SBCC MAR 2021

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

outh

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SBaldwin

Featuring

RIVIERA UTILITIES

Serving South Baldwin County

THE NEWSLETTER

PROVIDING INFORMATION, SERVICES, LEADERSHIP AND VISION

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

4 QYOUUEWSTAINOTNTOSBTEOMAOSREKIYnOnUoRvSaEtLivFe

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Cover Feature: Riviera Utilities When it comes to business, it's important 18.FEB.21
Riviera Utilities Corporation to be on the brink of what's new. That a starts
with reviewing your innovation process. JORDAN ERSKINE
was formed in February 1929 inc.com
by Central States Edison
Most entrepreneurs have one thing to to solve problems or try something new
Company, owner of the former thank for their success: innovation. will be rewarded, even if the idea is not
Foley Light & Power Company.
Sherman F. Lemler, Riviera’s first Fresh, new ideas are always in demand in ultimately successful.

general manager and an the marketplace, but once you've grown Risk-friendly company culture starts
employee of Central States
Edison, was sent to Foley on your business to a certain point, it can be from the top. Listen when team members
January 16, 1931 to assist in
developing a more effective hard to remain agile and continue to speak. Leave the phone and other de-
lightning protection method, an
assignment projected to take grow and change ahead of competitors. vices on the desk when making the
three months. Lemler enjoyed
Baldwin County so well, from the Forcing innovation almost never works. rounds or taking meetings, so you aren't
climate to the people, that he was
given the choice to return to Reacting to a situation in which innova- tempted to be distracted. Follow up on
Oklahoma, but chose to stay and
make Baldwin County and Foley tion is needed instantly is stressful and ideas and conversations. […]

his permanent home. tends to yield ideas that are easy to im- 2. What problems do my employees
In July 1941, the town council of
Foley negotiated and purchased plement, instead of truly innovative. And face on a daily basis?
Riviera Utilities Corporation and
Baldwin County Electric Light and brainstorming is often unsuccessful be- Very often, we tend to focus on the

Power Company. cause groups begin to conform to each outside world when looking for innovative
Today, Riviera Utilities, whose
main office is located in Foley, is other. ideas. But the truth is, as a company, you
responsible for providing electric,
water, wastewater, natural gas Instead of flash periods of innovation, are probably best equipped to solve the
services, cable TV service and
perhaps a review of the innovative problems you face in the course of doing
internet services within the
corporate limits of Foley. The process is in order. Here are some ques- business. Evaluate problem spots in your
company also has a branch office
in Daphne, assisting customers tions to ask to evaluate how your organi- processes: Where could you be more effi-
and providing electrical service to
Daphne, Point Clear, Spanish Fort, zation is innovating, and identify areas for cient? What software or tools would help
and portions of Fairhope. Riviera
improvement. your team overcome frustrations? Odds
Utilities also serves other
municipalities which includes Bon are, other businesses have some of the

Secour, Elberta, Gulf Shores, same issues that your employees face.
Lillian, Loxley, Magnolia Springs,
If you can stay ahead of your own prob-
Robertsdale, and Summerdale.
Riviera Utilities operates under a lems, odds are good that you'll stay

CEO with policies set by a five- ahead of your competitors, as well. Plus,
member board of directors.
you may very well find a marketable inno-
www.rivierautilities.com
vation in the process. […]
2 | Your Partner in Business
3. What are my customers most happy

with and most unhappy about?

1. Do my employees feel safe enough Research is something that most busi-
to share their ideas? nesses think about in terms of marketing
or customer satisfaction. These are essen-
The best way to ensure your company tial parts of doing business, of course, but
stays at the cutting edge is to create the customer surveys can help jump-start re-
kind of environment and company culture search and development in surprising
that encourages innovation. Ideas that ways. Customers will tell you when
come from every area of your organiza- they're unhappy. Any business that has
tion and have the buy-in of your work- opened itself up to online reviews can
force as a group are far more likely to re- attest to that.
sult in groundbreaking innovation.
Instead of feeling defensive or uncom-
That said, you won't hear any ideas fortable, take this feedback to heart and
from your workforce if they don't feel use it to spur new ways of doing things to
comfortable sharing them. Workers have get the outcomes (continued on page 4)
to know that taking a risk by speaking up














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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH 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. "We appreciate your business! Come by and see us
or give us a call at 251-943-5096 .” 
Directory: http://bit.ly/B3Nz0nS | Website: https://www.bensonappliance.com | Facebook | (251) 943-5696

2021 Find It Local Guide ###############
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Coming out this month! ###############
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stories about our local
communities and R & S###############
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beautiful photography, the South Baldwin ###############
Chamber of Commerce 2021 Find It Local ###############
Guide is set to be distributed to chamber ###############
members and area businesses for all to see
and experience this March. |3

From cover to cover, it’s your guide to . . .

