SSCC newsletter

SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KALEIDOSCOPE

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

January 2012

southshelbychamber.com

Inside this Edition • Meet our New Members • Board of Directors & Ambassadors • December Luncheon Reflections • Snapshots • Happy New Year to your Business!

• Let’s Grow Together- Commercial Real Estate For Sale & Lease • January 5, 2012 Chamber Luncheon 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 New chamber members The Awards & Engraving Place Cynthia Hylton-Murer Birmingham, AL 35226 205-823-7676

Breezy Wilson, MD Calera, AL 205-669-9655 205-669-9653 Fax

The Awards and Engraving Place started out as a hardware store back in the 1960’s. The trophy part of the business was literally in the corner of the store but not anymore. They now offer Laser Engraving, Rotary Engraving, and Sand Engraving. They are able to engrave on wood, marble, crystal, glass and acrylic.

They offer the traditional trophies and special recognition awards too. What’s unique about this business “Customer Service” is their primary goal.

Combining a caring staff, highly soughtafter physicians, and a local touch, Baptist Health Center Calera is your premiere source for medical care in Shelby County. Same day appointments are available with Dr. Breezy Wilson, Dr. Thomas Nolen, and Dr. J. D. Shugrue.

They are conveniently located at the corner of US Highway 31 and I-65 (Exit 231) just minutes from Calera, Montevallo, Alabaster, and Pelham, across from Wal-Mart.

Baptist Health Center-Calera Tom Nolen, MD

Horse Charmer Tack Shoppe Amy Miller

Chelsea, AL 35186 205-678-6625 www.horsecharmertackshoppe.com Amy Miller opened the Horse Charmer Tack Shoppe at Cameron Oaks Farm off Shelby County Hwy 51 in Chelsea. “The shop carries consignment horse show paraphernalia, including show clothing, saddles and more. Miller also offers new products, including gifts, designer halters, saddle covers, footwear, clothing and tools and products for horse care.” Quote from Shelby County Reporter article.

Lizzie’s Matthew Harris Columbiana, AL 35051 205-240-2173

Lizzie’s is open on Saturday’s from 10am - 2pm or Mon - Fri by appointment. Call Matt if you’d like an appointment during the week at 240-2173. He’ll run over and open the store for you!

ShelbyCo Magazine Luke Camara Alabaster, AL 35007 205-447-2214 www.shelbycomagazine.com ShebyCo Magazine is the premier Business and Lifestyle magazine of Shelby County Alabama. You can find ShelbyCo Magazine at any area Barnes & Noble’s, Books-A-Millions, Joe Muggs, or online at www.shelbycomagazine. com/read.

chamber member Renewals ABC 33/40 C. Doug Sutton, Jr. Hoover, AL 35244 205-403-3333 www.abc3340.com Blue Star Salute Foundation Inc. R. Glenn Nivens, Secretary & Agent Harpersville, AL 35078 205-672-2887 www.bluestarsalute.org Brown Lumber & Building Supply Andy Brown & Andrew Brown Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6715 www.brownlumberco.net Cedars Self Storage Frank and Betty Owen Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-7638 Columbiana Properties, LTD William Rasco Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6009 Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union Christina Goodwin Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-3600

www.coosapinesfcu.org Cousins Insurance Agency Michael Bennett Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-3337 205-678-3359 Fax Davis Drug Jimmy Davis/Jim Davis Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6713 EBSCO Industries, Inc. F. Dixon Brooke Jr. President & CEO Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-6600 www.ebscoind.com Farmers Insurance Group Scott L. Weygand Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-4711 866-800-1480 www.farmersagent.com/sweygand Frontier National Bank of Chelsea Kelli Foster Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-2266 www.frontierbank.net

THE HARTFORD

Frontier National Bank of Vincent Faye McGuire Vincent, AL 35178 205-672-2221 205-672-8750 Fax www.frontierbank.net Gills Service Center Janet Gill Harpersville, AL 35078 205-672-9690 Gordon Timberlands Janice & Brian Gordon Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6837 John A. Jones Columbiana, AL Johnson and Sons Steel, Inc. VF Johnson Montgomery, AL 36110 334-265-7841 M&F Bank Ralph Dalton Chelsea, AL 35043 Columbiana: 205-669-3161 Chelsea: 205-678-2080 Pelham: 205-663-3834 Riverchase: 205-988-4988

