GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce held a special ribbon-cutting for the Coastal Baldwin Educational Enrichment Foundation, also known as CBEE, on May 23, at the Foundation's new corporate headquarters — at the Chamber office.

The Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was originally organized as a result of the involvement of the Chamber's Educational Affairs Council, but has been functioning and will continue to function as a fully separate corporation, with its own officers and board, governance, finances, policies.

As a result of a partnership announced earlier this year between the Chamber's Educational Affairs Council and the Foundation, the Chamber will serve in an administrative capacity by providing various levels of support, including certain administrative and bookkeeping duties.

The Chamber has also strengthened and formalized certain cooperative projects which are in essence joint efforts of both organizations.

“The Chamber has always valued its relationship with CBEE and we're proud that our efforts complement each other,” Chamber President Ed Rodriguez said. “With this ribbon-cutting, both organizations have made a strong statement to formalize this spirit of cooperation and indeed to let the world know that CBEE has a home here.”

Yolanda Devine Johnson, current CBEE Chairman and board members of the Foundation were on hand to celebrate the occasion along with various Chamber leaders.

For more information about the Coastal Baldwin Educational Enrichment Foundation, please call 251-281-0065 or visit the CBEE website.