directions december 2009
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Directions Magazine December 2009TRANSCRIPT
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Main Line – (256) 353-5312, to reach extensions dial 353-0763
John SeymourPresident & CEO – ext. 103
Charlotte McKelvyDirector of Workforce Development
and Education – ext. 107 [email protected]
Jim PageVice President of Public Policy
and Business Development – ext. 109 [email protected]
Cory WilbanksDirector of Membership Development
– ext. 104 [email protected]
Leissa HillChief Financial Officer
– ext. 102 [email protected]
Anita McDonaldDirector of Operations and Events
– ext. 100 [email protected]
Tiffany BrightwellDirector of Investor Relations
– ext. 101 [email protected]
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
Directions (UPS 516-530)PO Box 2003
Decatur, AL 35602-2003
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 2003 Decatur, AL 35602-2003
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.dcc.org
Contact Information
The German philosopher ArthurSchopenhauer once said “Every persontakes the limits of their own field ofvision for the limits of the world.”Reluctantly I must admit, in timespast when considering EntrepreneurialDevelopment, I similarly limited myfield of vision in this arena of thought.Always expecting that someone elsewould take that particular ball andrun, I am thankful others had a morenoble vision.
This past year, the Decatur CityCouncil and the Decatur-MorganCounty Chamber of Commerce havepushed forward their renewed visionfor the Decatur Business Incubator andDecatur Business Development (DBD)Advisory Board, thus rejoining our surrounding communities in fosteringEntrepreneurial Development. Theopportunities for equipping and men-toring entrepreneurs have long beenrealized by our neighbors to the westin the Shoals and by Huntsville to theeast. They each have distinct marketsthat draw entrepreneurs to open newbusinesses in their towns. They havefacilities and systems that equip andmentor new businesses and allowentrepreneurs to become successful.Our area has an even greater opportu-nity with the diverse service industryassociated with manufacturing in
Morgan County. We reside at thecrossroads of high-tech manufactur-ing and technology-related businessopportunities.
The Shoals Entrepreneurial Center(SEC) in Florence, AL is a provenmodel for focusing efforts andresources on assisting citizens inbeginning new business ventures andbecoming successful. The DBDAdvisory Board, under the leadershipof Chairman Larry Waye, has set outto understand the proper path to pur-sue towards a revitalized and success-ful program. What works for othercommunities? What type of organiza-tion is best? Who shall best lead the pro-gram? How should the program becomesufficiently self-funded? These are ques-tions the DBD Advisory Board hopesto soon answer. Recommendations areplanned for presentation to the DecaturCity Council in the coming weeks.
Small business creates jobs, jobs sus-tain the community, and entrepre-neurs create small businesses. Thiscycle must be jump-started in our cityand county and propagate itself forgenerations. This is an investment forDecatur and Morgan County that canpay off in a big way for years to come.
Our community has certainlybecome adept at attracting large man-ufacturing business, but has allowedthe development of small business tosubside. Come alongside the Chamberand DBD boards and help us createan environment that will spark aninterest in not only our own citizens,but even those outside our area thatwish to plant their ideas, dollars, andentrepreneurial spirit in Decatur andMorgan County.
Table of Contents
One Morgan County . . . . . . . . . . .4
Renewing Members . . . . . . . . . . .6
Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Workforce Development . . . . . . .11
New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Chamber Chat . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Total Resource Campaign . . . . . .19
Blake McAnallyVice Chair of BusinessDevelopment/DecaturBusiness DevelopmentAdvisory Board
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In the October 2009 issue of Directions,Chamber President John Seymour intro-duced readers to a new initiative called OneVision. One Voice. One Morgan County. Thisinitiative identified six key areas Seymourcalled “a clear path to community success.”Since that time, six local volunteers havestepped up to lead the committees. If youare interested in learning more about thisinitiative or joining one of the groups, pleasecontact Jim Page at 353-5312 or [email protected].
A Balanced Economy
Will brings his expertise and dedication tohis clients as owner of Precipio, Inc. Thecompany provides recruiting and humancapital solutions to companies and memberorganizations. Will directs these solutionsand services for a variety of clients in theengineering, aerospace and defense, consult-ing, chamber and economic developmentorganizations. He has extensive experiencein change management, strategic planning,workforce planning, recruiting technology,behavioral interviewing and hiring at all lev-els of the organization.