LIVE, SHOP, & PLAY

Like a Local




︎☎

GATEWAY INITIATIVE WELCOMES

TYLER MORGAN BRUNSON, PROGRAM COORDINATORworkforce and entrepreneurial development initiative driven by the

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Alabama
Business Chamber, the Gateway Initiative welcomes a new team

A member, Tyler Morgan Brunson, as Program Coordinator for the

Gateway Initiative.
“We are thrilled to onboard Tyler and bring her into the fold,” said Sally

Westendorf, Gateway’s Director for Business Innovation. “In the few days
we’ve had her involved in our work, we’ve already seen a vast difference in
our ability to accomplish our objectives – having the extra human resource
power is going to help us better serve our investors and the community for
the duration of our campaign.”

Tyler, a Montgomery native, is like many Alabamians and grew up vaca-
tioning on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. She has a B.F.A. from
The University of Mississippi and a M.A. Ed. from Auburn University -
Montgomery. Tyler’s experiences and skills in the education world were a key factor in the team’s decision to bring her
onboard; however, her background in the ne arts and years of event planning experience also brings an edge to the
initiative, as Gateway quickly expands its reach and reputation in the region.

Tyler taught junior high school for six years, managed events and sales for Perdido Beach Resort for three years, and
later joined the Mobile Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, gaining additional experience in corporate, association, con-
vention and lodging sales with a market that expanded all over the country. “I am passionate about our ever-growing
community, and truly understand why educating the workforce and employing our businesses with strong, sustainable,
career-minded individuals in South Baldwin county is so important for the future,” said Tyler.

“Tyler is going to be an integral part of our efforts in the workforce development world – as Program Coordinator, she
will have her hands in a variety of Gateway’s projects, but will immediately begin to own aspects of our Apprenticeship
program, from set-up to management,” said Ed Bushaw, VP of Workforce Development. ■

“ ”(continued from page 2) that customers really want. It can be
We are very happy to have Tyler Brunson as the new Project Coordinator with the Gateway Initiative. Her
education, past work experience and passion for making a di erence wi t perfectly with our team and the
philosophy of Gateway.  We believe Tyler is we prepared to pick up the ropes and make a huge di erence in helping us

accomplish the Gateway goals for our business community.” — Donna Watts, President/CEO

ensure that your workers are at the top of their game. En-

harder to extract what customers are happy with. […] courage employees to leave work at work and to set healthy

4. How can I clear my head? boundaries. This can help you decrease turnover, increase

The most innovative ideas rarely come when you are trying loyalty, and give workers the opportunity to reset and come

to think of one. That's why it's important to regularly step to work refreshed.

outside of work and get a fresh perspective. Everyone finds Any business owner should be on the lookout for the next

clarity in different ways: Something as simple as exercising disruptive idea in their industry. Rather than looking over your

may work for some people, while a well-earned vacation may shoulder, hopefully these questions will help you look within

be just the ticket for others. your company for those fresh innovations. Finding ways to

Giving your workforce the same consideration can also innovate or revitalize your products and services regularly

help encourage more innovative ideas. Events such as volun- means you will have happy customers, happy investors, and a

teer days and retreats can be restorative as a team, and indi- happy workforce. With a lot of hard work and a bit of luck,

vidual time off is equally important. Discouraging a toxic, instead of a single idea, you'll have a whole arsenal of innova-

competitive hustle culture is actually one of the best ways to tions to thank for your continued success. ■ inc.com

4 | Your Partner in Business

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THE GATEWAY INITIATIVE

PREMIER TRAINING,
APPRENTICESHIPS, AND MORE

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

01.MAR.21 | The Gateway Team

GATEWAY + LITERACY COUNCIL PARTNERSHIP “Over the last several weeks we have been developing
messaging and presentations for Literacy Council
TRAINING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE participants to introduce them to career pathways and
opportunities here in South Baldwin,” said Ed Bushaw. 
T hrough a series of meetings our team quickly “As an apprenticeship sponsor through the Alabama
learned that Mitchell Lee and his staff at the South Office of Apprenticeship, Gateway can offer credentials to
Baldwin Literacy Council are working diligently to these individuals as they move through their career path
change lives in our county.  Each year the Council serves in fields like Hotel/Resort Management, Marine
more than 500 individuals offering tutoring services, Technician, HVAC Technician, Construction Trades,
preparation for a GED, English as a Second Language Restaurant Management, Vacation Rental Management,
classes, and a plethora of other career development Chef, and many positions in advanced manufacturing”. 
courses and programs.  The missing piece to their Apprenticeships offer Literacy Council graduates an
offerings was a connection to find graduates job experience that includes a progressive wage structure,
opportunities. on-the-job training from a master mentor, and required
related instruction offered by the company or through
“With a major tenet of the Gateway Initiative to source Coastal Alabama Community College. 
new opportunities to enhance our workforce
development efforts, developing a partnership with the In addition to working with graduates, the Literacy
South Baldwin Literacy Council was a no-brainer,” Council is working with Gateway to promote courses in
according to Sally Westendorf.  “Currently, Baldwin Spanish for supervisors and workplace English for staff
County is back to around 3% unemployment which means members.
that for anyone who wants a job should be able to work. 
Combining Mitchell’s programs and job-ready graduates (continued on page 6)
with our business placement services has proven very
effective”.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER || #WORKFORCEWEDNESDAY

|5

““Gateway has created and is
providing a connection to quality
employment opportunities for our
graduating students. This
partnership is important for the
”community and local business as
Baldwin County continues to grow.”

