Directions (UPS 516-530) PO Box 2003 Decatur, AL 35602-2003 Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce PO Box 2003 Decatur, AL 35602-2003 E-Mail: chamber@dcc.org Website: www.dcc.org
Contact Information
Table of Contents Matchmaker Opportunities . . . . . .4 Renewing Members . . . . . . . . . . .6 Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Total Resource Campaign Trip . . .10 Chamber Wants You! . . . . . . . . .12 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Chamber Chat . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Career Pathway . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Several months ago, the Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with leadership of the City of Decatur and the Morgan County Commission, began a study with a company called Market St. Services from Atlanta to guide Morgan County in a comprehensive strategic planning process that highlighted current realities, identified issues, and shared best practices. This process has reaffirmed the commitment of community and business leaders in charting a path for Morgan County to a prosperous future and recognition as a model community for others to emulate.
Six goals have been identified as a clear path to community success. Each goal will have a chairman and a committee made up of interested citizens. They are:
The One Vision – One Voice – One Morgan County process began with the Economic & Demographic Profile, which identified recent economic, demographic and community trends. To enhance the quantitative data, Market St. interviewed 20 community leaders, facilitated seven focus groups and provided an online survey (which gathered over 500 responses from citizens) for stakeholder input that created the Issue Analysis and Framing, which identified the most pressing challenges facing Morgan County. The Best Practice Review identified two to three best practice programs for each issue. The
If you are interested in learning more about or participating in One Vision – One Voice – One Morgan County, please feel free to contact the Chamber at 353-5312.
Goal I: A Balanced Economy Goal II: Diversity and New People Goal III: Quality Education Attainment and Availability Goal IV: Keeping Our Best and Brightest Goal V: Leadership – Dynamic, Visionary and Communitywide Goal VI: Healthcare – Quality and Access
Sincerely,
John Seymour
October 2009
Commodore of the Quarter . . . .18
John Seymour President & CEO Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
combination of quantitative and qualitative research provided the foundation for One Vision – One Voice – One Morgan County. This Action Plan is a blueprint to address critical issues and achieve goals. The Action Plan will strengthen Morgan County’s position as a globally competitive and desirable community.
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Main Line – (256) 353-5312, to reach extensions dial 353-0763 John Seymour President & CEO – ext. 103 john@dcc.org Charlotte McKelvy Director of Workforce Development and Education – ext. 107 charlotte@dcc.org Jim Page Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development – ext. 109 jim@dcc.org Cory Wilbanks Director of Membership Development – ext. 104 cory@dcc.org Leissa Hill Chief Financial Officer – ext. 102 leissa@dcc.org Anita McDonald Director of Operations and Events – ext. 100 anita@dcc.org Tiffany Brightwell Director of Investor Relations – ext. 101 tiffany@dcc.org
One Vision. One Voice. One Morgan County.
a word from your chamber leadership
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
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total resource campaign
Matchmaker Provides Prime Business Opportunities by Sen. Arthur Orr Many of us are aware that huge business opportunities exist for Decatur companies in our own backyard through Redstone Arsenal. What I recently learned is that help is available to small businesses that can make that process less intimidating and easier. It was my good fortune to attend an event at the Holiday Inn last week hosted by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. The occasion, called Matchmaker, gives companies in our area the opportunity to meet one-onone with government agencies and large contractors to find areas of common business interests. Companies present at the event were some of the largest in the world – Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman, BAE, SAIC and successful local companies, such as Teledyne Brown Engineering and SCI-Sanmina. Numerous government agencies included Marshall Space Flight Center, Army Corps of Engineers, Space & Missile Defense Command, among others. Local business owners attending Matchmaker were able to meet one-onone with these agencies and corporations to discuss their capabilities and
October 2009
Thanks for putting on the Matchmaker event. Some of the Prime Contractors have a specific need for our services, and quite a few of the Small Business attendees could either use our services, or would be good partners on projects. The event was very productive and well worth the time and money to attend. John Vincent Industrial Process Solutions, Inc.