Will has a Bachelor of Science degree inhuman resource management from AuburnUniversity. He earned an MBA with con-centrations in finance and internationalbusiness from Mercer University in Atlanta,GA. During graduate school Will studiedabroad in the Netherlands, France andSwitzerland.
Aside from his professional work, Will isactive in a variety of community and profes-
sional organizations. He is currentlyinvolved with the Huntsville/MadisonCounty and the Decatur-Morgan CountyChambers of Commerce. Through hisinvolvement, Will developed the BRACWorkforce Recruitment Plan for theChamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. This plan is currentlybeing used to attract a workforce to theTennessee Valley to support the needs ofBRAC. Recently, Will facilitated the strate-gic planning process for the WorkforceCoalition that resulted in the developmentof the Career Pathway program for theDecatur-Morgan County Chamber ofCommerce and Morgan County EconomicDevelopment Association.
Diversity and New People
Michael Tubbs is the Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the Community ActionPartnership of North Alabama. Michael hasbeen in this role since April 2005. ThePartnership’s 400 employees produce com-prehensive results for families in thirteencounties and its primary mission is to reduceor eliminate the causes and consequences ofpoverty in North Alabama. The Partnershipis the largest non-profit in north Alabamaand is one of the largest developers ofaffordable housing in Alabama. Michael isalso the Chief Learning Officer of Learningto Lead, Inc.
Prior to assuming his current leadershiprole, he worked for thirty years in variouspositions at Alabama Power Company, asubsidiary of Southern Company, thenation’s leading provider of energy. While at
One Morgan CountyCommittee Chairs taking the Lead
Alabama Power, Michael worked on variouscommunity initiatives in Alabama to pre-pare small cities for economic and commu-nity development. Michael has extensivetraining and formal education in finance,grant writing and strategic planning fornonprofit agencies.
He is a graduate of Faulkner University,Auburn University Economic andCommunity Development Institute andLeadership Decatur-Morgan County. He isactive in Decatur Daybreak Rotary and FirstBible Church of Decatur. He also serves onthe Morgan County United Way Board andthe Decatur-Morgan County Chamber ofCommerce Board.
Quality Education Attainmentand Availability
Anne has over 19 years of professionalexperience. She received a BS in MechanicalEngineering from Colorado StateUniversity. After graduating she worked in afactory automation group for NorthropAircraft Division in Hawthorne, California.Anne moved to Pueblo, Colorado, whereshe worked for the Trane Company for 15years. As part of her community service, shewas the chairperson for three years for aschool site base committee in Pueblo SchoolDistrict 60. She had the opportunity totravel as parent/community representativeand attend hands-on science seminar withthe Smithsonian in Washington DC. Shealso served as a board member of the Boyand Girls Club of Pueblo.
Will Bronaugh,Owner, Precipio, Inc.
Michael Tubbs,CEO, CommunityAction Partnershipof North Alabama Anne Marshall,
Community andEducation Activist
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band relocated with the Boeing Company.At that time, she decided to take a breakfrom her professional engineering career andfocus full time on community and schoolinvolvement. Since moving here, she hastaken on leadership positions in organiza-tions supporting the Decatur City schools.She was Vice President in 2005-2006 andPresident for 2006-2007of the PTA forCedar Ridge Middle School. She is current-ly the Band Booster President and served asthe First Vice President for two years. In2008, Anne was selected to serve as a non-educator member of the AlabamaMathematics Course of Study Committeefor grades 9-12. She has also been part of theDecatur City Schools capital review com-mittee and a parent representative for the IBmiddle years review.
Keeping our Best and Brightest
As President of 3-GIS, LLC, Tom has overtwenty years of experience and education inproduct and program management, origi-nally investing ten years at Intergraph andthen as a founder of MESA Solutions. Tomdelivered operational excellence at MESASolutions as company President and main-tained an annual growth greater than 35%during his entire tenure there. Tom is anevangelist of GIS solutions and is ofteninvited to present his vision at various gath-ering around the world. At MESA, beyondoperational management, Tom developedthe international channel program andproduct management organizations. Hethen delivered for Telcordia Technologies asa Vice-President of Product Managementbefore founding 3-GIS, LLC in his home-town of Decatur, Alabama. He has had vastexperience in recruiting talent to his compa-ny and to Decatur.
Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degreein biology and chemistry from theUniversity of Alabama Huntsville, where healso pursued graduate studies in environ-mental management. He is active with boththe Decatur-Morgan County and theHuntsville/Madison County Chambers ofCommerce, has been keynote speaker at var-ious engagements, and has had many pub-lished professional works in addition tobeing a spokesperson for General Electricand Business Today on Discovery Channeland CNBC as a leading expert for circuitdesign and manufacturing.
Leadership – Dynamic, Visionaryand Communitywide
Doug Bachuss is a member of Nowlin,Bachuss & Gray Law Firm, practicing in theareas of commercial and residential realestate closings, real estate development, pro-bate law, family law, estate planning, con-tract law and business organizations. Mr.Bachuss received his B.S. degrees from theUniversity of Alabama in 1991 and in 1992and his J.D. degree from the University ofAlabama School of Law in 1996. Mr.Bachuss has been a frequent speaker on top-ics related to real estate closings, estate plan-ning and adoptions. He has assisted withinternational adoption finalization, steppar-ent adoptions, private adoptions, foster par-ent adoptions and legal custody proceedingsin Madison, Morgan, Lawrence andLimestone Counties.
He is active with fund raising for theMorgan-Lawrence County Chapter of theAmerican Red Cross and has been involvedwith Boards and Committees for theTennessee Valley Outreach Rescue Mission,the Mental Health Center of NorthAlabama, the American Cancer Society andthe Greater Morgan County HomebuildersAssociation. Mr. Bachuss has completed the
Leadership Decatur-Morgan County pro-gram through the Decatur-Morgan CountyChamber of Commerce, of which he is amember of the Board of Directors andExecutive Committee, serving as Vice-Chairof Member Services. He currently overseesthe leadership programs at the Chamber.
Healthcare – Quality and Access
Judy participated in the initial healthcarefocus group of this initiative in February2009. She has 40 years of public health prac-titioner experience as an administrator for aseven-county area, nursing director for aseven-county area and numerous other man-agement roles for multi-county areas. Shehas written numerous grant applications,including English language training forHispanics to assist in their access to health-care, a project for preventing unwed preg-nancy and ten other significant grants deal-ing with rural and family healthcare. She hasserved as co-chair for the Health Division ofthe Governor’s Alabama Rural action TaskForce since 2007.
Judy’s healthcare education includes theUniversity of Alabama, concentration onmaternal and child health, St. Joseph’sCollege (Maine), healthcare administrationand degree in nursing from the University ofAlabama Hospitals and Clinics. She is amember of the Alabama Public HealthAssociation Hall of Fame and has been hon-ored by the UAB School of Public Healthand numerous other healthcare associationsand agencies.
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Tom Counts,President, 3-GIS,LLC
Doug Bachuss,Partner, Nowlin,Bachuss & Gray
Judy M. Smith,Administrator,Public Health Area2, AlabamaDepartment ofPublic Health
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Renewing Members
Adventure Travels
Alabama Credit Union
Alabama Ladder Company, Inc.
Amedisys Home Health
American National Insurance
Webb Awtrey Agency
Anderson Office Interiors, LLC
Ascend Performance Materials
B & B Landscaping Supplies, LLC
BMSI
BPI Transportation, Inc.
Brickyard Landing Marina
Burningtree Country Club
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
Cash USA, Inc
Chenault, Hammond, & Hall, PC
Clinic for Women, PA
Coldwell Banker McMillan
Associates
The Corner Bakery & Eatery
Cornerstone Baptist Church /
Cornerstone Christian School
Corporate Warehouse Services,
Inc.
Days Inn - Priceville
Decatur Country Club
Decatur Decorating Center
Decatur Mill Service Company
Decatur Neurology, PC
Decatur Optical Dispensary
Del Monte Pet Products
DeltaCom - Huntsville
Drake & Murphree Family &
Cosmetic Dentistry
Early Services, Inc.
Edward Jones Investments - Bank St
Edward Jones Investments -
Danville Rd
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Express Oil Change - 6th Ave
First Baptist Church
First South Farm Credit
Great Southern Engineering, Inc.
