Business Connections

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce C o m m u n i t y • C o m m e rc e • C o l l a b o r a t i o n

Business Connections Chamber Celebrates Small Business Month QUICK FACTS Small Business Nominees’ Reception is June 23 at Ballantrae Golf Club. 2014 Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon is June 25 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena.

23 at Ballantrae Golf Club, Pelham (by invitation only).

• 2014 Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, sponsored by

Regions Bank, to recognize recipients on June 25. The Small Business of the Year, in four categories, will be recognized and the recipients in each category will be announced.

• 2014 Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Regions Bank, will also feature comments from Nick Pihakis from Jim ‘N Nick’s BAR-B-Q, sharing a local success story. The luncheon will be held from 11:00AM1:00PM on June 25 at the

Sponsor:

Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheatre Road in Pelham. The cost for members is $20 per person and $30 per person for “Future” members.

Reservations are requested by noon on Monday, June 23.

Call the Chamber at 6634542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

“Red Carpet Service” Workshop Offers Valuable Customer Service Tips The Chamber in collaboration with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Shelby County Office will be hosting a “Red Carpet Service” Workshop on June 5 (10:00AM-12:30PM) at the Hampton Inn & Suites 280 — Eagle Point, 6220 Farley Court, Birmingham.

This program, while designed for those businesses in the hospitality

industry (hotels, attractions, restaurants, etc.), will help Shelby County businesses of all sizes in the following areas: • Helping to make your business’ first impression the BEST it can be, • Understanding customers’ expectations, • Making sure you’re meeting your customers’ needs and improving their

experience and • Making a customer a REPEAT customer!

Sponsored by:

The investment for this workshop is $10 per person for Chamber members ($20 for “Future” members) — and includes lunch. Space is limited, so please RSVP

by Tuesday, June 3 via the Chamber’s website (www. shelbychamber.org) or by calling 663-4542.

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Newsletter

The Chamber’s Small Business Work Group will host events during the month of June, sponsored

by Regions Bank, as we Celebrate Small Business Month. With more than 70% of our Chamber members classified as small businesses we want to recognize the positive economic impact small business has on Shelby County.

Activities: • Small Business Nominees’ Reception on June

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Men of America, Live Healthy!

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To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life — William Londen Living a healthy life for an American male might seem like common sense.

Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12.1% of American men 18 years and older viewed their health as fair or poor. 33.9% of men over the age of 20 are obese.

31.7% of men over the age of 20 have hypertension. 22.2% of men over the age of 18 currently smoke cigarettes.

The three leading causes of death among adult men in the United States are heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical attention may help reduce your risk from conditions that lead to heart disease, stroke, and cancer. What are some things we can do to improve our health as men?

• Get good sleep. The average man needs between 7-9 hours of sleep, yet many of us get by with less than six hours of sleep a night.

Yet, inadequate sleep is associated with other diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. It can also lead to decreased focus at work and accidents.

• Eat a healthy diet. Limit foods high in saturated fats and sugar. Increase your intake in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and lean protein such as chicken and fish. Avoid eating foods high in calories.

Choose healthy snacks. And, drink plenty of water, at least six to eight glasses a day.

• Get moving and exercise. The CDC recommends adults need at least 2 1/2 hours hours of aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week. Regular exercise not only helps maintain stronger muscles and helps maintain bone density, but helps with focus and a sense of well-being.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Lose excess weight and keeping the weight off can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

A healthy weight can also improve joint pain from

arthritis and stamina.

• Stop smoking cigarettes.

Cigarette smoke has been associated with heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many other smoking-related conditions.

Smoking cessation has both immediate and long-term benefits.

• Manage your stress.

Uncontrolled stress can lead to poor sleep, decreased focus and work efficiency, and increase your risk of elevated blood pressure, gastric ulcers, anxiety, depression, and many other medical conditions.

• Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can increase your risk of various cancers including liver cancer, liver disease, gastric ulcers, obesity, and mental health disorders including depression. Excess alcohol consumption could lead to inability to perform well at work and cause strained relationships at home and work.

• See your primary care physician. All men, regardless of their condition, should be seen regularly by their primary care physician to have blood pressure, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood sugar and cholesterol

measured. Men beginning the age of 40 should have digital-rectal exams to ensure good prostate health and those 50 years old and older should also have an annual measure of their Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Men with no family history of colon cancer, abdominal pain, or gastrointestinal bleeding, should have a screening colonoscopy at the age of 50.

