Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce PO Box 2003 Decatur, AL 35602-2003 E-Mail: chamber@dcc.org Website: www.dcc.org
Contact Information
Table of Contents 8th Annual Diversity Banquet......... 4 New Members............................... 6 Navigating the Good ’Ole Boy System......................................... 8 Special Events............................ 10 Renewing Members..................... 12 Ribbon Cuttings.......................... 13 Events Calendar.......................... 14 Leadership Events....................... 15 Diversity Development Summit..... 16 Commodore of the Quarter.......... 17 Chamber Chat............................. 18
In this edition of Directions you can get a sense of the many community projects the Chamber is involved in. A meeting with our business leaders and United States Senator Jeff Sessions, leadership development activities, diversity and minority business issues, and some success stories about some of our members. With the outstanding leadership of our Executive Committee, Board of Directors and committee chairs and the guidance of our Chairman of the Board Wade Weaver, we are gradually incorporating the “One Vision, One Voice, One Morgan County” programs into our program of work and inte-
I hope you are starting to get a sense of the subtle changes that are taking place in your chamber. We are trying to change with the patterns and lifestyles of our business community and provide for everyone a better quality of life. We need your help. Come join us!
October 2010
Cover Photo: Coach Herman Boone was keynote speaker at the 8th Annual Diverity Banquet
John Symour President & CEO Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
grating them with existing Chamber events and programs. Diversity is a good example. This is our eighth annual diversity awards dinner, but this year we have expanded the program to include a world class diversity summit and workshop during the day. Partners In Education has been expanded from the traditional Decatur City Schools to county wide and we have also incorporated private schools. The PIE kick-off event was held at Priceville Elementary and Scott Mayo, Headmaster at Heritage Christian Academy, was a big part of the program. We are now interested in “attainment and availability” of education for all children in every school system in Morgan County.
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Main Line – (256) 353-5312, to reach extensions dial 353-0763 John Seymour President & CEO – ext. 103 john@dcc.org Charlotte McKelvy Director of Workforce Development and Education – ext. 107 charlotte@dcc.org Jim Page Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development – ext. 109 jim@dcc.org Cory Wilbanks Director of Membership Development – ext. 104 cory@dcc.org Leissa Hill Chief Financial Officer – ext. 102 leissa@dcc.org Judy Brown Administrative Assistant – ext. 100 judy@dcc.org Tiffany Brightwell Director of Investor Relations – ext. 101 tiffany@dcc.org
a word from your chamber leadership
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
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workforce development
8th Annual Diversity Banquet
The Minority Development committee of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Coalition hosts an annual awards banquet to honor local minority business leaders for their success and contributions to our community. This year’s banquet, held at the Holiday Inn & Suites, featured a keynote address from Coach Herman Boone. In 1971, Herman Boone faced the challenge of a lifetime, and his inspirational story was captured in the Disney film Remember the Titans starring Academy Award-winner
Denzel Washington. At that time, racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, VA, as three schools were newly integrated to form the T.C. Williams High School. It was from this union that the Titan football team was created. The former rivalries between the schools coupled with the strain between the black and white players resulted in a team that was far from united. Boone is now retired but continues to motivate and inspire audiences with presentations on respect, teamwork, community involvement and importance of character, among others. The following people were honored during the 2010 banquet: Jerry Nash (Nash Barbeque/Nash Tax Services), Sandy Ayers (Sandy’s Emporium), Alan Mitchell (Mitchell Industrial Contractors) and Alfredo Chavez (La Estrella). Awards were presented in the categories of Community Involvement, Longevity, Role Model, and Perseverance. For more information about this event, please contact Charlotte McKelvy at 353-5312 or email Charlotte@dcc.org. Presented by
October 2010
Gold Sponsor
Terrell Suggs enjoys the banquet
Perserverance Award winner Alfredo Chavez and wife, Edelia
workforce development
Community Involvement Award winner Jerry Nash and wife, Cynthia
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Angela Henderson and Latosha Patterson joined approximately 200 attendees in the ballroom of the Holiday Inn & Suites for the 8th Annual Diversity Banquet.
