Edward M Rodriguez

GULF SHORES, AL – Edward M. Rodriguez, 56, died peacefully on January 7, 2018, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola following a brief illness. Mr. Rodriguez resided in Gulf Shores where he served as President/CEO of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.  A native of Miami, FL, he grew up in Miami Shores, attending Miami Country Day School and Deerborne High School. Mr. Rodriguez earned a bachelor’s degree at Florida Southern College. While there, he became acquainted with the Methodist faith and joined the Methodist church. Mr. Rodriguez continued his education receiving a master’s degree from Florida State University. Mr. Rodriguez believed in lifelong learning and was awarded many certifications over the years. The following are worth noting: Leadership Miami – Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; Institute for Organizational Management - U.S Chamber of Commerce; Leadership Robins Region – Robins Regional Chamber; Georgia Certified Chamber Executive - Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives; Georgia Regional Economic & Leadership Development - Georgia Academy for Economic Development; Skills for Success - Dale Carnegie Course; and Disney’s Approach to Quality Service - Disney Institute. Away from the office, he enjoyed music, travel and remaining in contact with hundreds of friends across the United States. He was devoted to his family, including his late grandmothers, Carmen Cano and Margaret Rodriguez. He also maintained close relationships with extended family member throughout the United States and travelled often to his ancestral home in Alcoi, Spain. During his tenure at the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, he worked diligently with the Board of Directors in rebranding the organization to include all of Coastal Alabama. His many professional accomplishments include serving as the Director of Communications at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; the Vice President of Marketing at the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce; the Executive Director/CEO of the Amelia Island Chamber in Florida; the President & CEO of the Robins Regional Chamber in Georgia; and a founding partner with Michael C. Love of Chamber Resources, Inc. – a consulting firm that operated in 15 states. He was very active in his community and served on many boards throughout his career. Most recently he served on the following boards: Leadership Baldwin County Advisory Board; Miracle League of Coastal Alabama; American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association; Gulf United Metro Business Organization; and Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. Under the leadership and direction of Mr. Rodriguez, and through the work of his dedicated chamber staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors, each chamber earned national awards, superlatives, and honors. A few examples of such include: 5 Star Accreditation - US Chamber of Commerce; Finalist for Chamber of the Year in 2009 and Chamber of the Year in 2015 from Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives; Accredited Alabama Chamber of Commerce - Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama; and Alabama Event of the Year for the National Shrimp Festival - State of Alabama. He is survived by his mother, Mari Cano of Clearwater, FL; father, Edward J. Rodriguez Sr. of Tampa, FL; two brothers, Michael and Joseph of Tampa; and two nieces, Nicole and Tanya of Tampa, FL. An animal lover, Mr. Rodriguez is survived by his beloved cocker spaniel, Tillie. A memorial service will be held in Gulf Shores, Al on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church at 1900 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 . Visitation 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Service 5:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family request that contributions be made in Ed’s honor to The Miracle League of Coastal Alabama (P.O. Box 159, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36547, http://www.miracleleaguecoastalalabama.com/ ) or by Clicking Here. For accommodations Click here for list of chamber members.   Honorary pallbearers are the Board of Directors and staff of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 2551 S. MCKENZIE ST. FOLEY, AL 36535 (251) 943-2391