Dear Mobile Chamber Members,

Congratulations to Bay Landscaping – the 2025 Mobile Chamber Small Business of the Year! The award was presented at the Mobile Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, and it was a wonderful celebration of entrepreneurship and community impact.

If you’re not familiar with Bay Landscaping’s story, it’s one that truly embodies the American dream. Back in 2007, John “Hank” Parker started the company as a one-man lawn care operation. Fast forward to today, and Bay Landscaping has grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s leading full-service landscape providers, employing more than 60 people, operating a fleet of more than 30 vehicles, and serving more than 200 commercial clients across Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

Bay Landscaping represents the very best of Mobile’s small business community. From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted regional employer, the company has grown by staying true to its values, investing in its people and delivering quality service year after year.

Bay Landscaping was selected from a competitive field of 11 finalists representing diverse industries across our area. Each year, applicants are evaluated by an independent committee based on business operations, innovation and strategy, financial position and community impact.

The 2025 finalists included:

• Barons’ Inc.
• Bay Gourmet Catering
• Bay Landscaping
• Bottles Up – Mobile
• Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning
• Honest Air
• Hummingbird Ideas
• Personal Edge Fitness
• Pro356 Consulting LLC
• Smash My Trash
• SVN Toomey Property Advisors

Congratulations to all the finalists on this well-deserved recognition!

Thank you to the Barkin Family Fund for generously funding the cash awards, and to the presenting sponsor, Voyager Lending, along with all the event sponsors that made this recognition possible.

Airport Terminal Project Coming in Under Budget

Last week brought good news about the new terminal at Mobile International Airport that should have us all feeling optimistic about what’s ahead.

The Mobile Airport Authority announced that construction is not only on schedule but tracking about $19 million under the approved budget. That’s right – under budget. This is genuinely refreshing news.

So, what happened? When initial construction bids came in last year in excess of $400 million – exceeding the approved $381 million budget – the Airport Authority didn’t just forge ahead. Instead, they took a step back, conducted a thorough review of every aspect of the project and rebid the interior build-out package.

The result?

Significantly lower pricing that, combined with other smart design refinements, brought the estimated cost down to about $362 million. And here’s the best part: the scope and function of the terminal remain the same.

MAA Executive Director Andy Wilson emphasized that delivering a safe, efficient facility in a cost-effective way has always been the priority. The savings reflect careful coordination and thoughtful management. This is exactly what we want to see from a major infrastructure project that will serve our region for decades to come.

Construction activity is ramping up nicely. The elevated access road is now open, which is accelerating work across the site, and about 100 additional workers were expected on site beginning this week as interior construction picks up through the winter months.

Mark your calendars: the Authority is planning to open the terminal in fall 2026, with commercial flights expected to begin in November. Delta, United and American Airlines have all announced their intent to launch service from the new facility once it opens.

Why It Matters: This is more than just a new airport terminal. It’s a modern gateway that will enhance the travel experience for everyone in Mobile and Baldwin counties, support our growing economy and position our region as a true aeronautical hub on the Gulf Coast.

Celebrating Bishop State’s Southwest Campus Transformation

I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of Bishop State Community College’s Southwest Instructional Site this week, and it was inspiring to see the transformation firsthand. This $15 million expansion and renovation project is a game-changer for workforce development in our region.

The event at the campus on Dauphin Island Parkway brought together industry partners, community leaders, elected officials, alumni, students, faculty and staff to tour the completely reimagined facility.

President Olivier Charles put it perfectly when he said, “This is more than a ribbon cutting for us. It’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going as an institution.” And, what a statement it is.

Zoom In: The expansion includes a brand-new cosmetology and nail technology wing, a new HVAC instructional wing, expanded aviation training space, a redesigned multipurpose room with LED screens available for public rental, a new entrance and lobby, a student lounge and gaming center, new administrative offices, additional classrooms and an updated library. There’s even more renovation work on the way.

During my remarks, I told the Bishop State team how proud I am of what they’ve accomplished. Bishop State plays a critical role in workforce development, and investments like this ensure our community has the skilled workforce needed to compete and thrive.

This is just the latest in a series of major improvements across Bishop State’s campuses. They completed a $10.6 million renovation at their Carver Instructional Site in February, opened the $21 million Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Center for Nursing and Health Sciences on their Downtown Campus in Fall 2023 and are currently working on a multi-million-dollar renovation of the Delchamps Student Life Complex, expected to be completed in Spring/Summer 2027.

These aren’t just buildings; they’re investments in people, in skills and in our region’s economic future. Congratulations to President Charles and the entire Bishop State team.

Season’s Greetings

As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a new year, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for your partnership, your dedication to Mobile’s business community and your continued support of everything we’re building together.

This past year has been filled with growth, challenges, opportunities and achievements. From ribbon cuttings and networking events, to celebrating economic development announcements and member milestones, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that defines this region.

As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, we hope you’ll take time to rest, recharge and reflect on all you’ve accomplished. As we turn the page to 2026, we’re excited about what’s ahead. With projects like the new airport terminal, continued economic development announcements and the energy of businesses like yours, our future is bright.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year.

Until next year,

Originally published Friday, December 19, 2025.