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Alabama Severe Weather Tax Free Holiday 
The state of Alabama scheduled it's third annual state sales and use tax holiday so its residents can prepare for any severe
weather situation.
The holiday is Friday, February 21st through Sunday, February 23rd.
Exempt items must be $60 or less per item. The list includes various batteries, ice packs, duct tape and plywood.
All portable generators and power cords are also exempt as long as they are under $1,000 each.
These are a few of the items exempt of state sales tax. Local sales tax may still apply. For a complete list of exempt items click on the following link:
Alabama Sales Tax Holiday |
Eggs N' Issues - Update on I-10 Bridge
The Eastern Sho re Chamber of Commerce Business Academy Eggs N' Issues will focus on "A Construction Update on the I-10 Bridge" at the next breakfast meeting, Tuesday, February 11, 8:30 am at the Daphne United Methodist Church Community Life Center. The Keynote speaker will be Michael Lee, president/CEO of Page and Jones, Inc.
Founded in Mobile in 1892, Pages and Jones is an international logistics and shipping company, whose services include ship agents, customs brokers, and freight forwarding for ocean and air shipments. Still headquartered in Mobile, and celebrating 122 years of service, they have grown to 13 offices in six states.
Lee is Chairman of the Alabama Export Council, an appointment by the Secretary of Commerce, serves on Regions Bank's South Area Board of Directors, chairman of the University of Alabama's International Business Advisory Board, board member & vice president for Alabama of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of Rand Corporation's Gulf States Advisory Board. He also has served for 11 years as the chairman of the Mobile Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, moving to Immediate Past Chair this year.
In addition to co-chairing the "Build the Bridge Coalition" for the Mobile Chamber, Mike has been active in many other Mobile Chamber committees. He served as Chairman of the Board in 2002.
Sponsors for the Business Academy are: Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore, PC; Baldwin EMC; and Daphne Utilities.
The cost for the breakfast is $10 and reservations must be made. Call 928-6387 to RSVP. |
Ambassador of the Month
Congratulations to Sally Wagner - she was selected as Ambassador of the Month for December. She earned more points than any other ambassador for having attended multiple chamber events and activities and serving as liaison for the chamber.
 A native of Mobile, Sally graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in finance. She went on to earn her license as a Certified Public Accountant and founded Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore, P.C. in 1990 with four partners. Over the course of her career she has served as a trusted advisor to a wide array of small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals along the Gulf Coast.
Sally moved to Daphne in 1992, and joined the Chamber in 1998. In addition to serving as an ambassador, she serves on the Jubilee Festival Committee and was selected as the Chamber's Ambassador of the Year for 2010/2011 and she received the Chamber's Service Award for 2011/2012. She has also proudly served on the Chamber's Board of Directors. "I truly enjoy being involved with the Chamber," said Sally.
In addition to the Chamber, Sally is active in the Point Clear Rotary Club and Christ the King Catholic Church. In her free time, she enjoys socializing with friends and family, cooking, sewing, exercising and watching NASCAR events.
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Fairhope Kitchen Studio Joins Chamber
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed new member Fairhope Kitchen Studio with a ribbon cutting at their location at 8 South Church Street , Fairhope. Attending the event were (left to right) Sherry Sullivan and Paige Turberville, Chamber ambassadors; Stacy Sloan, John Agnew, Dan Sloan, and Beth Geddes, of the Fairhope Kitchen Studio; Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant, Sally Wagner, Cindy Zebryk and Brenda Carpenter, Chamber ambassadors. Fairhope Kitchen Studio offers the art of fine cabinetry design not only for the kitchen, but anywhere in the home or office. For more information call 210-9307.
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 Let's Go Italian
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 will 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.
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Grand Hotel Holds Job Fair
The Grand Hotel is looking to fill 99 jobs (including 48 seasonal for this spring/summer). Grand Job Fair at the resort on Thursday Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Apply online at www.pchresorts.com before the event. |
62nd ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL PLANNING UNDERWAY
Volunteer Committee Readies for
Best Show Ever
The 62nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival planning committee is working hard to prepare for the best show ever. The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event, scheduled for March 14, 15 & 16, 2014, is held in Fairhope the third weekend of March each year. More than 100 volunteers, representing service clubs, chamber businesses and individuals, participate in the event.
More than 230 exhibitors from across the nation will bring their juried arts and crafts to this prestigious show. Live entertainment will be going on throughout the three-day event and unique cuisine will be served in the food court. It all takes place on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope, Ala. Last year the event attracted more than 300,000 visitors to the area. The festival was chosen as one of the top events in the state for March by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel, and it was voted 23rd of 100 Best Predominantly Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. The show is also ranked in the top 20 by the Southeast Tourism Society.
