November 14, 2019
Chamber News
Today the Mobile Area Chamber’s board of directors met in a specially called meeting to discuss the Mobile City Council’s upcoming vote to allow three areas in the City of Mobile’s police jurisdiction to vote on joining the city.
The board unanimously adopted this position , noting that the Chamber has supported six annexation calls over the last 27 years – covering three administrations (Mike Dow, Sam Jones and Sandy Stimpson). They also strongly encouraged the Mobile City Council to allow the residents in the three proposed areas to vote.
How can you help? Contact your Mobile City Council member (and ask them to support the right to vote during Tuesday’s Mobile City Council meeting.
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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Sisson had a 30-minute conversation with Karen Simmons, host of the Cheers to Business podcast. Simmons, with guest host Michelle Crowe of e-worc Web & New Media, talk with Sission about the economy and entrepreneurial and economic development. Listen here .
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The Mobile Area Chamber hosted the eighth Alabama Global Supply Chain & Logistics Summit on behalf of the Alabama Department of Commerce this week in Mobile.
Participants learned the state saw $4.2 billion in new foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2018 with more than 7,500 job commitments. Most of these FDI projects come with complex logistics needs and supply chains.
Items of interest from the summit included:
If the amount of money that cyber security brings in annually – roughly $1.3 trillion dollars – were a country, it would be the 13 th largest country in the world.
The internet of things is changing every aspect of the transportation industry, and it compounds an organization’s exposure to cyber-crime.
Companies must have security measures and risk assessments in place in order to be successful in this complex and ever-changing field.
The fuel tax proceeds from Rebuild Alabama are supporting $150 million in bonds to advance a harbor improvement project for the port and improving the state’s extensive roadway system. This investment is paying off with new distribution hubs.
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Business News
AFC Mobile is joining the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) for the 2020 season. One of the largest men’s leagues in the U.S., NPSL has 90-plus teams competing in multiple conferences throughout the country.
AFC Mobile will anchor a new NPSL conference alongside former rivals Tallahassee SC, Pensacola FC and Port City FC (Gulfport, Miss.) The new conference will be rounded out by NPSL stalwarts New Orleans Jesters and former North American Soccer League side Jacksonville Armada. AFC Mobile will compete in the NPSL’s summer season, from May to August.
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Named one of Southern Living's top resorts and a Top 5 historic hotel in the country by USA Today, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa brought home the top prize for hotels with more than 400 rooms. Read more here . 
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The Mobile County Commission , with officials from the City of Citronelle, held a grand re-opening of Davis Park. Improvements at the park include the baseball field, concession stand, pavilions, playground and more. The project cost $593,629 with funds allocated from District 1 Capital Improvement Funds.
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Spring Hill College is now offering a bachelor of nursing degree designed for registered nurses who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing to prepare them for leadership in the healthcare field. The program combines flexible, online courses and clinical integration and aligns local instruction and clinical practice, enabling nurses to complete the degree requirements in their local communities and work settings. Learn more here .
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Baldwin County’s Waterway Village Multimodal Access Project is one of several projects nationwide benefiting from the federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. Receiving $14.4 million, the project will include adding a southbound lane on state highway 59 and shared-use paths along the highway, constructing a new pedestrian bridge over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, expanding County Road 6 with dedicated cycling lanes and adding new roads and better access to an existing medical center.
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Member Promotion
The Saenger Theatre announced two classic Christmas movies will be shown on the big screen. On Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., see National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m., enjoy Meet Me in St. Louis . Santa Claus will be at the theatre before each of the movies to hear what’s on your Christmas list and take pictures. Tickets went on sale this week and can be purchased at the Saenger Theatre Box Office (open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday) or the Mobile Civic Center Box Office (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday). Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the movie.  
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During the month of November, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is offering 15% off new and gift memberships, and membership renewals. Learn more or take advantage of the offer here .
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Goodwill Easter Seals began online orders for its annual ornament – this year featuring Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Crème Shoppe. Find costs and the ornaments from previous years for sale here .
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Vote for Bellingrath Gardens and Home through Monday, Dec. 2 in USA Today’s contest of favorite garden holiday lights. The top 10 winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 13. Find the voting button here .
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Events Hosted by our Members
Thursday, November 14
City of Mobile
Lighting of the Cooper Riverside Tree
11/14/19
5 to 8 p.m.
Free
GulfQuest & Cooper Riverside Park
The tree will light up at exactly 6:10 p.m. Activities before and after the ceremony will take place inside GulfQuest with live music, a movie and costume contest.
 
