SSC Newsletter

SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KALEIDOSCOPE

Columbiana • Chelsea • Harpersville • Westover • Wilsonville • Vincent and the South Shelby County Region

Chamber Upcoming Events July 2 Independence Day Celebration in the Vineyards – Morgan Creek Vineyards (Admission Charged) July 3 The Big Kaboom Fireworks in Chelsea – Chelsea Park July 4 American Village – Independence Day 1776 July 7 Annual Chamber Summer Picnic at Alabama 4H Center, 12 p.m.

July 14 Focus on Your Business – Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks 1-3 p.m. – Free to Chamber Members, $10 for non-members.

July 21 Coffee with the Mayor of Harpersville, Theoangelo Perkins 8 a.m. - Harpersville City Hall July 26 Chamber Networking Mixer- St. Vincent’s One Nineteen 5-6 p.m.

Summertime Music on Main on Friday Nights in Columbiana (205-669 3331) Shelby County Arts Council summer classes (205-669-0044)

2011 Corporate Sponsors

Call the Chamber office at 205.669.9075 for more information on these events.

J U LY 2 0 1 1 southshelbychamber.com

New chamber members DJ’s BBQ Memory Finn 205.669.9888 Wilsonville, AL

for the benefit of small and medium businesses.

Technology On-Demand is a business technology solutions company; providing on-demand software If you are looking for good BBQ, look no further than DJ’s and computer support management as services. Our BBQ in Wilsonville. Located goal is to provide solutions for at 207 Weldon Street and three key areas of business: ready to serve you and your Information Technology, family!! DJ’s has been in Workflow Management business for over 8 years Practices, and Specific and has an excellent menu selection offering hamburgers, Business Objectives catfish, shrimp, country fried Zig Zag steak, chicken fingers, BBQ Christy Alverson and offers a friendly family 205.678.9822 atmosphere.

Chelsea, AL www.zigzagchelsea.com Technology on Demand Jay Franks Located in the new Chelsea 205.821.0265 Creek shopping center, just off of Highway 280, Zig Zag is Jay Franks and John Hay well placed for those who are have a combined 18 years seeking specialty fabrics and experience in information designer patterns. There are technology, software, and also numerous opportunities business development practices. Our motivation is to for participation in fun sewing leverage the full advantages of activities and classes. The modern computing technology sewing studio is available each

day to those who want a place to gather with friends. Owner, Christy Alverson loves to sew and believes that others will too when they realize how fun it can be. Visit www. zigzagchelsea.com for a class schedule!

year. In addition to serving the community during the hot summer months, Rich hopes to keep the business open during the fall and winter to serve coffee and other hot drinks and food items.

Shelby County Humane Toluca Pottery and Chelsea Society Sno Shack Jennifer Miller Charles Rich and David Garcia 381 McDow Road 205.678.3768 Columbiana, AL 35051 Chelsea 205.669.3916 www.shelbyhumane.org When you step into Toluca, Pottery and Things in Chelsea, Shelby Humane Society was you will be immediately founded in 1977 and has surrounded by exotic pieces continued to provide valuable of rustic Mexican pottery. services to pet owners and Authentic hand-crafted residents of Shelby County. pieces like iron crosses, Each year, approximately grills, chimineas, and more 5,000 animals receive shelter one of a kind gift! Charles and care within our facility.

Rich and David Garcia just Because we are a nonprofit opened Chelsea Sno Shack! organization, Shelby Humane The Chelsea Sno Shack will Society relies on individual be offering the citizens of donor support, fundraisers, Chelsea refreshing shaved special events and corporate ice treats, lemonade, sodas sponsorships. and snacks throughout the

chamber member Renewals Down South Realty Debra & Ben King Wilsonville, AL 205-669-1933 http://www.downsouthrealty.net Paul’s BP/Amoco Service, Inc. Paul & Davie Edwards Wilsonville, AL 205-669-7190 LaCoosa Grande Storage Allen Henke Montevallo 205-670-5555 Anytime Fitness Breland Booth Chelsea, AL 205-678-8820

205-428-9115 MaCalla http://www.club.anytimefitness.com Friends of the Library Linda Giddens Columbiana, AL Southern Family Health Jackie Frederick RN, MSN, CRN Columbiana, AL 205-669-4884 Alabama 4-H Center Sandra Spencer, Manager Columbiana, AL 205-669-4241 http://www.alabama4hcenter.org Safe House Susan Hawkins

Columbiana, AL 205-669-1877 205-669-7233 Crisis Line http://www.safehouse.org Bolton-Funeral Home Rob Bolton Columbiana, AL 205-669-3179 http://boltonfuneralhome.com Jim Strickland Realty South Pelham, AL 205-620-2374 205-663-5603 Fax 205-381-1042 Cell http://www.jimstrickland.realtysouth.com

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letter FrOm DirectOr 6 ways to think “Outside the Box” to market your business

business! Brainstorming with others can help you think of ideas to better your business or ways to expand your success offering more profitability.

