As those who live in the area, watch CNBC or read business journals already know, Mobile is on the fast track.
The newest data from 2007 Compass Bank Alabama Business Leaders Confidence Index® (BLCI) backs that up with statistics:
Executive Summary--Third Quarter 2007 Alabama Business Leaders Confidence Index®
Results from the third quarter 2007 Compass Bank Alabama Business Leaders Confidence Index® (BLCI) indicate Alabama business leaders are feeling more optimistic about the business environment. The overall BLCI reading registered 56.8, the highest reading of the last four quarters.
Improved outlooks for the national and state economies are largely responsible for the gain. Alabama business leaders remain much more upbeat about prospects for the state’s economy; the gap between the U.S. and Alabama outlooks is a substantial 12.3 points.
The positive direction of the state’s economy is expected to be the strongest contributor to growth during the quarter. Alabama is continuing to attract large-scale development projects, as well as other new industries and expansions, and is beginning to see BRAC-related relocations. Although sales remains the highest industry indicator, panelists anticipate some slowing in sales growth as consumers turn more cautious. Profits are also expected to weaken, with rising wages and continued high energy and material costs affecting gains. Hiring should pick up slightly, while capital spending will be boosted by nonresidential construction and by productivity-enhancing investments.
The Alabama BLCI is a collaborative project between Compass Bank and the Center for Business and Economic Research. The index represents the combined expectations of executives from a variety of businesses across the state—those who are closest to the pulse of the local economy and beyond. For additional details, please visit http://www.blci.com/alabama/.
This is the 23rd consecutive quarter that Compass and the Center for Business and Economic Research at The University of Alabama have conducted the survey of Alabama business leaders. Panelists represent a wide range of small, midsize, and large companies. Participants are from all major industry groups across Alabama’s 11 metropolitan areas and many nonmetro counties.
Our unemployment is down but we still have a sufficient depth of willing employes to staff the new industries, high tech and service industries who are discovering Mobile.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Recap of recent good news for the Mobile metro area.
As a followup to a previous post, here is some good news about the Mobile area.
Excerpts are from the Mobile Register and other sources:
Inc. magazine included two local firms, telecommunications provider Southern Light LLC and Hargrove & Associates Inc., an engineering and construction company, as part of its 2007 annual list of the 500 fastest growing private companies in America.
Mobile has been on a hot streak since the May 11 announcement that ThyssenKrupp AG had chosen a site north of the city for a proposed $3.7 billion steel mill. News about the massive project spanned the globe, earning references in more than 300 publications over the past three months, according to computer research firm LexisNexis.
"When you land the largest economic development project in America, that's news wherever you are," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said.
The city also drew an international spotlight at the Paris Air Show in June. Mobile is home to an Airbus engineering center and could add an aircraft assembly plant if it can win a lucrative contract to build aerial refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force.
High-profile articles about Mobile's aerospace ambitions appeared in the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune, among other news outlets.
---------------------------
Austal USA's parent company, Austal Ltd., said this week that its Mobile facility was a key driver of growth during a fiscal year that saw revenue jump by almost 40 percent.
Vessels completed in 2007 include the Mobile-built Hawaii Superferry, which was substantially finished in late 2006 and delivered to its owners in Honolulu in June.
A second superferry and work on a combat ship for the U.S. Navy has Austal's Mobile River shipyard on a fast track. Employee count there has topped 1,000 -- a 75 percent expansion during the fiscal year, the company said.
Bob Browning has taken the helm as Austal USA chief executive, and the company has expansion plans in the United States, the company said in its annual report.
A component of that expansion could have a large impact in Mobile in the form of a $200 million, modular manufacturing facility that would employ a minimum of 1,200 people, according to Bill Pfister, Austal USA's vice president of government programs.
Pfister said the Blakeley Island is in the running for the facility. There is one other out-of-state site under consideration, Pfister said, adding that a decision is "very, very close."
----------------------------
Producers of the HGTV show "My House is Worth What?" will be in Mobile this fall to find homeowners and Realtors to appear on the show, according to Holly Schwartz of HGTV.
