News
South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Announces Membership Director Job Opening as Frank Shepard Accepts New Role with the City of Foley
Foley, Ala. — The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the position of Membership Director, a key leadership role responsible for building strong relationships with Chamber members, investors, and community partners. This opening follows the announcement that current Membership Director Frank Shepard has accepted a new opportunity to serve as Economic Development Manager for the City of Foley. Frank has been an invaluable member of the Chamber team,
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
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Business After Hours: November 2025 Recap
Hosted by Alabama Credit Union – Foley, Alabama The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a beautiful fall evening outdoors for our November Business After Hours, hosted by Alabama Credit Union at their Foley branch. Guests gathered under the open-air tent, surrounded by string lights, music, and friendly conversation — the perfect atmosphere for connecting and unwinding after a workday. A delicious spread was provided by Naman's Catering, while Alabama Credit Union kept glasses filled with
South Baldwin Chamber Announces 2025 Magnolia Run Beneficiary: Sea Glass Initiative
Magnolia Springs, Ala. — The South Baldwin Chamber is proud to announce Sea Glass Initiative as the selected nonprofit beneficiary of the 2025 Magnolia Run, held on November 8 in Magnolia Springs. Each year, the Magnolia Run donates a portion of event proceeds to a local nonprofit Chamber member, continuing a tradition of supporting organizations that make a lasting impact in Baldwin County. This year’s contribution supports the mission of Sea Glass Initiative, whose work centers on “Empowering
South Baldwin Chamber Celebrates Dedicated Diplomats Completing Their Terms
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the dedicated volunteers who have completed their three-year terms in the Chamber’s Diplomat Program—an elite group of leaders who play a vital role in strengthening member engagement, supporting Chamber operations, and fostering a welcoming, connected business community. Proudly presented by Rogue Pest Solutions of the Gulf Coast, the Diplomat Program is made up of standout volunteers who give their time, leadership, and enthusiasm to the
Membership Renewal Spotlight!
Thank You for Standing With Us Please join us in recognizing the businesses and professionals who have renewed their investment in the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Your support plays a key role in our ability to connect, advocate, and lead on behalf of our thriving business community. This month, we celebrate the following renewing members and honor the number of years they’ve partnered with the South Baldwin Chamber: Townsley Family Dentistry – 35 yearsOne Life Chiropractic – 34 yearsMagnolia
Steps, Smiles & Sunshine: Magnolia Run 2025 Brings Community Together in Magnolia Springs
November 8, 2025 | Magnolia Springs, AL — On a beautiful morning in Magnolia Springs, the streets came alive as nearly 300 runners, walkers, and their four-legged companions gathered for the 2025 Magnolia Run! From the first step off the starting line, the energy was contagious—friends, families, and neighbors cheered each other on as participants navigated the USATF-certified 5K course lined with majestic oak trees, blooming azaleas, and historic homes. Dozens of spirited runners also took part in the
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Business After Hours: October 2025 Recap
Hosted by Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores Craft Farms October’s Business After Hours brought together Chamber members and guests for a delightful evening of connection, hospitality, and live music at Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores. Nestled on the front edge of the Craft Farms golf resort and located just 3.5 miles north of the Gulf Shores beaches, the hotel offers spacious guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, and relaxed gathering spaces that are ideal for our networking events. Guests mingled while enjoying
An Elegant Evening Under the Lights: 2025 Chicago Street Supper Club a Resounding Success
Celebrating local flavor, community spirit, and Southern hospitality—A farm-to-table celebration! Foley, Ala. — The 2025 Chicago Street Supper Club Dinner, presented by The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, was another unforgettable evening of fine dining, wine pairings, and community connection in Downtown Foley. Held Friday, October 17, 2025, along Chicago Street at Heritage Park, guests enjoyed a perfect autumn evening beneath the lights, surrounded by elegant décor, delicious cuisine, and a warm,
SBCC Leadership Series Featured Rick Clark, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer of the Alabama Port Authority
FOLEY, AL – October 2025 – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosted its October Leadership Series luncheon at the Foley Civic Center, welcoming Rick Clark, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer of the Alabama Port Authority, as the featured guest speaker. Presented by Vulcan Inc., the luncheon brought business leaders together for a detailed look into the growth, modernization, and statewide economic influence of the Port of Mobile. Clark shared a compelling overview of the Port Authority’s
Here's to Elberta: Town Toast Celebrates Small-Town Spirit
October 9, 2025 | Elberta, AL — On a warm fall evening in Elberta, community members, business owners, and local leaders came together for the second gathering of the Town Toast event series, hosted at Oakley’s Wine Bar & Bistro. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Oakley’s set the perfect tone for an evening of conversation, connection, and celebration among neighbors who share a deep love for South Baldwin’s small-town way of life. Nestled just a few miles inland from the coast, Elberta is a town rich in
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Business After Hours: September 2025 Recap