October 2010
New Members We thank the following businesses and organizations for their commitment to the Decatur-Morgan County area by their investment in the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber during the months of August and September 2010. We look forward to serving you! Accent Staffing Patti Fowler 1902 Central Pkwy Ste D Decatur AL 35601 Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics Jill Murray 2699 Sandlin Rd Ste B-7 Decatur AL 35601 Goodfellas Pizzeria & Tavern Carolyn Jones 1318 6th Ave SE Decatur AL 35601 Hometown Market Tim Holland 1820 6th Ave SE Unit R Decatur AL 35601
Joyce A. Shafer, CPA 1322 Hwy 31 N Hartselle, AL 35640
Scott Anderson, Attorney 809 6th Ave SE Decatur AL 35601
MC Contracting, LLC Brent Blackmon PO Box 1554 Stevenson AL 35772
Temple, Inc. Blake Temple 305 Bank St Decatur AL 35601
Milestone Pediatrics at Parkway Brenda Jolly 1874 Beltline Rd SW Ste 110 Decatur AL 35601
Tennessee Valley Outreach, Inc. Ed Gray 2117 Old Moulton Heights Rd Decatur AL 35601
River City Fitness Ana Franklin 3110 Hwy 31 S Decatur AL 35603
the right resources
for small businesses on the rise Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Business Solutions staff is knowledgeable and experienced. So, whether you’re in the market for SBA loans, Redstone’s amazing Business checking or credit cards, even easy online banking for your business – help is only a phone call away. Plus they possess the unique credit union attitude – you’re not just a customer, you’re a member. Call today to find out what Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Business Solutions team can do for your business.
Must be an RFCU member and have a Business Share Account to obtain SBA loan. Loans subject to credit approval. RFCU is an equal credit opportunity lender. Restrictions apply.
256-722-3407 • www.redfcu.org Directions June10 ad.indd 1
6/2/2010 12:34:49 PM
The Wait is Over.
The New QuickER at Parkway Your time is valuable. And the last place you want to be is sitting for hours and hours in an emergency waiting room. That’s why Parkway Medical Center has created “QuickER” to help you know where to go for the fastest door-to-doc ER treatment. Look for our billboards with average wait times posted for Parkway’s fully equipped and staffed Emergency Department.
The First Accredited Chest Pain Center in Alabama
parkwayinspired.com 1874 Beltline Road • Decatur, AL 35601 256-301-2211
*ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having chest pain or other life-threatening symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately and go to the nearest emergency department.
Navigating the Good ’Ole Boy System According to Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb
October 2010
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business
How do you win a whitewater raft race? According to Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, the answer is quite simple: “you stay in the boat.” Cobb joined a crowd of more than 225 during the 2nd Annual Women in Business Celebration, presented by Nucor Steel, and gave those in attendance advice on thriving in “the good ‘ole boy system.” Whether in Supreme Court Chief Justice business or poliSue Bell Cobb tics, Cobb said her simple rules apply to women looking to be successful in the south. Among the tips she gave, citing experiences in her own career, Cobb said women have to cross the gender lines and develop meaningful relationships with both men and women.
“Be someone people like. Be an encourager. People will never help someone they don’t like,” said Cobb. She encouraged the audience, mostly women, to take risks. “Nothing ventured; nothing gained. Don’t be so afraid of failure that you never try,” stated Cobb. She said that women often have to widen their comfort zones, especially in politics. “If you’re easily offended, get over it!” she said. People must also learn the difference between friends and allies in business. She reminded the group that friends are with you, no matter what. This event was held at Burningtree Country Club and was made possible by the following sponsors: Nucor Steel (Presenting Sponsor); Robert Aderholt for Congress and Dunagan, Yates & Allison (Gold Sponsors); BP and Regions Bank (Silver Sponsors); and The Paper Chase, Sam Frank & Moore and Simpson’s Florist (Gift Sponsors). Presented by
Gold Sponsors
Robert Aderholt for Congress Dunagan, Yates & Allison
Danielle Denton is a Child of Children’s. Eight-year-old Danielle Denton of Sheffield loves dancing, playing with her friends and her older brother and going to school --- when her health permits. Four years ago, Danielle was diagnosed with cystic fibrois (CF), an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Fifty years ago, few children with CF lived to attend even elementary school, but today people with CF can expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. With the help of her local pediatrician and her Children’s Hospital of Alabama doctors and caregivers, Danielle enjoys a near-normal life. “These are the things we love most about Children’s Hospitals,” says Danielle’s mom, Carol. “They are totally geared to kids and they enable her to live a normal life.”
