Business Connections February 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

FEBRUARY 2018 BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Go & Grow Workshop: “Business Strategies for Success” Presenting Sponsor

Business Strategies for Success - Keys for Optimal Performance and will cover the following areas: 1. Have a clear vision 2.Set measurable benchmarks 3. Critical self analysis 4. Celebrate small victories

The Go & Grow Workshop will be from 11:30AM-1:00PM on Friday, February 16 at the Chamber. There is no cost to attend, but lunch is available for $10 per person for Chamber investors ($20 for ‘Future’ investors).

To ensure we have a proper

headcount, please make reservations by noon on Wednesday, February 14 for this workshop by contacting Jackson Pruett, Director of Business Development & Support via e-mail at jackson@ shelbychamber.org, call 6634542, ext. 104 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

Get In On the Best “Card Game” in Shelby County @ the Chamber’s February 8 Business After Hours at Timberline Golf Club Shelby County’s premier business networking event — presented in 2018 by Shelby County Newspapers and cosponsored by Graham and Associates, CPAs — will be held at Timberline Golf Club in Calera.

Bring plenty of business cards and be ready to make some serious business contacts. Plus, if you meet enough people you’ll

Presenting Sponsor

earn a chance to win some prizes on February 8 from 5:30PM

Calera, 35040. The investment — which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons — for any Chamber investor is $10 per person and $20 for ‘Future’ Co-sponsor investors.

Reservations are required, so please register via email at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 663-4542 or online at by until 7:00PM at Timberline Golf www.shelbychamber.org Club, 300 Timberline Trail, noon on Monday, February 5.

Host Sponsor

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On Friday February 16th, the Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop, presented in 2017

by Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank), will be an interactive program featuring Mechelle Wilder, Founding Partner of ARC Realty. Mechelle will be on hand to share the business lessons she has learned in real estate as well as the philosophy she has developed on her journey towards success.

Mechelle will be sharing:

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Mentorship Program Offers Guidance & Support

The Chamber’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship program, presented in 2018 by Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank), continues to provide much needed assistance to small business owners — and entrepreneurs.

Participants have received guidance on starting a new business, expanding an existing business, launching a new product, downsizing and

Presenting Sponsor

t o p i c .

Appointments are required and usually last 30-45 minutes. dealing with a difficult from 8:00AM until 11:00AM. Please contact employee.

J a c k s o n As the Chamber’s The next Mentorship “Entrepreneur-in-Residence”, Pruett, the Chamber’s Director opportunities, facilitated by Smith is available for a one-on- of Business Development & Michael Smith the Chamber’s one confidential meeting with Support via e-mail at jackson@ Entrepreneur-in-Residence, any small business owner or shelbychamber.org or by will be held Friday, February 16 entrepreneur to discuss any calling 663-4542, ext. 104.

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Is Your Organization Taking Full Advantage of Your Chamber Investor Benefits?

Yes, there truly is such a thing as a “Free Lunch” — especially on February 13! We encourage you to join your fellow investors and Chamber staff for some business networking and to learn how

to maximize your investment.

Whether your firm is a new — or long-time investor — you’ll want to make plans to join us from 11:30AM-1:00PM at the Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham, to

make sure you and your colleagues are taking full advantage of your annual investment.

A complimentary lunch will be available for all attendees.

Reservations are requested --

and space is limited -- so please contact the Chamber via e-mail at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www.shelbychamber. org, by no later than February 12 to reserve your place.

Health Focus of the Month: 8 Tips for Heart Healthy Eating

Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the United States, but there are simple ways to prevent this disease.

Scale back sodium Eating a lot of sodium can

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lead to high blood pressure. Use less salt in cooking and read the labels of processed foods to check how much sodium it contains.

Eat your fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help decrease your risk of disease. Eat a colorful variety.

Get your fiber Whole grains contain heart healthy fiber, which is protective against heart disease.

Choose lean protein Chicken, fish, and beans are lower in fat than beef and pork.

Limit saturated fats Saturated fats are unhealthy fats that contribute to heart disease.

Eat red meats sparingly.

Healthy fats This includes omega-3 and unsaturated fats. You can find them in canola oil and fatty fish, like salmon. Choose fats

Presenting Sponsor

from plant sources.

Limit processed foods Processed foods often contain a lot of added sugar, sodium, and fat. Too much of these can cause excess weight gain, which can lead to heart disease.

Snack healthy Choose more foods like fruits, vegetables, or unsalted nuts at snack time.

Article Submitted by: Donna Sibley, RD St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 1/4/2018)

Champion Windows & Sunrooms Creative Accounting & Tax Comfort Caregivers, LLC Dreamgate Events, LLC Future Energy Solutions ProActive Chiropractic Quevity Regions Financial of Columbiana Regions Financial of Inverness Sleep Outfitters Sprint by Absolute Wireless Video Visions Media Marketing

Pelham Alabaster Pelham Pelham Birmingham Pelham Birmingham Columbiana Birmingham Alabaster Alabaster Alabaster

Home Improvements - Construction & Remodeling Accounting Home Health Care Event Planning Lighting Chiropractic Care Health & Fitness Financial Institutions Financial Institutions Retail Cellular Equipment & Service Advertising & Marketing Services

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

“Keeping It Real” Program Continues for 9th Grade Shelby County Students!

opening experience for the 9th graders and the volunteers that assist with the program.

