News

Businesses Applying for Federal Aid Can Receive Certificates of Existence through SOS Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, April 6, 2020 - MONTGOMERY - Federal resources have been made available to support businesses during the coronavirus pandemic to assist with tax relief, employee protection and benefits, loans and grants, and many other challenges business owners may encounter.  In order to be eligible for this federal aid, some corporations and businesses may be required to prove their existence as part of their application. Certificates of Existence can be obtained through visiting the

NEW! Grow With Google • Critical Updates / Working From Home!

Greetings! FROM GROW WITH GOOGLE To slow the spread of COVID-19, many employees, educators, and students are working remotely. As a result, Google has made some updates to your Business Profile and G Suite accounts. To help you understand these changes, I'm doing two free, live webinars. Please join me at them so you can ensure your online presence is up to date. Because Google is making updates on what feels like a daily basis, videos of these webinars will NOT be available. You must attend live in

News Release: 3/31/2020

FREE MEALSLucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar and Restaurant in Foley, Alabama, at OWA, has teamed up with Foley Lodge #766 of Free & Accept Masons To provide free meals to the community. All meals will be freshly-prepared and handed out in single-serve to-go containers. There will be no dining on property.LOCATION:Foley Masonic Lodge404 N. Cypress StreetFoley, Alabama 36535DATES AND TIMES:Lunch -- Thursday, April 02, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.AndBreakfast -- Saturday, April 04, from 8:00 a.m. until

Warns of Scams Related to Upcoming Stimulus Checks

ADOR Warns of Scams Related to Upcoming Stimulus Checks   MONTGOMERY, March 29, 2020 ­– The Alabama Department of Revenue would like to remind taxpayers to be vigilant about protecting their personal and financial information. Scammers and fraudsters take advantage of honest taxpayers through calls to action using phishing emails and other methods seeking this type of information. Criminals are always looking for new opportunities to successfully pull off such schemes, such as the federal government’s

YMCA: Childcare for Essential Personnel YMCA OF SOUTH ALABAMA

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!  Childcare for Essential Personnel YMCA OF SOUTH ALABAMA In response to COVID-19, the YMCA is here to help by providing a safe place for children of emergency first responders, medical personnel, city or county staff responding to the crisis, grocery store and pharmacy employees. Between the hours of 7 am and 6 pm, drop off your children ages 5-14 at one of the YMCA locations listed below. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Bring two snacks from home for each child. Drop off and

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT by the SBA's Office of Capital Access

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: SBA's Office of Capital Access now has openings for the following positions across the country:Supervisory Loan Specialist (Commercial) GS-13 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564149100Supervisory Loan Specialist (Commercial) GS-13 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564201400Loan Specialist (Commercial) GS-12 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564134500Loan Specialist (Commercial) GS-12 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564202400Loan Specialist

March 27, 2020 – ORDER OF THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER

ORDER OF THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER SUSPENDING CERTAIN PUBLIC GATHERINGS DUE TO RISK OF INFECTION BY COVID-19 (APPLICABLE STATEWIDE) AMENDED MARCH 27, 2020     WHEREAS, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been detected in Alabama; and     WHEREAS, the appearance of COVID-19 in the State poses the potential of widespread exposure to an infectious agent that poses significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of people; and     WHEREAS, the State Board of Health has designated COVID-19 to

2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19

2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19 The 2020 Census is underway and households across America are responding every day. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted 2020 Census operations in order to: • Protect the health and safety of Census Bureau employees and the American public. • Implement guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities. • Ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities. The table below summarizes the adjustments to

ALABAMA CREDIT UNION LAUNCHES LOAN PAYMENT RELIEF PROGRAMS

To help its members navigate the unprecedented financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy, Alabama Credit Union (ACU) is allowing its consumer loan borrowers to skip their next two loan payments. Eligible loans include credit cards along with auto, RV, boat, personal, and other consumer loans financed by ACU.  The optional program is automatically available to the credit union’s borrowers, requiring no application to take advantage. ACU is advising borrowers that

Jennie Campbell to Be Honored at Enterprising Women of the Year Awards

    RALEIGH, N.C. – New Orleanian Jennie Campbell – the CEO and president of Stewart Steelwood Investments LLC – is among the honorees at the 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards produced by Enterprising Women magazine. The event is an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs. Honorees will be recognized at a celebration and conference scheduled for **March 29-31 in Clearwater Beach, Fla. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively

Baldwin County Residents can receive GED and occupational skills training online through CACC

For Immediate Release: Baldwin County Residents can receive GED and occupational skills training online through Coastal Alabama.   Coastal Alabama’s top concern is the safety of our students and campus communities.  In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Coastal Alabama Adult Education Services will provide online GED preparation courses seven days a week. We will also provide English as a Second Language and other occupational skills courses online..   In an effort to serve the over 9,700 Baldwin

NWTF Donates Almost $168,000 for Wildlife Management

   Press ReleaseMarch 24, 2020Contact: Wildlife Section, (334) 242-3469 NWTF Donates Almost $168,000 for Wildlife Management The Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently allocated $167,685 in Hunting Heritage Super Funds for wild turkey projects in Alabama. Of that total, $76,770 was donated to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to fund projects including wildlife habitat

Alabama to Waive Employer Charges for COVID-19 Related Claims State Urging Employers to File Claims on Employees’ Behalf

ARHA News FlashUnemployment Compensation Update State Urges Employers to File Claims onEmployees' Behalf  Alabama to Waive Employer Charges for COVID-19 Related ClaimsState Urging Employers to File Claims on Employees’ Behalf Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington has temporarily ordered that relief be offered to employers whose employees must file unemployment compensation claims for weeks filed due to COVID-19 related issues. All charges will be waived against those employers who

Baldwin County Building Inspection Department and Planning and Zoning departments are serving the public in new ways

NEWS RELEASE March 20, 2020 BALDWIN COUNTY COMMISSION Baldwin County, Alabama - The Baldwin County Building Inspection Department and Planning and Zoning departments are serving the public in new ways in order to protect employees and visitors. These offices are closed to the public due to the recently declared state of emergency however the departments are still working utilizing some newly developed methods other than face-to-face communication. Building applications are being accepted via

Alabama State Parks Naturalists to Provide Virtual Programming

Alabama State Parks Naturalists to Provide Virtual Programming For all those nature lovers who are unable to visit one of the beautiful Alabama State Parks due to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, the State Park Naturalists will bring the parks to you via modern technology. During the effort to prevent the spread of the virus, the Alabama State Parks Naturalists want to help alleviate stress and anxiety and add some fun to those that may not be able to visit one of our 21 Alabama State

Pure Life Pharmacy’s prescription mail-out services

   To Those In Our Community Staying Home or Avoiding Crowds:Due to the current situation caused by COVID-19, we have all been asked to avoid gathering places.If you would like to avoid the lobby, long lines or the drive-thru at your current pharmacy, please consider using Pure Life Pharmacy’s prescription mail-out services.Pure Life Pharmacy is a direct pay pharmacy with a mail-out option. We have over 1000 generic medications for less than $10 per month! Please see the attachment to view the sample

Shelby: Senate Passes Coronavirus Legislation

Shelby: Senate Passes Coronavirus Legislation  WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released a statement following Senate passage of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  The legislation unlocks billions of dollars in funding to combat the Coronavirus and provides further relief for families, businesses, and industries negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.   “During this unprecedented time, the Senate has been able to advance another agreement to help

Delivery Fee Waived at O'Charley's, Stepping Up Curbside Options!

Dear O’CLUB Members,We just want to let you know that in these challenging times, your delivery fee is waived when you order online at: https://order.ocharleys.com In an effort to better support all of our guests at this time, we are also stepping up our curbside/to-go options and are proud to announce seven different Family-Style Meals To-Go. Choose from California Chicken Salad, Chicken Alfredo, our Famous Chicken Tenders and more – serving up to 6 people, each just $29.99.Due to the ongoing nature of

Conservation Department Updates Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic Most outdoor facilities remain open for recreation

Press releaseMarch 17, 2020Contact: ADCNR Communications and Marketing, (334) 242-3151 Conservation Department Updates Operations During COVID-19 PandemicMost outdoor facilities remain open for recreation In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is making the following temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of our employees and the general public. The changes are in effect until April 6, 2020.Alabama State Parks

