MOBILE WELCOMES AIRBUS! 

Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Fabrice Bregier (seated left) and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley sign papers confirming Airbus' $600 million investement at Brookley Aeroplex, and the creation of 1,000 jobs for its Finnal Assembly Line. Flanking the pair are (from left to right) City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson, Alabama Department of Commerce Executive Director Greg Canfield, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions.
Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commissioner Connie Hudson
August 1, 2012 
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON
 
Amid tremendous fanfare and celebration on July 2, 2012, Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier announced that Airbus had selected Mobile's Brookley Aeroplex as its new site for final assembly line production of the A320 family of large commercial aircraft. Brookley Aeroplex will become the only site in the western hemisphere assembling Airbus aircraft. The $600 million plant construction is scheduled to begin in 2012 with aircraft assembly slated to begin in 2015.

 

Many thanks to Airbus for their confidence in and partnership with the Mobile Community, and to our federal legislators, Senators Shelby and Sessions and Congressman Bonner, to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, the State Department of Commerce, Alabama Industrial Development Training and to "Team Mobile" which includes Mobile County, the City of Mobile, the Mobile Airport Authority, the Alabama State Port Authority, and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce for the tenacity and diligent efforts in securing the Airbus project. Way to go Mobile!!

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie

 

Click Here for the Your Word editorial page article by Commission President Connie Hudson which appeared on Sunday, July 22, 2012 in the Mobile Press Register.

 

 
Pictured at a Reception in London at the Farnborough Air Show: (L to R) Christian Scherer, Executive Vice President and Head of Strategy, Airbus; Alabama Governor Robert Bentley; Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer, EADS; Mobile Mayor Sam Jones; Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson; U.S. Representative Jo Bonner, and Alan McArtor, Chairman of Airbus Americas, Inc.
 
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IN THIS ISSUE
  

 
AirbusTrainingAIRBUS RECRUITMENT AND PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING

The Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) Department is assisting Airbus with recruitment and pre-employment training. AIDT will post specific openings for Project Management and associated support roles in the Fall and will begin recruiting during the Winter of this year. The application process for hourly and maintenance staff will begin next year. Anyone interested in submitting a resume at this time is asked to provide a cover letter along with a resume specifying the name "Airbus Alabama" and the type of role or skill-set to which they are best suited to airbus@aidt.edu.

 

Also, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is working with the Airbus Communications Department to develop a website for local companies interested in doing business with Airbus. The website will be linked from the chamber website and marketed in all Chamber communications and venues, including email blasts. The Chamber, according to Troy Wayman, Vice President of Economic Development, will also plan to hold events that will afford local contractors and subcontractors access and information about the procurement process with Airbus.

 

All resumes will be reviewed in accordance with the Airbus Alabama recruiting schedule. Regular updates for hiring and recruiting will be available through the Airbus Alabama webpage. Click Here to view the site.

SalestaxholiBACK TO SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY SLATED FOR THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 3

 

Beginning 12:01 a.m. (CST) Friday, August 3 through midnight Sunday, August 5 Mobile County will participate in the Alabama seventh annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales tax. Local sales tax may apply. Retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday.

 

Click Here for information on items included and excluded.

CA2013MOBILE COUNTY CITIZENS ACADEMY
Time to enroll in the next class!

 

If you would like to know how county government works and meet the decision-makers, Mobile County Commissioners invite you to participate in the 2012-2013 class of the Mobile County Citizens Academy starting in September.

  

Meet all the top decision-makers in the county, including elected officials and top administrators. Learn about the lines of authority and who is accountable for what. Get a look at the all budgeted dollars and weigh in on how to spend them. Get your day in court and a day with the SWAT team. There will also be special extra-curricular options that include passes to the county regional parks and a jail tour.

 

Participants will meet nine times over an eight-month program year. Most programs will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a light dinner served ahead of the program. The classes will take place at various venues, as dictated by the subject matter for the evening.

 

The program is open to all Mobile County residents 21 years of age or older, including those living in municipalities within the county. Interested persons may Click Here to apply or pick up an application at Government Plaza, 205 Government St., South Tower 10th floor. Class size will be limited and all applications must be postmarked by August 31.

 

 ProjectsDISTRICT 2 PROJECTS UPDATE

THE SEMMES SENIOR CENTER

 

 

Construction on the Semmes Senior Center located at 9635 Moffett Road in the Semmes Community has commenced, beginning with the construction of the drive and simultaneously beginning selective demolition of the interior. The contractor, Roberds Construction, has now received all construction permits to begin the renovation process. It is expected that construction and renovations will be completed in approximately 4-6 months. Click Here to view the proposed architectural site plans. Once completed the Center will be managed and operated by an advisory board of the Semmes Woman's Club.