It was a privilege to participate in the UAHuntsville/PTAC Business Matchmaking event! I was able to meet with many clients who are normally unavailable. It was great to be able to build relationships with other vendors as well! The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce did a great job in hosting this event along with Charter Business and Micor Industries, Inc. It was definitely a great success for the company I represent, Express Employment Professionals. I look forward to next year’s program. I know it will continue to grow! Leigh A. Belew, Business Development Manager Express Employment Professionals create the possibility of expanding their operations. Outreach created by Matchmaker is a “win, win” for everyone involved. Government agencies and corporations do business with companies that can offer easy and quick products and services and Decatur companies add revenues and jobs. At the same time, these agencies acknowledge that a strong industrial base is key to America’s national defense and economic security and small business is an important part of that strategy. These types of events will take on even more importance as other Army agencies move to Redstone Arsenal as a result of BRAC, Base Realignment and Closure. One of the agencies that will be moving to North Alabama is the U.S. Army Materiel Command, better known by its acronym, AMC. This agency is the primary purchasing agent for the U.S. Army around the world. They acquire billions of dollars in goods
each year. AMC officials are fond of saying, if a soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it or eats it, AMC provides it. What that means is a Decatur company doesn’t have to have a staff of Ph.D.s to do business with Redstone Arsenal. I encourage businesses in Morgan County as well as all across North Alabama to investigate these possibilities. If you were not able to attend Matchmaker, there is still a chance to take advantage of this opportunity. The University of Alabama in Huntsville partnered with the Decatur chamber on this event, and what I learned from my visit is that the Small Business Development Center at UAH provides procurement, contracting and certification assistance to business owners. The university is a valuable resource for businesses all across our region. I would encourage business owners to contact the university to see how your business will better fit into Redstone. Their website is http://nearsbdc.uah.edu/. Presented by
Corporate Sponsor
Although (the Business Matchmaker) was my first of its kind, it really seemed to be an absolute success. I had the opportunity to make contacts that it would have taken me months to speak with. Antonio M. London Championship Lawn Care
Matchmaker participants meet with one another while waiting for their next appointments
Business Matchmaker was definitely worth the time and effort. We were able to have face to face contact with some of the biggest names in the Tennessee Valley. We are well on our way to getting work out of it already. It was a great experience. We'll do it again next year for sure. Thanks for the opportunity to participate. Farron Bevis SERVPRO of Decatur
Will Bronaugh (Precipio, Inc.) and Dave Ponegalek (Micor Industries, Inc.)
Sen. Arthur Orr (far right) with representatives from UAHuntsville Linda Robinson (R&R Strategies) meets with representatives from United Launch Alliance
We’ve been your friend for over 36 years. • Diamonds imported direct from cutters in Antwerp, Belgium • All diamond shapes, qualities and prices • Fine gold jewelry • A unique selection in all categories
Kellie Reeves and Tom Flowe (Burningtree Country Club) meet with a representative from SCI Sanmina
• Expert service after the sale • Full appraisal services, American Gem Society Laboratory • Computer diamond color grading system • Locally owned and family operated • Prime source for investment diamonds • Financing available
Jimmy Ray Smith and Jimmy Smith
Decatur-Morgan County The Community of Opportunity
Jimmy Smith Jewelers Merchants of Fine, Distinctive Jewelry Since 1973
