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OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2018
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. Here are some of our significant fourth quarter accomplishments: Program Development
Youth Leadership Calhoun County Quality of Life Day was held on October 2nd. The 32 students toured the Berman Museum, Anniston Museum of Natural History, The Freedom Riders Bus Depot, The Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Oxford Performing Arts Center, and Choccolocco Park The quarterly Partners in Education meeting with held October 3rd. Doug & Page Trantham from the Calhoun County Fair spoke to administrators about funding available for schools and their agriculture programs. Cotina Stroud with Family Links spoke to administrators about the different programs with her organization that are available to the schools and their students. Leadership Calhoun County & members of the CLIMB Executive Leadership program visited the Anniston Army Depot on October 4th. Class members learned the importance of the Depot's work and the economic impact it has on our community. Afterwards participants toured TV24 and spoke to Anthony Cook with Consolidated Publishing about the role of newspapers in our community. Hosted a table for the Alexandria Elementary School Fall Fest on October 11th LCC Alumni Fall Social was held on October 23rd at Hubbard's Off Main. Thirty-five LCC Alumni and current class members were present to network and hear Assistant Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Jonathan Gaddy. Job Shadow Day was held October 31st. Sixty students from Anniston, Jacksonville, and Oxford High Schools were given the opportunity to shadow someone in their field of interest. Kick off was held at the Chamber and then students were released to travel to their host sites. The Leadership Calhoun County Cultural Arts and Community Service Day was held on November 1st. There were 23 class members & 2 CLIMB class members present. The day consisted of visits to the historic St. Michael's & All Angels Church, The Berman Museum of World History, The Anniston Natural History Museum, a presentation by CAST Kids, and a poverty simulation put on by the United Way. Youth Leadership Calhoun County Career and Mentor's Day was held on November 6th. There were 31 students in attendance for presentations on resume & interview skills and co-ops & internships. All students participated in mock interviews & were joined by a mentor in their career field interest at lunch. Leadership Calhoun County Economic Development and Industry Day was held on November 15th. There were 24 class members in attendance for presentations by Calhoun County Economic Development Council, Alabama Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. The class also toured local industries Kobay and Bridgewater Interiors. Leadership Calhoun County Advisory Committee meeting was held on November 19th. There were 9 members in attendance to discuss current leadership classes & programs. Accompanied Jacksonville High School's Future Business Leaders of America members on tours of Carmin Industries and Parker Hannifin on November 28th. Students learned about the different skill sets required to run a successful manufacturing operation YLCC's Local Government and Life Skills Day, sponsored by Eastman, was held on Tuesday, December 4th. YLCC students sat down to meet & talk with mayors from Weaver, Piedmont, Anniston, & Oxford, as well as County Commissioner, Fred Wilson. Commissioner of Licenses, Barry E. Robertson, led the students in a hands on activity familiarizing them with the different county offices and their responsibilities. Eastman's Gayle Macolly-Harris taught the students about meal etiquette over lunch at Classic on Noble. LCC's Small Business, Agriculture, & Financial Sectors Day, sponsored by Eastman, was held Thursday, December 6th. They heard from a panel of business owners and managers from Ceva Biomune Co., Rosa Lee, K. L. Brown Memory Chapel/K.L. Brown Funeral Home & Cremation, and Washin Anniston/Washin Oxford/Washin Golden Springs. Class members also learned about the importance of agriculture in Calhoun County and heard from Commissioner J.D. Hess about the economic impact of the Calhoun County Agriculture Center. They met & heard from the owners of the Boundary Line Bison Ranch and toured part of Trantham, Inc. At lunch, LCC class members were treated to an dinner etiquette lesson at Class on Noble by Eastman's Gayle Macolly-Harris. The
afternoon portion of the day focused on financial sectors with speakers from Regions Bank, AOD, F&M Bank, NobleBank & Trust, Wells Fargo Advisors, Dormon & Reynolds Insurance, and JSU's College of Commerce and Business. Your Money, Your Life, a financial simulator done in partnership with the Calhoun County Extension Office, kicked off on Tuesday, December 11th at Coosa Valley Youth Services and Camp Lewis. Volunteers manned stations such as Insurance, Housing, Groceries, Utilities, Transportation, Clothing, etc. as students learned to operate a monthly budget based on their career choice. Your Money, Your Life program was held on Wednesday, December 12th for juniors at White Plains High School. LCC Advisory Committee, alumni, current class, and YLCC current class members gave back by gift wrapping for area non-profit, 2nd Chance, at the Quintard Mall on Thursday, December 13th from 6-9 p.m.
