Fall/ Winter 2014
EXPOSURE
TABLE OF 6-13 16-21 24-25 26-28 30-32 33-34
Contents
Business to Business EXPO Salute to Industry Ribbon Cuttings In Case You Missed It New Members Chamber Report Card
Editor: Julia H. Segars
Consolidated Publishing Company
Contributing Writer: Emily Duncan
Printed in the USA
Graphic Designer: Natalie Couch
All Rights Reserved
Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce © 2014 PO Box 1087 Anniston, AL 36202 256-237-3536
www.calhounchamber.com
This magazine is designed by Natalie Couch of Natitude Media, in parterership with The Anniston Star.
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YOUR CHAMBER
Announcing Your
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE CABINET Chairman: Brian Woodfin
DIRECTORS CLASS OF 2015
CLASS OF 2016
CLASS OF 2017
Chair Elect: Greg Kernion
Mark Johnson
Allen Roberts
Charles Lewis
Bud Owsley
John Connell
Charlotte Hubbard
Immediate Past Chair: Jason Alderman
David McCormack
Kerry Holt
Anthony Humphries
Rodney Owens
Rod Nowlin
Everett King
Treasurer: Rod Nowlin
Deidre Mundy
Jack Swift
Brian Young
Linda Jenkins
Jack Brim
Mike Simpson
Sam Phillips
John E. Blue, II
Sonde Coleman
Gayle Macolly
Phil Webb
Angela Kemp
Steve Baswell
Reiber Heath
Wayne Sisk
Victor Williams
Dick Anderson
Manju Purohit
Tim Hodges
Hope Miles
K. L. Brown
Valerie Richardson
Alberta McCrory
Wayne Willis
Bill Baker
Larry Jackson
Bridgette Magouirk
Larry Melton
Scott James
Mark Jones
Julia Segars
Jay Hinesley
Vice Chair for Organization Development: Barry E. Robertson Vice Chair for Marketing: Charlotte Hubbard Vice Chair for Program Development: Gayle Macolly Vice Chair for Public Affairs: Bud Owsley
Co-Vice Chairs for Business Development: Bridgette Magouirk & Angela Kemp
YOUR CHAMBER STAFF Linda Hearn Chamber Manager lindah@calhounchamber.com
Lisa Morales Community/Leadership Development lisam@calhounchamber.com
Mary Patchunka-Smith Tourism Director marys@calhounchamber.com
Emily Duncan Public Relations emilyd@calhounchamber.com
Kim Boyd Membership kimb@calhounchamber.com
Judy Myers Customer Service judym@calhounchamber.com CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
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THE APP
LIVE from the App store The Chamber’s App, Calhoun2Go, is now available for download in the Apple App and Google Play Stores. Search Calhoun2Go to download!
The App allows you to search businesses by name or category straight from your phone.
*Always make sure your member listing information is up-to-date, so the Chamber can send referrals your way!
It also has a “near me” option that allows you to see the other members close to your current location.
Also check out the Visit Calhoun County App, featuring restaurants, hotels, area attractions and our community event calendar. Just search “Visit Calhoun County” in the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Chamber News, Events and Social Media are also synced to display for app users.
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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
Legacy EXPO
30 YEARS OF CONNECTING BUSINESSES For many Members, “Chamber of Commerce” means “networking.” The Chamber builds connections through our events and programs, introducing businesses to community leaders and vice versa. Our most popular annual event and member benefit is our annual Business EXPO, held the third Tuesday of October.
Business EXPO A ROOM FULL OF BRIGHT IDEAS AND CONNECTIONS Every event is an opportunity, and each year’s Business-to-Business EXPO is home to endless possibilities, numerous connections, potential and existing customers, and great food. With about 2,000 attendees and 100 exhibitors, the 30th year boasted the best booths, with interaction, engaging and knowledgeable staff, and giveaways. Exhibitors were full of energy, inventive with their displays, and crowned this EXPO the best to date! Eighteen restaurants dished out pizza, dessert, wings, chicken, dressing and more. No one should have left hungry. Jacksonville State, The Anniston Star and WideNet offered seminars and Q&As on social media and business marketing.
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80’s Expo
Businesses invest time, merchandise and marketing in their exhibitions, but in the long term, EXPOs create resounding effects that make for loyal customers. People do business with people they know and people they meet at an EXPO. This year, exhibitors maximized this opportunity and carefully planned every detail. These events are not possible without a team to create the magic and excitement building up to the event. The Business EXPO committee begins planning the next EXPO before the completion of the current one. Each year, members sign up to be on a waiting list for the following year’s exhibition.
EXPO INSIGHTS “The hard work, dedication and reproducibility by the committee, Chamber staff, restaurants and the business vendors are what set our Business Expo apart from any other business event in the year. The old saying “You get out what you put in” is all truth here, and it shows by the success and growth of the EXPO every year!” – Bridgette Magouirk, Regional Medical Center and EXPO Committee Chair “The annual Chamber Business Expo provides an excellent opportunity for our outpatient physical therapy group to market and display our services and results to the local community. It is always well organized and seems to only get better each year. It is the one time of the year that you can network with hundreds of companies under one roof.” - James Askew, Wilhoite & Associates
THE EXPO
90’s Expo
2011 Expo
“ 2014 Expo
The hard work, dedication and reproducibility by the committee, Chamber staff, restaurants and the business vendors are what set our Business Expo apart from any other business event in the year. —Bridgette Magouirk, Regional Medical
Center and EXPO Committee Chair
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 EXPO WINNERS! EXPO WINNERS
Best Lunch Congratulations to The Peerless Saloon & Grille, who won Best Lunch, as voted by EXPO attendees!
