The Shelby County Chamber Business Connections, April 2021

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The Shelby County Chamber BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Shelby County Chamber Now Accepting Small Business of the Year Nominations The Shelby County Chamber is accepting nominations for its 8th annual Small Business of the Year in five categories as part of its 2021 Small Business Celebration presented by Regions Bank. Completed nomination packets are due to the Chamber by May 5 at 5:00PM. Nomination packets are available by contacting The Shelby County Chamber by phone at 205-663-4542 or via e-mail at info@shelbyhamber.org.

Small business, which employs half of all private sector employees, generates roughly 70%

of new jobs annually and accounts for one of every 13 U.S. workers, truly is the backbone of our economy both nationally and locally. What’s more, roughly 70% of our 1,000+ Chamber investors are companies which employ 25 or fewer people. So you can see why small business is vitally important to our economy.

The five categories are: uCategory I: 1-5 Employees, Open 1 Year or More uCategory II: 6-10 Employees, Open 1 Year or More

uCategory III: 11-20 Employees, Open 1 Year or More uCategory IV: 21+ Employees, Open 1 Year or More uCategory V: Less Than 25 Employees, Open Less Than 1 Year All nominees will be recognized and the recipients will be announced at the Eighth Annual Small Business of the Year Awards scheduled from 11:00AM - 1:00PM on Wednesday, June 3 at the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square in Columbiana.

Join us on May 4 for The Shelby County Chamber’s Quarterly Investor Reception Yes, there truly is such a thing as a “Free Lunch” – especially on May 4! 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 organization is a new -- or long-time investor --you’ll want to make plans to join us from 11:30AM until 1:00PM at the Chelsea Community Center to make sure you and your

colleagues are taking full advantage of your annual investment.

A complimentary boxed lunch will be provided 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 205-663-4542, or register on-line by no later than noon on May 3 to reserve your place.

6 Chambers Hosting Washington Update with Congressman Gary Palmer On Tuesday, April 6, U. S. Congressman Gary Palmer will join with several chambers of commerce for a virtual event from 9:30AM-10:30AM via ZOOM. Congressman Palmer -- first elected to represent Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014 -- will provide participants with a Washington update.

The event is co-hosted by the Homewood,

Hoover Area, Greater Irondale, Mountain Brook, Shelby County and Vestavia Hills chambers of commerce.

There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required no later than 2:00PM on Monday, April 5, so please contact The Shelby County Chamber via e-mail at info@shelbychamber.org or by phone at 205-663-4542 or register online to secure your place.

1301 COUNTY SERVICES DR.

Presenting Sponsor

PELHAM, AL, 35124

Chamber Seeking Nominations for Seventh Annual Healthcare Professional of the Year The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Health Services Work Group is seeking nominees for its seventh annual Healthcare Professional of the Year program. This award will recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the healthcare to our community. Any healthcare profession-

al serving the Shelby County area is eligible to be nominated. The deadline for nominations is by the end of the day May 19th. The nominees and recipients will be recognized at the June Community Luncheon to be held on June 30th, from 11:00AM until 1:00PM at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. Nom-

ination forms will be available April 9th and can be accessed on the Chamber’s website at www.shelbychamber.org to access the nomination form. For more information contact Pari Barzegari Manager of Community & Career Development, at 205-419-3357 or pari@shelbychamber.org.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS Children who are outside having fun in the sun or practicing sports may be too busy to pay attention to things like staying hydrated or knowing when to go for shade. When children are young, it’s up to the adults to watch out for when enough sun is enough. Heat illness follows a progression from mild to life-threatening.

STAGES, SIGNS AND TREATMENT OF HEAT ILLNESS Extended time in heat and humidity and lack of adequate fluids can cause heat illness. And, children, teens and the elderly (over age 65) are more sensitive to heat because their bodies don’t adjust as quickly to environmental changes as adults younger than age 65. Here’s how to recognize heat illness: HOW TO AVOID HEAT ILLNESS uFollow several guidelines to avoid starting down the path of heat illness: uWatch the heat index - if over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, heat expo-

Presenting Sponsor

sure is riskier. uUnderstand if your child’s health issues (including obesity) or medication make him or her more susceptible uBeware of the need for extra hydration and breaks from the heat when wearing heavy clothing such as for football or band practice (if wearing heavy uniforms) uStay hydrated and encourage your children to drink fluids even if they don’t think they’re thirsty. uDress in lightweight, lightly-colored clothing. uTake breaks from activity to cool off in air conditioning, with a cool bath or in a swimming pool. uTalk with coaches and/or camp counselors about policies regarding heat illness prevention.