Hardy Chiropractic
Harris, Caddell, & Shanks, PC
Hexcel Corporation
Home Pest Control
HTI General Contractors
Hummingbird Antiques @ Bennett-
McEntire House
Interstate Steel, Inc.
Stuary C. Irby Company
Jenkins Brick
Joe Wheeler Electric Membership
Corporation
Julia’s Pools
Kaleidoscoops
Lakeland Industries, Inc.
Lee Wayne Corporation
Promotional Product
McGriff Tire Co. of Decatur
Commercial Truck Tire Service
Micor Industries, Inc.
James Mize, MD
Monarch Steel Co. of Alabama, Inc.
Morgan-Price Candy Co., Inc.
Morgan County Child Advocacy
Center
Ed Nichols
North Alabama Business
Connections (NABC)
North Alabama Glass Co., Inc.
O’Charley’s, Inc.
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Parents & Children Together, Inc.
People, Inc.
Pill Box Pharmacy
Pitney Bowes
Platinum Mortgage, Inc.
Price-Denton Endodontics, LLC
Pugh Wright McAnally
Randall Sandlin, DMD
Amanda G. Scott, Revenue
Commissioner
Select Physical Therapy
ServiceMaster Cleaning &
Restoration
Smarty Plants, Inc.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Steel Technologies
StoneRiver, Inc.
Supreme Beverage Company, Inc.
Thermal Insulation, Inc.
Toray Carbon Fibers America, Inc.
TVW Electrical Supplies, Inc.
Veterinary Regional Referral
Hospital
Volunteer Center of Morgan
County, Inc.
Westmeade Baptist Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Wheeler Basin Natural Gas
Wheeler Estates Apartments
WS Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Your Transmission Man, Inc.
The Chamber would like to thank the following members who reinvested in Decatur and Morgan County
by renewing their Chamber memberships during the months of October and November 2009.
Southland Plaza • Decatur353-2512 • 1-800-354-2512 • jsmithjewelers.com
Merchants of Fine, Distinctive Jewelry Since 1973
Jimmy Smith Jewelers
• Diamonds imported direct from cutters in Antwerp, Belgium
• All diamond shapes, qualities and prices
• Fine gold jewelry
• A unique selection in all categories
• Expert service after the sale
• Full appraisal services, American Gem Society Laboratory
• Computer diamond color grading system
• Locally owned and family operated
• Prime source for investment diamonds
• Financing available
We’ve beenyour friend
for over 36 years.
Jimmy Ray Smith and Jimmy Smith
www.parkwayinspired.com
INSPIRED HEALTHCARE
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Chenault PRO-Defense Martial Arts Academy1000 Beltline Rd SW Ste J, Decatur • (256) 355-5303
A Digital Reflection Photography & Videography217 Nelson St NW, Hartselle • (256) 345-3993
Food World #2332019 6th Ave SE Ste 18, Decatur • (256) 355-9941
Send Out Cardswww.officiallyorganized.com • (256) 318-1810
Sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Morgan County
For people who suffer from major depression or bipolar disorder. Family members are also welcome.
Member of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
Mental Health Association in Morgan CountyP.O. Box 1502
207 Commerce Circle, SW Decatur, AL 35602
p 256-353-1160 f 256-353-1163 www.mhainmc.net®
DEPRESSIONSUPPORT GROUP
2nd and 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m.MHA Office, 207 Commerce Circle SW
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Excellence in Leadership
The Excellence in Leadership class participated in SIM-SOC in October. SIMSOC imitates a real society by focus-ing on the establishment and maintenance of social order.Thank you to Randy Mummert for facilitating SIMSOC.
In November, the Excellence class studied LocalGovernment. An overview of City and County Governmentwas given by County Commissioners and City CouncilPresident Greg Reeves. The class also toured the Police andFire Training Facilities along with Jack Allen RecreationalComplex. Thank you to Todd Russell for leading LocalGovernment Day.
The Excellence class is also reading Ken Blanchard’s BookLeading at a Higher Level. Each month’s book review is beinglead by class members. Thank you to Michael Tubbs forfacilitating the monthly book review.