TIED! 3rd Place Best Booth Regional Medical Center & Webb Concrete and Webb Concrete & Building Materials tied for 3rd place Best Booth! RMC took us back to the future and Webb Concrete took us out to the ballgame! 8
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2nd Place Best Booth AOD Federal Credit Union won 2nd Place Best Booth with their theme, “There’s no place like AOD!”
Best Booth @ the Expo! New Leaf Marketing took the award for Best Booth at the 2014 EXPO with their NLM Experience, taking attendees for a ride on a virtual roller coaster!
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BestBEST Chicken
CHICKEN
Congratulations to Thai One On of Noble Street in Anniston for winning BEST CHICKEN!
Congratulations to Heroes- An American Grille for winning BEST WINGS with their Warrior Wings!
Best Wings
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 EXPO WINNERS! EXPO WINNERS
Congratulations to Oxford’s Hubbard’s Off Main for winning BEST BURGER!
Best Burger
Best Dessert
Congratulations to Artisanal Baked Goods for winning BEST DESSERT with their French Macaroons!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 EXPO WINNERS! EXPO WINNERS
Best Sandwich Congratulations to the Quintard Mall Chick-fil-A for winning BEST SANDWICH!
Best Dining Experience Congratulations to Prime Dining and Bar for winning BEST DINING EXPERIENCE, as voted by our secret shoppers visiting the restaurants!
Taste of Calhoun County Congratulations to Cheaha Brewing for being voted the winner of the Taste of Calhoun County at the 2014 Business EXPO!
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EXPO SPONSORS
Thank You
TO OUR 2014 EXPO SPONSORS! Regional Medical Center
Tempforce
AOD Federal Credit Union
Lee Brass
Cable One Business
AlaTrust
Webb Concrete & Building Materials
Stringfellow Memorial Hospital
Regions Bank
Republic Services
Abbey Carpet & Floor
Verizon
America’s First Federal Credit Union
Insurance Planning Services
Sunny King Auto Group
B.R. Williams
New Leaf Marketing
C.A.R.E.S
BBVA Compass
Civilian Marksmanship Program
Buster Miles
Alabama Power
Wells Fargo Bank
Kelly Services
Cheaha Bank
Oxford Lumber
Anniston Water Works
Signature In-Home
BB&T
Wade Chiropractic
Anniston EMS
Regional Dental Center
ADS Security
ERA King Real Estate
Alabama Publishing
Cable One
Eastman
The Anniston Star
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
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IT’S ALWAYS THE SEASON TO
LIVE, SHOP, THINK L OCA L!
think Local!
As you shop and venture out to discover something new, think and keep it local. Choose Calhoun! Keep our businesses in mind because each purchase locally makes an impact on our schools, public services, etc. Money spent here stays here, recirculating in our community, expanding jobs and business opportunities. Many local businesses also support local non-profit and community organizations that serve our area. Think of those who sponsor the t-ball team, that golf tournament or the community event down the street. While we are often drawn to the lowest price, we overlook the convenience and customer service provided by our neighbors. Think long term and keep our local economy strong by using our area products and services.
Shop Swank
TOP REASONS TO BUY LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, GO LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: By choosing local businesses for your shopping, you: STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY! Each dollar you spend at local small businesses returns to our local economy! SHAPE OUR CHARACTER! Small Businesses help give our community diversity and often sell locally made goods. LOWER TAXES! The greater our number of small businesses, the lower our taxes can be because they also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar. ENHANCE CHOICES! The wide variety of small businesses serves the needs of each individual customer!
Shop Wig’s
CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES! Small businesses employ more people directly and are the customers of local printers, accountants, farms, attorneys, etc.; expanding opportunities for other local entrepreneurs. GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY! Small businesses donate more to local non-profits, events and teams.
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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
Member DRIVEN THE CHAMBER
NAMED THE LARGEST CHAMBER IN CENTRAL ALABAMA The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization. We’re not a building or just a staff, but we are a group of members, working to make our region the best it can be. We rely on our membership to help plan and attend events and programs they are passionate about and that they benefit from. With that said, we rely on our members to tell us when things are working and when they are not. We rely on members to volunteer and make decisions that represent the organization and our community. In celebration of being recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as the Largest Chamber in Central Alabama,
we hosted a Member Appreciation Day celebration on Oct. 17, with a free cookout lunch, live music and fun. Jacksonville State’s Cocky, Gadsden State’s Swoop and the Chick-fil-Cow joined the fun! We also had a car from the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. We wanted to say thank you to our members for continuing to support the Chamber and its programs, making us the largest Chamber in Central Alabama! Thanks to our volunteers, incredible Ambassadors and our Vice Chair of Organizational Development, Barry Robertson, for planning and organizing the day’s activities.
