Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Economic Report

The Eastern Shore lies along Mobile Bay in the southwestern quarter of Alabama's Baldwin County which has recorded unprecedented growth for several years. A direct reflection of their own economic growth, Eastern Shore communities contribute a disproportionate share of the tax revenue to the state. For example, Daphne, located midway along the shore, has recorded an increase in sales tax revenue of over 400% in only seven years, and the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce reported a 30% increase in membership.

Nevertheless, Eastern Shore residents are aware of the effects of uncontrolled development of any nature, be it industrial or residential. They maintain the quality of life they have come to enjoy as they preserve their environment heritage. New businesses are courted and encouraged, but the infrastructures to serve and support the people that make new businesses successful must be able to keep pace. The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission projects a 20 to 30% population increase in Baldwin County by the year 2010.

While Baldwin County is blessed with rolling rural farmland to its north and east, the bayside Eastern Shore is clearly the envy of its neighbors Fairhope toward the south, Spanish Fort to the north, and Daphne between, count over 1,500 businesses employing close to 13 thousand people. Some of the largest employers are Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Daphne (over 1,200 employees); Mercy Medical Center also in Daphne (over 725 employees); Thomas Hospital in Fairhope (almost 1,000 employees); and Marriott's Grand Hotel, Point Clear (400 employees). Several corporations have headquarters in the area.

Among the financial institutions well represented along the Eastern Shore are AmSouth, Colonial, Compass, Regions, and SouthTrust.

The area utility companies include Riviera Utilities (Daphne and Spanish Fort - electricity), City of Fairhope Utilities (electricity, gas, sewer, and water), and Baldwin County Electric Membership Corporation. Gulf Telephone and BellSouth provide the local telephone services.