May SSCC newsletter

SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KALEIDOSCOPE

Columbiana • Chelsea • Harpersville • Westover • Wilsonville • Vincent and the South Shelby County Region

May 2011

southshelbychamber.com

Chamber Upcoming Events May 5 May 7 May 13 May 17 May 19 May 30

Chamber Luncheon – Spotlight on Harpersville Old 280 Plaza Business Palooza & Ribbon Cuttings 9am-3pm Relay for Life at Chelsea High School Chamber Networking Mixer at Victory GMC in Calera 5-6pm Shelby County RSVP Senior Picnic 9am-1pm 7th Annual Blue Star Salute at the American Village 11am-5pm

Call the Chamber office at 205.669.9075 for more information on these events.

2011 Corporate Sponsors

New chamber members Columbiana Tire Columbiana, AL 205.669.0859 We are a family owned and operated full service alignment, brake, wheel and tire dealer serving the Shelby, Jefferson and Chilton County areas. We are ARI approved. No job is too great or too small for our technicians.

We have a state of the art alignment facility, a “touch free” mount/dismount machine and we stand behind ALL services we perform. We refuse to compromise our customer’s safety or satisfaction to compete with chain stores. Our goal is to give our customers the highest quality of work at a fair price in a friendly atmosphere.

L & T Trailers Terry and Linda Bell Wilsonville, AL 205.669.0750 Owners Terry and Linda Bell offer Utility Trailers, Heavy Duty Gooseneck, Enclosed Trailers, Dumps, Car Haulers and all type trailer accessories. Everybody needs a trailer!

Hampton Inn Deanna Jones Birmingham, AL 205.981.0024 www.birmingham280easteaglepointsuites. hamptoninn.com Here at the Hampton Inn Birmingham/280 East-Eagle Point, we’re passionate about taking good care of you. That’s why we offer a broad range of services and amenities to make your stay exceptional. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting or need accommodations for a family reunion or your child’s sporting group, we’re delighted to offer you easy planning and booking tools to make the process quick and organized.

Vincent Gardens Garden and Gift Shop Ruth Driggers Vincent, AL 205.901.6304 www.vincentgardencenter.com Vincent Gardens is a family owned business which developed from a love of gardening and a desire to fill a need for our community.

Vincent Gardens carries a great selection of bedding plants, shrubs, evergreens, fruit trees, containers & pots, soils, fertilizers, pesticides, and vegetable plants and seed.

The Rock Fitness Revolution B.J. Nichols Chelsea, AL 205.563.4760 www.therockchelsea.com The Rock is not your typical gym. It is truly a fitness revolution. You won’t waste your time with cookie cutter workouts or weight machines or treadmills. Instead you will be challenged both physically and mentally by a creative high intensity work outs designed daily by our experience trainers. As experts in motivating our clients, we build character out of excuses and transform bodies by iron and steel. We welcome all ages and fitness levels and guarantee and experience like none other.

At the rock, you are the machine!

Juice Plus+ Vicki Everett Birmingham, AL 35242 205.332.5255 www.veverettjuiceplus.com Good nutrition takes time and planning.

Clinically proven Juice Plus+® helps you bridge the gap between the 7 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by The United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA) and the nutrition you actually get with your busy schedule. Call Vicki today to begin living healthier!

Formaggios Alfredo Frias Birmingham, AL 205.989.7999 https://ordercounter.com/formaggios/index. php Step into Italy as you enjoy Formaggio’s many authentic Italian Dishes. From the Pizza, Calzones and Pizza Rolls to the Salads and Pasta - you’ll fall in love on your first visit.

Locally owned and operated, Formaggio’s has been pleasing its customers for many years and looks forward to finding even more ways to serve then in the future. Whether you decide to dine-in, pickup, get delivery or even allow Formaggio’s to cater your next event - you will be thrilled with this authentic Italian cuisine.

Cracker Barrel Randy L. Betts Calera, AL 205.668.2027 www.crackerbarrel.com Current in-store specials: Country Shrimp n’ Scratch-Made Grits, Introducing our Shrimp Po’ Boy, North Atlantic Haddock, or Grilled Chicken n’ Strawberry Salad – All for under $10.00!

Breakfast specials include: Wholesome Mornin’ Sampler, Six Grain n’ Granola Pancake Breakfast, Multigrain Pancake Breakfast.

