BusinessConnections August2015

Greater Shelby 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

Business Connections August Community Luncheon to Recognize Shelby County Healthcare Professionals of the Year Awards Sponsor:

County area. The August “Community Luncheon” will be held on August 26 in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Doors will open at 11:00AM for business networking and the program will begin

promptly at 11:30AM. Organizations in the Healthcare Industry are invited to participate in the Showcase Feature which is held during networking prior to the program. If your organization is interested in participating in the Showcase Feature, contact Keyla Handley, Director of Community & Workforce Development for details by calling 663-4542, Ext. 106 or

email keyla@shelbychamber. org.

The investment is $20 per person for Chamber members and $30 per person for “Future” members and includes a luncheon buffet.

Reservations requested by noon on Monday, August 24.

Please contact the Chamber at info@shelbychamber. org , by telephone at 6634542 or register online at shelbychamber.org.

Golf “FORE!” Education Scramble Set for September 17 The Chamber’s 26th Annual Golf “Fore!” Education Scramble, sponsored by HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, will be held, September 17 at Chamber member Inverness Country Club. This year’s tournament will once again help fund the Chamber’s vital education and workforce development programs in the coming year.

Registration will begin at 8:15 AM (with a light breakfast

Sponsor:

@ 8:30AM) and the scramble tees off with a Shotgun Start at 9:00AM. Lots of prize opportunities will be available for participants including longest drive, closest to the pin and a putting contest.

The entry fee is $600 for a four-person team or $150

for each individual. This fee covers a light breakfast, lunch (provided at the completion of the tournament), greens fees, cart and two drink tickets per person.

Several sponsorship opportunities for the day of the tournament are available, so

please contact the Chamber if you’d like to market your organization’s products and services during this event.

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The Greater Shelby Chamber’s August “Community Luncheon” will launch the inaugural Healthcare Professional of the Year Program and will be hosted by the Health Services Work Group and the Awards Sponsor is HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital.

This is an opportunity for us to recognize those individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in healthcare to our communities. Nominations were accepted for any healthcare professional employed in the Shelby

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

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Eye Care in the Workplace Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also called Digital Eye Strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use.

It affects over 100 million Americans who work on the computer on a daily basis.

Many individuals working on these devices report high levels of job-related complaints and symptoms, including ocular discomfort, muscle strain and stress. Eye strain and other symptoms of CVS are not specific to adults. Prolonged computer use can stress a child’s eyes and may affect normal vision development. The most common symptoms associated with CVS are eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck/shoulder pain.

2015 Health Focus Sponsor

Several things can be done to reduce problems/ discomfort associated with CVS. First, the computer screen should be slightly below eye level and 20-28 inches from the eyes. Position the screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting and windows. Feet should rest flat on the floor.

There should be support from chair arms or keyboard to avoid wrists resting on the keyboard when typing.

Breaks are very important. For every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow eyes to

refocus. During these breaks, make an effort to blink or insert artificial tears to avoid developing dry eyes.

A thorough eye exam is needed to address ocular discomfort and eye strain.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be adequate for computer work. Because the work distance is different than with reading, lenses may be prescribed to meet the unique visual demands of computer viewing. Coordinated eye movements can be a problem for some computer users, creating blurred or double

images and more eye strain.

To reduce computer-related eye strain, computer eyewear may be needed to help the eyes focus on the screen more comfortably. This usually includes an anti-reflective coating to reduce reflections that cause glare and interfere with your ability to focus on images on the screen. Yellow tinted lenses have also been used with some success, as have blue-light filtering lenses, to reduce eye strain.

Wearing computer glasses can help keep the vision from getting worse by reducing excessive focusing demands on the eyes. This is particularly true for teenagers, whose eyes may be more susceptible to progressive nearsightedness from focusing fatigue. Also, productivity and accuracy at the computer can significantly improve with computer glasses.

Article submitted by: Tracey Mercer, Optometrist 2000 Southlake Park, Suite 100, Hoover

Go & Grow Workshop:

Sales Management Success The August Go & Grow Workshop — sponsored

by Spectrum Business and facilitated by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone — will provide strategies and action steps on how to manage yourself — or an entire team — to greatness. Topics covered during this hands-on and interactive workshop include: Building Action Plans, 54 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Sponsor:

Training Programs That Work, Knowing What To Track & How To Give Feedback, Rewarding & Recognizing To Build Results, And More!

The workshop will be on August 11 from 11:30AM-

2:00PM at the Chamber.