Edge Student Leadership
The Edge Student Leadership Program participated inthe Ropes Course held at Decatur General West inOctober. The teambuilding exercises emphasized thegrowth of leadership skills among the Edge participants.Thank you to Decatur General West for facilitating theRopes Course.
In November, the Edge class participated in SIMSOC.The Edge participants learned about social order.Problem solving and leadership skills were used tothroughout the game. Thank you to Randy Mummertfor facilitating SIMSOC.
Ropes Course Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
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Business After Hours
The staff and residents of Riverside Senior Livingopened their doors to showcase their facility during aBusiness After Hours event in late October. Chamber mem-bers had the opportunity to network in their courtyardarea while enjoying live musical entertainment.
Coffee and Cards
As they celebrated the grand opening of their new office onPoint Mallard Parkway, Remax Platinum agents welcomedChamber members for Coffee & Cards in November.
If you are interested in showcasing your business by host-ing a networking event in 2010, please contact CharlotteMcKelvy or Tiffany Brightwell at 256-353-5312.
Breakfast and Biz
Madison Mayor Paul Finley presented “Common SenseMarketing” to nearly 40 Chamber members during thisquarter’s Breakfast & Biz, a partnership of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and the Women’sBusiness Center of North Alabama. Breakfast & Biz is afree event for members. Please email [email protected] forinformation on upcoming B&B events.
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Partners In Education Kicks Off Another Year
The Partners In Education program, a initiative of theChamber’s Workforce Development Coalition, kickedoff the 2009/2010 school year with a breakfast at CedarRidge Middle School in September. This program bringstogether local schools and businesses in partnershipsbenefiting both parties. Representatives from the schoolsand businesses met and spent time together during thisbreakfast. If you are interested in learning more aboutPartners In Education, please email [email protected].
Gold SponsorHarris, Caddell & Shanks
Silver SponsorUAHuntsville
Alabama Farmer’s Co-opAutomatic Screw Machine Products Co., Inc.Micor IndustriesUAHuntsville
Dr. Sam Houston Gives 2009 State of the Schools Address
Decatur City Schools Superintendent Dr. Sam Houstonupdated a group of over 150 regarding DCS progressduring his first State of the Schools Address. This lunch-eon gave the public a chance to hear from Dr. Houstonand school board president Karen Dukes. The Chamberis looking to add an event similar to this for MorganCounty Schools in 2010.
7th Annual Minority Awards Banquet
The Minority Development committee of theWorkforce Development Coalition hosts an annualawards banquet to honor local minority-owned busi-nesses for their success in the community. This year’sbanquet, held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, featured a keynote address from Alabama StateRepresentative Merika Coleman, as well as a guestappearance by 2008 Olympic Heavyweight BoxingBronze Medalist Deontay Wilder. The 2009 award win-ners were Al Robinson, Chris Bandaru (Busy BeeMarket), Jewette R. Cowan (Reynolds Funeral Home),Dr. Larry Collier (Brookhaven Middle School), andEdwin Hicks (Logistical Auto & Towing). Awards werepresented in the categories of Community Involvement,Longevity, Role Model, and Perseverance. For moreinformation about this event, please contact CharlotteMcKelvy at 353-5312 or email [email protected].
Presented by
Gold Sponsors Table TopSponsors
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We are looking for a few good men & women
to participate in our 2010 Total Resource Campaign.
Training for the campaign will kick-off in January
so don’t delay!
If you think you have what it takes and are interested in learning more, call Charlotte or Tiffany at 353-5312.
The Chamber Wants You!
Proudly serving North Alabama’s hearing impaired for over 20 years.
