AUGUST-NOVEMBER 2015
August Events
August 6, Cider Ridge Golf Club hosted the Chamber’s Business & Biscuits, the Chamber’s morning networking opportunity held the first Thursday of each month.
Renew Our Rivers took place on H. Neely Henry Lake in Ohatchee on August 29. Over the past two years, hundreds of volunteers removed more than 3.1 tons of debris from the lake and surrounding areas.
August 12, Jefferson’s of Oxford, located at 230 Spring Branch Road, hosted the Chamber’s August Lunch & Leads with 32 in attendance.
The 2015-2016 Class of Leadership Calhoun County held their Team Building and Orientation Day on August 27, including the YMCA’s Rope Course and other activities. Thank you to ERA King Real Estate for sponsoring the Chamber’s August 18 Business After Hours at the Anniston Country Club.
Thank you to Gadsden State for hosting our August Board Meeting at their McClellan Campus! August 20, the Chamber hosted a Welcome Reception for JSU's 12th President Dr. Beehler and his wife, welcoming them to Calhoun County.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Social Media Boot Camp at the Chamber on August 25!
Thank you to our members who attended the Chamber’s Member Orientation on August 18, to learn more about the ways they can engage in the chamber and maximize their membership.
September Events
AOD Federal Credit Union hosted the Chamber’s September 2 Business and Biscuits at their 1060 JD&L Drive location in Jacksonville.
AOD Federal Credit Union hosted the Chamber's September 15th Business After Hours at their Oxford branch.
September 9, the Chamber hosted its monthly Lunch and Leads at WiseGuys Pizzeria and Bar in Alexandria, with 22 members in attendance. September 17, more than 100 Chamber Members teed off at Cider Ridge for the 2015 Salute to Industry Golf Outing, our annual networking golf tournament.
September 15, Youth Leadership Calhoun County had their Team Building Day at the Chamber and the YMCA Camp Hamilton. The Chamber’s Annual Salute to Industry Luncheon on September 23 featured remarks from Jacksonville State University’s 12th President, Dr. John Beehler and special presentations from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Council of Alabama.
Thank you to all our participants in the September 11th Passport to Industry Scavenger Hunt! #ChamberSelfie #Passport2Industry
Thank you to our members who joined us at the September 15th Member Orientation at the Alabama Power Auditorium!
October Events
Webb Concrete & Building Materials sponsored and hosted the October 1, Business & Biscuits at their Showroom in Oxford located at 1021 Snow Street. October 14, Rack & Roll Billiards and Sports Bar hosted the Chamber's Lunch & Leads, with more than 30 members in attendance.
Leadership Calhoun County celebrated 30 Years with an Alumni Reunion at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park.
The Alabama Trails Commission and UA Center for Economic Development hosted their Alabama Recreational Trails Leadership Workshop at Buckner Event Plaza on October 15.
Leadership Calhoun County held their Economic Development and Industry Day on October 8, touring 18 different industries across the county. October 20, more than 80 Chamber Members exhibited their goods and services at our annual Business to Business EXPO at the Anniston City Meeting Center.
October 23, we celebrated our members with a Chamber cookout for Member Appreciation Day. The event featured a FREE Lunch for Chamber Members and more.
October 31, the Chamber tailgated and cheered on the Gamecocks against Eastern Kentucky, with JSU winning 34 to 0. #JSUGamecocks #GetCocky
November Events
November 4, the Chamber’s Small Business Committee hosted a Dos and Don'ts of Small Business Accounting class at the Chamber of Commerce. This event was free and provided breakfast, thanks to our sponsor BBVA Compass. This event featured a roundtable discussion with local CPAs and Accountants.
Alagasco hosted our November 5, Business & Biscuits at their 375 Pappy Dunn Boulevard location at McClellan in Anniston.
November 16, Jacksonville State Students joined area professionals for a Q&A and meet and mingle time at Get Linked, hosted at the Houston Cole Library.
The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and the Calhoun County Society of Human Resource Management hosted Congressman Rogers for a Legislative Briefing.
November 11, McAlister’s Deli hosted Lunch & Leads at their 815 Hamric Drive East location in Oxford.