Excerpts are from the Mobile Register and other sources:
Inc. magazine included two local firms, telecommunications provider Southern Light LLC and Hargrove & Associates Inc., an engineering and construction company, as part of its 2007 annual list of the 500 fastest growing private companies in America.
Mobile has been on a hot streak since the May 11 announcement that ThyssenKrupp AG had chosen a site north of the city for a proposed $3.7 billion steel mill. News about the massive project spanned the globe, earning references in more than 300 publications over the past three months, according to computer research firm LexisNexis.
"When you land the largest economic development project in America, that's news wherever you are," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said.
The city also drew an international spotlight at the Paris Air Show in June. Mobile is home to an Airbus engineering center and could add an aircraft assembly plant if it can win a lucrative contract to build aerial refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force.
High-profile articles about Mobile's aerospace ambitions appeared in the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune, among other news outlets.
---------------------------
Austal USA's parent company, Austal Ltd., said this week that its Mobile facility was a key driver of growth during a fiscal year that saw revenue jump by almost 40 percent.
Vessels completed in 2007 include the Mobile-built Hawaii Superferry, which was substantially finished in late 2006 and delivered to its owners in Honolulu in June.
A second superferry and work on a combat ship for the U.S. Navy has Austal's Mobile River shipyard on a fast track. Employee count there has topped 1,000 -- a 75 percent expansion during the fiscal year, the company said.
Bob Browning has taken the helm as Austal USA chief executive, and the company has expansion plans in the United States, the company said in its annual report.
A component of that expansion could have a large impact in Mobile in the form of a $200 million, modular manufacturing facility that would employ a minimum of 1,200 people, according to Bill Pfister, Austal USA's vice president of government programs.
Pfister said the Blakeley Island is in the running for the facility. There is one other out-of-state site under consideration, Pfister said, adding that a decision is "very, very close."
----------------------------
Producers of the HGTV show "My House is Worth What?" will be in Mobile this fall to find homeowners and Realtors to appear on the show, according to Holly Schwartz of HGTV.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Can I still get a mortgage/loan/Line of Credit???
August 30th, 2007 7:18 PM
Many home and commercial buyers, sellers, investors and business folks have the same questions after the last few weeks of turmoil in the credit markets.
The answers are varied and with the Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke making a major speech tomorrow, I will refrain from specific predictions.
The one area I feel confidant in commenting upon is whether credit is available. The answer is a resounding YES! The devil remains in the details.
Credit will be easily available if:
1) Buying a principal residence.
2) Have 20% or more in "seasoned funds" to use as a down payment.
3) Excellent credit with a score over 720.
4) Verifiable income, current tax returns and verifiable assets.
5) No more than one or two major mortgaged investments outside of a principal home.
6) Buying a property below the Jumbo pricing trigger.
If you meet these criteria most lenders will welcome you as a refreshing client.
If you fall short in some of these areas loans are ALSO available with proper planning and access to VERY knowledgeable lenders.
Here are links to two article's which explain the current situation, present some background and some options for the near future.
The first is a Business Week article titled “Not So Smart”. This article explains how we got where we are today.
The second is also a Business Week article titled “Savvy Moves that Should Soothe the Market”. This article explains the possible effect of the Federal Reserve moves and some other possibilities. It especially explains how the recent Fed decision affected the market.
The take away here is that there are options if you want to remain in real estate or want/need a new home.
Posted by Marion Laney on August 30th, 2007 7:18 PM
Many home and commercial buyers, sellers, investors and business folks have the same questions after the last few weeks of turmoil in the credit markets.
The answers are varied and with the Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke making a major speech tomorrow, I will refrain from specific predictions.
The one area I feel confidant in commenting upon is whether credit is available. The answer is a resounding YES! The devil remains in the details.
Credit will be easily available if:
1) Buying a principal residence.
2) Have 20% or more in "seasoned funds" to use as a down payment.
3) Excellent credit with a score over 720.
