SBCC 2022, ISSUE 2

L I V E , S H O P, & P L AY
LIKE A LOCAL

SBouth aldwinCHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2022 edition issue 2 M A R C H /A P R I L

Featuring

ISLAND AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC.

THE NEWSLETTER

PROVIDING INFORMATION, SERVICES, LEADERSHIP AND VISION

P. O. Box 1117 | Foley, Alabama 36535 | 251.943.3291 | www.southbaldwinchamber.com

On The Co r

One of Mark Twain’s best known quotes is, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything
about it.” And, while Island Air Conditioning and Heating can’t control the weather outside of your home, they
can help you make sure the inside of your home is a comfortable haven from the outdoor elements.

For more than twenty years, owners Rob and Ginny Barnas and Mickey Cornell and the great team at Island Air
have provided South Baldwin County homeowners and businesses with the very best in indoor comfort solutions.
As technology improves, so does their ability to improve the quality of their customers’ lives. High ef ciency, envi-
ronmentally friendly home comfort systems as well as state of the art indoor air quality solutions are Island Air’s
speciality, and these products and services make your home or your business not only energy ef cient, but also
provides you with cleaner air to breathe.

As a locally, family owned business, Island Air is invested in the community. The homes and businesses they
provide services for are the same people they look to when they need products and services.

Thanks to the wonderful people of South Baldwin, Island Air has been successful in providing not only top qual-
ity service, but also gainful employment for dozens of local residents. Their promise is to always offer their services
at a fair price, and always do what is right with a courteous, professional attitude. ■

New Location Announ ment

South Baldwin County has become a callislandair.com | (251) 943-4709
booming area in the last few years, and
even with the pandemic challenges of
the past couple of years, Island Air
Conditioning and Heating, would rather
not be anyplace else!

The response from South Baldwin has
been remarkable, and with Island Air’s
commitment to providing a much
needed service at a fair price, combined
with their promise of honesty and cour-
teous service, they’ve continued to
grow.

We’re proud to announce the ongo-
ing construction of our new of ces In
Foley. It is the people of South Baldwin
County that have supported us over the
years, and we thank you for the oppor-
tunity to be of service to you. ■

1 | Your Partner in Business

ecevif



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Chest Pain?
Severe Abdominal Pain?
High Fever?

THEY’RE CALLED

EMERGENCIES

FOR A REASON.

Symptoms of a medical emergency need quick treatment.
And in some cases, fast care can be life saving. So don’t
delay or be afraid to get help if you need it.
We’ve implemented strict safety standards so that you can
come to us confidently – knowing we are providing a safe
place with quality care.

There’s a good reason to get to a hospital fast in an
emergency – your life could depend on it.