"The Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope has a national reputation for Southern hospitality displayed by our wonderful committee, volunteers, the city and local businesses," said Darrelyn Bender, president/CEO of the Chamber. "The economic impact of this festival is felt along the entire Eastern Shore."
One way companies and individuals can get their name out there and help the artist and craftsmen, is to participate in the Patron of the Arts Award program during the festival. All one has to do is agree ahead of time to purchase a minimum of $100 from one of the artists. Once purchased, a placard will be placed at the vendor's booth and the artist will be able to display a ribbon in their honor.
Sponsors this year are: Presenting-PNC Bank; Platinum-Grand Hotel Marriott, Golf Club & Spa; Stage Sponsor-Faulkner State Community College; Gold Sponsor-Ink Works; Silver-Mercy Medical; Dinner Sponsor-Segers; Friends of the Festival-Citizens Bank and Centennial Bank.
Festival hours are 10 am - 5 pm daily and there is no admission fee. BRATS will provide a shuttle services from shopping centers at the intersection of Fairhope Ave. and Greeno Rd. for $2 each way. There will be free valet parking for bicycles behind the Fairhope Museum of History and handicapped parking will be available in the Municipal Parking lot on Bancroft. For more information call (251) 621-8222 or visit Arts & Crafts Festival.
Back Row: (left to right):
Lee Rivenbark, Oliver Gilmore, Mac McLaren, Linda Stubbs, Elizabeth Stone, Lee Tuemer, Kenny Graves, Bryan Snyder, Debbie Floyd, Ben Gall, Susan Pearce, Missy Templeton, Stephen Roberts, Beth Puckett, Autumn Gann, Linda Jamieson, Joyce Moates and Diane Herzog.
Front Row: (left to right):
Hannah Stones, Jackie Pate, Barbara Blaze, Mary Hodgkins, Liz Roberts, Ricky Lewis, Jaca McLaren, Verna Johnson, Lynne Marsten and Diane Douglas.
Not in Picture:
Kathleen Fernandez, Laura English, Cathy Meyer, Barbara Haas, Mary Gregg, Vicki Cook, Alice Meyers, Louie Blaze, Ken Cooper, Glenn Normand, Kay Overstreet and Sherry Sullivan.
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Mayors' Prayer Breakfast Coming Up
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's Annual Mayors' Prayer Breakfast is coming up soon and we need your help. Would you like to join our Planning Committee and volunteer for the event? Call Liz Roberts at 621-8222 to sign up.
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Calendar |
February 2014
6 Business After Hours, 5 - 7 pm, Old 27 Grill, 19992 Highway 181, Fairhope. An Eastern Shore Chamber event. 621-8222.
8 Chocolate & Champagne Fantasy, Murder Mystery at Fairhope Library, 7-9pm, $25 in advance/$30 day of, 928-7483.
9 Premier Wedding Expo, 1-4pm, Daphne Civic Center, (904) 551-2713.
10-15 SB4G Consignment sale, 9am-8pm, Daphne Civic Center, www.jc-kids.com. 11 Eggs N' Issues, 8:30 am, Daphne UMC, 2401 Main St., Daphne, Topic: Construction Update of I-10 Bridge, (see article), 621-8222. An Eastern Shore Chamber event.
11 Baldwin Pops Classical Concert, 7pm, Fairhope Civic Center, 232-1013.
15 Chili for Charity Cook-Off, Oak Hollow Farm, 11:30am - 2 pm, Ecumenical Ministries, 928-3430.
16 Bridal Show, Grand Hotel, Noon - 4pm.
20 Morning Marketing Meeting, 8 am, Scenic Overlook office. An Eastern Shore Chamber event. 621-8222.
20 Young Professional's Social, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, McSharry's Irish Pub, 101 N. Bancroft St., Fairhope. An Eastern Shore Chamber event.