Southland Plaza • Decatur 353-2512 • 1-800-354-2512 • jsmithjewelers.com
Renewing Members
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membership
The Chamber would like to thank the following members who reinvested in Decatur and Morgan County by renewing their Chamber memberships during the months of August and September 2009. A/R - Chamber 3M 88.1 WAY-FM A-Z Office Resource, Inc. ABC Realty, LLC Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Inc. Alabama Business College of Cosmetology Alabama Central Credit Union All Seasons Chem Dry Robert K. Allen, MD Allied Waste Services, LLC American National Insurance Webb Awtrey Agency Ascend Performance Materials Athens State University Avis Rent A Car B E & K Industrial Services Baggette Construction, Inc. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. BBVA Compass Bank Richard Bedsole, DMD Beltline Church of Christ Bendall’s Pharmacy, Inc. BlueCross & BlueShield of Alabama The Boeing Company Brickyard Landing Marina Brooks Lock & Key, Inc. Byrd, Smalley & Adams, PC C B & A Project Management Services, LLC Cagle Mini-Storage, LLC Cell Pak, Inc. Center for the Developmentally Disabled (CDD) Central United Methodist Church Charter Business Checkmate Cash Advance Center Chick-Fil-A Children’s Hospital Foundation Cintas Corporation City Cafe City View Estates, LLC
Comprehensive Automation & Design Container Recycling, Inc. J. Felton Davenport Decatur Alabama Kennel Club Decatur Chiropractic Decatur Lions Club Decatur Mall Decatur Morgan County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Decatur Optical Dispensary Decatur Plumbing Company, Inc. Decatur Rotary Club Decatur Women’s Chamber of Commerce Dental Associates of North AL Dishman Animal Clinic, PC Domino’s Pizza Eaton Hydraulics Elwood Staffing The Enrichment Center Family Security Credit Union Priceville Fish Window Cleaning Fowler Auction & Real Estate Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama Glee Interiors Godwin Barnett Granada Apartments Greater Morgan County Builders Association H & R Block Hannah Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc. Michael Hardacre - Decatur General Oncology Hardwick & Knight Hardy Chiropractic Walter S. Hargett, Jr. Hargrove & Associates, Inc. Heartland ITS Hendricks Family Practice, P.C. Higgins Communication & Training Alliance
Home Pest Control The Huntsville Times Innovative Eyecare - Kimberly Ocampo ITW Sexton The Jameson Inn Jimmy Smith Jewelers JMS Russel Metals Kalea Atrium Apartments Kaleidoscoops Kinder Morgan Terminals Labor Finders Lakeland Industries, Inc. Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Inc. Layton Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Nissan, Inc. Steven Leach, DMD Lee Wayne Corporation Promotional Product LifeSouth Community Blood Ctr. Morgan Region The Light House Lucky’s Supermarket Lyons HR, Inc. Marketing Works Marx Optical McAbee Medical, Inc. McClinton & Company, Inc. Milk Products of Alabama H. R. Moore Company, Inc. Morgan County 911 NBC Securities, Inc. Subsidiary of RBC Bank North Alabama Regional Hospital North Central Alabama Regional Council of Gorvernments OCI Chemical OSCO, INC. Parkway Medical Center Parr Contracting Peck - Glasgow Agency, Inc. Peebles Oil Company, Inc. Peoples Bank of North Alabama Beltline Pepsi Cola Decatur, LLC
Petroleum Sales, Inc./Bud’s Pettey & Associates Pill Box Pharmacy Pitts & Zanaty, LLC Price-Denton Endodontics, LLC Pro Air Services, Inc. Raymond James Financial Services RBC Bank - Johnston St Redstone Federal Credit Union Beltline Reed Contracting Services, Inc Terry Reynolds, OD S. S. Nesbitt & Co., Inc. Servpro of Decatur Southern Staffing Storage Plus Summer Place Superior Bank Tanksley Machine & Tool Telamon Corporation The Tennessee Valley Press, Inc Total Hose, Inc. DBA Parker Store Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc. Underwood Associates Architecture United Financial Services, Inc. United Way of Morgan County Valley Overhead Door, Inc. Wayne Farms, LLC - East West Morgan-East Lawrence Water & Sewer Authority Willo Products Co., Inc. RJ Young Your Transmission Man, Inc.