SouthBaldwinRMC.com

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

|2

THE SOUTH BALDWIN CHAMBER’S

LARGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR

Fole y, alabama

T he South Baldwin Chamber of In January, the Chamber and festival
Commerce is currently prepping for its committee announced the winner of the
biggest event of the year… The 18th poster contest. This artwork is used for
Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon not only the official poster of the year,
Festival scheduled for May 12–14, 2022. but also for t-shirts, and this year a
This will be the second year at its new special lapel pin will be available. Our
location on the grounds at OWA Parks & 2022 winner is Tara McMeans with
Resort in Foley and is predicted to be the Design Print Promote in Gulf Shores. Tara
largest one yet. The Alabama Tourism has submitted many of her designs over
Department awarded the festival “Event of the history of the festival and has won five
the Year” for 2021; it is estimated that 120+k
guests attended last May. The people of Baldwin different years. Festival merchandise is always a
County also voted the balloon fest “BEST Event hot item and it’s expected that this year’s will sell out.
Entertainment” in Gulf Coast Media’s “Best of Baldwin” The presenting sponsor, Wolf Bay Restaurants, was also
contest. announced in January and has been a staple in South
Baldwin Community since 1973; a regular fixture at the
Bringing businesses and the community together has balloon festivals catering to VIP guests. Wolf Bay
always been an important objective of the South Baldwin Restaurants has been a member of the South Baldwin
Chamber. From morning AM Connections, to afternoon Chamber since 2010 under the ownership of Charlene
Leadership Series luncheons, and early evening Business Haber (2020-2021 SBCC Chairman of the Board). The many
After Hours events for chamber members, meetups are sponsors, and key partnerships with OWA Parks & Resort
scheduled throughout the year to keep business owners and and the City of Foley are essential to the success of the
local leadership informed and connected. Other community three-day event.
events like the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in May, In the months leading up to the festival, balloon pilots
BBQ & Blues Cook Off in March, and Chicago Street Supper are contacted and invites to bring their beautiful hot air
Club in October, along with sporting events that include balloons to the events are made. Corporate and
golfing tournaments and the Magnolia Run in November, promotional vendors along with arts & crafts and food
the South Baldwin Chamber continues to support local vendors can also register during this time. This year the
businesses and brings local residents and visitors alike vendor slots sold out in record time; vendors are
together. encouraged to sign up early and have their business license
current.
“Our dedicated teams at the Chamber and Gateway In March, two months prior to the festival, a press release
Initiative strive to uplift not only our members and investors was shared with the public announcing three 'special shape'
but all local small business owners and the citizens who are hot air balloons that will be onsite. To date, a record-setting
the heartbeat of South Baldwin," said Donna Watts, total of 58 hot air balloons will be at the 2022 Gulf Coast
President/CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber. "We love Hot Air Balloon Festival.
what we do and appreciate the partnership with our To all those planning to attend this year, make sure to
municipalities, local organizations, and our invaluable follow the festival’s social media channels. You’ll find the
volunteers who work with us year after year.” most up-to-date information there. (And don’t forget – all
hot air balloon flights, glows, and tethered rides are weather
Planning for the balloon festival takes almost eleven dependent – this is one thing that is all in the hands of
months out of the year. Before announcing the 2022 festival mother nature.)
dates in September, the committee members have already It’s going to be an exciting
been selected, meetings have taken place, marketing and year, to say the least! ■
social media plans discussed, sponsorships and partners are
being lined up, and requests for volunteers have been sent.

3 | Your Partner in Business

SPOTLIGHTTHE SOUTH BALDWIN CHAMBER’S

☎ BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
︎
☎︎ March

BENSON'S APPLIANCE CENTER  located in Foley, Alabama,
has been serving residents and businesses in the Baldwin
County area since 1973. As the largest appliance store in
Baldwin County,  Benson’s Appliance Center  carries the latest
appliances and offers a huge selection to choose from;
including refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers,
and more, in their spacious showroom. Specializing in service, sales, and repair of all major brands of
appliances, their technicians are highly trained professionals that get the job done. Benson's Appliance
Center is family-owned and operated with a reputation based on quality, speedy service, and affordability.
"Our team is friendly and willing to take the time to discuss the details of what you need for your home.
Whether you want to stop by to learn more, or plan to purchase a major appliance or mattress, we’ll treat you
like family and assist you every step of the way." 

w w w. b e n s o n a p p l i a n c e . c o m / | ( 2 5 1 ) 9 4 3 - 5 0 9 6

April

LIVE OAK VILLAGE, located in Foley,
Alabama, is situated on approximately 200
acres covered with beautiful large oaks and near
medical, business, and shopping services. Voted Best Retirement Community as part of Gulf Coast Media's
Best of Baldwin 2022, it is a premier senior living community designed to foster independence and wellness.
The community affords a vibrant lifestyle filled with beauty, comfort, and convenience allowing residents to
design every day of their retirement. With several floor plans to choose from, Live Oak Village also
accommodates a variety of lifestyles and activity levels by offering Homeownership, Independent Living Villas
and Apartments, Assisted Living, and Respite Care. Live Oak Village is owned and operated by Community
Senior Life, a non-profit committed to the continuum of care for seniors. Their care is tailored to each
resident’s needs and desires – "We want to help you or your loved one experience the retirement they crave
and deserve.” Stop by for a tour and see the difference today!