Kings Quality Cars Tony and Doretta Kings Chelsea, AL 205.678.4424 www.kingsquailtycars.com

Since 1992 we’ve been a mom and pop operation. Buying From Mom & Pop benefits you because YOU SAVE MONEY as well as SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS. We specialize in low mileage vehicles still under factory warranty. Most of our vehicles are still covered by their factory warranty although extended warranties are available through Auto Services Company, Inc (ASC Warranty).

Buying from mom and pop is affordable!

Alota Scents Pam Blythe Chelsea, AL 205.678.9989 www.alotascents.com All of our candles are hand poured to ensure our high standard and are made from our own special formula. We researched and tested this formula for months to perfect one that will produce candles with a remarkable scent. We use premium cotton wicks, soy wax, and the highest quality fragrance oil available. Got a fundraiser coming up? Our candles are sure to sell. Call us for a fragrance and price list.

Bojangles Brad Hudson Chelsea, AL 205.678.0449 Bojangles’® began in 1977 as the dream of operators Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas. They saw an opportunity to develop a quick-service restaurant chain based on three attributes: distinctive flavor profile; wholesome, highquality products made from scratch; and a fun, festive restaurant design with fast, friendly service. Bojangles specializes in world famous fried chicken, made from scratch buttermilk biscuits (all day long), and legendary sweet tea. Breakfast is available all day long.

Continual chamber members Fay Porter – Individual Member Dales Beauty Salon Dale Roe 669-4004 Columbiana United Methodist Church Rev. Lori Carden 669-7164 http://www.columbianaumc.com/ Chelsea Orthodontics, P.C. Dr. Kelly Page 205-678-2770 www.chelseabraces.com Orthodontics South, PC Dr. Brandon Boggan, DMD, MS, 205-664-4140 www.bracingteam.com Candlewood Suites Matt Graves 205-620-0188 www.candlewoodsuites.com Berney Office Solutions Toll Free: 866-663-9991 Ph: 205-663-9991 www.berney.com United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. Meredith Watkins (205) 251-5131 http://www.uwca.org/

Busy Hands Richard and Linda Cook 205-669-4303 http://www.busyhandsframing.com/ Ellis Properties Corley Ellis 205-669-1863 www.ellispropertiesinc.com Apostolic Truth Center Pastor Gary and Mrs. Jan Beane 205-669-0075 http://www.apostolictruthcenter.com/

Tim Lovelady Contracting 205-229-6357 Southern Directory Lynda White 205-824-1325 www.alabamadirectory.net George Andersons and Associates 205-669-2300 Gails Florist Gail Coleman 205-669-7061

Rogers Pest Management Rodger Hutto 205-669-1824

The Tax Lady Kaye Alvarez 205-476-6104

ADM and Associates Ernest McConnell 800-242-5999 www.admassoc.com

American Tree Maintence Jim Paramore 205-669-1925 http://www.callatm.com/

AC Legg Jim Purvis 205-324-3451 www.aclegg.com

Mid State Co-op Chris Duke 205-669-7082

Mary Harris Circuit Clerk of Shelby County Mary Harris 205-669-3760

H & R Block Teresa Hayes 205-678-3007 http://www.hrblock.com Kellis Vegitation Zack Kellis 205-613-6688

The Chunky Monkey Dawn Keef 205-678-9533 http://www.chunkymonkeymonogram. com/ Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC John Browning 205-980-9903 office http://www.cvcsllc.com/ NarrowsPodiatry Dr. Shane Burchfield Dr. Kevin Waldrop Dr. Stephen Stern 205-437-3236 http://www.familyfirstfootcare.com/ http://www.narrowspodiatry.com/ Life Changes Ronnie & Janet Armstrong Brandy Sharich 205-863-0653 Walmart Joey McKinnistry 205-678-2222 www.walmart.com ARC of Shelby County Karen Stokes 205-664-9313 www.thearcofshelby.org

Johnny Rays Miranda Carter 205-678-8418 http://www.johnnyraysbbq.com/ Shelby Baptist Medical Center Hospital David Wilson Donna Smelcer 205-620-8100 www.bhsala.com Shelbiana Animal Clinic Dr. Charles Thornburg, and Dr. Fred Self 205-669-7717 Shangri La Rezalina D. Nichols 205-669-9202 www.slassistedliving.com Kiwanas Club Maggie Glass First United Security Bank Edwin Brasher 205-669-3550 http://www.firstusbank.com First Educators Credit Union Jessica Swindle 205-397-3437 http://www.firsteducatorscu.com/ Dr. Keith Davis, DMD 205-678-2525

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letter From Director The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the School of Technology Business and Finance Academy are participating in the Jr. Achievement school program.