 

SEMMES SENIOR CENTER FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

 

The Semmes Woman's Club, a 501 c (3) non-profit organization is raising funds for interior furnishings and equipment at the new Semmes Senior Center. It has currently raised $70,000 of its $130,000 goal to fully furnish and equip the Center. The latest fundraising effort combines fundraising with aluminum can recycling. You can bring your recyclable aluminum cans to Semmes Recyclers located at 8920 Moffett Road and tell them you'd like the proceeds to be donated to the Semmes Senior Center project.

 

For more information on assisting the Semmes Woman's Club with fundraising efforts to furnish and equip the Center Click Here or contact Chairperson Diane Moore at 645-9176 or pdsmoore@bellsouth.net.

 

WEST MOBILE RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING DROP OFF CENTER

 

 

The Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) grant for financing the proposed Residential Recycling Drop-Off Center is in its final stages of review by the Mobile County Environmental Services Department. Once completed, the CIAP grant will be submitted to the federal government for approval which is expected towards the end of the year.

 

The proposed Center, to be located on the southwest portion of the County-owned property off Hitt Road (formerly the Brewer Center property) will be a well-buffered, state-of-the-art facility which, upon completion, will be managed and operated by the non-profit Goodwill Easter Seals of Southwest Alabama.

 

Prior to construction of the recycling facility, the County will implement road improvements on Hitt Road through the 2012-2013 Pay-As-You-Go Road Improvement Program. Funds will be allocated through cooperative agreements from Commission Districts 2 and 3 Pay-As-You-Go allocations. Improvements will include regrading raised sections of the road to improve site visibility and adding a third lane between the park entrance and the proposed Recycling Center exit.

 

MOBILE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL PAVILION 

 

Construction has commenced on the Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion located in Medal of Honor Park between Hillcrest Road and Knollwood Drive in west Mobile. The Pavilion is slated to be completed by late October. The Mobile Symphony, in conjunction with the Mobile County Bicentennial Committee, is planning an inaugural concert for the Bicentennial Pavilion to honor all U.S. military veterans. Stay tuned for further details.

semmesUPDATE FROM THE CITY OF SEMMES
  • The community's Independence Day celebration, "Celebrate Freedom," was a huge success with approximately 14,000 attendees. The City placed banners on all major intersections to show support for U.S. troops, their families and those who give and risk their lives to make our freedom possible.
  • The City of Semmes will not hold a municipal election this year. All qualified candidates were unopposed and elected to office on July 19, 2012 including Mayor Judith Hale, Councilman David Baker, Councilwoman Teresa Bonner, Councilman Phillip Dodd, Councilman Jerry Shirey, and Councilman Lawrence Webb. These candidates will begin their official four year terms on November 5, 2012.
  • The City recently purchased and closed on property and a building where Public Works operations will be housed. This property previously belonged to Agro Industries and is located at 3940 Illinois Street in Semmes. The building is 9,600 square feet and sits on 9.11 acres of land.
  • The city also officially hired a Public Works Superintendent on July 1, 2012, Mr. Shane Raiford, who has already been hard at work to ensure that Public Works will be a user-friendly department for all citizens,
  • Building inspections and permitting for the City will begin Monday, July 30, 2012.
calendarDISTRICT 2 SUMMER CALENDAR  

 

 "STRANGE MATTER" AT THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM

 

When: Now through September 3

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile

 

Something strange is taking shape at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center this summer! Strange Matter lets visitors catch a glimpse of where the future of materials research might take us. The hands-on technologies and interactive experiences reveal the intriguing and remarkable properties and applications of modern materials that appear in such high-tech fields as cardiac surgery and the space program, as well as in items used in everyday life.

 

For more information contact the Exploreum staff at 208-6880 or Click Here to visit the website.

 

 

ART BLAST 2012 SUMMER CAMP AT THE MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

 

When: Now through August 3

Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile

 

Students ages 4 to 19 can enjoy hands-on art projects, gallery tours and meeting new friends at Art Blast 2012. Certified experienced art educators will teach art classes with themes such as Animals in Art and Under the Sea. Classes run weekly, with four, two-hour classes offered daily.

 

For costs and more information about this program Click Here or contact Kim Wood at 208-5212.

 

 

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

 

When: Now through Sunday, August 19; Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile

 

Bring the whole family to this delightful and colorful production based on the story by L. Frank Baum filled with song, dance, mystery, and fantasy!   The cast consists of more than 70 talented performers, singers, and dancers from ages 5 - 20's. A perfect show for all ages!  

 

Cost: Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens.

 

For more information contact 602-0630 or Click Here for more information.

  

 

FRIENDS OF MOBILE DOG PARK SPONSOR WORK DAY

 

Julien Marx Dog ParkWhen: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 4

Where: Julian Marx Dog Park, Medal of Honor Park, Mobile

 

Pet Supplies Plus and B and B Pet Stop are sponsoring a work day at the dog park. Please bring your own yard tools, something cool to drink and help keep the community dog park in tip top shape.