1218 13th Ave., SE, Decatur • 355-2096 • Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm
Physician Hearing Care is a division of Decatur ENT Associates
At Physician Hearing Care our patients can be assured of the very best in hearing healthcare. We offer a completemedical environment for the diagnosis and treatment ofhearing disorders. Have your hearing tested by a qualifiedmedical professional and reviewed by an M.D. at PhysiciansHearing Care, there are no pushy salespeople, only qualifiedhearing healthcare professionals.Call today for a complimentary hearing screen
and diagnosis of your hearing problems.It could change your life. 256/355-2096Call today for
your appointment
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Candy & The Divas PersonalAssistants, LLCCandice Hayes303-D Beltline Pl SW Ste 556Decatur, AL 35603
Chenault PRO-Defense MartialArts AcademyMichelle Chenault1000 Beltline Rd SW Ste JDecatur, AL 35601
Food World #1311652 Beltline Rd SWDecatur, AL 35601
Food World #2332019 6th Ave SE Ste 18Decatur, AL 35601
PAETEC CommunicationsLisa Gordon600 University Park Pl Ste 125Birmingham, AL 35209
Southern ReflectionsRichard Cobb1416 6th Ave SEDecatur, AL 35601
Wally Terry1018 Gordon Dr SEDecatur, AL 35601
New MembersWe thank the following businesses and organizations for their commitment to the Decatur-Morgan County area bybecoming a member of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber during the months of October and November 2009. We look forward to serving you!
That’s One Smart Tomato.DDoonn’’tt lleett tthhiiss eeccoonnoommyy ssqquuaasshh yyoouurr bbuussiinneessss •• WWee ccrreeaattee aaffffoorrddaabbllee mmaarrkkeettiinngg ssoolluuttiioonnss
Logoed Merchandise • Safety Awards • Employee RecognitionEvent Giveaways • Creative Marketing SolutionsContact Dell Macklin
today [email protected]
View our products online at
www.dellmacklin.leewaynecatalog.com
Merry Christmas andHappy New Year
from the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
spec
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State of the County Luncheon
Morgan County Commission Chairman John Glasscock address a crowd of nearly 200 Chambermembers, community and business leaders and elected officials during the 2009 State of the CountyLuncheon held in late October at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites. This event gives the Chairmana chance to discuss Morgan County’s progress over the past year with interested citizens. A similarevent will be held for the City of Decatur in early 2010.
we’re here for you... just like family
When times get tough, it’s good to have family. And at Redstone Federal Credit Union,members are like family. Your credit union is convenient, safe and secure with a varietyof accounts to meet your needs.
If you’re not already a member, visit any of the 20 branches to learn how easy it is to join.Redstone Federal Credit Union is Alabama’s largest member-owned financial institution.You can trust Redstone Federal Credit Union – just like family.
This Credit Union is Federally Insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
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Gold Sponsors
Allied Waste ServicesBurningtree Country Club
2009 Fall Chamber Golf Classic
The Chamber would like to thank all the men andwomen who braved the elements for our Fall Golf Classicat Burningtree Country Club. We would also like to con-gratulate the winners from our three flights:
1st A: Chamber of Commerce (57)Justin Roberts, John Seymour, Carlton McMasters, Jim Page2nd A: JW Steakhouse (58)Jody Witt, Todd Witt, Rick Sanders, Philip Smith
1st B: Valley Budweiser (65)Wade Weaver, John Honeycutt, David Bolding, Stewart Roby2nd B: EFP Corporation (65)Melvin Russell, Joe Joyner, Mike Rose, Steve Lamb
1st C: Cook’s Pest Control (67)Jay Rape, Joey Rape, Gerald Priest, Ronnie Murphy2nd C: Plastics Recyclers (70)Henry Bragg, Johnny Atkins, Lyle Sanders, Jim Boyd
Closest to pin: Steven Blakely (Hole #14)Longest drive: John Pylant (Hole #5)
Title Sponsor
Beverage Cart SponsorsCintas
Pepsi of Decatur
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DECEMBER
17thEvent: Decatur General FoundationLights of LoveWhere: Decatur General Hospital Contact: Ellen Duncan 256-341-2187
18thEvent: Friday at 5Where: Carnegie Visual ArtsContact: 256-341-0562
18thEvent: A Christmas CarolWhere: Princess TheatreContact: 256-340-1778
24th-25thChamber Closed
29thEvent: American Red Cross Blood DriveWhere: Decatur MallContact: 256-350-0453
31stChamber Closed
JANUARY
1stChamber Closed
14thEvent: Huntsville InternationalAirport Regional Business AfterHoursContact: Laura Gipson 256-259-1977
15th9am to 10am4pm to 5pmEvent: Total Resource CampaignReturning Volunteer TrainingWhere: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom,Chamber of CommerceContact: 256-353-5312
22nd9am to 11am3pm to 5pmEvent: Total Resource Campaign New Volunteer TrainingWhere: ‘TORAY’ Boardroom,Chamber of CommerceContact: 256-353-5312
FEBRUARY
1stTotal Resource Campaign Begins!
