Local Legend Running for Orange Beach City Council

Orange Beach, AL, July 20, 2012 --(PR.com)-- What would you think of a woman who in her life had already: Obtained a Master Degree, Been licensed as a 100-ton boat Captain, Owned her own business, Won government elections, Currently a Board Member of a hospital and even had a day Proclaimed in her honor? Well Iris Ethridge says "The Best Is Yet To Come."

Iris Ethridge announced that she will be running for Place 1 in the City Council of Orange Beach, Alabama. While many people would be satisfied to sit on the list of accomplishments she has amassed, Iris Ethridge (Miss Iris as the locals call her) states that "The Best Is Yet To Come" as her campaign slogan.

Miss Iris, who previously served on the Orange Beach City Council for two terms, stated that her love for the town was her motivation to return to the political arena. She has been managing the local fishing boat association since returning to private business and volunteering for the boards of several community projects in recent years.

Iris Ethridge started her career as a school teacher. Upon her retirement she, and her late husband Bill, started the Crosstie fishing charter company. She was the first woman to obtain a 100-ton US Coast Guard license in the Orange Beach fleet. As she said "Bill was my First Mate and best friend. When he passed away it just wasn't the same." However, to summarize her career that quickly would not be doing justice. Below are listed just the highlights from her extensive experience with the area government and local companies taken from her election website:

From 1996 - 2004 I served on the Orange Beach City Council. We provided the following for the Orange Beach citizens: Recreation Center, Senior Activity Center, Tennis Center, Aqua Center, Justice Center, Library, Jail, Sportsplex, Medical Arts Building, Art Center, Waterfront Park with a pier, Kids Park, purchased the land for Fire Station 2, provided for Orange Beach Elementary School and Sea, Sand, and Stars Learning Center. It was a joy to provide the above mentioned amenities for our community. Municipal government is unique and I wanted to learn more. I was the first Orange Beach Councilmember to become an Advanced Certified Municipal Official.

To continue my involvement in education, I volunteered on the chamber of commerce education and scholarship committees. I initiated Teachers Appreciation Day in 1994 and that evolved into Education Appreciation Day in 1996. For 2 years (2005-2007) I served as the first president of the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Educational Foundation. We established a presence on the island and became a recognized and accepted organization. Our goals included classroom grants for approved projects, professional development opportunities, donation to Sea, Sand, and Stars and scholarships for Gulf Shores High School Seniors.

When asked about the current economic times and the impact that has had on the city Ms. Ethridge responded "As a former small business owner, I understand the good times AND the struggles. The thrill of being a successful small business owner is indescribable." She further went on to explain that with that success comes the responsibility to give back to the community. "My many years of volunteering in many aspects of a great community have taught me the value of helping our fellow man and the unique needs that must be met."

Iris Ethridge is running for Place 1 in the Orange Beach City Council election and can contacted at her election website: www.irisethridge.com. The elections are scheduled to take place on August 28th.