SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
KALEIDOSCOPE Columbiana • Chelsea • Harpersville • Westover Wilsonville • Vincent and the South Shelby County Region
September/October 2012
southshelbychamber.com
Inside this Edition • Board of Directors & Ambassadors • Article • Things to Do & See in Shelby County • Next Chamber Luncheon • Welcome Aboard Chamber Members • Upcoming September/October Chamber Events
Visit Shelby County’s Museum Trail at www.shelbycountymuseums.com Call the Chamber Office at 205-669-9075 for more information on these events or visit our website at www.southshelbychamber.com for complete calendar information.
2012 Corporate Sponsors
2 2012 eXecUTIVe commITTee
BOARD MEMBERS
President Donna Smelcer Shelby Baptist Medical Center
1st Vice President Faye McGuire Frontier Bank
Secretary/Treasurer 2nd Vice President Dr. Benjamin W. Smith, III Kevin Morris Smith Chiropractic M&F Bank
Linda Wren, AT&T
Wayne Johnsey, Piggly Wiggly
Dr. Ben Smith, Smith Chiropractic
Donna Smelcer, Shelby Baptist Medical Center
Daniel Holmes, Shelby County Reporter
Richard Cook, Busy Hands Framing and Gifts
Robert Jackson Bridges, Historic Shelby Association
Evan Major, Former Superintendent of Education
Miranda Carter, Johnny Rays
Jon Lauderdale, Alagasco
Mary Strehle, Victory GMC
Faye McGuire, Frontier Bank
Past President & Advisor Billy Jones Bryant Bank
Executive Director Stacy Walkup
Parish Argo, First United Security Bank Kevin Morris, M&F Bank Chris Cano, Alabama Power Company OfďŹ ce Team, Ben Corbitt and RSVP Volunteers
2012 ambassadors PhoTo oF 3rd QUarTerlY meeTING The 2012 South Shelby Chamber of Commerce ambassadors pictured are L-R: Chuck Watkins, Mary Deloach, Dale Neuendorf, Linda Major, Vicki Everett, Donald Shirley, Carla Watkins, Freda York, Gerie Kelley, Suzie Smart, Marvin Copes, Kelly Ellison and Stacy Walkup
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oN The moVe The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce welcomes Kemp & Seagle Consulting Engineers, Inc. to Shelby County! Doug Seagle, P.E. and Bobby Kemp, P.E. are top executives in their new business venture in establishing and incorporating Kemp & Seagle Consulting Engineers, Inc. Mr. Seagle is a graduate of North Carolina State University bringing many years of expertise to his company and demonstrates involvement in the Brook Highland Development, the Galleria Blvd Flyover, the widening of Hwy 280 to Hugh Daniel Drive as some of his civil engineering accomplishments. Mr. Kemp is a graduate of Auburn University also bringing many years of experience in the private sector along with a background and experience in the Alabama Department of Transportation. He demonstrates involvement in the Grandview Business Park Development on US-280, Caldwell Mill Road widening from AL-119 to Valleydale Road and the widening on Valleydale Road from Hwy 31 to Hwy 65. “We plan to provide our clients with a level of service that goes beyond what big companies are offering.� According to Doug Seagle Kemp & Seagle Consulting Engineers, Inc. offers Transportation Design Services, Commercial Site Developments and Construction Inspections. They are located at 436 West College Street Columbiana, Alabama and can be reached at 205-670-0300.
South Shelby Chamber of Commerce welcomes STS & Prideline Transportation to Shelby County! Walter E. Turner is the Director of STS (School Transportation Solutions Inc.) and President of Prideline Transportations. He oversees both businesses each unique but both offering an array of professional services to meet your transportation needs. It is our mission at STS to transport individuals safely to their destination by providing reliable and well-equipped vehicles, directed by trained staff who fully understands the needs of our clients. Not all companies are in a position to serve their communities as we have, and for this we are grateful. We believe that STS has the following strengths that make us the ideal community partner According to Walter, Prideline plans to serve the local Alabama market and will offer all types of charter service from football games (sporting events), shuttle service, executive transporting and event transportation to service for college campuses and churches. Walter, a graduate of University of Montevallo, has been in the bus charter business for over 20 years. He is currently with STS transportation here in Birmingham where he will continue his duties as Director of Operations. Mr. Turner shared they already run transportation for the Birmingham City Schools, John Carroll High School, University of Alabama Football games, Birmingham Southern College, and more! They are excited about their new Prideline transportation buses and celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting celebration on August 30, 2012. They are located at 1400 McCain Parkway Pelham, Alabama 35124 and can be contacted at 205-620-1123.
