Chamber Connections - Fall 2013

CALHOUN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONNECTIONS connect

engage

prosper

Members

Business After Hours

Seminars

Business & Biscuits

THE CHAMBER NETWORK

Business expo RIBBON CUTTINGS

Networking

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TO

INDUSTRY

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From the chairman

Dear Readers, A few years’ back, I was being considered for a board appointment by a government entity.

One of the elected officials (who shall remain nameless) who interviewed me for the appointment made a quirky comment that I took as positive: “Well, you’re relatively young,” he said.

I was in my mid 40s at the time. I had not considered my age as relative to anything, other than my parents and children. I wasn’t sure if the relativity of his universe was the Paleozoic Era or the Space Age. Again, I took it as a point in my favor.

Since then, I tell myself and friends of a similar age, when we are bemoaning the effects of gravity, “Remember, we’re relatively young.”

This issue of Connections spotlights 10 of our county’s industries with the most continuous longevity. Tthe oldest, Interstate Sheet Metal Company, was established in 1890, four generations ago.

It’s very heartening – and impressive – that these companies have managed to weather all the ups and downs of economics, wars, and ever-changing technologies and customer demands.

They have proven shelf-life and an ability to adapt and survive. Even thrive, for the most part.

So, as my “Salute” to these industries – featured on pages eighteen through thirty-three, here’s hoping that you’re all relatively young!

Enjoy the issue, and please take time to congratulate the existing industries that are the bread and butter of our economy.

2013 Chairman Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce

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Cancer is called a

journey.

But you don’t have to leave home to find

expert cancer care.

Conveniently located in the beautiful Appalachian Foothills of Northeast Alabama, Anniston Oncology is a community-based, private oncology practice providing a full range of hematology oncology services. Here, patients receive the highest level of care and personalized treatment plans delivered locally, expertly and compassionately.

• All types of cancer treated • Chemotherapy certified nursing staff • On-site certified CLIA laboratory • National clinical trials available • Affiliated with Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital • Most insurance accepted

Ellen N. Spremulli, M.D. ABIM Certified Medical Oncologist, 1977

Melissa C. Fenner Baird, M.D. ABIM Certified Medical Oncologist, 1995 ABIM Certified Hematologist, 1996

Pramod A. Vadlamani, M.D. ABIM Certified Medical Oncologist, 1997

, PC 901 Leighton Avenue, Suite 602 Anniston, AL 36207

To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call 256-238-1011.

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contents

06

Networki ng T he Puzzle Piece W e All W ant

08

2013 R egional Calhoun County Business Expo & Taste of Calhoun County

10

ChamberConnections Volume 1 • N umber 2 E ditor :

Julia H. Segars

2013 R egional Calhoun County Business Expo: Best Booth Awards

16

2013 R egional Calhoun County Business Expo: R ecap

18

Salute to Industry Month Industry Longevity

34

New Industry Creedmoor Sports

35

Expanding Industry North American Bus Industries

49

In Case You Missed It: R ibbon Cuttings

55

Chamber Happenings Businesss & Biscuits and Business After Hours

60

New Members

L ead W riter :

Emily Duncan

L a y o u t & D esi g n :

Benita G . Duff Graphic D esi g n er

Heather Anthony • Les Johnson Patrick Stokesberry Calhoun County Chamber ©2013 PO Box 1087 Anniston, AL 36202 (256) 237-3536 • fax (256) 237-0126

www.calhounchamber.com

The Consolidated Publishing Company Printed in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

2013 Plan of Action d e -64 p aAccomplishments rtments

pg. 6

pg. 49

pg. 45

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networkinG

The Puzzle Piece We All Want The dictionary defines networking as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions, specifically the cultivation of productive relationships for employment and business.”

Tips on becoming the best networker 1. Don’t go to the same groups at each event.

Often, those people already do business with you, so take a chance and expand your customer base.

2. Know that building relationships takes time. be patient, but get the attention of others.

Follow up is always important for every meeting. Stay on their radar.

3. Get involved! Serve on boards and committees. If you’re all in, you’ll build lasting relationships that almost always lead to business opportunities.

The Chamber is a great way to build a network of business men and women working for the betterment of our region.

Let the Chamber Help Your Company Grow Attending Chamber events is a NECEssITY for your business. Partaking in the multitude of events & meetings with fellow members gives you the edge in expanding your company. Expose yourself to the vast array of fellow professionals—all with the same goal in mind—to make their business the best it can possibly be.

You’ll have unmatched opportunities to rub shoulders with these valuable like-minded business owners and entrepreneurs, make new contacts, and reestablish relationships with old friends.

We bring all these resources, businesses and organizations to you. We promise there will be something that strikes your interest; whether it’s industry or small business. If there is anything we can do to better our services for you, the Chamber staff is more than happy to help you find the solutions you need.

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The best selling car in the world just upped the ante!

THE ALL NEW 2014 COROLLA

Rugged yet Refined

THE ALL NEW 2014 TUNDRA

SUNNY KING TOYOTA/SCION

ON THE “NEW MOTOR MILE” IN OXFORD • WHERE THE CUSTOMER IS KING

2570 US HWY 78 EAST • OXFORD • 1-800-365-3001 Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 7

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2 0 1 3 r E G IONA

L c A L HO U N c O U NT Y b U SINESS

E X PO

EXPOs are opportunities to meet face to face with existing customers as well as potential customers. Customers see expos as a non-threatening and convenient environment to seek new products and services. The Business-to-Business EXPO allows you to make business contacts, build your brand, and meet fellow business professionals, in one place and at one time.

With more than 100 businesses and organizations displayed, this year’s EXPO provided new and exciting changes for exhibitors and attendees.

We did things a little differently this year. We featured a Taste of Calhoun County Experience, with “Secret Tasters” trying the items entered to be judged at the individual places of business. We wanted to make sure the restaurants were able to show their absolute best. We continued the vote for “People’s Choice for Best Lunch” and “People’s Choice” in the evening at the EXPO at the WideNet Booth.

Winners

Thai One On won “Best Wings” for their Wing Appetizer.

Prime Dining & Bar won “Best Tasting Experience” and “Best Authentic Dish” for their Roasted Corn and Mushroom Risotto with Pork.

Red Pepper Mexican Restaurant won “Best Chicken” with their Fajita Chicken.

Too Nice to Slice won “Best Dessert” for their Pecan Bars.

Peerless Saloon & Grille won “Best Lunch,” “Best Dinner,” and “Best Sandwich” with their Cuban.

Mellow Mushroom won “Best Pizza” with their Baked Potato Pizza.

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OPE- N Friday

Monday 5 pm 8 am -

Dr. Beatrous, Dr. Sycheva and Dr. Lattuada are accepting new patients and referrals can be made by calling (256) 847-3369.

Providing Radiation Treatments and Chemotherapy Treatments in one convenient location.

Thomas E. Beatrous MD Radiation Oncologist

Thomas E. Beatrous, MD received his medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine and completed an internship at Tulane Medical Center.

He completed his residency at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. He is board certified in radiation oncology. Dr. Beatrous is a fellow of the American Board of Radiology and the American

Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Southern Medical Association, the Southern Oncology Association, and the Alabama Medical Association.

Tatyana Sycheva, MD

Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

Dr. Sycheva obtained her medical degree from Minsk State Medical Institute, Minsk Belarus. She completed a fellowship in Hematology from Byelorussian State Institute of Advancement for Physicians, Minsk, Belarus.

A native of Belarus, Dr. Sycheva immigrated to the US in 1996. After moving to the USA she completed a Residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology from Tufts University School of

Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Sycheva has practiced Hematology/Oncology in San Francisco, California prior to relocating to Alabama.

She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology.

Dr. Sycheva is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology.

Charles P. Lattuada, Jr., MD, FACP Medical Oncologist

Charles Lattuada, Jr, MD, FACP obtained his medical degree from Uniformed Services University School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed an Internship and first year Residency in Family Practice at Carswell Air Force BaseRegional Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He also completed an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Wilford Hall Medical Center Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. He completed his Fellowship in Medical Oncology and Infectious Disease at Wilford Hall Medical Center Lackland AFB. A native of Wisconsin, after a 20 year career in the United States Air Force, Dr. Lattuada has practiced Oncology and

Infectious Disease in Louisiana and Arkansas prior to relocating to Alabama.

Dr. Lattuada is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Infectious Disease. He holds licensure in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Wisconsin.

Dr. Lattuada is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Infectious Disease Society of America, and a Fellow of American College of Physicians. He has several published articles and has presented at several national meetings.

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2 0 1 3 r E G IONA

L c A L HO U N c O U NT Y b U SINESS best booth awards

E X PO

This year’s Best Booth Awards went to: 1st Place: Regional Medical Center

RMC looks forward to sponsoring and participating in the Business EXPO each year. It’s a chance to showcase their evolving services and their excellence in technology, training and skill. This year RMC chose to feature their surgical services, as they have expanded their robot assisted surgical program. Their theme, ‘Operation RMC, our skill improving your health,’ was a chance to have a little fun as well. The booth was complete with a fill-size ‘Operation’ game giving participants a chance to test their skill at removing the game pieces. They also introduced the new physicians staffing their clinics in Piedmont, Roanoke and Talladega counties. “We enjoy sharing information about RMC and the opportunity to learn about the other businesses and industries in the community we serve,” says David McCormack, RMC’s President and CEO.