w w w. l i v e o a k a l . c o m | ( 2 5 1 ) 9 4 3 - 6 7 3 3

|4

JAEnrichment Adventures! The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation
was formed in 2003 from the South Baldwin
Chamber of Commerce to enhance the
lives of the students in our community.
We are a non-profit, independent
charitable foundation that serves
Elberta, Foley, Summerdale,
Magnolia Springs, Bon
Secour, Lillian, and
Josephine in Baldwin
County, Alabama.

SBCF JUNIOR AMBASSADORS
HEALTH DAY

Junior Ambassadors OWA PARKS & RESORT
is a youth leadership FINANCIAL LITERACY DAY
program tailored to
assist high school juniors
in identifying personal
leadership potential
through exposure to
economic development

opportunities,
government awareness,

environmental
stewardship, and civic
engagement through

community
service. Since 1998,
more than 300 students
have completed the

program.

5 | Your Partner in Business

Local NEWS TO SHARE
ABOUT PEOPLE

LOCALYOU KNOW
Margaret Roley named CEO at See news article:
bit.ly/3LJRmB8
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
Margaret Roley, who has served as interim CEO since the beginning of January, has been
named chief executive of cer at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center effective
immediately.
Roley has led hospital initiatives at SBRMC since 2006, leading the medical center to
maintaining an “A: Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade and CMS four-star rating.

“South Baldwin Regional Medical Center has a strong commitment to serving the community
“with pride and compassion,” Roley said. “I look forward to continuing my working
See news article:
relationships with the board of trustees, physicians, employees and volunteers to build on thebit.ly/37jBsFL
high-quality healthcare, exceptional patient experiences and strong employee engagement in our

community’s hospital.”
Scott B. Fuller of the Gulf Shores International Airport

inducted into Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry

S cott B. Fuller, director of the Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA) at Jack Edwards Field,
has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. Individuals profiled are selected on the basis of
current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and
prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

During his tenure as the airport authority manager, Fuller secured over $16 million in federal
funding for airport improvements and secured another $20 million in private funding for new air
service terminal and parking facilities. He also worked with the U.S. Congress to reestablish
construction of new towers to allow for the first Federal Aviation Administration-funded tower in
the nation under the new program.

Casey Buckner named LAYP of the Year See news article:
bit.ly/36XhxW0

T he South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber
collaborated to form the Lower Alabama Young Professionals. The LA Young Professionals are
comprised of professionals ranging from 21-40 years of age; they work in different industries
and many have found their way to lower Alabama from other parts of the country.

“I’m honored to be named the Lower Alabama Young Professional for 2021! We have a fantastic
group of young leaders that are committed to serving the community and having fun while
doing it. 2021 was a very momentous year for the YPs as we put on numerous educational,

social, and philanthropical events. I have the honor of serving as the Philanthropy Chairman
along-side some of the greatest Young Professionals that will one day be the leaders of our

businesses and communities. We welcome anyone that is interested in getting involved to reach
out and join this great group as we make a difference in our community!“

|6




if

Gateway I N T H E N E W S
ATEWAY INITIATIV
Workforce in Baldwin Co. Facing Housing Shortage Due to
28.MAR.22 • NBC15 news | by James Gordon Skyrocketing Real Estate Costs

S kyrocketing real estate costs are limiting the options for some people hunting for that "sweet spot" of home
values and job opportunity. Few communities have both affordable housing and a strong job market. Long
term the South Baldwin Regional Workforce Development Authority is working on $ 200 million workforce
campus, complete with housing and classrooms in Foley, but that's in the future.