EVENTS LIKE THIS ARE MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Alabama Power, Alagasco, Alexandria Foodland, American Red Cross, Anniston Army Depot FMWR, The Anniston Star, AOD Federal Credit Union, The Arc of Calhoun & Cleburne Counties, Artisanal Baked Goods, BB&T, Big B Grocery, Buffalo Rock, CableOne, Calhoun County Sheriff ’s Department, Cheaha Bank,
Chick-fil-A, DeSoto Caverns Park, Extreme Auto Spa, First United Methodist Church of Anniston, Gadsden State Community College, Honeybaked Ham, International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Jack’s Family Restaurants, Jacksonville State University, JSU’s Family Consumer Science Club, Katy Cairo,
LaQuinta Inn & Suites, New Leaf Marketing, NHC Place, Produce Wagon, Regions Bank, Smallcakes Cupcakery, Supply Room, Top Notch Events and Rentals, WCKA Alabama 810 & 94.3 FM, Webb Concrete & Building Materials, Zaxby’s of Anniston, and Zaxby’s of Oxford!!! *For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact the Chamber office at 256-237-3536.
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
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Industry
Salute
I
ndustry is defined as “economic activity,” “the process of making products by using machinery and factories.” Calhoun County is fortunate to have a strong and diverse industrial base that helps buffer our community against economic downturn. Whether it is transportation, utilities,
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medical, education, governmental or other areas of our local community, we are all impacted and supported by industry. Industry remains a cornerstone of opportunity and job creation in Calhoun County. Each September, the Chamber salutes our area industries with Salute to
Industry Month, with events including a luncheon, golf outing, and industrial tour. For their many contributions to Calhoun County, we would like to say “Thank You” to our industries. Thank you, INDUSTRIES, for all you do and for choosing our region!
SALUTE TO INDUSTRY
Salute to Industry TOUR Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Chamber held its Salute to Industry Tour of Advantage Logistics, SuperValu, and NABI Bus, LLC.
NABI BUS, LLC In 1993, North American Bus Industries was established to supply American IKARUS, and in 1996, American IKARUS became NABI. Since its beginnings, this business has expanded and grown. Now under New Flyer ownership, NABI Bus products are
ANNISTON SUPERVALU INC. SUPERVALU arrived in Anniston at their current location in 1974,. Before then, this facility operated under the name Chastain-Roberts. The Anniston distribution center handles 11,966 items that account for more than 315,152 cases per week, all within a 440,140 sq. ft. facility. Delivery requires 248 trucks to cover 89,141 miles per week. SUPERVALU Inc. is the third largest wholesale grocery distributor in the U.S. Interesting fact: all orders are picked using voice technology.
entirely manufactured at the company headquarters in Anniston. During the Salute to Industry Tours, attendees saw the many plants and stages that produce NABI Buses. NABI Bus’ biggest customers include Los Angeles Transit and New Jersey Transit, but also include San Antonio, Boston, Miami and more.
ADVANTAGE LOGISTICS SOUTHEAST (SERF) SERF opened in 1996 as one of SUPERVALU’s first mechanized conveyor-driven upstream grocery facilities. SERF handles 9,363 different items using 3.5 miles of belt that runs through a climate-controlled 225,000 sq.ft. facility. This facility services other distribution centers, independent retailers in the southeast, and the military. Interesting fact: SERF uses a paperless pick to light selection system.
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Salute to Industry GOLF OUTING It was a beautiful day for golf! On Sept. 18, local industry and business representatives gathered at Robert Trent Jones’ Silver Lakes for the 2014 Salute to Industry Golf Outing. The format was a four-person scramble, encouraging participants to tee up and make great networking contacts.
Thank You
TO OUR GOLF SPONSORS! A&M Insurance Agency ABS Business Systems Alagasco Alabama Power America’s First Federal Credit Union
Calhoun County Insurance Center Center for Domestic Preparedness Cheaha Bank Civilian Marksmanship Program
nexAir Regional Medical Center Republic Services Signature In-Home Care Small Town Bank
Anniston Water Works
ERA King Real Estate
AOD Federal Credit Union
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Auto Custom Carpets
Federal Mogul
BB&T
Forsyth Building Company
B.R. Williams Trucking & Logistics
Fort McClellan Credit Union
Bradford Health Services
Moore Printing Company
Webb Concrete & Building Materials
CableOne
NABI Bus
YMCA of Calhoun County
J Supply Company
New Leaf Marketing
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Newman Industrial Supply
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
Southern States Bank Sunny King Automotive Group Terracon Consultants Thompson Caterpillar Tyler Union
SALUTE TO INDUSTRY
Salute to Industry LUNCHEON Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield helped us honor local expanding industries at the Chamber’s Annual Salute to Industry Luncheon, Sept. 25. Industries honored at the Oxford Civic Center event included Kronospan, Bridgewater Interiors, Bear and Son Cutlery, Gnutti-Shelco Foundries, International Automotive Components, and Tyler Union.
