April 21, 2023
PRESS PHOTOS CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Coastal Alabama - "Although mother nature has generously bestowed upon us our beautiful beaches, land, and bodies of water; we are convinced what distinguishes the Alabama Gulf Coast is its people." These are the words etched onto the well-traveled plaque known to most as the Island Spirit Award, presented monthly by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and Beachball Properties.
Since the mid-1980's, the Island Spirit Award has celebrated non-management workers in the area who go above and beyond by showing hospitality to those that they serve. A committee of about twenty locals, chaired by Chamber board member Brandi Ingram & the Chamber’s Director of Events & Sponsorships Kimberly Ray, meets monthly. The group reviews and picks a winner from the nominations that are submitted to the Chamber from locals, community leaders, and visitors alike.
“I think it’s one of the best traditions we’ve kept up at the Chamber,” notes Ray, “It’s a small gesture but it sends a big message that the winner’s hard work and commitment to their position is both noticed and appreciated.”
Winners are surprised with a pop-in celebration during the work day, planned ahead of time with management. Amongst praise, they are presented with a copy of their nomination letter, a personal plaque for them to keep, a perpetual plaque (which has been in use since the award’s founding) that travels around to each winner's place of business, an Island Spirit lapel pin, flowers courtesy of Rouses Markets, and a cash prize of $100. The following were presented with the Island Spirit Award for quarter one of 2023:
January: Tammy Gafnea Burkhart, a beach ranger with Gulf Shores Fire Rescue - Quotes from the nomination letter mentioned, “Recently an elderly woman with terminal cancer visited Gulf Shores to grant her final wish to see our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The husband asked for Tammy's help walking his wife to the end of the blue handicapped mat so she could see the beach and the water. She invited the couple onto her beach ranger ATV, and much to their delight rode up and down the beach. The woman was ecstatic with joy. Tammy also helped her out of the ATV and took her over to the water's edge where the woman was not just able to fulfill her wish of seeing the Gulf, but to wade in the water too.”
February: Tony Pappas, a school resource officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department - Quotes from the nomination letter mentioned, “Officer Pappas keeps order and control in the car line and still manages to delight everyone who has the chance to see him in action!"
March: Susan Bartholomew, Youth Services and Communication Supervisor for the South Baldwin Literacy Council - Quotes from the nomination letter mention, “Susan is a ray of light. She is constantly going above and beyond for our community. Susan manages almost 100 volunteers who tutor and teach classes all across Baldwin County. As SBLC is a 501c3 charity and doesn't charge for services - she keeps going on a shoestring budget and we couldn't be more proud of what she has accomplished on the Gulf Coast!"
Nominations are encouraged by the Chamber year-round with two easy ways to send them in. An online form is set up on mygulfcoastchamber.com/islandspiritaward and paper forms are available at both Chamber offices in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
###
Since 1981, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's mission has been to strengthen members, businesses, and the community through a culture of excellence. The organization serves Coastal Alabama at two locations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. More details on the Chamber can be found at mygulfcoastchamber.com.
Coastal Alabama - "Although mother nature has generously bestowed upon us our beautiful beaches, land, and bodies of water; we are convinced what distinguishes the Alabama Gulf Coast is its people." These are the words etched onto the well-traveled plaque known to most as the Island Spirit Award, presented monthly by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and Beachball Properties.
Since the mid-1980's, the Island Spirit Award has celebrated non-management workers in the area who go above and beyond by showing hospitality to those that they serve. A committee of about twenty locals, chaired by Chamber board member Brandi Ingram & the Chamber’s Director of Events & Sponsorships Kimberly Ray, meets monthly. The group reviews and picks a winner from the nominations that are submitted to the Chamber from locals, community leaders, and visitors alike.
“I think it’s one of the best traditions we’ve kept up at the Chamber,” notes Ray, “It’s a small gesture but it sends a big message that the winner’s hard work and commitment to their position is both noticed and appreciated.”
Winners are surprised with a pop-in celebration during the work day, planned ahead of time with management. Amongst praise, they are presented with a copy of their nomination letter, a personal plaque for them to keep, a perpetual plaque (which has been in use since the award’s founding) that travels around to each winner's place of business, an Island Spirit lapel pin, flowers courtesy of Rouses Markets, and a cash prize of $100. The following were presented with the Island Spirit Award for quarter one of 2023:
January: Tammy Gafnea Burkhart, a beach ranger with Gulf Shores Fire Rescue - Quotes from the nomination letter mentioned, “Recently an elderly woman with terminal cancer visited Gulf Shores to grant her final wish to see our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The husband asked for Tammy's help walking his wife to the end of the blue handicapped mat so she could see the beach and the water. She invited the couple onto her beach ranger ATV, and much to their delight rode up and down the beach. The woman was ecstatic with joy. Tammy also helped her out of the ATV and took her over to the water's edge where the woman was not just able to fulfill her wish of seeing the Gulf, but to wade in the water too.”
February: Tony Pappas, a school resource officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department - Quotes from the nomination letter mentioned, “Officer Pappas keeps order and control in the car line and still manages to delight everyone who has the chance to see him in action!"
March: Susan Bartholomew, Youth Services and Communication Supervisor for the South Baldwin Literacy Council - Quotes from the nomination letter mention, “Susan is a ray of light. She is constantly going above and beyond for our community. Susan manages almost 100 volunteers who tutor and teach classes all across Baldwin County. As SBLC is a 501c3 charity and doesn't charge for services - she keeps going on a shoestring budget and we couldn't be more proud of what she has accomplished on the Gulf Coast!"
Nominations are encouraged by the Chamber year-round with two easy ways to send them in. An online form is set up on mygulfcoastchamber.com/islandspiritaward and paper forms are available at both Chamber offices in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
###
Since 1981, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's mission has been to strengthen members, businesses, and the community through a culture of excellence. The organization serves Coastal Alabama at two locations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. More details on the Chamber can be found at mygulfcoastchamber.com.
