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
December 2017 Business Connections 4th Quarterly Industry Tour to Visit Pelham’s Sign Faces
The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group is holding its fourth Quarterly Industry Tour, sponsored by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc., from 10:30AM until 11:30AM on December 5th at Sign Faces in Pelham. “faces” (Sign Faces, LLC) is a one-stop wholesale manufacturer of custom signs; including channel
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letters, custom cabinets, pole covers, thermo-formed vinyl, polycarbonate faces, architectural signage, and routed aluminum faces with push-thru letters. The company sells only to the
sign industry and does not have any form of retail trade. Faces specializes in manufacturing the signage projects that might burden your time, staff, energy or interest. Its team can accommodate a variety of order needs, whether it’s a small job that might detain your shop or a large job that you might not have the capacity to complete.
Participants will meet on site at 652 Stuart Lane, Pelham, AL 35124. There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested to assist with preparation. Space is limited, register by December 1 to Payton Thomas at payton@ shelbychamber.org or 6634542 ext. 105 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org/events.
Jackson Pruett Joins Chamber Staff As Director of Business Support & Development Jackson Pruett has joined the Chamber staff team as its new Director of Business Support and Development. Pruett, who was formerly a Project Manager with the Shelby County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, is a 2015 graduate of Auburn University, majoring in Political Science.
In his role with the Chamber, Pruett will coordinate the Chamber’s Business Contact program which is designed to meet with existing businesses throughout Shelby County to identify any challenges or opportunities they might have. In addition, Pruett will direct all of the Chamber’s programs coordinated through the
organization’s Small Business and Existing Business & Industry work groups, which include: “Annual Small Business Celebration,” “Annual Industry Appreciation Reception,” “Quarterly Industry Tours,” “Green Business” program, “Entrepreneurial Roundtable,” etc.
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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Health Focus of the Month: How to Stay Stress Free for the Holidays
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Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, oh my! A multitude of holidays are right around the corner and with it comes the expected stress of family, food and finances. W h i l e stress is Goyal unavoidable, remember it can lead to
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hypertension, depression and inflammation. All of these factors can then contribute to cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. So if we can’t avoid it, how do we deal with stress? First and foremost, relax. Take a deep breath in and remind yourself about the true meaning of the
not over indulge in alcohol. While the occasional glass of eggnog or beer is okay, excessive amounts affect our mind and body. Not to mention leading to holidays. Exercise, whether at arguments with that certain the gym, the park, or the mall brother-in-law no one really (leave your credit card at home!) likes. is a great way to clear your mind Most of all, have fun. Enjoy while exercising your heart. your family. And remember, This is also an important way to Roll Tide. reduce inflammation in the Dr. Munish K. Goyal body and helps burn off that Interventional Cardiologist extra slice of your Aunt’s famous Heart South Cardiovascular pecan pie. Also remember to Group, PC
3rd Edition of Chamber’s Shelby County Map Offers Visibility & Opportunity Our 2nd edition printed map is just about gone, so your Chamber is partnering with Town Square Publications to produce our 3rd edition printing. This formidable marketing tool is the only map distributed by the Chamber to investors, potential newcomers, tourists, visitors, etc. The map, published in full-color street detail, will be used by families and businesses relocating to Shelby County and a valuable resource for business travelers and long-time residents. The 3rd Edition of this Shelby County map will include: uDistribution - thousands of full-color, updated printed maps featuring schools, hospitals, parks and 64 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org
development areas will be distributed through the Chamber. uPinpoints - Chamber sponsor business locations will be pinpointed on the map. uOnline Viewing - At publication, the printed version of the map will be hyper-linked to the Chamber’s website where you can view online community information, a directory of sponsors and your printed advertisement alongside your street location mini-map. uNational Website Listing - Chamber sponsor businesses will be included on the Community Profile Network which receives over 2.5 million hits a month! uAd Preparation - may submit your ad to Town Publications Complimentary advertising Square preparation is available, or you electronically.
Voluntary investment advertising helps support this project, and is another valuable way to “introduce” your business, product or service to Chamber investors, new businesses, new residents and visitors to Shelby County. If you would like to be a part of this valuable and informative project, please contact fellow Chamber investor Elise Hearn at 821-2270 or via email at elise@elisehearn.com to review the details. There is limited space availability so if you are interested in being in this publication, we encourage you to contact Elise as soon as is feasible. You may view our 2nd Shelby County Community Map online at: http://local. townsquarepublications.com/ alabama/shelbycounty.
