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JULY 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. Here’s some of our significant third quarter accomplishments: Program Development
Leadership Calhoun County kicked off the class of 2017 with Team Building and 25 class members. Youth Leadership Calhoun County applications were distributed to all high school counselors, private and public. 33 students were selected to participate. CEOs in the Classroom kicked off with Oxford City Schools, thanks to our volunteers Julia Segars, Gayle Macolly Harris, Anthony Humphries, Jeff Glenning, Phil Webb, and Jay Hinesley. LCC hosted a Fall Leadership Connection on Thursday, September 29, with guest speaker Colonel Martine S. Kidd, Commander of the Anniston Army Depot. Hosted LCC Advisory Training with the 6 new members of the LCC Advisory Committee LCC had their CDP and Media Day on September 8. LCC hosted a Fall Leadership Connection September 29 at the Hotel Finial. YLCC had their Orientation on September 18. September 20, YLCC began Team Building Day at the Chamber followed by the ropes course at Camp Hamilton.
Public Affairs
The Anniston Board of Education Political Forum, held on August 8, had almost 100 in attendance. The City of Anniston Political Forum, held on August 9, had almost 300 in attendance. The City of Oxford Political Forum on August 18 had more than 100 in attendance. The Hobson City Political Forum on August 15 had more than 20 in attendance. August 25, Congressman Rogers received a briefing from the Military and Security Affairs Organizations at the Chamber of Commerce. Planning a Newly Elected Officials reception after the elections in November. Reviewing Legislative Agenda and preparing the agenda for 2017
Business Development
July 13, more than 31 Chamber Members joined us for the Lunch & Leads at the Peerless, hosted by Dormon & Reynolds. Hosted Social Media Boot Camp with 25 in attendance. The Small Business Committee hosted a Business Diversity Roundtable, with 10 in attendance, to hear from minority owned businesses and develop more ways for minority inclusion in the Chamber. The 2016 EXPO is SOLDOUT with 69 exhibitors and 18 Restaurants participating this year on Tuesday, October 18, from 10:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. Meeting Mentors will be held during the EXPO from 2:00-4:00 P.M. with JSU and GSCC students. If you would like to serve as a mentor, please email Emily at emilyd@calhounchamber.com. For Restaurant Week, 10 Restaurants registered, and others have pledged to participate October 9-15. The Chamber's Salute to Industry Scavenger Hunt on September 9 had 11 teams participate. Congrats to Team F&M for winning! The Chamber's Salute to Industry Golf Outing on September 15 had more than 120 golfers, many who said this was the best Golf Outing yet! Thank you to all our sponsors!
Organizational Development
Business & Biscuits was held at Rosie's Gourmet 2 Go in Anniston, with over 60 members in attendance. Business & Biscuits was sponsored by The United Way of East Central Alabama and held at the Chamber in Anniston, with over 60 members in attendance. Business & Biscuits was sponsored by AOD Federal Credit Union at the Jacksonville branch on Thursday, September 1 with over 40 members in attendance. Attended Webinar Workshop on Marketing & Revenue Generation hosted by ChamberMaster on Monday, July 18. NE AL Regional Medical Center hosted the July Chamber Ambassadors Meeting, sponsored by New Leaf Marketing on Tuesday, July 19. NE AL Entrepreneurial Center hosted the August Chamber Ambassadors Meeting on Tuesday, August 9. Courtyard by Marriott hosted the September Chamber Ambassadors Meeting on Tuesday, September 13. Lunch & Leads was held on Wednesday, September 14 and sponsored by Bradford Health Services and held at Los Mexicanos in Oxford with 37 members in attendance. Business after Hours was held on Tuesday, July 19 at the Alabama Army National Guard Readiness Center at McClellan, and hosted by the Chamber's Military & Security Affairs Committee. Business after Hours was held on Tuesday, August 16 at the Anniston Country Club and sponsored by ERA King Real Estate, with more than 150 guests were in attendance. Business after Hours was held on Tuesday, September 20 at the Oxford branch of AOD Federal Credit Union. Over 80 guests were in attendance for the event. "Google Your Way To Growth", the third seminar in our Google Workshop Series, was held at the Chamber on Friday, June 15 with 8 members attending. "Google Your Way To Growth", the monthly seminar in our Google Workshop Series, was held at the Chamber on Friday, August 26 with 18 members attending. “Google Your Way To Growth”, the monthly seminar in our Google Workshop Series, was held at the Chamber on Friday, September 30 with 3 members attending. Retention visits are being made with a goodie bag for each upcoming renewal. Several visits from August resulted in members attending events and visiting the online Member Information Center. 