Finally, remember to never, ever leave children in a closed vehicle, even for a short time. Inside car temperatures can increase by as much as 19 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. Closed vehicles can be life-threatening.

205 - 663 - 4542

TYPE OF HEAT ILLNESS

CAUSE

SIGNS/ SYMPTOMS

Heat cramps (mildest form)

uIntense exercise in high heat

uPainful cramps or muscle spasms most common in legs uFlushed, moist skin

uStop activity and rest in a cool place uTake off extra clothing and apply cool cloths to skin uDrink fluids that contain sugar and salt uSlowly stretch cramped muscles

Heat exhaustion

uLoss of water and salt uExtreme heat and sweating without fluid and salt replacement

Same as above, plus: uHigh fever (over 100.4) uHeadache uNausea/vomiting uDiarrhea uWeakness/ fatigue uAnxiety

uSame treatment as above; if no improvement or fluids won’t stay down, go to the emergency department.

Heat stroke (life threatening)

uBody is overwhelmed by excessive heat and doesn’t properly regulate the heat

Same as above, plus: uRapid heart rate uLack of appetite uConfusion or agitation uStupor or lethargy uSeizures

uBegin same treatment as above and call 911 or go to emergency department. In the meantime, place ice bags in armpit and groin area.

SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG

TREATMENT

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Heat Safety Guidelines Emergency Department, Shelby Baptist Medical Center

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2020 Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Mark Teachman for earning Shelby County Chamber Ambassador of the Month. Mark retired from his life and business coaching practice in 2020. Prior to coaching he spent 42 years working for AT&T in a variety of positions including support of internet call centers around the world. He is a Deacon at his local church and enjoys college and professional football, live theatre and

Presenting Sponsors

reading non-fiction. Mark is married to Laurita Miller, a Mental Health Therapist, and lives in Maylene.

“Thank you, Mark for your continued support and time volunteering throughout Shelby County!”

The Shelby County Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group is holding its sixth annual “Ready to Shred” Recycling Day from 9:00AM until 2:00PM on Thursday, April 8. The event, presented by Gone For Good Document & E-Waste Solutions, encourages safe and secure recycling of items. The host for our Recycling Day event is city of Chelsea and the location will be at the Chelsea city hall located at 11611 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea, AL 35043.

There will be an area in the parking lot designated for drop off of items.

The Work Group is planning to have an onsite mobile truck for document destruction* and E-Waste recycling drop off area**.

Below are items that are acceptable E-Waste items: uComputers/Laptops uCell Phones/PDAs uDVD Players/VCRs uLaptops uCommunications Equipment uOffice Machines uPrinters uStereos uServers/Routers uTVs and Monitors (FLAT SCREEN ONLY) uLimit of 3-4 “Banker Boxes” of paper items uLimit 3-4 lawn/leaf bags of acceptable re-

cyclables uLimit 3-4 medium plastic storage bins of acceptable recyclables We are unable to accept: uTubed TVs uTubed Computer Monitors uBatteries uRefrigerators There is no cost to drop off your documents or recyclable items within the above parameters.

For more information on this event, and/ or vendor information, contact Pari Barzegari, 205-663-4542, ext. 106 or pari@shelbychamber.org.

8th Annual Student & Educator of the Year The Shelby County Chamber is pleased to announce its “Annual Student and Educator of the Year” recognition program. Educators play a vital role in the lives of Shelby County children, impact our communities every day and help develop the workforce which our Shelby County businesses and organizations will need in the years ahead. As such, the Chamber has launched this recognition program to celebrate excellence in the teaching profession and inform our community of the exceptional quality of instruction delivered throughout Shelby County. All nominees will be recognized and three recipients (elementary, middle and high school educator) will receive a one-time financial investment to assist their continuing devel-

opment.

