Business Connection March 2018

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce C o m m u n i t y • C o m m e rc e • C o l l a b o r a t i o n

MARCH 2018 BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Entrepreneur-in-Residence/Mentorship Program Offers Complimentary Guidance & Support to Small Business Presenting Sponsor

Co-Sponsor Cahaba Valley Computer Services WWW.CVCSLLC.COM

(205) 980-9903

Entrepreneur-in-Residence, will be held Friday, March 16 from 8:00AM - 11:00AM. As the Chamber’s “Entrepreneurin-Residence,” Smith is

available for a one-on-one confidential meeting with any small business owner or entrepreneur to discuss any topic.

Appointments are

required and usually last 30-45 minutes.

Please contact Jackson Pruett, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support via e-mail at jackson@ shelbychamber.org or by calling 663-4542, ext. 104.

“Eggs & Issues” Breakfast with Congressman Gary Palmer

On Wednesday April 4, U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer will join us for an “Eggs & Issues” Breakfast event from 7:30AM-9:00AM at Birmingham Marriott Hotel, 3590 Grandview Parkway.

The investment for a full breakfast is $20 per person for Chamber investors and $30 for “Future” investors.

ShelbyOne investors receive one complimentary registration. Registration is

required, so please contact the Chamber via e-mail at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

Co-Sponsor

Co-Hosts

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The Chamber’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence/ Mentorship Program, presented by Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank), and CoSponsored by Cahaba V a l l e y Computer Services, continues to p r o v i d e much needed assistance to small business owners — and entrepreneurs.

The next Mentorship opportunities, facilitated by Michael Smith the Chamber’s

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

HEALTH FOCUS OF THE MONTH:

Food Label Facts

Newsletter

How can I improve my healthy eating patterns? Become a smart shopper by reading food labels.

The Nutrition Facts label on food items can help you choose the best food option. Begin by looking at the serving size, or the amount for one serving. If the serving size is one cup, and you eat two cups, you are getting twice the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label.

Second, look at the total calories and fat. A good rule to follow is to keep saturated fat less than 3 grams per serving.

This will help cut back on total calories as well. Limit cholesterol

2018 Presenting Sponsor

Lastly, check the ingredient list of foods. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. These easy label reading tips can help fuel your body with the proper nutrients necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. and sodium to help reduce your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.

Total carbohydrates are made of

sugar, starches and fiber.

Aim for high fiber foods (5 grams or more) and low sugar (less than 30 grams) per serving.

Article Submitted by: Leah Gates, MA, RD, LD Clinical Nutrition Manager Brookwood Medical Center

GO & GROW WORKSHOP:

“Leadership Lessons Learned with April Harry” COO & CFO, Warren Averett CPAs On Friday March 16, the Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop — presented by Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank) and cosponsored by Cahaba Valley Computer Services — will be an interactive program featuring April Harry, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors. April joined Warren Averett in 2007 after

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Presenting Sponsor

Co-Sponsor Cahaba Valley Computer Services WWW.CVCSLLC.COM

(205) 980-9903

in your organization The power of professional development Using marathon training several years of finance and heavily involved in the strategic as therapy The Go & Grow Workshop accounting experience in growth of the Firm through healthcare, real estate, and mergers and acquisitions, will be from manufacturing. She is currently while also managing the 11:30AM financial area of the Firm 1:00PM on including reporting, budgeting, F r i d a y , risk management, treasury March 16 at h e management and performance t reporting. April will be on hand C h a m b e r . to share the business lessons There is no she has learned as well as the cost to attend, but lunch is philosophy she has developed available for $10 per person for on her journey towards success. Chamber investors ($20 for “Future” investors).

April will be sharing: RSVP by March 14 by calling Our “A+ Wheel” The importance of a 663-4542 or register online at successful Women’s Initiative www.shelbychamber.org.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 1/3/2018 - 2/8/2018)

Blair Pharmacy Bright Health CPC Office Technologies Cricket Mobile Customs Cafe’ Dreamgate Events, LLC Greater Birmingham Assoc. of Home Bldrs Husky Tails Jim Pino & Associates, P.C. Medical Weight Loss by Healthogenics Merrell Law Firm, LLC Northwestern Mutual Nothing Bundt Cakes - Hoover Turf Masters Lawn Care Urban Home Market

Pharmacies Health Insurance Office Equipment - Sales & Leasing Telecommunications Restaurant/ Catering Event Planning Associations & Organizations Pet Grooming Services Legal Services Weight Loss Attorneys Financial Investments Bakery Lawn Care Services Retail

Alabaster Birmingham Hoover Pelham Hoover Pelham Birmingham Helena Pelham Hoover Hoover Hoover Hoover Alabaster Hoover

For a complete listing of all current Chamber investors please visit our Online Business Directory at business.shelbychamber.org/list.

