Chamber Connections
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - November 2017
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Thank you Frank Shepard for your Dedication to the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
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After several years of being a champion for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, Frank Shepard is stepping aside from his role as Membership Director to accept an exciting opportunity at Trustmark Bank as a mortgage loan originator. It has been an absolute joy to have Frank as part of our Chamber team and he will be greatly missed.
Frank will remain a vital member of the Eastern Shore Chamber and will always be part of the Chamber family. “I still plan to be very involved with the Chamber; I owe a lot to the Chamber for the connections I have made and my success I have achieved over the years,” said Frank, “Moving from Montgomery to the Eastern Shore in 2008, I knew only a few contacts and I have the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce to thank for the connections I have made through the networking events and being involved on committees.” Frank will continue to serve on the Young Professionals Board and plans to attend Business After Hours and Morning Marketing Meetings regularly.
We are extremely sad to see him go, but the team is excited to see him grow and thrive in his new role. “Working for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce has been such an incredible blessing for me and I am thankful for the relationships I have developed,” said Shepard.
Frank will be with us for a few more weeks before he transitions, so feel free to reach out to him at
fshepard@eschamber.com.
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Now Hiring:
Membership & Development Director
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Frank's shoes will be hard to fill, but the search for a new candidate has begun. Click the button below for an overview of the position. If you know of anyone that would be a good fit for this position, please encourage them to apply. Please send a resume and cover letter to Casey at
cgwilliams@eschamber.com. For more information, call the Chamber office at 251-928-6387.
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Leaders Council Spotlight
The Grand Hotel: "The Queen of Southern Resorts"
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The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa has been known as The Queen of Southern Resorts for more than 160 years and attracts visitors from across the country to the Eastern Shore each year. The Grand sits on 550 acres overlooking Mobile Bay and has activities that are sure to keep the whole family busy.
The Grand Hotel takes great pride in its history as a member of Historic Hotels of America. F.H. Chamberlain built the hotel in 1847 as a two-story building with 40 rooms. The original hotel also included a separate building for the dining room and kitchen and another building housed the bar called “The Texas.” The hotel served as a confederate hospital during the Civil War, the bar turned into an emergency hospital following the explosion of the steamboat “Ocean Wave” in 1871 and the Army Air Corps used the hotel as a training base during World War II.
“The Grand is a very generational resort which has hosted families for years. Guests are passionate about the rich history and traditions of the Grand Hotel. We are pleased to provide these generations of families consistent service and traditions that are both nostalgic and memorable,” said General Manager Scott Tripoli.
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The Grand’s Lakewood Golf Club is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It features 36 holes among mature oaks and spring-fed lakes. This gorgeous course is both beautiful and challenging. The Dogwood course is currently undergoing renovations and will soon feature resurfaced greens with Tifeagle Bermuda grass, newly re-decked bridges, repaired cart paths and 3-5 new ladies’ tees will be built.
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The luxurious 20,000-square-foot European-style Spa at the Grand attracts both visitors and locals. It’s the perfect setting to relax. The Spa at the Grand Hotel was ranked #1 in Marriott Guest Satisfaction Scores worldwide in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and Conde Nast Top 100 Spas in 2012, 2013 & 2014. Currently, the spa boutique, salon, treatment rooms and fitness center have been relocated while the spa area is being transformed. The renovations are expected to be complete in January.
“Our current Grand Transformation will allow us to attract higher profile groups from different areas of the country, while at the same time giving our repeat guests a Grand surprise upon their return,” said Tripoli.
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Other activities on the property include bike rentals, trails, jet-skiing, kayaking, afternoon tea & cookies, tennis, volleyball, fishing and pickleball. Your family can bond over several bayside games including corn hole, horseshoes, table tennis and board games.