November 17, Alabama Publishing Group sponsored Business After Hours at Classic on Noble.
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August 4, Back on the Rack celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new location at 832 Snow Street, Suite D, in Oxford.
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August 6, PURE celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony and launch for their new lunch menu at their 1800 S. Quintard Avenue, Anniston location.
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August 13, Intrepid USA Healthcare Services celebrated a ribbon cutting for their 1031 Quintard Avenue, Suite 2B, location in Anniston.
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September 24, Faith Christian School hosted a Second Grade Market to teach their students about entrepreneurship and invited guests to shop, including Anniston's Mayor Vaughn Stewart and Commissioner of Licenses Barry E. Robertson.
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September 25, Tri-County Outreach hosted a celebration for Recovery Month and a ribbon cutting.
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Ribbon Cuttings
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Congratulations to Birds of a Feather, who celebrated their Ribbon Cutting on October 1, at their 502 Main Street location in Oxford.
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October 7, Effina's Downtown celebrated the ribbon cutting for their Effina's 919 Noble Street location in downtown Anniston.
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October 8, RA-LIN and Associates, Inc. celebrated a ribbon cutting for their 428 Main Street location in Oxford.
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Congratulations to the Job Station- Job Placement Services for their Ribbon Cutting on October 13 at the Quintard Mall.
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10 October 13, Gnutti Carlo USA celebrated a ribbon
cutting for the expansion of their Jacksonville location.
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11 Congratulations to Upcycle for their Ribbon Cutting on October 15, at their 653 Snow Street location in Oxford.
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Ribbon Cuttings
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12 Congratulations to the United Way, who celebrated a ribbon cutting for their RSVP Volunteer Center located at 1505 Wilmer Avenue in Anniston.
13 October 30, Regional Medical Center held a ground
breaking ceremony for their new specialty clinic, the Oxford Mediplex on Highway Drive. This facility will house internal medicine and specialty physicians, a complete urgent care center, full-service radiology, occupational health and rehabilitation services, and is scheduled to complete construction in the Fall of 2016.
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14 October 22, Anniston High School celebrated a ribbon cutting for their Culinary Arts Program.
15 November 18, Anniston High School celebrated the opening of their Transition Academy, Simulated Living Quarters for special education students. Congratulations AHS!
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More Exciting Events
Thank you to all the exhibitors who joined us for the #CCB2BEXPO training on September 29!!!
Leadership Calhoun County had their Defense and Security Day on September 10, touring the Depot and Center for Domestic Preparedness.
The Small Business Committee met November 18 and wants to remind you to Shop Local and "Shop Small" this holiday season!
At the EXPO on October 20, the afternoon was dedicated to Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State Community College students for roundtable discussions with local professionals
Leadership Calhoun County held their Small Business & Media Day on October 29. Leadership Calhoun County (LCC) is a yearlong class designed to prepare and build upon leadership resources within our entire county. Applications for each year’s class are accepted during the spring.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors had a great focus session on October 28 to plan for 2016! #BrightFuture#Chamber
Chamber Board Member Bridgette Magouirk celebrates YKK Tapecraft’s “Award of Superior Achievement” from the State of Alabama Workplace Safety! Congratulations Tapecraft for your success and safety program!
November 13, Small Business Owners attended a seminar for Shop Small Saturday! Shop Small, Shop Local this holiday season!
November 12, Leadership Calhoun County held their Financial Sector and Community Service Day. Leadership Calhoun County (LCC) is a yearlong class designed to prepare and build upon leadership resources within our entire county. Applications for each year’s class are accepted during the spring.
Youth Leadership Calhoun County held their Local Government and Life Skills Day on November 3. Youth Leadership Calhoun County is designed to prepare students for constructive leadership and responsible participation in the affairs of the community.
The Honorable Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, visited the Anniston Army Depot and attended a dinner at the Berman Museum following a museum tour and briefing of the Anniston Army Depot on September 28. Pictured are COL Bingham, COL Joel Denney, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Honorable Katherine Hammack, Director of the Berman Museum David Ford, and Commander at the Anniston Army Depot COL Kidd.
Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Medical Center
31st Annual Regional Business to Business EXPO Presented by: America’s First Federal Credit Union
October 20, more than 80 Chamber Member Businesses exhibited their goods and services at our annual Business to Business EXPO at the Anniston City Meeting Center. Almost 2000 members and individuals browsed the exhibitions during the biggest event of the year, for more than eight hours of continuous networking and more!
Congratulations to our People's Choice Booth, as voted on Facebook, AOD Federal Credit Union.
Congratulations to our Best Staffed Booth, Regional Medical Center.
Congratulations to our Most Fun Booth, Tempforce.
Congratulations to the Booth chosen as Best of Show, New Leaf Marketing.
Congratulations to our Best 1st Time Exhibitor, Shooter's Alley.
Congratulations to our Most Innovative Exhibitor, M² Connections.
Business EXPO & Taste of Calhoun County
Congratulations to our Best Giveaway Booth, ERA King Real Estate. Congratulations to our Taste of Calhoun County Best Dinner, as voted by EXPO attendees, WiseGuys Pizzeria. Wiseguys was also voted Best Pizza!
Congratulations to the restaurant voted Best Wings, Jefferson's of Oxford.
Congratulations to the restaurant voted Best Sandwich, Cheaha Brewing.
Congratulations to the restaurant voted Best Lunch, by EXPO attendees, The Peerless Saloon & Grille. Peerless was also voted Best Dessert!
Congratulations to the restaurant voted Best Chicken, Effina's Downtown.
New Member Affinity 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 cleaning 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! Open an Office Depot Business Account! An Office Depot Business Account enables you to order office supplies via officedepot.com, phone, or fax while providing the convenience of next-day delivery. You are also able to shop in retail stores with your Business Account. An added bonus is Office Depot will provide you with monthly reports of your office supply expenses. Members with Business Accounts receive the best available pricing on everything from paperclips to cleaning products. Get your business account up and running by visiting the online portal to create an "invoice account" or “business account.”
Print your Office Depot Store Card! Are you a smaller business and prefer to do your office supply shopping in-store? If so, print the Office Depot Store Card, which provides you with immediate discounts in retail stores throughout the nation. This card offers the same pricing as Business Account enrollees, but is not able to be used for online purchases. Pay for your purchases with cash, debit, or credit card. You will receive a Store Card automatically upon joining the Chamber, if you did not receive one, contact Kim Boyd at the Chamber, 256-237-3536 or print one at www.CalhounChamber.com.
Share the savings with your employees by sharing the Office Depot Store Card! Office Depot wants your employees to benefit from the savings as well. Share the Office Depot Store Card with your employees (you can either print hardcopies or share the Chamber website with them)! For more Member to Member Deals, visit www.CalhounChamber.com and search the Online Membership Directory.
Thank You to our 2015 Partnership Investors
New Members AugustNovember Charlie McMichael C Mac Plumbing Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 453-4996 Plumbing Chris Davenport Valley Heating & Cooling 521 Post Oak Rd. Alexandria, AL 36250 (256) 820-3369 Heating & Cooling John H. Peterson Trust Christopher O'Leary, Trustee 801 Noble Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 224-5231 Real Estate Investor & Developer Jodi Rubin gphomestay 1025 Main Street Waltham, MA 02451 (781) 996-0816 International Exchange Student School Aynica Lockhart Upcycle 653 Snow Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 624-6554 Shopping/Retail
Kevin O'Neill 561 Sweetwater Drive Lineville, AL 36266 (256) 276-0910 Friends of the Chamber Joel Atkins A+ Printing Service 1200 Pine Circle Glencoe, AL 35905 (256) 458-3584 Printers Kim Clark Lee Clark Over the Top Trading Company, LLC 262 Oxford Exchange Blvd. Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-5328 High End Clothing Outfitters Lucie Macpherson Lizabee Allen Anniston, AL 36207 Friends of the Chamber J. Chad Jones First Bank of Alabama 120 North St. E Talladega, AL 35160 (256) 362-2334 Financial Institution Kevin Williams Prestige Stone Works 101 West Wedowee Street Suite B Bowdon, GA 30108 (678) 390-0386 Building Material & Supplies