The Chamber’s Career Readiness Work Group is in its 5th year of the “Keeping It Real” Program. This program, CoSponsored by eCO Credit Union and The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road, teaches 9th grade students about “real world” life choices by giving them a randomly-selected “life scenario” which includes marital/ family status, training/ education, career and salary.

Each year this program has been an eye-opening experience for the 9th graders and the

Co-Sponsors

volunteers that assist with the program.

There is still time for you to participate in the “Keeping It Real” Program by volunteering at Helena High School on March 2 or Chelsea High School on March 16. You would merely assist the students as they make decisions on how much to spend

at your station. If you or your colleagues, are interested in being a volunteer, please call Keyla Handley, Director, Community & Career Development at 663-4542, ext.

106, email keyla@

shelbychamber.org or register online at www.shelbychamber. org. Volunteers would arrive at the schools as early as 7:30AM and the program would conclude by 3:00PM. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK (1/1/2018 - 2/8/2018)

Facebook: 29 New Likes, 357 Visits and 1,943 Post Reaches, Total Likes 3,033.

Twitter: 2,936 Followers, 168 Tweets, 21K Tweet impressions, 333 Profile Visits and 22 Mentions.

Instagram: 667 Posts, 609 Followers.

Responded to 119 requests for business & community information.

Notarized 29 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies shipping to 5 different countries.

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Have You Participated in our “Keeping It Real” Program for 9th Grade Shelby County Students?

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Ambassador Recognition

A huge congratulations to Charmaine Dye for earning Ambassador of the Month for 2017 and Co-Ambassador of the Year for 2017. Charmaine is a 23 year veteran in the trade exchange industry with certification as a Certified Trade Broker (CTB) by the National Association of Trade Exchanges.

She brings a wealth of experience and hard-earned “know how” to their trade exchange. “I am passionate about helping business owners get what they need/want through trade. I love getting to know our partners and serving as a resource to broker trades. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect job or company to work for, Trade Partner Exchange.”

Trade Parner Exchange has become the the number one, member-owned barter exchange in the greater Birmingham area.

With over 265+ members, and Congratulations to Cindy Edmunds for achieving CoAmbassador of the Year for 2017.

Cindy is a real estate agent with ARC Realty, and has been helping buyers & sellers for over 16 years.

She loves what ARC stands for, “A Relationship Company,” and feels that is what makes the difference in working with an agent from ARC Realty. “We care for each other like a family at ARC, and we in turn show that same care with our clients.”

Cindy enjoys helping people with all types of real estate transactions. “Whether you need to upsize, down size, move across town, or move across the country, I can help!” She works with a lot of first time home buyers, as well as people relocating to Birmingham for the first time.

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GSCCC Board of Directors (as of 1/1/18)

Officers Joe Meads Sain Associates (Chair) Bill Connor America’s First Federal Credit Union (Chair-elect)

Charmaine Dye growing, they are building a community of business owners who buy, sale and serve one another without spending cash in their managed bartering organization.

Contact Charmaine to discuss the ways your company could take advantage of the benefits for barter exchange by calling her cell at 529-1786 or email cdyetrade@charter.net.

Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Immediate Past Chair) Terri Williams, AT&T (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support) Katie McDowell Shelby County Newspapers (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Chris Grace Barge Design Solutions, LLC (Vice Chair, Community & Career Development) Jim Purvis A.C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, Inc. (Vice Chair, Investor Relations)

Cindy Edmunds are what makes her a great agent.

Cindy has been married to her college sweetheart, Kirk, for 29 years and they have two grown children. She loves spending time with her family, going to concerts and sporting events, reading, and traveling. If you have a real estate need or question, you can contact Cindy at 205-229-2774 or cedmunds@arcrealtyco.com.