 

For more information Click Here.

 

 

FOUNDER'S DAY AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME

 

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, August 6

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore

 

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 6, 1869, Walter D. Bellingrath was Mobile's first Coca-Cola bottler and the founder of Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

 

Cost: In honor of Mr. Bellingrath's birthday, admission to the Gardens will be free to all Mobile and Baldwin County residents! There will be an additional charge to tour the Bellingrath Museum Home.

 

For more information or to register for this event Click Here or contact BGH at 973-2217.

 

 

 

JOE ALLEN AND COUNTY ELITE BAND HOST DANCES AT SEMMES COMMUNITY CENTER

 

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, August 11

Where: Semmes Community Center, 10141 Moffett Road, Semmes

 

The Joe Allen and County Elite Band, who play country and old rock and roll music, will host this dance at the Semmes Community Center. Light refreshments and coffee are available.

  

  

 

 

ZUMBA AT SEMMES COMMUNITY CENTER

 

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Where: Semmes Community Center, 10141 Moffett Road, Semmes

 

Come and join instructor Carrie Wiley for Zumba, a low impact dance workout class. All ages are welcome. Skid-proof shoes are a requirement.

 

Cost: $5

 

For more information on events at the Semmes Community Center contact Director Robin Dixon at 645-9009.

 

 

CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 7 COMMUNITY MEETING

 

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 14

Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile

 

City of Mobile Councilwoman Gina Gregory is hosting this community meeting as a follow-up to a similar meeting last year in which the "revolving door" at Metro Jail was the discussion topic. City of Mobile Police Chief Micheal T. Williams, Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran and, District Attorney Ashley Rich have been invited to speak on the matter.

 

For more information contact the City of Mobile Council office at 208-7441.

 

 

"PEACE ON THE STREETS" COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT DAY

 

When: noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 18

Where: Motorcade beginning at the Great Macedonia Baptist Church and ending at Langan Municipal Park, Performing Arts Pavilion

 

The City of Mobile is hosting the 4th annual "Peace on the Streets" 12-mile motorcycle and car ride and community empowerment day. The riders will motorcade through the streets to promote peace and unity ending with a day of family fun. There will be free food, games, giveaways, and other activities for the family to enjoy.

 

For more information contact the Mayor's Office of Strategic Initiatives at 208-6320.

 

 

HANDSON SOUTH ALABAMA "TRAIN THE TRAINER" DISASTER PREPAREDNESS COURSE

 

When: noon to 1 p.m. August 22, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. August 23, noon to 1 p.m. August 29, and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. August 30

Where: HandsOn South Alabama, 1050 Government Street, Mobile

 

HandsOn South Alabama, as part of its 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance activities, will train individuals to teach a basic course in personal/family disaster preparedness to others in their community. Between September 1 and September 15, 2012, the volunteers who participate in this class will conduct training(s) for local residents on how to create a personal disaster plan. Volunteers can identify their own group to train or HandsOn South Alabama will identify a group(s) for them. You may conduct the training for your neighbors, your church community, at your workplace or as a service to our community partners. The goal of the project is to train 2,500 residents so that our community is more resilient in future disasters. We need your help in order to achieve our goal for the project. This is a meaningful way to commemorate the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and honor those who gave so much to help their neighbors during a crisis.

 

You will be provided all training materials for the project and you will be asked to report back to HandsOn South Alabama the outcome of your training.

 

For more information or to register Click Here or contact 433-4456.

 

 

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS VINTAGE AFFAIR AND LATE NIGHT PARTY

 

When: 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday, August 23

Where: Fort Whiting Auditorium, 1620 Broad Street, Mobile

 

A wine tasting and art gala fundraiser featuring live music by Roman Street, heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine, from 9 p.m. to midnight; after-party with live entertainment, food and drinks.

 

Cost: Advance tickets until August 1-$100: after August 1-$125. Late night party only: Single $25; Couple $40.

 

For more information Click Here or contact 344-9856.

 

 

CHUNCHULA HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUB MEETING

 

When: 6 p.m. Monday, August 27

Where: Old Chunchula Schoolhouse, 11076 Rudolph Gallach Road, Chunchula

 

Come and join this energetic group for fellowship and become involved in the Chunchula community.

 

For more information contact Anna Lott at 675-4785.

 

 

BAY AREA FOOD BANK'S 14TH ANNUAL CHEF CHALLENGE: A CHALLENGE TO END HUNGER

 

When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 6

Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort

  

In honor of Hunger Action Month, the Bay Area Food Bank is hosting the 14th Annual Chef Challenge "A Challenge to End Hunger" presented by Trax Tires. The event will feature the favorite dishes of some of our area's most prestigious chefs, live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction and complimentary wine and spirits. Funds raised by the annual Chef Challenge will provide millions of holiday meals to church and nonprofit partners as well as assist with numerous other nutrition programs.