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtables Offer Peer-to-Peer Support
mistakes. And once you bring an issue or challenge to the table, the roundtable participants offer advice based on their own experiences and at the next
meeting they will ask you about the progress you’ve made since the last meeting. The Roundtable program is exclusive for the single individual responsible for the
direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions. There are currently two groups that meet — Entrepreneur Roundtable I which meets in Hoover and Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 which meets on Highway 280 — each month to discuss opportunities, challenges and more. For additional information on the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program — or an application to join one of the groups —please contact Chamber President Kirk Mancer by phone at 663-4542 ext. 101 or via e-mail at kirk@ shelbychamber.org.
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The New Year is right around the corner and many of you will be setting your goals for 2018. This could be a prime opportunity for you to consider joining one of two of the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable programs. What’s the purpose of an Entrepreneur Roundtable? It’s part problem-solving, part information-gathering and contact building. Participating business owners from noncompeting companies meet for a confidential, peer-topeer forum each month to gain valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of their
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Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Ken Sawyer on earning Ambassador of the Month. Ken is a native of Mobile, AL and received a BA from Samford University with a major in Human Relations. He also holds a Master of Education from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With more than thirty years of experience, Ken has served in many capacities in the Information Technology industry. He has worked for multi-national corporations and been a part of numerous technology startups. He currently holds certifications as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM and a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD). Ken is the CEO of Sawyer Solutions which provides managed security and IT services, software development and consulting. He is also a
GSCCC Board of Directors (as of 10/11/2017)
Officers Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Chair) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Chair-elect) Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Immediate Past Chair) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support)
Ambassador Program Presented in 2017 by:
Jim Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Bill Connor America’s First Federal Credit Union (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration)
proud member of InfraGard and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). Contact Ken for your Information Technology needs at (844) 448-7767 or visit him on the web at sawyersolutionsllc. com.
Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Investor Development) Board of Directors Matt Fridy (2017) Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt 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 Craig Sorensen (2017) SouthWest Water Company
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Mike Swinson (2017) Spire Alabama, Inc. Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Alison D. Howell (2018) Alabama Power Company Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Bruce King (2019) Lhoist North America Jay Dennis (2019) Regions Bank Mike Rickman (2019) Brookwood Baptist Health System Charles Hall (2019) Grandview Medical Center Mitt Schroeder (2019) Central State Bank April Harry (*) Warren, Averett LLC Mark Meadows (*) Chick-fil-A @ Inverness Rocky Patel (*) Hampton Inn & Suites-Pelham David Platt (*) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama Keith Richards (*) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Mechelle Wilder (*) ARC Realty (*) Serving a one-year term in 2017
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Welcome New Investors (as of 11/3/2017)
BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. Ellis, Head, Owens & Justice Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc. Hope Finley Photography & Videography Interstellar Ginger Beer and Exploration Co. Iron City Floors MannaMarket Mobile Fleet Specialists of Birmingham, Inc. Momentum Etc. Shaggy Chic Grooming South Oak Title Pelham, LLC Vulcan Steel Products Youngevity Communications - Bonnie Sult
Alabaster Columbiana Birmingham Columbiana Birmingham Pelham Birmingham Alabaster Birmingham Jemison Pelham Pelham Meadowbrook
Distributors Attorneys Architects Advertising & Marketing Services Beverage Flooring, Carpet, Hardwood Community/Service Organizations Automobile Repair Administrative Services Pet Grooming Services Real Estate Manufacturer Business Communications
For a complete listing of all current Chamber investors please visit our Online Business Directory at business.shelbychamber.org/list.
Your Greater Shelby County Chamber is teaming up again this year -- with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business -- to determine what Shelby County business people think our local 2018 business outlook will look be. To do that, we’re asking Chamber investors to take a few moments to complete our 2018 Business Climate Survey — developed by the Chamber’s Small Business Work Group &
Dr. Stephen Craft, Dean of the Stephens College of Business — to provide important feedback on business issues affecting your company in 2018. All individual responses will be kept confidential, but the overall results will be released
we’ll all have a better idea of what business people like you think 2018 will hold for Shelby County. and shared in composite during You can complete the survey the Chamber’s 2018 Business by going online at www. Outlook Conference co-hosted by the Stephens College of shelbychamber.org. Access the survey by clicking on the “2018 Business. In addition, the Business Outlook Survey” information will also be shared rotator slide on the front page of with economic developers, the website. elected officials and the media so
2018 Legislative Preview Luncheon with Shelby County Delegation The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group will host the annual “State Legislative Preview Luncheon” featuring the Shelby County state legislative delegation as they prepare for the upcoming 2018 legislative session scheduled to begin on February 9, 2018. This
meeting will provide area businesspeople with the opportunity to meet with the County’s state legislative delegation prior to the State Legislature’s convening in Montgomery. The luncheon will be from 11:30AM - 1:00PM on Thursday,
January 4 and feature a brief presentation from the delegation followed by a “question & answer” period for attendees. The program will be held at Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby Campus (4600 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242).
