Help us build something for the people.
We grew up here and we run a business here. We think recognition should be earned, not bought, and we're building The Gulfies so the people who love these places are the ones who decide.
We're the local team behind Blue Heron Marketing. We grew up here, we're building a business here, and these are the places we go, the people we know, and the businesses we want to see thrive.
Raise your handWhy we're doing this
Recognition shouldn't depend on budgets
The best local spots aren't always the ones with the biggest marketing spend. Awards should reflect what people actually love.
Voters deserve to see the votes
Every vote verified, every tally live and public. No black box, no surprise winners.
Local businesses deserve real growth
Not just a plaque. A profile that gets found, a link to their website, and a community rallying behind them.
Our goals
- 16 new categories every month in Baldwin County
- 2Verified, transparent voting every round
- 3A free directory that helps every local business get found
- 4Growing to Mobile and Escambia next
- 5Winners nights and community events celebrating local businesses
How you can help
Founding supporter
Your support goes straight into building this: marketing and ads to get every neighbor voting, the software and systems that verify every vote and keep the site running (text verification, hosting, security), and growing the brand across the Gulf Coast, including events that celebrate local businesses.
Community partner
Spread the word, host a voting table, or share the ballot with your customers.
Volunteer / ambassador
Help nominate local favorites and rally your town every round.
Where support goes
Marketing & ads
Getting every neighbor in Baldwin County to vote.
Software & systems
Text verification, hosting and security that keep every vote real.
Community & events
Growing across the Gulf Coast and celebrating local businesses.
Supporting never affects the ballot, placement, votes, or who wins.
Our promise to supporters (and everyone)
- Supporting us never changes the ballot, placement, votes, or who wins.
- Supporters get no special treatment in voting.
- If a supporter's business is ever a nominee, it competes like everyone else.
- Supporters are listed publicly on this page, with their permission, so it's all in the open.
Raise your hand
Tell us a little about you and how you'd like to help. We'll reach out personally.
Prefer email? team@thegulfies.com
Want to chip in today?
Choose your amount on Square.
Online contributions coming soon. Fill out the form and we'll reach out.
The Gulfies is run by Blue Heron Marketing LLC. Contributions support our marketing, software and community events. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Contributing never affects nominations, votes, ballot order or winners.