Alan Lewis Friends of the Chamber
Charlie L. Munford Cobb High Sports Museum 323 East 16th Street Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 237-6779 Museum
Ashley Kendrick AT&T Mobility 1830 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 (256)236-8677 Cellular Services and Equipment
Tammie Shaddix Tammie Shaddix State Farm 1012 Noble St. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 241-2680 Insurance
Gary "Pete" Cobb Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 410 E. 10th Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256)231-8382 Civic Organization
Rebecca Robinson Rack and Roll Billiards & Sports Bar 917 Noble Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 624-6434 Bar/Restaurant
Gordon Scoggins Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc. 700 Quintard Drive Suite 36 & 34 Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 403-5229 Non-Profit Organization Dennis Bradford Birmingham Theological Seminary Anniston/Calhoun County Ext. Campus 3230 Coleman Road Anniston, AL 36201 (202) 821-7409 School, University Bobby Shuler Huddle House 6371 US Hwy 431 Alexandria, AL 36250 (256) 820-8121 Restaurant Steven Landers Effina's Downtown 919 Noble St. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 770-4830 Restaurant / Bar/Caterer Eli Henderson Marine Corps League Allan Ray Chaffin Det. 1329 PO Box 843 Anniston, AL 36202 Non-Profit Organization Jean and Steven Ellison The Music Box 4 Public Square W Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 438-8468 School of Music Brad Ross ATVs & Golf Carts 100 Industrial Dr. Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-6434 Golf Carts & ATVs Debra Merrill Blackberry Hill Alpacas 6330 Saks Road Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 453-4147 Alpaca Farm/Attraction Kathy Evans The Journey Detox & Recovery 216 West 10th Street Anniston, Al 36201 (256) 238-8845 Medical Detox & Recovery Facility
New Members Continued... Jennifer Yates Cheaha Charter Chapter, American Business Women's Association 60 Sunset Cove Ohatchee, Al 36271 (256) 239-7629 Non-Profit Organization Sureka Johnson Infinity Massage Studio for Women 1225 Snow Street Suite 2 Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 660-9164 Massage Therapy Greg Haynes Vision NETworking Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 403-0522 IT Service Provider
Forrest Anglin ADP (Automatic Data Processing) 10 Inverness Center Parkway Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 704-0408 Payroll and HR
Tonya Orndorf Legal Shield P.O. Box 173 Centre, AL 35960 (256) 504-0514 Identity Theft & Legal Services
Shawanda Worthy Beauvais Home Care 1400 Commerce Blvd. Suite 11 Anniston, AL 36207 (256)239-8048 Home Health Care
Laura Mizzell Mizzell Marketing & Design Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 591-5487 Advertising Agency & Promotional Items
Kenny Steppe Empty Stocking Corporation P.O. Box 178 Choccolocco, AL 36254 (256) 282-2454 Non-Profit Organization Mike Cova Knights of Columbus, Council 3227 221 East 13th St. Anniston, AL 36207 Non-Profit Organization
Angel Peacock Peacock's Formal Wear Danny Freeman 705 Wilmer Ave. Career Solutions, dba Alabama College Anniston, AL 36201 & Career Guide (256) 343-4887 1400 Commerce Blvd. Tuxedo Rentals Suite 25 Anniston, AL 36207 Rex Riddle (256) 282-0567 814 Lataste Road Publishing/ Media Oxford, AL 36203 Derek Freeman Nixon Spine and Sport 226 S Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 239-0326 Chiropractors Derek Freeman Nixon Spine & Sport 1590 D Pelham Road S Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-2800 Chiropractors Beebe Chappell Caring Medical Equipment & Sales 318 Snow Street Suite B Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-8081 Medical Equipment
(256) 282-7229 Friends of the Chamber
Angela Alvarez Allstate-Billy Kemp Agency 1197 Highway 77 Southside, AL 35907 (256) 442-6566 Insurance Shayla Beasley Springleaf Financial Services 84 Ali Way Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-5445 Financial Consultants & Services Richard Merrell Griffin's Jewelers of Jacksonville 812 Pelham Road S Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-4076 Jewelers