4) Verifiable income, current tax returns and verifiable assets.
5) No more than one or two major mortgaged investments outside of a principal home.
6) Buying a property below the Jumbo pricing trigger.
If you meet these criteria most lenders will welcome you as a refreshing client.
If you fall short in some of these areas loans are ALSO available with proper planning and access to VERY knowledgeable lenders.
Here are links to two article's which explain the current situation, present some background and some options for the near future.
The first is a Business Week article titled “Not So Smart”. This article explains how we got where we are today.The second is also a Business Week article titled “Savvy Moves that Should Soothe the Market”. This article explains the possible effect of the Federal Reserve moves and some other possibilities. It especially explains how the recent Fed decision affected the market.
The take away here is that there are options if you want to remain in real estate or want/need a new home.
Posted by Marion Laney on August 30th, 2007 7:18 PM
CNBC continues it's positive coverage of Mobile, Alabama.
August 28th, 2007 6:33 AM
CNBC followed up on the wide ranging positive coverage of the business climate and post Katrina recovery in Mobile with another story. Mike Huckaby of CNBC's "On the Money" produced a follow-up story on Mobile with a feature on Airbus and it's connection to Mobile.
CNBC story on Mobile and Airbus.
Posted by Marion Laney on August 28th, 2007 6:33 AM
CNBC followed up on the wide ranging positive coverage of the business climate and post Katrina recovery in Mobile with another story. Mike Huckaby of CNBC's "On the Money" produced a follow-up story on Mobile with a feature on Airbus and it's connection to Mobile.
CNBC story on Mobile and Airbus.
Posted by Marion Laney on August 28th, 2007 6:33 AM
CNBC: ", Mobile, Alabama...the Darling of the Corporate World"
August 25th, 2007 1:17 PM
This is a quote leading into a video report called "Success After the Storm"
"Mobile, Alabama..the Darling of the corporate world" source: CNBC "On the Money"
If you live here you probably already know and if you are moving here you need to know...Mobile and Mobile county are continuing the move (or as it seems now, the DASH) toward becoming the Gulf Coast's modern business/shipping center.
Rumors are well founded that a major tenant announcement will be forthcoming for the RSA Tower. This coming announcement, the recent closing of the final property acquisitions for ThyssenKrupp's factory, major expansion of the Port Of Mobile, etc portends the seachange I saw occurring in Charleston, SC 25 years ago. We have even more going for us so hold onto your hats.
I do encourage everyone who cares about our quality of life to study what Charleston did to preserve, enhance and expand the history, community, amenities and access to the waterfront which makes a seaport town a great place to call home.
Here is a link to the CNBC story on Mobile, Alabama:
On the Money: "Success after the storm"
If you need more information on how to manage this success, our team at America South Realty, LLC have the experience to guide you through Mobiles new reality.
Marion 251-650-4017 or toll free: 877-300-9362
mlaney@ForgottenGulf.com
Posted by Marion Laney on August 25th, 2007 1:17 PM
This is a quote leading into a video report called "Success After the Storm"
"Mobile, Alabama..the Darling of the corporate world" source: CNBC "On the Money"
If you live here you probably already know and if you are moving here you need to know...Mobile and Mobile county are continuing the move (or as it seems now, the DASH) toward becoming the Gulf Coast's modern business/shipping center.
Rumors are well founded that a major tenant announcement will be forthcoming for the RSA Tower. This coming announcement, the recent closing of the final property acquisitions for ThyssenKrupp's factory, major expansion of the Port Of Mobile, etc portends the seachange I saw occurring in Charleston, SC 25 years ago. We have even more going for us so hold onto your hats.
I do encourage everyone who cares about our quality of life to study what Charleston did to preserve, enhance and expand the history, community, amenities and access to the waterfront which makes a seaport town a great place to call home.
Here is a link to the CNBC story on Mobile, Alabama:
On the Money: "Success after the storm"
If you need more information on how to manage this success, our team at America South Realty, LLC have the experience to guide you through Mobiles new reality.
