What comes after high school? For some students, the answer is clear. For others, figuring out what comes next can feel overwhelming. The South Baldwin Chamber and Foundation are launching Beyond the Tassel, a new initiative designed to help students explore careers, discover opportunities, and better prepare for life after graduation. The program is launching in partnership with the career coaches at Foley High School and Elberta High School and will initially focus on caree

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s Junior Ambassadors recently spent the day exploring careers, leadership, and community service during Health & Emergency Services Day. This hands-on experience gave students an inside look at the professionals and organizations that work together every day to protect, serve, and care for our community. Understanding the First Call for Help The day began with a visit to Baldwin County 911, where students learned what happens behind the sc

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s annual Foundation Paddle Classic, presented by Vulcan, Inc., brought players, supporters and community members together on Saturday, August 22, for a day of friendly competition, connection and fun on the courts. Held at the City of Foley Pickleball Courts, the tournament welcomed players across a range of skill levels and age divisions, with competitors battling through round-robin and playoff play while supporting the Foundation’s miss

Workforce development isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about building a community where people can work, connect, contribute, and feel like they belong. This summer, the South Baldwin Chamber and Foundation’s Community Workforce efforts took another step forward through two events focused on an important part of our local workforce: international students who come to South Baldwin County through the J-1 Summer Work Travel program. Through the Summer Work Travel Commu

A new year means a new group of young leaders ready to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and begin making their mark on South Baldwin County. The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is excited to welcome the 2026–2027 Junior Ambassador class! These 23 high school juniors from Elberta & Foley High School were selected through an application and interview process and are now preparing for a year filled with leadership development, community connections, h

Tee Up for a Cause: Sponsor Golf FORE! Education 2026

BJ’s Wholesale Club is coming to Foley, and local residents have an opportunity to save on membership while supporting education in South Baldwin. Through BJ’s Club for a Cause program, new members can join with a one-year Club Card membership for only $15, regularly $60. For every enrollment, BJ’s will donate $5 to the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. New members may also select a Club+ Card membership for $50, regularly $120, with $15 from each enrollment donated to the Fo

Every successful entrepreneur can point to someone who offered guidance, encouragement, or simply believed in them when they were just getting started. That is exactly what mentorship is all about, and it’s one of the most meaningful parts of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s EPIC (Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities) program. EPIC is more than an entrepreneurship program. It’s a year-long experience that connects students in grades 7–12 with local business leader

This summer, the South Baldwin Chamber & Foundation’s Community Workforce initiative proudly hosted the inaugural Community Compass: Welcome & Resource Expo, bringing together local organizations and international Summer Work Travel students for an afternoon of connection, education, and community. Held at the Foley Civic Center, the event featured more than 20 vendors representing healthcare, emergency services, shopping, tourism, parks and recreation, transportation, financ

NEW EVENTS — Foundation Paddle Classic and Walk This Way: 80s 5K & Block Party. Both events offer the local community and area businesses unique ways to get active, have fun, and make a direct impact on local education initiatives.

Community Invited to Bid Online June 8–21 in Support of Educational Enrichment and Workforce Development Programs The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation (SBCF) is kicking off the summer season with the return of one of its most anticipated online fundraisers — the 2026 Kickoff to Summer Online Auction. Beginning June 8 and continuing through June 21, the virtual auction will offer supporters across the community the opportunity to bid on a wide variety of donated items and expe

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is thrilled to announce the recipients of our Spring 2026 Teacher Grant Awards! True to our mission of enhancing educational opportunities and fostering innovation, we are incredibly proud to have awarded $51,946.24 this season to fund a diverse array of creative, hands-on projects that enrich the learning experiences of local students. From transforming outdoor spaces into living science labs to gamifying math and elevating literacy, our

An evening dedicated to achievement, ambition, and the bright future of South Baldwin unfolded as the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Foundation honored Elberta High School’s highest-achieving seniors during the 69th Annual Academic Banquet. Surrounded by family, educators, business leaders, and community supporters, eight outstanding seniors were recognized for their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and their commitment to challenging coursework throughout

The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce & Foundation proudly celebrated Foley High School’s top academic seniors and the 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year during the 69th Annual Academic Banquet — a long-standing tradition that honors excellence in education and the remarkable students and educators shaping the future of our community. The evening recognized thirteen outstanding seniors who earned the prestigious Diploma with Distinction, an achievement awarded to students who comp

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving in South Baldwin! The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is proud to celebrate this year’s EPIC grant recipients — outstanding student entrepreneurs who were awarded funding to help launch or enhance their growing businesses through the purchase of essential materials, equipment, licensing, and business needs. This year, a total of $3,600 in business grants was awarded to students who successfully completed the EPIC program and s

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s Junior Ambassadors recently stepped into the fast-paced world of architecture, engineering, and community development during a hands-on career exploration day that connected classroom concepts to real-world impact right here in Baldwin County. The day began with an energetic and eye-opening presentation from Chad Watkins, Principal of WAS Design, who challenged students to think beyond the idea that landscape architecture is simply “draw

Last month, the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s EPIC program hosted its annual CEO Roundtable, providing students with a unique opportunity to hear directly from local entrepreneurs and business leaders about the realities of building and leading a business. This year’s panel featured a fantastic range of expertise and perspectives, including: Tim Lower , SimpliHOM Alabama Janel Hawkins , Sandcastle University Nick Cantrell , Cantrell Studio Chrissy Clay , Entrepreneur and

Last month, our Junior Ambassadors headed to the state capital for a day that perfectly blended Alabama’s rich history with a front-row seat to how our government works today. We started the morning with a tour of the State Capitol, taking in the architecture and the weight of the decisions made within its walls. From there, we took a literal walk through history on our way to the State Law Library. It was a powerful experience to walk the same path as leaders like Dr. Martin

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation was honored to attend the Baldwin County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Banquet hosted by the Baldwin County Education Coalition . This annual event brings the community together to recognize and celebrate outstanding educators from across Baldwin County Public Schools. More than 200 guests gathered to honor Teachers of the Year from each school, National Board Certified Teachers, and the Elementary and Secondary Counselors of the Yea

Guest speaker Yolanda "Yo" Johnson from the Small Business Development Center brought a hands-on and highly creative approach to exploring the realities of entrepreneurship.