As part of our guiding philosophy of Community First, Gulf Coast Newspapers has what no other news media outlet can offer…a network of community based newspapers positioned throughout Baldwin County with editorial staffs, local writers and history. “Garnering this strength, we intend to build a network of participation by inviting chambers of commerce, non-profit groups, museums, parks and preservations, service organizations, public and private schools, schools of instruction, and churches to become Community First Partners. These groups will have uncensored access to  www.BaldwinCountyNOW.com to post stories and announcements important to them…at will and 100% FREE,” said Bill Atkinson, Director of Online Media and Audience Development.

“If a chamber has a ribbon cutting, they can promote that member business immediately on the web, in detail, with multiple photos of not only the ambassadors’ group, but also the owners. They can use this to encourage memberships. Churches can post sermons, church events and announcements. Non-profit groups can post information that will help further their efforts, recognize their volunteers or just about anything,” Atkinson added. “We’re going to give them an open channel of communication to their communities through their newspaper online. Something they’ve never had before because of “white [paper] space” limitations.”

What Makes A Community First Partner? Your Organization Does!

Chambers of Commerce will post chamber related news in their respective categories found under the main heading, News From Our Chambers. There are sub-categories specifically setup for the five respective chambers in Baldwin County.

Schools and Churches: Public and Private Schools and Churches can post news under their “community newspapers” categories for School News and Church News.

Chambers, schools and churches may also post stories in the Baldwin Living and Baldwin People sections of the website.

Non-Profit Organizations and Service Organizations: The two sections of the site where these groups can post stories and events are Baldwin Living and Baldwin People. There are a myriad of categories to choose from, again, depending on the subject matter.

Gulf Coast Newspapers publishes The Daphne Bulletin, The Fairhope Courier, The Independent (Robertsdale), Spanish Fort Sun, Elberta-Lillian Ledger, The Foley Onlooker, The Baldwin Times (Bay Minette) and The Islander (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach) as well as a host of VISITOR publications.

If your organization is interested in becoming a Community First Partner, click the link below and complete the form.