Marion 251-650-4017 or toll free: 877-300-9362
mlaney@ForgottenGulf.com
Posted by Marion Laney on August 25th, 2007 1:17 PM
ThyssenKrupp AG Friday said third-quarter net profit rose 62%
August 10th, 2007 7:22 PM
In continuing good news for our newest area business this came out today:
FRANKFURT -- ThyssenKrupp AG Friday said third-quarter net profit rose 62% due to strong demand for its steel products and slightly raised its sales and earnings forecasts for fiscal 2007, citing strong trading in the first three quarters and a robust global economy.
Net profit in the three months to June 30 was €759 million ($1.04 billion) compared with €468 million in the last quarter, exceeding analyst expectations of €621 million. It was the third time in this financial year that the German industrial conglomerate, which makes steel, automotive parts and elevators and offers technology services, raised its full-year targets. "We expect the overall positive performance to continue in the further course of the year," said Chief Executive Ekkehard Schulz in a written statement.
In particularly good news the division which will lead the construction t the new Mobile County mill did very well:
On the operating level, ThyssenKrupp's stainless steel division was again the unit that recorded the biggest improvement
Posted by Marion Laney on August 10th, 2007 7:22 PM
In continuing good news for our newest area business this came out today:
FRANKFURT -- ThyssenKrupp AG Friday said third-quarter net profit rose 62% due to strong demand for its steel products and slightly raised its sales and earnings forecasts for fiscal 2007, citing strong trading in the first three quarters and a robust global economy.
Net profit in the three months to June 30 was €759 million ($1.04 billion) compared with €468 million in the last quarter, exceeding analyst expectations of €621 million. It was the third time in this financial year that the German industrial conglomerate, which makes steel, automotive parts and elevators and offers technology services, raised its full-year targets. "We expect the overall positive performance to continue in the further course of the year," said Chief Executive Ekkehard Schulz in a written statement.
In particularly good news the division which will lead the construction t the new Mobile County mill did very well:
On the operating level, ThyssenKrupp's stainless steel division was again the unit that recorded the biggest improvement
Posted by Marion Laney on August 10th, 2007 7:22 PM
ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Announces Management Team
August 3rd, 2007 7:48 AM
As you may know, the majority of Alabama's GO Zone bonding authority was held back by the state of Alabama for a secret project. Once ThyssenKrupp publicly announced their decision to locate in Mobile County these funds were released back into the funding pot. You really have to respect a company sound enough to not want or need debt, no matter how favorable.
ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Announces Management Team for New Facility in Alabama
-->
AUGUST 2, 2007 – MOBILE, ALABAMA – ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, LLC, today announced that it has put into place its senior management team to oversee the carbon steel operations of the company’s $3.7 billion carbon and stainless steel processing facility planned for Calvert, Alabama. The team will be led by Robert P. Soulliere, who will serve as President and CEO of the company.
“We’re happy to name Bob as the President and CEO of ThyssenKrupp Steel USA,” said Erich Heine, member of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp Steel, based in Duisburg, Germany. “Throughout his long tenure with ThyssenKrupp, Bob has proven himself as a true leader. His appointment to President and CEO was an easy decision for our board to make.”
For 10 years, Soulliere has played a leading role in several companies within the ThyssenKrupp Group.
Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the ThyssenKrupp Budd Company, an automotive supplier based in Troy, Michigan. In 2004, he was named President of ThyssenKrupp Budd’s Body Sector, with responsibility for body stampings and plastics operations.
Soulliere said, “The team and I are excited to take on this challenging opportunity. Our new Alabama facility will position us to maximize our competitiveness in the North American market. In addition to being closer to our customers, we believe that this facility will also serve as a major economic driver in the South.”
Other appointments that were announced today are Thomas Woelker, Vice President and Chief Project Officer; Christoph Lackinger, Vice President of Technology; Dr. Markus Boening, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President; and Kai Mahnke, Vice President of Company Processes.
Other management positions, including the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and the Vice President of Human Resources, will be determined in the near future.