2nd Place: AOD Federal Credit Union

For 63 years, AOD Federal Credit Union has provided its members with savings programs, competitive lending and checking products, and a variety of other convenient services tailored to fit the needs of each member. This year’s booth theme was “SCORE BIG with AODFCU,” which promoted Auto Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit. AODFCU used a Quarterback Toss game to encourage the EXPO attendees to stop in their booth, and they partnered with JSU to bring Cocky to the EXPO. AODFCU had a drawing for a “Game Day” basket with four tickets to a JSU game. AODFCU says, “It was truly a TEAM effort.” AOD Federal Credit Union’s first day of operation was May 4, 1950, in an office located on the Anniston Ordnance Depot property. AOD Federal Credit Union offices are located throughout Anniston, Jacksonville and Oxford.

3rd Place: Abbey Carpet & Floor

Abbey Carpet & Floor is proud to be Calhoun County’s premier floor covering store. Abbey Carpet & Floor has been in business for 17 years here in Anniston. While there are more than 800 Abbey Carpet & Floor stores nationwide, Abbey of Anniston is locally owned and operated by Ted Gregerson. Abbey’s booth was voted one of the best at the EXPO with their theme of “I tailgated with Abbey!” featuring both a “Roll Tide!” and “War Eagle!” spirit. Abbey had a drawing to give away both an Alabama and an Auburn throw blanket and handed out Alabama and Auburn free merchandise. Abbey also gave away a free iPad to the person who guessed the closest number of gumballs in a glass vase. Abbey not only sells but also professionally installs all types of flooring, including tile, hardwood, laminate, carpet and vinyl. They also sell and install solid granite countertops. They have lifetime warranties on all products, and offer special financing. Thank you Abbey Carpet & Floor for all you do for Calhoun County.

Best Non-Profit Booths 2013 1st Place: American Red Cross 2nd Place: The ARC of Calhoun & Cleburne Counties 3rd Place: The YMCA 10 << ChamberConnections………………………………………………………………………………………………………• Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 10

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Serving Calhoun County Since 1958 RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SALES, MANAGEMENT, RENTALS

HARRIS-MCKAY REALTY www.harrismckay.com

Independently Owned P.O. Box 2550 123 So. Quintard Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201 256-236-0377 • 256-237-8100 www.HarrisMckay.com •……………………………………………………………………………………………………………ChamberConnections >> 11 Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 11

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You’ll find these fuel-efficient vehicles at

Sunny King Ford

Where The Customer Is King!

(256) 831-5300 800-947-7001

Sunny King Ford

1507 S Quintard aVE, anniStOn, aL 36201

SunnykingfOrd.cOm

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2 0 1 3 r E G IONA

L c A L HO U N c O U NT Y b U SINESS

Thank you to all of our 2013 EXPO SPONSORS and exhibitors for your support of this annual EXPO extravaganza!

Other changes to this year’s EXPO include bringing back the EXPO’s Fast Track Seminars. These included Enhance Customer Experience with Technology, Grow Your Business with Email and Social Media Marketing, How to Survive an Active Shooter Workplace Incident, and Implementing a Successful Behavior-Based Safety Program.

As a feature to this year’s EXPO, we included the Business After hours EXPO Bash Concert, with live music from The Breakfast Club, as 80s cover band from Atlanta.

EXPO Bash Sponsors included Buster Miles, ERA King Real Estate, New Leaf Marketing, and Longleaf Arts Council We also offered a live streaming of the day’s festivities and interviews via the Chamber UStream Channel, Anniston Star and Rock 105.9 websites, sponsored by The Anniston Star, CableOne and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital.

Special Thank you to this year’s BUSINESS EXPO committee for making the EXPO a success: Vice Chair Business Development:..................Angela Kemp ............................................... AOD Federal Credit Union Business EXPO Chair:............................. Bridgett Magourik ........................................ NE AL Regional Medical Center Committee Members: Kenny Burrell, Northeast AL Surgical Associates

E X PO

Presenting Sponsor: Regional Medical Center Platinum Sponsors Abbey Carpet & Flooring AOD Federal Credit Union Regions Bank Webb Concrete & Building Materials Gold Sponsors Alabama Power Company BBVA Compass Bank ERA King Real Estate Sunny King Automotive Verizon Wireless New Leaf Marketing Silver Sponsors Allied Waste Anniston Water Works & Sewer Board BB&T Bank BR Williams Trucking & Logistics Cable One Cheaha Bank First Educators Credit Union Lee Brass Southern States Bank Stringfellow Memorial Hospital Wells Fargo Bank Bronze Sponsors America’s First Federal Credit Union Alabama Publishing TempForce

Sherry Crump, Allied Waste Services Robert Jackson, The Anniston Star Larry May, CD Cellar Lisa Morales, American Cancer Society Deidre Mundy, The Anniston Star Maggie Burn Owens, YMCA Tom Potts, Potts Marketing Kate VanMeter, NE AL Regional Medical Center Sherlyn McWhorter, Wells Fargo

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Restau r ant w ee k

New for 2013, the Chamber wanted to spotlight the uniqueness of Calhoun County restaurants. We have everything locally, from Thai to saloons to Italian and Mexican.

Oct. 1-14, we showcased the specialties of our restaurants by advertising Restaurant Week specials, at various price points, so the public had complete dinner experience opportunities throughout Calhoun County. Customers tried those dishes they always wanted to try, and we drew attention to the diverse and dynamic culinary community we have within Calhoun County.

Visit calhounchamber.wordpress.com for a complete recap and blog of all the specials offered.

Look out for Restaurant Spotlights in each Friday’s Work Week Section of the Anniston Star and on the Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/calhouncountychamber.

Did you know?

The Importance of Internships

It’s difficult enough trying to land and retain a job in this tough economy, but it’s even more difficult for new graduates with little or no work experience.

According to Internships.com, 54 % of recent graduates are unemployed or underemployed, and the best way to beat those odds is an internship.

The Chamber continues to partner with JSU to provide students the opportunity to connect with area professionals and businesses.

According to Forbes, 66 % of employers believe interview performance and relevant work experience are the most important factors in hiring, and 69% percent of companies with 100 or more employees offered full-time positions to their interns in 2012.

Keep in mind, when considering an intern program, it’s important to remember that interns are not free labor. Internships are more of a modern-day apprenticeship that allows students to shadow and learn skills and trades in which they have interest. This also provides students with the opportunity to test-drive a career before committing.

Consider an Intern: • Visit Internships.com • In the Employer Section, click “Post Internships” • Sign up and begin creating your business profile and internship opportunities.

• Remember, students generally look a semester in advance for internship opportunities during their registration, so plan and post ahead of time.

For sample job descriptions and more information, contact Emily at emilyd@calhounchamber.com or call 256-237-3536.

The Chamber, along with Jacksonville State University, held another Get Linked event for students.

The first hour of the event consisted of a panel discussion, with Renee Rice of R&R Travel in Oxford, Jonathan Mosley of Small Town Bank of Oxford, Rodney Owens of Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board, and Andrea Miller of Autumn Cove Retirement Community and Assisted Living.

The second hour was a meet-and-mingle time for students to network with area business professionals.

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S alute to in d ust r y m onth It’s all about location, location, location. Nestled between Atlanta and Birmingham, along I-20 with direct access to rail and air, Calhoun County is an ideal place for industries, fortunate to have a strong industrial base with a diversity that helps buffer our community against economic downturn. All sectors are co-related and co-dependent in a healthy and strong economy.

Whether it is transportation, utilities, medical, education, governmental or other areas of our local community, we all are impacted and supported by industry.

Industry remains a cornerstone of opportunity and job creation in Calhoun County. For their contributions to Calhoun County, we would like to say “Thank You” to our industries. Each September, the Chamber salutes our area industries with Salute to Industry Month, including a luncheon, golf outing and industrial tour. Thank you, industries, for all you do and for choosing Calhoun County!

Salute to Industry Tour This year participants traveled to two of our local industries on a tour bus provided by NABI, Inc. At Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, participants went on a one-mile walking tour of the facility. They were able to see the manufacturing process for the Honda Ridgeline Trucks and Honda Odyssey Vans that are made in Lincoln, AL, and shipped all over the world.

Participants learned that Honda Manufacturing of Alabama produces zero landfill waste.

Everything is recycled--from pallets to sand used in the engine molds--which reduces Honda’s carbon footprint and helps protect our environment. At Lee Brass, participants learned about the extensive quality control standards at the facility. Each batch of molten brass goes through a quality control check to monitor strength and integrity before it is poured into a mold. Participants gained a great amount of respect for the men and women who work in the foundry everyday to produce such a high-quality product.

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SALUTE TO INdUSTrY mONTH Salute to Industry Luncheon On Aug. 18, the Chamber’s Salute to Industry Luncheon recognized industrial longevity recipients. The event, held at the Oxford Civic Center, featured remarks from guest speaker Charles McCrary, Chief Executive Officer and President of Alabama Power Company. Mr. McCrary spoke on the importance of working together with our regional partners for Economic Development and how working together creates results.

2013 Chamber Chairman Julia Segars welcomed guests at the luncheon.

The Chamber recognized Eastman/Solutia as one of the top 10 industries with the longest longevity in Calhoun County.

Alabama Power CEO Charles McCrary shared insights on the importance of relationships during his keynote address.

Salute to Industry Golf Outing The Chamber hosted its annual Salute to Industry Golf Outing Aug. 19, at the Anniston Country Club. With 120 golfers, it was a beautiful day to be on the course. This event serves as yet another networking opportunity for Chamber members.