Inverness: 205-991-2825 www.mfbank.com Piggly Wiggly Charles Culotta Sam Culotta & Wayne Johnsey Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-4278 www.mypigglywiggly.com Ready, Set Grow, Inc. David and Jean McGuire Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-7123 205-678-7123 Fax Realty South Shirley Satterwhite Shelby, AL 35143 205-669-0338 205-966-3170 Cell www.shirleysatterwhite.com Rux Carter Insurance Agency George Bentley, Rux Bentley, Casey Bentley Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-3158 205-669-3209 Fax www.ruxcarterinsurance.com

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2012 eXecUTIVe cOmmITTee

BOARD MEMBERS

President Donna Smelcer Shelby Baptist Medical Center

Linda Wren, AT&T (retired) Dr. Ben Smith, Smith Chiropractic Matthew Allen, Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

1st Vice President Faye McGuire Frontier Bank

Secretary/Treasurer 2nd Vice President Dr. Benjamin W. Smith, III Kevin Morris Smith Chiropractic M&F Bank

Past President & Advisor Billy Jones Bryant Bank

Donna Smelcer, Shelby Baptist Medical Center

Mayor Theoangelo Perkins, Jackie Ingram Harpersville

Richard Cook, Busy Hands Framing and Gifts

Della Pender, Mt Laurel

Evan Major, Former Superintendent of Education

Robert Jackson Bridges, Historic Jon Lauderdale, Alagasco Shelby Association

Mayor Ray McAllister, Joy Marler, Vincent Mayor Rosemary Liveoak, Kay Ray, Wilsonville

Miranda Carter, Johnny Rays BBQ

Edwin Brasher, First United Security Bank

Mayor Mark McLaughlin, Wayne Jones, Westover

Mary Strehle, Victory GMC

Mayor Earl Niven, Becky Landers, Chelsea

Stacy Walkup, Executive Director

Wayne Johnsey, Piggly Wiggly

Mayor Allan Lowe, Gina Antolini, Columbiana

2012 sscc ambassaDOr PrOGram Purpose: Inform. Invite. Involve. Retain. Recruit.

The purpose of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors is to promote good will and serve as a public relations unit for the Chamber. Ambassadors are an active group designed to bridge the current active membership and new members with the services provided by the Chamber.

Activities: Serve as host/hostesses at all chamber functions such as luncheons, Coffee with the Mayors Breakfasts, Silent Auction and Gala, Golf Tournaments, Creative Arts Antiques and Business Show, Health Fair, Ribbon Cuttings etc..

BeneďŹ ts: There is a great personal benefit returned for their service. Ambassadors gain knowledge of the community and the Chamber,

develop business contacts through association with others on committee and chamber members, and expose their own business among other businesses.

Ambassador Selection: Members of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce are selected for the Ambassador program. They are approved by the Board of Directors and will serve a one year term.

Yes_________ Sign me up to be a 2012 Ambassador for the SSCC Name: _________________________________________ Business:_________________________________________________________ Contact Information: ____________________________ phone: ____________________ email: ___________________________________ Fax to 205-669-1842 or email to soshelby@bellsouth.net

4 lUNcheON reFlecTIONs

South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Annual Diamond Awards Ceremony & Annual Meeting was held on December 1, 2011 at the Columbiana United Methodist Church.

Shelby County Commissioner Corley Ellis welcomed everyone and Pastor Phillip Rush of Antioch Baptist Church gave our invocation. The Diamond Awards programs master of ceremonies were John Browning and Amanda Smith of Cahaba Valley Computer Services and Miranda Carter of Johnny Rays of Chelsea.

Senator Slade Blackwell inducted in the chamber 2012 President, Donna Smelcer of Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

The Diamond Awards is a program designed by the Chamber to honor and recognize outstanding chamber members with the “Diamond Awards” of excellence to the Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and the Ambassador of the Year.

This year’s recipients are Shelby Baptist Medical Center-Chelsea being awarded the New Business of the Year. They saw a need to expand in a high residentially growing area this new clinic and its staff offers top medical care from a highly trained staff that will enable the residents in Chelsea and Hwy 280 to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the entire family starting at age 2 weeks and up. The ambassador of the year is nominated by the ambassadors and selected by the Diamond Awards Committee.

This individual has always gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to volunteering for the chamber. You see her at events, helping at the BBQ Cook off for a full

day, welcoming new businesses at ribbon cuttings, going to functions across the south Shelby county area always with a smile, an upbeat attitude and always willing to lend a hand to serve.