There is no cost to attend, but lunch is available for $10 per person for Chamber members ($20 for “Future” members).

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations by August

10 for this workshop by contacting Brooke White, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support via e-mail at brooke@shelbychamber.org or by calling 663-4542, ext.

105.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Snapshots

The Chamber had the privilege of holding its CoffeeNet event at member host business Davis Drug - Snack Bar and Gift Gallery in Columbiana. CoffeeNet, sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc., is designed for morning networking and light refreshments before heading to the office.

Members that attended the June “Community Luncheon” learned about the impact United Way has on Shelby County. Keynote speaker, Nancy Goedecke 2015 Campaign Chair shared the numerous organizations that United Way of Central Alabama assists to help those in need.

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce assisted the City of Columbiana with its 29th Annual Liberty Day Parade which was held on Saturday, June 27, 2015. The rain came and went just in time for the parade to march on to a huge success!

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About 30 visitors toured the Hibbett Distribution Facility in Alabaster planned by the Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group and was sponsored by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon.

Company leaders explained the sophisticated — and highly automated — system used to supply the more than 1,000 Hibbett stores nationwide.

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at The Egg & I Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, August 13 and join us The Egg & I, 5479 Highway 280, Ste. 128, Birmingham from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet! The morning meeting is designed for members to enjoy networking, coffee, and light refreshments -- all before heading to the office.

2015 Sponsor:

CoffeeNet events, sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc., 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 Wednesday, August 12 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 663-

4542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Members (June 26, 2015)

AHI Properties

Bryan Jenkins

8841 Helena Rd, Pelham

theahigroup.com

Real Estate

Alabama Media Group

Gunter Giddens

1731 1st Ave North, Birmingham

alabamamediagroup.com

Marketing

Alabaster Electric Supply

Brian Clark

895 Highway 31, Alabaster

alabasterelectric.com

Electrical Supplies

Alabaster Optical & Hearing Aid Service

William Green

300 1st Street North, Alabaster

alabasteroptical.com

Medical Specialized

Birmingham Allergy & Asthma Specialists, P.C. Jan Gibson 3125 Independence Dr Ste 210, Homewood birminghamallergy.com Medical Specialized Coal Yard Bar & Grill

Tim Robinson

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Farmers Insurance, Summerlin Agency

4082 Helena Rd, Helena

Kelley Summerlin

Restaurants

126 1st Avenue W, Ste B, Alabaster

Insurance

Forza Energy

Bryan Bell

125 Aviators View Dr, Alabaster

orzaenergy.com

Grand Reserve at Pelham

Kent Seaman

10 Grand Reserve Pkwy, Pelham

grandreservepelham.com Apartment/ Leasing

Jennifer Campbell Consulting

Jennifer Campbell

1025 Independence Dr, Alabaster

jennifercampbellconsulting.com

Living Nurtured

Ritcha Garrett

21019 Hwy 25, Columbiana

livingnurtured.com

Narrows Family Eye Care

Jessica Palmer

13521 Old Highway 280, Ste 249, Birmingham

Plexus Worldwide Independent Ambassador #358568 Twila Ray

Lighting

Consulting

Health & Wellness

narrowsfec.com Medical Specialized

2521 Comanche Dr, Birmingham twilaray.myplexusproducts.com Health & Wellness

The Majors Law Firm, LLC

Tommy Majors

4320 Eagle Point Pkwy, Birmingham themajorslawfirm.com

Attorneys

Tyler Watts & Associates, LLC

Tyler Watts

160 Yeager Pkwy, Pelham

Insurance

Entrepreneur Roundtable Program Offers Support and Guidance for Small Business Owners The Chamber’s “Entrepreneur Roundtable” program, sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc. offers small business owners an opportunity that’s part problem-solving, part information-gathering and contact building.

Roundtable participants share challenges and are offered solutions by other participants to resolve issues based on their experiences.

At meetings, members of the Roundtable are updated as to the progress that’s being made. “Participating in the Roundtable program 56 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

enlightened me to solutions I hadn’t even thought of regarding a certain situation. Learning that other participants have been in situations like my own and have resolved them has helped me tremendously.” stated one Roundtable participant.

Participating business owners from non-competing companies meet for a confidential, peer-to-peer session each month to gain valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of their mistakes.

Sponsor:

The Roundtable program is exclusive for the single individual responsible for the direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions.

The Chamber currently has two Entrepreneur Roundtables that meet — Roundtable I that meets on the third Tuesday of each month, and Roundtable II that meets on the third

Friday of each month — that are seeking additional participants.