58 retention visits to members with upcoming renewals were made in September. Retention visits are now being made with a goody bag for each upcoming renewal. Campaign 2016: Every Member Counts Retention Campaign was held at the Chamber during the week of September 19 – 23, with 8 Board Members making 84 calls to members to say Thank You for continuing to be part of the Chamber. Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies were held for Zoe's On The Lake (new ownership), Pate's Painting & Remodeling (new location), Loco Mex (new ownership), Dollar Market Plus, Fairfield Inn & Suites (newly remodeled), Dunn's Heating & Cooling, Loco's Cantina Mexican Grille, Calhoun Baptist Association (new location), AirMedic, LLC (new business), Washin' Oxford Coin Laundry (new location), Farmer's Insurance/The Ponder Agency (new business), and Cobb Pre-K Academy (new school). A Ground Breaking Ceremony was held for the Commencement of the Chief Ladiga Trail McClellan Spur Project. Developed "Now What?" card for new member welcome letters. A checklist for new members. Longevity Awards were presented to Dormon & Reynolds Insurance, FabArc Steel Supply, Talladega Superspeedway, and J. Brittain Associates. August’s Member Orientation was held with 11 in attendance Member Orientation was held on Wednesday, September 28 with 6 members in attendance. One member attended the Chamber Webinar held later that day. There are 108 new members year to date. The Chamber currently has 1080 members.
Tourism
Attended the Dixie Youth World Series Board meeting at Choccolocco Park with Oxford PARD. Assisted the City of Anniston with the JSU Pep-rally Supported Renew Our Rivers in Ohatchee Met with Marketing Director for the City of Oxford on working together on community events Attended Dixie Youth State Tournament kick off ceremonies with over 40 baseball teams in Oxford Prepared and distributed 343 Welcome packets For Restaurant Week, 10 Restaurants registered, and others have pledged to participate October 9-15. The Ribbon Cutting for Choccolocco Park is scheduled for Sunday, October 16, at 2:00 P.M. The Chamber & Visitors Center Staff will be volunteering for Coldwater Mountain's 2nd Annual Fat Tire Fest, October 14-16. Stop by Zinn Park and say "hello!" The Visit Calhoun County Facebook Page now has 1144 likes. VisitCalhounCounty.com had more than 1247 visitors, with 84% being new visitors. 586 Visitors/Relocation packets were distributed The Visit Calhoun County blog has generated more than 1816 page views. @VisitCalhounCo has 395 followers on Twitter. @VisitCalhounCo has 191 followers on Instagram.
Public Relations
The Chamber Facebook page has 3436 likes. CalhounChamber.com had more than 11,096 visitors, with 11,347 directory searches of our online membership directory. With 17 active job postings, we garnered 896 views. Our Calhounchamber.com event calendar received more than 80,665 searches. Our 14 Hot Deals received 799 views. The Chamber's Twitter, @CalhounChamber, has 1,070 followers The Chamber's Blog garnered 398 views. The Chamber's August E-Newsletter, distributed August 1, had 496 opens, of the 2005 sent. The Chamber's July E-Newsletter, distributed July 5, had 521 opens, of the 1998 sent. The Chamber's September E-Newsletter, distributed August 29, had 437 opens, of the 2002 sent. The Chamber's App, Calhoun2Go, has 164 users.
July Events
July 7, Rosie’s Gourmet 2 Go sponsored and hosted the Chamber’s monthly Business & Biscuits at their 3337 Henry Road location in Anniston. July 20, Pate's Painting & Remodeling celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new 1900 S Quintard Avenue location in Anniston.
July 8, the City of Anniston celebrated the ground breaking for the McClellan Ladiga Trail Spur Project.
July 15, the Chamber hosted Google Your Way to Growth: Google Workshop Services, teaching area businesses how to update and enhance their Google listing. For more information, call Kim at 256-237-3536.
July 13, Lunch and Leads was held at The Peerless Saloon. This month’s networking event was hosted by Dormon & Reynolds Insurance.
July 14, Zoe’s on the Lake held a ribbon cutting to celebrate and welcome their new ownership at their 187 Angel Lake Road location in Weaver.
July 19, the Chamber's Military & Security Affairs Committee sponsored Business After Hours, hosted by the Alabama Army National Guard Readiness Center at McClellan.
July 21, Loco Mex celebrated a Ribbon Cutting for new ownership at their 809 Pelham Road S location in Jacksonville.
