Ten years ago, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig changed our lives. Today, a virus that started in China is effecting our lives and our livelihood. Our area has overcome so many adversities (including countless storms), that we have faith in coastal Alabamians ability to recover from tough times and emerge stronger than ever.

Speaking of strength, the Alabama State Port recently announced they have selected a new Director, John Driscoll. We asked Board Chair Bestor Ward for his thoughts on Mr. Driscoll and the future of the Port.

Have you seen Visit Mobile’s new website highlighting our local businesses that are open and need support? Please take a few minutes to visit this website and support a local business.

Don’t forget! Please complete your U.S. Census report today. WHY is it so important that everyone complete the report? Alabama could loose billions of dollars towards education, healthcare, infrastructure and more. Learn why it matters here.

I want to leave you with one final thought. Just as we have come together as a region through other challenging times, we will do it again. As we navigate the uncertainty of re-opening our economy and society, we encourage each of you to listen to our local leaders and be diligent consumers of media. There is so much information and we will do our best to share trustworthy resources with you.

And remember, we are resilient, we will survive and we will thrive!
Wiley Blankenship

Covid-19 Resources

Visit our website for a full list of resources for funding relief due to COVID-19, including the updated PPP application and link to the IRS Payment Status website.

Read the full Lt Governor’s Re-Open Alabama report and recommendations.

We have developed a list of resources from the Federal, State and County levels, along with a link to some interesting maps tracking the impact of COVID-19 in our state, country and world.

Updated April 20, 2020