Public Affairs
On Oct. 19th, Complete Count Committee met and developed a Committee Action Plan. On Oct. 11th, The Military & Security Affairs Committee met with an update from the Alabama National Guard. State and Federal Legislative Agenda has been finalized and adopted by the Board On Nov. 16th, Complete Count Committee met and finalized Strategic Plan Nov. 19, members of Complete Count Committee attended Jacksonville City Council to present mission of Committee. Published Letter to Editor by intern on encouraging students to participate in the census On Dec 4, The Complete Count Committee presented to the Anniston City Council. Dec. 11, The Complete Count Committee presented to the Oxford City Council Dec. 12, held an Opportunity Zone Meeting with 40 in attendance Dec. 14, the Military Security Affairs Committee met with an update from the Anniston Army Depot. Dec. 18th, The Complete Count Committee presented to the Piedmont City Council
Business Development
Oct. 2nd, Co-sponsored Webinar with JSU SBDC on "How to Write a Business Plan" @ Longleaf Studios in Jacksonville. Oct. 16, a very successful Business EXPO was held at Anniston City Meeting Center. On Oct. 10, Active Shooters Class was held with 40 in attendance Kicked off Shop Small Holidays on Iron Bowl Saturday through Christmas Eve offering deals to those who find our Elf on the Shelf. 10 businesses participated in hosting our "Buddy the Elf" for Shop Small Holidays.
Organizational Development
Business & Biscuits was held at the Webb Concrete & Building Materials Showroom in Oxford with over 60 in attendance. Business & Biscuits was held at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Oxford with over 50 in attendance. Business & Biscuits was sponsored by TCI and held at the Chamber with over 50 in attendance. Lunch & Leads was sponsored by RMC Health System and hosted at The Peerless Grille with 62 in attendance. Lunch & Leads was sponsored by Cheaha Bank and hosted at Struts in Jacksonville with 62 in attendance. Lunch & Leads was sponsored by Spectrum Reach and hosted at Rosie's Gourmet 2 Go in Anniston with 60 in attendance. Business After Hours was held after the Business Expo at the Anniston City Meeting Center with several hundred in attendance. Business After Hours was sponsored by the Chamber's Public Affairs Committee and held at Longleaf Botanical Gardens. This reception for newly elected officials was well attended. Friday, November 9, a meeting was held for member representatives interested in serving as Chamber Ambassadors in 2019, including a review of what Chamber Ambassadors do throughout the year plus a discussion of
the benefits of serving. Ribbon cuttings were held for the Superior Cadillac, Anniston Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetaries, Stepping Stones to Success Counseling in Anniston, Community Enabler Developer Thrift Store, renamed The Holloway House, GY6 Custom Printing, and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Rehab Engineering Workshop in Anniston, the newly reopened SAMCO Chevron in Jacksonville that was demolished by the tornado in March of this year, the Bethune Head Start and Community Center in Piedmont, AOD Federal Credit Union Bulldog Branch and the Live Data Center at Anniston High School, the new location of Model City Insurance and the Historic Summerlin House in Anniston, and the new NobleBank in Piedmont. The Chamber was also invited to assist the City of Oxford with a ribbon cutting for the Alabama Indigenous Mound Trail at Choccolocco Park. A ground breaking was held for the new Popeye's Fried Chicken on Colonial Drive in Oxford. 13 new members joined the Chamber, and the monthly retention goal was exceeded in October. 7 new members joined the Chamber, and the monthly retention goal was exceeded in November. 7 new members joined the Chamber, and the monthly retention goal was exceeded in December.
Tourism
October 13, we again displayed during JSU Preview Day to showcase our region to prospective JSU students. October 23, we hosted our EAT-STAY-PLAY (Hotel, Restaurant & Attraction) Meeting at Oxford Civic Center. October 31, we were invited to speak at the Hilton Garden Inn's staff meeting about services and resources we provide. Took the Hilton front desk staff for a familiarization tour of downtown historic Oxford. 50 visitors packets distributed for November Delivered 500 Visitor Find it Local Guides to State Tourism Department Stocked the Welcome Centers with Eat-Stay-Play guides. Hosted a familiarization tour of Historic Downtown Oxford for the Hilton Garden Inn staff, featuring: OPAC, Sarah Cavender's, Hubbard's, Main Olive and Southern Girl Coffee. Hosted the EAT-STAY-PLAY meeting on December 4 at the Hotel Finial with more than 35 in attendance representing Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions. Attended the Cleburne County I-20 Welcome Center Holiday open house. Next EAT-STAY-PLAY Meeting / ROSE Awards / Visitor Profile Report will be Tuesday, February 12 at the Anniston Museum of Natural History.
