"If we persevere we will come out of this and this community is going to be growing like nobody's business over the next year." Mark Berson, Chamber president - al.com

"If we persevere we will come out of this and this community is going to be growing like nobody's business over the next year." ? Mark Berson, Chamber president - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH — The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the passing of its 27th year optimistic the next one — its 28th — would see the tough times subside.

The group, which counts about 1,000 members, met for its annual meeting Friday night at the Perdido Beach Resort.

'This year looks like it's shaping up to be a pretty tough year here,' President Mark Berson said. 'One of those things with being a baby boomer like me is I've seen a lot of things and I've seen the economy go up and down and I promise you this will pass as well."