Here for you and your baby. At the Pavilion for Women and Children at Parkway Medical Center, every detail is covered to make your pregnancy and childbirth experience as special as possible. • Private labor, delivery, and recovery rooms • A gourmet meal on the last night of your stay • A relaxing massage after the birth of your baby • Childbirth and sibling classes
Decatur Physicians for Women: L to R Dr. Hardacre, Dr. Manifold, Dr. Hoffman, Dr. Gilliam and Patricia Collins, CRNP
Your leader in women’s healthcare… 350-9700 • 1874 Beltline Rd., Decatur www.parkwayinspired.com
Greater Morgan Co. Builders Assoc. Showcase Home
Ingalls Harbor, Decatur
116 Little Creek Crossing, Decatur
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Touchstone Financial
1205 Wimberly Dr, Decatur • (256) 340-7800
1416 6th Ave Ste C, Decatur • (256) 351-7728
October 2009
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ribbon cuttings
David Parks Boat Launch
Morgan County Legislative Office
State Farm, Patrick Johnson Agency
2128 6th Ave SE Ste 504, Decatur • (256) 260-2146
2704-B Hwy 31 S, Decatur • (256) 353-000
Regional Finance Loan & Tax
Texas Smokehouse
2699 Sandlin Rd Ste B-2, Decatur • (256) 353-7305
1114 6th Ave SE, Decatur • (256) 353-2600
RBC Bank Grand Re-Opening
Decatur Heritage Christian Academy
1715 Beltline Rd SW, Decatur • (256) 351-5070
3802 Spring Ave SW, Decatur • (256) 351-4275
“Setting the standard in retirement living.” Custom Systems • Hardware Upgrades • Repairs • Networking Service for all makes and models
• Independent Living Cottages • Assisted Living • Memory Care Assisted Living
Avanti Computers 1042 Beltline Road SE, Decatur • 355-9273 dawn@ammsystems.com www.ammsystems.com tom and dawn owczarzak, owners “You can’t beat hiring a geek”
200 Terrace Lane • Priceville • 260-0400 www.terraceatpriceville.com
Operation Santa Claus A Christmas project for adults recovering from a serious mental illness who are clients of the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama or patients at North Alabama Regional Hospital. Please help us by: • Giving a donation of $35 for one person. • Adopting one or more people by calling the Mental Health Association for a name(s). • Donating toiletries and other gifts. Call MHA for a list. For more information, call 353-1160 or email suebrantley@mhainmc.net Mental Health Association in Morgan County
®
P.O. Box 1502 207 Commerce Circle, SW Decatur, AL 35602 p 256-353-1160 f 256-353-1163 www.mhainmc.net
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total resource campaign
Total Resource Campaign Celebration Trip
October 2009
Nine volunteers and their guests recently vacationed in the Dominican Republic on the 2009 Total Resource Campaign celebration trip. The volunteers earned trips for themselves and guests for their hard work in the Chamber’s fourth TRC – Be Involved In Great Opportunities. We’re currently planning for TRC V and would like to invite you to take part in our upcoming TRC 101 class on October 29 at 4pm in the ‘TORAY’ Boardroom at the Chamber. To learn more about how you can get involved in our Total Resource Campaign, please contact Charlotte or Tiffany at 353-5312.
TRC Volunteer Brandon Price (RBC Bank) and wife, Stevi Price
TRC Volunteer Linda Robinson (R&R Strategies, Inc.) and husband, Mike Robinson
TRC Volunteer Monday Cleghorn (Adventure Travel) and husband, Darin Cleghorn
TRC Volunteer Ana Allen (ITW Sexton) and husband, Michael Allen
TRC Volunteer Carol Boyd (Regions Bank) and husband, Ron Boyd
TRC Volunteer Deanna Nelson, right (Regions Bank) and guest, Jennifer Stafford
October 2009
TRC Chair Terri Collins (RBC Bank) and husband, Tom Collins
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TRC Volunteer Anne Hurt (Marketing Works) and husband, Rob Hurt
total resource campaign
TRC Volunteer Ellen Didier (Red Sage Communications, Inc.) and husband, Dan Thompson
The Chamber Wants You! total resource campaign
We are looking for a few good men & women to participate in our 2010 Total Resource Campaign. If you think you have what it takes & are interested in learning more, make plans to attend TRC 101 at the Chamber on October 29 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Charlotte McKelvy or Tiffany Brightwell at (256) 353-5312.
Proudly serving North Alabama’s hearing impaired for over 20 years.
1218 13th Ave., SE, Decatur • 355-2096 • Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm
Call today for a complimentary hearing screen and diagnosis of your hearing problems. It could change your life.
