Chamber Calendar Community & Government Chamber Meeting Rooms Frequently Asked Questions Frequently requested phone numbers Member Info Organization Members Only Publications Resource Store
FAQ
Is there an organization that can answer all my questions about Mardi Gras?
Mobile Carnival Association 251-432-3050 Click here for more Information
What is the history of Mobile?
Mobile was founded in 1702 by Pierre LeMoyne d’Iberville, as the first capital of French Louisiana. Upon d'Iberville’s death in 1706, his brother, Jean Baptiste LeMoyne de Bienville took charge of the struggling colony and became governor of Louisiana. Old Mobile’s location at 27-Mile Bluff on the Mobile River proved too far away from the bay and prone to flooding, so Bienville moved the settlement to the mouth of the Mobile River in 1711. He built a fort to guard the bay and laid out a small town on a simple grid plan. Many of our downtown streets still carry their French names, and the square at the city’s center is still called Bienville Square. By the time the Americans arrived in Mobile in 1813 to occupy the city, it was already old enough to have passed through French, British and Spanish hands. Click here to visit the Museum of Mobile, Mobile's history Museum.
What is the Azalea Trail?
Mobile’s Azalea Trail began in 1929 as a way of bringing tourists to the city. Mobilians were encouraged to plant azaleas, and soon the city was known throughout the world for its mass of pink blooms each spring. Walter D. Bellingrath opened his elaborate private garden to the public in 1932. The two attractions made Mobile the Azalea City, and by 1940 approximately 100,000 visitors came each spring to see the blooms.
What are the zip codes in Mobile and the surrounding area? Call 1-800-275-8777 for zip codes
Click here to get zip codes on-line
Can I get a list of local hotels?
Click here for Chamber member hotels
Can I get a list of local restaurants?
Click here for Chamber member restaurants
Can you tell me the rating of local Mobile hotels?
We can provide contact information and locations of many local hotels, but to find out their ratings please check a travel guide or contact the local Better Business Bureau at 251-433-5494.
Where can I find a good lawyer?
Contact the Mobile Bar Association at: 251-433-9790
Where is the best place to live in the Mobile Area?
From Old South charm to sleek modern practicality — the housing styles available in Mobile are endless. A home in Mobile is not only affordable it’s a great investment.
A low cost of living and a high quality of life are reasons why Mobile was ranked in Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” annual survey in 2003.
The average cost of a home purchased in 2005 was $133,600 well below the national average. During the past several years, the average home appreciated between five and eight percent annually.
The selection of existing homes in any one of Mobile’s downtown and midtown neighborhoods, including seven historic residential districts, ranges from mansions to Victorian cottages. Further away from the central business district, suburban neighborhoods offer the options of waterfront property, rolling hills or quiet cul de sacs.
New homes are also available. During the last two years, 2,879 new homes were built and new subdivisions, with a variety of house plans, are currently under development.
Mobile Area Association of Realtors
How long has the Senior Bowl been played in Mobile?
In 1951, the first Senior Bowl game was played in the newly constructed Ladd Stadium. The game remains the nation’s premiere college all-star bowl and a major NFL scouting event.
When was the Bankhead tunnel and the George Wallace tunnel built?
The Bankhead tunnel was built in 1938. The George Wallace tunnel started construction in 1969 and completed in 1973.
How deep is the channel that is over the George Wallace and Bankhead Tunnels?
The ship channel is 45 ft deep except over the tunnels where it goes to 40 ft.
You can find out more here: Alabama State Docks
What is the tallest downtown building?
RSA Tower - 35 stories
AmSouth Bank - 34 stories
Regions Bank – 19 stories
Riverview Plaza Hotel – 18 stories
Waterman Bldg – 16 stories
Van Antwerp – 11 stories
What is the population of the Mobile area?
City of Mobile - 198,983
Mobile County - 410,500
Baldwin County - 158,944
MA - 569,524
Is there a ferry in the Mobile Area?
A ferry runs every hour from Fort Gaines in Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan in
Gulf Shores 251- 861-3000
$14 one way - check website for additional fares
hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
trip time: 45 min trip
www.mobilebayferry.com
Ever need a business reference?
The Chamber can provide business contact information about any of its 2000+ members, but for information about the health of that business you can contact our local Better Business Bureau at 251-433-5494.
What colleges and universities are available in the Mobile area?