In May, ThyssenKrupp announced that it will build a new state-of-the-art carbon and stainless steel processing facility in Alabama. The facility will process carbon steel and stainless steel for high-value applications by manufacturers in the U.S., and throughout North America.
The new plant complex, which is expected to begin operations in 2010, is considered to be one of the largest private industrial development projects in the United States over the next decade. During construction, the facility is expected to create up to 29,000 jobs. When fully operational, the facility will employ 2,700 people.
Additional information can be found at http://www.ThyssenKruppNewUSplant.com, the project’s web site dedicated to sharing information with stakeholders and the general public.
The ThyssenKrupp Group, based in Duesseldorf, Germany, is a global technology company which consists of five business segments – Steel, Stainless, Technologies, Elevator and Services. The company has annual sales of approximately €47 billion (US$61 billion) and employs 188,000 employees in over 70 countries worldwide.
ThyssenKrupp Steel, based in Duisburg, Germany, is the holding company for the carbon steel activities of the Group. It is the largest single entity of ThyssenKrupp. Last year, it produced approximately 14 million metric tons of crude steel and generated sales of €10.7 billion (US$14 billion). This business segment is focused on high-quality carbon steel flat products and is one of the world’s leading producers, ranking second in Europe. The segment employs over 30,000 people. Its subsidiaries are active in processing, coating and steel services. Subsidiaries include Rasselstein GmbH, the world’s largest tinplate production site in Andernach, Germany, and Duisburg-based ThyssenKrupp Tailored Blanks GmbH, world market and technology leader in laser-welded blanks for the auto industry. ThyssenKrupp Stainless, also based in Duisburg, Germany, is the holding company for the stainless activities of the Group. It has achieved leading market positions worldwide in stainless steel flat-rolled products, nickel alloys and titanium. With annual sales of €6.4 billion (US$8.3 billion), the segment with plants in Germany, Italy, China, Mexico and the U.S. employs 12,200 worldwide.
ThyssenKrupp operations can be found in every state in the U.S. There are 70 ThyssenKrupp companies in more than 400 locations accounting for 25,000 employees and more than US$9.7 billion in annual sales. Through its predecessor companies, ThyssenKrupp has been part of the U.S. historical landscape for 170 years, dating back to 1837 when Alfred Krupp, founder of predecessor company Krupp, provided coin minting machine prototypes to the U.S.
Posted by Marion Laney on August 3rd, 2007 7:48 AM
As you may know, the majority of Alabama's GO Zone bonding authority was held back by the state of Alabama for a secret project. Once ThyssenKrupp publicly announced their decision to locate in Mobile County these funds were released back into the funding pot. You really have to respect a company sound enough to not want or need debt, no matter how favorable.
ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Announces Management Team for New Facility in Alabama
-->
AUGUST 2, 2007 – MOBILE, ALABAMA – ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, LLC, today announced that it has put into place its senior management team to oversee the carbon steel operations of the company’s $3.7 billion carbon and stainless steel processing facility planned for Calvert, Alabama. The team will be led by Robert P. Soulliere, who will serve as President and CEO of the company.
“We’re happy to name Bob as the President and CEO of ThyssenKrupp Steel USA,” said Erich Heine, member of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp Steel, based in Duisburg, Germany. “Throughout his long tenure with ThyssenKrupp, Bob has proven himself as a true leader. His appointment to President and CEO was an easy decision for our board to make.”
For 10 years, Soulliere has played a leading role in several companies within the ThyssenKrupp Group.
Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the ThyssenKrupp Budd Company, an automotive supplier based in Troy, Michigan. In 2004, he was named President of ThyssenKrupp Budd’s Body Sector, with responsibility for body stampings and plastics operations.
Soulliere said, “The team and I are excited to take on this challenging opportunity. Our new Alabama facility will position us to maximize our competitiveness in the North American market. In addition to being closer to our customers, we believe that this facility will also serve as a major economic driver in the South.”