“Our partnership is exciting,'' relays Executive Director, Mitchell
Lee, “Gateway has created and is providing a connection to
quality employment opportunities for our graduating students!
This partnership is important for the community and local
business as Baldwin County continues to grow.”
Investing in employees and skills training is paramount to
keeping up with the demand in our successful hospitality and
tourism industry, which in turn impacts other sectors in our local
economy. ■

South Baldwin chamber members . . .
take advantage and save with our

BUSINESS SAVINGS PROGRAM

Need to keep your office or home work space clean and sanitized with quality
products at a discounted price? Yes, you do! We can help with that –– When you’re part of
our Office Depot and OfficeMax savings program you can score great discounts on these
types of supplies and more! 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 bene ts 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!

6 | Your Partner in Business


if

ONE of the things I How Businesses Will
love most about Build Forward With
my work is the time I spend Confidence
with customers and colleagues
talking about the challenges

they face, and what it takes to Trends
build innovative, sustainable,

lasting organizations. For many, ZOOM | BLOG

navigating the challenges

presented by the pandemic has

thrown what’s most important

into stark relief. 03.FEB.21

The same three themes ERIC S. YUAN, CEO
come up again and again: talent, blog.zoom.us
transformation, and trust.
Organizations that… same time, employees will need interactive spaces
designed for group work and deep thinking.
• Empower talent to be productive from anywhere
• Reimagine legacy processes as transformed services We need to be prepared to support all of these
• Provide the secure, safe, and private means to constructs, which are simultaneously flexible and highly
customized, to enable the modern workforce.
collaborate with confidence
… will create environments in which we can do our best ▸ TRANSFORMATION ✢ Serve customers with preferred
work. go-to-market and modern service offerings

From pioneering tech startups to multinational banks, During the past year, we’ve all had to transform the
from the most innovative educators to healthcare leaders, processes for how we sell, how we deliver services, and
these pillars are essential to building agile, lasting how we develop our workforce. Customers are saying that
organizations. C-level executives embracing these they like what they see, and it is clear that expectations for
guideposts will help support their teams in the work they how they buy and how they consume services is changing
are doing to build forward. for the long term.

Here is why we believe talent, transformation, and trust ▸ TRUST ✢ Ensure consistent security, safety, and individual privacy
to be so critical to future success and how business leaders
can begin taking action now.

▸ TALENT ✢ Recruit, onboard, retain & enable top talent No vision for a sustainable organization can be realized
without creating a culture of trust. Our workforce and
People are core to business success, and leaders will customers are in constant motion – working across apps,
support employees by embracing the concept of radical devices, locations. The solutions we pick need to be able to
flexibility. They will build organizations around a hybrid flex to support them wherever they are, while providing
workforce that is empowered to decide where, when, and constant levels of security and privacy without getting in
how they work – and that is evaluated by the results they the way of productivity. […]
deliver.
When we know that we are engaged in an environment
Organizations that fail to nurture a perpetual hybrid that is physically safe and digitally secure wherever we are –
model are at risk of losing top talent essential for building a and are confident that our privacy is protected – we can do
resilient business. In a Boston Consulting Group survey of our best work.
12,000 professionals, 60% said that they want flexibility in
where and when they work. BUILDING FORWARD

The work of supporting talent also extends to the These pillars should guide how we plan for the future, build
physical realm. As hybrid teams return to the office,
workspace needs will be different. Flexible strategies like our products, and serve our customers and workforce. And
hot desking, where employees don’t have an assigned
workstation, might be more cost-effective as teams stagger when I think about the role of video communications in this
in-office schedules and as your workplace teams navigate
food, safety, and long-term space considerations. At the context, I believe they’ll provide the foundation to

empower people to accomplish great things. ■

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE @ https://blog.zoom.us/how-businesses-will-

build-forward-with-confidence/ |7

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BENEFITTING THE SOUTH BALDWIN
sponsored by CHAMBER FOUNDATION
RIVERVIEW TURF FARM MARCH 27 • 8AM-2PM
MARCH 13 • 11AM-5PM
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April 8 • 8:30-9:30
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A: 19812 Underwood Road
P: 251-943-1036

E: [email protected]