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BVW: All Things Mardi Gras | Mobile’s #1 | Member Specials & More
Business View Weekly – February 11, 2021 | Chamber News, Business Headlines & Member Events
Chamber News
The Chamber is closed Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16 for our traditional Mardi Gras holidays.
ICYMI: Here are a few things going on to help you celebrate.
Bellingrath Gardens set up carnival-themed lights at Mardi Gras Park in downtown Mobile.
At its Theodore location, Bellingrath is hosting a golf cart parade on the great lawn on Mardi Gras day. Find the details in events below.
If you thought Mobile’s Porch Parade was limited to downtown, take a look at the map and find more information here.
Local media outlets are reporting the Comic Cowboys will hold their parade virtually. See the story here.
Reminder: The City of Mobile is closing down streets east of the Bankhead tunnel in the entertainment district on Fat Tuesday to make it easy for people to visit displays and floats of several parading organizations at Mardi Gras Park. The statewide mask mandate and social-distancing will be in place.
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The Alabama Legislature kicked off its 2021 session last week. Working closely with the state legislative delegation, the Mobile Area Chamber advocated for several bills set to be signed into law by Ivey this week.
The economic development incentives bill (HB 192) and state income tax exemption for CARES Act COVID relief money (HB 170) received final passage on Wednesday. COVID liability protection for businesses (SB 30) is expected to receive final passage today, Thursday, Feb. 11.
In addition, the Chamber’s community and governmental affairs team is working closely with House Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston (R-Mobile) to ensure the renewal of historic tax credits. His bill, HB 281, is awaiting committee review in the state House of Representatives.
If you missed Gov. Kay Ivey’s State of the State address, you can watch it here.
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Whether you’re launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, the Make Your Website Work for You workshop will help. As a bonus, all first-time attendees will receive up to $150 in Google ad credit to immediately market their business or nonprofit with the lessons they learn and apply.
Topics are centered around six characteristics of a great website: calls to action, easy-to-search, useful, functional, intuitive to any device and findable. Find the registration link here for the free, Wednesday, Feb. 24 virtual workshop. It begins at 11 a.m.
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The Mobile Area Chamber created a COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance and Resource guide to help navigate current locations and other information. Find the full document here.
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Business Headlines
Mobile landed in the top slot for Top 10 U.S. Cities Worth Exploring in 2021 in CEOworld Magazine. Here’s what they had to say: “ . . . this city has a significant cultural background. Mobile, considered one of the Gulf Coast’s cultural centers has many art museums, many constructions of historic architecture, while is known for having the oldest organized Carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. Furthermore, is a great choice if you want to enjoy fresh seafood.” See the rest of the list here.
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Innovation Portal announced the first investments made from its Portal Fund, a nonprofit investment fund for early stage ventures in the region with high-growth potential. The fund was created to “ignite the local entrepreneurial ecosystem” by attracting and retaining entrepreneurs in Mobile. Innovation Portal members, Deuce Drone and Barkd received a combined total of $75,000 and will have access to Innovation Portal programming, support and workspace.
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New Orleans-based law firm Phelps Dunbar announced it was joining forces with the Alabama law-firm Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, Dumas & O’Neal. The move becomes effective March 1.
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Eighteen local middle schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties are participating in the rollout of a new nationwide science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) program produced by Flight Works Alabama in partnership with Airbus, Amazon and others. The pilot program includes the first three of seven learning modules available. The full program kicks off nationwide beginning in autumn 2021.
Local participating middle schools include Alba, Bay Minette, Burns, Calloway-Smith, Causey, Central Baldwin, Chastang-Fournier, Denton Magnet, Elberta, Fairhope, Grand Bay, Hankins, Lott, Perdido, Pillans, Saraland, Scarborough Model (Classes 1, 2, 3) and Spanish Fort.
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City of Mobile officials cut the ribbon on the new Spring Hill Fire Station this week. Located at 700 Museum Dr., in District 7, the $2.5 million, 6,053-square-foot facility includes co-ed living space.
