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JUNE– SEP TEMBER 2018
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. Here are some of our significant third quarter accomplishments: Program Development
The Partners in Education meeting was held on Wednesday, July 25th. This year's luncheon was sponsored by Regions Bank and Tyler Union. There were 20 school administrators present to kick off this year's educational programs. Tyler Union's Steve Johnson was the guest speaker. On July 16th, we partnered with the Calhoun County Economic Development Council and East Alabama Works to host 22 school administrators and career coaches for tours of various industries throughout the county. These tours were designed to give educators an inside look at job opportunities and workforce development needs within our community. Hosted the Calhoun County Career Academy teachers on August 2nd for industry & healthcare tours. Healthcare tours viewed RMC's radiology, dietary, radiation oncology, occupational health, biomedical sciences, and plants departments. Industry tours viewed Parker Hannifin, Kobay, and Doncasters/Southern Tool. Hosted Oxford City School Guidance Counselors August 23rd for industry tours. Groups visited General Dynamics OTS, Aerospace Coatings, New Flyer, and Bridgewater Interiors. CLIMB Orientation was held August 22nd. This year's CLIMB class is David Bunt (ANAD), Don Killingsworth (JSU), Kelli Ford (Calhoun County Insurance), David Reddick (Anniston City Council), and Sam Whorton (First Bank of Alabama). LCC Orientation & Team Building Day was held on Thursday, August 30th. The class of 24 started their year by participating in team building activities at the YMCA's Camp Hamilton. LCC held their Center for Domestic Preparedness Day on September 13th. Twenty four class members and one CLIMB Executive Leadership Program class member were given tours of the Noble Hospital, COBRA, Advanced Responder Training Complex, and CDP Main Complex. Presentations were given by Rick Brewer, Director of External Affairs, and Tony Russell, Acting Superintendent. Parent Orientation for YLCC was held on September 9th. Parents and students were introduced to the program by YLCC Advisory Committee members. YLCC Team Building Day was held on September 11th. Thirty students participated in team building activities at YMCA Camp Hamilton. The first Chamber in the Classroom program was held at Alexandria High School on Tuesday, September 25th. 90 juniors & seniors attended presentations given by MaryAnn Gendron of F&M Bank & Kelley Pearce of GSCC on behalf of the Chamber. During September, there have been 3 rounds of industry tours for educators in September. Over 250 principals, vice principals, counselors, & teachers have toured industrial facilities throughout Calhoun County. Participated in Mock Interviews at Alexandria High School on Thursday, September 6th. Over 90 juniors and seniors were interviewed.
Public Affairs
Our State of the Cities event on Thursday, July 19th, at the Oxford Civic Center had 80 in attendance. Committee on upcoming Public Forums met to discuss new format. July 31, Military & Security Affairs Committee met with an update from the Center for Domestic Preparedness. August 27th, Mayors Roundtable included all Superintendents and County Commissioner Chairman. Public Forum Committee met and finalized the new format of Video Taping for the upcoming State Elections. August 30, Public Affairs Committee met and began discussion for the 2019 Legislative Agenda. The one on one video Tapings were held of all the candidates for the upcoming elections. Members of the Military & Security Affairs Committee met with MG Mitchell of the TACOM command. Sept. 26, the Calhoun County Complete Count Committee met with the the Representative of the US Census.
Business Development
July 17 "Coffee & Chat " Series on Exporting 101 had 4 in attendance. August 21 "Coffee & Chat " Series on Entrepreneurship for Women continued. July 26 held Sign Language class had 30 in attendance. EXPO committee met for final plans of the Business EXPO on Tuesday, Oct. 16th. Sept. 13, Business EXPO Exhibitor training was held with 60 in attendance. Sept 20, Salute to Industry Golf Outing had record number of golfers at 144.