At Physician Hearing Care our patients can be assured of the very best in hearing healthcare. We offer a complete medical environment for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders. Have your hearing tested by a qualified medical professional and reviewed by an M.D. at Physicians Hearing Care, there are no pushy salespeople, only qualified hearing healthcare professionals.
Physician Hearing Care is a division of Decatur ENT Associates
Call today for your appointment
256/355-2096
New Members We thank the following businesses and organizations for their commitment to the Decatur-Morgan County area by becoming a member of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber during the months of August and September 2009. We look forward to serving you!
Academy Sports & Outdoors Sandy Thompson 1205 Wimberly Dr SW Decatur, AL 35603
Jack Moores 1401 Clarendon Ct SE Decatur, AL 35601
Caring Strategies, Inc. Kate Jones 3313 Memorial Pkwy SW #116 Huntsville, AL 35801
Hager Oil Company, Inc. Matt Webster 1002 Old Birmingham Hwy Jasper, AL 35501
Regional Finance Loan & Tax Michael Davis 2699 Sandlin Rd Ste B-2 Decatur, AL 35601
Sterne Agee 813 Shades Creek Pkwy Ste 100B Birmingham, AL 35209 Texas Smokehouse, Inc. BJ Davis, Jr. 1114 6th Ave SE Decatur, AL 35601
Rogers Group, Inc. Derek Roberts 149 Parks Chapel Rd Lacey’s Spring, AL 35754
Working together to improve the lives of people in our community. MENTAL HEALTH CENTER OF NORTH CENTRAL ALABAMA Providing Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Since 1967
For new appointments call (256) 355-5904 or 800-365-6008 Serving Morgan, Lawrence and Limestone Counties
membership
Decatur Art Guild Beth Hornish Morgan County Archives Decatur, AL 35601
R & R Strategies, LLC Linda Robinson 2128 6th Ave SE Ste 508 Decatur, AL 35601
Rural Morgan County Industrial Development Board George Crawford PO Box 238 Eva, AL 35621
Coffee and Cards Humana MarketPoint hosted a Coffee & Cards event for all Chamber members in August. This event is a free way for all our members meet one another and exchange business information. Thanks to Humana MarketPoint for hosting and for all our members who attended. For information regarding Humana’s products and services, please call (256) 621-0640.
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special events
For information on how your business can host a Coffee & Cards event, please call Charlotte or Tiffany at 353-5312.
Member Appreciation As a way of saying thank you to our members for another year of support, the Chamber hosted a Membership Appreciation event offering a free lunch to all our members. Approximately 200 of our members attended and enjoyed a great lunch and a beautiful day in early October. We’d also like to thank our generous sponsors for making this event possible. Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors AnswerTel A-Z Office Resources Pepsi Cola of Decatur
Dixie Diner
Annual Fish Fry
October 2009
The Chamber’s Commodores once again tied their apron strings and doled out fried catfish and hushpuppies at Celebration Arena for the annual Racking Horse World Celebration fish fry. Thanks to our Commodores for all they do to represent the Chamber and support our members and the community. For more information on how you can become a Commodore, please contact Cory Wilbanks at 353-5312 or email Cory@dcc.org. Second Quarter Sponsor
Excellence in Leadership The Excellence in Leadership program is designed to identify, orient, develop and network existing and emerging leaders with the goal of enhancing the business community. This year’s Excellence class kicked off with the Ropes Course at Decatur General West on September 15. Through teambuilding exercises the group got acquainted with each other. These skills enabled them to maneuver through the ropes course. Thanks to our sponsor Decatur General West.