The University of South Alabama is the area’s largest four-year institution with more than 12,000 students at campuses in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Students can work toward bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in a wide range of studies. The University is also planning to build the first academic cancer research institute in the central Gulf Coast region and is in the process of building a research technology park on campus that will work hand in hand with local businesses.
Spring Hill College, founded in 1830, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, theology, liberal arts and education, as well as a Division for Lifelong Studies for adults wishing to further their education. In 2001, Spring Hill was ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” survey, winning the No. 15 spot in the Universities-Master’s (South) category as one of the top schools with undergraduate and master’s programs.
At the University of Mobile, students can work toward bachelors and master’s degrees in the arts, business, computer science, applied sciences, nursing and religious studies.
Bishop State Community College has four campuses and offers associate degrees in arts and sciences, nursing and applied sciences. It also offers vocational training, certification and technical degrees.
The Wallace Community College Aviation Center trains students to work in aviation maintenance and boasts a 95 percent job placement rate. It is the first two-year college to be designated as an official FAA Educational Resource Center and is among the first three in the nation to earn FAA Airway Science Recognition. Its new facility at Brookley Industrial Complex accommodates 300 students.
Faulkner University maintains an extension campus in Mobile where students can attain associate degrees in most major subjects.
Where can I advertise inexpensively to Mobile’s top CEO’s?
Once you join the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, there are several ways…
I would like to make contacts with new companies to market my services.
The Chamber participates jointly with the city and county in economic development efforts to strengthen the business community as well as retain and expand the job base. Successful projects, such as Downtown Mobile revitalization, Mobile Aerospace Engineering, RSA Office Tower, Maritime Center at Mobile Landing, Cancer Research Institute and the University of South Alabama Technology and Research Park will help ensure the future stability and growth of the Mobile area.
Marketing the Mobile area as a great place to live and work is an important task of the Chamber. Publications promote existing businesses and serve as a tool to attract new companies and residents to the area.
Call 1-800-422-6951 and ask for the Economic Development Department for more information.
I need all sorts of statistical information about Mobile for my business plan? Where can I go?
The Chamber maintains an extensive collection of statistics and information on our region. Call 1-800-422-6951 and ask for the Economic Development Department for more information, or click here.
Tell me about golf in Mobile?
Regional golfing is among the nation’s finest, with more than 25 courses in the metropolitan area, ranging from traditional Scottish links to rolling hills with tight fairways. Golf Digest recently ranked Mobile in the top five Best Medium Size Golf Cities in the United States. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail recently won a Reader’s Choice Award from Southern Living Magazine. The trail’s national exposure began in 1998 when it hosted the Nike Tour Championship. This event, which was covered by ESPN, brought the top 50 money leaders on the Nike Tour to compete for 15 spots on the PGA Tour. Magnolia Grove has hosted the AFLAC Champions Ladies’ PGA Tournament from 1999-2003, bringing great female golfers such as Nancy Lopez and Betsy King to Mobile. Magnolia Grove is also home to the American Junior Golfers Association tournament each Labor Day. Celebrities such as Tommy Agee and Ken Stabler also host charity tournaments locally. Other local golf clubs are Linksman Golf Club, TimberCreek Golf Course, Craft Farms Golf Resort, Azalea City Golf Course, Country Club of Mobile, Springhill College Golf Club, Heron Lakes Country Club, Gulf Pines Golf Course, Bay Oaks Golf Course and Rock Creek Golf Club.
Where do I go to get a marriage license?
The Courthouse Annex Building is located in the old Press-Register Building located at 304 Government Street, Mobile Al 36601, Phone 574-5552
Mobile Carnival Association 251-432-3050 Click here for more Information
What is the history of Mobile?
Mobile was founded in 1702 by Pierre LeMoyne d’Iberville, as the first capital of French Louisiana. Upon d'Iberville’s death in 1706, his brother, Jean Baptiste LeMoyne de Bienville took charge of the struggling colony and became governor of Louisiana. Old Mobile’s location at 27-Mile Bluff on the Mobile River proved too far away from the bay and prone to flooding, so Bienville moved the settlement to the mouth of the Mobile River in 1711. He built a fort to guard the bay and laid out a small town on a simple grid plan. Many of our downtown streets still carry their French names, and the square at the city’s center is still called Bienville Square. By the time the Americans arrived in Mobile in 1813 to occupy the city, it was already old enough to have passed through French, British and Spanish hands. Click here to visit the Museum of Mobile, Mobile's history Museum.