Hosted by Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center – Summerdale The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce closed out another memorable Business After Hours in September—this time hosted by our valued members at the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center (BCCAC) in Summerdale. What made this event even more special was the story behind it: originally scheduled for Hunter’s Furniture, a Chamber member since 2019, the business graciously passed along their hosting opportunity to an organization they deeply
Steve Bailey Named 2025 Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year
Foley, AL – September 19, 2025 – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Steve Bailey as the 2025 Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year. Presented by Riviera Utilities, this prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate the true spirit of American free enterprise. Since 1976, the award has recognized leaders who embody innovation, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to their community.Steve Bailey accepting the 2025 Walton M. Vines Person of the Year award
SBCC Leadership Series Highlights Gulf Shores International Airport
FOLEY, AL – September 16, 2025 – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest Leadership Series luncheon at the Foley Civic Center, featuring an engaging presentation by Jesse Fosnaugh, A.A.E, ACE, MBA, Airport Director for Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF). The event, presented by Vulcan Inc. and catered by Down South BBQ, drew a strong crowd of business leaders, students, and community members eager to learn about the airport’s progress and regional impact. Mr. Fosnaugh delivered a
Breathe Easy: CPAP Plus Opens in Midtown Foley
Foley, AL - September 11, 2025 &##128205; 2434 S McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535See Photos & Videos Here! The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce gathered with local business leaders and community members to celebrate the ribbon cutting for CPAP Plus in Foley! Bringing advanced CPAP therapy, durable medical equipment and full patient support to a growing portion of Baldwin County, this Foley location will join locations in Dothan, Greenville, and Troy, all of which provide CPAP plus services, CPAP
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Home Sweet Home: Foley Pointe Subdivision Cuts a Ribbon in Foley
Foley, AL - September 11, 2025 &##128205; 18091 Kent Circle, Foley, AL 36535 See Photos & Videos Here! The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce gathered with local community members to cut a ribbon for Foley Pointe, a brand-new Maronda Homes neighborhood designed for modern living and coastal convenience. Located just 15 minutes from Alabama’s beautiful beaches, Foley Pointe offers residents the perfect balance of relaxed coastal living and access to the city’s vibrant dining, shopping, and
Business After Hours: Successful August Event with Trustmark Bank of Foley
FOLEY, AL — The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce another successful Business After Hours event, held in August and graciously hosted by Trustmark Bank of Foley. A valued Chamber member since 1998, Trustmark welcomed local business owners, professionals, and community leaders for an evening of networking, great food, and camaraderie. Guests enjoyed a delicious spread catered by LA BBQ & Company, creating the perfect atmosphere to connect and collaborate with fellow Chamber
Healthy on the Go: Agape Juices Expands to Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, AL - August 19, 2025 &##128205; 2104 E 2nd Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 See Photos & Videos Here! The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce gathered with local community members to celebrate the grand opening of Agape Juices Grab & Go in Gulf Shores! This expansion builds on the success of the original Foley location, which has been serving the community for the past eight years with fresh juices, smoothies, and healthier food options. Agape Juices offers a wide variety of nourishing
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert “Bubba” Lee
Community Leader. Business Champion. Friend. The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce joins our community and the state in mourning the loss of Robert W. “Bubba” Lee—a respected leader whose influence spanned business, civic service, and local pride. Bubba served as Chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber Board of Directors in 1993, bringing thoughtful leadership and a forward-thinking spirit to the organization. In 1999, he was recognized with the Chamber’sWalton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the
Business After Hours: July 2025 Recap Hosted by Pen Air Credit Union – Foley
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce was proud to host another successful Business After Hours in July, this time with our longtime Chamber members at Pen Air Credit Union in Foley. It was an enjoyable evening filled with great conversation, fantastic food, and a strong sense of community. Attendees were welcomed with warm hospitality and treated to a delicious meal catered by LA BBQ & Company, Inc., setting the stage for an evening of meaningful networking and new connections. Door prizes added a fun
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Raising a Glass to Community: Inaugural Town Toast Held in Magnolia Springs
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the successful launch of our brand-new community series, Town Toast—and what a wonderful beginning it was!See photos & videos here! On a warm Southern evening in Magnolia Springs, neighbors, business owners, and community leaders gathered for the inaugural Town Toast event, hosted at The Occasional Wife Estate Store, one of the Chamber’s newest members. The atmosphere was full of energy and hometown pride as attendees mingled, made new
June Business After Hours Recap: Hosted by Moyer Ford Sales
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce wrapped up another successful Business After Hours in June 2025—this time hosted by the wonderful team at Moyer Ford Sales in Foley. With a welcoming atmosphere, friendly faces, and great food, it was an evening to remember! Guests were treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Baumhower's Victory Grille - Foley, paired perfectly with cold drinks, lively conversation, and awesome door prizes. As always, our local business professionals showed up ready to