July 27, the Chamber hosted Member Orientation, to showcase the resources available exclusively for Chamber Members and how to access the Member Information Center. Want to know more? To save your spot at next month’s orientation, call 256-237-3536.
More Events
July 22, Chamber Members met at the Chamber to complete a Social Media Boot Camp, covering Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. August 25, Congressman Rogers received a briefing from the Military and Security Affairs Organizations at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s Military and Security Affairs Committee (MSAC) works to ensure the retention and growth of our military, federal civilian and homeland defense forces in the area.
July 28, Dollar Market Plus celebrated the ribbon cutting for their new location at 541 Davis Loop in Oxford.
August 25, the Leadership Calhoun County Class of 2017 started their journey together with Orientation and Team Building Day. This program is designed to prepare and build upon leadership resources within our entire county. Applications for each year’s class are accepted during the summer. During the Month of August, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee partnered with The Anniston Star and municipalities to present Political Forums, allowing community members to hear directly from their candidates. Thank you to those who attended!
August Events
August 4, The United Way of East Central Alabama sponsored the Chamber’s Business & Biscuits hosted at the Chamber of Commerce.
August 4, Fairfield Inn & Suites celebrated a ribbon cutting for the Grand Reopening of their 143 Colonial Drive location in Oxford.
August 5, Dunn's Heating & Cooling celebrated a ribbon cutting for their brand new location at 2786 Pelham Road South in Anniston. Congratulations!
August 12, Loco's Cantina Mexican Grille celebrated the ribbon cutting for their 622 US Hwy 278 location in Piedmont.
August 16, ERA King Real Estate sponsored and hosted the Chamber's Business After Hours at the Anniston Country Club.
August 22, the City of Jacksonville celebrated a ribbon cutting for the Ladiga Trail Spur, connecting the trail to Coffee Street.
August 24, the Chamber hosted Member Orientation to showcase how members can maximize their benefits and how to get engaged in Chamber Committees and events. Call 256-237-3536 to RSVP for the next orientation.
August 25, the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce hosted an interactive event to help businesses get listed on Google and learn how to enhance their Google presence.
September Events
September 1, AOD Federal Credit Union sponsored and hosted the September Business & Biscuits at their Jacksonville branch, located at 1060 JD&L Drive SW.
On September 9, the Chamber hosted an Industry Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by Bradford Health Services and EASTMAN. Teams were comprised of two individuals, from area businesses and industries, and we sent these teams out with clues detailing area industries throughout Calhoun County. Congrats to our winners, Team F&M!
September 1, Anniston Army Depot celebrated 75 years! Happy Birthday Depot, Calhoun County's largest employer!
September 14, Lunch & Leads was hosted by Bradford Health at Los Mexicanos in Oxford.
September 6, the Calhoun Baptist Association celebrated a ribbon cutting for their Baptist Service Center at the EaglePoint Campus in Jacksonville.
September 8, Leadership Calhoun County had their Center for Domestic Preparedness & Media Day, touring the CDP, WDNG, TV24 and more!
September 15, the Chamber hosted its Annual Salute to Industry Golf Outing at Anniston Country Club. Thanks to all our sponsors, golfers said this was the best tournament yet!
September Events
September 18, Youth Leadership Calhoun County's Class of 2017 had their orientation at the Chamber. These 11th graders from across Calhoun County were asked what their expectations of the program are, and they were shown a little about each program day.
September 16, Air Medic, LLC celebrated the ribbon cutting for their new location at 1136 Dearmanville Road in Anniston.
September 20, Youth Leadership Calhoun County had their Team Building Day at the Chamber and the YMCA's Camp Hamilton.
September 20, AOD Federal Credit Union sponsored and hosted the Chamber's monthly Business After Hours at their Oxford branch, located at 12 Elm Street in Oxford.
Thursday, September 22, Washin’ Coin Laundry celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Washin’ Oxford, located at 412 Hamric Drive East in Oxford.
Farmer’s Insurance – The Ponder Agency celebrated their Grand Opening today with a Ribbon Cutting and Cookout with the Insurance Planning Services Disaster Response Vehicle at their 320 Snow Street, Suite C location in Oxford.
June 17, Wiseguys Pizzeria & Bar celebrated a ribbon cutting for their second location in Calhoun County at 1781 Hamric Drive East in Oxford.
September 27, the City of Anniston and Anniston City Schools celebrated a ribbon cutting for the Pre-K Academy at Cobb Elementary.