Public Relations
The Visit Calhoun County Facebook Page now has 1783 likes. VisitCalhounCounty.com had more than 3,500 visitors. The Visit Calhoun County blog has generated more than 2251 pageviews. @VisitCalhounCo has 602 followers on Twitter. @VisitCalhounCo has 632 followers on Instagram. The Chamber Facebook page has 4871 likes/Followers. CalhounChamber.com had more than 12,000 visitors, with 5829 directory searches of our online membership directory. With 3 active job posting garnered 87 views. Our Calhounchamber.com event calendar received more than 11,265 searches. Our 9 Hot Deals received 284 hits. The Chamber's Twitter, @CalhounChamber, has 1406 followers The Chamber Instagram page know has 884 followers The Chamber's Blog garnered 186 views. The Chamber's October E-Newsletter, distributed October 1, had 643 opens, of the 2093 sent. The Chamber's November E-Newsletter, distributed October 29, had 498 opens, of the 2088 sent. The Chamber's December E-Newsletter, distributed December 4, had 504 opens, of the 2103 sent.
2019 Annual Meeting Wednesday, February 6, 12:00 Noon At the Oxford Civic Center RSVP to (256) 237-3536.
October Events
Youth Leadership Calhoun County met for their Quality of Life Day, touring local attractions and sites and making them tourists in their own community. October 6, Superior Cadillac GMC hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening under new ownership, complete with tailgating!
October 4, Webb Concrete & Building Materials hosted Business & Biscuits at their Webb Showroom, located at 1021 Snow Street in Oxford.
October 4, Leadership Calhoun County held their Depot and Media Day, touring Anniston Army Depot and learning from media professionals about public relations skills.
October 5, Popeye's broke ground for their new location coming to Colonial Drive in Oxford!
Thank you to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office for their Active Shooter Training presentation on October 10.
October 10, RMC Health Systems hosted the Chamber’s Lunch & Leads at the Peerless Saloon & Grille, located at 13 West 10th Street in Anniston.
Oct. 11, Members of the Military & Security Affairs Committee toured Pelham Range.
2018 B2B EXPO
October 16, the Chamber & Visitors Center hosted our 2018 Business to Business EXPO, celebrating 34 years, at the Anniston City Meeting Center, with more than 90 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors.
Best Customer Service & Best Wings: At Wiseguys Pizzeria & Bar for the Sweet Red Chili Wings
Best Catering & Best Sandwich: Local Joe's for the Club Best Lunch: Hubbard's Off Main
Best Pizza: Mellow Mushroom for the Funky Q
Best Chicken: Zaxby's Big Zax Snak
Best Staffed Exhibitor: Calhoun Pickers
Most Innovative Exhibitor: AOD Federal Credit Union
2018 B2B EXPO People's Choice Best Booth: Golden Corral
Best in Show: Abbey Carpet & Floor and New Leaf Marketing
October 18, the City of Weaver broke ground for a new Fire Station, locate behind Jack's Barber Shop, 202 Main Street in Weaver. Oct. 17, City of Anniston holds Ribbon Cutting for Greyhound Bus Line located at Amtrak Station.
October 23, the Chamber & Visitors Center hosted our Eat-Stay-Play, restaurant, hotel and attractions, meeting at Oxford Civic Center. These events are an opportunity for area event organizers and accommodations to share and collaborate about upcoming opportunities.
October 24, Stepping Stones to Success Counseling celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new location at 1525 Leighton Avenue, Suite B in Anniston.
October 23, Leadership Calhoun County's current class and alumni gathered for a social at Hubbard's Off Main in Oxford, featuring guest speaker, LCC Alumni and Assistant Director of Alabama EMA Jonathan Gaddy.
October 25, The Learning Tree celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new location at 664 Powers Avenue in Anniston.