Ropes Course Sponsor
Edge Student Leadership The Edge Student Leadership program is made up of local 10th and 11th grade students. The program exposes the students to leadership opportunities in a creative and challenging manner, providing the students with the tools necessary to develop individual leadership skills. The program also encourages students to be a positive influence in their schools and to serve in the community. This year’s Edge Leadership program kicked off with a Pizza Party on September 17. The students got acquainted and learned more about the program. Thanks to this year’s presenting sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union. Thank you to Calhoun Community College for sponsoring the Kickoff. Thanks to Alabama Farmer’s Co-Op, Hargrove and Associates, Fite Building Company, Enersolv Corporation, Willo Products, Underwood Associates Architecture, GDF Suez, Nowlin, Bachuss, & Gray Law Firm, J. Felton Davenport, DMD, Micor Industries, and Alpha Pet for sponsoring scholarships for this program. Presenting Sponsor
Kick-Off Sponsor
During a recent trip to the American Chamber of Commerce Executives National Convention in Raleigh, NC, our President & CEO John Seymour shared the stage with Stephen Covey. Covey is the well-known author of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and was promoting “The Leader in Me.” Decatur City Schools was recently chosen as the first school district in the world to implement “The Leader in Me” in all elementary schools. Seymour accepted an award from Dr. Covey for his contributions to the program. The Chamber recently received an email from a local mother who was impressed by how her child was using the Seven Habits outside the classroom. “Last year (my daughter) went to Walter Jackson elementary school for kindergarten, where she learned the Seven Habits,” said Beth Bachuss. “Not only did she learn them, she is using them. While visiting relatives, I heard her and her cousin’s voices raise in an argument. Then I heard my daughter announce, ‘Spencer! You’re not thinking win-win!’ She loves telling others about the Habits, and plans on helping her first grade classmates at Banks-Caddell (her new school) learn them. I am so pleased that Decatur City Schools teaches these tools at the elementary level.”
get details online at www.dcc.org
events calendar 16
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
20th
7th
Chamber’s Public Policy Committee Meeting (Federal Agenda) Where: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom at the Chamber Contact: Jim Page 353-5312
Christmas Open House - Hartselle Held in Historic downtown Hartselle Contact: 256-773-7736
23rd Breakfast & Biz – Free Business Seminar Where: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom at the Chamber Contact: Jim Page 353-5312
27th Chamber’s Public Policy Committee Meeting (State Agenda) Where: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom at the Chamber Contact: Jim Page 353-5312
28th State of the Schools Address with Dr. Sam Houston Where: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Noon Reserved Seating: $25 Contact: Charlotte McKelvy 353-5312
29th TRC 101 Where: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom at the Chamber Contact: 353-5312
31st Team Up to Clean Up (city wide clean up event) Where: Wilson Morgan Complex Contact: 256-341-4776
10th Chamber’s Public Policy Committee Meeting (Local Agenda) Where: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom at the Chamber Contact: Jim Page 353-5312
17th Coffee & Cards ReMax Real Estate 2600 Point Mallard Pkwy Contact: Anita McDonald 353-5312 or anita@dcc.org
26th-27th Chamber Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
10th Business After Hours Parkway Medical Center Contact: Anita McDonald 353-5312 or anita@dcc.org
11th Decatur General Foundation GALA XXV Held at Decatur Country Club Contact: Ellen Duncan 256-3412187
12th Christmas Tour of Homes Held in the Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts, Decatur, AL Contact: CVB 350-2028 Contact: Janice Gaultney janicegaultney@pclnet.net
17th Decatur General Foundation Lights of Love Held at Decatur General Hospital Contact: Ellen Duncan 256-341-2187
5th Parade of Lights Held at Riverwalk Marina located by the Tennessee River Bridge Contact: Stan Hyde 355-7101/ 227-1531
A complete list of area events can be found online at www.decaturcvb.org
5th Priceville Christmas Parade Held in Priceville Contact: 256-355-5476
7th Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade Held at Downtown Decatur Contact: DMCCVB 256-350-2028
Inform. Inspire. Interact.
October 2009
Have you seen the Chamber’s new website? The address is still www.dcc.org, but the site is entirely new. Go online to check it out today!
Pro-Air Services, Inc. owned by Marshall Putman has been named to the Inc. 5000 (placement 1,919). The Inc. 5000 recognizes the fastest growing privately held companies in America. Pro-Air Services, Inc. has been named to the top half of the list for the third consecutive year. Pro-Air Services, Inc. is the only company based in Morgan County to receive the recognition three consecutive years. More information regarding Pro-Air Services, Inc. can be found at www.pro-air.net.