Vickie R. Thomas Magnolia Vacations 110 Pelham Rd. South Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 365-2119 Travel Agency Anita Wright MLW Gifts & Accents 528 Main Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 525-1614 Gifts & Accents Jenifer Holderbein Shannon R. Thomas, D.M.D. Laser Periodontics & Implant Dentistry 1715 Golden Springs Rd. Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 231-0077 Laser Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Shannon Page Assistant District Attorney Anniston, AL 36207 Donnie Minton Minton Auto and Truck Service 5207 US HWY 78 West Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-0807 Auto Repair & Service
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. As we draw 2015 to a close, here’s some of our significant fall accomplishments: Program Development
LCC Class met for Orientation and Team Building Day on August 27, with 24 class members. Held LCC Defense and Security Day on September 10 with 24 class members visiting Center for Domestic Preparedness and Anniston Army Depot Class heard from Mike King as the Leadership Series Speaker YLCC had Participant and Parent Orientation with 90 in attendance. YLCC participated in Team Building Day on September 15 with 32 students engaged in activities at the Chamber and completing the Low Ropes Course at the YMCA camp, Camp Hamilton. Attended Workforce Region 5 Meeting on September 22 at Anniston Army Depot with 100 in attendance Hosted Region 5 Career Tech Directors Meeting on September 29-30 with 15 in attendance Held LCC Advisory Committee Meeting with 16 in attendance Held LCC 30th Anniversary Celebration on September 30 with approximately 150 in attendance bringing together graduates from 1885-2015 YLCC participated in Industry Day on October 6. 32 students visited Anniston Army Depot, Anniston Water Works Treatment Plant, AOD Federal Credit Union and New Flyer. The students also received an overview of the Economic Development Council. Attended Workforce Region 3 (West Alabama) Career Expo on October 9 LCC participated in Economic Development/Industry Day on October 8. 24 class members visited 18 industries (Changer & Dresser, Gnutti Carlo, Carmin Industries, YKK/Tapecraft, Aerospace Coatings, Eastman, Southern Custom Exhibits, Doncasters-Southern Tool, BAE Systems, Lee Brass, Auto Custom Carpets, The Supply Room, CMP, B.R. Williams Trucking, FITCO, Tyler Union, International Automotive Components, and Federal Mogul). The class also heard from Economic Development Council and McClellan Development Authority. Participated in College and Career Night at Saks High School representing the Chamber of Commerce’s 1150 members to over 200 students and parents LCC participated in Small Business and Media Day. For the Small Business Day portion of the day, 24 class members heard from SDBC at JSU, and SBA. They also heard from and visited Small Businesses including Chick-fil-A at the Quintard Mall, Wise Environmental, M2Connections, Moore Printing and Anniston EMS. For the Media portion of the day, they visited The Anniston Star, 979 WVOK and TV24. The class heard from a panel on What to Do When the Media Calls that included panelists from The Anniston Star, Eastman and TV24. The class had a hands on opportunity by participating in a press conference announcing their class project with Habitat for Humanity. YLCC held Local Government and Life Skills Day on November 3 with 31 students meeting mayors and local elected officials and learning how budgeting is done as well as an etiquette lesson at lunch and learning employability skills. LCC Financial Sector Day and Community Service Day was held on November 12 with 24 class members learning about the variety of financial services in the area and the economic status in the county, region and state. Community Service Day allowed the class to learn about the needs of the community from 7 agencies and organizations. Paper Recycling Day was held on November 13 collecting a half ton of paper Attended Gadsden State-Industry Partnership Meeting Met with Talladega Superspeedway leadership team Participated in Workforce Region 5 Meeting Held Career Connect - 8th Grade Career Expo Committee Meeting. The Expo will take place on February 24-25, 2016 November 16, 7 Jacksonville State Students joined area professionals for a Q&A and meet and mingle time at Get Linked, hosted at the Houston Cole Library.
