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Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce January Newsletter
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2016 Marks Growth for the Eastern Shore Chamber
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2016 has been an incredible year for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, marked with a renewed sense of direction, new leadership and growth.
 Our year began with a fresh new look for the Chamber. We unveiled our new logo that featured a wave and sunset, assets you'll find in all the communities that dot the Eastern Shore. We also defined our core values which include promoting business, building community relationships, advancing tourism and advocating for workforce development. Those values come together to make up our Chamber mission: To make the Eastern Shore the best place to live, work and cultivate business.
Our membership has grown to the largest it has been in our history with 984 total members. 156 new members joined during 2016, and we were able to celebrate 57 ribbon cuttings with members.
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YP Pencils Glue for
Bingo Brews
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The Young Professionals (YP) Program has grown substantially with 110 members. The YP gives those under the age of 40 an opportunity to network each month, build leadership skills and be involved in the community. The Young Professionals have also been able to collect a total of $6,650 through two charity events for local causes.
 The Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee was busy this election year creating Municipal Election Guides and holding run-off election forums to educate members and residents about the candidates running for mayor and city council. The election guides were viewed 3,600 times online.
Networking opportunities are one of our best avenues the Chamber can offer member value. That's why monthly events like Morning Marketing Meeting and Business After Hours are a mainstay.
All of the Chamber's annual events were a success in 2016.
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The
64th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival was voted as one of the top 50 Best by Sunshine Artist Magazine and a study from the University of South Alabama showed 1/3 of those attending traveled from out of state.
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The
28th Annual Jubilee Festival welcomed thousands to Olde Towne Daphne.
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The Chamber partnered with the City of Spanish Fort to promote their
Delta Woods and Waters Expo
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The
32nd Annual Mayors' Prayer Breakfast saw a record crowd of 423 attendees.
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21 teams participated in the 15th Annual Golf Tournament to support the Chamber's youth programs.
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During our
92nd Annual Meeting, we recognized our 2016 award winners and installed Richard Johnson with Phelps Dunbar LLP as the Chamber's incoming Chairman of the Board.
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The Regional Business After Hours with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce attracted 525 attendees. |
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Members packed out the Fairhope Yacht Club for our 2nd Annual Elected Officials Luncheon with 140 in attendance. |
The Chamber's Business Academy offered professional development opportunities for members throughout the year including workshops on leadership development, guaranteed lending and regional tourism. We have had incredible attendance at this year's Eggs N' Issues programs with 368 for those five breakfasts. Speakers have addressed topics such as transportation, education, economic development, the overtime law and the national election.
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Youth Leadership Environmental Day
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The Eastern Shore Chamber Youth Leadership and Student Training and Exploration Program (STEP) continue to teach local high school students valuable leadership skills and explore employment opportunities on the Eastern Shore. 35 students graduated from Youth Leadership this year. STEP has served approximately 220 students since its inception, and graduated 37 students from the 2nd graduating class. The four year program boasts a zero drop out rate.
 On the tourism side, the Chamber has started the #ExploreEasternShore social media campaign to highlight local attractions and tourist spots. The Chamber has also worked closely with the Coastal Alabama Partnership to build the visitcoastalalabama.org regional tourism website.
The Eastern Shore Chamber social media outreach has grown in 2016. These avenues allow us new opportunities to promote our members and support tourism efforts on the Eastern Shore. The Chamber facebook following has grown by nearly a thousand people to 7,510. We now have 4,064 followers on twitter and 1,026 active followers on instagram.
The Chamber is closing out 2016 with a new president taking the helm. Casey Gay Williams has hit the ground running since walking in the door. She is working to build collaborative partnerships and ensure our Chamber is doing everything we can to serve our member businesses.
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce sees a bright future ahead as we all build upon the foundation that has been created in years past.
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Chamber Gets Fresh Start Under One Roof
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327 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532
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The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is excited to face 2017 with a fresh new start. We are taking a critical look at ways we can better serve our members and the first way we are doing that is by moving our staff into one location.
This move will allow Chamber staff to be more efficient with their time and communication. It will also allow the Chamber to get the most out of the funds we are entrusted with.
"No matter where we go to do our daily tasks, we serve the entire Eastern Shore from Spanish Fort to Point Clear and places in between. That commitment never changes," said Chamber President Casey Williams.
Moving forward, all staff will be working out of the Fairhope office at 327 Fairhope Avenue.
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(L to R) Hank Rowe, Single Tax Corp.; Carl Bloxham, owner; Ray Lindahl, Single Tax Corp. |
The Fairhope location has been part of the Chamber's history for decades. It was originally constructed in 1932 to serve as a real estate and insurance office for Carl L. Bloxham. His name can still be found cut into the facade of the building today. After Bloxham retired in 1953, it was used for a variety of offices under the ownership of Henry Rowe and Forrest Warren. The Chamber of Commerce moved into the building in 1969 when the building was owned by Guy Bagley. In the late 80's it was donated to the Chamber by the late Guy Bagley and dedicated to the memory of Emily Bagley and her daughter Worth Bagley.