Distinguished Young Women
One Night in Havana
11/14/19
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
$75 for early bird
23 East Warehouse Space, 1886 Fifth St., Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley
251-438-3621
One Night in Havana includes live music, food and drink and charitable gaming. Proceeds benefit the Distinguished Young Women Foundation and will provide college scholarships to deserving students.
 
Gulf Coast Ducks
The Wine Waddle - Wine Tasting Tour
11/14/19
7 to 9 p.m
$55 / Adults only
The Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 S. Royal St.
251-525-6933
Hop aboard for this popular duck tour and get a glass of wine at three stops - Red or White, Cheese Cottage and Royal Street Tavern. Limited availability.
 
University of South Alabama
USA Flute Choir and Celtic Crúe Fall Concert
11/14/19
7:30 p.m.
$8 general / $5 for USA faculty & staff, USA students, youth under 18 and senior citizens (cash or check only)
Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA S. Dr.
The USA Flute Choir will perform a varied program of both classical and contemporary works for all shapes and sizes of flutes.
 
Friday, November 15
Junior League of Mobile
Christmas Jubilee
11/15/19
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$10 in advance / $12 at the door / $5 children 6-12
Mobile Convention Center
This holiday shopping market and annual fundraiser will feature more than 100 merchants from around the county, photos with Santa, live entertainment, a children’s activity area, food court and more.
 
Saturday, November 16
University of South Alabama
USA Day
11/16/19
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Free
Mitchell Center main arena, 5950 Old Shell Rd.
Discover the opportunities of being a South student. USA Days are special Saturday campus visitation days for prospective undergraduate students and their parents.
 
Junior League of Mobile
Christmas Jubilee
11/16/19
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
$10 in advance / $12 at the door / $5 children 6-12
Mobile Convention Center
This holiday shopping market and annual fundraiser will feature more than 100 merchants from around the county, photos with Santa, live entertainment, a children’s activity area, food court and more.
 
Gulf Coast Ducks
The Gobble Get-Down
11/16/19
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$10 kids admission at the gate or free admission with purchase of a duck boat ticket
The Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 S. Royal St.
251-525-6933
Parents bring the kids and celebrate fall. Featuring games, crafts and concessions. Free admission with duck ticket purchase.
 
Habitat for Humanity Southwest Alabama
Orientation Day
11/16/19
10 to 11 a.m.
Free
Habitat for Humanity Southwest Alabama, 3712 Airport Blvd. (2nd Floor)
251-476-7171
Habitat for Humanity builds and sells safe, decent, affordable housing to qualified families at cost and with affordable mortgage financing. 
 
Mobile County Health Department
Rabies Clinic
11/16/19
10 a.m. to Noon
$10 (cash only)
Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howell’s Ferry Rd.
251-690-8823
Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets during weekend clinics that are good for one year.
 
Mobile Museum of Art
Beginning Black and White Photo Printing with Walter Bower
11/16/19
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$125 general /$95 museum members
4850 Museum Dr.
251-208-5205
Dive into photography in the museum’s all-new darkroom in this weekend workshop with local photographer and teacher Walter Bower.
 
Mobile Museum of Art
Sterling Silver Earrings with Vaughn Millner
11/16/19
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$135 general / $100 museum members
4850 Museum Dr.
251-208-5205
Do you need a holiday gift or perhaps a little something for yourself? Make three pairs of hand-forged sterling earrings including a leaf design and hammered circles.
 
USA Archaeology Museum
Explorers Series at Archaeology Museum
11/16/19
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free
USA Archaeology Museum, 6052 USA Drive S.
Children of all ages can learn about archaeology through stories, crafts and activities.
 
Sunday, November 17
Junior League of Mobile
Christmas Jubilee
11/17/19
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 in advance / $12 at the door / $5 children 6-12
Mobile Convention Center
This holiday shopping market and annual fundraiser will feature more than 100 merchants from around the county, photos with Santa, live entertainment, a children’s activity area, food court and more.
 
Monday, November 18
American Family Care
Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting
11/18/19
10 a.m.
Free
535 Schillinger Rd. S., Ste. A
251-249-8010
Grand reopening of the west Mobile clinic.
 
Tuesday, November 19
BIO Alabama
Life Sciences Startup Bootcamp
11/19/19
8:30 a.m. to Noon
$10 / Free for students.
Fuse Factory, 200 Government St., 4 th Floor
251-344-0536
The organization’s largest fundraising event of the year celebrates the twice nationally recognized corporate Big program and the outstanding volunteers making difference in the community.
 
