The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed members, local leaders, and community stakeholders to the Foley Civic Center for another impactful Leadership Series luncheon, presented by Vulcan, Inc. The program featured guest speaker Lee Lawson, President & CEO of Baldwin Alliance, who shared a dynamic update on the continued growth and economic momentum shaping Baldwin County.

The Leadership Series is one of the Chamber’s premier programs, designed to keep members informed, engaged, and connected. These luncheons bring respected and influential speakers to the table to address timely topics impacting our business community—while also creating valuable opportunities to network with fellow professionals, civic leaders, and decision-makers from across the region.

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 Lawson to the podium.

During his presentation, Lawson highlighted the strong trajectory of Baldwin County, emphasizing that “momentum is building” as businesses, people, and innovation continue to choose the region. He shared key data points that underscore this growth, including billions in recent capital investment, thousands of new jobs created, and the county’s position as one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation.

Lawson also discussed the critical role of Baldwin Alliance in connecting people, business, and opportunity through strategic initiatives such as workforce and talent development, business attraction and retention, and data-driven research. These efforts are helping to build a strong foundation for long-term economic success across Baldwin County.

Additional highlights included major developments and investments throughout the region—from large-scale industrial projects and infrastructure improvements to workforce pipelines like Baldwin Preparatory Academy and innovative programs supporting entrepreneurship and industry partnerships. Lawson reinforced that tourism, workforce development, and infrastructure remain key drivers of sustained growth and opportunity.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Hollie Pegg, Assistant Director of Mobility (Automotive) & Asian Affairs with the Alabama Department of Commerce, made a special announcement recognizing a major investment in the City of Foley. The North Foley Industrial Park project includes a $3.33 million SEEDS grant from the state, paired with a matching investment from the City of Foley, to support the acquisition of a 121-acre site for future industrial development. The project, a collaborative effort between the City of Foley, Baldwin Alliance, and state partners including the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), marks a significant step forward in preparing sites for continued economic growth. Congratulations were extended to Mayor Ralph Hellmich and the City of Foley for this milestone achievement.

The South Baldwin Chamber was also pleased to welcome students, teachers, and staff from Foley High School and Elberta High School, reinforcing the importance of connecting today’s students with real-world conversations shaping our region. We extend our appreciation to Warren Averett, Educational Enrichment Sponsor, for their continued investment in student engagement through the Leadership Series, helping provide valuable opportunities for future leaders to learn, connect, and be inspired.

See the Baldwin Alliance Presentation PDF

Attendees enjoyed a buffet lunch catered by SugarLove and had the opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders, elected officials, and community partners. As part of the South Baldwin Chamber’s ongoing effort to spotlight nonprofit partners, The Dream Center of Baldwin County and The Lighthouse were also in attendance, sharing information about their missions and the meaningful impact their organizations continue to make throughout our community. The Chamber also extends its appreciation to its Diplomats for their continued support in welcoming guests and assisting with event operations.

The South Baldwin Chamber is proud to bring together local and state officials, business owners, and community leaders to hear from influential speakers on topics that matter most to our region. Programs like the Leadership Series continue to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership.

For more information about the Leadership Series and upcoming programs, visit southbaldwinchamber.com/leadership-series.