Organizational Development
Chamber Ambassadors monthly meeting was held on July 10. Melinda Fowles was recognized as Ambassador of the month. Chamber Ambassadors monthly meeting was held on August 14. Business & Biscuits was held at AOD Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville with over 65 in attendance. Lunch & Leads was sponsored by Alabama Power and hosted at Rosie's Gourmet 2 Go with over 40 in attendance. Lunch & Leads was sponsored by SAMCO and hosted at Yume with over 60 in attendance. Owner Sam Mousa presented checks to Donoho School and the Calhoun County School System. Lunch & Leads was sponsored by AOD Federal Credit Union and hosted at Hubbard's Off Main with 55 in attendance. Business After Hours was sponsored by Spectrum Reach and was held at Cider Ridge Golf Club with 150 in attendance. Business After Hours was sponsored by ERA King Real Estate and was held at Anniston Country Club with 150 in attendance. Business After Hours was held at AOD Federal Credit Union in Oxford with 120 in attendance. Ribbon Cuttings were held for the new Calhoun County Magistrate's Office in Alexandria, Pedal Forward Piedmont!, Shell's Downtown Bar & Grill in Piedmont, Born Inspections & Consulting in Anniston, Moe's Southwest Grill in Oxford, Perry Monument Company in Piedmont, the new location for Rosa Lee in Anniston, and The Garden Girl in Jacksonville, and Farmer's Home Furniture in Oxford.. Groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new addition to the Cheaha Career Center at Gadsden State Community College in Anniston, 5 new members joined the Chamber in July. 27 new members joined the Chamber in August. 9 new members joined the Chamber in September. Chamber Board Members participated in a Membership Telethon to promote growth of the Chamber. Board Members received commitments to join from 31 companies during the month of August. The Annual Member Appreciation Day & Corporate Challenge was held on Friday, September 7 at the Oxford Civic Center. Congratulations to the Alabama Power Team, who won the Corporate Challenge!
Tourism
July 9, we took the Hampton Inn of Jacksonville on a familiarization tour. July 16, we hosted the Alabama Shakespeare Festival's State of the South, an interview and discussion between southern playwrights and "southerners." July 16, we complete the 2nd Annual Scavenger Hunt, thanks to the state's Bicentennial Grant, and awarded Ellen Cannon the cash prizes. July 24, in collaboration with the City of Anniston's YES Program, our 5 high school apprentices started working on Julius Caesar. August 1 & 2, thanks to an anonymous donor, we hosted the American Shakespeare Center's "Teaching Shakespeare" workshops, worth 12 professional development hours, for 26 teachers. Presented Shakespeare's Julius Caesar to more than 2,000 students and 700 community members August 15-19. September through October, we've hired Digital Research Group to conduct visitor surveys to help us pinpoint our visitor profile. With Oxford PARD, secured the Alabama High School Athletic Association High School Softball regional
tournament for 2019 & 2020. 577 Visitors Bag were distributed in July. 126 Visitors info or packets for the month of August Hosted EAT-STAY-PLAY meetings for restaurants, hotels and attractions. Set up at JSU's Preview Day on September 22 to share area information and merchandise. Hosted a meeting for the National Park Service and Freedom Riders Park Committee to discuss the World Heritage Site nomination and process.
Public Relations
The Visit Calhoun County Facebook Page now has 1785 likes. VisitCalhounCounty.com had more than 2,300 visitors. The Visit Calhoun County blog has generated more than 1299 pageviews. @VisitCalhounCo has 596 followers on Twitter. @VisitCalhounCo has 567 followers on Instagram, with 1208 new likes. The Chamber Facebook page has 4614 likes/Followers. CalhounChamber.com had more than 13,000 visitors, with 6540 directory searches of our online membership directory. With 6 active job postings garnered 137 views. Our Calhounchamber.com event calendar received more than 15329 searches. Our 9 Hot Deals received 293 hits. The Chamber's Twitter, @CalhounChamber, has 1386 followers. The Chamber's Blog garnered 105 views. The Chamber's July E-Newsletter, distributed July 2, had 480 opens, of the 2143 sent. The Chamber's August E-Newsletter, distributed July 30, had 516 opens, of the 2152 sent. The Chamber's September E-Newsletter, distributed September 4, had 573 opens, of the 2153 sent.
