The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce wants to fill the "gaps" of unmet needs in the Information Technology Industry in the area. The Economic Development Council's IT Subgroup is conducting a survey among local companies that utilize technology heavily.  Initial research proves that many IT services are outsourced regionally, nationally or even globally.  The Subgroup is made up of Chamber members in the IT field.

Types of IT segments included in the survey are; hardware and software companies, Cloud based companies, digital advertising/marketing agencies, telecommunication and wireless providers as well as local businesses in general.  The survey will be sent through Survey Monkey, which will also provide the results.

"The Chamber is pursuing efforts to promote and market the Eastern Shore as an IT environment to live, work and play.  The objective of this survey is to identify gaps with regards to our current IT infrastructure and work towards filling those gaps with the purpose of making the Eastern Shore more of a tech savvy place to conduct business", said Haden Giddings, subgroup chairman. "We are reaching out to our valued chamber members to gather this information," he added.

The purpose of the survey is to identify "gaps" in the industry that the Chamber may be able to fill through other resources.  Businesses who are interested in sharing their issues with the Chamber may call 928-6387.

Take the IT Survey by clicking this link:

IT Survey

Congratulations to Larry Hunter of Home Mortgage of America for being selected as Ambassador of the Month for November. Larry participated in numerous Chamber events and activities throughout the month, such as ribbon cuttings, new member plaque deliveries, Business After Hours, Morning Marketing Meeting and more.

A native of Birmingham, Larry resides in Fairhope, a graduate of Auburn University and has been a Loan Originator since 2007. He has been married to his wife Anita for four years.

When not volunteering for the Chamber Larry enjoys kayaking, camping, gardening and spending time with family. The couple are active members of the Dauphin Island United Methodist Church and the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member Dunkin' Donuts with a ribbon cutting at 29160 U. S. Highway 98, Daphne. Present for the event were (left to right): Cindy Zebryk, chamber ambassador; Randy Fry, Daphne City Council; Kayuna Harris: Dunkin' employee; Dane Haygood, Daphne Mayor; Veni Linthicum: shift leader; Candace Harrison, general manager; Darrelyn Bender, president/CEO of ESCoC; and Larry Hunter, chamber ambassador. Dunkin Donuts started in 1950, and after years of waiting, it came to the South. The Daphne location has been a three-year endeavor, but after a successful soft opening they are experiencing a great amount of business. All the donuts are made in-house and a fresh cup of coffee comes with every purchase. For more information call 621-2228.

Stone, Granade & Crosby Opens

New Location

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of a new location for Stone, Granade & Crosby, PC with a ribbon cutting at 8820 US Highway 90 in Daphne. Present for the event were (left to right): Brenda Roland, Ruth McCulloh, Tracey Bumpers, Nancy Grace, chamber ambassador, Laura Strachan, Amanda Oakes, Carolyn Dohn, Nancy Hannah, George Irvine, Sam Crosby, Fred Granade, Brad Hicks, Cathy Broadus, David Bowman, Lisa Demko, Melanie Baker, Gaden White and Paula Knodel, chamber ambassador. Stone, Granade & Crosby, P.C., is a diversified law firm that represents individuals, families, businesses and public entities. The firm's broad practice areas include personal injury, commercial and construction, governmental and regulatory, estate planning, trust, estate and probate, corporate, taxation, and real estate development. The firm represents clients in trials in state and federal court. The foundation of the firm dates back to 1897 when Mr. Frank Stone began his law practice in Baldwin County. Its offices are located in Bay Minette, Daphne, and Foley, Alabama. For more information call 626-6696.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Collette Vacations to offer a fantastic deal on a whirlwind trip to Italy. And what's great about it is you have nearly an entire year to save up!

The trip is November 10 - 18, 2014. If you book now the cost for a double is $2,999 per person, single $3,349 and triple is $2,969. The regular rates are double $3,249, single $3,599 and triple $3,219. Included in the price is round trip air from Mobile Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel stays and hotel transfers. Not included is a cancellation waiver and insurance of $230 per person.

You have the opportunity to explore the magic of Rome, Florence and Venice, which are filled with rich history, culture, art and romance. Rome, the "Eternal City" will be first, with three days of touring and experiencing the culture. Florence with be next, also with three days of group tours and time on your own. Venice will be next with a ride on a train, viewing 117 tiny islands, canals and 400 bridges. A boat trip will also be included and a walking tour with a guide explaining the many features of the area. The tour ends in the Milan Malpensa area on day nine, November 18.

Call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222 or 928-6387 to find out how to join us on this group tour.

Fulcrum Construction Group LLC

Ronald J. Yaeger

805 Trione Ave.

Daphne

380-8375

Massage Envy Spa

Alexia Fonte

3659 Airport Blvd., Ste. A

Mobile

316-3110

ServiceMaster Restoration by The Elliott Companies

Stacy Nelson

8270 Spanish Fort Blvd.

Spanish Fort

47307766

Aflac Regional Office

Ann Hartwell

6384 Bayfront Park Dr.,

Ste. A

Daphne

625-3004

Bricks 4 Kidz

Nicholas Smith

7272 North Lake Dr.

Spanish Fort

300-4796

Lumpkin & Associates, CMC

Dan Lumpkin

305 N. Section St.

Fairhope

928-1736

Supreme Lending

Stephanie Nelson

29891 Woodrow Lane, Ste. 500

Daphne

298-8801

Southern LINC Wireless

Lisa Glenn

3700-C Government Blvd.

Mobile

295-5345