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Last year, Children’s Hospital of Alabama recorded 23,243 inpatient discharges & outpatient visits by North Alabama children. Now we’re GROWING to serve the needs of Alabama’s children, with opening of our expansion facility set for 2012.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• * To learn more about Danielle, to read other stories of hope or to share your own story, visit www.childofchildrens.com
Coffee and Cards
Sessions Visits Chamber Senator Jeff Sessions paid a special visit to the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce in August, meeting with several community leaders to discuss various federal issues that impact the business community. This meeting, as well as all of the Chamber’s ongoing public policy efforts, are initiatives of the Cornerstone Partnership.
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special events
Humana Market Point Insurance hosted a Coffee & Cards event during August 2010. Humana representatives welcomed Chamber members and guests for breakfast and networking at Java Jaay in Decatur. Humana Market Point has invested in the Chamber since 2006 and we appreciate their continued support.
Partners in Education The Partners In Education program kicked off the 2010 school year by matching area schools with local business partners during a breakfast at Priceville Elementary School in September. Morgan County Superintendent Bob Balch welcomed more than 100 guests and Scott Mayo, headmaster of Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, spoke about the new “Principal for a Day” initiative. Remarks were also made by Priceville Elementary Principal Anne Knowlton, Leah Amos of Junior Achievement of North Alabama, Morgan County Career Coaches and Wade Weaver, DMCCC Chairman of the Board.
October 2010
Gold Sponsors
UAHuntsville
Table Top Sponsors Alabama Farmer’s Co-op J.F. Drake State Technical College
Fall Chamber Golf Classic The 2010 Valley Budweiser Fall Chamber Golf Classic was held at Burningtree Country Club on October 1. Thirty-seven teams filled the course for morning and afternoon tee times and enjoyed a day on the course, as well as great food and drinks. Teams were sold during our 2010 Total Resource Campaign. To find out how your business can participate in one of our 2011 golf tournaments, please email Tiffany@dcc.org. Title Sponsor
Gold Sponsors Allied Waste Services Burningtree Country Club
Valley Budweiser
Beverage Cart Sponsor Cintas
Congratulations to the winners of our 2010 Valley Budweiser Fall Golf Classic! 1st Flight (Afternoon) Burningtree Country Club Team: Bill Murphy Chad Allred Brian Asken Trey Edgil
2nd Flight (Morning) Wiregrass Construction Team: Tommy Pigg Mickey Donahue Mark Petersohn Michael Segars
2nd Flight (Afternoon) Valley Budweiser Team: Wade Weaver John Honeycutt Stewart Roby John Coleman
October 2010
1st Flight (Morning) Fite Building Team: Sammy Dean J. Robert Fite Benji Heidecker Andy Wenzler
Renewing Members The Chamber would like to thank the following members who reinvested in Decatur and Morgan County by renewing their Chamber memberships during the months of August and September 2010.
membership
Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Inc.
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City View Estates, LLC
Hummingbird Antiques @ Bennett-McEntire House
RBC Bank - Johnston St Realty Group of Alabama
Container Recycling, Inc.
Innovative Eyecare - Kimberly Ocampo
Redstone Federal Credit Union
Alabama Central Credit Union
Cottage House
ITW Sexton
Rogers Group, Inc.
Ascend Performance Materials
Cracker Barrel
J & M Signs
S. S. Nesbitt & Co., Inc.
Athens State University
Cricket By The Creek
JC Penney Outlet
Servpro of Decatur
Austinville Church of God
Decatur Alabama Kennel Club
JMS Russel Metals
Smarty Plants, Inc.
Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.
Decatur Engravers & Supply, Inc.
Southern Printing Co., Inc.