What is the Azalea Trail?
Mobile’s Azalea Trail began in 1929 as a way of bringing tourists to the city. Mobilians were encouraged to plant azaleas, and soon the city was known throughout the world for its mass of pink blooms each spring. Walter D. Bellingrath opened his elaborate private garden to the public in 1932. The two attractions made Mobile the Azalea City, and by 1940 approximately 100,000 visitors came each spring to see the blooms.
What are the zip codes in Mobile and the surrounding area? Call 1-800-275-8777 for zip codes
Click here to get zip codes on-line
Can I get a list of local hotels?
Click here for Chamber member hotels
Can I get a list of local restaurants?
Click here for Chamber member restaurants
Can you tell me the rating of local Mobile hotels?
We can provide contact information and locations of many local hotels, but to find out their ratings please check a travel guide or contact the local Better Business Bureau at 251-433-5494.
Where can I find a good lawyer?
Contact the Mobile Bar Association at: 251-433-9790
Where is the best place to live in the Mobile Area?
From Old South charm to sleek modern practicality — the housing styles available in Mobile are endless. A home in Mobile is not only affordable it’s a great investment.
A low cost of living and a high quality of life are reasons why Mobile was ranked in Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” annual survey in 2003.
The average cost of a home purchased in 2005 was $133,600 well below the national average. During the past several years, the average home appreciated between five and eight percent annually.
The selection of existing homes in any one of Mobile’s downtown and midtown neighborhoods, including seven historic residential districts, ranges from mansions to Victorian cottages. Further away from the central business district, suburban neighborhoods offer the options of waterfront property, rolling hills or quiet cul de sacs.
New homes are also available. During the last two years, 2,879 new homes were built and new subdivisions, with a variety of house plans, are currently under development.
Mobile Area Association of Realtors
How long has the Senior Bowl been played in Mobile?
In 1951, the first Senior Bowl game was played in the newly constructed Ladd Stadium. The game remains the nation’s premiere college all-star bowl and a major NFL scouting event.
When was the Bankhead tunnel and the George Wallace tunnel built?
The Bankhead tunnel was built in 1938. The George Wallace tunnel started construction in 1969 and completed in 1973.
How deep is the channel that is over the George Wallace and Bankhead Tunnels?
The ship channel is 45 ft deep except over the tunnels where it goes to 40 ft.
You can find out more here: Alabama State Docks
What is the tallest downtown building?
RSA Tower - 35 stories
AmSouth Bank - 34 stories
Regions Bank – 19 stories
Riverview Plaza Hotel – 18 stories
Waterman Bldg – 16 stories
Van Antwerp – 11 stories
What is the population of the Mobile area?
City of Mobile - 198,983
Mobile County - 410,500
Baldwin County - 158,944
MA - 569,524
Is there a ferry in the Mobile Area?
A ferry runs every hour from Fort Gaines in Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan in
Gulf Shores 251- 861-3000
$14 one way - check website for additional fares
hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
trip time: 45 min trip
www.mobilebayferry.com
Ever need a business reference?
The Chamber can provide business contact information about any of its 2000+ members, but for information about the health of that business you can contact our local Better Business Bureau at 251-433-5494.
What colleges and universities are available in the Mobile area?
The University of South Alabama is the area’s largest four-year institution with more than 12,000 students at campuses in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Students can work toward bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in a wide range of studies. The University is also planning to build the first academic cancer research institute in the central Gulf Coast region and is in the process of building a research technology park on campus that will work hand in hand with local businesses.
Spring Hill College, founded in 1830, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, theology, liberal arts and education, as well as a Division for Lifelong Studies for adults wishing to further their education. In 2001, Spring Hill was ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” survey, winning the No. 15 spot in the Universities-Master’s (South) category as one of the top schools with undergraduate and master’s programs.
At the University of Mobile, students can work toward bachelors and master’s degrees in the arts, business, computer science, applied sciences, nursing and religious studies.
Bishop State Community College has four campuses and offers associate degrees in arts and sciences, nursing and applied sciences. It also offers vocational training, certification and technical degrees.
The Wallace Community College Aviation Center trains students to work in aviation maintenance and boasts a 95 percent job placement rate. It is the first two-year college to be designated as an official FAA Educational Resource Center and is among the first three in the nation to earn FAA Airway Science Recognition. Its new facility at Brookley Industrial Complex accommodates 300 students.
