South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Leadership Series Welcomed Beth Gendler, President & CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

FOLEY, AL – November 13, 2025 – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosted another impactful Leadership Series luncheon at the Foley Civic Center, featuring guest speaker Beth Gendler, President & CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Presented by Vulcan Inc., the event brought together Chamber members and community partners for an in-depth look at tourism trends and the economic outlook for Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Gendler shared highlights from her “Facts, Figures & Forecast” presentation, offering valuable insight into the continued growth and evolving landscape of Coastal Alabama’s tourism economy. She noted that the organization remains focused on promoting Alabama’s beaches as a year-round destination, an approach that supports a more stable workforce, extends business activity beyond the traditional peak season, and enhances overall quality of life for residents.

Her presentation covered key data points on visitor spending, lodging performance, seasonal patterns, sports and meeting travel, and the economic ripple effect that benefits local businesses across Baldwin County. Gendler also emphasized long-term sustainability, discussing strategies to balance visitor demand with community impact, preserve natural resources, and guide thoughtful growth. A guiding theme of her message echoed one of her core philosophies: “If you build a place where people want to visit, you will have built a place where people want to live and where businesses want to be.”

As part of the Chamber’s initiative to highlight nonprofit partners, South Baldwin Literacy Council and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama attended the luncheon to share information about their programs and community impact.

While no students were in attendance at this month’s event, the Chamber extends its appreciation to Educational Enrichment sponsor, Warren Averett, for their continued support of student participation throughout the Leadership Series.

The South Baldwin Chamber’s Leadership Series continues to serve as an invaluable forum for business leaders, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to connect, learn, and engage with the issues shaping South Baldwin’s future.

Get tickets for our next Leadership Series Event

See the flickr photo album