Decatur Lions Club
Junior Achievement of North Alabama
Decatur Mall
Kaleidoscoops
Sterne Agee StoneRiver, Inc.
Bendall’s Pharmacy, Inc.
Decatur Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Labor Finders Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Inc.
Storage Plus
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Decatur Optical Dispensary
Bentley Advertising
Layton Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Nissan, Inc.
Superior Bank
Decatur Rotary Club
Blue Creek Investment Partners, LLC
Decatur Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Lee Wayne Corporation Promotional Product
Tanksley Machine & Tool
BlueCross & BlueShield of Alabama
Del Monte Pet Products
LifeSouth Community Blood Ctr. Morgan Region
Alabama Business College of Cosmetology
BBVA Compass Bank Beltline Church of Christ
Boeing Company, The
Dental Associates of North AL DHS Systems, LLC
The Light House Marx Optical
Southern Staffing
Bernice R. Swain, M.D.
The Tennessee Valley Press, Inc. Thermal Insulation, Inc. Total Hose, Inc. DBA Parker Store
McClinton & Company, Inc.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.
McWhorter Enterprises, LLC
Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc.
Jack Moores
United Financial Services, Inc.
Morgan County 911
Valley Overhead Door, Inc.
NBC Securities, Inc. Subsidiary of RBC Bank
Wayne Farms Decatur Further Processing E
Candy & The Divas Personal Assistants, LLC
Fish Window Cleaning
North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments
West Morgan-East Lawrence Water & Sewer Authority
Fowler Auction & Real Estate
OCI Chemical
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Caring Strategies, Inc.
Glee Interiors
OSCO, INC.
White Oak Logistics, Inc.
Cash USA, Inc.
Granada Apartments
Parkway Medical Center
Wilks Truck & Auto Service
Cell Pak, Inc.
Greater Morgan County Builders Association
Peck - Glasgow Agency, Inc.
Thomas Willis, D.M.D.
People, Inc.
RJ Young
Pepsi Cola Decatur, LLC
Your Transmission Man, Inc.
BP
Dishman Animal Clinic, PC
BPI Transportation, Inc.
Eaton Hydraulics
Brickyard Landing Marina
Eddy’s Auto Parts
Brooks Lock & Key, Inc.
The Enrichment Center
Bryan Animal Clinic
Express Oil Change - 6th Ave
Byrd, Smalley & Adams, PC
Family Security Credit Union Priceville
Cagle Mini-Storage, LLC
Center for the Developmentally Disabled (CDD)
H & R Block
Central United Methodist Church
Hager Oil Company, Inc.
Ellis B. Chenault, Inc. DBA Chenault Studios
Hardwick & Knight
Church’s Chicken The Church of the Good Shephard, Episcopal October 2010
Cintas Corporation
CIMS Global Technology Solutions
Hardy Chiropractic Heartland ITS Home Pest Control Hubbard & Drake General-Mech. Contractors
Petroleum Sales, Inc./Bud’s Pill Box Pharmacy Price-Denton Endodontics, LLC Pro Air Services, Inc. Raymond James Financial Services
Parkway Women’s Care welcomes Dr. Mistye Taylor 1874 Beltline Rd SW, Decatur, AL • (256) 350-9700
American Family Care
Wilson St, Decatur, AL
2604 Hwy 31S, Decatur, AL • (256) 445-3100
ribbon cuttings
Groundbreaking for Pavilion, Ingalls Harbor
TimBuck2
711 Bank St, Decatur, AL • (256) 306-9611
Proudly serving North Alabama’s hearing impaired for over 20 years.
1218 13th Ave., SE, Decatur • 355-2096 • Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm
Call today for a complimentary hearing screen and diagnosis of your hearing problems. It could change your life.
At Physician Hearing Care our patients can be assured of the very best in hearing healthcare. We offer a complete medical environment for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders. Have your hearing tested by a qualified medical professional and reviewed by an M.D. at Physicians Hearing Care, there are no pushy salespeople, only qualified hearing healthcare professionals.