4 ThINGs To do aNd see IN shelbY coUNTY
September & October September 15
Grape Stomp Harpersville | Shelby County 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Harpersville Grape Stomp Morgan Creek Vineyards--Visitors get to stomp grapes with their feet in wooden barrels, take free tours, enjoy free wine tastings, plus enjoy food and other fun activities. Location: Morgan Creek Vineyards, 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville, AL 35078. 205-672-2053. www.morgancreekwinery.com. Admission charged.
September 17-22 Shelby County Alabama Fair, Annual Columbiana | Shelby County Fri., 5:30 p.m. until; Sat., 3 p.m. until. Columbiana Shelby County Fair visit Shelby County Exhibition Center—Booths, contests, entertainment, educational exhibits, rides and other amusements. Mon.-Location: Shelby County Exhibition Center. www.alshelbycountyfair.com. Admission charged. September 24- Old Baker Farm Pumpkin Patch October 31 Harpersville | Shelby County 205-672-7209. www.oldbakerfarm.com. Admission charged. Old Baker Farm--Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay maze, hay ride, petting farm, and more. Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m. until dark. Location: Old Baker Farm. Contact: Gerald Baker 205-672-7209, oldbakerfarm@yahoo.com. www. oldbakerfarm.com Admission charged. September 27
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“Tackling A Cure”~Shelby County High School Calera | Shelby County Shelby County High School vs. Calera Eagles Football Game Order Your T-Shirt by September 7, 2012 for $10.00. To place an order or for more information email mwalker@ shelbyed.k12.al.us or call the chamber office at 205669-9075. We have Order Forms! The game is at Calera High School Stadium. Supports Breast Cancer Research in Alabama
5-7 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Columbiana | Shelby County BOW is a three day workshop designed for women ages 18 years or older. The workshop offers hands-on instruction in a fun and non-threatening learning environment. Participants choose from over 50 courses such as backyard wildlife, rock climbing, camp cooking, map and compass, camping, mountain biking, shooting sports (pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, as well as gun safety), fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature photography, nature crafts, archery, ATV handling, bird watching, motor boat handling, and more. Location: Alabama 4H Center. Contact: Sylvia Payne at 334-252-5453, sylvia.payne@dcnr.alabama.gov www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/Events_for_ women/bow. Admission charged. Payments: Credit Cards (call for specifics) 6
Chelsea Day Chelsea | Shelby County 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Chelsea City Hall. Chelsea High
School Band Boosters is hosting “Chelsea Day” themed: “Celebration of the Arts” Visit various vendors and artisans from throughout the state while enjoying good food, family fun and local entertainment from our schools and churches. For more info call 205-913-8373. Free Admission October 12-13 Shelby Iron Works Fall Festival Shelby | Shelby County Annual Fall Festival. Museum open. Antique sawmill in operation, syrup mill turning cane juice into syrup using old fashioned open pan method, blacksmiths and farriers demonstrating their work. Music, food, country store. Location: Shelby Iron Works 10268 CR 42, Shelby, AL 35143. Contact: Thomas N. Trimble, president. 205-6700142. tntjct@bellsouth.net. www.shelbyironworks.com Admission: Fee for participants only October November
14- Statewide Student Juried Art Competition 18 Columbiana | Shelby County Shelby County Arts Council and University of Montevallo have partnered to host a Statewide Student Juried Art Competition for 10, 11 and 12 grade high school students. Sponsored by Regions Bank. Deadline for Entry is Midnight, Sunday, October 14 College Preview Day and Exhibit Reception is Sunday, November 4, 2012. Visit our Website for more information and details for entry. Location: Shelby County Arts Council - Columbiana. Contact: Susan Gordon, 205 669 0044. susan@shelbycountyartscouncil.com. www. shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Admission: Free
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Harpersville Heritage Tour Harpersville | Shelby County 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Harpersville and the South Shelby Chamber host Heritage Tour that offers educational and historical facts about the History of Harpersville. Transportation is provided and please wear your walking shoes! Location: Starting at Morgan Creek Vineyard. Contact: Town Hall 205672-9877 or South Shelby Chamber 205-669-9075. www. southshelbychamber.com . Admission Charged
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Whigmaleerie Day in Wilsonville Wilsonville | Shelby County 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wilsonville honors its Scottish heritage with Whigmaleerie Day, a third annual event celebrating the town’s past, present and future with exhibits, a music festival stage, children’s rides, a Revolutionary War Camp and reenactment, antique vehicles, local vendors, a chili cooking contest and bagpipers.Location: Downtown Wilsonville. Contact: Town Hall -205-669-6180 or South Shelby Chamber 205-669-9075, soshelby@bellsouth. net. www.southshelbychamber.com . Free Admission.