The program is developed with a primary emphasis on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, while providing a strong secondary emphasis on mathematics, reading, and writing skills. Mrs. Dora Montgomery’s students will learn fundamental business and economic concepts, explore career interests and opportunities, and develop work-readiness skills.

“We’re so appreciative and excited about the experience being provided to the students in the Business and Finance Academy through Jr. Achievement and its representative, Ms. Stacy Walkup. As a result of her interaction with students, Ms. Walkup has provided opportunities for students to exercise their creativity through product development. Additionally, she has shared personal insight regarding perseverance, innovative thinking, selfconfidence, which are attributes for a successful entrepreneur. She is doing an awesome job!” explains Dora Montgomery, teacher of the Business and Finance Academy at the School of Technology.

“We are proud to have such a great quality instructor like Dora Montgomery who is able to find such great opportunities that will enable our students to prepare for entrepreneurship and the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce for volunteering and helping implement the program.” According to Peg Hill, Shelby County Board of Education Board Member. “’It is so exciting to see how well students, volunteers, and teachers have responded to our new program, JA Be Entrepreneurial. It has provided the perfect opportunity for students to learn from the people in the business community the process of creating a

Stacy Walkup Executive Director

BOARD MEMBERS

President Brenda Frias Alabama Power

1st Vice President Donna Smelcer Shelby Baptist Medical Center

Pictured from right to left: D’Shaunna Murphy, Lanie Burns, Logan Nichols, Ricardo McGhee, Lymyca Mashburn, Dora Montgomery business plan, developing marketing strategies, and debating about a variety of ethical decisions that come up in running a business. Many of our volunteers teaching this program tell us that they are constantly amazed about the innovative and clever ideas their students have. What a great way to train young people to be successful and productive as they prepare to enter the workforce!” quoted by Latoya Watkins, Secondary Program Manager for Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham These students are doing a great job learning the elements of a successful business start-up highlighting their plan through being an informed Entrepreneur, the right product, the right market, specific competitive advantages, ethics and social responsibility plan and implementing a business plan. The program is a seven week program and is a wonderful opportunity and such an honor to volunteer with these wonderfully talented students.

2nd Vice President Faye McGuire Frontier Bank

Richard Cook Busy Hands Framing and Gifts

Matthew Allen Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

Evan Major Shelby County Schools (Ret.)

City Government

Linda Wren AT&T

Mayor Earl Niven, Becky Landers Chelsea

Dr. Ben Smith Smith Chiropractic Billy Ray Jones Bryant Bank

Mayor Theoangelo Perkins Jackie Ingram Harpersville

John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC

Della Pender MT Laurel

Jon Lauderdale Alagasco

Mayor Ray McCallister Joy Marler Vincent

Kevin Morris M&F Bank

Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Morris M&F Bank

Past President Tim Prince Shelby County Newspapers, Imc.

Executive Director Stacy Walkup

Mayor Mark McLaughlin Wayne Jones Westover

Mayor Allan Lowe Gina Antonlini Columbiana

Robert Jackson Bridges Historic Shelby Association

Edwin Brasher First United Security Bank

3rd Vice President Andrew Brown Brown Lumber & Building Supply

Mayor Rosemary Liveoak Kay Ray Wilsonville

Office Team: Front L-R Helen Dean, Stacy Walkup, Executive Director, Ben Corbitt and Ellen Brechin

4 luNcheoN reFlectioNs April Luncheon Brian Hilson, new President and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance was our guest speaker at the chambers monthly business luncheon on April 7, 2011.

“Shelby County is a fantastic place to live, work and do business, and the Birmingham Business Alliance looks forward to working closely with Shelby County leaders in promoting the county and moving our entire region forward”.

According to Brian Hilson, President and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance.