Using AI to Elevate Promotional Imagery for Modern Brands
In a world where attention is currency and scrolls are swift, visual content remains a primary conduit for first impressions. Whether for digital ads, email campaigns, or social media pushes, the need for compelling promotional images has never been more pressing. Yet the creative process—once tethered to long hours, design bottlenecks, and budget limitations—has undergone a seismic shift. Artificial intelligence, often caricatured as a sterile tool of automation, has evolved into a surprisingly nuanced
ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship Shares Updates at South Baldwin Chamber Leadership Series
As part of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing Leadership Series, members and guests recently welcomed Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Commissioner Chris Blankenship for an engaging and informative luncheon presentation. Commissioner Blankenship highlighted the vital connection between Alabama’s environmental health and its economic future. Emphasizing the theme that economic prosperity cannot exist without environmental prosperity, he outlined how the state
Patching the Cracks: How Smart Businesses Uncover and Reinforce Their Weakest Links
When a business starts to wobble, the cause isn’t usually some dramatic implosion. More often, the issue lies in overlooked details, everyday inefficiencies, and subtle cracks that widen over time. Recognizing and strengthening operational and financial vulnerabilities isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a survival skill. Rather than waiting for the warning signs to scream, businesses that stay proactive put systems in place that help them listen while the whispers are still faint. The Pain of Familiar
How Small Business Packaging Becomes Part of the Story
The thrill of opening something thoughtfully packed never really wears off. Maybe it’s the crackle of tissue paper or the way a label peels back cleanly, like someone meant for it to be savored. For small business owners, this moment is more than just logistics. It’s a quiet opportunity to speak directly to a customer, to reinforce the heart behind the brand without saying a word. When you get it right, packaging stops being just a shell—it becomes part of the experience. Let Texture Do the
Rebuilding Your Small Business: Fresh Strategies for a New Chapter
Running a small business is a little like sailing a boat—you adjust to the wind, weather unexpected storms, and sometimes, after a particularly rough patch, you find yourself needing to rebuild. Maybe you took a hit from an economic downturn, lost a key client, or had to pivot your model entirely. Whatever the reason, starting fresh isn’t just about survival; it’s about coming back stronger. So let’s talk about how to do that in a way that doesn’t just patch the holes but actually strengthens the entire
Leadership Series Luncheon Spotlights AI’s Impact on Alabama’s Economy
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s recent Leadership Series Luncheon featured an insightful presentation by Kai Gray, Executive Director of Lower Alabama AI, on the economic impact and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) in Alabama. Gray emphasized how AI is reshaping industries, driving efficiency, and creating new workforce demands.See Event Photos Here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC64GU Alabama currently ranks in the lower third of U.S. states for AI readiness, with a composite score of
Leadership Series Luncheon Highlights Baldwin Health Expansion and Alzheimer’s Advancements
At the February South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Leadership Series Luncheon presented by Vulcan, Inc., attendees received an impactful update from Baldwin Health on both facility expansion and major medical advancements. Baldwin Health CEO Margaret Roley shared the latest on the hospital’s multi-phase expansion project. The new patient tower includes a spacious and welcoming front lobby, operating rooms, endoscopy suites, postoperative care areas, and a dedicated Women’s and Children’s Unit. Additional
The Small Business Playbook for Digital Transformation
Let’s get real—digital transformation isn’t just a trendy phrase that big corporations throw around in shareholder meetings. If you’re running a small business, you already know that staying competitive means being nimble, adaptive, and, frankly, a little scrappy. But going digital doesn’t have to mean throwing money at shiny new tech or reinventing your entire operation overnight. It’s about smart, intentional shifts that make your business run smoother, keep customers engaged, and ultimately boost your
South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Partners with Excelerate America to Offer Exclusive Member Discounts
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Excelerate America to provide our members with exclusive discounts on office supplies, FedEx shipping services, and Dell products. This collaboration is designed to support our local businesses by reducing operational costs and enhancing access to essential services. Office Supplies Discounts Members can enjoy savings of up to 55% on over 400 items, including office supplies, furniture, cleaning, and breakroom
The Roadmap to Thriving in Competitive Markets
In the ever-evolving business landscape, growth is not merely an aspiration but a critical component of enduring success. Businesses, whether nascent or well-established, must adopt strategic methodologies to navigate the complexities of their respective markets. This article delves into various approaches that can significantly enhance business performance and sustainability. By focusing on organization, digital transformation, government support, social selling, supply chain partnerships,
Renovated 1925 Foley building becomes chamber office
May 24th, 2023 | City of Foley News FOLEY – A 97-year-old building that survived proposals to tear it down is now the office of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce after being donated to the organization by the city of Foley. The chamber held an open house Monday, May 22 to display the renovations made to the 5,600 square-foot building. The two-story Mission Revival style structure was built on North Alston Street in 1925. It was the Foley Masonic Lodge for about 50 years. In 2002, the city of Foley