Board of Directors Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies

Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Bruce King (2019) Lhoist North America Jay Dennis (2019) Regions Bank Charles Hall (2019) Grandview Medical Center Bill Keller (2019) Renasant Bank Mike Rickman (2019) Shelby Baptist Medical Center Mitt Schroeder (2019) Central State Bank Tim Benefield (2020) Buffalo Rock Company April Harry (2020) Warren, Averett LLC Jeff McDowell (2020) McDowell Security Services, LLC Keith Richards (2020) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Mike Swinson (2020) Spire Alabama, Inc. Mechelle Wilder (2020) ARC Realty Matthew Hogan (*) Bama Budweiser of Shelby County Brittani Braden (*) State Farm Insurance, Brittani Braden Agency Casey Morris (*) Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies in Snider’s Pharmacy

Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County

Rocky Patel (*) Hampton Inn & Suites-Pelham / Fairfield Inn & Suites-Pelham

Alison Howell (2018) Alabama Power Company

Fred Smith (*) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (*) Serving a one-year term in 2018

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

MARCH 21ST “COMMUNITY LUNCHEON”:

“Economic Development: A New Approach” Presenting Sponsor

business recruitment to assure a robust economy in Shelby County, Alabama. The primary focus is balanced job growth in the commercial, retail, and industrial sectors.

The organization serves as the lead for industrial, commercial, and retail recruitment, retention and workforce readiness initiatives within all of Shelby County, Alabama and its municipalities.

In addition to great networking, businesses are

invited to have a Showcase Feature table during networking. There is only room for 10 tables. If you are interested in showcasing your business please contact Jackson Pruett, Director, Business Development & Support at 663-4542, ext. 104 or email Jackson@shelbychamber.org.

The “Community Luncheon” will be held from 11:00AM 1:00PM on Wednesday, March 21 at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater

Co-Sponsor

Road, Pelham.

The cost is $20 per person for Chamber investors and $30 per person for “Future” investors and includes a luncheon buffet. Reservations are requested by noon on Monday, March 19 so please contact the Chamber at info@ shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

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Mark your calendars for an informative presentation in March at the Chamber’s “Community Luncheon,” presented by SouthWest Water Company and co-sponsored by NobleBank & Trust. Yvonne Murray, Managing Director along with Melody Whitten, Director of Development of 58 INC, will provide attendees an in-depth view of how this newly formed economic entity will serve all of Shelby County in a positive direction moving forward.

58 INC.’s purpose is to advance economic prosperity and business health through a collaborative partnership among stakeholders focused on targeted initiatives and

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Green Business Program Encourages Best Practices — Become a “Certified Chamber Green Business”

Newsletter

The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group invite our investors to become a “Certified Chamber Green Business.” The Green Business Program, presented by SouthWest Water Company, is an application process based on a point system in the categories of Waste Prevention, Recycling, Purchasing, Energy C o n s e r v a t i o n , Transportation, Water Conservation, and Pollution.

Each applicant has to receive

Presenting Sponsor

a minimum of 20 points total to be designated as a “Certified Chamber Green Business.” The purpose of this program is to recognize Shelby County businesses that are committed and engaged in environmentally responsible operations and

Certification, the application can be found on the website www.shelbychamber.org/ practices, also known as b u s i n e s s - s u p p o r t - c e n t e r / “green” business practices. green-business-program. For information or The program recognizes these more please contact companies each year at the questions Chamber’s annual Industry Jackson Pruett, Director, Business Development & Appreciation Event.

If your company is Support via email jackson@ interested in applying for the shelbychamber.org or call Chamber’s Green Program 663-4542, ext. 104.

Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtables Accepting Applications The Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program is part problemsolving, part informationgathering and contact building.

Participating business owners from noncompeting companies meet for a confidential, peer-to-peer forum each month to gain valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements,

and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of their mistakes. The Roundtable program is exclusive for the single individual responsible for the

direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions.

There are currently two groups that meet — Entrepreneur Roundtable I which meets in Pelham and Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 which meets on Highway 280 — each month to discuss opportunities, challenges and more. Both Roundtables are

currently accepting applications.

For additional information on the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program — or an application to join one of the groups — please contact Chamber President & CEO Kirk Mancer by phone at 663-4542 ext. 101 or via e-mail at kirk@ shelbychamber.org.

Tourism & Recreation Work Group to Host Workshop on March 22 What is there to do for recreation in Shelby County, Alabama? That would depend on each visitor’s definition of “recreation.” To begin the process of answering this question (along with many more) the Chamber’s Tourism and Recreation Work Group is hosting a Workshop, hosted by Holiday Inn & Express in Pelham on March 22. The goal is to learn about the multitudes of points of interest, historical 64 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

locations, theme parks, museums, themed itineraries, nature and outdoors. The overall goal is to generate/ create an informational piece that may be distributed to hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and other access points around the County to be shared with visitors coming to our County.

Who should attend this first workshop? Any entity that is a “draw” or “need to know” for

would make their experience and stay easier and more enjoyable.

