Chamber Connections
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - January 2018
A New Year:
Where We've Been & Where We're Going
By Chamber President Casey Williams
Some folks ignore the new year; it's just time marching on. However, most folks I know see the New Year as a time to take stock of what was and what they hope to be for the coming year.

As I reflect back on what was, I am proud of the strides we made as a Chamber:

  • Broadening our workforce initiative by connecting businesses and education resources.
  • Changing our fiscal year to the calendar year so we can better serve our members.
  • Enhancing the Jubilee Festival by introducing culinary arts and the Southern Makers demonstration stage.
  • Introducing the Eastern Shore Elf to spotlight Eastern Shore retailers.
  • Conducting a Leaders Exchange trip to New Orleans to gather knowledge, ideas and connect business leaders in our community.
  • Launched our Governmental Affairs Newsletter and Eastern Shore Spotlight.

What's in store for 2018?

  • Launch the Eastern Shore Tourism Ambassador Program.
  • Facilitate the 2018 Baldwin County Job Fair.
  • Continue to further enhance the Jubilee Festival by partnering with the World Food Championships and the performing arts.
  • Continue to promote our business community and nonprofits while connecting them to resources and information.
  • Broaden leadership opportunities for members including Young Professionals and Chamber Ambassadors.

Many thanks to all those who work with and support our efforts to make the Eastern Shore the best place to live, work and do business. I look forward to the opportunity to serve each of you in the coming year.
"Whatever you are, be a good me"
-Abraham Lincoln
Business After Hours at Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek
Mayors' Prayer Breakfast
Youth Leadership
Welcome to the Team!
Tully McAleer
Member Engagement & Resource Development Executive

Please join us in welcoming Tully McAleer to the team as the Eastern Shore Chamber's new Member Engagement & Resource Development Executive. She will play an integral role in insuring our members' needs are met and securing funding to support the Chamber's initiatives. She joins us after working for several years as a finance manager and event manager for MELT, LLC, one of the country's leading sports and entertainment marketing firms. Tully has recently returned home to the Gulf Coast where she has been serving as a MicroMarket Manager for Gulf Coast Canteen. Tully's first day on the job will be January 11th.
2018 Annual Awards Nominations
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is taking nominations for the 2018 Annual Awards. We need your help to recognize our members who are truly making an impact on the community. We are taking nominations for three awards: Small Business of the Year, Community Leader Award and the Environmental Award. Nominations may be made for any deserving business. Self-nominations are encouraged. Select the nomination form below to enter your nomination by close of business February 7, 2018 .

The award winners will be announced at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration, March 1, 2018 at the Fairhope Airport.

If you have any questions, you can contact the Chamber office at 251-928-6387.
Leaders Council Spotlight
S. Wesley Carpenter: Merrill Lynch
Financial Advisor, Wesley Carpenter with Merrill Lynch, believes that understanding what matters most to clients is critical to any successful investment strategy. As a Financial Advisor for one of the largest Wealth Advisory Teams in Baldwin County, his focus is directed to high net-worth individuals and families planning for retirement, managing investments and those planning their tax and estate strategies. “I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you so please let come let us show you why we are different,” said Carpenter.
He brings warmth, compassion and coordination to your wealth management needs which has allowed their business to thrive in Baldwin County. Carpenter is also passionate about the community where he has chosen to live, work and raise his family.
He belongs to St. Lawrence Catholic Parish, Business Council of Alabama, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Leadership Council, Estate Planning Council, Rotary Club of Mobile, Sertoma, Mobile Touchdown Club, Mobile Big Game and Red Elephant Club. “Being a member of these clubs and organizations have allowed me to give back while creating friendships and business relationships that will last a lifetime,” said Carpenter.
Wesley Carpenter has been recently recognized by Forbe’s Magazine as one of “ America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors ” for 2017. “I am always humbled for any recognition I receive. To be recognized by a publication like Forbes as a Top 500 Millennial Advisor is truly blessing,” said Carpenter, “This accolade, among others helps prove to myself that I am doing my life’s work of helping people, and that is ALL that matters.”

Most importantly, Carpenter is grateful for those who have embraced him and his business. “I'd just like to thank everyone that has supported me along the way. My loving wife and children, mentors, my community and of course all of my great clients. I am so passionate about them all and cannot wait to see what the future brings for all those I serve every day,” said Carpenter.