Physician Hearing Care is a division of Decatur ENT Associates
Call today for your appointment
256/355-2096
OCTOBER
events calendar
21 Business After Hours: Riverside Senior Living 1009 Line St, Decatur Contact: (256) 353-5312 21 Will Stutts – Journey Through the Mind: Edgar Allan Poe Where: Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts Contact: (256) 340-1778 23 River City Mystery Film Festival Where: Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts Contact: (256) 340-1778 27 State of the Schools Address: Decatur City Schools with Dr. Sam Houston Where: Decatur Country Club Contact: Charlotte McKelvy (256) 353-5312 or Charlotte@dcc.org 30 Walk Your Paws (Pending) Where: Wilson Morgan Park
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NOVEMBER 11 Paul Thorn Where: Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts Contact: (256) 340-1778
11-14 Cotton Cluster Dog Show Where: Celebration Arena, Hwy 67 East, Decatur Contact: Barbara Plaiss (256) 837-7951 or Don Stisher (256) 353-7225 29-Dec. 4 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Where: Jack Allen Recreational Complex Contact: DMCCVB (256) 350-2028
DECEMBER 3 Parade of Lights Where: Riverwalk Marina, viewable from Rhodes Ferry Park Contact: Stan Hyde (256) 3557101 or (256) 227-1531
11 Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes Where: Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts Contact: DMCCVB (256) 350-2028 or Carolyn Price (256) 353-1312 Decatur’s historic districts are decorated with luminaries, greenery and thousands of lights and several homes are open for tours. Refreshments are served and carriage rides are available. The tour is from 4 - 8 p.m. Admission charged. 16 Lights of Love Program Where: Decatur General Medical Plaza Contact: Ellen Duncan (256) 341-2187 get details online at www.dcc.org
6 Decatur Jaycees’ Christmas Parade Where: Downtown Decatur Contact: DMCCVB (256) 350-2028 10 Decatur General Foundation Gala Where: Decatur Country Club Contact: Ellen Duncan (256) 3412187
Decatur-Morgan County The Community of Opportunity
Custom Systems • Hardware Upgrades • Repairs • Networking Service for all makes and models
Avanti Computers 1042 Beltline Road SE, Decatur • 355-9273 dawn@ammsystems.com www.ammsystems.com tom and dawn owczarzak, owners “You can’t beat hiring a geek”
Edge Student Leadership The Edge Student Leadership program is made up of local 10th and 11th grade students. The program exposes the students to leadership opportunities in a creative and challenging manner, providing the students with the tools necessary to develop individual leadership skills. The program also encourages students to be positive influences in their schools and to serve in the community.
Excellence in Leadership
Sponsored by
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The Excellence in Leadership program is designed to identify, orient, develop and network existing and emerging leaders with the goal of enhancing the business community. This year’s Excellence class kicked off with the Ropes Course at Decatur General West on September 14. Through teambuilding exercises, the group got acquainted with each other. Thanks to Decatur General West for facilitating. In addition to the Ropes Course, the class worked on selecting their community project and Michael Tubbs of Community Action Partnership of North Alabama led an introduction to Ken Blanchard’s Leading at a Higher Level.
leadership events
This year’s Edge Leadership program kicked off with a pizza party on September 21. The students got acquainted, worked on selecting their community projects and learned more about the program. Thanks to this year’s presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur. Thank you to Calhoun Community College for sponsoring the Kick off. Sponsored by
October 2010
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workforce development
Diversity Development Summit In conjunction with the 8th Annual Diversity Banquet, the Chamber’s Minority/Diversity Development Committee hosted its first Diversity Summit on Thursday, Sept. 30 at the TurnerSurles Community Resource Center. The event featured panel discussions including Cultural Implications; - Employee Network Best Practices: Recruiting Qualified Female Candidates; and The Many Faces of Diversity: A New Perspective on Diversity in our World Today. The event also featured workshops geared to unemployed and underemployed workers, resume writing, starting your own business and tips for successful job-seeking.