Each year, the annual LCC application is available online at www.CalhounChamber.com. Video testimonials from LCC alumni are available for viewing on the Chamber’s YouTube Channel. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 256-237-3536 or email info@calhounchamber.com.
Leadership Calhoun County (LCC) is a program of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and is designed to prepare and build upon leadership resources within our entire county. For 31 years, each class has been comprised of leaders and emerging leaders of this area. LCC started in 1985 and now boasts 907 alumni who are among Calhoun County’s top leaders and business professionals. This 10 month program covers topics ranging from Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems to Quality of Life to State Government to Cultural Arts. The Goals of LCC are as follows: To motivate participants to achieve their leadership potential. To bring together participants and current leaders to discuss the present and future direction of Calhoun County To prepare participants as more effective professionals by sharpening their leadership skills To challenge participants to greater involvement through volunteer roles in the community To examine programs and agencies that currently operate within Calhoun County To create the opportunity for participants to come to know, respect and establish a rapport with each other Applications are accepted each summer. Nominees should be individuals who have strong leadership qualities and who would contribute to the class and benefit from LCC. Self-nominations are encouraged. Each nominee must be an employee of an active member of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. This year’s class is comprised of 25 members, representing all ages and industries.
September 18, Youth Leadership Calhoun County’s Class of 2017 kicked off with orientation. Youth Leadership Calhoun County, YLCC, is a program of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce built to prepare students for constructive leadership and responsible participation in the affairs of the community. These area 11th grade students, from public and private schools throughout Calhoun County, are chosen by their counselors and principals to represent their school as future leaders because they demonstrate leadership abilities, high leadership potential, and exhibit concern for the community. The program provides these highly motivated participants opportunities for leadership skills development through participation in training seminars and program activities. Each class is a diverse representation of the diversity of racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups in Calhoun County. Each student, no matter their school or background, comes together to meet and develop mutual understanding, respect and trust. Each class meeting and program day focuses on community issues, needs, opportunities, problems and resources in our communities, while providing interaction with community leaders. YLCC participants are also shown and given opportunities for volunteer community involvement and service. Program Days include: Career and Mentors, Quality of Life, Local Government, Business and Industry, Jacksonville State University , Gadsden State Community College and more! The overall mission of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce is to promote and sustain the economic growth of the Calhoun County Region, resulting in a community that is a dynamic place to work, visit and live. Our 2016 Plan of Action included areas of workforce development and educating area students of career choices here. Through Youth Leadership Calhoun County, we encourage our youth to find satisfying job opportunities at home in Calhoun County, so they too will want to live, learn, work, worship, play and raise a family here.
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” –Douglas MacArthur
Join us for 2016 Member Appreciation Day Friday, October 7, 2016 11:00am – 2:00pm Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce 1330 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201 Presented
Commissioner Fred Wilson
It’s that time of the year when we say Thank You to our members at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Day. Join us on Friday, October 7 from 11am – 2pm. Come out and watch Adult Tricycle Races, a Human Hula Hoop Toss, and a Pie Eating Contest. Try your luck with the Giant Jenga Game, the Rock Climbing Wall, and play some Corn Hole. Enjoy a bbq lunch with all the sides and dessert. We appreciate our members and we hope to see you there.
OFFICE DEPOT/OFFICE MAX CHAMBER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Chamber members receive the opportunity to save BIG on office, cleaning, and breakroom supplies, as well as on copy center needs, through the Office Depot Chamber Advantage Program. A few highlights of the program include: 15-55% less than market price on 350 items on the office supply core list 5-55% less than market price on 500 items on the clening and break room core list 3-30% less than market price on 600 items on the technology core list 5-15% less than market price on non-core items Weekly specials and promotions 2.5- cent black and white copies, 24-cent color copies, and 40% off finishing services everyday
Here is how you can start saving today! Text "CalhounSPC" to 555-888, you will receive an immediate response with the Chamber's Store Card for your phone!
Members Only Information Center 1. Do you know your member login? - If you answered no, call (256)237-3536 or email kimb@calhounchamber.com. 2. Have you shared an event to the community calendar? 3. Have you posted a job opening and description? 4. Have you shared specials or deals you are running for the public or Chamber Members? 5. Did you know you can now pay your Chamber dues and event registrations online? If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, you’re not fully utilizing your Chamber Membership Information Center.
Our Member Information Center is synced with our website, www.CalhounChamber.com, which receives more than 4,000 visitors each month. The online membership directory receives more than 3,500 searches each month. The Job Postings page receives more than 100 searches each month. The Hot Deals receive more than 150 searches each month. The Community Events Calendar then receives more than 20,000 searches each month.