3rdEvent: Career & Workforce ExpoWhere: Calhoun Community CollegeContact: Charlotte McKelvy 256-353-5312
A complete list of community events can be found online at www.decaturcvb.org
Have you seen the
Chamber’s new website?
The address is still
www.dcc.org, but
the site is entirely new.
Go online to check
it out today!
You can call the Chamber to help you celebrate a Grand Opening, relocation,
remodel or change of ownershipby requesting a Ribbon Cutting.
Call Julie White to schedule your Ribbon Cutting.
256-353-5312www.dcc.org
Did you know?
Inform. Inspire. Interact.
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American Cancer Society Huntsville Office Moves to New Location
Huntsville, Al – The American Cancer Society ofHuntsville will serve patients from a new location beginningDecember 8th. After 10 years at its current location onMemorial Parkway, the Huntsville office will be relocating to2745 Bob Wallace Avenue, Suite- A, Huntsville, AL 35805.
“We are looking forward to the move to have the necessaryfacilities to better assist our patients and constituents,” said JoAnn Henderson, American Cancer Society Executive Directorfor North Alabama.
An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony will take placeat the new office location February 2nd from 2pm-3pm.Refreshments will be served and tours will be available. Lastyear, the American Cancer Society helped 2,536 patients inthe Tennessee Valley through programs and services such ascollege scholarships, free nights at Hope Lodge inBirmingham, transportation grants to treatment, wigs, pros-thetics and gift items, the Look Good…Feel Better program,Reach to Recovery, Man to Man and more.
For more information about the relocation or open house,call the American Cancer Society at 536-1855. The AmericanCancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by help-ing you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, andby fighting back. cancer.org 1.800.227.2345
Fite Building Co., Inc. featured in Business Alabama
Fite Building Co., Inc. was featured in an article written byDavid Thornell in the October 2009 issue of Business Alabamafor a building project on Redstone Arsenal. During site prepa-ration for the new System Software Engineering Annex for theUS Army in 2007, they uncovered an unexploded mortarround. Luckily, the mortar was successfully removed and theproject went on as planned.
In the article, Thornell writes that the “learning curve wassteep for Fite Building Co., a 35-year-old, full-service generalcontracting and construction management firm based inDecatur. Besides buried explosives, this was their first projectwith the U.S. Government and/or the Corps of Engineers.”Fite not only received four quarterly safety awards for no lost-time accidents, they also received the Associated Builders andContractors of North Alabama award for 2008 Project of theYear. Other local firms involved with the project were PughWright McAnally and M&D Mechanical Contractors.
For more information regarding the article, please visitwww.BusinessAlabama.net. To learn more about FiteBuilding Co., Inc. please visit www.fitebuilding.com or call353-5759.
Decatur Lions Club Seeking Your Support
The Decatur Lions Club, which was organized in 1938, isseeking new members to support their club motto – WeServe. The DLC Local Sight Conservation Program provideseye exams and glasses for many indigent people and is fund-ed by the club’s annual golf tournament.
Sight conservation has been an international program forLions since 1925 when Alabama’s own Helen Keller issued aninspiring challenge at the ninth annual convention of theInternational Association of Lions, and in 1944, a proposal toprovide state-wide sight services was approved by theAlabama Lions Club. To learn more about Decatur LionsClub, please contact any member. Volunteer Center Introduces “Volunteering to Work”
In response to the increased number of company lay-offs,the Volunteer Center is offering a “Volunteering to Work”service to corporations and small businesses wishing to placeworkers in volunteer positions.
Volunteer placement services will also be helpful to indi-viduals who wish to have the opportunity to be productivewhile applying for paying positions. Hopefully this servicewill help workers keep the gaps out of their resumes, makenew contacts, and find joy in helping others. Please consid-er referring groups of workers or individuals to this service ifyou feel that it may be helpful to them. To contact theVolunteer Center of Morgan County, please call 256-355-8628
Jeremy W. Nails Wins Award for Excellence in Local Economic Development
Jeremy W. Nails, President of the Morgan CountyEconomic Development Association, was awarded the NorthAlabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA)President’s Award for excellence in local economic develop-ment Tuesday, September 15, 2009.