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Member Promotions
Mobile Opera has a free Valentine’s Day showing of its Winter Gala concert. The digital performance features Soprano Cristina Bakhoum Sanchez and Baritone Corey McKern with Pianist Eric Andries. Log-on to the organization’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.
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Georgia Roussos Catering is offering a Valentine’s Day pre-order special. Choose two entrees, two sides and two desserts for $99, plus tax and fees. Call 251.666.1141, and see the menu here.
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The YMCA is offering a special join fee of $14 through Monday, Feb. 15. Find more on health and safety expectations here or call 251.438.1163.
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If you missed tickets to the Savannah Bananas’ One City World Tour game, a second game was added on Saturday, March 27, and tickets are on sale now.
The City of Mobile and Mobile Sports & Entertainment Group announced last fall Mobile won the site selection competition for the what is billed as the “world’s fastest and most outrageous game of baseball.”
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The Mobile Arts Council is hosting three exhibitions during this February: A Celebration of Black Artists, the District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art. These exhibitions will hang through Friday, Feb. 26 in the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery at 6 S. Joachim St. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See these works virtually here.
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OWA announced its spring line-up for Legends in Concert. Celebrate Vegas will feature Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, portrayed by the incomparable Brian Duprey and Leo Days respectively; Cher, performed by Lisa McClowry; and Erika Moul will pay homage to Lady Gaga. The show runs through Sunday, May 30, Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. in February, and at 7:30 p.m. for March through May dates; and Sundays at 3 p.m. Find more information here.
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Member Events
Thursday, February 11
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum
Gulf Chat: African Americans Impact on the Maritime Industry
02/11/2021
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Free
155 S. Water St.
251.436.8901
https://www.gulfquest.org/
GulfQuest will host its first Gulf Chat of 2021 featuring Chief Jason Lewis discussing the African American Impact on the Maritime Industry to celebrate Black History Month.
Friday, February 12
Mobile County Health Department
Rabies Clinic
02/12/2021
10 a.m. to Noon
$12 cash
Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howell’s Ferry Rd.
251.690.8823
In order to adhere to social distancing recommendations, these events will be drive-through clinics. Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets during weekend clinics that are good for one year.
Mobile Sports Authority
Gulf Coast Classic Volleyball Tournament
02/12/2021
5:30 to 9 p.m.
$10 per day ages 12 and above / free for ages 11 and under
Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St.
251.725.1794
This is the oldest continuous running youth sports tournament on the northern Gulf Coast. Up to 70 teams will compete in the annual USA Volleyball-sanctioned event.
City of Mobile: Parks & Recreation
Black History Month Movie Series – Loving
02/12/2021
6 to 9 p.m.
Free
Michael Dow Amphitheater, 3055 Bank Ave.
251.208.1657
Join us for a showing of Loving followed by a panel discussion on interracial relationships (formal/ informal opinions), sacrifices made for love and the definition of love.
Mobile Arts Council
February ArtWalk
02/12/2021
6 to 9 p.m.
Free
Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile
251.432.9796
Celebrate Black History Month during February LoDa ArtWalk. In person and virtually on the LODA ArtWalk Facebook page from 5 to 8 p.m.
Saenger Theatre
February Movie Series – Pretty Woman
02/12/2021
7 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. doors open
$6 for adults / $3 for children (12 & under) and seniors (60+)
6 S. Joachim St.
251.208.5606
This February, the Saenger will showcase six classic hit movies the way they were meant to be seen: on the glorious big screen. For health and safety protocols, visit bit.ly/saengersafety.
Saturday, February 13
Mobile Sports Authority
Mobile Bay Intercollegiate Golf Tournament
02/13/2021
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free to the public
Magnolia Grove Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy.
251.725.1794
The 54-hole national tournament will feature top collegiate teams from several conferences including the Sunbelt. Practice rounds begin Saturday, Feb. 13 with tournament play starting Monday, Feb. 15.
