Dear Mobile Chamber Members,

Next Tuesday marks an important moment for our city as we head to the runoff election for Mobile’s next mayor. As business leaders and community stakeholders, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to participate in this democratic process that will shape Mobile’s future.

I encourage each of you to cast your ballot on Tuesday. But don’t stop there – I also urge you to encourage your employees to participate in this crucial election. Consider giving your team members time to vote during the workday, and remind them their participation in our democratic process is not just a right, but it is a civic duty that impacts our entire business community.

Earlier this week, the Mobile Chamber partnered with Fox10 to host a debate between the mayoral candidates, giving our community the chance to hear directly from those who seek to lead our city. The dialogue was substantive and informative, highlighting the issues that matter most to Mobile’s continued growth and prosperity.

If you missed it, you can watch the full debate here.

If you haven’t done so, read our Chamber Election Guide, where each candidate has answered questions and addressed issues of particular importance to the business community. This resource provides valuable insight into how each candidate views economic development, infrastructure, workforce development and other critical areas that affect our local economy. I also encourage business owners to share this election guide with your employees.

Your vote on Tuesday is an investment in Mobile’s future. Make it count.

Professional Hockey Returns to Mobile – And You Can Help Name the Team!

On Wednesday, we learned professional hockey is officially returning to Mobile! After a 23-year absence, we’ll once again have a home team to rally behind when the new Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) franchise takes the ice at Mobile Arena for the 2027-28 season.

Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, led by CEO Andy Kaufmann, will own and operate the new team. This organization brings impressive credentials, currently owning and operating several successful professional hockey teams including the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen, Savannah Ghost Pirates, and the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Their track record of community investment and engagement makes them the perfect partner for Mobile.

The new Mobile Arena, which is set to open in early 2027, will provide a world-class home for our new team. This 10,000-seat venue is being designed not just as a hockey arena, but as a cornerstone of downtown Mobile’s transformation into a vibrant hub of sports, music and cultural events.

Here’s where you come in: the team has launched a “Name the Team” contest, and they want our entire community to participate in creating the team’s identity. This is a rare opportunity to be part of Mobile hockey history. Visit MobileProHockey.com to submit your ideas and help name our new team.

What better way to build community engagement and excitement than by giving everyone a stake in the team’s identity from day one?

This franchise represents more than just entertainment – it’s economic development in action. Professional sports teams generate jobs, attract visitors, stimulate local spending and enhance our city’s profile regionally and nationally.

As business leaders, we understand the value of initiatives that bring people together, create shared experiences and build community pride. Professional hockey will do all of that while contributing to Mobile’s economic vitality.

Season ticket deposits are already being accepted, and I encourage you to consider supporting this exciting venture.

Mobile is on the move, and professional hockey’s return is just another example of the momentum building in our city. Let’s embrace this opportunity, participate in naming our team, and get ready to cheer on Mobile hockey when that first puck drops in 2027.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant Mobile – one vote and one hockey game at a time.

Until next week,