Thank You for Your Membership & Support!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we sincerely thank you for your continued support of PEP. Your membership is vital to our mission of promoting economic prosperity and environmental sustainability in the region. We truly appreciate your dedication to PEP’s vision.

At PEP, we focus on highlighting the positive contributions businesses make, especially in safety and environmental performance. Through collaboration and community engagement, we are working to build a thriving and sustainable Gulf Coast. With strong leadership from our Board and the dedication of member volunteers, PEP is a trusted voice, advocating for fair, science-based regulations and promoting decisions that align with environmental best practices, benefiting both businesses and the community. Your support continues to expand our reach and impact. Here are some key highlights of PEP’s 2024 achievements:

Eagle Reef Project
Launched in 2023, this initiative is restoring marine ecosystems across Coastal Alabama. We’ve raised initial funds, with 300 of our planned 1,000 reefs already installed. Each reef will fill up with marine filter feeders(oysters, mussels, barnacles) that can filter up to 7.3 million gallons of water annually, improving water quality and creating vital habitat for marine life. Our goal is to deploy all 1,000 reefs by the end of 2025. Homeowners, businesses, and anyone interested can contribute to this effort, making a direct impact on the local environment.

Business and Community Advocacy
PEP continues to advocate for environmentally responsible business practices. In 2024, we provided public comments and support letters for our members, worked with local chambers and environmental organizations like the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. At the request of members and local business leaders, we  carefully reviewed Mobile Baykeeper’s notice of intent to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as the study it referenced. We urged Baykeeper to follow standard processes for new information as no significant evidence has emerged to halt construction to deepen and widen the shipping channel or indicate inadequate protections for threatened species. 

We also joined new advisory boards at the University of South Alabama to contribute to environmental equity and industry-ready curriculum development.

Member Engagement & Education
With a 90% renewal rate and 22 new member companies, our membership remains strong. This year, we hosted a robust series of educational and networking events, including a seminar on “Artificial Intelligence for Industry,” which highlighted AI applications to improve productivity, compliance, and sustainability. Plus, we are focused on engaging younger professionals in PEP’s activities, and we invite you to encourage your emerging leaders to become active PEP volunteers. 

Reducing Carbon Footprints: PEP Awards
Our 2024 PEP Environmental Stewardship Award winners collectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 6,732 metric tons—the equivalent of powering 1,329 homes annually. PEP’s Community Partner award was presented during the Annual Meeting to Dr. P.J. Waters, an Associate Extension Professor with Auburn University and the leader of the Mobile Oyster Gardening Program. 

PEP Science and Technology Scholarship
Thanks to generous donations, our Scholarship Fund continues to grow. This year’s recipient, Colleen Luttrell, is pursuing a degree in Wildlife Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University. The $2,500 scholarship is open to employees and dependents of member companies, with applications for 2025 accepted from January 1 to April 30.

Get Involved
We encourage you and your employees to get more involved by joining a PEP committee. From event planning to policy development, there are many ways to contribute and connect with fellow members. This is a great opportunity for young professionals to grow their leadership skills while supporting PEP’s work.

In early December, you will receive your 2025 Membership Dues Renewal Invoice. Membership dues provide a third of PEP’s annual revenue, and we hope you will renew your commitment before February 28, 2025.

Thank you again for your partnership and support. Wishing you, your family, and your company team a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,