Decatur General Receives American Stroke Association’s Silver Performance Achievement Award We are proud to announce that Decatur General recently received the Silver Performance Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/American Stoke Association. Hospitals receiving this award have reached an aggressive goal of treating stroke patients with 85% or higher compliance to core standard levels of care for 12 consecutive months.
“Being honored for giving excellent patient care is the best recognition a hospital can get,” said President and CEO, Dean Griffin. “We are pleased to provide this important life-saving service to our community”.
Each year the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year. At the start of the current 3-year study cycle more than 800 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study, but only 195 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 25-35 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories. The Peck-Glasgow Agency was founded in 1922 and can offer insurance products from a number of different companies including AutoOwners Insurance, Cincinnati Insurance, Consumers Insurance, The Hartford, Progressive Insurance, State Auto Insurance and Travelers Insurance. For further information, please contact Art Glasgow of Peck-Glasgow Agency at 256-773-2210; Greg Mathis at 256-7729704 or www.peck-glasgow.com.
Websites are judged on design, copywriting, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology. The winning Red Sage Communications websites were: Standard of Excellence (Associations Category): Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, www.dcc.org Standard of Excellence (Energy Category): Decatur Utilities, www.decaturutilities.com “We were thrilled to hear that these two websites were recognized in this year’s WebAward. It is reassuring to know that industry experts felt that these websites were easy to navigate, had good content, and looked good, as these two sites in particular really serve the needs of our community,” said Ellen Didier, President of Red Sage Communications, Inc. “As we do a lot of work for community-based organizations, it was especially gratifying knowing that our websites were included in an international list of award winners that included some of the biggest advertising companies and best websites in the world.” For more information about how Red Sage helps customers increase the effectiveness of their communications programs and materials, visit www.redsageonline.com.
PARKWAY MEDICAL CENTER HONORED AMONG NATION’S TOP HOSPITALS Hospital Value Index™ Ranks Parkway #28 in the Nation Decatur, AL (Sept. 15, 2009) —Parkway Medical Center has been named a Top 100 Hospital™ by the 2009-2010 Hospital Value Index™, according to an independent national study of hospitals across the U.S, officials announced today.
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PECK-GLASGOW AGENCY, INC. continues for the 3rd consecutive year to be part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) Best Practices Study Group.
Two community websites developed by Red Sage Communications, Inc., of Decatur, Alabama, received “Standard of Excellence” Awards from the Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards, an international competition designed to judge top websites within 96 industries. In the 2009 competition, over 2,000 websites were submitted by Fortune 500 companies and leading interactive and advertising agencies located in 45 countries.
chamber chat
Decatur General was the first hospital in the state to be certified as a stroke center and one of only two hospitals in the state currently accredited as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The program is managed by Dr. Stephen Suggs and a highly skilled team of health care professionals including our medical staff, nurses, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, and emergency personnel. Dr. Suggs is one of three neurologists in the state recognized as a Fellow of the American Heart Association and is a member of their Stroke Council. Recently he became one of 8 physicians in the state to earn an additional board certification in Vascular Neurology. “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost,” said Dr. Suggs. Decatur General’s comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stoke is a critical step in saving lives and improving outcomes for these patients.”
Red Sage Communications Receives Two 2009 WebAwards for Community Sites
Conducted by Data Advantage, LLC, the nation’s leader in measuring healthcare value, the study ranked Parkway among the top 1% of all hospitals nationwide, achieving high marks in quality, affordability, efficiency and patient satisfaction. Specifically, the Hospital Value Index™ recognized Parkway in the following categories: Top 100 Hospital™ (Parkway ranked #28 in the nation.) Hospital Value Index™: Best Kept Secret Best in Value™ : Quality, Affordability & Efficiency, and Satisfaction Best in Value™: Superior Quality Merit Award Hospital Value Index™: Best in Region Hospital Value Index™: Best in State “We are extraordinarily proud of these honors at Parkway, as they reinforce our commitment to providing quality care affordably,” said Tim McGill, CEO of Parkway. “Our physicians and employees strive each day to make our hospital the leader in quality care, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and achievement of their goals.”
