ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce recently presented its island Spirit Awards for the month of December to Annette Mitchell at a special ceremony at the City of Orange Beach.

In presenting the award to Mitchell, Island Spirit Chairman Nora Mandoki cited the time and energy she spends year-round serving on several different civic, municipal, and social organizations. She has served on the City of Orange Beach Finance Committee for four years. She has also served as president of the Sirens of the Sea, the Orange Beach Garden Club and is currently on the Orange Beach Planning Commission.

Annette's organizational skills have served the community well. She has chaired many fundraising functions, such as the Orange Beach Garden Club Game Day, with proceeds going to scholarships for students.

The Island Spirit Award is presented monthly by the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber. It has been a tradition since the mid-1980's. The award was designed to give special recognition to individuals who make special contributions to the quality of life we enjoy in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. Nora Mandoki chairs the Island Spirit Committee. Anyone can nominate a special individual for this honor. Nominations can be made online by visiting the Chamber's website at ww.alagulfcoastchamber.com.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce is a business-based, volunteer-driven, member-supported association working full-time to preserve, enhance and expand the business environment in Coastal Baldwin County.