21 Apollo's Mystics Parade, Daphne, 6:45 pm.
22 Knights of Ecor Rouge, Fairhope, 7:00 pm.
23 The Haven's Mystic Mutts of Revelry, 2:30 pm.
27 Prodisee Pantry Connecting Community Luncheon, 11:30 am, 626-1720.
28 Mystic Order of Persephone Parade, Daphne, 6:45 pm.
28 Maids of Jubilee Parade, Fairhope, 6:30 pm.
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Baldwin County
Housing Statistics
December 2013 | |
Houses Sold
192
Average Selling Price
$230,060
Average Days on Market
147
Units on the Market
1,682
Condos Sold
159
Average Selling Price
$404,038
Average Days on Market
127
Units on the Market
928
Unemployment Stats
12/2013 1/2012
AL 5.7% 6.5%
BC 5.3% 6.3%
US 6.5% 7.6%
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New
Members
As of 1/31/14
Bellator Real Estate & Development
Bill Menas
31636 Rhett Dr.
Spanish Fort
379-1650
Fairhope/Point Clear Rotary Youth Club
Mark Stejskal
19128 Young St.
Fairhope
928-9143
Synovus Mortgage Corporation
Evelyn Garrett
7050 US Highway 90
Daphne
626-7566
Papa Murphy's
Billy Bullock
27955 US Highway 98
Daphne
621-8666
Fairhope Kitchen Studio
Dan Sloan
8 South Church St.
Fairhope
210-9307
Mobile Popcorn & Party Rentals
Matthew Sharpe
3333 C Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. C
Mobile
479-2492
Coastal Church
Jennifer Stafford
11101 County Rd. 64
Daphne
223-9476
Paul Davis Emergency Services of Baldwin County
Hector Seda
2149 West 1st St. #1233
Gulf Shores
948-2291
Fidelity Bank Mortgage
Laurie Kelly
9059 North Ct.
Daphne
391-7785
Discovery Family Ministries
Gary Browning
9908 County Rd. 64
Daphne
367-0714
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January Renewed Members
Eastern Shore Antiques
Antiques & Gifts
Member 6 Years
Weddings and Events by Jenna Laine
Wedding & Event Planning
Member 2 Years
Terminix International
Pest & Termite Control
Member 32 Years
C. Roberds General Contractors, LLC
Construction Contractor
Member 1 Year
Callahan and Associates Incorporated
Consultant
Member 1 Year
Fish River Trees
Tree Farm-Christmas
Member 27 Years
Montrose Bay Health & Rehabilitation
Nursing Home
Member 1 Year
WALA Fox 10 & WFNA The CW
Television & Broadcasting Station
Member 17 Years
Zeyal Creative Media
Advertising & Graphic Design
Member 2 Years
AFLAC - John Jones
Insurance
Member 11 Years
Tamara's Downtown
Restaurant
Member 7 Years
Daniell, Upton & Perry, P.C.
Attorneys
Member 2 Years
Mandevilla
Short Term Rental
Member 22 Years
Zulu Flight Training
School/Private
Member 2 Years
5A Multimedia
Advertising/Art & Graphic Design
Member 2 Years
Alabama Credit Union/Fairhope
Credit Union
Member 4 Years
Strickler Imports
Auto Deler/Used
Member 1 Year
American Family Care
Medical Clinic
Member 3 Years
Lake Forest Apartments
Apartments
Member 3 Years
Local 15 TV/UTV 44
Television & Broadcasting Station
Member 4 Years
The Arlington at Eastern Shore Centre
Apartments
Member 13 Years
Workshops, Etc!
Consultant-Training Development
Member 5 Years
Barons 'By The Bay' Inn
Motel
Member 32 Years
Brantley Farms
Petting Zoo & Gift Shop
Member 5 Years
Care House Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center
Civic or Fraternal Organization
Member 4 Years
Driftwood RV Park
RV Resort
Member 14 Years
Fairhope Public Library
Public Library
Member 21 Years
Hal Howard
Individual
Member 2 Years
Postmark Ink, Inc.
Printing/Mailing Service
Member 28 Years
Dr. John L. Stump, IMC, LLC
Physician-Acupuncture-Chiropractic
Member 25 Years
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Attraction
Member 20 Years
Climatemp Cooling & Heating, Inc.
Air Conditioning Contractor & Supplies
Member 7 Years
Kopesky & Britt LLC
Attorneys
Members 31 Years
Malbis Memorial Foundation
Church
Member 10 Years
Roberts Brothers, Inc. Eastern Shore - Paula Knodel
Realtor
Member 3 Years
Tyndall Federal Credit Union
Credit Union
Member 3 Years
Advantage Staffing
Human Resources Consulting
Member 1 Year
Hatch, Mott, MacDonald
Architectural Firm
Member 24 Years
Ware Jewelers
Jewelry & Gifts
Member 8 Years
Bayside Dental Care
Dentist
Member 16 Years
Hand Arendall, LLC - W. Bradley Smith
Attorney
Member 3 Years
Mr. Electric of South Alabama
Electrical Contractor
Member 5 Years
Office Solutions & Innovations
Office Supplies
Member 7 Years
Bellator Real Estate & Development LLC -
Jeanne Nemeth
Realtor
Member 2 Years
Mobile Ballet Eastern Shore
Dance-Ballet Production
Member 4 Years
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