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#685-13

Consider an Intern from JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY The 2012 Internship & Co-Op Survey finds that employers expect to increase internship hiring by almost 9% and co-op hiring by about 8%, published in April 2012 by the National Association of Colleges & Employers.

Meet Logan Martin Undergraduate student majoring in Accounting

Check out www.internships.com to post your internship opportunity!

1. Visit www.internships.com 2. Click “Start Posting Your Internships” button 3. Select “Post a New Internship” It’s that easy! Once you complete your registration, you can begin posting and searching for JSU interns that match your company’s needs.

I was given an amazing internship opportunity at Longleaf Studio’s.

GET STARTED TODAY! To learn more about this partnership visit www.jsu.edu/careerservices or www.calhounchamber.com

It is great to be able to put into practice all of the things I have learned at JSU, while gaining real life experience.

/JSUpix /jsucareer #WhereYouAreGoing /JSUCareerServices

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SALUTE TO INdUSTrY mONTH Special thank you to this year’s Salute to Industry Committee: Danny Shears moore Printing

Jay howard Webb Concrete & building materials

Committee Chair angela Kemp Patrick adams alabama Power Company Jerry adkins

aOD FCU Jay Lloyd Cheaha bank

YmCa Jonathan mosley Sherry Crump allied Waste

Small Town bank

Sandy Foster Lee brass

rodney Owens anniston Water Works & Sewer board

Donna Furst

audrey Tinkey

hONDa manufacturing

aOD FCU

Jane Glass bradford health Services

The 10 Manufacturing Companies With Longest Longevity in Calhoun County Interstate Sheet metal Company Union Foundry Company Solutia/eastman Lee brass Company m & h Valve Company boozer Laminated beam Company anniston army Depot YKK/Tape Craft Corporation bennett Lumber Company LLC Doncasters Southern Tool

1890 1912 1915 1917 1925 1933 1941 1946 1947 1953

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It’s not about the size of the town, it’s about the strength of our regional health system.

At RMC, we love serving people in Jacksonville. But make no mistake; while we are proud to be in this wonderful small town, there is nothing small about the care we provide. In fact, we’re a member of the UAB Cancer Network, have been awarded the Blue Distinction Award for cardiac care by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and are rated in the top 5% in the country by the Commission on Cancer. It’s not about the size of the town; it’s about the strength of our regional health system. Regional Medical Center. Advanced technology. Advanced care.

RMC Anniston

|

RMC Jacksonville

|

256-231-8880

|

Advanced Technology.

Advanced Care.

www.rmccares.org

Serving Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, and Talladega Counties

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M AKIN G I T

HAPPEN AT TM

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In communities across America, dedicated citizens are working hard to develop new plans to improve the lives of residents through workforce development, community service and continued education. The cities and towns where these great plans are moving forward have something in common – people and organizations willing to act and make it happen.

Gadsden State and its employees are committed to filling that role in Northeast Alabama.

Together with our business and community partners, we are: • Providing a quality education to traditional and non-traditional students • Developing trained workers for local industries • Supporting local non-profit organizations with employee and student volunteers • Providing employment to more than 700 people • And making a significant economic impact on the communities we serve The instructors and staff at Gadsden State Community College are proud to be a part of Making it Happen in Calhoun, Cherokee and Etowah counties.

Ayers Campus – Anniston East Broad Street Campus – Gadsden Gadsden State Cherokee – Centre McClellan Center – Anniston Valley Street Campus – Gadsden Wallace Drive Campus – Gadsden

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S alute to in d ust r y m onth Interstate Sheet Metal & Laser Fabrication Interstate Sheet Metal & Laser Fabrication is a custom, full-service metal fabrication and solutions company based in Oxford. Their state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled personnel combine to provide innovative and cost-effective fabrication solutions for all types of manufacturing requirements. Interstate is dedicated to meeting the challenges of today’s competitive economic environment by providing its partners with uncompromised service and the same values on which the company was founded in 1890. Four generations of hard work and quality output have allowed Interstate to be a parts supplier that its customers rely upon for their growth.

Interstate Sheet Metal Co, Inc, where the best parts come together.

Union Foundry/Tyler Union In 1912, Alabama Pipe & Foundry Company was incorporated and operations began in Anniston. In 2007, Union Foundry Company and Tyler Pipe merged as Tyler Union Waterworks Marketing Group.

Tyler Union is the brand name given to McWane’s Waterworks Fittings Group and consists of: two manufacturing locations: Union Foundry in Anniston, Tyler Xian Xian in Hebei, China, and seven distribution locations throughout the U.S.A. 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%. Each year, they recycle the equivalent of 50,000 cars as part of their environmental responsibility program. Presently, Union Foundry is staffed with 245 hourly employees at their Alabama facility and 136 salaried employees in Alabama, Texas, Illinois, Oregon and New York.

Solutia/ Eastman Chemical Company Established in 1915 by Theodore Swann as the Anniston Ordinance Company, the plant became Solutia in 1997, and in 2012 was purchased by the Eastman Chemical Company. With 85 employees and 15 fulltime contract employees on 70+ acres, Eastman has the world’s leading portfolio of high-temperature synthetic aromatic heat transfer fluids. In 2013, Eastman celebrated its 50th anniversary of Therminol 66, heat transfer fluids used primarily for indirect heat transfer in chemical and 26 << ChamberConnections………………………………………………………………………………………………………• Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 26

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SALUTE TO INdUSTrY mONTH [Eastman] continued... manufacturing processes. Their portfolio also includes Skydrol, aviation hydraulic fluids for commercial aircraft, commuter and cargo carriers, and airframe manufacturers, and fire-resistant aviation hydraulic fluids, which are used to operate the flaps, brakes and landing gear. With the world’s leading commercial aviation hydraulic fluid, Eastman is a Specialty Fluids Technology Center.

Lee Brass Lee Brass was founded by the Lee brothers, Alfred and Arthur, in 1917, using a $550 loan from their father. The first product was a clean-out plug used in the Plumbing industry, which is still manufactured today. Currently employing 270 associates, Lee Brass is the third-longest-operating company in Calhoun County. Lee participates in the Plumbing and Industrial market, featuring a LEE FREE low-lead product line. As a Commercial Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.), they manufacture non-proprietary castings for original equipment manufacturers, supply fittings and flanges to the U.S. Navy for new construction and repair on sea vessels such as aircraft carriers, submarines, and destroyers.

M&H Valve M&H Valve, founded in 1862, moved to Anniston in 1925. M&H Valve Company is a world-class manufacturer of water and wastewater materials including fire hydrants, resilient wedge gate valves, butterfly valves and check valves. Over the years, M&H has developed a reputation for excellence and dependability. They manufacture a wide range of products for water distribution systems and water and wastewater treatment plants. From their famous 129 hydrants to their versatile Butterfly and Check valves, M&H Valve makes products conforming to AWWA, NSF, UL and FM requirements and many varying specifications. As an industry leader, they’re always looking to get better. Since 1990, they’ve made several multi-million-dollar high-tech upgrades to their foundry, machine shop, lab, pollution control, quality control, and safety measures. As they move toward the future, M&H continues to look for opportunities to improve existing products and develop new ones. Through constant monitoring and improvements to health, safety and environmental regulations, they’re making sure that nothing keeps them from giving their customers the very best.

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S

Come see the 2013 line up! at Sunny King Honda.

Winner of the prestigious President’s Award

Sunny King Honda (256) 835-1000 Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 29

• www.sunnykinghonda.com • 1-800-423-4074 12/3/2013 5:24:38 PM

le B Bu s u si

S alute to in d ust r y m onth Boozer Laminated Beam Company Based in Northeast Alabama, Boozer Laminated Beam Company is a premier glued laminated timber beam (glulam) manufacturer in the Engineered Wood Products Manufacturing industry. It was founded by two brothers, Elbert and Hinton Boozer, in the mid 1930s. What started as a lumber brokerage firm soon transformed into a lumber manufacturing concern, producing bridge timbers for the United States government.

From its early beginnings, Boozer Laminated Beam Company has worked toward carving a strong and dominant niche in the wood products industry. In 1958, William R. Owsley, Jr., married the daughter of Hinton Boozer, and joined the company. A few years later, Owsley became aware of growing popularity and demand for glulam beams in the construction industry. His commitment to learning all he could about the product and the manufacturing process led to touring various glulam plants in the Pacific Northwest and then having several specialized machines built by local machine builders. The end result was the very first BoozerBeamTM. Following in his father’s footsteps, current President and Chief Executive Officer Hinton B. (Bud) Owsley joined the company in 1981. His tenure has provided an unbroken continuation of his father’s philosophy of building relationships with customers and producing the highest quality products.

In 1996 Boozer Laminated Beam Company became a licensed manufacturer of high-strength southern yellow pine glulam beam, branded as 2.1E BoozerLam. BoozerLam is a premier product and one of the strongest softwood engineered wood beams in the world.

Since its inception, Boozer Laminated Beam Company has relentlessly pursued product diversification to create engineered wood products solutions for its customer base, which includes lumber dealers, home builders, and large and small engineered wood products distributors throughout the nation. As part of their commitment to quality products and processes, they are longstanding members of The American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC).

They believe in a simple equation for success: Great People + Great Processes + Great Products = Great Partnerships.

Anniston Army Depot Transitioning from backwoods forest to a high-density industrial complex defines the life span of Anniston Army Depot, but it only hints at the diverse and wide-ranging missions that have marked more than 71 years of patriotic service to the nation and to the men and women of our Armed Services.

