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
The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 3rd Annual Industry Appreciation Event on February 19 at Inverness Country Club from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. The purpose of this event is to recognize and thank industry for conducting business in Shelby County and share the positive impact those businesses have on our community. This year we will be recognizing the
Sponsor:
Chamber’s certified Green Businesses along with the businesses that hosted a quarterly Industry Tour in 2014. The Greater Shelby
County Chamber of Commerce and Shelby County Economic & Industrial Development Authority thank Regions Bank for sponsoring this
event. For more information on the Green Business Program, hosting an Industry Tour or attending the event, please contact Brooke Story at brooke@shelbychamber. org or by telephone at 6634542, ext. 105.
February Membership Program To Feature“State of the County” Presentation The Chamber’s February Membership Program will feature a “State of the County” presentation on February 25. The meeting, sponsored by Shelby County Newspapers, will be held in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. Doors will open at 11:00AM for business networking and the program will begin promptly at 11:30AM.
In addition to the great business networking, we’ll also hear from Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock on progress made last year and what’s in store for 2015. The cost is $20 per person for Chamber members and $30 per person for “Future” Members and includes a luncheon buffet. For more information, or to make a reservation visit www.
Sponsor:
Featured Speaker:
shelbychamber.org or please contact the Chamber at info@ shelbychamber.org or by telephone at 663-4542. February 2015 | 55 Shelbychamber.org
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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce is Hosting 3rd Annual Industry Appreciation Event
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Volunteers Needed for “Keeping It Real” Program in February
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The Chamber is seeking volunteers for a 1/2 - full day for its “Keeping It Real” program on Thursday, February 12 at Helena High School, 1310 Hillsboro Parkway, Helena and on Thursday, February 27 at Shelby County High School, 101 Washington Street, Columbiana. Volunteers would manage a station and assist 9th grade students as they “pay bills” and make “life choices” based on random-assigned life situations. The program is co-sponsored by The UPS Store Caldwell Mill/ Hoover and Legacy Community Federal Credit Union. If you, or your colleagues,
2015 Co-sponsors:
are interested in being a volunteer, please call Keyla Handley at 663-4542, ext. 106 or email keyla@ shelbychamber.org. Volunteers would arrive as early as 7:30AM and the program would conclude by 3:00PM. Lunch is provided for all volunteers.
“Keeping It Real” program at Montevallo High School
“Keeping It Real” program at Calera High School
The “Keeping It Real” program took Shelby County students to a whole new reality recently at Calera and Montevallo High Schools. The program teaches 9th grade students about “real world” life choices by giving them a random “life scenario” which includes marital/ family status, education, job and salary. The students then have to pay bills based on the random scenario. It has been an eyeopening experience for the 9th graders to say the least!
Seeking Volunteers to Share Expertise at the Chamber’s Career Awareness Fair The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Career Awareness Fair for Shelby County 10th grade students on April 23-24 at the Shelby County Exhibition Center. The program, sponsored by Legacy Community Federal Credit Union, is an opportunity for business professionals to share 1/2 - 1 day with students the education and/ or training requirements, salary range, workplace expectations and more needed to be employed in
Sponsor:
your respective field. We are seeking volunteers in the professions listed at right to address students in the real world of work. If you or someone in your organization is interested in sharing your expertise, please contact Keyla Handley at 663-4542 ext. 106 or E-mail keyla@shelbychamber.org for more information.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Arts, AV Technology & Communication Business Management & Administration Education & Training Finance Government & Public Administration Health Science Hospitality & Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections, Security Manufacturing Marketing Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Transportation, Distribution, Logistics
If you are interested in discussing advertising opportunities contact Rhett at 669-3131 or email rhett.mccreight@shelbycoutyreporter.com. 56 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating Growth in Shelby County
Gameday in Style held its official Ribbon Cutting ceremony to mark its grand opening in Inverness Corners. Owner Sylvia Gonda was joined by husband Matt, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors. Gameday in Style is a women’s boutique specializing in the hottest trends in unique fashions, accessories, handmade jewelry and fun gifts.
The Greater Shelby Chamber was honored to attend the Calera Chamber luncheon and the unveiling of the stone berm for the $14 million dollar Eagle Sports Complex which Lhoist North America has committed $7 million and the City of Calera has matched. When completed, the Eagle Sports Complex will be a 65 acre park providing a multitude of amenities for the city.
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2015 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Let’s Stop Heart Disease!
