SBCC JAN 2021

L I V E , S H O P, & P L AY L I K E A LO C A L | J A N 2 0 2 1

SouBth aldwin
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Featuring FOLEY CAMPUS

Coastal Alabama Community College

THE NEWSLETTER

PROVIDING INFORMATION, SERVICES, LEADERSHIP AND VISION

19812 Underwood Road | Foley, Alabama 36535 | 251.943.3291 | www.southbaldwinchamber.com

BALDWIN COUNTY
LEADING THE STATE IN TALENT ATTRACTION
JANUARY 2021 | by Dr. Josh Duplantis

Feature: Coastal Alabama If we want to get technical, every Coastal Alabama Community College
Community Co ege - Foley year goes into the history books. grants those postsecondary certificates
2020 went into those history books and as a Department of Labor
To enhance workforce training in with a bang, especially in Southwest Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, we
south Baldwin County through a Alabama. After enduring a global pan- facilitate apprenticeship.
unique one-stop workforce center–– demic, a tense presidential election, our Educational Attainment is a critical
the Baldwin Center for Business De- resilience was again tested by hurricanes. data point, often examined by compa-
velopment (BCBD). In its current form, With all the change and uncertainty, one nies and consultants before the commu-
the BCBD is a 36,000+ sq. ft. building of the best ways to move forward is by nity is aware they are under considera-
in an opportunity zone in Foley, Al- understanding where we stood when the tion. Concerning educational attainment,
abama. Coastal Alabama Community pandemic disrupted our communities 19.9% of Baldwin County residents pos-
College in partnership with the Gate- and local economies. sess a bachelor’s degree (0.8% above the
way Initiative created the technical The Talent Attraction Scorecard national average), and 8.8% hold an as-
training programs in the BCBD, includ- assesses the number one priority for sociate degree (0.6% above the national
ing innovative ways to display and as- regions: the attraction and development average). The chart below represents our
sess skills, making it a model one-stop of a skilled workforce which has become residents that we can help get to the
in the Southeast U.S. It is important to the most important factor in economic next level. The adult education program
note that the development of this train- development. currently has programs addressing this
ing center is happening in one of the EMSI Talent Attraction Index uses the issue in every part of the County.
most vulnerable counties in the country most currently available data on popula-
to pandemic job loss as identified tion and migration, growth of jobs and
through COVID-19.  % of population population
  Coastal occupies approximately
4,600 sq. ft. inside the building; two skilled workers, regional competitive- less than 9th grade
classrooms, flexible lab space, two fac-
ulty offices, a learning resources area ness, and education attainment to de- 3.5% 5,747
equipped with digital and print materi- termine whether communities are mov-
als and a private testing area. Each ing in the right direction in growing their 9th to 12th grade
classroom seats roughly 20 students talent pool. This year’s scorecard ranked
and are equipped with digital Baldwin County as the highest ranked in
Promethean boards and other basic Alabama. This metric is based on 6 core 7.0% 11,370
classroom supplies. Coastal also occu- metrics:
pies an additional (approx.) 2,400 sq. ft. high school diploma
lab space for technical training courses.
Currently, the space holds specialized • Net Migration 27.8% 45,369
equipment necessary to teach technical • Skilled Job Growth 36,770
courses like IET 114. Upon approval for • Regional Competitiveness some college
over 49% of the program, additional • Overall Job Growth
technical training devices will be • Educational Attainment 22.5%
brought in to support instruction. • Annual Openings per capita
  According to EMSI data, the South
Baldwin area is the most populated Coastal Alabama is at the core of As a community, we must continue
area of the coastal Alabama footprint. skilled job growth which looks at the the work of helping our residents climb
There are over 3,700 participants within 2015–2019 percent growth for the educational ladder, transitioning
20 miles of the facility without a high occupations that fall into one or more of those without a GED to a completer,
school diploma (EMSI, 2020). This rep- the following three categories: those that helping those “high school” and “some
resents nearly 20% of the non-GED typically require college” residents’ access and complete
completers in coastal Alabama’s large those credentials and Associate’s degree.
geographic footprint. The college can 1) a postsecondary certificate or above,
now provide services in proximity to 2) long-term on-the-job training, an At Coast Alabama Community
this entire service region.  College, we have the expert instructors,
apprenticeship, or residency/ facilities and materials –– Reach out
For many, transportation is a limiting internship, or today to find out how you can partner
factor. This physical space allows with us to impact our local community
Coastal to provide services to the 3) five years or more of work members, keeping students engaged
emerging workforce along with transi- and getting them to the finish line. ▪︎
tioning and incumbent workers. The experience in a related occupation.
lab space will provide a tremendous
opportunity to offer programs that re-
quire hands-on learning in a market
that desperately needs workplace skills.