Other appointments that were announced today are Thomas Woelker, Vice President and Chief Project Officer; Christoph Lackinger, Vice President of Technology; Dr. Markus Boening, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President; and Kai Mahnke, Vice President of Company Processes.
Other management positions, including the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and the Vice President of Human Resources, will be determined in the near future.
In May, ThyssenKrupp announced that it will build a new state-of-the-art carbon and stainless steel processing facility in Alabama. The facility will process carbon steel and stainless steel for high-value applications by manufacturers in the U.S., and throughout North America.
The new plant complex, which is expected to begin operations in 2010, is considered to be one of the largest private industrial development projects in the United States over the next decade. During construction, the facility is expected to create up to 29,000 jobs. When fully operational, the facility will employ 2,700 people.
Additional information can be found at http://www.ThyssenKruppNewUSplant.com, the project’s web site dedicated to sharing information with stakeholders and the general public.
The ThyssenKrupp Group, based in Duesseldorf, Germany, is a global technology company which consists of five business segments – Steel, Stainless, Technologies, Elevator and Services. The company has annual sales of approximately €47 billion (US$61 billion) and employs 188,000 employees in over 70 countries worldwide.
ThyssenKrupp Steel, based in Duisburg, Germany, is the holding company for the carbon steel activities of the Group. It is the largest single entity of ThyssenKrupp. Last year, it produced approximately 14 million metric tons of crude steel and generated sales of €10.7 billion (US$14 billion). This business segment is focused on high-quality carbon steel flat products and is one of the world’s leading producers, ranking second in Europe. The segment employs over 30,000 people. Its subsidiaries are active in processing, coating and steel services. Subsidiaries include Rasselstein GmbH, the world’s largest tinplate production site in Andernach, Germany, and Duisburg-based ThyssenKrupp Tailored Blanks GmbH, world market and technology leader in laser-welded blanks for the auto industry. ThyssenKrupp Stainless, also based in Duisburg, Germany, is the holding company for the stainless activities of the Group. It has achieved leading market positions worldwide in stainless steel flat-rolled products, nickel alloys and titanium. With annual sales of €6.4 billion (US$8.3 billion), the segment with plants in Germany, Italy, China, Mexico and the U.S. employs 12,200 worldwide.
ThyssenKrupp operations can be found in every state in the U.S. There are 70 ThyssenKrupp companies in more than 400 locations accounting for 25,000 employees and more than US$9.7 billion in annual sales. Through its predecessor companies, ThyssenKrupp has been part of the U.S. historical landscape for 170 years, dating back to 1837 when Alfred Krupp, founder of predecessor company Krupp, provided coin minting machine prototypes to the U.S.
Posted by Marion Laney on August 3rd, 2007 7:48 AM
Isle Dauphin golf course noted in recent article.
July 24th, 2007 12:01 PM
Our own Gulf of Mexico fronting Isle Dauphine golf course was emntioned as one of the very exclusive club of Island/Gulf front courses on the whole Gulf of Mexico waterfront. The course has recovered nicely from Katrina and deserves your play.
Link to article:
Florida, Alabama offer Gulf Coast's top island golf courses
By Tim McDonald, National Golf Editor, Golf Publisher Syndications Monday July 23, 2007
There are plenty of top golf clubs by the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of our favorite island courses, including Kiva Dunes, Craft Farms Coastal Golf Resort and Isle Dauphin in Alabama, and Florida's Lost Key Golf Club and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club.
Isle Dauphin Golf Club, Dauphin Island, Ala.: Semi-private Isle Dauphin offers unobstructed views of the gulf from the shores of Dauphin Island south of Mobile.
Opened in 1962, the 6,620-yard Charles Mattox layout is flat and easy to walk, with narrow fairways, water hazards on five holes and well-protected greens. It has a benign slope rating of 123 from the tips.
Kiva Dunes Golf Course, Gulf Shores, Ala.
Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, Gulf Shores, Ala.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
Be sure to try lunch at Flamingo Fae's while at the course.