Various vaccinations based on age, medical history, and medical condition, are ways to prevent certain diseases, including vaccines for pneumonia, shingles, seasonal flu, as well as Tdap that vaccinates you for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Ask your doctor what other important preventative screens are appropriate for you.

So, if you havenít taken your health seriously, consider making a commitment to making some lifestyle changes to improve your health. Regardless of your age or medical condition, itís never too late to make a change. Letís begin today!

Article submitted by: Lawrence I. Lee, MS, MD Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge

Contact Us Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 1301 County Services Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 Office: (205) 663-4542 Fax: (205) 663-4524 info@shelbychamber.org www.shelbychamber.org 56 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Snapshots

The Chamber’s Education Work Group and volunteers held “Keeping It Real” at Oak Mountain High School in April. Students were given a “real life” scenario and asked to make choices based on variables such as marital status, job type, annual income, and expenses. Thank you to Legacy Community Federal Credit Union and The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road for co-sponsoring this program.

Congratulations to HeritageBank of the South in Pelham on its recent Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Branch Manager Phyllis Bolena was joined in support by Mayor Gary Waters, city officials, team members, family, friends,Greater Shelby and South Shelby Chamber Ambassadors.

The Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham hosted the Oak Mountain State Fair and held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony to kick off the opening of the week-long of family-friendly activites. Even Elmo joined in support on the eve of the grand opening!

Thank you to Legacy Community Federal Credit Union and The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road for co-sponsoring the “Keeping It Real” Program and to the numerous volunteers that joined in support. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Congratulations to HeritageBank of the South in Chelsea on its recent Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Branch Manager Kathy Brasher was joined in support by Mayor Earl Niven, city officials, team members, family, friends, Greater Shelby and South Shelby Chamber Ambassadors.

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The Chamber’s Small Business Work Group invited Dr. Molly Wasko, Associate Professor, Collat School of Business at UAB to present “What’s Your Social Media Strategy” Seminar sponsored by Charter Business. Shown (l-r): Jeff Brown, Brownstone Marketing & Chair Small Business Work Group, Dr. Molly Wasko, Cory Schultz, Charter Business.

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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Looking for New Business Contacts?

Business After Hours Is the Place To Be Shelby County’s next premier business networking event — sponsored by Shelby County Newspapers -- is scheduled for June 19 at Dixie Fish Company and if you’re looking for some new business contacts, Business After Hours is the place to be!

Come with plenty of business cards, and ready

to make some serious business contacts from 5:30PM-7:00PM — plus, you might even win a cash prize! The cost is $10 per person for Chamber members ($20 for “Future” members) and includes hors d’oeuvres

If you are interested in discussing advertising opportunities contact Rhett at 669-3131 or email rhett.

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mccreight@shelbycoutyreporter.com.

SMILE OUT LOUD. BRACES + INVISALIGN + INVISALIGN TEEN

as low as

Brandon Boggan, DMD, MS 205.664.4140 OrthoSouth.com PELHAM + CALERA

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$99 A MONTH

No down payment options available.

and two beverage coupons.

Advanced reservations are requested, so please make reservations via the Chamber’s website (www. shelbychamber.org) or by calling 663-4542.

Presenting Sponsor:

Greater Shelby Chamber Quarterly Industry Tour to be Held at Mspark The Greater Shelby Chamber’s Existing Business and Industry Work Group will host its second Quarterly Industry Tour sponsored by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon on Tuesday, June 24 at Mspark.

Mspark is a direct marketing company with the proven ability to engage 23 million households every month.

For more than 25 years, their programs have delivered measurable results and positive return on investment for businesses by connecting them with the consumers most likely to buy their products and services.

Join us to learn more about Mspark’s history and vision from COO, Ted Walton. Then tour the stateof-the-art, 131,000 square

foot, Alabaster production facility to see how they assemble 120 million direct mail promotions each month for delivery to mailboxes nationwide — right here in Shelby County!

Participants will arrive on-site at Mspark Production Facility, 1840 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 100, Alabaster. There is no cost to attend.

RSVP is requested by Wednesday, June 19. Please contact Brooke Story at 663-4542 ext. 105, email brooke@shelbychamber.org or register online at www. shelbychamber.org. Space is limited to the first 25 guests.