The Chamber partnered with the Calhoun County Economic Development Council to honor existing area industries that have expanded in the last year.
growth of the existing industry sector demonstrates our region’s resiliency and ability to rebound after one of the worst economic recessions our country has ever experienced.
Over the past 18 months, Calhoun County has been extremely fortunate to witness the substantial growth of our existing industries with the creation of 900+ new jobs. The
These six existing industries were honored for their exceptional growth and support of our region.
KRONOSPAN Kronospan is the world’s largest manufacturer of wood panel products and laminate flooring. Beginning in 1897 as a sawmill in Austria, their location in Oxford is the company’s first in the United States. At the Oxford facility, Kronospan manufactures medium density fiberboard and high density fiberboard that can be used in a wide variety of applications including furniture, laminate flooring, store fixtures, moldings, doors and other architectural applications. Kronospan is completing a state-of-the-art, resin manufacturing facility. This plant will produce the resin used in the manufacture of Kronospan’s medium and high density fiberboard products. Taking to heart the Chamber’s message of Buy Local, many of the contractors partnering with Kronospan in this project are locally owned and operated.
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1 Kronospan Way, Eastaboga - www.kronospanusa.com
SHELCO FOUNDRIES Shelco Foundries, a division of Gnutti Carlo USA located in Jacksonville, is a modern, high volume ductile and grey iron foundry that produces iron engine components for OEM manufacturers. The detailed castings created at their facility measure to both the ASTM and SAE standards. When Shelco was purchased by Gnutti in 2013, they grew from 55 employees to their current 135 employees. They have begun upgrades to their facilities, and their current machine shop expansion will include a new 60,000-square-foot building.
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1310 West Francis Street, Jacksonville - www.gnutticarlo.com
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TYLER UNION Tyler Union, a division of McWane Inc. previously known as Union Foundry in Anniston, manufactures ductile iron utility fittings. Since they began operating in Anniston in 1911, Tyler Union has continued to be a staple for our community. Tyler Pipe Company produces ductile iron utility fittings, gray iron municipal castings, valve and service boxes, and is the largest producer of cast iron soil pipe and fittings in the U.S.A. With the installation of a Thermal Sand Reclamation System, Union Foundry has reduced the amount of waste sand hauled to the landfill by 33 percent. Each year, they recycle the equivalent of 50,000 cars as part of their environmental responsibility program. Through their expansion of a new production line, Tyler Union will be able to manufacture and supply valves, joints, restraints and gaskets more effectively.
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1501 West 17th St, Anniston - www.tylerunion.com
BEAR & SON CUTLERY Bear & Son Cutlery in Jacksonville recently celebrated the grand opening of their new facility located across from their existing manufacturing site. Bear & Son Cutlery manufactures high-quality knives by completing every step of their process in-house, including their own tooling, pressings, heat-treat, grinding, finishing and assembly. With the increased interest in U.S.A.-made products, they recently announced a licensing agreement with Remington Outdoor Company to manufacture a new line of collectible and functional cutlery products. Their ongoing commitment is to make knives in America and make them affordable. Their website reads, “We want everyone to be able to afford what we are proud to make!�
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1111 Bear Blvd SW, Jacksonville www.bearandsoncutlery.com
INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS UNION International Automotive Components (IAC) is the third-largest automotive interior components supplier in the world by market share and the only global supplier with a singular focus on interiors, segmenting their manufacturing into geographic regions: Europe, Asia and North America. Their location in Anniston injects plastic into molds to create automotive parts. Their broad manufacturing capabilities and technologies provide an array of solutions that meet a variety of customer design and cost requirements. At its McClellan facility, IAC is in the process of expanding their current building by 127,000 square feet.
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318 Pappy Dunn Blvd, Anniston - www.iacgroup.com
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SALUTE TO INDUSTRY
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS Bridgewater Interiors has experienced considerable growth since their initial plant opening in Oxford. Bridgewater Interiors is a leading automotive seating, interiors, and electronics supplier to Honda. Their website boasts the slogan, “close proximity to our customers,” with locations in the U.S. located near their largest customers. Bridgewater Interiors continues to support our region with their continuous growth; they currently employ more than 450 people.
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1 Bridgewater Drive, Eastaboga www.bridgewater-interiors.com
Thank You
TO OUR SALUTE TO INDUSTRY LUNCHEON SPONSORS!
AOD Federal Credit Union
Kelly Services
Alabama Power
Lee Brass
Anniston Star
NABI Bus
B.R. Williams Trucking & Logistics
NobleBank & Trust
Bear & Son Cutlery Inc.
Small Town Bank
Eastman
Tempforce
EMSI/Occupational Safety Services Inc.
Tyler Union
Gadsden State Community College
Webb Concrete & Building Materials
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Wells Fargo Bank
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Your Voice OF BUSINESS
The Chamber and the Anniston Star presented political forums at the Oxford Performing Arts Center featuring candidates for State Senator, Sheriff and House of Representatives District 32 on Oct. 15.
On Oct. 16, the Chamber hosted a political forum featuring candidates for Revenue Commissioner, County Commission District 4 and House of Representatives District 40.
The Chamber strives to always be the voice of business, truly representing our membership and bringing issues to the attention of area elected officials.