And yes, it is 6 because 5 4. Listen! Listening to what your customer’s would be thinking inside the box! desire can offer valuable information that will meet their needs and increase your bottom line!

1.

Look At Your Business Don’t get feedback of this kind in your business…

From A Fresh Perspective. Be offer a suggestion box you might be surprised at Stacy Walkup the customer and visualize the ideas that you are offered!

Executive Director the experience your business 5. Working smarter and harder. In these offers. How does my customer economic times work harder and smarter interpret the goods and service my business by doing both you are sure to pick up more offers? Do they know all that my business offers? business.

2. Think About How To Market Differently 6. Implement changes to enhance your Than Your Competition. What is unique about business.

Be the change that your business your business and how do you differ from your is looking for!

By implementing changes your competition? Bingo! This is your uniqueness so customer’s interest will be re-energized resulting sell it! in a change of action.

3. Encourage Creative Thinking. Here is Let’s grow together because together we can! one of many ways the chamber can help your

BOARD MEMBERS

President Brenda Frias Alabama Power

1st Vice President Donna Smelcer Shelby Baptist Medical Center

2nd Vice President Faye McGuire Frontier Bank

Richard Cook Busy Hands Framing and Gifts

Matthew Allen Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

Evan Major Shelby County Schools (Ret.)

City Government

Linda Wren AT&T

Mayor Earl Niven, Becky Landers Chelsea

Dr. Ben Smith Smith Chiropractic Billy Ray Jones Bryant Bank

Mayor Theoangelo Perkins Jackie Ingram Harpersville

John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC

Della Pender MT Laurel

Jon Lauderdale Alagasco

Mayor Ray McCallister Joy Marler Vincent

Kevin Morris M&F Bank

Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Morris M&F Bank

Past President Tim Prince Shelby County Newspapers, Imc.

Executive Director Stacy Walkup

Mayor Mark McLaughlin Wayne Jones Westover

Mayor Allan Lowe Gina Antonlini Columbiana

Robert Jackson Bridges Historic Shelby Association

Edwin Brasher First United Security Bank

3rd Vice President Andrew Brown Brown Lumber & Building Supply

Mayor Rosemary Liveoak Kay Ray Wilsonville

Office Team: Front L-R Helen Dean, Stacy Walkup, Executive Director, Ben Corbitt and Ellen Brechin

4 lUNcheON reFlectiONs June Luncheon June 2, 2011 ushered in our June Luncheon with the spotlight on the City of Wilsonville. Mayor Rosemary Liveoak welcomed the city officials and businesses. 10 Wilsonville businesses expo’ed including: City of Wilsonville, Adaptive Aquatics, Down South Realty, Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch, Alabama Power Steam Plant, M&F Bank, McEwen Fresh Market , Filled to the Prim, L&T Trailers, Wilsonville Civitans, Yellow Dot Program and Shelby County Humane Society.

Luncheon Sponsor Victory GMC’s Mary Strehle informed the luncheon of the services that Victory GMC offers. Reggie Holloway with Shelby County presented information about the Yellow Dot Program. Reggie informed the luncheon attendees of the benefits of the Yellow Dot Program, “The Yellow Dot program is free to residents and comes with a yellow dot sticker to be placed in the bottom left corner of a vehicle’s rear window. That sticker will notify emergency responders of a yellow folder in the glove compartment, which will contain vital information if the driver is unable to communicate with first-responders.”

RSVP Volunteers

Mayor Allan Lowe gave an introduction of the 2011 South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Johnny Lowe Academic Scholarships.

Board member Donna Smelcer (Shelby Medical Center) presented the 2011 South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Johnny Lowe Academic Scholarships to: Joseph Daniel Broderick-Shelby County High School, Alexandra Virginia Seda-Shelby County School of Technology, Amanda Shayln Treatt –Vincent High School, Kailey Breanne Goodwin-Cornerstone Christian School, and Daniel Wayne Kennedy-Coosa Valley Academy.

Lunch was catered by DJ’s BBQ in Wilsonville. For luncheon photos, please visit our Facebook page – South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

2011 Scholarship recipients

5 membership tips Promote Your Business Through Events & Services Chamber Networking Mixers- is a “networking” event designed to: • Meet new Members (businesses) that have recently joined the chamber.

• Make new business contacts.

Bring your business cards as your ticket to the Chamber Networking Mixer. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain new customers and services for your Company. Host a Chamber Networking Mixer for additional exposure of your products and services.

Membership Labels Membership labels are available to members at discounted prices. These labels will help you contact South Shelby County’s top

Helen Dean Program & Communcations

decision makers. Mail out postcards, sales flyers, or discount coupons to all of the Chamber members.

Membership Decal A chamber decal is presented to each company to display. This decal symbolizes your business’s credibility and commitment to the South Shelby County Community. According to research, Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a Chamber member than a nonmember. (Source: A nationwide study conducted by the Shapiro Group)

Membership Directory Each company will receive a free listing in the membership directory. Your company is exposed to hundreds of potential customers in this exclusive publication. Use this resource or our website (www.southshelbychamber.com) as a buyer’s guide for your business. Buy from Chamber members first!