Sponsor:

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Members (As of April 22, 2014)

Alabama Law Services, LLC

Justin Smitherman

4685 Highway 17, Suite D, Helena

alabamalawservices.com

Attorneys

AdvaPay Systems, LLC

Darlene Tysinger

1678 Montgomery Hwy, Ste 104, Hoover

Alabama 4-H Center

Kristy Abrams

892 4-H Road, Columbiana

alabama4hcenter.org Education Enrichment/Event Meeting Space

Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic

Chad Mathis

P.O. Box 1826, Pelham

alabamaboneandjoint.com

Medical Specialized

Armstrong Relocation Company

William Carroll

212 Total Solutions Way, Alabaster

armstrongrelocation.com

Moving, Storage & Logistic Services

Barn Brat & Peddler’s Creek

Shawn Lipscomb

21011 Highway 25, Columbiana

barnbratonline.com

Retail Specialty Equine & More

Kee Properties, LLC

Elaine Ethridge

500 Norris Lane, Alabaster

Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

Meredith Smith

2000 Southbridge Pkwy, Ste 501, Birmingham

Michael Golden CPA, P.C.

Michael Golden

960 Mountain Oaks Drive, Birmingham

michaelgoldencpa.com Accounting

Q&Aid Research, LLC

Zhican Qu

120 Oxmoor Boulevard, Birmingham

zhicanqu@qandaid.com Health & Wellness

Whitetail Properties Real Estate

John Farley

P.O. Box 829, Alabaster

alabamalandforsale.land

advapaysystems.com

Payroll Services

Real Estate Commercial Accounting

Real Estate Land Sales

“Export 101” Workshop To Explore Overseas Opportunities for Small and Medium Sized Businesses On June 20 from 9:00AM11:00AM, Shelby County businesses will have the opportunity to meet with the Alabama Export Alliance and learn how to find and meet foreign demand for your products.

This hands-on workshop — co-hosted by the Chamber,

Shelby County Economic & Industrial Development Authority, the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Alabama Export Alliance — while geared toward small and medium sized businesses will benefit all companies, business leaders and Shelby County elected

officials whether they are new to exporting or looking to expand into new markets.

Attendees will learn: • What international markets should I target?

• How do I get started?

• Who are my reliable contacts there?

• What new resources are available?

There is no charge to attend this informative workshop, but reservations are requested.

Please RSVP via the Chamber’s website (www. shelbychamber.org) or by calling 663-4542.

June 2014 | 59 Shelbychamber.org

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mjcpa.com

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Chamber’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship Program Launches June 10

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The Chamber’s new Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship effort, sponsored by Charter Business, begins June 10. This new program is designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in a variety of ways.

First, from 8:00AM11:00AM Michael Smith with the The Great, The Good and The Gone will be available for a one-on-one confidential meeting with any entrepreneur or small business owner to discuss

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opportunities, challenges or any other issue they may be facing.

Appointments are required so please call Brooke Story, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support for availability on June 10 — or any future second Tuesday of the month during that timeframe.

Then from 11:30AM2:00PM that same day the Chamber will hold a “Go & Grow” Workshop on “How To Strategically Drive Marketing & Sales” for today’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The investment for this workshop is $10 per person for Chamber members ($20 for “Future” members) and includes lunch.

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations for this workshop via the Chamber’s website (www.shelbychamber.org) or by calling 663-4542.

Sponsor:

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

(as of 2/17/14)

Officers Bill Keller Regions Bank (Chair) Lisa McMahon Warren, Averett, LLC (Chair-Elect) Paul Rogers Aliant Bank (Vice Chair, Business Development) John D. Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC (Vice Chair, Communications) April Weaver Shelby Baptist Medical Center (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development) Keith Barfield Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration)

Joe Sullivan (2014) Sullivan Communications, Inc. Tim Bowen (2015) Alabama Power Company David Platt (2015) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama James E. Purvis (2015) A.C. Legg, Inc. Charlie Stevens (2015) Thompson Tractor, Inc. Tim Benefield (2016) Buffalo Rock Company Linda Cencula (2016) Alabama Telco Credit Union Steve Chapman (2016) Alabama Gas Corporation Kathy Copeland (2016) White Rock Quarries — Vincent Hills Bruce Fryer (2016) Lhoist North America

Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Vice Chair, Membership & Marketing)

Gregg Maercker (2016) First Commercial Bank

David L. Nolen Renasant Bank (Immediate Past Chair)

Chris Grace (*) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.

