be one voice for

Agents

Reginald C. Pulliam John Anderson Jessica Hagan April Few Scott Jennings

helps move all of the Baldwin County chambers forward with one voice to help support and advocate for local businesses.

Looking forward to 2019, Davis said the Chamber will continue to find ways to promote and support local businesses and the greater North Baldwin community.

“We are always looking to find new ways to highlight, enhance and enrich opportunities for our existing businesses and partner with new businesses to help grow our community,” Davis said. “North Baldwin is the hidden gem of Baldwin County, and we’re here to help show people how great our area is. Whether it’s building a business, hiring a workforce or finding a place to raise your family, North Baldwin is the perfect place for you.”

business through this partnership, which will result in a 2019 Business Legislative Agenda to advocate for our local businesses – One Voice for Business in Baldwin County. A stronger voice to advocate for our businesses.

In 2019 our Board of Directors will be working to implement a new strategic initiative to ensure the Chamber continues to meet the needs of our growing county. As our county grows, so does the need for infrastructure, workforce development/education and economic development.

The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is a business focused and member supported organization working to preserve, enhance, and grow the business economy in Central Baldwin County. We are looking forward to great things and are excited about our continued partnerships in 2019.

“A Trusted Neighbor” (251) 504-3951

reginald@coastalalabamainsurance.com www.coastalalabamainsurance.com

Commercial Insurance • Property Insurance • Condo Insurance Auto Insurance • Marine Insurance • Financial Consulting 18 Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019

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Baldwin Business Annual Report 2019 19

Specialty meats

“We have a variety of specialty meats. We sell a lot of healthy alternatives.” — Shari Morgan FOLEY — One thing is evident when you walk into Let’s Get Grillin’ Meats, located at 116 W. Laurel Ave. in Foley.

This is not your parents’ meat market.

“We have a variety of specialty meats,” said Shari Morgan, who started the business with her daughter Marja Morgan about six months ago. “We sell a lot of healthy alternatives.”

Among the more exotic meats include bison, water buffalo, elk, lamb and ostrich. They also sell Angus beef, pork and duck. But their biggest seller is Wagyu beef, billed as a healthy alternative to traditional beef.

Wagyu has a higher mono-saturated fat ratio than other beef and the saturated fat contained in Wagyu is different.

Forty percent is in a version called stearic acid, which is regarded as having a minimal impact in raising cholesterol levels. The profile of marbled Wagyu beef is more beneficial and healthier to human health. Wagyu is also higher in conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA. Foods that are naturally high in CLA have fewer negative health effects.

The shop also carries local products, including sausage from a shop in Fairhope and Bill-E’s Bacon and Pork Belly from the owners of Old 27 Grill in Fairhope.

Let’s Get Grillin’ sells more than meats. They also have

a variety of Wisconsin cheeses. They also sell hand-made cutting boards and Premium Lump Charcoal and are an authorized FireX Disc Grill dealer.

And, in the back of the store, there’s Forrest and Jenny’s Yard Art, which sells metal art.

“This is what I like to call the happy place,” Shari Morgan said. “You might come in grumpy, but once you’ve walked around back there, you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.”

Let’s Get Grillin’ Meats is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Call 251-943-6328 or visit their page on Facebook.

Shari and Marja Morgan, owners LET’S GET GRILLIN’ MEATS 116 W Laurel Ave., Foley, Alabama 36535 Phone: (251) 943-6328 Mon.-Sat. 9:30 am-5:30pm