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From a study done across the world, 90% of your risk for a heart attack can be determined by a simple clinic visit and inventorying 6 common risk factors. These are: 1. Physical inactivity. Everyone should get 30 minutes of aerobic or symptom-limited activity 5 days a week or 150 minutes per week. If formal exercise is difficult, a pedometer can gauge your activity level. The American Heart Association suggests 10,000 steps per day. 2. Overweight/obesity. You should know where you stand with body mass index. This is your body weight divided by surface area of skin. The correct ratio is 25 or less. A body mass index over 30 qualifies as obese. It is predicted that in Alabama in 2015 Health Focus Sponsor
2030, 62% of our population will be obese. If you are in this category, a formal dietary intervention is worthwhile (such as weight watchers). 3. Tobacco use. If you smoke or are around secondhand smoke then you are depleting your heart artery reserves and battering the artery walls with a risk factor that is most likely to take the young, productive members of this world from us. It is important to set a quit date. The number one indicator of whether you will quit is how many times you have tried. You must get smoking out of your environment. Then set a date that is at least 7 days away and not further than a month away and do your best. If you slip, you will have the experience of temporary success and it will be easier next time. Keep working on it. 4. Hypertension. The ideal blood pressure is 115/75. For every 20 points on top and 10 points on bottom that you go up, your risk of stroke (and heart attack and death) is doubled. When you are over
50, it is the top number that is most important. So, when your blood pressure is 195 on top, your risk of stroke is 16-fold higher. The average number of pills it takes to control blood pressure in the US is 3.2. So, it might take some work, but simple medication for blood pressure might be the most important intervention we have to improve cardiovascular health in Alabama. You should have your blood pressure checked and get it controlled. 5. High cholesterol. You should have yours tested and often treated with medications if it is high and you have other risk factors on this list or have had a prior heart attack or stroke. 6. Diabetes. A fasting blood sugar can give you a good gauge of your risk for it and diagnose it. Treating it is valuable for preventing heart attack, blindness, and the need for dialysis. Each of these risk factors doubles or triples your risk
for a heart Unfortunately, they are more potent
attack. together
at causing havoc, such that 3 wrong makes your risk 13-fold higher and 4 wrong makes your risk 42fold higher. It really takes a comprehensive strategy for inventorying and then controlling each of these risk factors to prevent heart disease and stroke, and keep you functionally able and independent for as long as possible. For additional information about heart health, please contact us at 510-5000. Article submitted by: Andrew P. Miller, M.D., FACC, FAHA, FASH, CardioVascular Associates
Go & Grow Workshop
“Using Media To Grow Your Business”
On February 10, the Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop -- sponsored by Charter Business and facilitated by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone -- will provide strategies and action steps for attendees to use various forms of media to grow their business. Topics covered during this hands-on and interactive workshop include: How To Use the Media To Find Opportunities To 58 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org
Sponsor:
Grow Your Business. Once Opportunities Are Identified, How Do You Engage Them? Where Does Your Social Media Program Come Into Play? How Do You Use Media To Help Get Your Message and Name Out? The workshop will be on
Tuesday, February 10 from 11:30AM-2:00PM at the Chamber. There is no cost to attend, but lunch is available for $10 per person for Chamber members ($20 for “Future” members). To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations by Monday, February 9 for this
workshop. Register online at www.shelbychamber. org or by contacting Brooke Story, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support via e-mail at brooke@shelbychamber.org or by calling 663-4542, ext. 105.
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Welcome New Members (As of January 1, 2015)
Bahama Buck’s Original Shaved Ice Co.
Jay Yarborough
2300 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham
Birmingham Marriott Hotel
Michael Miraglia
3590 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham
marriott.com/bhmmc
Favorite Laundry
Kim Anderson
100 Croft St, Birmingham
Oh My Boutique & Gifts
A.J. Cooper
72 B Fulton Springs Rd, Alabaster
Salon Alisel and Kids
Rebecca Zavala
1240 1st Street No, Ste 100, Alabaster
Sealy Management Co. Inc
Heather Shipley
1200 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa
facebook.com/salonaliselandkids sealyrealty.com
State Farm Insurance, Tyler Rutledge Agency
Tyler Rutledge
Truitt Tingle & Paramore, LLC
5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Ste 202, Birmingham
Ken Howell
Turtle Lake Apartment Homes Marilyn Hare
16054 Highway 280, Ste 1600, Chelsea
One Turtle Lake Dr, Birmingham
bahamabucks.com
savingwithtyler.com ttpcpa.com
turtlelakeapts.info
Chamber’s Mentorship Program Providing Much Needed Assistance 2015 Sponsor:
employee. The next Mentorship sessions will be held Tuesday, February 10 from 8:00AM-11:00AM. During that time, Michael Smith with the The Great, The Good and The Gone will be available for a one-on-one
confidential meeting with any small business owner or entrepreneur to discuss any topic. Appointments are required and usually last 30-45 minutes. Please contact Brooke Story, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development &
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The Chamber’s Small Business Mentorship program sponsored by Charter Business has provided much needed assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Participants have received guidance on starting a new business, expanding an existing business, launching a new product, downsizing and dealing with a difficult
Support, at 663-4542 ext. 105 or via e-mail at brooke@ shelbychamber.org for availability on February 10.
Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies Located Inside Snider’s Pharmacy in Chelsea Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 11 and join us at Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies Located Inside Snider’s Pharmacy, 15582 Highway 280 in Chelsea 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, February 9 to assist in preparation. Please contact the
Contact Us
Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
2015 CoffeeNet Sponsor:
Chamber by phone at 6634542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.
1301 County Services Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 Office: (205) 663-4542 • Fax: (205) 663-4524 info@shelbychamber.org www.shelbychamber.org February 2015 | 59 Shelbychamber.org
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
GSCCC Board of Directors (As of 11/30/14)
Officers Lisa McMahon Warren Averett, LLC (Chair) Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Chair-elect) Bill Keller Regions Bank (Immediate Past Chair) John Browing Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support)
Jim Purvis (2015) A. C. Legg, 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 QuarriesVincent Hills Bruce Fryer (2016) Lhoist North America
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April Weaver Shelby Baptist Medical Center (Vice Chair, Communications)
Dominic Buompastore (2017) Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development)
Bill Connor (2017) America’s First Federal Credit Union
Gregg Maercker First Commercial Bank (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Membership & Marketing) Board of Directors Tim Bowen (2015) Alabama Power Company William Carroll (2015) Armstrong Relocation & Companies David Platt (2015) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Chris Grace (2017) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Michael Smith (2017) The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE Sam Tucker (2017) Charter Business Andrew McGee (*) Hampton Inn & Suites 280 at Eagle Point Jeff Brown (*) Brownstone Marketing Solutions Amanda Mundy (*) Cardiovascular Associates David Schlueter (*) Buck Creek Stained Glass Brent Stewart (*) Renasant Bank *Serving a one-year term in 2015.
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2015 Continual Sponsors (As of January 1, 2015) 280 Living A.C. Legg, Inc. America’s First Federal Credit Union Business Telephones, Inc. FastSigns First Commercial Bank Graham & Associates, CPA’s HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Jefferson State Community College Legacy Community Federal Credit Union M.J. Harris, LLC Shelby Baptist Medical Center Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Hoover The GREAT the GOOD and the GONE University of Montevallo
Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Rob Gerchow for achieving Ambassador of the Month. Rob Gerchow is the Mold/ Bio Key Accounts Manager for SERVPRO of Birmingham. Rob has over 25 years of sales experience with companies such as Hartz Mountain Pet Supplies, Kraft Corporation, & Cook’s Pest Control. Working to build relationships, brand awareness, and education about SERVPRO and the restoration industry, Rob currently oversees Mold Remediation and Biohazard Response for SERVPRO of Birmingham. SERVPRO of Birmingham serves all of Shelby and Jefferson counties. They specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial 2015 Ambassador Program Sponsor:
properties after fire, smoke, or water damage. They also remediate mold and conduct biohazard cleanup. SERVPRO’s staff is highly trained in property damage restoration - from initial ongoing training at SERVPRO Corporate headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to regular IICRC industry certifications. Backed by a nationwide system of over 1,600 qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Birmingham. SERVPRO of Birmingham also provides carpet, upholstery, and HVAC duct system cleaning. For more information, or to schedule services, please call 205-6646770 today.
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Join Us at the Inaugural Healthy Lifestyle Expo on February 5 The Chamber’s Health Services Work Group is hosting its first Healthy Lifestyles Expo! The 1/2 day event, sponsored by Shelby Baptist Medical Center, will be held from 8:30AM until noon on February 5 at the Alabaster YMCA, 117 Plaza Circle, Alabaster. The event is FREE and open to the public! There will be health screenings, nutrition and physical activity 2015 Healthy Lifestyle Expo Sponsor:
demonstrations, an on-site cooking demonstration and expo booths to visit that will be full of tips, techniques and more on making healthy lifestyle choices. The expo is FREE! There will be an opportunity to enjoy lunch at a minimal cost. If you are interested in having lunch that day or would like more details, contact Keyla Handley, Director, Community & Workforce Development at 663-4542, ext. 106.