Sponsored by Calhoun Community College City of Decatur Community Development Department/ Turner-Surles Community Resource Center Del Monte Pet Products Family Security Credit Union Simply Delicious Bakery TN Valley Chapter of Society of Human Resource Managers Women’s Business Center of North Alabama
Commodore of the Quarter Each quarter, an outstanding Commodore earns the Commodore of the Quarter award as a dedicated member who serves above and beyond our expectations. This quarter’s Commodore of the Quarter award recipient is Beth Tutwiler with the American Cancer Society. Beth is an outstanding example of what the Chamber’s Commodore Program represents. Beth is serving her second year as a Commodore. She is enthusiastic in her service to our community. She is quick to volunteer for special community events and participates in ribbon cuttings and Commodore meetings. Beth has worked for the American Cancer Society for 5 years. The Chamber thanks Beth for her dedication to the Commodore Program and congratulates her for being presented with the “Commodore of the Quarter” award.
Beth Tutwiler American Cancer Society
Operation Santa Claus A Christmas project for adults recovering from a serious mental illness who are clients of the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama or patients at North Alabama Regional Hospital. Please help us by: • Giving a donation of $35 for one person. • Adopting one or more people by calling the Mental Health Association for a name(s). • Donating toiletries and other gifts. Call MHA for a list. For more information, call 353-1160 or email suebrantley@mhainmc.net
Mental Health Association in Morgan County
®
P.O. Box 1502 207 Commerce Circle, SW Decatur, AL 35602 p 256-353-1160 f 256-353-1163 www.mhainmc.net
chamber chat 18
Several volunteers from the Chamber’s 2010 Total Resource Campaign recently celebrated their accomplishments during a 5-day Mexican cruise. We are currently planning for our sixth Total Resource Campaign, which will take place during Spring 2011. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a TRC volunteer, please call the Chamber at 256-353-5312.
Decatur Contractor Wins Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award
October 2010
Jim Early Sr. of Early Services, Inc. will be honored with the 2010 Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award, an award given each year by Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC). Candidates are nominated by individual secret ballot by the membership & then nominees are voted on by the ABC’s Past Chairmen of the Board. The Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual from our community for their lifetime contribution to the construction industry. The recipient of this prestigious award has enhanced the image of construction, demonstrated the value of the free-enterprise system and has proven to their peers that integrity and business ethics are the true measures of success. There is no greater honor than to be chosen by one’s peers and recognized for a career of distinguished accomplishments and dedication to excellence in construction.
One of the nominations for Early read, “Ask any mechanical engineer, architect or general contractor who has worked with Jim Early if they could have their choice of any mechanical contractor and Jim Early’s name would be at the top of the list. He has dedicated his life to this industry for the past 56 years while supporting his family. When it comes to providing quality workmanship, meeting a fast track schedule, supporting the community or responding to emergency situations, Mr. Early is a leader and problem solver who never gives up. Long term employees who are treated like family know that they can come to him for anything & not be judged. He is a God fearing man who believes in faith, family and putting in a hard day’s work. And there is not a more deserving person for this award than Mr. Early.” Early will be presented this award at the ABC Excellence in Construction Awards Banquet which will be held in November at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.
Decatur Jeweler Earns Gold Retailer of the Year Award
Wendy works in the family business as does the Smiths’ son, Robby. Smith’s parents, Jimmy D. and Barbara, opened the jewelry store 37 years ago. The store now employs 35. The philosophy at Jimmy Smith Jewelers is to approach each customer with a “servant’s heart.” “We believe that how a customer is treated is more important than the “bottom line,” Wendy Smith said. ARA President Rick Brown said, “Jimmy Ray Smith is a retailer of the year every year to his customers, employees, the Decatur and Morgan County communities and the entire membership of the Alabama Retail Association.”
Pro-Air Services Named to Inc 5000
“Jimmy Ray is able to balance family life, business life and volunteer life while maintaining a positive attitude,” said Terry, who refers to his friend as “Mr. Decatur.” Smith is past president of the Decatur Rotary Club, past chairman of Community Action of Morgan County, and past president of the Morgan County Tourism Bureau. He currently serves as volunteer chairman for the Alabama Retail Association and president of the Decatur General Hospital Foundation.