Thank You to our 2016 Partnership Investors
New Members July-September Stefanie Almon Spritz and Splash Anniston, AL 36202 (850) 390-1590 Painting/Entertainment Mike Cothran Popeyes Fried Chicken #2229 1925 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-4333 Restaurant Paula Smith and Clayton Sprayberry Oxford Taekwondo 1931 Barry St. Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 283-7566 Martial Arts Instruction Self-Defense Ken Barrett Washin Oxford Coin Laundry 412 Hamric Drive E Oxford, AL 36203 (800) 792-1941 Laundromat Henry Mullinax Mullinax Auto Sales 410 Cecile Drive Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-0101 Auto Sales Michelle King Brassies Credit Union 1800 Golden Springs Rd. Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 831-7180 Credit Union Raul Jasso Loco's Cantina Mexican Grille 622 US Hwy 278 Piedmont, AL 36272 (256) 645-3088 Restaurants
Anthony Blake Mitchell Anniston, AL 36202 Friends of the Chamber Earnest Dodds Fletcher Anniston, AL 36207 Friends of the Chamber Suriayani Suriayani Kobay South, LLC 5470 McIntosh Rd. Oxford, AL 36203 256-405-4807 David Dawoud Domino's Pizza 5130 McClellan Blvd. Anniston, AL 36206 Restaurant Josh Mitchell, Ken Beverly John Clark, Lamar Campbell Alfa Insurance 429 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 237-1635 Insurance Paul Graham Downey Drug Alexandria 658 Valley Cub Drive Alexandria, AL 36250 (256) 820-4540 Pharmacies Taylor McGinnis INKSLINGER 1 O'Connell Ave. SW Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-7777 Printing Vic Hall Auto City Inc. 3730 US Highway 78 East Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 831-4036 New & Used Auto Parts Angelena Cofield Cofield Asphalt Refinishing LLC 4816 Old Birmingham Highway Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 454-5158 Asphalt Refinishing
John Robinson Chris & John's Bail Bonding 103 Old Gadsden Highway Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 454-7442 Bail Bonds Lewis Downing Downing & Sons 1030 Gurnee Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-8972 Upholstery Supply Sandy Glover Red Leopard 1900 South Quintard Ave. Bldg. C Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 591-0374 Furniture Store/Interior Design Angela Kemp Oxford, AL 36203 Friends of the Chamber Derek Armstrong Carlson Engineered Composites, Inc. 1861 Electronics Dr. Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 226-2187 Manufacturer-Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester Components DJ White & Mischa Sharpe Boundary Line Bison Ranch 1330 Piedmont Cutoff Road Piedmont, AL 36272 (256) 447-8811 Bison Ranch Karla & Leonard Eden Taste of Eden Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 676-0896 Bakery Jeff Digby Dunamis Health and Fitness 828 South Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36203 (256) 405-4327 Fitness Center
New Members Continued... Christy Benitez/ Keller Williams Realty Group 1805A Hillyer Robinson Pkwy Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 239-3892 Realtor Ginger Howell-Keener Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries 4101 AL Hwy 21 North Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-1642 Non-Profit Organization
Dr. Rosetta S. Dean Dr. Ricardo L. Dean, Sr. Sharp-Dean School of Continuing Studies 1910 Noble St. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 238-0451 Accredited Private School & 2 year College Belinda Wallner Ships, Trips, & More LLC Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-9900 Travel Agents Steve Harris Liberty National-Steve Harris Agency 917 Snow Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 236-0361 Insurance
Roger Benton Alabama National Guard 22nd Recruiting & Retention Battalion 1720 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Dr. Montgomery, AL 36109 (334) 271-7293 Government Shannon Curvin Curvin’s Country Acres 3463 Country Road 3 Delta, AL 36258 (205) 623-7598 Event Venue
“We are the best business tool, providing opportunities to engage, link and grow businesses.� It's about people. It's about ideas. It's about influence. The Power of Connection. Your business thrives on it. Your future depends on it. Connect with success at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, your link to influential people, innovative ideas and exclusive opportunities. Chamber members are as diverse as the county itself. They represent businesses and industries of all sizes, and viewpoints from every position on the political spectrum. Together, we're shaping Calhoun County's dynamic business environment and making the area an exceptional place to live and work. Join us and make your own connections - in Calhoun County and in the world of business.
Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce 1330 Quintard Avenue P.O. Box 1087 Anniston, AL 36202 256.237.3536 www.calhounchamber.com