The Women’s Business Council
December ‘25 Chamber Events
For information on Chamber work groups and how to get involved, visit shelbychamber.org or email info@shelbychamber.org.
The Women’s Business Council (WBC) strives to focus on fresh, relevant topics through a series of authentic and energizing luncheons. The WBC promotes the full participation and leadership of women at all levels in the workplace, the community and the government. The WBC will host programs that provide opportunities for women to learn and network as well as share their
expertise with each other and to address the unique issues of women in business December’s Women’s Business Council is the 3rd from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The location has yet to be determined. This meeting we will hear from Laci Graul, Edward Jones Investments. If you plan to attend, you can purchase lunch for $15 or bring your own.
Chamber’s “CoffeeNET” Heads to First US Bank in Calera
Be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 16, and join The Shelby County Chamber for a CoffeeNET event at First US Bank, which is located at 4720 Highway 31.
This morning meeting, which will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m., is designed for investors to enjoy networking, coffee and light refreshments all before heading to the office.
CoffeeNET events are a great way to make new business contacts, so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend; however, reservations are requested by noon on Monday, Dec. 15 to assist in preparation. Contact Jordan Powell at jordan@ shelbychamber.org or call The Shelby County Chamber at 205-663-4542 to register.
“2026 Alabama State Legislative Preview”
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Grande Hall at Old Mill Square 105 W. College St.
The Shelby County Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group will host a 2026 State Legislative Preview Luncheon, featuring the Shelby County State Legislative Delegation as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 legislative session scheduled to begin in early January 2026. This meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Grande Hall at
Old Mill Square and will provide area businesspeople with the opportunity to hear from the county’s state legislative delegation prior to the State Legislature’s convening in Montgomery. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the buffet lines will open at 11:20 a.m. The program will begin at 11:45 a.m. The investment is $25 for Chamber investors or $35 for “future” investors. Seating is limited. To register, call 205663-4542, call info@shelbychamber.org or visit shelbychamber.org.
December 3 Virtual Workshop: Command and Control Doesn’t Work Anymore. What Does?
Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 1:30-3 p.m. and learn a framework you can apply to uncover what matters to your direct report and guide a coaching conversation focused on facilitating and empowering them to proactive action. The results are more revenue, higher customer retention and higher employee satisfaction.
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and create a coaching culture that drives revenue.
Chamber Work Groups Starting To Plan for 2026 Program Year
The Chamber Work Groups are beginning the process of planning for the 2026 Chamber program of work. If you’ve ever wanted to be involved in that process, we hope you’ll consider serving on one of the Chamber Work Groups. The following is a list of work groups along with a brief description of each. Joining a work group is an easy process: Contact the Chamber at 205-6634542 and let us know! You will then be contacted by the appropriate Chamber staff member.
AMBASSADORS GROUP
Serve as goodwill ambassadors between the Chamber and new or relocated businesses. Assists with Chamber events, programs, ribbon cuttings, ground-breakings 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 Tuesday of each month at 11:30 AM at the Chamber.
CAREER READINESS / EXISTING BUSINESS & INDUSTRY GROUP
Promote importance of career development and the promotion of a qualified workforce for Shelby County. Organize the following programs: “Keeping It Real,” “Communication Matters,” the annual “Student & Teacher of the Year Awards,” which recognizes excellence in our classrooms and more, Industry tours and the annual Industry Appreciation event. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM at the Chamber.
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 the Montgomery Drive-In and other events. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM at Sain Associates.
SMALL BUSINESS GROUP
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 at 4:00 PM at the Chamber.
WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL
Support and help advocate for an environment for business women to connect and build relationships, focusing on professional development and growth with businesses and with community leaders. We strive to provide programming for women in business to meet and discuss issues that impact their professional development and growth. Encourage business and social networking. Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:30AM-1:00PM at various locations.
Holiday Business After Hours
Co-Hosted by Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and The Shelby County Chamber Bring plenty of business cards on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for all of the contacts you will meet. The investment, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverages, is $10 per person
for Chamber investors or $20 for “future investors.”
To register, contact Jordan Powell at jordan@shelbychamber.org, call 205-663-4542 or visit shelbychamber.org. The deadline to register is noon on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Business After Hours events are networking
opportunities, offering investors and guests the chance to meet business professionals representing products and services in a relaxed, social setting. Investors attending have an opportunity to exchange business cards and become acquainted with other businesses throughout the community.
Promoting Your Business in 2026
As you’re planning your organization’s promotional budget for 2026, don’t forget the cost-effective opportunities available through sponsorships of Chamber events. With a variety of program options, there is a way to
promote and market your business to fellow business owners and decision-makers. Those options include monthly luncheons, business networking programs (CoffeeNET, Business After Hours) workshops and seminars and much,
much more. For a complete list of sponsorship opportunities available and the investment, contact any member of the Chamber by calling 205-663-4542 or by emailing info@shelbychamber.org.
Ambassador of the Month
Ken Sawyer’s entrepreneurial experience dates back to when he and his wife, Liz Sawyer, started their first of six businesses in 1973, and he has used that experience to help Sawyer Solutions thrive. Ken served as CEO of Sawyer Solutions until 2020 when his son, Benji, became CEO and Ken became CFO.
Ken graduated from Samford University and constructed the first TV production facility at the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama, where he also received his master’s degree in education. Ken also earned a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama
Security Professional (CISSP).
When away from the office, Ken and Liz sing in the choir at the First Baptist Church of Alabaster, and they love spending time with their nine grandchildren and two Shetland Sheepdogs, who appear on the company website.
Business dreams really do come true. At least, they did for Kristy Keiffer. Since 1993, Kristy has trusted AmFirst with her personal financial needs. So when she dreamed of franchising a Frio’s Gourmet Pops in 2018, she knew where to go for great rates on equipment loans and reliable business checking. We helped Kristy make her business dreams a reality. Because Frio’s Gourmet Pops is more than just a business. It’s personal.
amfirst.org /business