July 20, 2026

Happy Monday, Chamber Friends!

Your weekly dose of South Baldwin happenings is here! From exciting events and community updates to ways to get involved and grow your business, we’ve packed this week’s newsletter with opportunities you won’t want to miss. Take a peek, mark your calendar, and stay connected with everything happening in our community!

Nominations OPEN For Walton M. Vines

Free Enterprise Person Of The Year

Nominations are now open for the Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year! Proudly presented by Riviera Utilities, this longstanding award honors an individual whose leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to free enterprise have made a lasting impact on the South Baldwin community.

Do you know someone deserving of this prestigious recognition? Submit your nomination today, then make plans to join us for the luncheon as we celebrate the 2026 honoree. Nominate a leader, reserve your seat, and be part of this special event!

Balloon Festival Opens 2027 T-Shirt Design Contest 🎈

Calling all artists! 📣 Submit your original artwork for a chance to win a cash prize and have your design featured on the official 2027 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival poster and t-shirt. All entries are due by October 1.

Help Shape The Next Generation Of Entrepreneurs: Become An EPIC Mentor!

Behind every great idea is someone who believes in it. The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s EPIC Program (Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities) is seeking local business leaders and community members to mentor student entrepreneurs as they develop ideas, learn real-world business skills, and take their first steps toward building a business. Your experience, guidance, and encouragement can make a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders in South Baldwin County.

Summer Work Travel Forum Coming To Orange Beach



Join local employers, community partners, and program sponsors for an important discussion on the Summer Work Travel (J-1) Program. Learn best practices, share ideas, and explore ways to create a positive experience for international students while strengthening our local workforce.

SBCF Announces AIDT Fall Leadership Skills Training

Ready to grow as a leader? AIDT Leadership Skills I provides tools and strategies to strengthen communication, teamwork, and leadership effectiveness. This course is designed for both current and emerging leaders looking to build confidence and make a greater impact.

THURSDAY 🤝 JUL 23

5:00 PM | Renasant Bank Foley

Join us at Business After Hours for a night of networking! Renasant Bank is partnering with Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation for this event, where you can connect with others, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities. Don't forget your business cards!

FRIDAY ☕ JUL 24

8:30 AM | Cavala Apartments

Join the Lower Alabama Young Professionals for Coffee & Connections at Cavala Apartments in Orange Beach! Enjoy a light breakfast while networking and building meaningful connections with other young professionals in the community. Open to ages 21–40 only.

TUESDAY ☀️ AUG 18

8:30 AM | Island Air Conditioning & Heating

Join us for our Q3 AM Connections sponsored by Farmers Insurance, The Weaver Agency! Start your morning with speed-networking to promote your business and connect with other professionals. Enjoy coffee and breakfast, with conversations that spark opportunities + growth!

SATURDAY 🥒 AUG 22

8:00 AM | Foley Pickleball Courts

Join the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation for the inaugural Foundation Paddle Classic, presented by Vulcan, Inc.! Grab your paddle, rally your team, and join us for a day full of pickleball and community fun—all while helping raise funds for educational enrichment programs.

SATURDAY 📼 SEP 12

5:00 PM | Heritage Park

Get ready to lace up your skates and party like it’s 1985 at Walk This Way: 80s 5K & Block Party! Full of neon, throwback tunes, and endless fun, this community celebration brings everyone together for a totally rad night while supporting the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation!

RIBBON ✂️ CUTTINGS

Everyone's Invited!

Join us in celebrating our Chamber members as we host ribbon cuttings for new businesses, renovations, and expansions. These events are a wonderful opportunity to discover businesses, connect with fellow professionals, and show support for the continued growth of our community!

See The Latest Chamber News | From press releases and upcoming events to member spotlights & community news, everything you need is right at your fingertips. You can easily share your own news & events through our Membership Portal!

Looking to grow your team or career? The Chamber's Job Board is a valuable resource for our business community. Post your open positions to connect with local talent, or browse current opportunities and discover where your next chapter could begin.

▸▸ View The Job Board

KNOW before you GO | Take a moment to check the beach flag conditions, swim near a lifeguard when possible, and stay aware of rip currents. Knowing the conditions before you arrive can help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on Alabama's beautiful beaches.

▸▸ BEach SAFE Warning System

Monday Morning Fun | Kick off your week with a little summertime challenge! Test your wordsearch skills and see how many words inspired by summer in South Baldwin you can find.

▸▸ How quickly can you spot them all?

2026 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Mark Ingram | Baldwin EMC

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

Travis Valentine, President/CEO

POB 1117, 200 N Alston Street, Foley, AL 36535



251.943.3291 | SouthBaldwinChamber.com