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Your Membership
MAKE THE MOST OF
MEMBER HOT DEALS
JOB POSTINGS
Did you know that www.calhounchamber.com has a section in the Online Membership Directory and Event Calendar called Hot Deals? There Chamber Members can post hot deals, sale and special information for the public as well as Member-to-Member Deals for fellow Chamber Members! For more information or to submit your deal for online and app publication, call Emily Duncan at the Chamber, (256)237-3536.
Many people are looking for employment opportunities, and they often call the Chamber seeking information. Chamber members have the ability to share job openings on the Chamber’s website and database. Submit your open positions, job descriptions and application deadline to Emily Duncan at emilyd@calhounchamber.com for online sharing and publication.
ADD EVENTS TO THE COMMUNITY EVENT CALENDAR From April to December of 2013, the Chamber’s Event Calendar boasted more than 60,000 visits and clicks. Get your events noticed! It’s simple: visit www. calhounchamber.com, click News & Events, Event Calendar, and on the right, you’ll see “Submit New Event.” Click it, fill in your event information, and submit it for publishing approval. For more information, call Emily Duncan at the Chamber, (256)237-3536.
NEWS RELEASES Make the Chamber your publicist. Submit any press releases or good news stories you’d like to share on the Chamber website to Emily Duncan at emilyd@ calhounchamber.com. Keep us posted on expansion, congratulations, events and all those stories that make Calhoun County a great place to live, work and visit!
Learn more about your membership! Learn how to maximize your membership and get engaged at the Calhoun County Chamber’s Member Orientation & Open House. Connect with your Chamber. • • •
Get an overview of how the chamber is helping businesses. Connect with business resources. Meet the chamber staff and learn how each department can help you.
Tentative Dates are as follows: Tuesday, December 16 @ 9 am Tuesday, January 20 @ 9 am Tuesday, February 17 @ 9 am Whether you’re a new or existing member, each month you can attend a Member Orientation and Open House at the chamber to learn how to get connected. For more information or to RSVP, call (256)237-3536.
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Ribbon CUTTINGS 1 21 20
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On July 17, CAST (Community Actors’ Studio Theatre) cut the ribbon for their new location at 131 W 11th Street, Anniston.
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Aug. 21, The Donoho School celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new coffee shop in the school’s cafetorium.
Aug. 28, the Right Place celebrated Congratulations to Bear & Son 8 the ribbon cutting for their Cutlery in Jacksonville, as they partner Supportive Housing Duplex. The with Remington and bring more jobs mission of the Right Place is to develop and to Calhoun County. manage housing programs for homeless and low-income families and individuals. July 24, Sam’s Club opened their doors at their new location at the Oxford Sept. 5, Prime Dining & Bar Exchange. 9 celebrated their grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting at their 320 S Quintard location in Anniston. Aug. 8, the City of Oxford celebrated the ground breaking for their Recreational Complex on Leon Smith Sept. 5, Mt. Cheaha Eco-Smokes Parkway. 10 celebrated the ribbon cutting for their 1982 US Hwy 78 E location in Oxford. Aug. 12, Elite Business Systems celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new 7 East 13th location in Anniston. Congratulations to 11 CREEDMOOR SPORTS, INC, for their Sept. 12 ribbon cutting Aug. 14, Betty’s Bar-B-Q celebrated for the Creedmoor Armory at 5400 the re-lighting of the Goal-Post BarMcClellan Blvd. in Anniston. B-Q sign on Quintard.
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Congratulations to Kelly
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Family Value Video Creations
12 Services for their ribbon
17 celebrated the ribbon cutting
cutting and grand re-opening of their 1994 US Hwy 78 E location in Oxford.
for their new 1013 Snow Street location in Oxford. Owner Mark Franks specializes in transferring home movies to DVD.
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Congratulations to LaQuinta
13 Inn and Suites, who
Oct. 3, Faith Christian School’s
celebrated a ribbon cutting for their 100 Colonial Drive location in Oxford on Sept. 17. Congratulations to the
14 Jacksonville State University College of Nursing for their Sept. 26 ribbon cutting for the Lela Sarrell Learning Center!
18 2nd Grade celebrated a Ribbon
Cutting for their Market in Mrs. Simpsons’ Economics Class. This class of young entrepreneurs received a certificate for Junior Chamber Membership.
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Oct. 7, Vanity Hair Studio 19 celebrated the ribbon cutting for their 1206 Highway Drive location in Oxford.
Sept. 30, Wells Fargo Bank
15 celebrated the ribbon cutting for their Anniston branch and unlocked a time capsule with the help of students from Anniston City Schools. Thai One On celebrated their
16 Re-Grand Opening Oct. 1.
Thai One On launched a new Asian Fusion menu for their Noble Street location in Anniston.
Congratulations to the City of Jacksonville for opening 20 their brand new dog park at Germania Springs Oct. 25.
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Oct. 31, Easy Money celebrated
21 the ribbon cutting for their Oxford location at 217 Grace St.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Visit Calhoun County held the first Eat-Stay-Play Tourism Summit on July 1 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, inviting area attractions, hotels and restaurants to come and learn of promotional opportunities through the Alabama Department of Tourism and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.