Posted by Marion Laney on July 24th, 2007 12:01 PM
Our own Gulf of Mexico fronting Isle Dauphine golf course was emntioned as one of the very exclusive club of Island/Gulf front courses on the whole Gulf of Mexico waterfront. The course has recovered nicely from Katrina and deserves your play.
Link to article:
Florida, Alabama offer Gulf Coast's top island golf courses
By Tim McDonald, National Golf Editor, Golf Publisher Syndications Monday July 23, 2007
There are plenty of top golf clubs by the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of our favorite island courses, including Kiva Dunes, Craft Farms Coastal Golf Resort and Isle Dauphin in Alabama, and Florida's Lost Key Golf Club and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club.
Isle Dauphin Golf Club, Dauphin Island, Ala.: Semi-private Isle Dauphin offers unobstructed views of the gulf from the shores of Dauphin Island south of Mobile.
Opened in 1962, the 6,620-yard Charles Mattox layout is flat and easy to walk, with narrow fairways, water hazards on five holes and well-protected greens. It has a benign slope rating of 123 from the tips.
Kiva Dunes Golf Course, Gulf Shores, Ala.
Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, Gulf Shores, Ala.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
Be sure to try lunch at Flamingo Fae's while at the course.
Posted by Marion Laney on July 24th, 2007 12:01 PM
Quintessential Mobile (Alabama that is)
July 9th, 2007 12:13 AM
No, I am not talking about the quintessential restless heart of America, which we inherited from our immigrant forefathers who shared a pre-disposition for moving and being mobile. I am referring to the enviable stasis which is found in Mobile, Alabama.
A GRAND SOUTHERN COASTAL CITY
A recent section of "Mobile Bay Monthly" was lovingly devoted to the basic elements which are the fibers defining Mobile as a grand southern coastal city. She has had her grand times and penniless eras, along with facelifts and tummy tucks, over her 300+ years. Certain elements endure and provide the basis for this "what was old is new again" golden era.
As I have experienced in Charleston, South Carolina this is a city which suffered mightily during and after Reconstruction, waiting for the inevitable return of respect and position. Charleston found this rebirth several decades ago but here in Mobile the clock turns a little slower, if inevitably.
HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS
Historic neighborhoods are one of the best kept secrets of a grand old southern city. They are the strategic locations which become the walkable gateways to a reborn downtown and waterfront as the rejuvenation progresses.
As with Charleston, SC and Savannah, Ga, Mobile's elite escaped the malarial summers to the coastal islands and up country farms and villages. The tradition continues with many city dwellers and suburbanites having a 2nd home on the beaches and bays of Dauphin Island, Fowl River's winding tributaries and Mobile Bay's sheltering banks.
REQUIRED: A MOBILE GUIDE
If you are new to the area, be sure to find a great guide to show you the hidden gems, live oak cloistered beauties while extolling the new renaissance Mobile city is coming into.
Posted by Marion Laney on July 9th, 2007 12:13 AM
Fireworks on Dauphin Island
uly 8th, 2007 3:58 PM
Mother Nature really cooperated with us for the 4th of July Independence day fireworks display on the gulf front. The events started promptly at 9PM and went on for over 20 minutes. Folks all over the island were treated to a magnificent display. The best views were in an arc from gulf front DeSoto Landing, Flamingo Fae's Tiki bar, along the mother dune at Orleans and over to President Jefferson Court back on the beach.
The Park and Beach Board with the Town of Dauphin Island are to be commended for their winning efforts.
Posted by Marion Laney on July 8th, 2007 3:58 PM
Mother Nature really cooperated with us for the 4th of July Independence day fireworks display on the gulf front. The events started promptly at 9PM and went on for over 20 minutes. Folks all over the island were treated to a magnificent display. The best views were in an arc from gulf front DeSoto Landing, Flamingo Fae's Tiki bar, along the mother dune at Orleans and over to President Jefferson Court back on the beach.
The Park and Beach Board with the Town of Dauphin Island are to be commended for their winning efforts.
Posted by Marion Laney on July 8th, 2007 3:58 PM
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