The Chamber is seeking volunteers on February 2 for Pelham High School and February 23 for Vincent High School. Volunteers would manage a station and assist the students as they make

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The Chamber’s Career Readiness Work Group is in its 5th year of the “Keeping It Real” Program. This program teaches 9th grade students about “real world” life choices by giving them a randomassigned “life scenario” which includes marital/ family status, education, job and salary. The students then pay bills, make decisions on increasing education, adding a second job, etc. based on the randomselected scenario. Each year this program has been an eye-

decisions “paying bills” and make “life choices” based their situation. 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.

2018 Montgomery Drive-In Set For February 7

The Chamber’s 2018 Montgomery Drive-In, cosponsored by Alabama Power Company, will be held on February 7 at various locations in our state capital.

This year’s Drive-In event is co-hosted by the Greater Shelby County, Montevallo and South Shelby chambers of

Co-Sponsor

commerce.

The program includes: transportation to and from Montgomery, a luncheon with our Shelby

County Legislative Delegation, presentations from various Alabama state departmental heads and agency directors and a legislative reception in conjunction with the Business Council of Alabama.

The cost for participants is $45 for Chamber investors and $75 for “Future”

investors. ShelbyOne Next Level Up investors receive one complimentary registration. For additional information on this event, or to make a reservation, please contact Kirk Mancer at the Chamber via e-mail at kirk@ shelbychamber.org or by phone at 419-3361.

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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Ambassador of the Month

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Congratulations to Rhett McCreight for earning Ambassador of the Month.

Rhett is an account executive with the Shelby County Reporter, Helena Reporter, Pelham Reporter, Alabaster Reporter, 280 Reporter, Homewood Life, Mountain Brook Magazine, Vestavia Hills Magazine, Hoover Magazine and Shelby Living Magazine.

He proudly serves on The Arc of Shelby County and YMCA Pelham Boards.

He was born and raised in Alexander City and attended Jacksonville State University.

In his free time, Rhett enjoys help non-profits, playing racquetball and hanging out

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)

with his wife Jessica.

Contact Rhett at 663-3131 or rhett.mccreight@ shelbycountyreporter.com for advertising opportunities in any of the above mentioned publications.

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

(November 10, 2017 - January 1, 2018)

Facebook: 25 New Likes, 168 Visits and 2,392 Post Reaches, Total Likes 3,007.

Twitter: 2,920 Followers, 69 Tweets, 12.8K Tweet impressions, 320 Profile Visits and 9 Mentions.

Instagram: 563 Posts, 560 Followers.

Responded to 134 requests for business & community information.

Notarized 57 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies shipping to 13 different countries.

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) Board of Directors Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Alison Howell (2018) Alabama Power Company

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 Morris (*) State Farm Insurance, Brittani Morris Agency Casey Morris (*) Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies in Snider’s Pharmacy Rocky Patel (*) Hampton Inn & Suites-Pelham / Fairfield Inn & Suites-Pelham Fred Smith (*) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (*) Serving a one-year term in 2018

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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

“State of Our Communities” Presentations on February 28 Presenting Sponsor

business networking, mayors from Shelby County’s municipalities have been invited to share their thoughts

on what lies ahead for t h e i r respective communities in 2018.

The cost is $20 per person for Chamber investors and $30 per person for ‘Future’

Co-Sponsor

investors and includes a luncheon buffet. Reservations requested by noon on Monday, February 26 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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The Chamber’s February “Community Luncheon” will feature a “State of Our Communities” presentations on February 28. The meeting, presented by Sain Associates and co-sponsored by SouthWest Water Company, will be held in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena.

Doors will open at 11:00AM for business networking and the program will begin promptly at 11:30AM. In addition to the great

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Join Our County’s Progress by Joining a Chamber Work Group in 2018

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The following is a list of Work Groups along with a brief description of each.

Joining a Work Group is an easy process — simply contact the Chamber at 663-4542 and let us know! You will then be contacted by the appropriate Chamber Staff member or Work Group Chair.

AMBASSADORS GROUP Serve as goodwill ambassadors between the Chamber and new or relocated businesses.

Assists with Chamber events, programs, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings 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 Wednesday of each month @ 11:30AM @ the Chamber CAREER READINESS GROUP Promote importance of career development and the promotion of a qualified workforce for Shelby County.

Organize the following programs: “Keeping It Real” for 9th graders, “Career Awareness Fair” for 10th graders, “Communication Matters” for 11th graders, a new “Leadership” program for selected 12th Grade students and the annual “Student & Teacher of the Year Awards” which recognizes excellence in our classrooms.

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HEALTH SERVICES GROUP Promote the importance of good health, wellness and education for Shelby County businesses. Coordinate the “Health Focus of the Month” in the Chamber newsletter, seminars on health-related topics and a “Healthy Lifestyles Expo”.