July 17, Chamber members gathered to learn more about their Chamber, during New Member Orientation at the Chamber office.
Sept. 6, volunteers gathered for Renew Our Rivers in Ohatchee. Thank you to the sponsors and volunteers for making things happen! Thank you LifeSouth Community Blood Centers for coming to the Chamber’s New Member Orientation. At Orientation, members learn how to maximize their membership and get engaged with Chamber events, committees and opportunities. For more information, call Kim Boyd at 256-237-3536.
Thank you to the local media who attended our Media Appreciation Breakfast on Sept. 19. We appreciate all you do for the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and our communities.
Thank you to all the Restaurants that participated in the Chamber’s 2nd Annual Restaurant Week!
Dr. Tommy Bice, State Superintendent of Education, discussed Alabama’s PLAN 2020 with a crowd at Jacksonville High School on Oct. 7, as part of his tour of Alabama School Districts. Dr. Bice is pictured here with Chamber Education Committee Chair Robert Houston of R&R Consulting.
Congratulations and welcome to the new Youth Leadership Calhoun County and Leadership Calhoun County Participants!
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CURRENT EVENTS
Business & Biscuits The Anniston Star hosted Business & Biscuits for the Chamber on July 3. Attendees played the massive multiplayer thumb war to get to know and connect with fellow members in attendance.
played Charades, helping fellow members guess the Chamber Program or event described.
Verizon hosted Business & Biscuits for August at their Oxford Exchange location. Attendees
Sept. 4, AOD Federal Credit Union sponsored Business & Biscuits and hosted the event at their Jacksonville branch. Attendees played Salute to Industry Trivia.
Webb Concrete & Building Materials hosted the Oct. 2 Business & Biscuits at their Showroom in Oxford. With one of their ready mix concrete trucks, they demonstrated the pouring and finishing of concrete.
August B&B July B&B
September B&B
B&B at Webb Concrete
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS On July 15th, Fuji and State Farm Insurance Agent Larry Currie hosted Business After Hours at Fuji Japanese Cuisine in Oxford. Aug. 19, ERA King hosted the Chamber’s Business After Hours at the Anniston Country Club. AOD Federal Credit Union hosted the Chamber’s Business After Hours on Sept. 16, at their Oxford branch.
September BAH
August BAH
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July BAH
Opportunities FOR INVOLVEMENT
The Chamber’s Small Business Committee works with the mission “to promote the growth, success and recognition of small businesses by promoting training and networking opportunities, and by engaging public awareness.” Recently, the Committee began uploading webinars to the Chamber’s YouTube Channel to benefit business owners and allow them to learn on their own schedule and pace.
For more information on becoming a Chamber Volunteer, contact the Chamber at (256)237-3536 or email info@calhounchamber.com.
GREEN BUSINESS The Community Improvement Committee (CIC) strives to improve our community by reducing our environmental footprint and promoting beauty in the outside world of our businesses and industries. Through our Recycling days, like Oct. 28th’s E-Cycling and the Paper Recycling event on November 14, we can all be conscience of our environmental footprint. For more information contact Lisa Morales at (256)237-3536 or email lisam@calhounchamber.com.
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NEW MEMBER LIST: JULY-OCTOBER Amanda Jacobs Easy Money - Oxford 217 Grace St Oxford, AL 36203 256-403-2400 Check Cashing Dale Billodeaux Rome Braves 755 Braves Blvd Rome, GA 30161 706-378-5108 Sports Team Josh Pesnell American Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Service 401 W Hamric Dr Oxford, AL 36203 256-835-1810 Plumbing & Septic Services Chanda Cebollero Azia Medical Spa 153 Narrows Parkway Suite 201 Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 980-7772 Medical Spa Missy Dickinson Keller Williams - Missy Dickinson 1805 Hillyer Robinson Pkwy Suite A Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 241-1500 Realtors Cindi Turner Purner Keller Williams - Cindi Turner Purner 1805 Hillyer Robinson Pkwy Suite A Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 241-1500 Realtors 30
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
Phillip Booke Shooter’s Alley, LLC 321 Hamric Dr Oxford, AL 36203 Gun Range Patrick Nolan Disaster Recovery Services 425 Maddox Road Piedmont, AL 36272 (501) 516-9085 Emergency Preparedness Bruce & Jean Rannow Sneaky Pete’s 1521 B Greenbrier Road Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 835-2626 Restaurants Stacey Wilkinson Gibson Posche Salon 1525 Coleman Road Suite C Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 403-2762 Salon Davisson J. Edmond Family Health & Wellness Center, LLC 671 Snow Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 270-1884 Physician Anjuli Thompson FOP Auxiliary 4 531 FOP Lodge Road Weaver, AL 36277 (256) 499-2608 Non-Profit Organization Henry J Guiette Anniston Fraternal Order of Police FOP Lake Road
Weaver, AL 36277 (256) 231-1710 Non-Profit Organization Hans King The Hans King Agency 1317 Wilmer Ave Suite 104 Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-6565 Insurance Tifhany Porco Club One Fitness 618 Quintard Ave Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 405-4327 Fitness Center Cindy Cable International Automotive Components 318 Pappy Dunn Blvd Anniston, AL 36205 (256) 820-8288 Manufacturer Rickey Moore R.L. Moore Photography, LLC 3704 Franklin Dr Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 452-4160 Photography Barbara Boyd, Representative PO Box 2132 Anniston, AL 36202 (334) 242-7692 Individual Members Trey Nolen Network Solutions Automation, LLC 228 S 5th St Gadsden, AL 35901 (256) 467-6314 Network Technology
MEMBERSHIP
Brenda Spears 607 Riddle Avenue Piedmont, AL 36272 (256) 447-1950 Individual Members Anisha Patel Country Court RV Park & Motel 3059 Hwy 78 E Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 835-2045 Hotels/Motels Anisha Patel Valero Food Mart/Greyhound Bus Terminal 202 Grace St Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-8185 Travel Anisha Patel Friendship Mart 1701 Cheaha Dr Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-8711 Convenience Store/Gas Station Carrie McWhorter McWhorter Editorial Services 8992 County Road 65 Fruithurst, AL 36262 256-463-2942 Tenna Scott Bridgewater Interiors, LLC 1 Bridgewater Drive Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 240-7936 Manufacturer - Car Seats Jim Jacobs Jacob’s Media Services, LLC
429 Quintard Ave Anniston, AL 36201 256-403-9030 Video Production/ Media Kevin Lockridge Calhoun County Career Tech Center 1200 Church Street, S.E. Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 741-4601 Schools - Public Rebecca Bradford Beck First Aid & Safety, Inc. 20901 Highway 231 Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 982-0887 Safety Appliance & Equipment Occupational Safety Services Johnnie Faye Ray PO Box 8842 Anniston, AL 36202 (256) 239-0686 Individual Members Sarah Ballard 1011 Forest Lane Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 231-0041 Individual Members Josh Santos Elite Business Systems-Anniston 7 E. 13th Street Suite 227 Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 613-4147 Copiers & Supplies Vickie Thomas Engagement House 1400 Commerce Blvd Suite 18 Anniston, AL 36207
(256) 414-1430 Event Planning Ron McClellan Indian Oaks Country Club 201 Cherokee Trail Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 820-4030 Golf Course Charles Kasuba Quality Inn - Oxford 161 Colonial Drive Oxford, AL 0 (256) 835-2170 Hotels/Motels Mary Angel Flori Roberts by Angel 700 Quintard Dr Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 689-5020 Retail Sales Joan J. Sanders, CPA Joan Sanders & Associates, PC 1119 Noble St Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-9003 Accountants Kevin Wilhoite MT. Cheaha Eco-Smokes 1982 US Hwy 78 E Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 473-VAPE E-Cigarette Retailer Angi Hass Vanity Hair Studio 1206 Highway Drive Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-0404 Salon
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
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NEW MEMBER LIST: JULY-OCTOBER Courtney Ellington Ambitions Special Events & Nightlife 1800 S Quintard Ave Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 770-7335 Night Club Donald W. Stewart Stewart & Stewart, PC 1021 Noble Street Suite 110 Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 237-9311 Attorneys Jackie Willingham Jackie’s Floral Gallery 2115 Hwy 78 East, Suite 3 Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 835-0028 Florists & Gift Shops
Kelly McInnis KSM Environmental 1400 Commerce Blvd Suite 17 Anniston, AL 36207 (706) 817-9143 Engineering Mark Helms Unique Marketing Concepts, LLC dba 931 Chosea Springs Road Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 235-1955 Magazine Publisher Carla Williams Williams Scrap Metal, Inc. 1704 S. Noble Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 831-5480 Recycling
Wayne Willis Spirit of Weaver Committee 500 Anniston St Weaver, AL 36277 (256) 820-1121 Non-Profit Organization Darren Tinkey 499 Avalon Ln. Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 454-1431 Individual Members Justin Wilson Superior Pest Control, Inc. 205 Park South Blvd Lineville, AL 36266 (256) 832-0492 Pest Control
2015 Leadership Calhoun County
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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
YOUR CHAMBER
YOUR CHAMBER’S 3RD QUARTER REPORT CARD EVENTS & MEMBERSHIP Had a 98.45 Membership Retention Rate and 1.55 Non-Renewal Rate, for the third quarter of 2014
to Industry Tours to Advantage Logistics, SUPERVALU & NABI in September
Received 100 responses to Membership Survey on “How is Your Chamber Doing?”
Hosted 122 golfers in the 33rd Salute to Industry Golf Outing at Silver Lakes
Held Mid-Year Report session with the Vice Chairs of each division
170 attended the Salute to Industry Luncheon, recognizing six local industries for growth and expansion: Kronospan, Bear & Son Cutlery, Bridgewater Interiors, IAC, Tyler Union, & Shelco.