2 | Your Partner in Business










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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Ram Tail is a leading provider of cable rail
designs that are well-known to provide both
durability and beauty compared to
traditional handrails. Since 2014, Ram Tail
products have helped both residential
and commercial customers enhance the
appeal of outdoor areas, including decks, balconies, gardens, and walkways. For many years, hotels, malls, and
airports have utilized cable rail designs like Ram Tail produces because of their understated design, low
maintenance, durability, and affordability.  Not only does it yield an aesthetically pleasing design, but also it
provides an unobstructed view and its easy installation only adds to its long-term value that can’t be beaten by
any other material. Contact Ram Tail today to discuss your cable rail design needs or questions!
Directory: https://bit.ly/ramtail | Facebook | (251) 943-4675

Demand for workers in the
construction industry has never
been higher. But how do you
stand out in a crowded field?
With a credential that matters.
Earn your NCCER certification
and demonstrate to potential

employers that you have the
skills and are serious about your
career. Contact us today to learn

more about the NCCER
certification for trade crafts.
Classes start February 1, 2021.

Visit coastalalabama.edu/
Or call 251.580.2188
for more information!

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BALDWIN CENTER FOR JANUARY 2021
| by Ed Bushaw

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Growing Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

Amajor objective of the Gateway Initiative is to col- reer path that includes obtaining an industry-recognized
laborate with educational partners to better credential and a postsecondary certificate or degree - all
reach students not on a university career path to with little or no student debt.  “Another opportunity that
inform and educate on opportunities in techni- we are heavily involved in is providing opportunities for
cal and skilled work opportunities connecting those stu- work-based, paid learning as part of a student’s educa-
dents with actual jobs in our community. tion” says Ed Bushaw of the Gateway team.

When this objective was set no one dreamed that to- According to Sally Westendorf, “the Gateway Team
day the Gateway team along with the staff of two cham- works diligently to establish sustained interactions for
bers of commerce would live on the same campus as students with industry professionals in a real workplace
Coastal Alabama Community College promoting and setting. This fosters first-hand experience with real tasks
offering technical training in the fields of construction, required for careers found right here in South Baldwin
health care, HVAC, and marine with classes set to begin County. This way, we’re all able to align high school and
this February. community college curriculum with local jobs”. 

Gateway assessments of South Baldwin businesses Coastal’s programs in Construction, Healthcare,
have indicated a need for a new type of skill set for job HVAC, and Marine are being offered to satisfy fields that
candidates.  This talent mix requires knowledge and skills are having a difficult time finding skilled labor and repre-
acquired from both academic and technical training.  But sent career paths that offer individuals the opportunity to
who decides on what the technical training looks like?  In earn a sustainable-living wage. Having the college
the past, it was difficult for businesses to articulate need- housed with chambers of commerce and the gateway
ed skills sets to educators.  Today, the Gateway team team provides a seamless partnership around local and
bridges that gap by bringing business and education to- regional economic and workforce needs.  Coming to-
gether to determine what academic and technical skills gether to find solutions to jointly-identified challenges
are needed for a successful career in South Baldwin and using combined resources is the key to sustained
County.  The goal is to set students on an education/ca- success. ▪︎

4 | 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

Sign up for Auburn's Organizational
Management class series. Take a look

on our website to learn more!

What does the Gateway Initiative do for Baldwin County?

A few of our friends wanted to share
how the work Gateway Initiative
does has impacted the work they
do, and our community.
See the video on our website!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER || #WORKFORCEWEDNESDAY

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Pledge: The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING |5
PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. The South Baldwin Chamber will take
affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

ABSTRACTS OF TITLE • TITLE INSURANCE
AGENTS FOR LAWYERS TITLE INSURANCE CORPORATION

112 N. Hoyle Avenue 2690 S. McKenzie Street Suite 102 8549 County Road 64
Bay Minette, AL 36507 Foley, Alabama 36535 Daphne, Alabama 36526
251 943 1551
251 937 5566 251 626 2518

SERVING ALL OF BALDWIN COUNTY SINCE 1909

BAY MINETTE • DAPHNE • FOLEY

6 | Your Partner in Business


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CONGRATULATIONS TO
ALEXIS WILLIS AND ALL OUR
2021 NEW MEMBERS

Warren Averett, one of the largest public accounting and business
consulting firms in the Southeast, is pleased to announce the promotion
of seven exemplary professionals to Members of the Firm.

ALEXIS JOSHUA JARED HEATHER CLAIBORNE BARRY VAN
WILLIS BOWEN KOECHNER LOCKLAR MORRIS PRIM TREFETHEN

CPA CPA, CGMA, CPA JD CPA MBA CPA
CAMS
Tax, Tax, Estate, Tax, Asset Management, Tax,
Foley Audit, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Montgomery Birmingham
Montgomery

YOU CAN VISIT ALEXIS IN OUR NEW FOLEY OFFICE!

Our new address is: N McKenzie Street
112 W Laurel Avenue | Foley, AL 36535
Alston Street

US98 (Laurel Avenue)

Alabama | Florida | Georgia | warrenaverett.com/newmembers

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sponsored by
Alabama Credit Union
February 11 • 8:30-9:30

presented by Riverview Turf
March 13

A: 19812 Underwood Road
P: 251-943-1036

E: [email protected]