Wednesday, November 20
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama
The BIG Event
11/20/19
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$100 per ticket
The Battle House Hotel, 26 N. Royal St.
256-509-5916
bbbssa.org
Topics include how to win federal funding, find investors, startup finances, protecting your ideas and local resources.
 
Saenger Theatre
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
11/20/19
7 p.m. / 6 p.m. Doors open
$26.95, $36.95, $46.95, $56.95 (Additional fees may apply)
Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St.
251-208-5600
For the first time, The Elf on the Shelf elves will take center stage in a new live musical debuting this holiday season.
 
Saturday, November 21
Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
Gathering of Eagles
11/21/19
6 to 8 p.m.
Free
Athelstan Club, 170 St. Francis St.
251-476-4600
Gather for an evening reception for Eagle Scouts, memories of scouting and projects that have helped your community. Business casual attire. Must be an Eagle Scout and 21 or older.
 
Mitchell Cancer Institute
Celebration of Hope
11/21/19
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
$175
1660 Springhill Ave.
251-460-6209
Celebrate Hope is the signature gala for USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. There will be live entertainment and food. Celebrate Hope has generated millions of dollars for cancer research technology.
 
University of Mobile
Christmas Spectacular
11/21/19
7 p.m.
$9-$50
Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Rd.
251-442-2383
Christmas Spectacular is one of the most popular Christmas events in Mobile. Experience sacred and holiday classics from faculty and students.
 
Friday, November 22
Mobile Sports Authority
AYSC Alabama Youth State Playoff & Championship
11/22/19
5:30 to 10 p.m.
$10 a day or $25 for a weekend
Herndon-Sage Park, 2900 Dauphin St.
251-725-1794
Thirty nationally ranked youth football teams (5-14 YO) from across the state will compete in this Division 1 post-season tournament to see who will be crowned State Champions.
 
Mobile Sports Authority
Gulf Coast Clash Wrestling Tournament
11/22/19
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
$15 each day / $25 for a two-day pass
Mobile Civic Center Arena, 401 Civic Center Dr.
251-725-1794
Thirty-three teams include six defending state championship teams, 19 individual state champions and numerous place finishers and state qualifiers, will compete in the strongest regular-season tourney in the Southeast.
 
Mobile Sports Authority
Alabama High School Athletic Assoc. South Sectionals Swim and Dive Meet
11/22/19
11 a.m.
$8 per day
Bishop State Main Campus, Fredericka Evans Cultural Centre
251-725-1794
High school student athletes compete for a qualifying spot to advance to the state championships to be held Dec. 6-7 in Auburn.
 
Hargrove Engineers + Constructors
Hargrove Foundation Gala
11/22/19
6 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. dinner
$250
Mobile Convention Center
251-375-5725
General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), honorable statesman and retired four-star general in the United States Army, is the keynote speaker for the fifth annual Hargrove Foundation Gala. Master of ceremonies will be Dan Borné, the voice of the LSU Tigers. Cocktail attire.
 
Gulf Coast Ducks
Quacks & Crafts
11/22/19
7 to 9 p.m.
$40
The Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 S. Royal St.
251-525-6933
Hop aboard the brewery tour. Ticket includes a beer from Haint Blue, Serda & Iron Hand, and a sneak peek of Braided River.
 
Gulf Coast Ducks
Holiday Ducks
11/22/19
7 to 8 p.m.
$29 adults / $26 seniors, military & educators / $16 kids 3 to 12 / $3 under 3
The Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 S. Royal St.
251-525-6933
Ring in the holiday season with us. After the tree lighting hop aboard this Jingle Cruise of holiday cheer.
 
University of Mobile
Christmas Spectacular
11/22/19
7 p.m.
$9-$50
Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Rd.
251-442-2383
Christmas Spectacular is one of the most popular Christmas events in Mobile. Experience sacred and holiday classics from faculty and students.
 
Saturday, November 23
Mobile Sports Authority
AYSC Alabama Youth State Playoff & Championship
11/23/19
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
$10 a day or $25 for a weekend
Herndon-Sage Park, 2900 Dauphin St.
251-725-1794
Thirty nationally ranked youth football teams (5-14 YO) from across the state will compete in this Division 1 post-season tournament to see who will be crowned State Champions.
 
GulfQuest National Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
Replicas of Columbus Ships
11/23/19
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$8.50 adults / $7.50 seniors / $6.50 for students 5-16
155 N. Water St.
787-672-2152
The Pinta and the Nina, replicas of Columbus’ ships, open in Mobile and will be docked at GulfQuest until their departure early Monday, Dec. 2. Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced sailing museum for the purpose of educating the public and school children. Teachers or organizations with 15 people or more can schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member and should call ahead.
 