Shelby County students are our potential business and community leaders and will comprise a significant portion of our workforce in the future. As such, the Chamber has launched this recognition program to celebrate student excellence in the classroom throughout Shelby County. All nominees will be recognized and five recipients (academic leader stand-out (2) and career pathway stand-out (2), Future Leader) will receive a one-time financial investment to assist their continuing development.

The Chamber will recognize all of the nominations and announce the recipients at the April 28, virtual program presented by America’s First Federal Credit Union and co-sponsored by Vul-

Presenting Sponsor

can Materials and The University of Montevallo.

There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required no later than 2:00PM on Tuesday, April 27, so please contact The Shelby County Chamber via e-mail at info@shelbychamber.org or by phone at 205-663-4542 or register online to secure your place.

F i n d U s O n l i ne |

2021 TSCC Officers and Board of Directors (as of 12/09/2020) OFFICERS Chamber Chair Mr. Chris Grace Barge Design Solutions, Inc. Chair-Elect Mr. Brian Massey Ascension St. Vincent’s Vice Chair, Business Development & Support Mr. Lee Dorrill Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing Ms. Kelly Thrasher Fox Hand Arendall, Harrison, Sale LLC Vice Chair, Community & Career Development Mr. Daniel Listi BBH / Shelby Baptist Medical Center Vice Chair, Finance & Administration Ms. April Harry Warren, Averett, LLC Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs Mr. Mike Swinson Spire Alabama, Inc. Vice Chair, Investor Relations Dr. Jay Crisman 280 Animal Medical Center Vice Chair, Tourism & Recreation Mr. Kevin Morris America’s First Federal Credit Union

Immediate Past Chair Ms. Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries– Vincent Hills DIRECTORS Mr. Paul Barber Valent Group Mr. John Collier Regions Bank Ms. Brittani Morris State Farm Insurance Brittani Morris Agency Mr. Casey Morris McLeod Software Mr. Matthew Hogan Bama Budweiser of Shelby County Mr. Fred Smith Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Ms. Mechelle Wilder ARC Realty Mr. Rux Bentley Rux Carter Insurance Mr. Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College Ms. Laura Clarke SYNOVUS Mr. Jeff Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. Mr. Guy Locker SouthWest Water Company

205 - 663 - 4542

Ms. Alison Howell Steineker Alabama Power Company Ms. Melissa Dixon Charles Dixon Industries Mr. Daniel Holmes Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Ms. Khiari McAlpin Vinehouse Nursery Mr. Maurice Mercer KATs Delivery Mr. Kyle Mims Edward Jones Investments – Kyle Mims Agency Mr. Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products Dr. Hollie Cost University of Montevallo Mr. David Dunagan Thompson Tractor Company Mr. Will Norwood Valley Bank Mr. Chad Scroggins Shelby County Mr. Keith Sides The UPS Store, Caldwell Mill / Valleydale at Hoover The Hon. Brian Puckett (Ex-Officio, SCMA) City of Helena

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New Investors

(January 21- February 21, 2021) The Joint Chiropractic Birmingham Daysol Coffee Lab Hoover Uncle Keith’s Red Sauce Opelika State Farm Insurance Drew Balch Agency Calera Workspace Pelham

Coleman Financial Solutions LLC Helena Overland Adventure Rentals Helena American Millwright and Fabrication Maylene The Guys’ Place Pelham Highway 52 Nutrition Helena

Your Chamber at work

January 16 – February 12, 2021 - Responded to 77 requests for business & community information.

- Notarized two documents for Shelby County Companies.

- Promoting Chamber investors as well as Chamber & Community events through the following Social Media outlets: - Facebook: 21 “new likes”, 345 “views”, 4,891 “post reaches” and 4,408 “total likes”.

- Twitter: 14 “tweets”, 1,572 “tweet impressions”, 63 “profile visits”, 3,050 “followers”.

- Instagram: 1,380 “posts and stories”, 1,362 “followers”.

- LinkedIn: 485 “followers”.

SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG

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