BALDWIN COUNTY COMMISSION - Press Conference March 18, 2020

MEDIA RELEASE March 17, 2020 BALDWIN COUNTY COMMISSION Baldwin County, Alabama – On Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 12:00 a press conference will take place at the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency’s (BCEMA) Emergency Operations Center, 23100 McAuliffe Drive, Robertsdale. The press conference subject is Baldwin County Leadership Response to COVID-19. Speakers will include a representative from the Alabama Department of Public Health, BCEMA Director Zach Hood, Baldwin County Commission Chair

New Head Coach Named for Foley’s Lady Lions Basketball

New Head Coach Named for Foley’s Lady Lions Basketball  Foley High School is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Emily Flanigan as the head coach of the Lady Lions Basketball team. Flanigan, who has served as an assistant coach for the last three years, will replace Coach Sally Jeter who is stepping down to focus on her role as the Associate Athletic Director for Girls’ Sports at Foley High. “Coach Flanigan has been instrumental in our program’s success in her three seasons as an assistant,” said

OWA's amusement park to temporarily close for 14 days

FROM OWA:https://visitowa.com/coronavirus-update/Dear Valued Guests,The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to bring an influx of growing concerns as daily developments are being reported. Out of an abundance of caution and following the protocols set forth by the Alabama Public Department of Health, OWA’s amusement park will be temporarily closed to the public for 14 days starting Tuesday, March 17. Downtown OWA and the Marriott TownePlace Suites on OWA’s property remain open as usual. We will continue to

News Release: 3/13/2020

Press ReleaseMarch 13, 2020Contact: WFF Hunter Education, (334) 242-3620 State Archery Championship Canceled Out of an abundance of caution to limit the possible spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Alabama State Championship scheduled for April 2-3, 2020, at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, has been cancelled. The decision to cancel the event was made by the City of Montgomery and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater

Turkey Season Opens Saturday, March 21, in Most Alabama Counties

Press ReleaseMarch 10, 2019Contact: WFF Wildlife Section, 334-242-3469 Turkey Season Opens Saturday, March 21, in Most Alabama CountiesHunters Reminded that Harvest Reporting is Mandatory Spring turkey season will open March 21 and close May 3, 2020, for most Alabama counties. The season will be delayed for research purposes on the following Wildlife Management Areas: Barbour, J.D. Martin-Skyline, Hollins, Oakmulgee, Lowndes, Choccolocco, and Perdido River. The delayed season will run March 28 to

St. Pawtty’s Day, Rainbow Run happening at OWA on March 14

St. Pawtty’s Day, Rainbow Run happening at OWA on March 143rd annual canine event returns with welcome of new fun run   (Foley, Alabama) – A full day of excitement is coming to OWA with two fun-filled events on March 14. Head out to the entertainment destination for the inaugural Rainbow Run, and stick around for the 3rd annual St. Pawtty’s Day.   The jam-packed Saturday kicks off at 9am with registration for the first ever Rainbow Run at OWA. As the name suggests, this fun-run will be a little more

Industry professional and Foley native, Shellie Kichler, Joins FST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             March 3, 2020  Industry professional and Foley native, Shellie Kichler, Joins FSTFOLEY, AL – Shellie Kichler is no stranger to Foley or the sports tourism industry making her an incredible fit to serve as the Marketing and Sales Director for Foley Sports Tourism (FST). Kichler has spent more than 12 years with SportsEvents Media Group, publisher of SportsEvents Magazine and owner of S.P.O.R.T.S. The Relationship Conference. With the most recent title of Director of

Alabama SBDC Celebrating 40 Years!

The Baldwin County Commission has declared March 18th as National Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Day in Baldwin County. The SBDC’s are celebrating 40 years of serving Small Businesses in the nation.  The Alabama SBDC has been in Alabama for 40 years!   

Six Orthopaedic Surgeons with Daphne, AL based Baldwin Bone & Joint earn 2020 Patient Choice Awards

DAPHNE, Ala. (March 2, 2020) – Six board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons with Baldwin Bone & Joint were recently recognized with Patient Choice Awards for 2020 from Vitals, an online database of medical professionals owned by WebMD that ranks physicians based on patient experience and feedback.   “We are delighted that patients continue to confirm what we already know,” said Greg Shoemaker, Practice Administrator, Baldwin Bone & Joint.  “Our physicians are highly-skilled surgeons

Alabama Opens for Red Snapper Fishing on May 22

Press ReleaseMarch 2, 2020Contact: Marine Resources Division, (251) 861-2882 Alabama Opens for Red Snapper Fishing on May 22 The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces Alabama state waters and federal waters will open for red snapper fishing for private anglers on Friday, May 22, 2020. The season will consist of four-day weekends, Friday through Monday. The season is anticipated to last for 35 days and is scheduled to close on

Weeks Bay Foundation to celebrate 30th anniversary and more at 11th annual Bald Eagle Bash!

