ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Orange Beach businesses take note: a new organization has been formed to give you a voice in city government.

The newly established Orange Beach Business Council is providing businesses, large and small, a free way to keep up-to-date about the city they conduct business in.

“There needs to be a communication channel that is direct between the business people of Orange Beach and the elected officials of Orange Beach,” City Administrator Ken Grimes said.

During Mayor Tony Kennon’s campaign, talks began between him and OBBC president Anita Elisar. She began pitching the idea of a business council to Kennon.

“The idea came because business owners, at times, felt that they didn’t have a communication avenue to the city government,” Elisar said. “We’re blazing new ground because there’s never been anything like this in Orange Beach.”

Elisar, who has conducted business in Orange Beach since 1993, said she helped found a council for the chamber of commerce in Baton Rouge, La. and knew Orange Beach needed it to.

She said it seemed a disconnect had grown between the businesses and the city and it was time to reconnect the two.

“It is important for businesses to get involved, they are out of the process right now and they have got to get involved,” Kennon said. “I want them to be a part of the process.”

Through the Web site, orangebeachcommerce.com, the council has begun gathering the business community and giving them a place to link with government happenings. Council agendas, a business directory and a calendar of events can all be found by hitting the Web site.

Knowing when a sports tournament, arts festival or other event that draws visitors to the area is occurring will be vital information for a business owner.

“A restaurant owner can pull up the monthly calendar, see how much is going on and that will help them staff,” Elisar said. “It’s going to help businesses work smarter because they’ll be more informed and then they will feel more connected to the city.”

Grimes said having these tools will lead to better business, which in turn will show vacationers Orange Beach is a great place to visit.

“We are trying to create a better experience for a person, whether it be a resident or a tourist,” Grimes said.

The OBBC will also introduce a “Key to the City” program that recognizes businesses in the community for their work. Elisar said they are currently looking for a corporate sponsor for the program.

In upcoming weeks the council will post a survey online regarding the possibility of the city approving the use of LED signs — just one example of the council’s attempt to get businesses involved.

“The sign ordinance and the allowing of LED signs is a good example that there needs to be lots of information coming in and out from businesses,” Grimes said. “That’s an example of a topic where many, many questions need to be answered. But that’s going to be a joint effort between (the business community) sharing their views and the policy makers making an educated decision.”

Anyone who has a business license in Orange Beach is encouraged to join. Elisar said members will range from major employers to home-based business. Even those who are based elsewhere but do business in the city, like a taxi company, are asked to join.

To join the council, go to the Orange Beach Business Council Web site, orangebeachcommerce.com, and fill out the business directory form.