Ed Bushaw with the Workforce Alliance says short term issues like child care and transportation are top
priorities for this season, especially for people who work late and deal with long commutes.

““The Biden administration has put a lot of money into child care and we are working with Gulf
Regional Early Childhood Services on some new opportunities for existing child care providers to
expand. We have been working with Enterprise, [Enterprise Rental Car] on a van pooling system that
actually going to be piloted by a few of our businesses on the island very soon where they basically
provide a vehicle to a cohort of employees who work the same schedule,” said Bushaw
READ ONLINE: https://bit.ly/3uVnbc15

Baldwin County Workforce Development Campus Gets Support From USA

21.MAR.22 • NBC15 News | by James Gordon

A proposed $200 million Workforce Development Campus in Baldwin County is still in the works. The
South Baldwin Regional Workforce Development Authority, which oversees the concept now has a
letter of support from the University of South Alabama and its President Jo Bonner for USA to be the
educational component of the project.

Tourism officials and the local chambers of commerce have pushed the concept to help with housing and
child care for hundreds of employees needed to keep Foley and beach businesses operating smoothly.

Q“1 NEWSLETTER“They have agreed that when this campus comes to fruition they will offer not only programs in
hospitality and tourism but also early childhood development and other business programs that would
support the community. The impetus behind this campus is to bring people here that are currently not
here so they have a place to live, a place to train, and the reason we call it a campus is because we will
have two and four-year programs and a university that has agreed to be here," said Bushaw.”
READ ONLINE: https://bit.ly/3Jnbc15

NOW ONLINE

Check out the Gateway Initiative Q1 Newsletter with updates on the South
Baldwin Workforce Campus, Wage & Benefits Survey Results, Enterprise Van

Pooling Program, Apprenticeships, Gateway Training Academy and more!

https://bit.ly/2022Q1GW

7 | Your Partner in Business

THE GATEWAY INITIATIVE

PREMIER TRAINING,
APPRENTICESHIPS, AND MORE

G at e way I n i t i at i v e . c o m

MAR/APR 2022 | The Gateway Team

GATEWAY TO CAREER CONNECTION G ateway is working with
JOB BOARD IS NOW ACTIVE YellowHammer IT to create
Gateway to Career Connection, a
FOR LOCALS BY LOCALS job board specifically targeting
our south Baldwin County area.
Thank you to our TOP INVESTORS for your Local businesses will be able to
partnership, leadership, active participation and cut through the noise of big-name
job posting sites and be able to
support in the Gateway Initiative. target individuals in south Baldwin
County so the businesses looking
for new hires are right at the
forefront. With this website locals
are also able to seek out positions
right in their backyard and won’t
have to be bogged down by the
never-ending list of open
positions around the country.
Narrowing your options down to
what’s around you means less
time searching and more time
finding a job that fits your needs.
Gateway to Career Connection is
launching the first week of April
and will be here just in time for
busy season! We hope to ease the
burden of the current workforce
shortage our area is facing. Stay
tuned for the release and please
utilize this job board to post your
open positions. We are also
marketing this not only in the
community but to our local high
school students, veterans, local
career centers, and the
unemployment office. ■

|8

South Baldwin chamber members . . .

take advantage and save with our

BUSINESS SAVINGS PROGRAM

Pay less for what you need the most! Making copies and printing projects is
part of daily life for most businesses. When you’re part of our chamber program
from Office Depot and OfficeMax, you’ll enjoy special pricing on essential services
like ⇢ Up to 40% off Copy and Print services; 40% off finishing services. All you
have to do is sign up with us to access the savings!

Office Depot®  and the South Baldwin Chamber have partnered to provide
exclusive benefits and savings to its members. You can save on every purchase
as part of your business savings program.  

VISIT: http://bit.ly/SaveAtOD — sign up and SAVE!