Anniston Ordnance Depot was constructed in 1941 with storage igloos, ammunition magazines, warehouses and several administrative buildings. Nearly a decade later, AOD began an assignment to overhaul and repair combat vehicles. The maintenance and storage mission began in 1963 under the name Anniston Army Depot. ANAD began repair and overhaul of the M1 Abrams Main Battle tank in the mid-1980s and was the recipient of towed and self-propelled artillery and light combat vehicle missions as a result of BRAC 1995.

Production of Stryker vehicles began in 2001 with a commercial partner, General Dynamics. ANAD is transforming with the Army and utilizing innovative initiatives, including but not limited to workforce revitalization, Lean/Six Sigma and partnering with industry. In 2006, the Secretary of the Army designated Anniston Army Depot as the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for combat vehicles (wheeled and track, except Bradleys), including assault bridging, artillery and small caliber weapons. Today, ANAD is home to 4,380 personnel, including tenant and contractor employees, industrial trades workers (mechanics, welders, machinists, etc.), engineers, chemists, and computer programmers. The installation takes great pride in the diverse employee skills that contribute to its success.

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ChamberConnections

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S alute to in d ust r y m onth TapeCraft The history of TapeCraft started with its founder, Rudy Kemp, who during the late 1930s was forced to flee Germany to avoid religious persecution. He and his family settled in the small U.S. town of Anniston, near his wife’s family. In 1946, after gaining experience in the textile industry, Kemp founded TapeCraft with 20 dedicated employees. The company soon produced not only book bindings all made from in-house manufactured cotton yarns, but also clothing labels and zipper tapes.

In the 67 years since its initial inception, TapeCraft has undergone remarkable updating. The original building in Anniston had undergone 26 physical expansions since its founding, and another plant was added. The Piedmont plant was acquired in 1995 to expand capacity, streamline efficiency and allow TapeCraft to increase market share. In 1998, after TapeCraft joined YKK NCA Group, the Oxford plant was built and opened. Representing a substantial capital investment, the Oxford facility is a state-of-the-art production, distribution, and warehousing operation, specializing in nylon webbings, a product that requires sophistication and know-how in the manufacturing process, but is essential to the webbing marketplace.

To bring everything under one roof, in 2004 the company added approximately 168,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space to the Oxford plant.

This addition brought the total square footage of the new TapeCraft to 310,000 square feet.

Today, TapeCraft’s modern manufacturing plant allows them to meet the webbing needs of valued customers, making them a leader in providing high-quality polypropylene, nylon, polyester and cotton webbing in hundreds of styles and colors for hundreds throughout the globe.

Bennett Lumber Company Family-owned for more than 90 years, J.W. Bennett first established Bennett Lumber Company in 1920, when Bennett Lumber was strictly a sawmill operation. In 1947, J.W. Bennett stepped down and handed over the company to his son J.O. Bennett.

J.O. took the company a step further by adding a dry kiln and a planer mill. After graduating college in 1973, J.O.’s oldest son, James W. Bennett, started eager to learn. Since 1983, he has been holding the reins of the company. Bennett Lumber Company has made many enhancements to diversify the company with the changing market. James added another planer and a Re-Man plant. Bennett’s re-man plant produces deck components that are manufactured from a #1 grade material selected from their planer mills.

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saLutE to industry month doncasters Southern tool Doncasters Southern Tool currently includes two investment casting foundries.

The company was founded in 1953 as Southern Tool and Machine Company and became a contract machine shop engaged in general and precision machining. In 1964, Scientific-Atlanta, an Atlanta-based electronics firm, acquired Southern Tool to fill its need for additional machining capacity. In 1983, Southern Tool was purchased from Scientific-Atlanta by a group of investors. This group held the Company until 1989, at which time the stock of Southern Tool was purchased by Triplex Lloyd plc, a UnitedKingdom-based engineering company serving the automotive, power, construction, and engineering markets of Europe and North America. In 1998 all of Triplex Lloyd was purchased by Doncasters plc, a United-Kingdom-based privately owned company. In 2006, Doncasters was acquired by Dubai Investment Capital (DIC). In 2007, Doncasters acquired the NorthAmerican-based manufacturer of fasteners and precision components, FastenTech, Inc., significantly increasing the size of the company.

Southern Tool is one of the largest and most modern manufacturers of high technology and commercial investment castings in the United States, and is the largest Serving our Community in the Southeast. Southern Tool’s quality products go into a and the Plumbing, Commercial, variety of markets including the production of investment and Marine Industry castings for aerospace and gas turbine customers with Quality Castings worldwide, as well as valve and fluid-handling component since 1917 manufacturers. They also are components in a variety of other U.S. domestic general applications.

Finally a way to carry your powerchair with a small car!

Grizzard LivinG aids Terry Grizzard - Owner Brenton Young - Service Manager

tgrizzard@glalifts.com www.glalifts.com

1227 Noble Street • Anniston, AL 36201 Office: 256.237.2006 •……………………………………………………………………………………………………………ChamberConnections >> 33 Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 33

12/3/2013 5:01:51 PM

Ne w i n d u s t r y

Creedmoor Sports Since 1979, Creedmoor Sports has been “Targeting Your Shooting Needs,” and owner Greg Kantorovich bought the California Company in 1992. Known for their competitive high-power rifle shooting equipment, Creedmoor is already expanding to include new rifles, glocks, Windham Weaponry, shotguns, pistols, ammunition, tactical, long-range and law enforcement equipment.

General Manager Dennis DeMille has more than 20 years of service in the Marines and has a list of significant shooting accomplishments, including the 2009 National Civilian Service Rifle Champion.

New to Alabama, Creedmoor has moved their facility from California to Anniston at Fort McClellan, with 77 percent of their packages shipped to customers east of the Mississippi, mostly in the southeast. The move allows for faster delivery to a majority of customers and connects Creedmoor with Civilian Marksmanship’s plans to construct a new state-of-the-art range complex, south of Talladega. For more information, call toll free: 1-800-273-3366 or visit www. creedmoorsports.com

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Expanding industry North American Bus Industries Anyone familiar with global bus manufacturing knows well the history, brand and technology of Ikarus. The company dates back to 1895 in Budapest, Hungary, when the son of a master blacksmith launched his own metal working shop.

After a slow start, Imre Uhry began building automobiles and trucks, and by the mid-1920s was building the first Ikarus buses for the Hungarian market.

In 1992, American Ikarus was launched as a manufacturer of buses and provider of aftermarket services to the heavyduty transit bus market in the United States, based on the designs and technology of Ikarus. For years, the bus structures were manufactured in Hungary and shipped to the United States for completion. The company name was changed in 1996 to North American Bus Industries (NABI). With manufacturing operations in Anniston, NABI is today an innovative manufacturer of urban heavy-duty transit buses for U.S. customers.

After being acquired in 2006 by Cerberus Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm, NABI then became a U.S.-based company, and installed a new management team. After holding positions with Johns Manville’s Waterville operations, Visteon Corporation, Ford Motor Company and IBM, Brian Dewsnup joined the NABI team at that time in the finance department and later became the CFO. On June 21, 2013, NABI was purchased by a publicly traded company, New Flyer Industries. New Flyer is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States and Canada. Together with NABI, the company is the industry and technology leader offering the broadest product line, including drive systems powered by: clean diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, natural gas, electric-trolley and all-electric vehicles. All buses are supported by an industryleading comprehensive warranty and support program and service network. New Flyer and NABI also operate the transit industry’s most sophisticated aftermarket parts organization, sourcing parts from hundreds of different suppliers and providing support for all types of heavy-duty transit buses. Together, New Flyer and NABI employ more than 3,000 team members with manufacturing, fabrication, parts distribution and service centers.

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Expanding industry Following the acquisition, Dewsnup moved into the role of Vice President and General Manager to lead the organization. Herb Clark, Director of Human Resources, has been a part of the organization for the last 16 years, as the company was growing from one facility with a few hundred employees to six plants on a 35-acre site in Anniston with more than 800 employees.

NABI’s customer base has expanded over the last four years and has produced as many as 600 buses a year with more than 7,500 buses currently in service at operators across America. Transit buses are typically sold on a bid basis to public transit authorities and municipalities using federal, state and local funding to support their purchases. Many of NABI’s orders include very detailed specifications and feature requirements to meet the needs of the U.S. transit operator.

As NABI matured over the decades, it progressively expanded its engineering and manufacturing capabilities within the U.S.A. to meet these requirements. Today, it has a comprehensive engineering department at its headquarters in Anniston. Manufacturing operations include cutting raw steel tubes that will be fabricated to become the welded structure of NABI products, and a state-of-the-art robotic paint system. NABI now employs a large number of graduate and highly experienced engineers, including numerous specialists in mechanical, electrical, structural, manufacturing and other important disciplines. Today, all NABI buses are produced entirely in Anniston. This centralized approach to manufacturing and final assembly improves efficiencies, reduces lead times, improves the availability of replacement parts, and typically results in U.S. component values in excess of percent.

NABI produces its heavy duty transit buses in lengths from 31 feet to 60 feet. Don Hopper of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council states the NABI bus products are “not your father’s buses,” but high-tech systems with monitors, cameras, voice enunciation, GPS, sleek aerodynamic appearance, low passenger-pleasing floors and more. He further describes NABI as “building snowflakes. All buses are different and built to meet the customers’ needs.”

