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Island Spirit Runs Deep In Coastal Alabama During Winter & Spring

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May 31, 2022
Island Spirit Runs Deep In Coastal Alabama During Winter & Spring
 
Coastal Ala. - "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 commemorated non-management workers in Coastal Alabama who go above and beyond by showing hospitality to those that they serve. A committee of twenty locals, chaired by Chamber board member Kimberly Ray & Chamber staff member Sharon Wiese, meets monthly to review all incoming nominations and choose a winner.

Winners are surprised with a pop-in celebration during the work day & 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 to each winner's place of business, and a cash prize of $100.

To start off the year, the committee surprised the following workers with the Island Spirit Award...

January: Lacie Roever, of the Public Works Department for the City of Orange Beach - Quotes from the nomination letter mentioned, “Lacie is the nicest and strongest person I know. Always a smile on her face, she exemplifies the kindness and generosity of the community. When people visit our wonderful location and say how nice the locals are it is because of people like Lacie who go beyond what is expected.”

February: Destiny Brown, local musician & cashier at The Pantry in Orange Beach - Quotes from the nomination letter mentioned, “Destiny is a go-getter! Not only does she perform great live music all around Baldwin County, she's also a great host at The Pantry. I love coming in for breakfast and seeing Destiny's smiling face. She is very friendly, conversational, and is always on hand to provide great recommendations of products in the store."

March: Cade Alexander, barista at Happy Pappys Coffeehouse in Gulf Shores - Quotes from the nomination letter mention, “Cade is an exemplary employee with a bright personality. I witness his positivity with every customer that walks through the door. You would never know that Cade was having a bad day because he is always a bright light!"

April: Dusty Sanford, bartender at Papa Rocco’s Pizza in Gulf Shores - Quotes from the nomination letter mention, “Dusty is hard working, dedicated, & humorous. When Dusty is working, you know you’re going to have a great time."

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.


January: Lacie Roever


February: Destiny Brown

March: Cade Alexander


April: Dusty Sanford
 
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Since 1981, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's mission is 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.
 
Contact:
Ryan Moberly, Communications Coordinator
ryan@mygulfcoastchamber.com, (251) 968-8651

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