October 2009
Parkway Medical Center, a 120-bed, advanced full-service community hospital, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and has served the Decatur and Morgan County area for more than 80 years. For more information, please visit www.parkwayinspired.com.
2nd Quarter Each quarter, an outstanding Commodore earns the Commodore of the Quarter award as a dedicated member who serves above and beyond our expectations. This quarter’s Commodore of the Quarter award recipient is Larry Waye of Decatur Baptist Church. Larry is an outstanding example of what the Chamber’s Commodore Program represents.
Larry Waye Decatur Baptist Church
He is enthusiastic in his service to our community and is quick to volunteer for special Community events Larry participates in ribbon cuttings, Commodore meetings and various Chamber events.
October 2009
Larry is the Pastor to Adult Ministries at Decatur Baptist Church. The Chamber thanks Larry for his dedication to the Commodore Program and congratulates him for being presented with the “Commodore of the Quarter” award.
Commodore 2nd Quarter Sponsor
When Pets are family…
In a recent partnership, the Decatur-Morgan County Workforce Development Coalition and the Morgan County Economic Development Association saw a need for career guidance for both Morgan County students and adults in the workforce. Because of that need, Career Pathway was born. The goal of Career Pathway is to create an educated workforce in Morgan County that can meet the needs of the current and future global economy. The group wanted to produce a resource guide for students, educators, employers and job seekers to assist them on the path to a career – not just a job. This Resource Guide is now available for download at www.dcc.org or www.mceda.org. If you have more questions and would like information, please contact Charlotte McKelvy at 353-5312 or email Charlotte@dcc.org.
or t …we’ c o re the family d
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commodore of the quarter
Commodore of the Quarter
Ask about our Wellness Plans. 1241 Point Mallard Parkway The Crossings of Decatur inside PetSmart 301-6899
M
ake your brand the center of attention
• • • • • • • • • • •
Business Gifts Employee Relations Orientation Programs Corporate Communications Trade Show Traffic Builders Company Stores Generating New Customers or New Accounts Promotion of Brand Awareness and Brand Loyalty Employee Incentives New Product or Service Introduction Creative Custom Packaging
Dell Macklin Creative Ideas & Solutions 256.355.6809 www.dellmacklin.leewaynecatalog.com
we’re here for you
... just like family
When times get tough, it’s good to have family. And at Redstone Federal Credit Union, members are like family. Your credit union is convenient, safe and secure with a variety of accounts to meet your needs. If you’re not already a member, visit any of the 20 branches to learn how easy it is to join. Redstone Federal Credit Union is Alabama’s largest member-owned financial institution. You can trust Redstone Federal Credit Union – just like family. This Credit Union is Federally Insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Published for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce by Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Inc. P.O. Box 2213 • Decatur, Alabama 35609-2213 Charles W. Rogers Special Projects, Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Inc. 340-2354
Stephen V. Johnson Graphic Designer
(256) 353-5312 Fax: (256) 353-2384 E-Mail: chamber@dcc.org Internet: http://www.dcc.org
Address Service Requested
PO Box 2003 Decatur, Alabama 35602-2003
Tiffany Brightwell Editorial Coordinator/Writer
The information in this newsletter is gathered in such a way to ensure maximum accuracy. Tennessee Valley Printing Company and the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of all information furnished to it, nor the complete absence of errors and omissions; hence no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed.
Workforce Recruitment Campaign WAFF 48 is partnering with the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce for a powerful workforce recruitment campaign! This campaign will focus on employers who are hiring and spotlight jobs available in Decatur-Morgan County. Area leaders will announce that we have a great place to work. WAFF 48 will spearhead a workforce recruitment campaign that includes: Television commercials Job Fair at Turner-Surles Community Resource Center on Sept. 25 Internet advertising Job postings on WAFF.com This exclusive television offer is only available to members of the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce. To find out how you can be a part of this powerful workforce recruitment campaign, direct your questions to Denise Swain 256-564-5623 or Jennifer Martinez 256-564-5637 or send an email to waff48joblink@waff.com.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Decatur, AL