The hotel has seen many famous visitors including Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, Barbara Bush, Dolly Parton, Fannie Flagg, Patty Labelle and many NFL greats. It’s also attracted its fair share of national media attention, being featured in Southern Living, Garden & Gun, The Crazy Tourist, Golfweek, Alabama Magazine, Atlanta Magazine and Visit South.
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“It is truly flattering to work at the Grand. The resort has been recognized by the top leisure and group publications in the world every year. This year we have hosted over 250,000 leisure and group guests that have fallen in the love with the hotel, Mobile Bay and the Eastern Shore,” said Tripoli, “The hotel, our ambassadors and the area are key reasons we receive this recognition. Year to date our group meeting planners have ranked us in the Top 2% of all Marriott Hotels Worldwide. Our leisure guests have consistently ranked us in the Top 5 Marriott Hotels Worldwide for the last 15 years.”
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While visitors obviously enjoy finding a home away from home at the Grand, Tripoli says there’s no reason for locals to fear the gate. The Grand is open to residents to enjoy the spa and dine in one of their amazing restaurants. “The Grand offers world class Food and Beverage offerings that we would love for our local community to enjoy,” said Tripoli, “Lastly, the Grand is a perfect place for that Staycation. We promise that you will feel far away from reality inside our gates.”
The Grand Hotel is located at 17855 Scenic Highway 98 in Fairhope. For more information visit their website
www.marriottgrand.com
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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.
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Casey Williams & Panini Pete at Business After Hours at Sunset Pointe
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"We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent & dissatisfaction."
-HA Ironside
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In today's world it seems that most folks are focused on what is wrong, bad, sad and maddening. It's easy to do given the constant stream of negativity thanks to our 24/7 access to information - it can be addictive.
However, if we can pause for a few moments each day to count the good things, the happy things and blessings, our discontent can be lifted. Even if the day is hard or life is hard or not as you think it should be, I have found that if I count my blessings, I receive more.
A beautiful sunset, the belly laugh of a child, a good friend, a new acquaintance and sometimes just that the day is over as you crawl into bed is a blessing.
Due to our busy schedules, we can miss these little things that enrich our life so much. Be diligent in looking for those opportunities to praise - giving thanks shouldn't be limited to a day. I am thankful for the beautiful place in which we live, the people who work so hard to make our community the best it can be and the fact that I have the blessing of living here.
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"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."
-Native American Proverb
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Eggs N' Issues: Diverging Diamond, 181 Expansion & Other Upcoming Traffic Projects
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Wed., November 8, 7:30 a.m.
Daphne UMC
2401 Main Street, Daphne
Speaker: Vince Calametti, ALDOT Chief Engineer
$10 Members / $15 Guests
Call (251) 928-6387 by 11/6 to RSVP
We'll find out how the Diverging Diamond being added at Hwy. 181 and I-10 will help alleviate traffic congestion. We'll also hear about other traffic projects aimed at easing Baldwin County's growing pains.
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Young Professionals
Cornhole Tournament
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Thursday, November 9, 5:30 p.m.
Felix's Fish Camp
1530 Battleship Pkwy
Spanish Fort
There's still time to sign up for a team for the Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament. A $100 donation to the Spanish Fort Public Library gets you a 2 person team. Call (251) 928-6387 to sign up today.
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Eggs N’ Issues
Wednesday, November 8
7:30 a.m.
Daphne United Methodist Church
2401 Main Street
Daphne
Sponsor: PointClear Networks
$10 Members
$15 Guests
Call (251) 928-6387 to register by COB 11/6
Ribbon Cutting
Home Boss Inspection
316 S Mckenzie Street
Foley
November 8
4 p.m.
Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament benefiting the
Spanish Fort Public Library
Thursday, November 9
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Felix’s Fish Camp
1530 Battleship Pkwy
Spanish Fort
Chamber 101
November 15
9 a.m.
Eastern Shore Chamber Office
327 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope
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Ribbon Cutting
El Camino Taco Shack
212 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope
Wednesday, November 15
4:30 p.m.