Faulkner University maintains an extension campus in Mobile where students can attain associate degrees in most major subjects.
Where can I advertise inexpensively to Mobile’s top CEO’s?
Once you join the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, there are several ways…
- The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce membership directory, updated annually, is a reference and buyer’s guide to thousands of Chamber members. It is found on the desks of virtually every Chamber member—right next to the phone book. For more information contact Carolyn Golson or 251-431-8622 The Chamber’s monthly magazine, The Business View, provides discounted targeted advertising to over 18,500 businesses and professionals. For more information contact Rene Eiland 251 431-8635.
- Numerous sponsorships for Chamber events provide members with unique opportunities for exposure. For more information contact Carolyn Golson or 251-431-8622
- The Chamber receives hundreds of calls each month from the public looking for suggestions on businesses to utilize, and our referral service directs inquiries to the appropriate member companies.
- A comprehensive guide to the local news media is available to members and offers businesses the opportunity to get added exposure and publicity. For more information contact: Carolyn Wilson or 251-431-8606.
- Call 1-800-422-6951 and ask for the Communications Department for more information.
- Members can save money on office supplies.
- Business counseling services are available to those needing assistance through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) at no charge.
- Capital Access, a guide to assistance for small business, is available to help new and established small businesses.
- Call 1-800-422-6951 and ask for the Small Business Development Department for more information. click here to access this information.
- The Chamber supports a quality education system and promotes workforce development by co-sponsoring programs such as School-to-Work and Envision Coastal Alabama.
- Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been brought to community projects through the Chamber’s grants program. The money is used for education, business ethics, adult literacy, and assisting small businesses market via the Internet, trade missions, and other important programs.
- The Chamber is an advocate for businesses in the Mobile area. It monitors and evaluates local, state and federal legislation, and supports or opposes actions that could impact the business community. Professional relationships with elected officials help make the government more responsive to the needs of area businesses.
- Chamber staff members lobby local, state and federal government on behalf of the Chamber and its members, promoting pro-business issues and legislation.
- The Chamber develops an annual business legislative agenda, which it promotes on the local, state and national level.
- Call 1 800 422-6951 and ask for the Community and Governmental Affairs Department for more information.
I would like to make contacts with new companies to market my services.
The Chamber participates jointly with the city and county in economic development efforts to strengthen the business community as well as retain and expand the job base. Successful projects, such as Downtown Mobile revitalization, Mobile Aerospace Engineering, RSA Office Tower, Maritime Center at Mobile Landing, Cancer Research Institute and the University of South Alabama Technology and Research Park will help ensure the future stability and growth of the Mobile area.
Marketing the Mobile area as a great place to live and work is an important task of the Chamber. Publications promote existing businesses and serve as a tool to attract new companies and residents to the area.
Call 1-800-422-6951 and ask for the Economic Development Department for more information.
I need all sorts of statistical information about Mobile for my business plan? Where can I go?
The Chamber maintains an extensive collection of statistics and information on our region. Call 1-800-422-6951 and ask for the Economic Development Department for more information, or click here.
Tell me about golf in Mobile?
Regional golfing is among the nation’s finest, with more than 25 courses in the metropolitan area, ranging from traditional Scottish links to rolling hills with tight fairways. Golf Digest recently ranked Mobile in the top five Best Medium Size Golf Cities in the United States. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail recently won a Reader’s Choice Award from Southern Living Magazine. The trail’s national exposure began in 1998 when it hosted the Nike Tour Championship. This event, which was covered by ESPN, brought the top 50 money leaders on the Nike Tour to compete for 15 spots on the PGA Tour. Magnolia Grove has hosted the AFLAC Champions Ladies’ PGA Tournament from 1999-2003, bringing great female golfers such as Nancy Lopez and Betsy King to Mobile. Magnolia Grove is also home to the American Junior Golfers Association tournament each Labor Day. Celebrities such as Tommy Agee and Ken Stabler also host charity tournaments locally. Other local golf clubs are Linksman Golf Club, TimberCreek Golf Course, Craft Farms Golf Resort, Azalea City Golf Course, Country Club of Mobile, Springhill College Golf Club, Heron Lakes Country Club, Gulf Pines Golf Course, Bay Oaks Golf Course and Rock Creek Golf Club.
Where do I go to get a marriage license?
The Courthouse Annex Building is located in the old Press-Register Building located at 304 Government Street, Mobile Al 36601, Phone 574-5552