NABI Bus’ largest customers include LA Metro in Los Angeles, which has purchased more than 1,900 NABI buses, and New Jersey Transit, which has purchased more than 1,200 NABI buses in the last several years. Other NABI customers include Dallas DART, Massport at Boston’s Logan Airport, VIA San Antonio, Broward County Transit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Foothill Transit in West Covina, CA.

“Not your father’s buses,” but high-tech systems with monitors, cameras, voice enunciation, GPS, sleek aerodynamic appearance, low passenger-pleasing floors and more. ­ - Don Hopper of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council

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All buses are different and built to meet the customers’ needs.

Need a little

...or a Lot Firewood • Mulch

• Soil

• Stones

• Lava Rock

• Sand

• Rock

• Boulders

• Flag Stones

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• Gravel

• River Rock • Bark

Unique Furniture and much more!

open

Monday - Saturday www.millersand.com 2 Locations to serve you!

Anniston 256-237-5352 JuSt Right at the end of gReenbRieR Road

sAks 256-231-2300 on 431

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Industrial Fun Facts

4. Which industry is the only remaining domestic manufacturer of water main pipe fittings and shipped over 2.5M units in 2012? (Tyler Union/Union Foundry)

2. Which major economic engine industry has a $1.29 billion impact on this region? (Answer: Anniston Army Depot)

5. Between 2012 and 2013, which industry filled the largest solar plant in the world with Therminol VP-1, which is advertised to generate enough electricity for approximately 70,000 homes per year? Clue: This solar plant, located in Arizona, covers 2 square miles and will come online in 2013. (Solutia/Eastman)

1. Who recycles 17,500 tons of scrap material annually into their finished products? (Answer: M&H Valve)

3. Which industry has the corporate philosophy of “No one prospers unless he renders benefits to others?” (TapeCraft)

L e a d e r Se r i e s L u n c h

eon

Leaders Series Luncheon with United States Senator Jeff Sessions

United States Senator Jeff Sessions headlined the Chamber Leader Series Luncheon at Classic on Noble on Sept. 5.

Governor’s Visit

Governor Robert Bentley visited with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors on Aug. 6, during his Road to Economic Recovery Tour.

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Getting to know us is Good Business!

TM

Looking for a company retreat or team-building exercise?

Bring your staff to the CMP Marksmanship Center for a challenging, fun evening!

If you’re looking for a fun way to re-energize your staff, bring them out for a challenging evening of fun at our state-of-the-art airgun range. It’s the same place where the 2012 U.S. Olympic air rifle and air pistol teams qualified for the London Olympics.

It’s a great place to discover, learn and compete in a safe and friendly environment! Call us today for details.

256-835-8455

1470 Sentinel Drive, Anniston

www.TheCMP.org

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chamb

er mob

As the school bells rang for fall, the Chamber Mob met on Aug. 15 at Davie’s School Supply, 1819 Wilmer Avenue in Anniston, to shop for school and office supplies.

On Oct. 18, the Chamber Mob met at Loco Mex in Jacksonville, indulging in food and conversation with fellow Chamber Members.

On Sept. 20, the Chamber Mob met at White Oak Vineyards, touring the vineyard, learning about their wine making process, and sampling their homegrown sweet wines.

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THE REMEMBRANCE PROCESS

SM

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE REMEMBERED.

No two deaths are alike. Nor two lives alike.

We know that losing a loved one is the most difficult time in a family’s life.

We are here to help in the days and months and years to come. And we are pledged to do just that.

The Remembrance Process™ is a personalized, time-tested approach that can help individuals and families like you through the grief to achieve acceptance and remembrance.

We will help you plan the memorial or service that captures the spirit and personality of someone who meant so much to you. Give us a call. Because everyone deserves to be remembered.

W

hether your desire is a traditional funeral service, non-traditional service or a simple cremation we have the facilities to accommodate your every need. At Miller Funeral Home and Crematory we are committed to helping you celebrate the life of your loved one. With the addition of a new concept in the Remembrance Process; our new “Event Center” is a place where a family can celebrate the life of their loved one in the largest visitation facility in our area. Our goal was to create a facility centered on a family environment where people are free to share stories in comfortable living room atmosphere. The Event Center can be used for traditional visitations, non-traditional services and informal cremation receptions and memorial services. This facility can easily accommodate large families who desire to have a meal in a convenient location either before or after the funeral ceremony. Many families over the years have expressed desires that their family celebrate their home-going in a favorable way, and now that can be easily accomplished. No other funeral provider can offer families what Miller Funeral Home and Crematory can provide in one easily accessible location. Our ammeties include our Traditional Building with over 15,000 square feet of visitation and chapel areas, on-site crematory, Miller Monument Co., Miller Florist and the all new Event Center, where 4,800 square feet becomes your own private facility.

Miller Funeral Home & Crematory Authorized Brown Service Funeral Provider millerfuneral@bellsouth.net www.millerfuneralhomeoxford.com

“The Perfect Tribute”

Highway 78 East at Barry Street P.O. Box 3346 Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-4611

Locally owned & operated since 1970 •……………………………………………………………………………………………………………ChamberConnections >> 43 Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 43

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sEminar & workshops

Connect @ Lunch for August focused on the accounting side and usage of Quickbooks software.

The July Basics of Business Breakfast focused on Instagram and how businesses could use this trending, emerging social media to grow their business and word of mouth marketing.

The State of Alabama has a new Gun Law, which was effective Aug. 1. On July 11, The Chamber held a presentation on “A Business Guide to Alabama’s New Gun Law,” providing businesses with preparation for the law’s implementation.

On Sept.11, the Chamber held it monthly technology-geared seminar on the social media site Pinterest. Pinterest is a search engine-like site, used mostly by women, to find products and services, which they can pin web-addresses and save to online boards for future reference.

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chamb

er happ

enings

Chat with Incoming Chair Jason Alderman of BB&T

On Aug. 27, the Chamber hosted its quarterly Chat with the Chairman, featuring 2014 Chair Jason Alderman of BB&T. Thank you to those who were able to attend: Smith Tabernacle and Love Talks, BB&T, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, Budget Blinds, Square One Technology and New Adventures Learning Center.

> On Aug. 28, the Chamber hosted Lyons HR’s HR 101, sponsored by Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial Center, The JSU Small Business Development Center, SCORE, and Chamber of Commerce. This presentation was intended for those small to medium-sized employers that do not have a human resources Professional on staff.

TECH TIPS: • Pinterest now has 70 million users.

• 45 million photos are uploaded to Instagram daily.

• 100 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute.

• Facebook now has 665 million daily active users.

• 21 percent of the world’s online population uses Twitter every month.

• With 200 million users, LinkedIn remains the world’s largest professional business network.

People are talking online, so how do you know what they’re saying about your business unless you have a presence on social media. too?

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News & Notes

Junior League of Anniston/ Calhoun County adopted Weaver Elementary School

Autumn Cove Assisted Living adopted Jacksonville High School. Thank you to all of our Adopters!

Renew Our Rivers

On Sept. 7, the Chamber, Town of Ohatchee, Neely Henry Lake Association, and Alabama Power partnered to bring the first Renew Our Rivers event to Calhoun County. The event registered more than 100 volunteers, who worked and collected 1.6 tons of litter in the lake and on land in the causeways. This event will be held on a annual basis in September.

LCC Team Building

On Sept.5, the new Leadership Calhoun County class participated in Team Building Day at YMCA’s Camp Hamilton. The day focusd on the class getting to know each other and challenging their leadership skills through various obstacles on the low ropes course at the camp. Pictured front to back, left to right: Dorothy Simmons (CDP), Mandy Holland (Sarrell Dental Center), Tawana Hurst (CDP), Megan Brightwell (Parker House), Geraldine Allen (Anniston Housing Authority), Angela Waits (GSCC), Diana White (ERA King), Ben Simmons (Anniston Army Depot), Vinson Houston (JSU), Scott Exum (Alabama Power), Tia Freeman (GSCC), Laurie Sistrunk (Boys & Girls Club), Belinda Blackburn (JSU), MaryAnn Gendron (F&M Bank), Lindsay Ward (Calhoun County Econ Dev Council), Valerie Bradford (Anniston Army Depot), Chris Haugen (Sarrell Dental Center), Janet Miller (The Anniston Star), Patricia Headley (Stringfellow Memorial Hospital), Gina Stephens (The Donoho School), Lisa Hunter (CDP), Pearl Owens (GSCC), Ray Read (Anniston Army Depot), Tyler Law (JSU), Gerwin Wallace (Silverton Mortgage), Josh Wright (ERA King), Chris Reynolds (Dormon & Reynolds), Phillip Smith (Calhoun County Sheriff’s Dept.) and not pictured, Jimmie Thompson III (Anniston High School).

Make the Chamber Your Media Outlet • Add emilyd@calhounchamber.com to your media list. Send us your news and announcements to be considered for Chamber publication.

• Got Events? Add them to our event calendar at www.calhounchamber.com.

Visit the News and Event section, click submit an event or email the details to emilyd@calhounchamber.com, and we’ll do the rest.

• Host a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate your grand opening, anniversary, renovation or other significant event. We’ll publicize it!

• Be sure to keep an eye on the Chamber’s Calendars and attend the events of others, too. It’s a great way to expand your network.

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in case you missed it: ribbo

n cutti

ngs

July 1, Service Master celebrated a ground breaking at the site of their future home at 1535 Deltacom Drive, Anniston.

July 11, the Armed Forces Reserve Center at Pelham Range held the Grand Opening for their new LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), which received the Platinum Award from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Aug. 8, New Adventures Learning Center held their Ribbon Cutting and Open House. This new learning center is equipped with a great staff and facility. For more information, call (256) 770-7237.