The Eastern Shore Chamber has also taken this opportunity to give this historic building some much needed updates including a fresh coat of paint and new flooring. The reconfigured office allows for a conference area in the back that can be used for committee meetings and a welcome area to greet tourists, members and residents.
"We are excited about the ability to communicate in person within one office. We are already more efficient and productive as a team," said Williams.
The City of Daphne has been gracious in allowing the Chamber to operate at the Scenic Overlook location for nearly two decades. This move will give Daphne the opportunity to utilize that building for its citizens.
In consolidating the two offices into one, the Chamber will be placing several pieces of furniture up for sale. Some of those pieces include a modular conference table, several desks and various other pieces.
We will first open the sale up to our non-profit members Thursday, January 12 from 2 - 6 p.m.
We will then have a member-only sale Tuesday, January 24 from 1 - 6 p.m. More information is to come.
Also please note that moving forward the Eastern Shore Chamber will be receiving all mail at the 327 Fairhope Avenue location and we can be reached by phone at (251)928-6387.
New Mailing Address:
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
327 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 928-6387
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Click here for a printable version of the Chamber Calendar of Events.
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Business After Hours: American Legion in Fairhope
700 S. Mobile Street
Fairhope
Thursday, January 5
5-7 p.m.
Eggs N' Issues: Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Speaker: Robert McGhee, Vice Chair of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Wednesday, January 11
7:30 a.m.
Daphne United Methodist
2401 Main Street, Daphne
$10 for members
$15 for guests
Call (251) 928-6387
by Friday, January 6 to RSVP
Ribbon Cutting & Open House:
Steinway Piano Gallery
Friday, January 13
11:30 a.m.
11247 Highway 31
Spanish Fort
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Ribbon Cutting & Open House:
Bay Flooring & Design
Tuesday, January 17
4 p.m.
399 N. Section Street
Fairhope
Morning Marketing Meeting
Thursday, January 19
8 a.m.
Dickey's BBQ
6882 Hwy. 90, Suite G2
Daphne
Jubilee Square Shopping Center
Sponsor:
Coastal Bank & Trust
Young Professionals
Third Thursday Social
Fairways Indoor Golf Club
25000 Bass Pro Dr #104
Spanish Fort
Thursday, January 19
5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Click here and click the subscribe button to receive notifications about Chamber events on your Facebook account. |
Click here to see the community calendar and the many events our members and partners are hosting along the Eastern Shore. You also have an opportunity to submit a community event.
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| Eggs N' Issues RSVP Deadline: Friday, January 6 |
Please join us as we hear from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians as they discuss the history of the Tribe, current issues, and upcoming endeavors. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents. A few of the Tribe's businesses are: the Wind Creek Casino & Hotels that are located in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka, Muskogee Technology, and Owa in Foley, which will open Summer 2017. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is an active partner in the state of Alabama, contributing to economic, educational, social and cultural projects benefiting both tribal members and residents of these local communities and neighboring towns.
Eggs N' Issues: Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Speaker: Robert McGhee, Vice Chair of The Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Wednesday, January 11
7:30 a.m.
Daphne UMC
2401 Main Street, Daphne
Add to Calendar |
$10 for Members
$15 for Guests
Call (251) 928-6387
by Friday, January 6 to RSVP
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Click here to email Denise Curtis if you'd like for us to bring a Mardi Gras Poster by your business.
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First, I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to lead the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. It is an honor and a privilege to be in this role where I can work for the benefit of our business community and the cities of Daphne, Spanish Fort and Fairhope. I am humbled by the outpouring of support and good wishes as I embark on this new path, for that I am truly grateful. By the way...if you haven't attended a Chamber event recently...come on and join us...we look forward to seeing you!!
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Young Professionals Third Thursday Social
The Young Professionals are getting 2017 started with a bang. The January Third Thursday Social will be held at Fairways Indoor Golf Club in Spanish Fort.
There will be:
Complimentary Barbecue
Complimentary Wine
Photo Booth by Flash MOB Photobooth
Live Music by Harrison McInnis
This the perfect opportunity to invite a friend to join you.
Fairways Indoor Golf Club
25000 Bass Pro Dr #104
Spanish Fort
Thursday, January 19
5:30-7:30 p.m.
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November Ambassador of the Month: Sally Wagner
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Congratulations to Sally Wagner for being named the November
Ambassador of the Month.
Sally Wagner
Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore
806 N. Section St.
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 928-2443
Website Link
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