Morning Marketing Meeting
Thursday, November 16
8 a.m.
Dickey’s BBQ
6882 Hwy. 90, Suite G2
Daphne
Sponsor: Swift Supply
Joint Business After Hours & Young Professionals Social
BancorpSouth - Spanish Fort
30585 State Highway 225
Spanish Fort
Thursday, December 7
5 p.m.
Please bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots
Morning Marketing Meeting
Thursday, December 21
8 a.m.
Dickey’s BBQ
6882 Hwy. 90, Suite G2
Daphne
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Coming this Holiday Shopping Season!
Meet the Eastern Shore Elf! He's been scouting out local stores in Daphne, Fairhope & Spanish Fort to visit this holiday shopping season. He's spreading Christmas cheer and supporting the initiative to shop small with silly fun, deals & giveaways.
Make sure to follow the
Eastern Shore Chamber on Facebook to see where he'll be each day. If you guess where he's going next or stop in and take a selfie with him and post it, you'll be entered for a chance to win one of two gift baskets with prizes from all 30 participating retailers ($450 Value).
We would like to thank our local shop owners for the overwhelming support of our Eastern Shore Elf campaign. After just two days of its announcement, every retailer slot has been filled. We can't wait to start the fun!
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Leaders Exchange to New Orleans Inspires Innovation
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A group of 30 local business leaders joined the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce on a Leaders Exchange to New Orleans, Louisiana, October 22-24 to share ideas and identify ways our local partnerships can work together to help the Eastern Shore prosper. The group was made up of Chamber board members, Leaders Council members, elected officials and committee chairmen.
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Elected Officials Luncheon
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We had a very successful Elected Officials Luncheon with a sold out crowd at Fairhope Yacht Club October 11. Members had the opportunity to hear from elected officials from Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin County Board of Education, the Sheriff's Office, the Probate Court, Alabama House of Representatives, the Baldwin County Court System & US Representative Byrne's office.
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17th Annual Eastern Shore Foundation
Golf Tournament
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We had a beautiful day of golf for our 17th Annual Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation Golf Tournament. The tournament helps raise money for our two workforce development programs Youth Leadership and Student Training & Exploration. Money raised if vital to continue offering programming for our local high school students in an effort to expose them to career opportunities where they can thrive right here at home.
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2018 Eastern Shore Magazine
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The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Alliance Publishing, LLC will once again be publishing our Eastern Shore Magazine which includes our Chamber Membership Directory for the Eastern Shore.
As always, we are excited about this year’s magazine as we take every opportunity we can to highlight our Chamber members and showcase the amazing communities on the Eastern Shore. This is the official marketing piece for the entire Eastern Shore used for economic development, tourism and as a recruitment tool. 10,000 copies of the magazine are distributed to member businesses, hotels, medical offices & conferences. The magazine is also accessible online from the Eastern Shore Chamber website throughout the year.
As a Chamber member you have an opportunity to advertise in this annual magazine. Keith Lott will be contacting you soon regarding advertising opportunities.
If you have any questions, please call
Keith Lott with Alliance Publishing, LLC at 251.458.3707 or email him at
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The Family Center
Baldwin County
The Family Center cut the ribbon on their new Baldwin County location October 19. They are located at 22671 Highway 59 South in Robertsdale.
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Thomas Hospital
Freestanding Emergency Dept
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Thomas Hospital’s new Freestanding Emergency Department in Malbis is now open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce helped Thomas Hospital celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting October 12.
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Portico Eastern Shore Magazine
The Miracle League of Coastal Alabama, Inc.
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September Ambassadors of the Month: Samantha Coppels
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Samantha Coppels
Daphne Utilities
900 Daphne Avenue, Daphne
(251) 338-7514
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September Ambassadors of the Month: Diane Siefert
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Diane Siefert
Wor(l)d - HELO Wearable Health and Fitness Bands
(251) 709-0423
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Official Ambassadors Sponsor:
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