Aug. 8, Cheaha Brewing Company celebrated their ribbon cutting and Spirit of Anniston balloon release at their location in Downtown Anniston.

Aug. 9, Daylight Donuts held a ribbon cutting for their location on Quintard Avenue in Anniston, right next door to the Chamber.

Aug. 13, Jacksonville Health & Rehabilitation hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for their new rehab wing. The rehab wing includes suites and a 2,000-square-foot therapy gym, which offers therapy up to seven days a week.

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ribbo n cutti

ngs

Aug. 26, Stoked Crossfit held a ribbon cutting at their facility at 3216 Hwy 21 South, Oxford, and demonstrated some crossfit workouts. CrossFit uses constantly varied, high-intensity functional movement daily workouts.

Aug. 27, the City of Anniston held a ribbon cutting for the Police Department’s Justin Sollohub Justice Center in downtown Anniston.

Sept. 6, America’s First Federal Credit Union celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new Oxford branch at the Oxford Commons.

Sept. 11, new restaurant Prime Dining & Bar held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their 320 S. Quintard Avenue location.

Sept. 12, RMC’s Piedmont Family Medical Center held a ribbon cutting at their 32 Roundtree Drive location.

Sept. 17, Wesley’s Paint & Body celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new location across from Dandy RV in Oxford.

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12/3/2013 5:02:31 PM

F c

Mc U

ort c lellan redit nion

Membership in Fort McClellan Credit Union is available for anyone who lives, works or attends school in the following counties: Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah, Cherokee, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay, Randolph and Chambers.

Apply At A Nearby Fort McClellan Credit Union Office.

Anniston 1731 Noble St. (256) 237-2113

Jacksonville

Roanoke

1204 Church Ave. SE Hwy. 431 N Bypass (256) 435-5741 (334) 863-8902

Ohatchee

Centre

Indian Village (256) 892-7129

500 Cedar Bluff Rd. (256) 927-4203

Your savings federally insured by NCUA to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government

Partners with 86 Years of Experience The partners of Animal Medical Center, Drs. Tom Nelson, Susan LeCoq and Barry Nicholls, have been practicing veterinary medicine for a combined total of more than 86 years.

They are committed to providing our area with the highest standard of veterinary healthcare, but their commitment does not end there, as all three are involved in a diverse variety of extracurricular activities enhancing the rich fabric that is Calhoun County.

These doctors support the efforts of the following organizations to make our community a better place to live: Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, Dancing With Our Stars, Anniston Runners Club, Rotary of Anniston, Boys and Girls Clubs, Relay for Life, Boy Scouts, Anniston Museum of Natural History, Calhoun County Chamber Adopt-A-School Program and individual church affiliations.

Drs. Nelson, LeCoq and Nicholls’ roots run deep, and their commitment to the pets and people of Calhoun County runs deeper.

Committed to Our Community 719 Quintard Avenue, Anniston 24 Hour Emergency Service (256) 236-8387 www.amcvets.com

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ribbo n cutti

Sept. 19, Jacksonville’s Kitty Stone Elementary held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their Pre-K Program.

ngs

Sept. 20, Cotton Antiques celebrated their re-grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 518 Main Street in downtown Oxford.

Sept. 24, Snap Fitness held a ribbon cutting for their new location at 43 Elm Street in Oxford.

Sept. 26, Sunny King Ford celebrated the re-grand opening for their 1507 S. Quintard Avenue location.

Sept. 27, Piper’s Playhouse celebrated their relocation to 1221 Noble Street in Anniston with a ribbon cutting.

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Oct. 18, Faith Christian Second Graders were taught about being a producer, a distributor, and consumer and celebrated with a ribbon cutting for their Market.

On Oct. 18, Easy Money celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting at their 2008 Quintard Avenue location.

Oct. 24, Cleaning Experts celebrated the ribbon cutting of their 1709-C Hillyer Robinson Parkway South, Oxford location.

Oct. 24, Verizon hosted a ribbon cutting for their new location at the Oxford Exchange.

Congratulations to McClellan Assisted Living, which broke ground Oct. 24, at 41 Polkville Drive, Anniston. This facility will house 64 independent and assisted living units.

Oct. 25, SK Services held a ribbon cutting for their 45246 US Hwy 78, location in Lincoln.

Oct. 30, Alagasco hosted an open house and ribbon cutting for their new 375 Pappy Dunn Blvd, Anniston, facility.

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ribbo n cutti

Sept. 27, Buster Miles Chevrolet held a ground breaking for their new facility at 1884 Almon Street in Heflin.

ngs

Oct. 3, the Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Onin Staffing at their new Oxford location, 1711 D Hillyer Robinson Parkway S.

Sept. 28, Creedmoor Sports invited the community to their opening celebration and ribbon cutting at their new location, 167 Creedmoor Way, Anniston.

Oct. 8, the Chamber hosted the ribbon cutting for Dog Snew at the Chamber of Commerce. More about Dog Snew can be found at www.dogsnew.com.

Oct. 10, the Chamber celebrated the Ribbon Cutting for Unique Boutique at their 1104 Highway Drive, Oxford location.

Oct. 11, Budget Blinds celebrated their ribbon cutting at the Chamber of Commerce. For more information on Budget Blinds, call Mike at (256) 850-0550.

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Busi ness & Biscuits

On July 11, the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama hosted the Chamber’s Business & Biscuits. Like 750 other community foundations, CFNEA is a family of funds that serve as a permanent endowment for the benefit of residents in its geographic area within northeast Alabama.

September 5, AOD Federal Credit Union’s Jacksonville Branch hosted Business & Biscuits, kicking off Salute to Industry Month with an Area Industry Trivia Game.

August 1, Regions Bank sponsored Business & Biscuits at the Chamber.

Attendees partook in “Coffee and Connections,” helping them fill any need they had personally and professionally.

Shift Your Shopping this Holiday Season!

Most things we need can be found locally.

Shopping local not only provides local jobs, but it also provides funding for our local schools, police, emergency agencies and area roads.

To put this into perspective, when you purchase your groceries locally, you contribute more than $312 in sales tax each year.

Think of the funds generated if we switched just 5 percent of the money we spent elsewhere and bought locally. It would generate more than $2 million each year in new sales tax revenue.

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Busi ness after hours

More than 300 people attended our Regional Business After Hours on July 16, at the Talladega SuperSpeedway’s Speed Dome. Sponsored by Talladega SuperSpeedway, this was yet another opportunity for Chamber members to connect with our regional partners and their businesses.

Aug. 20, ERA King Real Estate Business After Hours was held at Anniston Country Club, packing the house.

AOD Federal Credit Union sponsored Business After Hours at their Oxford Branch,on Sept. 17.

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Winner 2013 Sustaining Small Business of the Year The Oxford Lumber family of stores invites all area residents and visitors to visit one of our locations for your home improvement needs.

OxfOrd Lumber 1400 Barry Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-0540

rOanOke HOme Center 1370 Highway 431 Roanoke AL 36274 (334) 863-8145

taLLadega HOme Center 1104 Ashland Highway Talladega, AL 35160 (256) 362-2208

JaCksOnviLLe HOme Center 200 Coffee St SW Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 435-1966 Visit our family of stores and experience what it means to “Get in, get help, and get on with your life”! We will pay attention to you and listen to you so we get you the right items for your project.

Whether you are building a new home, have a commecial project, or needing to remodel or repair, we can get you what you need.

R

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MORE THAN A MORTGAGE

FULL SERVICE LENDER SINCE 1994

CALL US FOR A

FREE QUOTE

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

A+

WE CAN PREAPPOVE YOU OVER THE PHONE! FHA/VA/USDA/CONVENTIONAL FINANCING ON PURCHASE OR REFINANCE

and remember, If you need a Home Loa

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Jackson Mortgage coMpany Inc.

e Loan...Call My Daddy! 256-237-5177

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M eet Check out this list of New Chamber Members since July.

Get to know them and welcome them to the Chamber!

Ken Newman Newman Industrial Supply 630 Noble Street Anniston, AL 36202 (256) 236-0127 Industrial Supplies Carolyn Henderson 515 Tillman Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-4928 Individual Member Kara Silvers 1 Sunset Drive Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 419-3699 Individual Member Rodney Snider Cheaha Brewing Company 1208 Walnut Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 770-7300 Restaurants/Lounges Mike Almaroad P. O. Box 1159 Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 453-2730 Individual Member Wendy Westerhouse Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center 1314 Shocco Springs Road Talladega, AL 35160 (800) 280-1105 Non-Profit Organization Steve Fincher Fincher’s LLC 4802 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125 (256) 249-3419 Restaurant Dr. Charles Brentnall Alabama Allergy and Skin Cancer Care 1800 Leighton Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 238-0808 Skin Care

OU r N e w

Miriam Lapan America’s Best Contact & Eyeglasses 800 Oxford Exchange Boulevard Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 419-2002 Optometrist Meredith Brown New Adventures Learning Center 301 Hale Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 770-7237 Child Care Management Agency Vance McCullum House of Prayer Church of God 18 Hamric Drive West Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-3505 Church John Chevalier Chevalier Productions 230 East G Street Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 835-0360 Music Retail Sales Pat Shaddix 106 Gray Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-4857 Individual Member Kim Ou Daylight Donuts 1400 Quintard Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (978) 364-1567 Donut Shop Randall Moore Prime Dining & Bar 320 S. Quintard Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 343-4450 Restaurant