Meets 2nd Friday of each month @ 8:30AM @ the Chamber

EXISTING BUSINESS & Meets 1st Wednesday of INDUSTRY GROUP each month @ 8:30AM @ Recognize and support local Shelby County Instructional industries through tours, Services Center legislative actions, seminars and other appropriate means. Also, ENTREPRENEUR coordinate the Chamber’s Green ROUNDTABLE Business recognition program PROGRAM (ERT) Program designed for the and organize the annual Industry individual responsible for the Appreciation Event.

Meets 2nd Wednesday of each direction of the company and @ 8:30AM @ with the authority to make month final decisions. Participants iBERIABANK — Pelham Branch gain valuable insights through GOVERNMENTAL monthly meetings of their AFFAIRS GROUP group which are held January Serve as the liaison between through November with other owners of their companies. our elected officials at the local, There is an application process state and federal levels and our regarding for this program and an membership, specific additional annual expense of business/commerce which covers the monthly issues. Coordinate development of the Chamber’s annual Public breakfast or lunch.

ERT I Meets 3rd Friday of Policy Agenda as well as Montgomery Drive-In and other each month 7:30-8:30AM ERT280 Meets 3rd Tuesday events.

Meets 2nd Thursday of each of each month 11:30AMmonth @ 8:30AM @ Sain 12:30PM 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 @ 4:00PM @ the Chamber TOURISM & RECREATION GROUP Serve as the liaison between all sectors of Shelby County’s tourism and recreation industry.

Provide assistance in promotion and development of tourismrelated events and recreational activities throughout Shelby County. Encourage the use of Shelby County hotels, campgrounds, parks, bed & breakfasts and other participating lodging facilities during our visitors’ stay in our communities.

Meets 1st Friday of each month @ 9:00 AM at locations throughout Shelby County

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

SNAPSHOTS

2018 Ribbon Sponsor

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

Congratulations to Mobile Fleet Specialists of Birmingham, Inc. on its grand opening in Alabaster. If your organization has company vehicles Mobile Fleet Specialists are who to call for maintenance. They come to you and keep you rolling. Drop by and see owner/ VP Jeff Osborn onsite Highway 87 or give them a call at 844-4TEC-NOW(832669).

Congratulations to ProActive Chiropractic on its Grand Opening in the City of Pelham. Dr. Marcus Williams and his staff are accepting new patients.

Dr. Williams was joined in support by Mayor Gary Waters, friends, family and Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Quevity on its Official Grand Opening on location at Doug Baker Boulevard.

The facility offers state of the art equipment and therapy that you will not find anywhere else in the area. General Manager Joe Albert was joined by the Quevity team and Chamber Ambassadors.

Shelby County High School in Columbiana recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to showcase its recently remodeled kitchen for training in Home Economics. Alana Ray, Family & Consumer Sciences cut the ribbon and was joined in support by Mayor Stancil Handley, Shelby County Board Education personnel and Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Sleep Outfitters on its Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in the City of Alabaster, Propst Promenade. General Manager “Bunk” Breland was joined by Mayor Marty Handlon, City Officials, employees, Chamber Ambassadors and BIG AL.

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Congratulations to The Foundry Thrift Stores on its grand opening in Alabaster/Pelham. If you do not know about The Foundry and the great work that they do, visit them on the web at foundryministries.com. CEO Michah Andrews cut the celebratory ribbon and was joined in support by Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters, The Foundry family and Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods on its grand opening in the City of Pelham. Smiley Brothers offers specialty cheeses, meats, take home orders and more. Owner Chris Smiley cut the ribbon and was joined

by Mayor Gary Waters, friends, family, staff and Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Sprint by Absolute Wireless on their Grand Opening/ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. If you are a Sprint customer, or thinking of becoming a Sprint customer, stop by the new location at 561 1st Street North, Alabaster.

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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER Events

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.

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February 2017

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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.

Tourism and Recreation Work Group 9:00AM - 10:00AM Rotates around Shelby County.

Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM

Montgomery Drive-In 10:30AM - 8:00PM Participants will meet at Chamber.

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

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham Business After Hours 5:30PM - 7:00PM Timberline Golf Club, 300 Timberline Trail, Calera Investment: $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors - includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and two beverage tickets.

RSVP requested by noon Tuesday, February 6.

Sponsors: Shelby County Newspapers & Graham & Associates, CPAs Investor Reception 11:30AM - 1:00PM Reservations requested by February 12.

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

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One-on-One 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) Go & Grow Workshop “Business Strategies for Success” 11:30AM - 1:00PM Facilitated by Mechelle Wilder, Partner of ARC Realty Reservations requested by noon on February 14.

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

Sponsor: Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank) Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM - 8:30AM

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

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

“Keeping It Real” Program 7:30AM - 3:00PM Vincent High School, 42505 Highway 25, Vincent Sponsors: ECO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road GSCC Community Luncheon “State of Our Communities” Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 12:00PM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, February 26.

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

Sponsors: Sain Associates & SouthWest Water Company