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Monster Walk Columbiana | Shelby County 4-5:30 p.m. Downtown Columbiana. Sponsored by the Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Association.
5 chamber sNaP shoTs Article from the U.S. Small Business Administration website at www.sba.gov.
Thinking About Starting a Business?
If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you should start by weighing the pros and cons, so that you can make a wise decision. The resources in this section are essentially a toolkit to guide your decision-making process.
Is Entrepreneurship For You?
Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience and can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy. However, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work. Consider whether you have the following characteristics and skills commonly associated with successful entrepreneurs:Comfortable with taking risks: Being your own boss also means you’re the one making tough decisions. Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty. Do you avoid uncertainty in life at all costs? If yes, then entrepreneurship may not be the best fit for you. Do you enjoy the thrill of taking calculated risks? Then read on. Independent: Entrepreneurs have to make a lot of decisions on their own. If you find you can trust your instincts — and you’re not afraid of rejection every now and then — you could be on your way to being an entrepreneur. Persuasive: You may have the greatest idea in the world, but if you cannot persuade customers, employees and potential lenders or partners, you may find entrepreneurship to be challenging. If you enjoy public speaking, engage new people with ease and find you make compelling arguments grounded in facts, it’s likely you’re poised to make your idea succeed. Able to negotiate: As a small business owner, you will need to negotiate everything from leases to contract terms to rates. Polished negotiation skills will help you save money and keep your business running smoothly. Creative: Are you able to think of new ideas? Can you imagine new ways to solve problems? Entrepreneurs must be able to think creatively. If you have insights on how to take advantage of new opportunities, entrepreneurship may be a good fit. Supported by others: Before you start a business, it’s important to have a strong support system in place. You’ll be forced to make many important decisions, especially in the first months of opening your business. If you do not have a support network of people to help you, consider finding a business mentor. A business mentor is someone who is experienced, successful and willing to provide advice and guidance. Read the Steps to Finding a Mentor article for help on finding and working with a mentor.
Join the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Jimmy Henderson, Branch Manager at Regions Bank; Columbiana Branch located at 21325 Highway 25, Columbiana 35051; 205-669-4061. Stop in and welcome Mr. Henderson to the Neighborhood!
Do Your Market Research
Explore how to use market research to find out if there is a market for your idea. To help you build a picture of market conditions and demographics, the U.S. government also provides access to free market data and statistics. Understand Your Market To run a successful business, you need to learn about your customers, your competitors and your industry. Market research is the process of analyzing data to help you understand which products and services are in demand, and how to be competitive. Market research can also provide valuable insight to help you: Reduce business risks Spot current and upcoming problems in your industry Identify sales opportunities How to Conduct Market Research Before you start your business, understand the basics of market research by following these steps: Identify Official Government Sources of Market and Industry Data The government offers a wealth of data and information about businesses, industries and economic conditions that can aid in conducting market research. These sources provide valuable information about your customers and competitors: Economic Indicators Employment Statistics Income and Earnings Identify Additional Sources of Analysis Trade groups, business magazines, academic institutions and other third parties gather and analyze research data about business trends. Use Internet and database searches to find information related to your location and industry.
The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce welcomes their new Merchandise Salesperson Becky Edwards at the Columbiana Alabama Power Center located on 205 North Main Street Columbiana Alabama 35051; 205226-1380. Visit Becky Edwards when you are need of a new appliance!
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September 6, 2012 Location: Keynote Speaker:
Columbiana United Methodist Church (Multi Purpose Room) 200 North Main Street, Columbiana Alabama 35051 J Dr. John W. Stewart III, President of the University of Montevallo
City Spotlight:
the Town of Vincent
Local Spotlight:
Leadership Shelby County
Please RSVP:
205-669-9075
Stewart
Price: $10.00.*Networking begins at 11:30amDoor Prizes Welcomed!