How to Write a Business Plan A business plan is the foundation for a business. Would you or someone you know like to learn how to write a business plan quickly and efficiently? Tuesday, October 2, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 (Noon) the Chamber is partnering with Gilbert Creative Services and the JSU Small Business Development Center to present a workshop, which includes: - Reasons for a Business Plan - Benefits & Risks - Categories of Business - Elements of a Business Plan The event will also provide worksheets to get you started. This event is free of charge, but there is limited seating. Please RSVP to (256) 237-3536.
Active Shooter Training Is your workplace prepared for a potential active shooter? If not, planning is an essential component in response. Wednesday, October 10, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the Chamber in partnership with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is presenting an Active Shooter Training course, which includes: - Building Relationships with local responders - Developing Communication & Incident Plans for employees - Learning how to protect yourself in the event of an active shooter This event is free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to (256) 237-3536.
July Events The Berman Museum was honored to have Pearl Harbor survivor Mr. George Murray cut the ribbon to the "Pearl Harbor" exhibit. July 9, we were able to take another group from the Hampton Inn in Jacksonville for a Familiarization Tour! They were able to ace our "cash cab" trivia too!
July 11, Alabama Power hosted the Chamber's Lunch & Leads at Rosie's Gourmet 2 Go, located at 3337 Henry Road in Anniston.
July 11, the Calhoun County Magistrate celebrated a ribbon cutting for a Satellite Office in Alexandria at 2065 Alexandria-Wellington Road.
July 12, Pedal Forward Piedmont! celebrate a ribbon cutting as a place where community and tourism come together to share, learn, and create new ideas that inspire a proud future Piedmont!
July 16, the Chamber & Visitors Center, the Economic Development Center and East Alabama Works joined forces to host local education administration for a tour of local industries and discussion on industry workforce needs.
July 17, Spectrum Reach hosted the Chamber's Business After Hours at Cider Ridge Golf Club, located at 200 Apple Blossom Way in Oxford.
July 18, Shell's Downtown Bar & Grill celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting for their location at 105 North Center Avenue in Piedmont.
July Events
July 19, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee hosted our annual State of the Cities event at the Oxford Civic Center, featuring reports from each of our municipalities about the last year and what the future holds.
July 20, Born Inspections & Consulting celebrated the opening of their new location at 5106 McClellan Boulevard Suite C in Anniston with a ribbon cutting.
July 26, the Chamber hosted the Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind for a beginner Sign Language course for community and business members. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us!
July 26, Gadsden State Community College celebrated a ground breaking for their new science building and addition to the Cheaha Career Center.
July 25, the Chamber met with area school administrators about upcoming opportunities for our students and schools.
July 31, the Military & Security Affairs Committee receives an update on the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
July 26, Moe’s Southwest Grill celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their location at 50 Commons Way in Oxford.
August Events
August 2, Legacy Village of Jacksonville hosted the Chamber’s Business & Biscuits.
August 2, we were excited to host Industry and Healthcare Tours, showcasing jobs in the Calhoun County Area to Calhoun County Career Academy teachers.
Perry Monument Company has been in business since 2003 in Centre, but August 3, they celebrated the opening of their new office in Piedmont with a Ribbon Cutting.
August 12, Ribbon Cutting for new Alexandria Middle School.
On August 13, we celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting for The Garden Girl. On August 3, Rosa Lee held a Ribbon Cutting of their new location at 11 East 10th Street.
August 8, SAMCO hosted Lunch & Leads at YUME.