The workshop is scheduled from 11:00AM - 12:30PM at Holiday Inn & Express Pelham, visitors: hotels, restaurant 260 Cahaba Valley Road, owners/ managers, County 35124. There is no cost to however, early attractions, winery owners, ice attend; rinks, bowling lane owners/ registration is encouraged as managers ... any attraction that this initial meeting has a strong information should be potential to reach capacity. captured and placed in the Please register by visiting hands of our visitors that www.shelbychamber.org.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

CELEBRATING GROWTH

2018 Ribbon Sponsor

Thank you Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ for providing the ribbon and bows for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.

Congratulations to Husky Tails on its grand opening in Helena. Husky Tails is a full service dog groomer offering several packages for your pooch. Owners Cindy and Jessamen Wyatt cut the celebratory ribbon and was joined in support by Mayor Mark Hall, City Officials, family, customers and Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Cricket Mobile on its grand opening located at the corner of Valleydale & Highway 31 in Pelham. Cricket Mobile offers several cell phone packages for customers. District Manager Brandon Russell cut the celebratory ribbon and was joined in support by Store Manager LePorcha Woods and Chamber Ambassadors.

SNAPSHOTS

The Chamber recently held “Communication Matters” at Thompson High School. This is its 3rd year and teaches students the importance of soft skills, resume building, interviewing skills and how to apply for and keep a job.

The Chamber recently held its 37th Annual Meeting to recognize incoming and outgoing board of directors leadership. A special presentation recognized Co-Chairs of ShelbyOne Next Level Up, (the Chamber’s five-year strategic plan) Mike Thompson, Thompson Tractors and Alex Dudchock, Shelby County Manager for having the best campaign ever.

The Chamber held its 5th Annual Montgomery Drive-In which was in collaboration with the Montevallo and South Shelby Chambers of Commerce.

More than 25+ attendees took advantage of the trip having lunch with the Shelby County Legislative Delegation, a briefing by Gov. Kay Ivey and listening to updates from several department heads throughout the day.

CONTACT US

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham, Alabama 35124 Office: 663-4542 • Fax: 663-4524 • info@shelbychamber.org • shelbychamber.org ShelbyLiving.com 65 Shelbychamber.org

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Thank you to our host, Hampton Inn & Suites 280 at Eagle Point for hosting the recent NETWORK280 event. Investors enjoyed networking, refreshments and several door prizes throughout the evening.

The Chamber recently held its 3rd annual Business Outlook Conference featuring panelists, in various sectors, sharing their outlook for Shelby County businesses this year. Shown L-R: Jeff McDowell, McDowell Security Services, LLC, Cindy Edmunds, ARC Realty, Jeff Purvis, A.C. Legg, Inc., Charlie Hall, Grandview Medical Center and Jay Dennis, Regions Bank.

CHAMBER Events

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Read more details or register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542. Unless otherwise noted events listed will be held at 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 35124. CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: Cancellation for a paying event must be made TWO days prior to the event.

Newsletter

March 2018

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South Shelby Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Columbiana First Baptist Church 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $15. Reservations required.

“Keeping It Real” Program 7:30AM - 3:00PM Helena High School, 1310 Hillsboro Pkwy, Helena Sponsors: ECO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road Tourism & Recreation Work Group Locations vary.

Career Readiness Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM

Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM

Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham

Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM - 8:30AM

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“Keeping It Real” Program 7:30AM - 3:00PM Chelsea High School, 10510 Highway 11, Chelsea Sponsors: ECO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road

16

Small Business Mentorship Appointments 8:00AM - 11:00AM Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & The Gone By appointment. Contact Jackson Pruett at 663-4542, ext. 104.

Sponsor: Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank)

16

Go & Grow Workshop “Leadership Lessons Learned with April Harry” 11:30AM - 1:00PM Facilitated by April Harry, COO & CFO, Warrent Averett, CPAs & Advisors Reservations requested by noon on March 14.

Investment: No cost for workshop but lunch is available for $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors.

Sponsor: Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank)

20

Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30AM - 12:30PM

21

GSCC Community Luncheon “Economic Development / A New Approach” featuring Yvonne Murray & Melody Whitten of 58 INC. Doors open at 10:45AM. Program 11:15AM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, March 19.

Investment: $20 investors, $30 “Future” investors.

21

Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:30PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required.

22 4

Tourism & Recreation Workshop 11:00AM - 12:30PM Holiday Inn Express, 260 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham No cost. Reservation requested by noon, Monday, March 19.

“Eggs & Issues” Breakfast w / Congressman Gary Palmer 7:30AM - 9:00PM Co-Sponsor: Alabama Power Company Birmingham Marriott Hotel, 3590 Grandview Parkway Reservations requested by noon on Monday, April 2.

Investment: $20 investors, $30 “Future” investors.