Mobile Sports Authority
Gulf Coast Classic Volleyball Tournament
02/13/2021
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
$10 per day ages 12 and above / free for ages 11 and under
Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St.
251.725.1794
This is the oldest continuous running youth sports tournament on the northern Gulf Coast. Up to 70 teams will compete in the annual USA Volleyball-sanctioned event.
Mobile County Health Department
Rabies Clinic
02/13/2021
10 a.m. to Noon
$12 cash
Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Rd.
251.690.8823
In order to adhere to social distancing recommendations, these events will be drive-through clinics. Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets during weekend clinics that are good for one year.
OWA
OWA Wine Fest
02/13/2021
4 p.m.
$29.99
1501 S. OWA Blvd., Foley
251.923.2111
https://visitowa.com/event/winefest/
Sip, stroll and celebrate at the OWA Wine Fest presented in partnership with C’est Le Vin Wine Bar & Shop.
Sunday, February 14
Mobile Sports Authority
Mobile Bay Intercollegiate Golf Tournament
02/14/2021
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free to the public
Magnolia Grove Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy.
251.725.1794
The 54-hole national tournament will feature top collegiate teams from several conferences including the Sunbelt. Practice rounds begin Saturday, Feb. 13 with tournament play starting Monday, Feb. 15.
Mobile Sports Authority
Gulf Coast Classic Volleyball Tournament
02/14/2021
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
$10 per day ages 12 and above / free for ages 11 and under
Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St.
251.725.1794
This is the oldest continuous running youth sports tournament on the northern Gulf Coast. Up to 70 teams will compete in the annual USA Volleyball-sanctioned event.
OWA
Army Adventure Semi
02/14 – 02/17/2021
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free
1501 S. OWA Blvd., Foley
251.923.2111
https://visitowa.com/event/army-adventure-semi/2021-02-14/
Explore Army opportunities at the AS1, a 60-foot, 30-ton tractor/trailer with a self-contained simulation system.
Saenger Theatre
February Movie Series – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
02/14/2021
2 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. doors open
$6 for adults / $3 for children (12 & under) and seniors (60+)
6 S. Joachim St.
251.208.5606
This February, the Saenger will showcase six classic hit movies the way they were meant to be seen: on the glorious big screen. For health and safety protocols, visit bit.ly/saengersafety.
Monday, February 15
Mobile Sports Authority
Mobile Bay Intercollegiate Golf Tournament
02/15/2021
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free to the public
Magnolia Grove Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy.
251.725.1794
The 54-hole national tournament will feature top collegiate teams from several conferences including the Sunbelt. Practice rounds begin Saturday, Feb. 13 with tournament play starting Monday, Feb. 15.
Tuesday, February 16
Mobile Sports Authority
Mobile Bay Intercollegiate Golf Tournament
02/16/2021
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free to the public
Magnolia Grove Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy.
251.725.1794
The 54-hole national tournament will feature top collegiate teams from several conferences including the Sunbelt. Practice rounds begin Saturday, Feb. 13 with tournament play starting Monday, Feb. 15.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Parade on the Great Lawn
02/16/2021
2 to 3 p.m.
$14 for adults / $8 for ages 5-12 / free to Bellingrath members
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd.
251.459. 8985
Sign up to drive a golf cart in Bellingrath’s Mardi Gras parade on the Great Lawn. Enjoy the gardens and catch some beads at this family-friendly Carnival event.
Wednesday, February 17
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Winter Wednesdays: Origins of Azaleas
02/17/2021
10:30 to11:30 a.m.
$14 for adults / $8 for ages 5-12 / free to Bellingrath members
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd.
251.459.8868
Join distinguished horticulturist Maarten van der Giessen for an overview of the types and provenance of the South’s most beloved flower.
Children’s Medical Group PA
February “Expectantly Expectant”
02/17/2021
6 to 7 p.m.
Free
3920 Airport Blvd., Suite A
251.-342.3810
If you are pregnant and are currently looking for a pediatrician and want to know more about our group this is the class for you. Call 251.342.3810 x6298 to register.