Representing the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce as Ambassador of the Year is Karen Stamps.

Going above and beyond the call of duty is an understatement when it comes to the winner of this year’s Business of the year Diamond Award.

The members of this firm have a passion for what they do and perform excellent work for area companies and individuals to assist them in keeping their businesses running smoothly and efficiently.

When our own chamber found itself in need of counsel and the type of professional services that this firm stepped in and provided assistance as a long time member helping the Chamber so the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Business of the Year to Deloach, Barber and Casper’s CPA firm.

Native to South Shelby County this gentleman is widely recognized as being a sincerely humble and Godly man. A true servant to his community through service at his church and elected by the people of Shelby County to serve in our local government as a leader and ambassador in our County.

Achieving much success in his occupation, he has met many challenges in his personal life in which he has shown and demonstrated great strength, love and dedication to his family and many friends.

He stole the hearts of everyone in this room and in our communities

through the love he showed to his son, Scott Armstrong, during Scott’s battle with cancer. These individuals true and strong character was also revealed to all of us through the simultaneous love and care which he extended to his childhood sweetheart and wife during her long sickness and eventual passing. He dedicated his life to her, loved her and cared for her every need, every day up to the very end.

And, it is with great honor that we and the Many Friends that nominated you congratulate Don Armstrong as the 2011 Citizen of the Year for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber received some very phenomenal nominations for Citizen of the Year. Not often but at times we have more than one recipient for an award as we do for Citizen of the year in 2011.

This individual has a history of admirable accomplishments in the past and is still accomplishing great things in the present. Having nominations sent in by State Leaders, County Leaders from the Commission, County Government, County Courthouse, State Senate local chambers and U.S. Congress for all his accomplishments as an outstanding community leader and citizen.

He has a true interest in helping and nurturing the needs of people enabling them to gain a sense of well being and worth. He has provided opportunities for individuals to accomplish and succeed in life for the betterment of our communities in Shelby County.

This individual has tirelessly built the Shelby County RSVP program from 365 volunteers to over 980

senior volunteers, which is more than any other volunteer program in the state of Alabama.

This individual has received the “National Employer Support Volunteer Award” given to only one individual from all of the States ESGR Programs.

This individual is in his 2nd term as Chair, of the Shelby County Economic and Industrial Development Authority which brings new industry to our county.

It has been stated that it is every person’s responsibility to give back to the community and help our residents have the highest quality of life possible. This individual does this all day, every day; he is a silent warrior.

Most people have no idea how much he contributes to our county.

The most remarkable aspect of this individual’s public service is how he continues to find new ways to serve. Recently his work on the Yellow Dot Safety Program and the technology program at Calera High School are just a couple of ways he has continued to serve Shelby County.

We are honored by all of the time and resources this individual gives in helping the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce strive for success so without further adieu we congratulate our second 2011 Citizen of the year Marvin Copes!

Thank you to our Sponsors: Alabama Power Company, AT&T, Brown Lumber & Building Supply, Bryant Bank, Comfort Keepers, Dixie Printing, First United Security Bank, M&F Bank, Newleaf Designs and Shelby County Reporter.

5 sNaPshOTs Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union newly built office grand opening

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Victory GMC ribbon cutting expanding into Helena

Coosa Valley Milling opens new retail store

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Coffee with the Mayor in Vincent

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Columbiana Family Dentistry’s newly built dental office grand opening

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Lizzie’s Antiques, Collectibles & Gifts grand opening Coffee with the Mayor in Westover

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Ribbon cutting for Horse Charmer Tack Shoppe

Diamond Awards & SSCC annual meeting

6 cUsTOmer serVIce Is KeY wheN PlaNNING TO sUcceeD! During this slow time get your holiday decorations nicely packed up, do some extra cleaning, make sure you get a little extra rest and plan, plan, plan.

List out your objective and mission of your business. What steps can you take to implement the direction you want your business to grow in?

What products and services will you carry and offer this year that you can enhance to make available to your customer that will keep them coming back?

Yes, I know there are a lot of questions here but 2012 can offer you a fresh start, a fresh new attitude and get you working in a New Year direction by making some simple changes and adjustments in your business

that will yield success!

We often times are challenged to “Think Outside the Box” well I encourage you to “Get Out of the Box”. Spend a day out in the field and take a complimentary thank you goody to your customer. Mail a thank you card including a special offer to them during seasonal times such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.