Directors

Amanda Mundy (*) Cardiovascular Associates

Katie McDowell (2014) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. David Schlueter (2014) Buck Creek Stained Glass

Sam Tucker (*) Charter Business (*) Serving a one-year term in 2014.

Michael Smith (2014) The Great, The Good, and The Gone

Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Kendall Williams for earning Ambassador of the Month.

Kendall is the Development Director for the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation.

The Foundation provides financial support for the Shelby County Schools District and strengthens interactive partnerships between parents, communities, businesses and educators to ensure that each student is offered maximum potential for achievement.

Kendall serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Shelby County, Leadership Shelby County Alumni Board, 2014 Chair of the Greater Shelby Chamber’s Ambassador Work Group and serves

on the Chamber’s Education and Workforce Development Work Group.

For more information about the Foundation and ways you can support Shelby County Schools, contact Kendall at k3williams@shelbyed.k12. al.us.

2014 CONTINUAL SPONSORS 280 Living A.C. Legg, Inc. America’s First Federal Credit Union AT&T of Alabama Business Telephones, Inc. FastSigns First Commercial Bank Graham & Associates, CPA’s HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation

Jefferson State Community College Legacy Community Federal Credit Union MetLife Financial Group of the South Shelby Baptist Medical Center Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. The UPS Store - Hoover The GREAT The GOOD and The GONE

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at Kai’s Koffee Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 11 and join us at Kai’s Koffee from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet! The morning meeting is designed for members to enjoy networking, coffee,

and light refreshments -all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNet events are a great way to make new business contacts so bring plenty of business cards.

There is no cost to attend

however reservations are requested by Monday, June 9 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

June 2014 | 61 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

GSCCC Board of Directors

GSCC Events

Find more details of what you can expect about any event listed by visiting the Greater Shelby County Chamberís website at: www.shelbychamber.org.

Register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542.

CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: If a reservation is made for a paying event and you are unable to attend, you will be charged for the event unless a cancellation request is made at least TWO business days prior to the event.

June 2014

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10 10 10 11 13

Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham “Red Carpet Service” Workshop 10:00AM - 12:30PM Hampton Inn & Suites 280 — Eagle Point, 6220 Farley Court, Birmingham RSVP requested by June 3 as lunch will be served.

Investment: Members $10, “Future” members $20.

Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship Program 8:00AM - 11:00AM Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & Gone Sponsor: Charter Business Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham By appointment. Contact Brooke Story at 663-4542 ext. 105.

Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 500, Birmingham Go & Grow Workshop “How To Strategically Drive Marketing & Sales” 11:30AM - 2:00PM Presented by Michael Smith, The GREAT, the GOOD, and The GONE Sponsor: Charter Business Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham RSVP requested by Friday, June 6.

Investment, Members $10, “Future” members $20.

CoffeeNet 8:30AM - 9:30PM Kai’s Koffee, 1973 Chandalar Dr., Suite B, Pelham No cost. RSVP requested by Monday, June 9.

Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham

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Education Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street South, Alabaster Board of Directors’ Meeting 8:15AM - 9:30AM Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham Business After Hours 5:30PM - 7:00PM Dixie Fish Company, 101 Resource Ctr Pkway, Birmingham Investment: Members $10, “Future” members $20.

Includes: Hot, heavy hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary beverages.

RSVP requested by Tuesday, June 17.

“Shelby County Export 101” Workshop 9:00AM - 11:00AM Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham No cost. RSVP requested by Thursday, June 19.

Small Business of the Year Nominees’ Reception 5:30PM - 7:00PM Hosted by: Small Business Work Group Sponsor: Regions Bank Ballantrae Golf Club (By Invitation Only.)

Quarterly Industry Tour 12:00PM - 2:00PM Hosted by: Existing Business & Industry Work Group Sponsor: Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Mspark Production Facility 1840 Corporate Woods Dr, Ste 100, Alabaster No cost. RSVP requested by Monday, June 23.

Membership Program - Small Business Awards Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30AM - 1:00PM. Hosted by: Small Business Work Group Sponsor: Regions Bank Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Rd., Pelham RSVP requested by noon, Monday, June 23.

Investment: Members $20,”Future” members $30.

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham