SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KALEIDOSCOPE

M a y 2 0 1 1southshelbychamber.com

May 5 Chamber Luncheon – Spotlight on HarpersvilleMay 7 Old 280 Plaza Business Palooza & Ribbon Cuttings 9am-3pmMay 13 Relay for Life at Chelsea High SchoolMay 17 Chamber Networking Mixer at Victory GMC in Calera 5-6pmMay 19 Shelby County RSVP Senior Picnic 9am-1pm May 30 7th Annual Blue Star Salute at the American Village 11am-5pm

Chamber Upcoming Events

C o l u m b i a n a • C h e l s e a • H a r p e r s v i l l e • W e s t o v e r • W i l s o n v i l l e • V i n c e n t a n d t h e S o u t h S h e l b y C o u n t y R e g i o n

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

2011 Corporate Sponsors

New chamber members

Stacy WalkupExecutive Director

Fay Porter – Individual Member

Dales Beauty SalonDale Roe669-4004

Columbiana United Methodist ChurchRev. Lori Carden669-7164http://www.columbianaumc.com/

Chelsea Orthodontics, P.C.Dr. Kelly Page205-678-2770www.chelseabraces.com

Orthodontics South, PCDr. Brandon Boggan, DMD, MS, 205-664-4140www.bracingteam.com

Candlewood SuitesMatt Graves205-620-0188www.candlewoodsuites.com

Berney Office SolutionsToll Free: 866-663-9991Ph: 205-663-9991www.berney.com

United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.Meredith Watkins(205) 251-5131http://www.uwca.org/

Busy HandsRichard and Linda Cook205-669-4303http://www.busyhandsframing.com/

Ellis PropertiesCorley Ellis205-669-1863www.ellispropertiesinc.com

Apostolic Truth CenterPastor Gary and Mrs. Jan Beane205-669-0075http://www.apostolictruthcenter.com/

Rogers Pest ManagementRodger Hutto205-669-1824

ADM and AssociatesErnest McConnell800-242-5999www.admassoc.com

AC LeggJim Purvis205-324-3451www.aclegg.com

Mary HarrisCircuit Clerk of Shelby CountyMary Harris205-669-3760

Tim Lovelady Contracting205-229-6357

Southern DirectoryLynda White205-824-1325www.alabamadirectory.net

George Andersons and Associates205-669-2300

Gails FloristGail Coleman205-669-7061

The Tax LadyKaye Alvarez205-476-6104

American Tree MaintenceJim Paramore205-669-1925http://www.callatm.com/

Mid State Co-opChris Duke205-669-7082

H & R Block Teresa Hayes205-678-3007http://www.hrblock.com

Kellis VegitationZack Kellis205-613-6688

The Chunky MonkeyDawn Keef 205-678-9533http://www.chunkymonkeymonogram.com/

Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLCJohn Browning205-980-9903 officehttp://www.cvcsllc.com/

NarrowsPodiatryDr. Shane BurchfieldDr. Kevin WaldropDr. Stephen Stern205-437-3236http://www.familyfirstfootcare.com/http://www.narrowspodiatry.com/

Life ChangesRonnie & Janet Armstrong Brandy Sharich205-863-0653

WalmartJoey McKinnistry205-678-2222www.walmart.com

ARC of Shelby CountyKaren Stokes205-664-9313www.thearcofshelby.org

Johnny RaysMiranda Carter205-678-8418http://www.johnnyraysbbq.com/

Shelby Baptist Medical Center HospitalDavid WilsonDonna Smelcer205-620-8100www.bhsala.com

Shelbiana Animal ClinicDr. Charles Thornburg, and Dr. Fred Self205-669-7717

Shangri LaRezalina D. Nichols205-669-9202www.slassistedliving.com

Kiwanas ClubMaggie Glass

First United Security BankEdwin Brasher205-669-3550http://www.firstusbank.com

First Educators Credit UnionJessica Swindle 205-397-3437http://www.firsteducatorscu.com/

Dr. Keith Davis, DMD205-678-2525

Columbiana TireColumbiana, AL205.669.0859We 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 TrailersTerry and Linda BellWilsonville, AL205.669.0750Owners 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 InnDeanna JonesBirmingham, AL 205.981.0024 www.birmingham280easteaglepointsuites.hamptoninn.comHere 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 ShopRuth DriggersVincent, AL205.901.6304www.vincentgardencenter.comVincent 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 RevolutionB.J. NicholsChelsea, AL205.563.4760www.therockchelsea.comThe 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 EverettBirmingham, AL 35242205.332.5255www.veverettjuiceplus.comGood 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!

FormaggiosAlfredo FriasBirmingham, AL205.989.7999https://ordercounter.com/formaggios/index.phpStep 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 BarrelRandy L. BettsCalera, AL205.668.2027www.crackerbarrel.comCurrent 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 CarsTony and Doretta KingsChelsea, AL205.678.4424www.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 ScentsPam BlytheChelsea, AL 205.678.9989www.alotascents.comAll 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.

BojanglesBrad HudsonChelsea, AL 205.678.0449Bojangles’® 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, high-quality 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

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BOARD MEMBERS 3rd Vice President

Andrew BrownBrown Lumber &Building Supply

Secretary/TreasurerKevin MorrisM&F Bank

1st Vice PresidentDonna SmelcerShelby Baptist

Medical Center

2nd Vice PresidentFaye McGuireFrontier Bank

PresidentBrenda Frias

Alabama Power

Richard CookBusy Hands Framing and Gifts

Evan MajorShelby County Schools (Ret.)

Linda WrenAT&T

Dr. Ben Smith Smith Chiropractic

Billy Ray Jones Bryant Bank

Robert Jackson Bridges Historic Shelby Association

John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC

Jon Lauderdale Alagasco

Edwin BrasherFirst United Security Bank

Kevin MorrisM&F Bank

Matthew AllenShelby County Newspapers, Inc.

City GovernmentMayor Earl Niven, Becky LandersChelsea

Mayor Allan LoweGina AntonliniColumbiana

Mayor Theoangelo PerkinsJackie Ingram Harpersville

Della PenderMT Laurel Mayor Ray McCallisterJoy MarlerVincent

Mayor Rosemary LiveoakKay RayWilsonville

Mayor Mark McLaughlinWayne JonesWestover

letter From Director

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Executive DirectorStacy Walkup

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, fi nancial 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, self-

confi dence, 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 fi nd 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

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, specifi c 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.

Stacy WalkupExecutive Director

Past President Tim Prince

Shelby County Newspapers, Imc.

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

Pictured from right to left: D’Shaunna Murphy, Lanie Burns, Logan Nichols, Ricardo McGhee, Lymyca Mashburn, Dora Montgomery

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luNcheoN reFlectioNs

April LuncheonBrian 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.

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

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

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membershiP tiPs

Tips to get more out of Social Media Customer Interaction.Customer Interaction. When you fi rst 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 fi nd this useful!” This way, it will appear on their wall for all of their friends to see!

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. Specifi cally 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.

Helen DeanProgram &

Communcations

Baptist Medical Center - SponsorNarrows Podiatry/Family First Foot Care - SponsorComfort KeepersChelsea Masonic LodgeChelsea OrthodonticsSniders PharmacyChelsea Fire DepartmentAnytime FitnessChelsea Eye CareRobert Funk Physical TherapyStephens PharmacySt. Vincents One NineteenAlabama Cooperative Extension SystemCoosa Valley Home Health CareCoosa Valley Medical CenterDr. Waid Blackstone, MDHayes Eye CenterRuby Slippers In-Home Care

Dr. Keith Davis, DMDLemak Sports MedicineAmerican HospiceChelsea Mason LodgeJuice Plus+LifeSouth Community Blood BankAmerican Red CrossCahaba Valley Pediatric DentistrySmith ChiropracticShelby County Health DepartmentBrookwood Medical CenterNew Beacon HospiceGoodson Health and Wellness280 Animal ClinicComfort Care Home HealthSnap FitnessZijaWhataburgerJohnny Rays BBQ - Chelsea

thaNK You to all health Fair ParticiPaNts!

Pictured left to right: Dr. Shane Burchfi ed 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).

Almost 40 vendors took part in this event:

Population:1,620

Town Hall:83 Town Hall Lane

Harpersville, AL 35078205-672-9961

townofharpersville.com

Town Council:

Jackie IngramCity Clerk672-9961

cityclerk@townofharpersville.com

Janet Gill672-7090

Beverly Johnson672-9008

Roy Wood672-8826

Shirley Middleton672-7496

William Rayfi eld672-2997

Services:Police: 672-2490

Fire: 672-7959Water: 672-2669

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

arpersvilleH

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-qualifi ed 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 fi refi ghters in our town are second to none. We even have one of the best fi re ratings in Shelby County, translating into lower insurance costs for your home. Our police department is well-equipped, and we boast one offi ce 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 fi sh in the abundant waters of Lay Lake and the Coosa River. A city park offers a walking track, softball fi eld, baseball fi eld, soccer/football fi eld, 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/fi lm actor.

Mayor Theoangelo Perkinsmayor@townofharpersville.com

citY sPotliGht

ambassaDor hiGhliGhts

Vincent Gardens Ribbon Cutting

Pulbix in Chelsea Grand Opening

Amanda Smith,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 effi cient 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 Offi ce Team, fellow Ambassador’s and the Board of Directors thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the Chamber.

Amanda Smith,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

march sNaPshots

Ambassador Honorable Mention June Upcoming EventsMusic on Main (Columbiana) – Friday Nights in June

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

citY sPotliGht

Shelby County’s Best BBQ – Alabama Power – Winner of

‘Best of Show’

Coffee with the Mayor – Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven

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uPcomiNG chamber luNcheoN

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May’s Chamber luncheon is a great time fi nd 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!

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 Offi cer of Shelby County Luncheon Sponsor: Charter Business

Luncheon provided by: Perk’s BBQ

Price: $10.00*Networking begins at 11:30am