The award was presented by Tate Godfrey, President/CEOof NAIDA at their Annual Industrial Development
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Avanti Computers1042 Beltline Road SE, Decatur • 355-9273
tom and dawn owczarzak, owners“You can’t beat hiring a geek”
Custom Systems • HardwareUpgrades • Repairs • NetworkingService for all makes and models
New Website CareerPathway.info Set to Launch in December
Career Pathway, a joint project of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development
Coalition and Morgan County Economic Development Association, was created to help you find the right path for
your career choice. Whether you are a student looking for some direction in choosing a career or an educator who
wants to provide guidance for your students, a job seeker or someone looking to upgrade your skills and
marketability, careerpathway.info has what you need. Call the Chamber at 353-5312 for more information.
Conference held at The Shoals Marriott and ConventionCenter.
The North Alabama Industrial Development Associationdeveloped the President’s Award for excellence in local eco-nomic development. This award recognizes a local econom-ic development professional in North Alabama who exempli-fies the highest standards of the profession.
Godfrey stated “Morgan County existing industry investedalmost $700,000,000 for expansion in 2008. This was 74%of the total expansion investment in the twelve county NorthAlabama region and 28% of the total expansion investmentfor the state of Alabama. Also, under Nails leadership,Morgan County is in the process of developing a new indus-trial park on I-65 in Hartselle. This park is a joint effort ofthe municipalities within the county, the Morgan CountyCommission and the Decatur/Morgan County PortAuthority.
The NAIDA President’s award is presented to an individualwho: is dedicated to their community; is highly supportive of
regional economic development; continuously exhibits highprofessional standards; is consistent and steadfast in theirefforts and always displays creativity and teamwork.
“Each community in North Alabama is blessed with com-petent, well-trained and experienced economic developmentprofessionals. This award, presented by the staff of NAIDA,is intended to recognize that professional who has gone theextra mile during the past year. The award is intended to bea small sign of appreciation for a job well done,” Godfreysaid.
NAIDA is a sixty year old regional economic developmentorganization whose mission is to recruit new jobs and corpo-rate investment to the 13 county, North Alabama region.Based in Decatur, they are funded by 21 electric distributorsof TVA power, TVA and 36 corporate partners.
For more information, contact: Cindy Burns at NAIDA,256-353-9450
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What a great time I had last year working on theTRC campaign! I went into the campaign hoping tobring positive awareness to my company, DecaturMall. I made great business contacts and lots of newfriends. Several of the contacts have actually helpedme this year in my business. We worked hard,laughed a lot and as a group worked hard to supportour chamber and our community! I really look forward to being on the TRC again this year!
Kathy HammondDecatur Mall
When I was recruited to join the Chamber’s TRC,my first reaction was ‘Great...another membershipdrive... been there...done that.’ Was I WRONG!
The TRC volunteers have become like a family tome. We work hard for the good of the Chambermembers. You are missing a great opportunity tomake a difference in our community and have agreat time doing it if you don’t participate!
Carol BoydRegions Bank
Volunteering with the TRC allows me a fun way to network andmeet many new people in the business community. Not onlyhave I had fun, I have gained new clients and earned money!
Ellen Didier, President Red Sage Communications, Inc.
TRC ScheduleEVENT DATE TIME
Returning Volunteer Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday, Jan. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am to 10am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4pm to 5pm
New Volunteer Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday, Jan. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am to 11am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3pm to 5pm
Kick-Off Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wednesday, Jan. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBA
Open Campaign Begins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, Feb. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8am
Reward Luncheon #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, Feb. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, Feb. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, Feb. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, Feb. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, March 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, March 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, March 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Reward Luncheon #8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, March 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon @ Chamber
Campaign Ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday, March 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5pm
Victory Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thursday, April 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBA
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E-Mail: [email protected]: http://www.dcc.org
Address Service RequestedPublished for the Decatur-Morgan CountyChamber of Commerce by
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The information in this newsletter is gathered in such a way to ensure maximum accuracy.Tennessee Valley Printing Company and the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of
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