Entrepreneur Roundtable II Formed Building on the success of an exciting new program started last July, the Chamber is pleased to announce a second Entrepreneur Roundtable was established in January. The Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program-- sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc.-is part problem-solving, part information-gathering and contacts building. Participating business owners from non-competing companies meet for a confidential, peer-to-peer session each month to gain valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements,
2015 Entrepreneur Roundtable Sponsor:
and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of their mistakes. The Roundtable program is exclusive for the single individual responsible for the direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions. For additional information on the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program - or for an application to join either Roundtable I or Roundtable II - please contact Brooke Story at 663-4542 ext 105.
Vicki Everett Named 2014 Ambassador of the Year Congratulations to Vicki Everett, Juice Plus+ Franchise Owner, for being named the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 2014 Ambassador of the Year! Vicki has been an Ambassador with the Chamber for four years and loves promoting Shelby County, the great county she lives and works in daily! She is a former Special Education teacher and administrator whose passion is educating and counseling children and adults in the role whole food nutrition plays in our health and how to make healthy lifestyle choices for better health. Juice Plus+ has been a daily part of Vicki’s life for more than 13 healthy years and she feels ethically and professionally responsible to share it with others. Juice Plus+ is a 22 year old global business, reaching 20+ countries, and is the most thoroughly researched brand name whole food nutritional product in the world with 23+ 2015 Ambassador Program Sponsor:
studies published in peer reviewed medical journals. Juice Plus+ is 32 vine ripened vegetables, fruits, berries and 2 grains picked fresh from THE FARM to CAPSULE or SOFT CHEW. Or you can grow your own produce with our TOWER GARDEN by JUICE PLUS+, an aeroponic vertical gardening system for the patio or poolside ... serving TOWER to TABLE. Vicki is active in her community and throughout Shelby County with her church, professional organizations, Highland Lakes Garden Club President, and an Ambassador with the Greater Shelby County and South Shelby County Chambers of Commerce, giving back to the community with her time and talents. For more information about Juice Plus+, call Vicki at 205-332-5255 or visit http:// vickieverett.juiceplus.com.
February 2015 | 61 Shelbychamber.org
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Save the Date!
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
GSCC Events
Find more details of what you can expect about any event listed by visiting the Greater Shelby County Chamber’s 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.
February 2015
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11:30AM - 1:00PM - Ambassadors Work Group Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 4:00PM - 5:00PM - Small Business Work Group Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 8:30AM - 12:00PM - Healthy Lifestyles Expo Sponsor: Shelby Baptist Medical Center Alabaster YMCA 117 Plaza Circle, Alabaster No cost. Open to members & community. 8:00AM - 11:00AM - Small Business Mentorship Appointments Michael Smith, The GREAT, the GOOD, and The GONE Sponsored by: Charter Business Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham By appointment. Contact Brooke Story at 663-4542, ext. 105. 8:30AM - 9:30AM - Existing Business & Industry Work Group Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 500, Birmingham 11:30AM - 1:00PM - Go & Grow Workshop “Using Media To Grow Your Business” Presented by Michael Smith, The GREAT, the GOOD, and The GONE Sponsor: Charter Business Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham Reservations requested by Monday, February 9 as lunch will be served. Investment: Members $10, “Future” members $20. 8:30AM - 9:30AM - CoffeeNet Sponsor: Business Telephones, Inc. Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies located inside Snider’s Pharmacy 15582 Highway 280, Chelsea No cost. RSVP requested by Monday, January 9.
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8:00AM - 3:00PM - Keeping It Real Program Sponsors: Legacy Community Federal Credit Union & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Hoover Helena High School, 1310 Hillsboro Pkwy, Helena Volunteers needed. Contact Keyla Handley, 663-4542, ext. 106 8:30AM - 9:30AM - Health Services Work Group Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 8:00AM - 10:00AM - Entrepreneur Rountable I
8:30AM - 9:30AM - Education Work Group Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street South, Alabaster 8:15AM - 9:30AM - Board of Directors’ Meeting Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 4:00PM - 6:00PM - 3rd Annual Industry Appreciation Event Inverness Country Club, #1 Country Club Drive, Birmingham By invitation only. 8:30AM - 10:30AM - Entrepreneur Roundtable II Membership Program - State of the County Sponsor: Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30AM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd., Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, February 23. Investment: Members $20, “Future” members $30. 8:30AM - 9:30AM - Governmental Affairs Work Group Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham 8:00AM - 3:00PM - Keeping It Real Program Sponsors: Legacy Community Federal Credit Union & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Hoover Shelby County High School, 101 Washington St, Columbiana Volunteers needed. Contact Keyla Handley, 663-4542, ext. 106