Sent Small Business Survey to membership in August, receiving 60 responses Hosted luncheon for 2014 Cornerstone Contributors, presenting Chamber progress report Established a mission statement for the Chamber’s Small Business Committee, “to promote the growth, success and recognition of small businesses by providing training and networking opportunities and by engaging public awareness” 29 Chamber Members and members of the public attended the Salute
Held Media Appreciation Day with five media outlets attending: Fox 6, Rock 105.9, The Anniston Star, Alabama 810, and TV 24 Held Business EXPO exhibitor training for the 30th Annual EXPO on Oct. 21, with 50 in attendance Held New Member Orientation July 17, Aug. 21, and Sept. 19, with 37 attending
Celebrated 15 Groundbreakings and Ribbon Cuttings Held more than 45 events and meetings encouraging member involvement Had 33 new members join the Chamber Exhibited at community events like the Woodstock 5K, Hobson City Founders’ Day, and Weaver Heritage Day Attended the first Business EXPO for Gadsden/Etowah Chamber Assisted in planning and promoting the East Alabama Wine, Art and Cheese Festival
PUBLIC AFFAIRS & VOICE OF BUSINESS Continued Mayors’ Roundtable Meetings on Quarterly Basis
over $27 million through Chamber Foundation Job Station
Promoted a “Get Out and Vote” Campaign with the Public Affairs Committee for July primary
Registered more than 3,600 through Job Station
Established a mission statement for the Public Affairs Committee: “To represent and be a proactive voice for the members and the overall business community with all levels of government to improve and sustain a positive business climate” Sent Legislative Agenda Survey to membership, with more than 50 responses Placed an additional 394 people for a total of 1,069 and a payroll of
Met individually with each of the four presidents of the two-year colleges in the region, as well as with the Governor’s Liaison for Work Force Development Worked with Anniston Army Depot and the Economic Development Council to participate in the Department of Defense/ Society of Automotive Engineers Symposium in November Solicited and received funding for a
SWOT analysis for Anniston Army Depot
Held one job fair during the quarter and promoted two other regional job fairs Provided one Operation 1st Rate Alabama Certified Worker “Ready-toWork” class Assisted with a state grant to OEA for economic development CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
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PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Recruited Education Committee Chair, Robert Houston, and developed mission statement for the committee Selected 24 participants for the Leadership Calhoun County Class of 2015, through the LCC Advisory Committee Welcomed 31 YLCC students in the 11th grade from 15 area schools Held Youth Leadership Calhoun County Orientation, attended by 78 parents and participants, and held their Team Building Day Held Renew Our Rivers in
Ohatchee for H. Neely Henry Lake, with 123 volunteers cleaning up 1.4 tons of debris Held Leadership Calhoun County Team Building Day at the YMCA’s Camp Hamilton
in partnership with the Alabama Land Trust attended by 17 participants
Visited Center For Domestic Preparedness and Anniston Army Depot for LCC Defense and Security Day, where participants heard from Col. Brent Bolander and Center for Domestic Preparedness Legal Counsel Kent Davis on leadership
Met with 13 area high school guidance counselors to discuss current and future programs
Held a Community Improvement Committee Rain Barrel Workshop
Hosted an Education Focus Group Meeting, attended by six area superintendents and school representatives and six local businesses to establish the needs and set a plan for the Education Committee
TOURISM/MARKETING Distributed more than 900 welcome and visitor packets Displayed more than 16 event and announcement banners Distributed 7,500 Eat, Stay and Play/Visit Calhoun County Magazines and brochures to area attractions, hotels, Welcome Centers and the Alabama Department of Tourism Launched the Visit Calhoun County App for Apple and Android users, with restaurants, attractions, hotels and our Community Event Calendar Hosted 1st Tourism Summit at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, inviting regional attractions, hotels and restaurants and encouraging them to use Alabama Department of Tourism and Visit Calhoun County websites for free marketing purposes 34
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
Attended Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism and the Nascar Business Summit in Birmingham The Chamber’s Facebook page has more than 2,290 likes, with more than 94,000 post impressions. Collected more than 6,500 sessions and 15,000 page views on www.calhounchamber.com for July through September 2014 The Chamber’s Twitter Page, @ calhounchamber, has more than 660 followers The Chamber’s YouTube Channel, Calhoun Chamber, hosted more than 360 views in July through September, with more than 150 views to the Visit Calhoun County Commercial. We also launched a Chamber Webinar series for Online Marketing. Published videos promoting Shop Local campaign and 30th Annual Business EXPO
The Visit Calhoun County Facebook page now has more than 440 likes The Visit Calhoun County Twitter Page, @VisitCalhounCo, now has more than 190 followers Created a Visit Calhoun County Blog at http://visitcalhounco. blogspot.com/ Partnered with JSU to link their “Discover JSU” pages to www. visitcalhouncounty.com Averaged a 31percent open rate for Chamber emails for July through September Published 4th issue of Chamber Connections Magazine focusing on “Technology’s Impact on Business” Distributed Monthly Wrap around Anniston Star spotlighting Shop Local for July, The Value of Membership in August and Salute to Industry in September
MEMBERSHIP
Thank you
TO OUR 2014 CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS !
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
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TM
We’re Growing!
The new CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park is progressing on schedule for a May 2015 opening! The Civilian Marksmanship Program is looking forward to opening its new outdoor markmanship park in Talladega County next spring! The new park, which will be open to the public, is slated for a Grand Opening in May 2015! In the meantime you and your family are welcome to join us each Tuesday and Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at our airgun marksmanship center in Anniston 256-835-8455
1470 Sentinel Drive, Anniston
www.TheCMP.org