Referral Requests One of the benefits South Shelby Chamber members receive automatically is business referrals from the staff and the Board of Directors. In addition to those referrals, the Chamber encourages members to do business with and support one another. Referral requests get your company’s name out to those in need of your goods or services. The chamber receives hundreds of business referral requests each year and we only recommend our members.

Special Ceremonies The chamber arranges “special” ceremonies such as ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and dedications to spotlight your business accomplishments. Contact the chamber for additional information.

UpcOmiNg class MICROSOFT — ‘FOCuS ON YOuR BuSINESS’ Join us for an informative technology event featuring stepby-step demonstrations designed to help you get the most from Microsoft Office in your day-to-day work.

You’ll learn how to: • Get through everyday tasks more quickly • Overcome email overload • Create professional documents and presentations with more impact • Get insight into your data • Easily connect and share with customers and colleagues

THE HARTFORD

when: Thursday, July 14, 2011 Time: 1-3 p.m.

Location: Hampton Inn & Suites- Eagle Point (6220 Farley Ct., Birmingham, AL 35242) Presented by: Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC Free to South Shelby Chamber members, $10 for non-members Space is limited so be sure to register today!

Attendees can register by calling the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce office at 205.669.9075 or by emailing helen@southshelbychamber.com.

This workshop is limited to the first 30 registrants.

Happenings & Events

5th Annual “Big Kaboom” The City of Chelsea will hold its 5th Annual Big Kaboom Fireworks celebration on Sunday July 3rd from 8 p.m.- till featuring entertainment by a variety of local musical artists and fireworks at the Chelsea Park Subdivision and Chelsea Water Tower located off Hwy 280 and Hwy 440.

The city will be giving away “Big Kaboom” t-shirts beginning June 27th. Come by Chelsea City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. while supplies last (limit 2 per family).

Bring your folding chairs and blankets to Chelsea Park on July 3rd. The “Big Kaboom” is a great and fun way for your family, young and old, to jumpstart the July 4th holiday!

“THE BIG KABOOM is a great event for our city. An evening filled with celebration of God, Country, and Family. The City of Chelsea is blessed with great people, and quality of life desired by many. Come join us for a night of good family fun. In Chelsea, Ala., It’s All About Family.” —Mayor Earl Niven

The following Chelsea businesses are sponsoring 2011 THE BIG KABOOM: Baptist Health System Boardman, Carr, Hutchinson, and Bennett Chelsea Orthodontics Chelsea Tire Service

Coosa Pine Credit Union Edward’s Orthodontics Issis & Sons (Floorz) Johnny Ray’s Joseph Realty

M & F Bank Snider’s Pharmacy Spencer Engineering Wal-Mart

For more information call 205-678-8455 and or 205-669-9075 or visit to www.cityofchelsea.com or www.southshelbychamber.com.

ambassaDOr highlights

August upcoming Events

Ambassador Honorable Mention Mary Strehle, Victory GMC As a first year ambassador, Mary has been very involved with the Chamber.

She can be found at Chamber functions. Mary was chosen for her dedication and promotion of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Recently Mary hosted the Chamber Networking Mixer at Victory GMC. Mary, The South Shelby Chamber Office Team, fellow Ambassador’s and the Board of Directors thank you for all you do for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce!

Aug 4

Chamber Luncheon- City of Vincent Business Expo Sponsors

Aug 6

Novella Club’s Antiques, Arts, and Crafts Show 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Shelby County Exhibition Center

Aug 16

L’s Treasures- Harpersville- Chamber Networking Mixer 5-6 p.m.

Aug 23

New Member Orientation-Chamber House8:30-9:30am

Aug 25

Coffee with the Mayors - Wilsonville City Hall @ 8 a.m.

For complete calendar information, visit our website at www.southshelbychamber.com

JUNe sNapshOts

16th Annual Antiques, Arts and Crafts Show

Tornado Relief sponsors- City of Chelsea

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Tornado Relief- City of Columbiana, Paw Paws Restaurant

Chamber Networking Mixer at Victory GMC partnered with the Calera Chamber of Commerce

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Shelby County City Clerks Association

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Fundraising event to benefit local schools, women’s and children’s charities.

Sponsored by the Novella Club of Columbiana August 6, 2011 – 8a.m.- 4p.m.

Shelby County Extension Center For vendor information, please contact Peggy Woods at 205.669.9073.

88 UpcOmiNg chamber lUNcheON

July 7, 2011, Noon!

Location: Alabama 4-H Center 892 4H Road, Columbiana Special Guest and Keynote Speaker: Beth Chapman, Alabama Secretary of State

Honoring: Military and Public Safety Representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, Firefighters, Police, Rescue, COPS Program and EMA Luncheon Sponsored by: Piggly Wiggly Lunch hosted by: Alabama 4-H Center and Ekklesia Coffee House (Smoothies) Music presented by: CGS Events Please RSVP: 205-669-9075 Join us in Honoring our Military and Public Safety Officials as our Special Guests