“Shelby County is excited about the future of the BBA and we will be working aggressively with others to become the leading region in the State and also the Southeast US…..Our County Commission Chair, Corley Ellis is on the Board of Director’s and I’m serving in several BBA roles in the implementation of the region’s strategic business development plan.”Alex Dudchock, County Manager/ Shelby County, Alabama.

Pictured: Stacy Walkup, Alex Dudchock, Mayor Earl Niven, Becky Landers and Brian Hilson

The City of Chelsea was the spotlight featuring many businesses including M&F Bank, Alabama Telco Credit Union, Chunky Monkey, Comfort Keepers, New Leaf Designs, Ekklesia Coffee, Post Net, Visual Media, and the City of Chelsea Library. Johnny Rays BBQ restaurant hosted the luncheon and it was sponsored

by Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union.

The chamber welcomed new members Bojangles, Columbiana Tire, Kings Quality Cars, Hampton Inn- Eagle Point, The Rock Fitness Revolution, L&T Trailer, Alota Scents, and Vincent Gardens. Shelby County’s RSVP senior volunteers are organized by director Marin Copes and they are a huge partner in the success and productivity of the chamber luncheons. The tables were beautifully decorated for Easter and so many businesses brought wonderful door prizes to give away.

Pictured: Sponsors-Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union: Brant Malone, Mack Lee, Rick Higgins, Carliss McKinney, Christina Goodwin and Cheryl Holmes.

5 membershiP tiPs Tips to get more out of Social Media Customer Interaction.

Customer Interaction. When you first start growing in Social Media, it’s a good idea to interact with each new fan on an individual basis. Send users a message after they’ve become a fan of your Facebook page. Build a relationship with each fan and they’ll become a fan and a customer!

Ask fans to like your updates. At the end of your status update, add this, “Click ‘like’ if you find this useful!”

This way, it will appear on their wall for all of their friends to see!

Helen Dean Program & Communcations

Contest and Giveaways. “Once we reach 100 fans, we will have a drawing for a free product.” Make it worth you fans time to look at your update by adding exclusive deals and offers. Offer them something of value.

Promote your Social Media efforts off-line-e.g. business cards, printed materials, in-store signage, or e-mail signatures. Add a ‘Find us on Facebook’ button and a Twitter link to your website so that people know you’re on there.

Focus on building relationships. One of the best ways to build connections and increase visibility on Twitter is to take some time to scan the message stream and retweet or reply to the posts of other users. Specifically look for places where you can offer help or advice. Engaging with your followers is also important. Don’t forget to acknowledge anyone who took the time the retweet one of your tweets.

thaNK You to all health Fair ParticiPaNts! Almost 40 vendors took part in this event: Baptist Medical Center - Sponsor Narrows Podiatry/Family First Foot Care - Sponsor Comfort Keepers Chelsea Masonic Lodge Chelsea Orthodontics Sniders Pharmacy Chelsea Fire Department Anytime Fitness Chelsea Eye Care Robert Funk Physical Therapy Stephens Pharmacy St. Vincents One Nineteen Alabama Cooperative Extension System Coosa Valley Home Health Care Coosa Valley Medical Center Dr. Waid Blackstone, MD Hayes Eye Center Ruby Slippers In-Home Care

Dr. Keith Davis, DMD Lemak Sports Medicine American Hospice Chelsea Mason Lodge Juice Plus+ LifeSouth Community Blood Bank American Red Cross Cahaba Valley Pediatric Dentistry Smith Chiropractic Shelby County Health Department Brookwood Medical Center New Beacon Hospice Goodson Health and Wellness 280 Animal Clinic Comfort Care Home Health Snap Fitness Zija Whataburger Johnny Rays BBQ - Chelsea

Pictured left to right: Dr. Shane Burchfied with Narrow Podiatry/Family First Foot Care(Sponsor), Donna Smelcer with Shelby Baptist Medical Center(Sponsor), Stacy Walkup and Helen Dean with South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ben Smith (Event Chairman), Diane Johnson (Health and Wellness Ministry Coordinator), and Mayor Earl Niven-City of Chelsea.

Thanks to Liberty Baptist Church volunteers and Zac Lovelady and Carlie Smith (Chelsea High School Volunteers).

citY sPotliGht

H

arpersville

“come check us out...we have a rich past and

a bright future.”