The Chamber staff was so excited to catch the State Bicentennial traveling exhibit at the Public Library of AnnistonCalhoun County!
August Events
September Events
September 6, AOD Federal Credit Union hosted the Chamber’s Business & Biscuits at their Jacksonville branch, located at 1060 JD&L Drive SW. August 21, ERA King Real Estate sponsored Business After Hours at the Anniston Country Club. August 23, the Chamber partnered with the Economic Development Council and East Alabama Works for industry tours for Oxford City Schools' counselors and staff.
The 2018-2019 Leadership Calhoun County class kicked off their year with Team Building Day on August 30.
September 5, the City of Piedmont hosted a Meet & Greet with Fayette County representatives and the Fayette Chamber to launch their sister city partnership with City of Fayette.
September 7, the Chamber celebrated Member Appreciation Day at Oxford Lake & Civic Center, complete with team events and competitions for member businesses, free food and lots of fun!
Help us welcome our 2018-19 Youth Leadership Calhoun County Class!
September Events
September 11, our Youth Leadership Calhoun County Class of 2019 had their first meeting, Team Building Day, hosted by the YMCA at Camp Hamilton!
September 13, Farmer’s Home Furniture celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new 1881 US Hwy 78 West location in Oxford.
September 12, AOD Federal Credit Union hosted Lunch & Leads at Hubbard's Off Main with 50 member representatives attending.
On September 18, AOD Federal Credit Union hosted Business After Hours at the Oxford Location. Anniston Army Depot and five stakeholders Gadsden State Community College, Oxford Water Works and Sewer Board, City of Jacksonville, Anniston Water Works & Sewer Board and Jacksonville State University- signed agreements on Thursday at the Oxford Civic Center to meet mutual needs. The agreements were the culmination of months of talks between the depot and the stakeholders. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of operations for the depot and all agencies and cities involved.
September 18, the Chamber again partnered with East Alabama Works and the Calhoun County Economic Development Council to host Calhoun County Vice Principals and Jacksonville City School representatives for industrial tours, connecting our schools and industries. September 13, our Leadership Calhoun County class had their Center for Domestic Preparedness day.
September Events
September 11, our Youth Leadership Calhoun County Class of 2019 had their first meeting, Team Building Day, hosted by the YMCA at Camp Hamilton!
September 13, Farmer’s Home Furniture celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new 1881 US Hwy 78 West location in Oxford.
September 12, AOD Federal Credit Union hosted Lunch & Leads at Hubbard's Off Main with 50 member representatives attending.
On September 18, AOD Federal Credit Union hosted Business After Hours at the Oxford Location. Anniston Army Depot and five stakeholders Gadsden State Community College, Oxford Water Works and Sewer Board, City of Jacksonville, Anniston Water Works & Sewer Board and Jacksonville State University- signed agreements on Thursday at the Oxford Civic Center to meet mutual needs. The agreements were the culmination of months of talks between the depot and the stakeholders. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of operations for the depot and all agencies and cities involved.
September 18, the Chamber again partnered with East Alabama Works and the Calhoun County Economic Development Council to host Calhoun County Vice Principals and Jacksonville City School representatives for industrial tours, connecting our schools and industries. September 13, our Leadership Calhoun County class had their Center for Domestic Preparedness day.
September Events September 20, the Chamber hosted our 37th Annual Salute to Industry Golf Outing at the Anniston Country Club, with 144 golfers teeing off and networking.
September 24, the Chamber’s Military & Security Affairs Committee hosted a dinner at the Berman Museum with Major General Daniel G. Mitchell, Commanding General for the United States Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.