Paula Watkins Lyons HR 112 Court Street Gadsden, AL 35901 (256) 546-9493 Staffing Agency

M embers

Jeffrey Collins OBGYN Associates of Anniston 901 Leighton Avenue, Suite 704 Anniston, AL 36207 256-294-7010 OB-GYN Medical Practices David Carulla Jefferson’s 230 Spring Branch Road Oxford, AL 36203 256-835-5858 Restaurant Amy Alvord Home at Heart, LLC 678-633-2245 Home Health Care Jason Lively Welch Plumbing 1340 Francis Street W Jacksonville, AL 36265 256-435-4555 Plumbing

Stacey Dougal Anniston Oncology 901 Leighton Ave. Suite 602 Anniston, AL 36207 256-238-1011

Larry Jackson Jackson Mortgage 1119 Leighton Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 256-237-5177 Mortgage Company

Tom Potts Longleaf Arts Council PO Box 6 Anniston, AL 36202 256-237-7788 Music & Performing Arts

Sue Cotton Jack Cotton Realty 729 Greenbrier Dear Road Anniston, AL 36207 256-236-7900 Realtor

Tracey McNutt Ink Tank Printing 120 Magnolia Crest Odenville, AL 35120 205-410-0308 Graphic Design

Josephine Ayers Longleaf Style 4305 McClellan Boulevard Anniston, AL 36206 (256) 235-3555 Magazine

Nicola Wright Snap Fitness 43 Elm Street Oxford, Al 36203 (205) 587-1113 Fitness Center

Dustin Wilson Climate Flow 505 S. Noble Street Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 235-8010 Heating/Air Conditioning

Unini Odama Landmark Nephrology & Hypertension Clinic 320 E. 15th Street, Suite B Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 236-0994 Health & Wellness

Walter Rush Fitness Rush Equipment 620 S Quintard Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 770-9966 Exercise Equipment

Mike Fortner Budget Blinds (256) 850-0550 Home Improvement

Robert Brock Square One Technology 411 9th Avenue NE Jacksonville, AL 36265 (678) 739-0123 Network Technology

Shannon Thomas Thomas Accounting & Tax Services 1812 Wilmer Avenue Suite A Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 238-1616 Accountants

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M eet

OU r N e w

Kristy Mosley SK Services 45246 U.S. Highway 78 Lincoln, AL 35096 (205) 763-1818 Staffing Agency

Jeremy Tidwell Metro Bank 1022 Coleman St Heflin, AL 36264 (256) 463-8900 Banks

Kristen Stringer Krisp Pics Photography 1216 Greensboro Drive Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 239-0590 Photography

Rusty Simmons Simmons Staffing 1302 Noble Street, Suite 2C Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 770-7345 Staffing Agency

Jerry Harris & Greg Pate Harris Pate Developments 729 Greenbrier Dear Road Suite C Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 770-7298 Contractor

Margaret Porter JS PHYMGMT CORP. 400 E 10th St. 2nd Floor Anniston, AL 36202 (256) 235-5089 Physicians

Jay Cummings Dog Snew 1508 Greenbrier Dear Road Anniston, AL 36207 (205) 796-4266 Faith Based Publication

Al McMath OccMed South, LLC 700 Quintard Ave, Suite B Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-9400 Occupational Medicine

Corey Gilliland Piedmont Family Medical Center 32 Roundtree Dr Piedmont, AL 36272 (256) 792-9322 Physician

Mike Alexander Alexander’s The Great Event 1405 Hamric Drive E Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-8050 Event Planning

Jeff Beck WTDR- Thunder 1913 Barry Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 343-4931 Radio Station

Kim Webb Bowtie’s Formal Shop 551 Davis Loop Road Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-0004 Formal Wear

Gary Henderson 1070 Waterfront Circle Lincoln, AL 35096 Individual Member

Clint Bradley Kelly Services 1994 US Hwy. 78 E Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 832-0247 Employment Services

Cindy Volk Liberty National Life Insurance (985) 445-7152 Insurance Kim Kennedy Cleaning Experts 1709-C Hillyer Robinson Parkway South Oxford, AL 36203 256-770-7317 Janitorial Contracting

Nastajja & Rick Roberson Unique Boutique 1104 Highway Drive Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 770-7342 Boutique

M embers

Whitney Clementi Paychex 22 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 650 Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 965-3769 Payroll Services Courtney White Alzheimer’s Association 117-A Longwood Dr SE Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 880-1575 Non-Profit Organization Gary Wigington Gamecock Auto Spa 1011 Pelham Road S Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 453-1112 Car Wash Andrew Havens Gamecock Computers 104 Ladiga Street SW Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 365-2104 Computer Repair Roger Clemment Merle Norman Cosmetics of Jacksonville 1505 Pelham Road S Jacksonville, AL 36265 (256) 365-2733 Cosmetics

Steve Gardner Individual Member John Kennedy McClellan Assisted Living 41 Polkville Drive Anniston, AL 36205 Assisted Living Marty Chizmar Boyd Brothers 425 East 15th Street Panama City, FL 36402 (850) 215-3168 Printers Michelle Wallace Individual Member Brandon Cobb Easy Money 2008 Quintard Avenue Anniston, AL 36201 (614) 760-4134 Financial Planners Katie Condit-Brown MDA Professional Group 125 North 3rd Street Gadsden, AL 35901 (256) 546-3371 Accountants

George Drakos Classic Cadillac 420 Quintard Ave Anniston, AL 36201 (256) 236-4444 Auto Sales- New & Used Kim Lowe EMSI/Occupational Safety Services 1707 Hillyer Robinson Road, Suite G Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 835-6090 Occupational Medicine Tamara Wilkins Oxford Parks & Recreation Department 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2660 Parks & Recreation

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getti

ng to k

now your

C hamber

S taff

What’s your favorite book and why?

Ebonee Thompson, Marketing & Tourism Director: “My favorite book is probably The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene because it’s a practical guide for people who like to observe power. There are comparisons between today’s powerful elite to historical figures throughout history, Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Queen Elizabeth with their similar traits like ‘always say less than necessary.’

This book will change your life.”

What do you do when you have leisure time?

Kim Boyd, Membership Director: I read mysteries and spend time with my family. We like to watch movies, cook, or whatever my teenage boys want to do.

What is most memorable about your high school years?

Haley Gregg, Program Development Coordinator: I miss high school sports. I played basketball and thoroughly enjoyed it, the team, being competitive, the traveling.

We won the county tournament my junior and senior year. Those are some of my best memories. Go Yellow Jackets!

What is your favorite quote and why?

Emily Duncan, Member Services Coordinator: Audrey Hepburn once said, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others, for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness, and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

That is a daily reminder for me to strive to look for the good in everything, be kind in all I do, and remember that it’s not just me.

How do you want to be remembered?

Linda Hearn, Chamber Manager: I believe in the 3 D’s: devotion, dedication, and determination, and I hope I exemplify those in everything I do.

Who do you admire and why?

Jenny Whitman, Customer Services Representative: I have met so many people in my life who I admire with each one having a quality or characteristic associated with just that certain individual. So there is not just one person that I would choose over the other. However, some of the things that cause me to admire someone would be: A person that is “original” - that doesn’t change life forms to “fit in” or get approval from others. A person that chooses to love no matter what the circumstance or condition. A person that loves animals and takes time for little things. Honesty and integrity even when no one is looking. A person who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe - but yet is gentle and not a bully. A person who overcomes a devastating disease and comes out stronger than they were before. I have had the great blessing to know all these people.

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your voice of busiNess The Chamber is an informational hub that stretches over our entire county. Our goal is to be the “go to” organization to answer your business and community questions. all you need to do is call us when you have a question. If we cannot answer the question or provide you the resources that can, you get free admission to a chamber seminar of your choice, most of which includes lunch. So, it’d be lunch on us. If we do answer the question, then we ask you to pledge to shop local and tell them the Chamber sent you. It’s a Win-Win for all, and that’s a pretty good deal.

What’s the value of a tool that doesn’t get used? Nothing. much like a tool in a tool box, your Chamber of Commerce is much more valuable when it is used.

To members, the Chamber offers a host of other resources/services, seminars, events, promotions and more. In an effort to encourage more members and the public to use the tools available, we are asking you to ChaLLeNGe YOUr Chamber.

Some of Calhoun County have already taken advantage of their Chamber, while others have not yet opened the tool box. These two initiatives are intended to introduce Calhoun County to some of the tools available through the Chamber. When you find yourself reaching for a butter knife instead of a screwdriver, remember that the few extra seconds you take to choose the right tool will actually save you time. That is what the chamber is here for, to save you time, make your life easier, and here to help. Put us to the test!

CHAMBER TOP TEN 1. Increased visibility in the Community 2. relationship building Opportunities 3. referrals from the Chamber 4. access to membership Database 5. access to Community Leaders and elected Officials 6. business Development, Workshops and Seminars 7. Listing in business Directory and on-line searchable directory 8. Cost effective advertising 9. members Only Services 10. member advocacy Chamber membership, good for business, good for the economy, and good for Calhoun County!