October Events
October 25, the City of Oxford hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Alabama Indigenous Mound Trail at Choccolocco Park.
October 25, Anniston Memorial Funeral Home hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new ownership. October 31, local students from our city school systems participated in our Job Shadow Day, shadowing local professionals in the fields of their dreams. If you are interested in hosting a job shadow student next spring or fall, please contact Krychelle Smith at krychelles@calhounchamber.com or call (256) 237-3536 for more information.
November Events
November 1, ZMC's Hotels' Home 2 Suites by Hilton hosted the Chamber's Business & Biscuits with a full spread breakfast and tours of their accommodations.
November 1, Leadership Calhoun County had their Cultural Arts and Community Service Day, which featured information on Knox Concert Series and Oxford Performing Arts Center, performances from CAST Kidz, tours of St. Michael’s & All Angels and the Anniston Museums & Gardens, and a workshop with the United Way.
November 5, Community Enabler Developer celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new thrift store the Holloway House located at 104 East F Street in Anniston.
November 6, Youth Leadership Calhoun County held their Career & Mentors Day, featuring everything from personality tests and mock interviews to lunch with mentors and ice breaker games.
November Events
November 9, the Chamber hosted an informational meeting about the Ambassadors and how this group promotes membership and member services. For more information on joining this amazing group, contact Kim Boyd at (256) 237-3536 or by emailing kimb@calhounchamber.com.
November 13, the Chamber's Public Affairs Committee hosted a newly elected officials reception at the November Business After Hours, held at Longleaf Botanical Gardens.
November 14, Cheaha Bank hosted the Chamber's Lunch & Leads at Struts of Jacksonville, located at 500 Forney Avenue North West. November 15, LCC held their Economic Development and Industry Day, hearing from the Calhoun County Economic Development Council and touring local industries. Leadership Calhoun County (LCC) is a year long class designed to prepare and build upon leadership resources. Applications for each year’s class are accepted during the summer.
November 27, SAMCO celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly re-opened station in Jacksonville. This location was damaged during the tornado in March and was just rebuilt and opened.
November 27, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services celebrated a ribbon cutting for their 1910 Coleman Road Rehab Engineer’s new workshop in Anniston.
As the Chamber & Visitors Center, it is our pleasure to provide familiarization tours for front line staff, and November 28, we were thrilled to host the Hilton Garden Inn staff for a tour of historic downtown Oxford.
November Events
November 29, Bethune Head Start and Community Center celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new facility at 205 US Highway 278 East in Piedmont. This year, we kicked off Shop Small Holidays on Small Business Saturday and hid “Buddy the Elf” at various small businesses offering holiday deals!
J.C. Morgan Art Gallery 324 Snow Street, Oxford
Nunnally’s Noble Frame & Gallery 1014 Noble St, Anniston
Escape Zone 1945 Barry St, Oxford
BlueJay's Outdoor Power Equipment LLC 125 Anniston Street, Weaver
Tyson Fine Wines & Things 3326 Henry Road, Anniston
Peerless Saloon & Grille 13 West 10th Street, Anniston
Southern Girl Coffee 31 E Choccolocco St., Oxford
Tans Down Under 1716 Hamric Dr E #1, Oxford
Oxford Lumber 1400 Barry Street, Oxford
Smallcakes 100 Ali Way, Oxford
December Events
December 4, the Hotel Finial hosted our Eat-Stay-Play brunch. Thank you to all our hotels, attractions and restaurants for making 2018 another great year! These are our frontline staff, serving our residents and visitors daily.
December 4, Youth Leadership Calhoun County had their Local Government & Life Skills Day, sponsored by EASTMAN, with students meeting local elected officials and learning etiquette at lunch.
December 5, AOD Federal Credit Union celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new student run “Bulldog Branch” at Anniston High School.
December 6, Telephone Communications Inc. sponsored the Chamber’s monthly Business & Biscuits at the Chamber & Visitors Center.
December 6, Leadership Calhoun County held their Small Business, Agriculture and Financial Sector Day, touring local small businesses, learning about the economic impact of agriculture, hearing about the current state of the economy, and more.
Thanks to all our member, especially Auto Custom Carpets for their large donation, our can food drive will serve several local food banks over the holidays! Our most giving member received a breakfast from Panera Bread!