 The 11th Annual Bald Eagle Bash, set for Saturday, April 25, at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center, will be a celebration of milestones, as well as a look to the Weeks Bay Foundation’s future.  Bald Eagle Bash, Weeks Bay Foundation’s largest event, will feature 16 of the area’s best restaurants serving fresh Gulf shrimp and delectable desserts. And for the first time, there will be two bands providing musical entertainment—The Underhill Family Orchestra and The Marlow Boys!  Native to the Alabama

2020 Census Day Celebration in Foley CANCELED

CANCELED &##128721;Foley Counts! Census Day Celebration 202003/28/2020 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMHeritage Park Gazebo101 E. Violet Ave. Foley AL 36535PHONE: 251-943-1200   WEBSITE: census.alabama.gov/    

2020 Baldwin County Preparedness & Recovery Expo

PRESS RELEASE (CLICK HERE) The 2020 Baldwin County Preparedness & Recovery Expo is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2020, from 3 pm -7 pm at the Daphne Civic Center. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency is working with key stakeholders to host this second annual Expo. This event is designed to help educate residents about preparedness and connect citizens with local resources to assist in planning for hazards that may impact our community.Our goal for this event is to promote personal

Eastern Indigo Snake and Wildlife Festival Will Be Held May 1

Eastern Indigo Snake and Wildlife Festival Will Be Held May 1 The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Forest Service, and Auburn University, will host the 3rd annual Eastern Indigo Snake and Wildlife Festival at the Conecuh National Forest Open Pond Recreation Area on May 1, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival celebrates the Eastern indigo snake, the longest nonvenomous, native snake species in North

Mardi Gras Returns to OWA with Krewe du Cirque

2nd annual event boasts parade, concerts, live entertainment  (Foley, Alabama) – The good times are ready to roll for the second year at OWA as Mardi Gras returns in spectacular fashion on Joe Cain Day: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The Gulf Coast’s largest entertainment destination is collaborating with local parading organization, Krewe du Cirque, for the second year in a row to bring locals and visitors an epic celebration, including parades, parties, music and fun.The day’s free festivities kick off with

USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute Specialty Pharmacy achieves URAC accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carol McPhail, USA Health Marketing and Communications Email: cmcphail@health.southalabama.edu   USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute Specialty Pharmacy achieves URAC accreditation MOBILE, Alabama (2/11/2020) -- USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute has achieved accreditation from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) for its specialty pharmacy. URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement

SAVE THE DATE 10th Annual YMCA Golf Classic

Save the date for the 10th Annual YMCA Golf Classic on April 24, 2020 at the beautiful Rock Creek Golf Course in Fairhope.  Registration begins at 10:00 am with a noon shotgun start.  Lunch will be provided and there will be plenty of awards and prizes.  Register at www.ysal.org or stop by the Bounds or Snook Family YMCA branch.  100% of proceeds benefit the YMCA Campaign for Youth, Seniors and Families.  

BBQ & Blues Cook-Off: Turn up the Heat to Support South Baldwin Schools

 Foley, AL, February 6, 2020 —The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is cooking up a whole lot of fun while raising funds supporting Foley area schools during the Annual BBQ & Blues Cook-Off!  On Saturday, March 14, in Heritage Park, located at the intersection of Hwy 59 & 98 in Downtown Foley, festival-goers will enjoy award-winning barbeque, popular blues bands including The Defrosters, craft and retail vendors, children’s activities.  An Alabama Barbecue Association Trail and Kansas City Barbeque

2020 Charity Golf Tournament

Park at OWA Reopens for 2020 Season Feb. 8

Park at OWA Reopens for 2020 Season Feb. 8Amusement park, new beach-themed restaurant celebrate openings(Foley, Alabama) – After a month of sprucing up, Team Member training and new improvements, OWA’s amusement park will reopen its gates for the year this Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11am.  The reopening will be commemorated with guests counting down the seconds at the Park entrance and entering under a show of colorful streamers and a Mardi Gras-themed band along the gate’s catwalk. The first 100 guests to enter