EXTRAIsaNewBreedofCEORequiredtoLeadinaPost-
Extra NEWS YOU CAN USEF R O M T H E W E B

3 Strategies for Holding Yourself Accountable

COVID World? ~People Matters | APR 2022 ~ Harvard Business Review | FEB 2022

F uture chief executive officers (CEOs) will require a At the beginning of your career, you were bright-eyed
number of extra skills to successfully manage both and bushy-tailed. You asked for help and soaked
themselves and their organizations. CEOs are under up the wisdom of your mentors and managers to climb
significant pressure at the best of times. From managing the mountain. But once you experienced success, you
shareholder expectations, navigating constant change found yourself scared to look down. After all, it’s
and staying ahead of the competition, through to finding intimidating at the top, when you think of everything
and retaining great talent, managing sizable workloads you could lose.[…]
and staying ahead of ever-present and emerging risks,
the modern-day CEO has their fair share of work cut out And the more successful you become, the less
for them. accountability you have. It’s not that you aren’t
responsible to anyone; it’s that your goals become a lot
However, the stress on CEOs has been significant from more subjective: Lead the legal team, run the company,
the outset of the COVID pandemic, from the initial shock manage a department. At the same time, your calendar
of stock markets around the world tanking, through to the starts filling up with stuff you “have to do” as opposed
need to help and support employees through everything to things you should be doing. […]
that has followed over the past two years […]
This combination of reduced accountability, a long list
““Some CEOs have become very adept at virtual of to-dos, and fear of looking incompetent usually
communications and have even learned how to make creates a career plateau. When we stop working on our
TikTok clips with quick, snappy, inspiring individual skills, we stop growing. It’s as simple as that.
communications,” To break out of this success trap, you have to create a
(Read online: https://bit.ly/3r8N2U5) higher level of accountability so that your actions don’t
depend on willpower alone.
Strategies to Achieve a Balance Between Passion and
Here are three ways to get started:
Personal Growth ~ Entrepreneur | MAR 2022 1. Enlist an accountability partner.
2. Go public in declaring and sharing goals.
T o be a successful entrepreneur means you have to be 3. Change your environment.
an optimist. Look no further than the fact that 5.4
million new business applications were filed in 2021. The root cause of career plateaus is often the
Amid a stubborn pandemic, that was the most of any year underlying fear that accompanies success.
on record and a 53 % increase over 2019, according to
Economic Innovation Group. (Read online: https://hbr.org/2022/02/3-strategies-for-
holding-yourself-accountable)
You need to believe in your vision and believe you can
do what it takes to make that vision a success. That belief States Whose Unemployment Claims Are Recovering
is what drives you. It’s what gets you up in the morning
and what keeps you working hard all day. It’s also this the Quickest | MAR 2022
kind of can-do attitude that convinces others you’re worth
investing in and working with. T he U.S. is making significant progress in the fight
against COVID-19 with the distribution of the vaccine
It really is possible to work hard and still take care of and boosters, and this has been reflected in the job
yourself and your relationships. Success in business market, despite new unemployment claims increasing
doesn’t have to mean failure in your personal life. You just slightly week-over-week on March 21. Alabama was
need the right strategies to help you do it. #10 on the list.

(Read online: entrepreneur.com/article/420628) (Read online: https://wallethub.com/edu/states-
unemployment-claims/72730)

| 10

SPEAKER: Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth APRIL 18 • 4pM-5PM
PRESENTING SPONSOR: VULCAN, INC. Magnolia Landscaping Supply
PRESENTING SPONSOR: RJ’s Seamless
FOLEY CIVIC CENTER
Gutters, Inc.

APRIL 20 • 8:30AM-9:30AM 5 pm - 7 pm
Foley public library APRIL 28 • Bancorpsouth, foley
May 23 • Live Oak Village, Foley
2nd floor meeting room

APPLY NOW

A: P. O. Box 1117, Foley AL 36535
P: 251-943-1036

E: [email protected]