October 4, 2012 Location: Keynote Speaker:
Columbiana United Methodist Church (Multi Purpose Room) 200 North Main Street, Columbiana Alabama 35051 REPRESENTATIVE JIM McClendon (R) 50th District (St. Clair and Shelby)
City Spotlight:
the Town of Wilsonville
Please RSVP:
205-669-9075 McClendon
Price: $10.00.*Networking begins at 11:30amDoor Prizes Welcomed!
7 Welcome aboard chamber members Photography, Medical Clinics, Business meeting space, Wildlife Education, Hospice Services, Construction, Education & Consulting, Dental Services, Community Churches and so many more new members joining the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce to network, promote and be a part of the local communities through the chamber of commerce. Are these your neighbors, reach out to them and explore what they are all about, you will truly be amazed! Nationwide Insurance Agency Allan Lowe Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-7333 Baptist Health Center-Chelsea Vicki Minor Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-2588 Brown Lumber & Building Supply Andy Brown & Andrew Brown Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6715 Piggy Wiggly Charles Culotta, Sam Culotta, Wayne Johnsey Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-4278 EBSCO Industries, Inc. F. Dixon Brooke Jr. President & CEO Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-6600 Coosa Valley Milling Frank McEwen Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6605 Sullivan Communications Joe Sullivan Birmingham, AL 35244 205-988-5522 Shangri-La Assisted Living LLC Rezalina D. Nichols Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-9202 Cornerstone Christian School Debbie Collins Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-7777 Alabama Glastek, Inc. Bill and Regina Rogers Birmingham, AL 35212 205-592-4527
Timothy D. Nettles, DMD Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6778 Shelby Co Magazine Luke Camara Alabaster, AL 35007 205-447-2214 Shelba Nivens Chelsea Alabama Cousins Insurance Agency Michael Bennett Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-3337 Central State Bank Mitt Schroeder Calera, AL 35040 205-668-0711 Family Connection Susan Johnson Saginaw, AL 35137 205-663-6301 Shelby County Board of Education Randy Fuller, Superintendent Columbiana, AL 35051 205-682-7000 280 Auto Service, LLC Bruce and Cindy Salser Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-2085 Stella & Dot, Jewelry Cindy Salser, Independent Stylist Chelsea, AL 35043 205-368-0715 Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc. Kelley Zajac/ Emmett Parker Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-5035 Shelby Shores Community Association Louise R Cahela Shelby, AL 35143
Coosa Valley Milling Frank McEwen Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6605 Gordon Timberlands Janice & Brian Gordon Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6837 Shelby Accounting & Tax Service Rhonda McCormac Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-8033 Post Net Gene & Diane Thomas Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-0123 Alabama Telco Credit Union Bryan Morrow Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-7797 Dan and Beth Hedrick Columbiana, Alabama Alagasco Jon Lauderdale Pelham, AL 35124 205-716-2884 Fox 6 WBRC Luke Holcomb Birmingham, AL 35209 205-583-4318 Blue Springs Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn Ray and Doris Harris Vincent, AL 35178 205-672-9955 Realty South Inverness Freda S. York Associate Broker, e-PRO 109 Inverness Plaza Birmingham, AL 35242 205-915-5580
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8 UPcomING chamber eVeNTs Upcoming Chamber Events: September - October
Check out our chamber photographs on our website at southshelbychamber.com
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Educational Seminar – 8:30am – 10:30am M&F Bank (16623 Hwy 280, Chelsea, AL 35043) (map). The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an educational seminar on the topic of excellent customer service. This seminar will be held on Tuesday, September 25 8:30-10:30am at M&F Bank in Chelsea and will be taught by Kevin Morris of M&F Bank. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by calling 205-669-9075. Price: $10, price includes a light breakfast
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Coffee with the Mayor – Harpersville Town Hall at 8am. Networking South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the City of Harpersville will host a Coffee and Breakfast uniting neighboring businesses, civic and county leaders at 8am at the Harpersville City Hall. Sponsored by Alabama Power, Bryant Bank, Deloach Barber and Casper’s, Regions Bank, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, and Shelby County Reporter.
October
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Save the Date: Ambassador Meeting @ 11am/ Jeanette Niven House
October
19
Save the Date: Coffee with the Mayor @ 8am/Wilsonville Town Hall
October
23
Save the Date: New Member Orientation @ 9am/Vincent Town Hall
*Partnership with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Calera Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce. These forums are OPEN to the PUBLIC and PLEASE check the Shelby County Reporter for ALL the municipal dates and times to double check locations etc.. thank you!
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Columbiana 21290 Hwy. 25 - Columbiana, Al 35051 Phone: 205.670.9720 NMLS ID: 582857
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