Pro-Air Services, Inc. was named to the Inc. 5000 for the fourth consecutive year. Pro-Air Services, Inc. is a HVAC Service mechanical contractor that has showed repeated growth on a national level annually. The owner Marshall Putman contributes the continued growth to his employees and the Tennessee Valley area. “The commitment to first rate customer service by our team and our local economy plays a key role in our organization’s growth.” For more information on Pro-Air Services, visit www.pro-air.net.
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“When it comes to retailer, father, husband, son, volunteer, leader, citizen or friend of the year, there is no choice other than Jimmy Ray Smith,” Terry wrote in his nomination of Smith.
chamber chat
The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business recognized 12 outstanding Alabama retailers representing 10 retail businesses as “Retailers of the Year.” The presentations were made at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham during the 2010 Retail Day Luncheon. The event marked the 11th presentation of the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999. Jimmy Ray Smith, vice president of Jimmy Smith Jewelers, a family-owned Decatur jewelry store and an Alabama Retail Association member since 1984, received the Gold Award in the “Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million” sales category. Smith’s father and the store’s owner, Jimmy D. Smith, was the silver winner in a similar category in 1999, the Retailer of the Year awards’ inaugural year. Wally Terry, director of general services for the city of Decatur, nominated Jimmy Ray Smith for this prestigious award.
Smith’s wife, Wendy, says integrity has something to do with it as well. “We did not inflate the price of our merchandise, nor did we bring in outside inventory,” for the inventory reduction sale, she said. “The trust we have established with our customers remains untarnished, which was a priority to our management team.”
“He is who Decatur goes to for advice and help of every imaginable situation,” Terry said. When sales were down in 2009, Jimmy Smith Jewelers began planning for a massive inventory reduction sale, the first large-scale sale the store has held since 1994. “We believe the timing could not have been better,” Smith’s Retailer of the Year entry states. “Sales are up 16 percent for the first two quarters of 2010 as a result of this promotion” in May and June of this year. More than 300 customers were waiting at the front door the morning the sale began. The sale just didn’t benefit the business. Customers were asked to bring canned food, which was donated to Meals on Wheels and the Neighborhood Christian Center.
You can call the Chamber to help you celebrate a Grand Opening, relocation, remodel or change of ownership by requesting a Ribbon Cutting. Call Cory Wilbanks to schedule your Ribbon Cutting.
256-353-5312 www.dcc.org October 2010
“(Jimmy Ray Smith’s) business prospers during bad times due to the service and quality of the relationships that have been built over many years,” Terry said.
Did you know?
Chamber of Commerce by Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Inc. P.O. Box 2213 • Decatur, Alabama 35609-2213 Cereta Hollingsworth Debbie Turney Published for the Decatur-Morgan County Communications & Member Services Graphic Design Chamber of Commerce by Decatur-Morgan County Graphics Consultant Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Inc. Chamber of Commerce Joel McWhorter, McWhorter Design P.O. Box 2213 • Decatur, Alabama 35609-2213 353-0763, ext. 101 Gwen Baker Charles W. Rogers Editorial Coordinator Cereta Hollingsworth Debbie Turney Charles W. Rogers Stephen V. Johnson Special Projects, Special Projects, Graphic Designer Communications & Member Services Graphic Design Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Inc.Inc. Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Decatur-Morgan County Tiffany Brightwell Graphics Consultant 340-2354 340-2354 Chamber of Commerce Editorial Coordinator/Writer Joel McWhorter, McWhorter Design 353-0763, ext. 101 Gwen Baker Charles Rogers in this newsletter is gathered inEditorial TheW. information such a way to ensure maximum accuracy. Coordinator Special Projects, Tennessee Valley Printing Company and the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Tennessee Valley Printing Company, Inc. Commerce cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of all information furnished to it, 340-2354 nor the complete absence of errors and omissions; hence no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed.
The information in this newsletter is gathered in such a way to ensure maximum accuracy. Tennessee Valley Printing Company and the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of all information furnished to it, nor the complete absence of errors and omissions; hence no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed.
(256) 353-5312 Fax: (256) 353-2384 E-Mail: chamber@dcc.org Internet: http://www.dcc.org PO Box 2003 Decatur, Alabama 35602-2003