University of Mobile
Christmas Spectacular
11/23/19
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
$9-$50
Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Rd.
251-442-2383
Christmas Spectacular is one of the most popular Christmas events in Mobile. Experience sacred and holiday classics from faculty and students.
 
Mobile Sports Authority
Alabama High School Athletic Assoc. South Sectionals Swim and Dive Meet
11/23/19
11 a.m.
$8 per day
Bishop State Main Campus, Fredericka Evans Cultural Centre
251-725-1794
High school student athletes compete for a qualifying spot to advance to the state championships to be held Dec. 6-7 in Auburn.
 
Mobile County Health Department
Rabies Clinic
11/23/19
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
$10 (cash only)
B&B Pet Stop, 5035 Cottage Hill Rd.
251-690-8823
Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets during weekend clinics that are good for one year.
 
Mobile Symphony
Beethoven & Blue Jeans - Eroica
11/23/19
7:30 p.m.
$15-$80
Saenger Theatre, 6 Joachim St.
251-432-2010
The Mobile Symphony’s popular Beethoven and Blue Jeans casual concert is back with Beethoven’s heroic Symphony No. 3, “Eroica," featuring guest artist, violin virtuoso Paul Huang. Dress casually.
 
Sunday, November 24
Mobile Sports Authority
Gulf Coast Clash Wrestling Tournament
11/24/19
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$15 each day / $25 for a two-day pass
Mobile Civic Center Arena, 401 Civic Center Dr.
251-725-1794
Thirty-three teams include six defending state championship teams, 19 individual state champions and numerous place finishers and state qualifiers, will compete in the strongest regular-season tourney in the Southeast.
 
Mobile Symphony
Beethoven & Blue Jeans - Eroica
11/24/19
2:30 p.m.
$15-$80
Saenger Theatre, 6 Joachim St.
251-432-2010
The Mobile Symphony’s popular Beethoven and Blue Jeans casual concert is back with Beethoven’s heroic Symphony No. 3, “Eroica," featuring guest artist, violin virtuoso Paul Huang. Dress casually.
 
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Magic Christmas in Lights Preview at Bellingrath Gardens and Home
11/24/19
6 to 9 p.m.
$50 per person
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd.
251-459-8868
This elegant evening in the gardens includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and special guests. The preview is a fundraiser for the Bellingrath Gardens and Home Foundation.
 
Monday, November 25
Port City Pups
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
11/25/19
11:30 a.m.
Free
650 St. Anthony St.
251-272-9897
Opening discounts and tours.
 
University of South Alabama
USA Symphony Band Fall Concert
11/25/19
7:30 p.m.
$8 general / $5 for USA faculty & staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only)
Laidlaw Recital Hall, 5751 USA S. Dr.
251-460-7116
The USA Symphony Band concert, conducted by Dr. Jason Rinehart, will feature works written originally for bands and also works transcribed for the genre.
 
Thursday, November 28
Camp Rap-A-Hope
Turkey Trot for Hope
11/28/19
8 a.m. 5k / 9 a.m. 1 Mile
$25 adult / $15 child (includes t-shirt)
S. Royal St. (meet between 104-148)
251-476-9880
Run the Turkey Trot for Hope 5k and 1 mile Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving. Kick the day off with a little turkey spirit and support Camp Rap-A-Hope.
 
Saturday, Nov. 30
Gulf Coast Ducks
Christmas Village at The Fort
11/30/19
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$10 adults / $15 kids 3 to 14 / Free under 3
The Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 S. Royal St.
251-525-6933
After you're all "turkey-ed" out, bring the family for some holiday fun at The Fort. Featuring games, prizes, Santa and Elsa. Discounts with a duck boat ticket.
 
Tuesday, December 3
University of Mobile
A Jazz Band Concert
12/3/19
7 p.m.
$10
Redemption Church, 1251 Industrial Pkwy., Saraland
251-442-2383
The University of Mobile Jazz Band invites you for a classic Big Band Christmas concert.
 
Thursday, December 5
Mobile Baykeeper
Bay Bash
12/5/19
6 to 10 p.m.
$75
GulfQuest Maritime Museum, 155 S. Water St.
251-433-4229
Bay Bash features signature dishes from local restaurants, cocktails, live entertainment, a silent auction, a special performance by the Eastern Shore Repertory Theater and live music. Cocktail attire. 21+
 
Friday, December 6
The Child Advocacy Center
Golf Tournament
12/6/19
8 a.m.
$300 per team / $75 per person
Robert Trent Jones Magnolia Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy.
251-432-1101
Breakfast will be provided and food is on the course. All proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center.