CMS UPDATES HOSPITAL STAR RATINGS South Baldwin Regional Medical Center Receives 5-Star Rating

CMS UPDATES HOSPITAL STAR RATINGSSouth Baldwin Regional Medical Center Receives 5-Star Rating  Foley, Alabama (January, 29, 2020) – The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released updated Medicare overall hospital quality star ratings on its Hospital Compare website.  South Baldwin Regional Medical Center was the only area hospital to receive a 5-star rating, the highest a facility can receive.The Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings were first published in July 2016, when CMS,

Newest Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Opens at OWA Feb. 8

Newest Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Opens at OWA Feb. 8 Curious diners can sneak a peek during Friends & Family Charity Days, Feb. 6–7  (Foley, Alabama) – Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant is bringing family-friendly, coastal cuisine to Foley, Alabama’s newest entertainment district, OWA, on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. To celebrate the expansion, Downtown OWA’s newest tenant is giving back to local nonprofits with two Friends & Family Charity Days on Thursday, Feb. 6, and Friday, Feb.

TAXPAYER WORKSHOP • 2020 DATES (4)

Baldwin County Sales & Use Tax/License Inspection DepartmentTaxpayer Workshop Dates in 2020 March 10th • June 9th • September 15th • December 8th The Baldwin County Sales & Use Tax/License Inspection Department holds a quarterly taxpayer workshop for new and existing businesses. There is no fee to attend, and advanced registration is not required. Some of the items that will be discussed at each workshop are:   • What types of businesses are subject to State of Alabama/Baldwin County Business

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Invites Chamber and Community Members to Cruise Along the Danube River

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Invites Chamber and Community Members to Cruise Along the Danube River The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce has announced today that it will be offering an exclusively Amazing Danube River Cruise on October 20, 2020, and is inviting chamber members, and family and friends of chamber members to join them on this once in a lifetime experience. Miles and miles of stunning scenery, the Danube River is the setting for this breathtaking journey. Enjoy a ten-day journey along

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hires Education Specialist to the Gateway Initiative Team

Foley, AL   The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce and introduce the newest addition to the Gateway Initiative Team, Terri Onderdonk. Terri brings a unique dynamic to the group with twenty years of business and marketing experience, as well as six years in the classroom as a “Highly Qualified Teacher.” Her education began with Communications at the University of South Alabama, with corporate training along the way and more recently added Education, BS, also at the University of South

Columbia Southern University Recognized for Exemplary Course Design

               Columbia Southern University Recognized for Exemplary Course Design Orange Beach University Receives National Award for Third Consecutive Year ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, Blackboard, Inc., a leader in virtual learning environments and course management systems, presented Columbia Southern University instructional designers Jackie Pica and Cheryl Kula and faculty members/course writers John Willey, Ph.D., and Freda Braddock, Ed.D., each with a Blackboard Exemplary

CHANCELLOR ANNOUNCES DR. CRAIG POUNCEY AS PRESIDENT OF COASTAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MONTGOMERY – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Dr. Craig Pouncey as president of Coastal Alabama Community College. Pouncey’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board of trustees. A career educator and administrator, Pouncey has more than 38 years of classroom and leadership experience in Alabama at the state and local levels. Pouncey currently serves as the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools,

Foley Main Street names new Executive Director

Darrelyn Dunmore returns to her passion - economic and community development - as the executive director of Foley Main Street, a partner of Main Street Alabama. Main Street Alabama's approach inspires people young and old not only to give back to their community but also to come back to their hometowns: to live, to become entrepreneurs, to breathe new life into our downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and most importantly to remember what is old can be new and thriving again. Main Street Alabama

CCAA Names Local Chambers as Accredited Alabama Chambers of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 2, 2019  CCAA Names Local Chambers as Accredited Alabama Chambers of Commerce  MONTGOMERY, AL – The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) announced today that two local chambers of commerce have received the Accredited Alabama Chamber of Commerce distinction (AACC).  The chambers of commerce receiving the AACC were Chilton County Chamber of Commerce and South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made at the CCAA’s summer convention in Gulf