December 10, Model City Insurance, LLC celebrated a ribbon cutting and grand re-opening for their 1320 Leighton Avenue location in Anniston.
December 12, Spectrum Reach hosted the Chamber's monthly Lunch & Leads at Rosie's Gourmet 2 Go, located at 3337 Henry Road in Anniston.
December Events
December 13, Dirty Dog’s Car Wash celebrated a groundbreaking for their new location at 1826 US Hwy 78 in Oxford.
December 14, NobleBank & Trust celebrated a ribbon cutting for their 203 Main Street location in Piedmont.
December 14, the Historic Summerlin House hosted a ribbon cutting and open house of the newly purchased and renovated home, which now includes elegant allinclusive offices for lease with shared amenities at their 1113 Christine Avenue in Anniston.
Last week, the Chamber, the Extension Office and other area businesses participated in the Your Money, Your Life simulation with White Plains High School and Coosa Valley. This simulation teaches career and money management through activities geared at expanding this knowledge in our youth. The next Your Money, Your Life simulations will take place April 16-18th, and if you are interested in volunteering, email krychelles@calhounchamber.com or call (256) 237-3536.
The Chamber & Visitors Center continues to recognize those who have been a Chamber Member for 30 years or more. Thank you Jacksonville State University and Webb Concrete & Building Materials for your contributions to the community and Chamber!
December 14, the Chamber's Military & Security Affairs Committee met for a breakfast and briefing.
December 13, we at the Chamber cut the ribbon for our new patio, made possible by Webb Concrete & Building Materials. Webb Concrete & Building Materials is a proud Partnership Investor, who gives above and beyond membership. For more info on partnerships, call (256) 237-3536.
New Members October - December Jessica Pitts Pitts & Zanaty, LLC 821 Quintard Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 238-0115 Law Offices Mark Cotton Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 283-4129 Friends of the Chamber Dewey Jacobs Target Auction Company 213 A South 4th Street Gadsden, AL 35901 (256) 504-5464 Auction Company Jarrod Plunkett Southland Machinery 8920 Weaver Avenue Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-2699 Equipment and Machine Sales Geralyn Blohm Alexandria Mobile Home & RV Supply LLC 7500 US Hwy 431 Alexandria, AL 36250 (256) 820-6500 Mobile Homes & RV Supplies Ryan Huff ATI Physical Therapy 50 Commons Way Suite D Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 624-9722 Physical Therapists Steve Swafford The Summerlin House 1113 Christine Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 310-2042 Office Space For Lease Shay McCartney Spa Bleu, LLC 614 Hale St. Suite A Oxford, AL 36203 (256)770-4728 Spa ArtDeyo Anniston, AL 36207 Artist
Ken Barrett Golden Springs Laundry Company 1308 Greenbrier Dear Road Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 343-4378 Laundry Service Clayton Caudill Southbeach Volleyball at McClellan, LLC 100 Symphony Way Anniston, AL 36205 Recreation & Restaurant John Hutchins The Hutch Touch ll 1823 US Hwy 78 E Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-1968 Window Tint Installers Randall Rigsby Altex Packaging, Inc. 2510 Electronics Drive Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 831-6603 Packaging Pastor Garry Burns Center of Hope 2906 Bynum Leatherwood Road Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-9716 Church & Discipleship Training Program Rector Robert Fowler St. Luke's Episcopal Church 400 Chinabee Avenue SE Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-9271 Church Luke Hurst Hurst Dynamic Solutions 1579 Pelham Road S Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 310-2438 Construction Phillip Woodard Woodard Brothers Grading Inc. 715 South Calvin Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 237-7742 General Contractor
Geo Perez Dirty Dog's Car Wash 1826 US Hwy 78 Oxford, AL 36203 (770) 876-2504 Car Wash & Detail Center Leah Cleghorn Southern Girl Coffee Co. 31 E Choccolocco St. Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 525-8817 Coffee/Retail Emily Elliott Town Center Pharmacy 171 Town Center Drive Anniston, AL 36205 (256) 676-6688 Pharmacy Candace Tinner Fit’s Possible Fitness Studio 1105 Noble Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 343-6031 Fitness Center Jay Jenkins Jay Jenkins Architecture 301 Buckner Circle Anniston, AL 36205 (256) 310-2648 Architects
2019 Economic Forum Friday, March 1, 8:00 A.M. Economic Forum CMP 1470 Sentinel Drive, Anniston RSVP to (256) 237-3536.