Thursday, February 18
University of South Alabama
Executive Leadership Seminar
02/18/2021
11 a.m.
Free
https://southalabama.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dkbN76R2Rb6GWuuFc1oFHw
The Mitchell College of Business is hosting Marcus Lemonis, businessman and television personality. Lemonis is CEO of Camping World and start of the CNBC reality show, “The Profit.” Register for the Zoom link and password.
Friday, February 19
City of Mobile: Parks & Recreation
Black History Month Movie Series – The Brother From Another Planet
02/19/2021
6 to 9 p.m.
Free
Michael Dow Amphitheater, 3055 Bank Ave.
251.208.1657
Join us for the sci-fi/comedy The Brother From Another Planet followed by a panel discussion on the threat of immigrants, cultural assimilation and compassion. Led by Dr. Raoul Richardson.
Saturday, February 20
Mobile Sports Authority
Azalea City Boys’ Winter Classic Volleyball Tournament
02/20/2021
3 to 9:30 p.m.
$10 per day ages 12 and above / free for ages 11 and under
Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St.
251.725.1794
This is a first-time event in Mobile sanctioned by USA Volleyball with up to 40 teams competing at the Mobile Convention Center Feb. 20-21.
Sunday, February 21
Mobile Sports Authority
Azalea City Boys’ Winter Classic Volleyball Tournament
02/20/2021
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$10 per day ages 12 and above / free for ages 11 and under
Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St.
251.725.1794
This is a first-time event in Mobile sanctioned by USA Volleyball with up to 40 teams competing at the Mobile Convention Center Feb. 20-21.
Tuesday, February 23
Coastal Alabama Partnership
Coastal Conversations: Dr. Ron Ferguson
02/23/2021
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Free
Virtual event
From Cradle to Career. Dr. Ferguson is helping ensure the success of children in your community.
University of South Alabama
Reading and Craft Talk with Lauren Groff
02/23/2021
6 p.m.
Free
Virtual event
251.583.5590
https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/english/stokes.html
Lauren Groff is the author of the novels The Monsters of Templeton, and Delicate Edible Birds. She will speak at 6 p.m., via Zoom.
Wednesday, February 24
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Winter Wednesdays: Cool and Crazy Plants
02/24/2021
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
$14 for adults / $8 for ages 5-12 / free to Bellingrath members
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd.
251.459.8868
https://bellingrath.org
There are so many unusual and special things growing in the gardens. Join Executive Director Todd Lasseigne to learn more about the exotics that thrive in our Gulf Coast climate.
Phelps Dunbar
A Path Forward: A Conversation About Comprehensive Immigration Reform in the Labor and Employment Space
02/24/2021
10 a.m. CST
Free
Virtual event
https://phelps.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qg-4yZc2QauQ69ASqrn4bQ
This webinar will help employers interested in business growth and is targeted toward to companies in healthcare, science, engineering, technology, agribusiness and construction, among others.
University of South Alabama
2021 USA Black History Month Event
02/24.2021
3 p.m.
Free
Virtual event
251.583.5590
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/omsa/blackhistorymonth.html
The Clotilda, The Last American Slave Ship, will feature USA Alumni Robert Battles. This is one of the USA’s Black History Month programs.
Friday, February 26
Saenger Theatre
February Movie Series – Anchorman
02/26/2021
7 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. doors open
$6 for adults / $3 for children (12 & under) and seniors (60+)
6 S. Joachim St.
251.208.5606
This February, the Saenger will showcase six classic hit movies the way they were meant to be seen: on the glorious big screen. For health and safety protocols, visit bit.ly/saengersafety.
Sign up for the Business View Weekly here. The Chamber’s weekly e-news promotes news and events hosted by our members. Submit your news and events here. The deadline is every Wednesday at noon. Events run twice – the week before and the week they occur. Scroll down for what’s on the schedule for the next two weeks.