 

Cost: Admission is $50 per person.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets Click Here or contact the Bay Area Food Bank at 653-1617.

 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here. 

spotlightSPOTLIGHT ON COUNTY SERVICES

Each edition of the District 2 E-Newsletter will highlight an area of service, service agency, or a county service that is funded by the Mobile County Commission.

MOBILE COUNTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS
  

The primary mission of the Public Affairs and Community Services Office, headed by Director Nancy Johnson, is to enhance communications between the County and the public. The goal of the department is to keep the public informed of the work of its county government and to build partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

 

One of the ways the Public Affairs Office informs the public is through news releases posted on its website and provided to local news media outlets. It also provides informational materials and publications; produces public presentations and speeches; responds to public inquiries via telephone, mail, e-mail, and at its public information booth (located in the atrium of Government Plaza); disseminates County documents; serves as spokesperson for the County and provides media relations assistance to all County departments.

 

It provides tours of Government Plaza; schedules, coordinates and contracts events at Government Plaza; provides internal communications; and develops the content for the County website and its social media pages.

 

The office assists the County Commission with special projects, including the Citizens Academy, press conferences, community events, grand openings, groundbreakings, and resolutions and certificates to honor employees and residents. It develops promotional memorabilia, represents the County Commission on various boards and leads the Emergency Management Joint Information Center during disasters.

 

For assistance from the Public Affairs and Community Services Office contact: Nancy Johnson, Public Affairs/Community Services Director at 574-5088 or njohnson@mobile-county.net or contact Dena Pollard, Public Information Officer at 574-3208 or dpollard@mobile-county.net

 

MOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE
MCFinancialUPDATEThe 06/30/2012 budget report reflects general fund revenue and expenditures for nine months of fiscal 2012. Through June of 2012 we have completed 75% of the fiscal year. Receipt of many of our major revenues lag by one month, For June 2012 we reported revenue of $92,799,325.02. This represents 77.18% of budgeted FY 2012 revenue. Most of the revenue from property taxes and business licenses are collected in December of each fiscal year. The year to date expenditures through June are $83,997,971.33. This is 68.20% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 75% on this report. The health, sanitation and culture and recreation functions are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly.
 
roadprojectsDISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Please Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2. 

funfactsDID YOU KNOW? MOBILE COUNTY HISTORICAL FACTS...

Walter D. Bellingrath is best known today for the creation of Bellingrath Gardens, which features 65 acres of colorful flower gardens, sculptures, lakes and the Bellingrath home. He and his wife Bessie Morse Bellingrath opened the gardens to the public in 1932. Bellingrath was Mobile's first Coca-Cola bottler and founder of the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation in 1951. The foundation owns and operates the gardens, and supports other institutions, such as Rhodes College in Memphis. Courtesy of the Historic Mobile  Preservation Society archives.

KudosKUDOS & CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Graham Robinson Lowing, son of Charles and Elaine Lowing, who recently received the title of Eagle Scout by the Scouts, Leaders and Committee Members of Troop 2 of the Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Graham is a student at Murphy High School.
 
Commissioner Hudson with Eagle Scouts from Troop 113 in Sarland (L to R) Quinn Currie, Elliott Campbell, and their Troop Leader James Currie.
 
 
Congratulations to the 2012 inaugural class of the Mobile County Citizens Academy!
The 2012 Citizens Academy Class is pictured, bottom first row, from left to right - Patricia Ann Brookins, James C. Spangler, Ret. U.S. Army Colonel Joseph N. Bailey Jr., PhD, Raoul R. Richardson, John Loden, Bruce Barnard, Sr., Janine Brunet and Jack Brunet; Second row, from left to right - Bonnie Dunning, Edna Allen Seltzer, Stanley Chassin, Lynn H. Faggard, Sharon L. Powe, Rema H. George, Larry D. Godfrey and Clifford Thomas Nelson, Jr.; Third row, from left to right - Frances "Lorraine" Bryan, Robbie Lynn Irvine, Chelsea Lipford, Janet Scott, Eddie G. Sells, Robert J. Ziner and Patricia R. Ziner; top row, from left to right - Bishop Levy H. Knox, James G. Burckhartt, Maynard E. Eanes and Frances Dauster; Not pictured are Judith F. Aronson, Nathan N. Aronson, Jr., PhD, Stephen Baughman, Bobbie S. Graham, Marsha Martin, Adam Wafer.
CONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON
   Commissioner Connie Hudson
   Mobile County Commission
   P.O. Box 1443
   Mobile, Alabama 36633
   Office: (251) 574-2000
   Office Fax: (251) 574-2001
   Mailing Address: 205 Government Street, 10th Floor
   Mobile, Alabama 36602