For additional information on the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program — or for an application to join either Roundtable I or Roundtable II — please contact Brooke White at 663-4542 ext. 105 or via e-mail at brooke@ shelbychamber.org.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce 2015 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

Celebrating Growth

Congratulations to Tower Loan of Alabaster on its Grand Opening Celebration. Tower Loan is located at 7895 Highway 119, Ste 10.

Supervisor Nicholas Dunnigan held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and was joined in support by team members, Alabaster City Officials and Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

Virginia College in Birmingham held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House recently. Khaled Sakalla, Campus President cut the ribbon. To his right; John Schuman, Regional Vice President with Education Corporation of American and to his left; Courtney Waldron, Market Development Manager with Virginia College and Ambassadors.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations on the Grand Opening of NobleBank & Trust located at 361 Summit Boulevard, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35243. They celebrated the Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Paul Rogers, Senior EVP & Marketing President cut the ribbon and was joined in support by Anthony Humphries, President & CEO and Executives plus team members and Chamber Ambassadors.

1301 County Services Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 Office: (205) 663-4542 • Fax: (205) 663-4524 info@shelbychamber.org www.shelbychamber.org

Mentorship Program Offers Guidance & Support The Chamber’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship program sponsored by Spectrum Business continues to provide much needed assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Participants have received guidance on starting a new business, expanding an

Sponsor:

existing business, launching a new product, downsizing and dealing with a difficult employee.

The next Mentorship sessions will be held Tuesday, August 11 from 8:00AM11:00AM. During that time,

Michael Smith with the The Great, The Good and The Gone will be available for a oneon-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 Brooke White, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support, at 663-4542 ext. 105 or via e-mail at brooke@ shelbychamber.org for availability on August 11.

August 2015 | 57 Shelbychamber.org

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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

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Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Barbara Zieba for achieving Ambassador of the Month.

Barbara is the Director of Sales for Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham East - Eagle Point and her job is to coordinate sales and marketing for the property. She is involved with Existing Business and Industry Work Group with Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce and also volunteers with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

Barbara is married to Cezary and they have two daughters. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies are travelling and music. Barbara is also involved at St. Mark Evangelist assisting with the Children’s Ministry and volunteers at the Feast of St. Mark Italian Festival.

Barbara was born and

(as of 5/26/15)

Officers Lisa McMahon Warren Averett, LLC (Chair)

raised in Poland, moved to the United States in 2001 and has lived in Alabama since 2008.

She resides in Chelsea and is very proud to call herself a resident of Shelby County.

2015 Ambassador Program Sponsor:

2015 “Building Something GREATER” The Greater Shelby Chamber will launch its first ever Total Resource Campaign (TRC) effort next month! “Building Something GREATER” will allow Chamber members to pull together in sharing the benefits of membership and sponsorship opportunities to the entire business community.

The TRC Steering Committee is currently seeking recruiters, door prizes, and sponsors for the 2015 event. The TRC will begin with training sessions in September. The Campaign will offer a variety of ways to be involved: As a TRC volunteer, your employees can network with area business leaders as well as improve sales techniques such as prospecting, 58 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

GSCCC Board of Directors

preparing a sales pitch and closing the sale - through our sales training manual and orientation.

As a TRC Sponsor or TRC door prize donor, your business will receive name and logo recognition in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, Business Connections, and all other publicity related to the TRC as well as name recognition in the Recruiter sales training manual. The money and prizes donated are used to thank our recruiters for all of their hard work.

For more information on the Chamber’s 2015 TRC, contact Aubri McClendon at the Chamber by phone at 6634542, ext. 104 or via e-mail: aubri@shelbychamber.org.

Tim Benefield (2016) Buffalo Rock Company Linda Cencula (2016) Avadian Credit Union

Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Chair-elect)

Steve Chapman (2016) Alabama Gas Corporation

Bill Keller Renasant Bank (Immediate Past Chair)

Kathy Copeland (2016) White Rock QuarriesVincent Hills

John Browing Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support)

Bruce Fryer (2016) Lhoist North America

Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development) Gregg Maercker First Commercial Bank — Retired (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Membership & Marketing) Board of Directors William Carroll (2015) Armstrong Relocation & Companies David Platt (2015) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Jim Purvis (2015) A. C. Legg, Inc. Ashley Robinett (2015) Alabama Power Company