New Members July—September Laura Leigh Drake Moe's Southwest Grill 50 Commons Way Suite E Oxford, AL 36203 (205) 492-3488 Restaurant Ryan Parrish The Vine Chiropractic 8 E Choccolocco St. Oxford, AL 36203 (863) 517-2904 Chiropractor Grady Lacher Anniston, AL 36201 Friends of the Chamber Eugene Leonard Jr. The Life Center 1701 Henry Road Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 405-4861 Church/Non-Profit Jenna Griffin Perry Monument Company 231 US 278 Bypass E Piedmont, AL 36272 (256) 706-7895 Monument Company George Brunner Superior Cadillac GMC 420 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36204 (256) 236-4444 Auto Sales Penny McCall Dillard Financial Solutions, Inc. Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 282-2534 Consultant
This week kicked off Chamber in the Classroom with Kelley Haynes Pearce of Gadsden State Community College and Maryann Gendron of F&M Bank at Alexandria High School. If your business is interested in teaching employability skills to students, email krychelles@calhounchamber.com.
Teresa Johnson Oxford Scrap Metal Co., Inc. 3383 U.S. Highway 78 East Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 831-3850 Scrap Metal Doug Trantham Trantham Farms, Inc. 1260 State Farm Road Alexandria, AL 36250 (256) 820-1988 Farm
New Members July—September Carmen Johnson Johnson's Giant Foods 309 3rd Ave. NW Attalla, AL 35954 (256) 538-6001 Retail Grocery & Deli Brandy Jones/Jennifer Jones Alpha Omega Plumbing DeArmanville, AL 36257 (256) 452-3621 Plumbing & Septic Services Justin Kirk Alabama Moving Company Anniston, AL 36202 (256) 283-4117 Moving & Storage Patrick & Shelley Miller Miller Funeral Home 50 Hamric Drive East Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-4611 Funeral Home Henry Perry HME, Inc. Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 806-1615 Facilities Support Services Tony Bolton Bolton Chiropractic Center 1401 Hillyer Robinson Pkwy Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 835-3511 Chiropractor Patrick & Shelley Miller Miller Florist 38 Hamric Dr. East Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-0911 Florists Cindy Beckham Coleman Place Apartments 2320 Coleman Rd. Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 831-1060 Apartments Oxford City Schools 402 Main Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 241-3140 Schools
Steve Hale Steve N Jan's BBQ 13849 Jackson Trace Road Lincoln, AL 35096 (256) 282-9556 Catering Services
Tina Gordon Extermco Pest Control 5106 McClellan Blvd. Suite D Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 237-0646 Pest Control
Michele Williams Project SEARCH 309 East 8th Street Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 231-2839 Non-Profit Organization
Keith Weaver CurrentElectrical Generator Services 1068 Hwy. 231 Laceys Spring, AL 35754 (256) 880-1880 Generator Sales & Installations
Clark Cunningham Clark's Commercial Cleaning Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 371-1261 Commercial Cleaning Nicole Andrews BlueJay's Outdoor Power Equipment, LLC 125 Anniston St. Weaver, AL 36277 Outdoor Clothing & Equipment Danny Warrell Contractor Safety Services, LLC Weaver, AL 36277 (256) 453-4034 Safety Services Mark & Holly Box Anniston Memorial Funeral Home 3865 US Highway 431 Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 820-0024 Funeral Home Donnie Musick Saucy Swine BBQ Oxford, AL 36203 (757) 592-3388 BBQ & Catering Company Brad Gilbert Gilbert Creative Services, Inc. 684 Antone St. Suite 108 Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) 636-2511 ext. 2 Video Production Jared Palmer JCS Hauling LLC Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 310-7294 Trucking Company
Dustin Reid Piedmont Fencing 824 US 278 W Piedmont, AL 36272 (256) 239-2457 Contractor Ryan Huff ATI Physical Therapy 50 Commons Way Suite D Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 624-9722 Physical Therapists Keyanna Peters Stepping Stones to Success Counseling 1525 Leighton Ave. Suite B Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 343-4080 Counseling Services Juan Etchepare Brookstone Restoration 929 S. Noble Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 365-1625 Restoration Services Geromy Ledbetter P & L Facility and Power Wash, LLC Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 689-7640 Cleaning Service