The investment is $15 for Chamber investors, and $25 for “Future” investors. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by no later than Tuesday, January 2, 2018 by calling 663-4542, via e-mail at info@shelbychamber. org or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.
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Shelby County’s Business Climate in 2018 Will Be___________?
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
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Join Our County’s Progress by Joining a Chamber Work Group in 2018
The following is a list of Work Groups along with a brief description of each. Joining a Work Group is an easy process — simply contact the Chamber and let us know! You will then be contacted by the appropriate Chamber Staff member or Work Group Chair.
“Communication Matters” for 11th graders and “Student & Teacher of the Year Awards” which recognizes excellence in our classrooms. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month @ 8:30AM @ Shelby County Instructional Services Center
AMBASSADORS GROUP - Sponsored by NobleBank & Trust Serve as goodwill ambassadors between the Chamber and new or relocated businesses. Assists with Chamber events, programs, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings and other investor outreach efforts as needed. There is an additional expense for serving on this group which covers monthly lunches and other materials. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month @ 11:30AM @ the Chamber
ENTREPRENEUR ROUNDTABLE PROGRAM (ERT) - Sponsored by Graham & Associates Program designed for the individual responsible for the direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions. Participants gain valuable insights through monthly meetings of their group which are held January through November with other owners of their companies. There is an application process for this program and an additional annual expense of which covers the monthly breakfast or lunch. ERT I Meets 3rd Friday of each month 7:30-8:30AM ERT280 Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month 11:30AM-12:30PM
CAREER READINESS GROUP - Promote importance of career development and the promotion of a qualified workforce for Shelby County. Organize the following EXISTING BUSINESS & programs: “Keeping It Real” for GROUP 9th graders, “Career Awareness INDUSTRY Fair” for 10th graders, Recognize and support local
industries through tours, legislative actions, seminars and other appropriate means. Also, coordinate the Chamber’s Green Business recognition program and organize the annual Industry Appreciation Event. Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 8:30AM @ iBERIABANK - Pelham Branch GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS GROUP - Serve as the liaison between our elected officials at the local, state and federal levels and our membership, regarding business/commerce specific issues. Coordinate development of the Chamber’s annual Public Policy Agenda as well as Montgomery Drive-In and other events. Meets 4th Thursday of each month @ 8:30AM @ Sain Associates HEALTH SERVICES GROUP - Promote the importance of good health, wellness and education for Shelby County businesses. Coordinate the “Health Focus of the Month” in the Chamber newsletter, seminars on healthrelated topics and a “Healthy Lifestyles Expo”.
Meets 2nd Friday of each month @ 8:30AM @ the Chamber SMALL BUSINESS GROUP - Sponsored by Brownstone Marketing Solutions Promote the economic success of small businesses through a variety of events, seminars and workshops. Organize annual “Small Business Celebration” activities. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month @ 4:00PM @ the Chamber TOURISM & RECREATION GROUP Serve as the liaison between all sectors of Shelby County’s tourism and recreation industry. Provide assistance in promotion and development of tourismrelated events and recreational activities throughout Shelby County. Encourage the use of Shelby County hotels, campgrounds, parks, bed & breakfasts and other participating lodging facilities during our visitors’ stay in our communities. Meets 1st Friday of each month @ 8:30AM at locations throughout Shelby County
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Facebook: 41 New Likes, 91 Visits and 10,256 Post Reaches, Total Likes 2,816. Twitter: 2,880 Followers, 118 Tweets, 12.2K Tweet impressions, 196 Profile Visits and 11 Mentions. Instagram: 425 Posts, 509 Followers. Responded to 164 requests for business & community information. Notarized 24 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies. 68 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
CELEBRATING GROWTH
2017 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor
2017 Ribbon Sponsor
Thank you Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ for providing the ribbon and bows for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.
Congratulations to The Cottage of Serendipity on its recent move/ Grand Opening in Pelham. If you are seeking a unique gift for yourself, or someone else, this is a ‘must stop and shop’ location. Cynthia Elmore was joined in support by Mayor Gary Waters, City Officials, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors.