Public Affairs
Hosted Farewell Reception for COL Brent T. Bolander Attended Change of Command Ceremony at Anniston Army Depot for incoming COL Martine S. Kidd Mayors Roundtable held with 5 Mayors present Co-hosted with the Anniston Army Depot a dinner with The Honorable Katherine Hammack at the Berman Museum Hosted Welcome Reception for JSU President Beehler and First Lady, Dr. Beehler Attended Congressman on the Corner with Mike Rogers with more than 50 in attendance at McClellan Medical Park Coffee and Chat with Representative Randy Wood on Tuesday, Sept. 1st. Oct. 21, Public Affairs Committee met to discuss 2016 Forums. Attended Anniston Army Depot Charrette on Partnerships with the Depot. Attended BCA/CCAA Partnership Summit in Gadsden, AL
Organizational Development
August Business & Biscuits was held at Cider Ridge with 53 in attendance. September Business & Biscuits was held at AOD Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville with 47 members in attendance. October Business & Biscuits was held at the Webb Showroom in Oxford with 53 members in attendance. November Business & Biscuits was held at Alagasco in Anniston with 54 members in attendance. The monthly Chamber Ambassador meeting was held on August 11 at New Leaf Marketing in Anniston., September 8 at Rack and Roll Billiards & Sports Bar in Anniston, October 13 at the White Oak Cottage at Anniston Army Depot, and November 10 at the Chamber Chamber Ambassadors are “Taking It to the Streets” with a newly structured monthly member visit program. Ambassadors are visiting members who are six months into their annual membership. We will verify that each member’s listing is updated, as well as reviewing benefits and extending invitations to upcoming events. Member Orientation was held at the Chamber on Tuesday, August 18 with 16 members in attendance, Tuesday, September 15 with 5 members in attendance, Tuesday, October 20 with 4 members in attendance, and Tuesday, November 17 with 4 members in attendance. . This program has been updated to include more specific information about the Member Information Center and now includes the new member engagement videos. Business after Hours was held on Tuesday, August 18 at The Anniston Country Club and was sponsored by ERA-King Real Estate, Tuesday, September 15 at AOD Federal Credit Union in Oxford, and Tuesday, November 17 at Classic on Noble and sponsored by Alabama Publishing Group. Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies were held for Back On The Rack’s new location in Oxford, Pure, Intrepid USA Home Health Service’s new location in Anniston, 2nd Grade Market at Faith Christian School, which included presentations by Barry E. Robertson and Mayor Vaughn Stewart, Tri County Outreach, which included a mayoral proclamation by ViceMayor Seyram Selase, Birds of a Feather, Buckhorn Marketplace, United Way’s RSVP Volunteer Center, Effina’s Downtown, RA-LIN & Associates, Job Station-Job Placement Services, Upcycle, Alexander’s Flowers & Gifts and Anniston High School’s Transition Academy. The Chamber’s Member Guide, titled “The Value of Membership” is now available at several distribution points throughout Calhoun County. Member Appreciation Day was held on Friday, October 23 at the Chamber. The event also featured Adult Tricycle Races and Hot Dog, Pie, and Ice Cream Sandwich eating contests. The Office Depot (OfficeMax) National Chamber Affinity Program is being introduced to the membership. Office Depot is partnering with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce to offer discounts on hundreds of items in-store and online, just for being a Chamber member. The Chamber currently has 1142 members. There are 134 new members year to date.
Tourism
Participated in Hobson City 116th Anniversary Founders Day Celebration and Symposium Participated and displayed a booth at OxfordFest Visit Calhoun County set up at the Woodstock 5K Race to promote Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center brands to over 1500 runners and additional guests Participated in Weaver Heritage Day representing the Chamber and Visitors Center brands Joined Executive Committee for Dixie Youth World Series which will be in Calhoun County in August 2017 Held Hotel / Motel Meeting on with 10 hotels represented on September 16 Participated in Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail Committee Meeting with 12 in attendance Hosted Alabama Recreational Trails Conference at Buckner Center on October 15. Approximately 60 attendees from across the state participated in the conference. Worked registration and represented the Visitors Center for the Coldwater Mountain Fat Tire Fest event. This was a first year event bringing visitors to the county from states including Indiana, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. Hosted Italian cyclist/journalist for the Calhoun County portion of his visit to Alabama on October 21. Met with Lee Sentell, State of Alabama Tourism Director with Vice Chair of Tourism, Anthony Humphries Met with Talladega Superspeedway leadership team Met with new Museum Director and discussed ways the Visitors Center can partner with the museums. Attended Welcome Center Educational Meeting on November 9-10 and met employees from all 8 Alabama Welcome Centers The Visit Calhoun County Facebook Page now has 1,015 likes. VisitCalhounCounty.com had more than 5,000 visitors, 80% new visitors. The August VisitCalhounCounty Facebook ad featuring outdoor recreation had 49 clicks and reached 10,303 users. The September VisitCalhounCounty Facebook ad featuring Golf garnered 29 clicks and reached 4,139 users. The October VisitCalhounCounty ad featuring cycling on Facebook had 71 clicks and reached more than 5,600 users. The November VisitCalhounCounty ad featuring history on Facebook had 36 clicks and reached 3,800 users. The Visit Calhoun County blog has generated 831 page views. There are 41 new Visit App Users. @VisitCalhounCo has 305 followers on Twitter. @VisitCalhounCo has 90 followers on Instagram, with 625 likes from 85 pictures and hashtags.