If you’d like to learn more about the services provided by S. Wesley Carpenter at Merrill Lynch, you can visit their website by clicking here , stopping by the Fairhope office at 601 N. Section Street in Fairhope or calling (251) 990-2360 .
The Eastern Shore Leaders Council provides an opportunity for companies to receive additional visibility and recognition while supporting the efforts of the Eastern Shore Chamber and its advocacy for our local communities and businesses. To learn more about how you can become a member of the Leaders Council email  Christina Hellmich.
Get Involved
Business After Hours at
Half Shell Oyster House
Thursday, January 4
5-7 p.m.
Half Shell Oyster House
Eastern Shore Center
30500 Highway 181
Spanish Fort, AL

Menu:
  • Shrimp Orleans
  • Voodoo Chicken
  • Cajun Boiled Parmesan and Garlic Fried New Potatoes
  • Grilled Asparagus stems with Gorgonzola Butter
Eggs N' Issues with the
Baldwin Co. Economic Development Alliance
Wednesday, January 10
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Daphne United Methodist Church
2401 Main Street
Daphne

Speaker: Lee Lawson
Baldwin Co. Economic
Development Alliance

$10 Members/$15 Guests
RSVP to (251) 928-6387
by January 8

Morning Marketing
Thursday, January 18
8 a.m.
Dickey's BBQ
6882 Highway 90, Suite G2
Daphne

ADD TO CALENDAR

Sponsor: The Maids
Young Professionals Social
Thursday, January 18
5:30 p.m.
Bone & Barrel
311 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope

Let's get the year started with a bang. Invite a friend to join you!

Chamber Calendar
Eastern Shore Center
30500 Highway 181
Spanish Fort, AL
Thursday, January 4
5 p.m.
Add to
30161 Woodrow Lane Ste. A
Spanish Fort
Friday, January 5
Noon - 1 p.m.

Wednesday, January 10
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Daphne United Methodist Church
2401 Main Street
Daphne

Speaker: Lee Lawson
Baldiwn Co. Economic Development Alliance

$10 Members/$15 Guests
RSVP to (251) 928-6387
by Jan 8, 2018.

January 17
9 a.m.
Eastern Shore Chamber Office
327 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope
Reservation Required
Call 928-6387

Thursday, January 18
8 a.m.
Dickey’s BBQ
6882 Hwy. 90, Suite G2
Daphne

Thursday, January 18
5:30 p.m.
Bone & Barrel
311 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope

915 B Plantation Blvd.
Fairhope
January 23
Ribbon Cutting: 4:30 p.m.
Open House: 5 p.m.
The Chamber at Work
Business After Hours at BancorpSouth
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber's Young Professionals came together for the December Business After Hours and Holiday Party at BancorpSouth - Spanish Fort. The groups collected toys to donate to Toys for Tots during the event.
Youth Leadership
The Eastern Shore Chamber Youth Leadership students had an incredible day serving at the  Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, AL .

Students baked cookies for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, a location the students visited during their Philanthopy Day in November.
Youth Leadership Graduation is fast approaching.
The class will graduate February 26, 2018.
Student Training & Exploration Program
STEP 9 th  grade class met for the first time in December. The program was kicked off with a lesson on choices and consequences as well as a fun day team building.
We would like to thank Samantha Coppels, Daphne Utilities and Tammy Ruffin, Little Angels, Inc. for speaking to the group about their career pathways.
Connecting Business & Education
To learn more about Career & Technical Education in Baldwin County Schools follow the link above.


If you're interested in participating or would like to learn more, call Christina Hellmich at (251) 928-6387 or email her at chellmich@eschamber.com
You have an opportunity to support Career Tech Education Month in February by hosting an Eastern Shore career tech teacher in your business. This is an opportunity for the teachers to learn more about your industry and for you to learn more about what's being taught in our schools along the Eastern Shore.

Some of the industries being taught include:
  • AgriScience
  • Marketing-Graphics
  • Business
  • Culinary
  • Family & Consumer
  • Engineering
  • Marketing
  • Sports Medicine
  • Career Technology (STEM)
Ribbon Cuttings
Ascension Medical Group Providence

Providence Medical Group is expanding to the Eastern Shore with a new office in Fairhope and a new name. The new practice, located at 411 North Section Street, Suite B, opened Nov. 1 as Ascension Medical Group Providence at Fairhope.
Revolution Resale
Revolution Resale is now offering on-trend consignment clothing at 9 N. Church Street in Downtown Fairhope. They offer stylish clothing for preteens, women, men & even formal gowns.

Magnolia Mortgage

Magnolia Mortgage Company is now serving the Eastern Shore at their new location in Daphne. The home-owned company has been making a name for itself in the Mobile area since 1990.
The Gym Fitness
The Gym Fitness Center is now open at 27955 Highway 98, Suite X in Daphne, next to Publix. Their goal is to establish a quality gym on the Eastern Shore with affordable fitness classes, state of the art equipment and clean facilities.

Cabins at Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park is showcasing its latest amenity, two newly constructed and furnished log cabins nestled among the trees of the 2,000-acre forested historic site. They unveiled the cabins with a ribbon cutting Monday, December 11.

December New Members
November Ambassadors of the Month: Daniel Meshad
Daniel Meshad
Anchor Cross Cancer Foundation
29653 Anchor Cross Blvd Suite B-101
Daphne, AL
251-607-5081
Official Ambassadors Sponsor:
The Eastern Shore Chamber partners with Visit Coastal Alabama to promote our region & attract tourists.