GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – When visitors walk into the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Welcome Centers, the odds are high that they will be greeted by the friendly faces of Russ and Mary Jo Berver.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (CVB) sponsored a luncheon on Thursday, May 24 at Cotton Creek to recognize the Bervers as the 2011 Ambassadors of the Year and to show appreciation for all of the Alabama Gulf Coast Ambassadors who generously give their time to serve the community.

Originally from Oswego, Ill., Russ and Mary Jo began serving as ambassadors shortly after they retired to Gulf Shores in 1998. Mary Jo said that they first decided to begin volunteering as an ambassador at the CVB after a friend encouraged them to get involved as a way to become acquainted with people in the community.

The couple also views the ambassador program as an opportunity to serve the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area, where the friendly people, warm weather and beautiful beaches have won their heart.

“I’ve always felt that it’s important to give back to the community, and this is a good way of doing it,” Russ said.

The ambassador program, which began in 1988, is comprised of volunteers from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Ambassadors greet and offer visitors in both welcome centers their local expertise and driving directions.

They also serve by filling welcome bags for visitors and helping during conventions and special events that come to the area.

The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission also receives assistance from ambassadors who put together welcome bags given away to guests during sporting events.

“We value their time, and we appreciate everything they do for us,” said Sarah Hicks, event coordinator for the sports commission. “They’re like family.”

Linda Flack, hospitality and information specialist at the CVB, said that one reason ambassadors are so crucial is because of the personal touch they provide in the welcome centers.

“When you have someone volunteering in the welcome center, it shows that they really love the area,” Flack said. “They get to tell people about their personal life and why they moved here.”

People who volunteer have come from many different places and walks of life.

“Through the years, we’ve had CEOs of companies stuffing envelopes,” Flack said. “A car salesman used to laugh and say, ‘I have to let my secretary know that I appreciate all she ever did for me.’”

Flack said that organizing the ambassador program is the best part of her job.

“I get so attached to every one of them,” she said. “They’re all special in their own way.”

For information about becoming an Alabama Gulf Coast Ambassador, please contact Flack at 251-968-7511.