Public Relations
The Chamber Facebook page has 2948 likes. CalhounChamber.com had more than 13,667 visitors, with 19,610 directory searches of our online membership directory. With 10 active job postings, we've garnered 649 searches Our Calhounchamber.com event calendar received more than 38,628 views. Our 28 Hot Deals for September received 2,085 hits. The Chamber's Twitter, @CalhounChamber, has 929 followers The Chamber's Blog garnered 229 page views visitors. The Chamber's E-Newsletter averages a 27% open rate The Chamber's App, Calhoun2Go, has 115 users.
Business Development
August 12, Jefferson's of Oxford, located at 230 Spring Branch Road, hosted the Chamber's August Lunch & Leads with 32 in attendance. August 25, we hosted a Social Media Boot Camp with 21 in attendance. September 9, WiseGuys Pizzeria hosted the September Lunch and Leads in Alexandria with 22 in attendance. September 11, the 2015 Passport to Industry Scavenger Hunt had 20 participants explore local industries. Thank you to our sponsors, Bradford Health Services and EASTMAN. The Salute to Industry Golf Outing had 113 golfers participate. The Salute to Industry Luncheon on September 23, had more than 200 in attendance. The US Chamber presented Congressman Mike Rogers with an award and the BCA/CCAA presented Senator Marsh with an award. October 14, Rack and Roll Billiards in Anniston, located at 917 Noble Street, hosted the Chamber's Lunch & Leads with 30 in attendance. October 26, the Chamber's YP Focus Group hosted 16 members for small group discussions on community programs and the wants and needs of YPs At the EXPO, the Chamber hosted 8 students from Gadsden State and Jacksonville State for our first "Chat & Chew" roundtable discussions with 18 area professionals. October 20, the Chamber's 31st Annual Business EXPO had more than 1900 visitors. Had 15 Restaurants participate in Restaurant Week, Oct. 12-16. November 4, the Chamber’s Small Business Committee hosted a roundtable discussion Dos and Don'ts of Small Business Accounting class at the Chamber of Commerce. November 11, McAlister’s Deli hosted Lunch & Leads at their 815 Hamric Drive East location in Oxford. November 13, the Chamber’s Small Business Committee hosted a workshop about Small Business Saturday, with 12 area small businesses offering “Shop Small Saturday” deals.
Commit to Your Community and Pledge to Shop Local this holiday season! Help us say thank you to our local businesses by shopping local this holiday season! Did you know that we, on average, contribute more than $112 to the local economy each year buying gasoline? When we purchase groceries locally, we contribute more than $312 annually. Think what we could contribute if we shifted our shopping locally this holiday season. Shopping locally provides jobs and not only supports our local merchants but also our local schools, local police, fire stations, emergency agencies, and our roads. Local merchants often support community groups, clubs, teams, and charities. So, as you can see, we all win when you buy local, and the money circulates through the local economy, again and again, aiding in business growth, job creation, lower taxes, public services, and civic pride. Most things on the wish lists can be found locally. If we simply switched just 5% of the money we spend elsewhere and buy local, over $2 million in local sales tax revenue would be generated and result in more jobs, better schools, better parks, lower taxes, improved public safety, and better streets and highways. Make a difference!
“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