Even if your community is having a special event reach out to your customers via social media, an advertisement or just a phone call and ask them to stop in your business for a special treat or savings during the event. Join the chamber and network with other business folks to spread the word about your business.

Is your Customer Service in Check? Put yourself in your

customer’s shoes? When you walk into your business what is the atmosphere, what hospitality and customer service is offered to them? Are they thanked as a customer and invited to sign up for your social media connections to stay connected to your business, did you invite them back to shop or visit again? Visualize the entire experience yourself to really see what the customer is being asked to tolerate about your business and make the changes needed enhance this experience to better your business!

I remember working at Yeilding’s Clothing store in Vestavia in High School; I remember two of the sales ladies that were full timers. Every time the store put out a new line of seasonal clothes these ladies

would get their black book out and call on their customers to let them know they had gotten in some items that they thought they might like! Let me tell you it worked! Not to mention if you waited on their customer by mistake you were given a very fake smile and an evil eye until you found something else to do. Making simple changes to enhance a customer’s experience can make a big difference in repeat business.

When you are planning for success, fulfilling your mission, offering awesome customer service, getting out of the box and seeing your customers you will be surprised at how it will affect your bottom line and your business will be off to another great year!

2012 membershIP aPPlIcaTION Welcome Aboard 2012 South Shelby Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 396 • 208 East College Street • Columbiana, Alabama 35051 What is your Chamber?

Your chamber of commerce is a voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in your community.

Who leads your Chamber?

Its members run your chamber of commerce. The Board of Directors that determines policies and sets goals. An Executive director handles the day-to-day operations. The Members are needed for involvement in committees that range from economic development, education and human resources, tourism, public affairs and governments relations. The Chamber meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at noon.

Membership Application We wish to invest in Shelby County by joining the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce according to the following fee schedule: Non – Business Rates: Private or retired individual................................................$ 65.00 Business Rates: 1-3 employees......................................$120.00 4-8 employees.....................................................$175.00 9-20 employees...................................................$230.00 21-50 employees.................................................$285.00 51-100 employees...............................................$395.00 over 100 employees............................................$450.00 Please find our check for $_____________

_____________________________________________________ COMPANY _____________________________________________________ CONTACT PERSON _____________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________ City, State and Zip _____________________________________________________ Telephone FAX _____________________________________________________ WEBSITE _____________________________________________________ E-MAIL Please complete and return with your check to: South Shelby Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 396 Columbiana, Alabama 35051 Ph. 205-669-9075 Fax 669-1842 E-Mail Soshelby@bellsouth.net Visit our website at www.southshelbychamber.com

7 “leT’s GrOw TOGeTher” Looking to start a business? Interested in Relocating or expanding your existing business? Our chamber has recently put together information for a community bulletin board listing local available properties for sale and rent in our South Shelby County area to bring awareness to these listings that are available to the public. Here is a brief listing of these properties as this information was provided to the chamber for public awareness. If you have any questions feel free to contact the property owner or you are welcome to contact the Chamber and we will help you get in touch with the property owner and or real estate representative.

Commercial Building for Lease Commercial Building for Lease Commercial Building for Sale Retail Space for Lease Commercial Building & land Commercial Land for Sale- 8.07 acres Prime Retail Building-Reduced Price Prime Retail Building- Two Spaces 100 +/- Acres Commercial Land for Sale or Lease Approximately 10.3 acres

Depot St. & Hwy 70 Hwy 47 South Hwy 70 Hwy 25 & Hwy 70 Hwy 25 By-Pass Hwy 25 Main Street Mildred Street Hwy 25 Hwy 47 & Hwy 145

Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Columbiana Shelby

205-669-4131 205-669-4131 205-871-7100 205-515-7610 205-620-2374 205-669-1863 205-669-1863 205-669-1863 205-669-1863 205-669-0833

Please visit our website at www.southshelbychamber.com and click the Economic Development tab and the Real Estate tab listed under our business directory link for more listings.

8 8 UPcOmING chamber lUNcheON

January 5, 2012 Location: Columbiana United Methodist Church (Multipurpose Room) 200 North Main Street, Columbiana Keynote Speakers: Greg Canfield, State of Alabama Development Office Director Randy Fuller, Superintendent, Shelby County Board of Education Special Recognition of Shelby County Board of Education Leaders Shelby County Board of Education Appreciation Month Lunch provided by Bernie’s on Main Luncheon Sponsor: Alagasco Price: Lunch provided for $10.00 *Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.

Canfield

Fuller