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2013 pla n of actio

n A ccomplishme

nts

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (July through September 2013) Business Development I. Quarterly Training Seminars • July- Business Guide for Alabama’s New Gun Law- 20 in attendance • August- Digital Marketing Workshops with the Anniston Star- 62 in Attendance • August- HR 101- 25 in Attendance • October- Protecting Your Organization from Fraud- 20 in attendance • Fall- Dale Carnegie Course on “Leadership Empowerment” graduated 26 students II. Empower Businesses and Revisit Social Media Presentations • Connect Series for 2013 July 10, 8-9:00 a.m. – Instagram- 5 in attendance Aug. 14, 12-1 p.m. – Quickbooks- 10 in attendance Sept. 11, 8-9 a.m. – Pinterest- 5 in attendance Oct. 9, 12-1 p.m. – Microsoft Office Nov. 13, 8-9 a.m. – LinkedIn III. Other Business Development Programs • Restaurants spotlighted in Chamber’s Work Week • First Ever Restaurant Committee formed for Chamber Member Restaurants • Chamber Mob shopping at local small businesses, monthly • Salute to Industry Tours, with 35 in attendance, toured Honda & Lee Brass on a bus from North American Bus Industries on Sept. 10th • Salute to Industry Luncheon on Thursday, Sept 19th featured speaker Charles McCrary, Pres/CEO of Alabama Power • Salute to Industry Golf Outing at the Anniston Country Club had 128 golfers • 33rd Salute to Industry recognized 10 industries with longest longeveity in Calhoun County Public Aff irs Operation 1st Rate continues and has now placed more than 500 workers I. II. Develop Mayors’ Roundtable • Held third Mayors’ Roundtable Meeting Aug. 19 III. Schedule and Conduct Quarterly Meetings with Legislative Representatives • Governor Bentley visited with the Chamber Board of Directors, Aug. 6 • Held Luncheon with Senator Sessions on Sept. 5 • Public Aff irs Committee met on Sept. 10 with updates on Transportation/Infrastructure in Calhoun County Continue to Monitor Federal & State Legislation IV. Visit Montgomery & Washington V.

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alabamaforeverwild.com

Securing Your State Parks and Recreational Trails for you ...

Cold Water Mountain Bike Trail What is your Land Trust Program?

Established in 1992, this program secures public lands for you, forever! Providing a legacy for future generations. (without tax dollars)

YOUR public lands include: • • • • •

State parks Public hunting and fishing areas Habitats for wildlife Clean water and air protection New recreational trails for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, birdwatching, horseback riding, and fishing

Over 220 miles of new trails and 200 more to come.

Facebook.com/ALforeverwild

Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 65

LAND TRUST Forever Wild. Forever Yours.

FOREVER WILD SUPPORTS OUR ECONOMY WITH TOURISM, JOBS AND A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AND IS WISELY FUNDED, RELYING ON NATURAL GAS LEASES AND NOT TAX DOLLARS! Managed by The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, or operation of its programs, services or activities.

12/3/2013 5:03:17 PM

2013 pla n of actio

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nts

• Chamber Members conducted Monthly visits to state capital VI. Continued to conduct monthly meetings with Congressional staffers to review effects of sequestration and funding issues VII. Supported Creation of “Bold Vision” Program- Destination Calhoun County to accelerate Economic Development, with presentations to Congressmen, Mayors and Legislators Organizational Development I. Set Communication Schedule to Assure Constant Interaction with Members • Submit the Daily Social Media Posts on Facebook & Twitter, also posting to blog as needed • Weekly E-Newsletter distributed, including Monthly Calendar of Events • Monthly Newspaper Wraps with the Anniston Star to highlight events and programs • Monthly Business After Hours Postcards distributed for marketing • Updated Guidelines for Chamber Ambassador Program • Implemented “Pop by and say Hi!” program for Ambassador visits with new members and upcoming renewals for each of their monthly meetings • Quarterly Mark-Your-Calendar Mail-Outs distributed to inform members of events • Weekly and Monthly Work Week Newsletters in the Anniston Star, Piedmont Journal, and Jacksonville News • Updated Membership Retention Timeline to increase focus on new members and facilitate new member involvement in Chamber activities • First-Ever Chamber of Commerce Magazine “Chamber Connections” printed and distributed to all Chamber members representatives II.

Recruit • We have grown to 990 members • Implemented LINK Program to facilitate conversations between Board, Ambassadors, and Chamber Staff to recruit new members and retain current members

III.

Retain • Tell Story and Encourage Board Involvement o Making new member visits monthly or more frequently o Conducting Exit Membership Surveys o Continuously developing new offerings, programs and events  Restructured “Chamber 101” to become a monthly class to educate new members and promote involvement

Tourism/Marketing I. Promote Our Brand• Received renewed agreement from Calhoun County Commission to continue promoting tourism through September 2016 • Developed Sponsorship outlines and criteria for 2013, for local and regional events seeking assistance from Visit Calhoun County. The 2014 Sponsorship application and criteria will be released in late fall 2013 66 << ChamberConnections………………………………………………………………………………………………………• Chamber Connections_Fall_13.indd 66

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2013 pla n of actio II.

III.

IV. V.

n A ccomplishme

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Spend the Money• Secured placement in the Fall Travel Planner, which was inserted in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Texas with a household circulation of 750,000 • Sponsored local and regional events including: Woodstock 5k, Gadsden Riverfest and Talladega Superspeedway Tell Our Story• Sent on-going press releases out promoting Calhoun County, The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, programs, events and partnerships Develop Mobile App• Find Mobile App program, which allows flex bility in content and potential non-dues revenue by Fall 2013 Develop Complete Events Calendar• Create an outreach system with potential tourism intern to contact local and regional organizations and event planners for event calendar to be placed on website

Program Development I. Current Programs• Leadership Calhoun County o LCC 2014 class has 29 participants o Youth Leadership Calhoun recruitment started in September and the class will begin in October • Adopt-A-School o Continue to recruit Adopters o Autumn Cove signed on as an Adopter of Jacksonville High School o Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun signed on as an Adopter of Weaver Elementary o Alex Casey Chiropractic became an Adopter of The Donoho School • Green Business o First Calhoun County Renew Our Rivers event held on Sept. 7, in partnership with Alabama Power, The Town of Ohatchee, and the Calhoun County Extension Offi o The event registered more than 100 volunteers, who worked and collected 1.6 tons of litter in the lake and on land in the causeways. This event will be held on an annual basis in September II.

o Continue to promote green business certifi ation.

Youth Career Development • Jacksonville State University & Gadsden State Community College o Connecting  Partnered with City of Anniston for Youth Summer Job Program, YES Program, and had 38 youth participate. The program was a paid summer job position for each student, giving them great experience in the working world

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2013 plaN of actioN accomplishmeNts Leveraging JSU I.

Emergency Management • The Emergency Management Coalition for Northeast Alabama met July 10, with 26 representatives in attendance, including the Alabama Department of Health, Regional Red Cross Representatives, County, State and Federal Partners and Volunteers • Sept. 11, was Ready JSU day, with more than 100 student and faculty volunteers meeting on the 11th floor of the library for keynote speakers and emergency response training Marketing • Filming for an Emergency Management Department ad took place during the last week of August.

This commercial, which created a mock disaster scene with local emergency responders at the MAP site on McClellan using filming equipment from the State of Alabama Film Initiative, is set to air nationally • 57 Chamber member companies have participated in the internship/co-op program with the Chamber and/or Career Services • 384 applicants within 50 miles of Jacksonville, AL are now registered on Interships.com.

• The next “Get Linked” event is set for Monday, October 7, 4-6 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Jacksonville Technology • JSU is set to hold an engagement luncheon this fall, to help to build a stronger business partnership between JSU and local industry and raise awareness about available machinery and skills. More information will be announced in the coming weeks

II.

III.

Promote Regionalism I. Develop Cross-Promotional Efforts in Marketing & Tourism • Promoting Connecting Our Greater Communities Facebook Group to aid in cross promoting events in whole region • Regional Chambers and Convention and Visitors Bureau met with Nisa Miranda, Director at the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, on Tourism in the Northeast Region • Clear Plan 2030 Conversation on July 11 had 10 in attendance • Regional Business After Hours held with Talladega/Lincoln Chamber of Commerce at the Talladega Superspeedway II.

Regional Campaign to promote shopping locally and regionally • Regional Shop Local Committee  Shop Local Committee members made regional visits to Chamber members in surrounding counties • Working with Media on Shop Local Campaign o Continuing TV 24 airing commercials, Consolidated Publishing Promoting and Billboard promotion

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Where do we find the score of our grandson’s high school game

?

! r a t S e h t k c Che

AnnistonStar.com Your only local realtime news source with award-winning journalists covering everything in your community from sports to politics.

My News My Way

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VisitCalhounCounty.com Our BRAND new visitor’s website www.VisitCalhounCounty.com is ready to explore!

Boasting of an event calendar, lodging, restaurant and attraction listings and dynamic photos of our area, www.VisitCalhounCounty.com is the one-stop online shop for everything Calhoun County! Also, the website includes capabilities for visitors to plan their entire stays out via the iMap feature. If a guest is staying in a local hotel, wants to visit an attraction and then finish the day off with shopping and dinner, they can map out their entire trip, name it and print it out.

This will eliminate our guests having to go anywhere else but www.VisitCalhounCounty.com to plan their getaway!

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BEST CHOICE After School Child Care Aquatics/ Swim Team Fitness Summer Camps Youth Sports

Anniston YMCA 29 West 14th Street Anniston AL 36201 256-238-YMCA

1 Membership 2 YMCAs! Visit us at www.ymcacalhoun.org

Oxford Y For Now 1710 Alabama Hwy 21 South Oxford AL 36203 256-832-YMCA

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Chamber Conn IF, IB, BC.indd 2

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Chamber Conn IF, IB, BC.indd 3

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