Dominic Buompastore (2017) Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Bill Connor (2017) America’s First Federal Credit Union Chris Grace (2017) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Michael Smith (2017) The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE Sam Tucker (2017) Spectrum Business Andrew McGee (*) Hampton Inn & Suites 280 at Eagle Point Jeff Brown (*) Brownstone Marketing Solutions Amanda Mundy (*) Trinity Medical Center David Schlueter (*) Buck Creek Stained Glass Brent Stewart (*) Renasant Bank *Serving a one-year term in 2015.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Save The Date — August 20

Quarterly Industry Tour to be Held at Alabama Power TAC Center Sponsor:

technology. Experts are able to assist with problem solving and evaluating what technology makes the most sense for your business — both technically and economically. They have production grade equipment available so you can conduct heating, drying or curing tests using your products and materials. All this helps you take the guesswork out of planning process improvements. Best of all, their services are free for

their customers.

There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by August 18.

Participants will meet onsite and tour is limited to 20 attendees. Reservations will

be taken on a first-come, firstserved basis and can be made by contacting Brooke White at 663-4542, ext. 105, email brooke@shelbychamber. org or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

Get Special Offers and Free Checks!

Become a Benefit Partner with America’s First!

• Free Checks with Direct Deposit • Low Rates on Vehicle and Personal Loans • Home Loans • Special Coupons on Select Financial Products for Your Employees • Financial Education Workshops (Perfect for your Lunch and Learn)

To take advantage of this offer contact America’s First today!

For more information, email benefitpartners@amfirst.org or call 205-320-4054 FEDERALLY INSURED

BY NCUA For qualifying members only. Certain restrictions apply.

August 2015 | 59 Shelbychamber.org

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The Chamber’s Exisiting Business & Industry Work Group is holding its next Quarterly Industry Tour, sponsored by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., from 11:30AM until 1:00PM on August 20 at Alabama Power TAC (Technical Applications Center) - General Services Complex - Bldg. 7B, 744 County Road 87N, Calera.

Alabama Power’s Technology Applications Center (TAC) helps Alabama manufacturers improve quality, productivity, efficiency, and address environmental concerns.

The TAC provides advice and demonstrations of advanced manufacturing

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

GSCC Events

Find more details of what you can expect about any event listed by visiting the Greater Shelby County Chamber’s website at: www.shelbychamber.org.

Register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542.

CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: If a reservation is made for a paying event and you are unable to attend, you will be charged for the event unless a cancellation request is made at least TWO business days prior to the event.

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11:30AM - 1:00PM - Ambassadors Work Group Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr, Pelham 4:00PM - 5:00PM - Small Business Work Group Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr, Pelham Small Business Mentorship Appointments 8:00AM - 11:00AM/Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & The Gone Sponsor: Spectrum Business Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham By appointment. Contact Brooke White at 663-4542, ext. 105.

8:30AM - 9:30AM - Education Work Group Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street South, Alabaster 11:30AM - 1:00PM - Go & Grow Workshop “Sales Management Success” Presented by Michael Smith, The GREAT, the GOOD and The GONE Sponsor: Spectrum Business Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham Reservations requested by August 10 as lunch will be served.

Investment: Members $10, “Future” members $20.

8:30AM - 9:30AM - Existing Business & Industry Work Group Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., 3535 Grandview Pkwy, Ste 500, Birmingham Calera Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM/Timberline Golf Club 300 Timberline Trail, Calera Investment: $12.

No reservation required.

8:30AM - 9:30AM - CoffeeNet Sponsor: Business Telephones, Inc. The Egg & I, 5479 Highway 280, Ste. 128, Birmingham No cost. RSVP requested by August12.

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8:30AM - 9:30AM - Health Services Work Group Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr, Pelham Entrepreneur Roundtable I Sponsor: Business Telephones, Inc. 8:00AM - 10:00AM 8:15AM - 9:30AM - Executive Committee Meeting Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr, Pelham 11:30AM - 1:00PM - Quarterly Industry Tour Sponsor: Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon Alabama Power TAC, 744 County Road 87N, Calera No cost.

Reservations requested by August 18.

Entrepreneur Roundtable II Sponsor: Business Telephones, Inc. 8:30AM - 10:30AM GSCC Community Luncheon “Healthcare Professionals of the Year” Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30AM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, August 24.

Investment: Members $20, “Future” members $30.

8:30AM - 9:30AM - Governmental Affairs Work Group Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham

If you are interested in discussing advertising opportunities contact Rhett at 669-3131 or email rhett. mccreight@shelbycoutyreporter.com.