Mayor Theoangelo Perkins mayor@townofharpersville.com

Population: 1,620 Town Hall: 83 Town Hall Lane Harpersville, AL 35078 205-672-9961 townofharpersville.com Town Council: Jackie Ingram City Clerk 672-9961

cityclerk@townofharpersville.com

Janet Gill 672-7090

Welcome to Harpersville, one of Shelby County’s oldest communities. There are more than 800 housing units within its corporate limits. Along with its immediate municipal neighbors, Harpersville constitutes about 5% of the county population, but offers more than 25% of the available land in the county. Several subdivisions are under construction, including many with beautiful views of the Coosa River.

Children attend public schools in Vincent, and Coosa Valley Academy offers a quality private education right here in Harpersville. All of our schools are committed to helping students reach their greatest potential and have well-qualified staffs, offering low student-to-teacher ratios and excellent academic and athletic opportunities. Several community colleges and universities are within a short driving distance of town, too.

Harpersville has two medical clinics, and paramedics and firefighters in our town are second to none. We even have one of the best fire ratings in Shelby County, translating into lower insurance costs for your home. Our police department is well-equipped, and we boast one office for every 215 residents, meaning your safety is a top priority in our town!

We are truly the “Crossroads to Family Fun!” People come from all around to see Old Baker Farm, taste wine at Morgan Creek Winery or fish in the abundant waters of Lay Lake and the Coosa River. A city park offers a walking track, softball field, baseball field, soccer/football field, tennis courts, playgrounds and pavilions. We’re home to the Coosa Valley Beagle Club, and we’re within minutes of the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team, Talladega Superspeedway, Logan Martin Lake and Lay Lake.

History is alive in Harpersville, with many historic homes and Revolutionary War burial sites. Two NBA stars came out of Harpersville, along with a Hollywood stage/film actor.

Beverly Johnson 672-9008 Roy Wood 672-8826 Shirley Middleton 672-7496 William Rayfield 672-2997

Services: Police: 672-2490 Fire: 672-7959 Water: 672-2669

ambassaDor hiGhliGhts Ambassador Honorable Mention Amanda Smith,

June Upcoming Events Music on Main (Columbiana) – Friday Nights in June

Cahaba Valley Computer Solutions, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Amanda can be seen at many Chamber events volunteering her time. She recently spent a 10 hour day with the staff of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce at our First Annual ‘Shelby County’s Best BBQ’. She enthusiastically volunteered her day to help the Chamber have a very successful day. Without Amanda’s help, the Chamber wouldn’t have been as efficient when it came to judging the best BBQ. In addition to this event, Amanda Volunteered with the Coffee with the Mayor in Chelsea, Social Media Class, and our May Luncheon. Amanda, the South Shelby Chamber Office Team, fellow Ambassador’s and the Board of Directors thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the Chamber.

June 2

Chamber Luncheon Spotlight on Wilsonville/Lay Lake

June 3

Town House Tea Shoppe and Tea Party Castle Ribbon Cutting at 10AM

June 16

Coffee with the Mayor with Mayor Allan Lowe in Columbiana at 8AM

June 21

Chamber Networking Mixer at Town House Tea Shoppe and Tea Party Caste at 5-6pm

June 24/25

Liberty Day Celebration in Columbiana Vendor Info 669-5800, Parade Sign Up 669-9075

June 26

Wilsonville’s God and Country Celebration

For complete calendar information, visit our website at www.southshelbychamber.com

march sNaPshots Shelby County’s Best BBQ – Alabama Power – Winner of ‘Best of Show’

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Vincent Gardens Ribbon Cutting

Coffee with the Mayor – Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven

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Pulbix in Chelsea Grand Opening

88 uPcomiNG chamber luNcheoN

May 5, 2011

Location: Columbiana United Methodist Church 200 North Main Street, Columbiana Spotlight on City of Harpersville

Keynote Speaker: Phil Burns Manager/Chief Information Officer of Shelby County Luncheon Sponsor: Charter Business Luncheon provided by: Perk’s BBQ Price: $10.00 *Networking begins at 11:30am May’s Chamber luncheon is a great time find out how Shelby County’s website can help your business. Enjoy BBQ catered

by Perk’s BBQ that is sponsored by Charter Business. The Chamber Luncheon is a great place to network your business, visit City of Harpersville Expo Booths, and enjoy lunch with new and existing business friends. Door Prizes are welcomed!