Scotch Homes/ RealtySouth Inverness held a Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Phase Two of Willow Branch subdivision in Chelsea. Wayne Scotch, Jr. cut the celebratory ribbon and was joined in support by his wife, REALTORS from RealtySouth Inverness and Chamber Ambassadors.
Congratulations to Vinehouse Nursery on its Grand Opening Ceremony coupled with an Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Owner Khiari McAlpin was joined in support by family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors.
Smith Chiropractic held a Grand Opening Ceremony to commemorate its new and expanded facility in Chelsea. Owner Ben Smith was joined by his wife, Je Anne, staff, Chelsea Mayor Tony Pickleshimer, City Officials and Chamber Ambassadors.
Feel the Cheer of the Holiday Season at Dec. 19 Business After Hours
The Greater Shelby County, Montevallo and South Shelby Chambers are collaborating to host Shelby County’s premier business networking event which has a “holiday” theme this month to “celebrate the season” at the next Business After Hours event presented by Sawyer Solutions, LLC. Bring plenty of business cards, come ready to make
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some serious business contacts and earn a chance to win some prizes on December 19 from 5:30PM-7:00PM at The Main Street Tavern, 710 N Boundary St, Montevallo.
The cost — which includes hot, heavy hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons — for any Chamber investor is $10 per person and $20 for “Future” investors.
Reservations are required, so please register via email at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 663-4542 or online at www.shelbychamber.org by December 18.
Payton Thomas To Assume Role As Chamber’s Manager of Operations Payton Thomas, who joined the Chamber’s professional staff as the Manager of Business Development and Support, will take on a new position with the organization as the Manager of Operations. In his new role, Thomas will coordinate
and manage all of the Chamber’s events and programs held throughout the program year. He will also provide direct staff support for the organization’s Ambassador program and coordinate ribbon-cuttings and
ground-breakings. Thomas graduated from Shelby County High School, attended Jefferson State Community College and is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Finance. ShelbyLiving.com 69 Shelbychamber.org
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Interstellar Ginger Beer and Exploration Co. recently held its Grand Opening and Open House in Alabaster. Owner Shane Kelly was joined in support by family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors. This is a must visit experience for homemade brews and glow in the dark beer.
Covenant Heating & Cooling recently celebrated moving into its new facility in Alabaster. Operations Manager DonDee Crowson cut the ribbon and was joined in support by Mayor Marty Handlon, City Officials, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors.
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER Events
Read more details or register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542. Unless otherwise noted events listed will be held at 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 35124. CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: Cancellation for a paying event must be made TWO days prior to the event.
December 2017
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“Keeping It Real” Program 7:30AM - 3:00PM Sponsors: ECO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road Tourism and Recreation Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Rotates around Shelby County.
Quarterly Industry Tour 10:30AM - 11:30PM SIgn Faces, 652 Stuart Lane, Pelham, 35124 Sponsor: Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. No cost. Reservations required. Lunch will be served. Career Readiness Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Sponsor: NobleBank & Trust
Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Sponsor: Brownstone Marketing Solutions
Education Connections 8:30AM - 9:30PM Montevallo High School, 980 Oak St, Montevallo
Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM
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Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham
Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham Entrepreneur Roundtable I 11:30AM - 12:30PM Sponsor: Graham & Associates, CPAs
Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30AM - 12:30PM Sponsor: Graham & Associates, CPAs
Holiday Business After Hours 5:30PM-7:00PM Sponsor: Sawyer Solutions, LLC. The Tavern, 710 N Boundary St, Montevallo Investment: $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors - includes heavy hors díoeuvres and two beverage tickets. RSVP requested by noon Monday, December 18. Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:30PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required. Christmas Holiday - Chamber closed.
OUT & ABOUT
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THOMPSON AT SPAIN PARK FOOTBALL PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS
Thompson’s football team visited Spain Park High School on Friday, Oct. 13, for an important region showdown.
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1. Jarrod Kennington, Cindy Kennington, Davis Kennington, Jay Kennington, Noah Burns, Jimmy White, Suzanne White, Jimmy Dozier, Dillon Best, Sandra Dozier and Cooper White. 2. Gracie Hicks, Michele Hicks and Maggie Hicks. 3. Mason Arledge, Molly Tant, Alyssa Ansley, Abby Turnbow, Jakson Beaubien, Reece Eberhardt, Conner Eberhardt, Ana Rosato, Camilla Covey and Jonavan Arguedas. 4. Molly Cowan, Kate Mercer and CC Scott.
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5. Raegan Bailey and Megan Hurley. 6. Mavis Laney, Erian Maxwell, Lindsey Coffman, Ashley Chastain, Kaylin Bone and Haley Applebaum.
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