The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce was proud to host today’s Leadership Series program, presented by Vulcan, Inc., featuring guest speaker Angela Hardison, Corporate Partnership Manager with Mobile Baykeeper.

The Leadership Series is one of the Chamber’s premier programs, designed to keep our members informed, engaged, and connected. Held approximately eight times each year, these luncheons bring respected and influential speakers to the table to address timely topics that impact our business community. From economic development and tourism to environmental stewardship and local governance, the Leadership Series delivers meaningful insight while creating unmatched opportunities to network with fellow professionals, civic leaders, and decision-makers from across the region.

Event Photos on Flickr:

South Baldwin Chamber 2026 Chairman of the Board Mark Ingram of Baldwin EMC opened the program with the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance before introducing the presenting sponsor, Bryan Wolfe, President & CEO of Vulcan, Inc., and welcoming Angela Hardison to the podium.

Program Focus: 

Protecting and restoring the waters of Coastal Alabama and the critical role oysters play in sustaining both the environment and the economy.

During her presentation, Hardison shared how Mobile Baykeeper is working to protect and restore the waters of our coastline. She highlighted restoration initiatives, including a proposed restoration-only hatchery, intertidal reef planting along natural shorelines, partnerships with oyster farmers through a buyback program, and the Oyster Keeper initiative — which returned more than a quarter million oysters to local waters in 2025 alone. Her message reinforced the connection between environmental responsibility, economic vitality, and the future of our growing coastal communities.

As part of the South Baldwin Chamber’s ongoing effort to spotlight nonprofit partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast and Ecumenical Ministries, Inc. were also in attendance. Representatives shared information about their missions and the meaningful impact their organizations continue to make throughout our community.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Vulcan, Inc. for serving as the Presenting Sponsor and to Baumhower’s Grill of Foley for providing a delicious lunch for today’s program. We are especially grateful to Warren Averett, our Education Enrichment Sponsor, whose support helps make it possible for students to attend and engage in these meaningful conversations. Thanks to that investment, we were pleased to welcome students from South Baldwin Christian Academy as part of our ongoing commitment to connecting future leaders with the business and civic issues shaping our region.

The Chamber is proud to bring together local officials, business owners, city leaders, educators, nonprofit partners, and community members to hear from influential speakers on issues that matter. Programs like this strengthen collaboration and help ensure South Baldwin continues to grow in a way that protects both our economy and our quality of life.

Join us for our next Leadership Series program on March 19, when we welcome Lee Lawson, President & CEO of Baldwin Alliance (formerly Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance). We look forward to another impactful conversation.