Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission Sets Record:
The Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (AGCSC) has overcome multiple hurdles in this record setting year, generating 30,000 room nights in the first seven months of 2010. That number will continue to increase as the Sports Commission has yet to host 18 of its 63 scheduled events. In 2009, the Sports Commission generated over $7.6 million in total spending, and seven months into 2010, that number is already up to $10.4 million. The growth can be attributed to adding new events as well as the growth of prior events. One organization was a large force behind the increase in room nights: the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). The USSSA has already hosted 10 tournaments in the area with more on the schedule. Two USSSA World Series tournaments accounts for most of the $10.4 million; the Global Baseball World Series I and II combined to generate over $5.5 million in total spending.
“These numbers prove the Gulf Coast is still a great place to come play sports. Between our community support, generous annual sponsors and helpful city leadership, we offer an unbeatable athletic experience,” said Beth Gendler, director of sales for the AGCSC. While 30,000 room nights and over $10.4 million dollars of revenue is a new high for the Sports Commission, there is still room to grow. With 18 events left in the year and more being added to the calendar every week, the sky is the limit for the AGCSC. Events such as the NAIA Soccer and Softball Championships have already been added for 2011,
Upcoming events include the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon (September 11), SEC Women’s Soccer Championship (November 3-7), Kaiser Coastal Half-Marathon and 5K Run (Nov. 27), and the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship (November 29 – December 1).
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BEACH EXPRESS COLLECTING PHONES FOR SOLDIERS: The Beach Express IS participating in the “Cell Phones for Soldiers” program through September 12, Travelers can drop off their used cell phones, MP3 players and iPods at the toll booth or plaza office at 22867 Brown Lane to help soldiers call home.
“Cell Phones for Soldiers has already provided more than 60,000,000 minutes of free calling cards to soldiers so they can call home free of charge,” states Chris Musgrove, BEX Manager. “By providing a fast, drop-off station at the Beach Express, we hope to make it easy for the local community to donate to this worthy cause. This program has been successful at all of the American Roads’ toll facilities.”
For more information visit beachexpress.com or call 251-968-3415.
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Syverson Medical GrouP RIBBON CUTTING: The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce recently held a Ribbon Cutting for Syverson Medical Group, LLC. Syverson Medical Group provides a full range of evaluative, rehabilitative and maintenance services for all forms of chronic pain syndromes. SMG provides a full scope of medical procedures ranging from headache management, epidural, spinal and joint injections to more advanced pain management methods. Dr. Thomas Syverson earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois in 1984 and then completed his residency in at the University of South Carolina. He is board certified in Adult Neurology and Pain Management, and has been practicing for more than 21 years. Syverson Medical Group is located at 1400 North McKenzie Street. For information or to schedule an appointment dial 251-424-1200 or visit syversonmedicalgroup.com.
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ARTS AND CRAFTS NEEDED: 10TH ANNUAL HERITAGE HARBOR DAYS: Heritage Harbor Days is a national award-winning festival that is one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 10 Events for the second year in a row. Each year crowds flock to this festival for the food, music, fun, and of course.. the arts and crafts. The festival committee is currently accepting applications for all types of arts and crafts including (but not limited to) wood crafts, handmade dolls and stuffed animals, jewelry, glass blowing, homemade children’s clothing and bows, fine art, and more. The fest will be held Nov. 5-7 in Heritage Park in Downtown Foley, and six states will return with exhibits to help celebrate the 10th anniversary. An estimated 60,000 visitors will attend during the three day span. The booth fee is $125 for 10 x10 space ($250 for 10×20)