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Communication: The Key To Successful Business
September 2008
Chamber Spearheads Local Service
Project at Davis Middle School
Close to 80 volunteers from the Bessemer Area Chamber
of Commerce, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, Kiwanis Club, Alabama Gas Company, Alabama
Power and the school converged on James A. Davis
Middle School to make some positive changes. The front
entrance to the school was cleaned and manicured with
new flowers, weed removal and painting. In the outdoor
atrium area an outside classroom area was built which will
include six tables, electrical outlets for each table, landscaping, a new watering system, and painting of the covered walkway. In the annex building housing the 7th graders new paint was applied in all common areas including
the front door, two outdoor gardens with new mulch, and
general cleanup. Overall the event prepared the school's
students, teachers, administration and parents to take renewed pride in their school.
The Chamber in partnership with The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (providing 54 volunteers) and
the school system organized the workday and service project to make a positive impact on the Bessemer
Community. The committee working on the project included: Randy Donaldson (Alagasco and Chairman of the
Committee), Latasha Cook (Chamber), Jon Staggs
(APCO), Jeffrey Norris (The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints), Albert Soles (Principal/City Council),
Earl Cochran (City Council), Sarah Belcher (City
Council/Ambassador), Kay Baggett (Ambassdor), and
Nelda Pate (Ambassador). They did an outstanding job!
We also appreciate the Davis Cheerleaders, faculty and
staff for making the day so enjoyable as they provided support in food and drink.
(Article and pictures continued on page 5)
Principal Albert Soles and staff welcomes Chamber
Chairman Jon Staggs, Sarah Belcher, Ronnie Acker,
Committee Chairman Randy Donaldson, and Earl Cochran.
Marvel City Fest at
Colonial Promenade Tannehill
If you have not made plans to be at the Colonial
Promenade Tannehill on September 7th you will miss
a great event. From 11-7:00 pm there will be music,
food, special events, and vendors in addition to the
great stores throughout the shopping center.
Located in the parking lot in front of the future Ross
store you will take part in what is planned to be an annual event. This is a celebration of the growing community of Bessemer, Alabama and it will be great.
The schedule includes: WZZK on site, Starz dance
studio will perform, G Force Cheer Squad will perform, YMCA exercise demo, Baron's Mascot, YMCA
Walk, and music by South Saturn Delta. For more information contact the Chamber at 425-3253 or email
[email protected].
"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If
anything goes really good, then you did it. That's all it takes to get people to
win football games for you." Paul W. "Bear" Bryant
Inside
Workers laboring hard to make the
day a success at Davis Middle School
It's Your Business: "Teamwork Means Success"
Page 2
Chamber News: T&C Ford Business After Hours
Page 3
Community News: Bessemer Housing Authority News
Page 4
Community News: Davis Middle School Service Project
Page 5
Business News: Alabama Named "State of the Year"
Page 6
Business News: Spotlight: Canaan Baptist Church
Page 7
2
From the President
It's Your Business
Euel "Snitz" Snider was a legendary coach at Bessemer
High school and winning was his trademark. But Coach
Snider was also a great teacher of young men. His expectations and demands on their performance on the field
made them better. He would take mediocre players and
make them good players, he would make good players
great players, and he had stars like Tommy Lorino of
Auburn fame and Don "Duck" Stephenson and Maxie
Baughan at Georgia Tech.
But remembering him and the lessons he taught me as a
player has made me a better person both personally and
in business. His first lesson: hard work makes for success. Second, mental and physical toughness prepares a
player for the game, the same is true in life. And last, the
team is more important than any individual.
Hard work has always been a trait of successful people. In
your business you work hard to earn a living, to pay those
employees that depend on your company for their living
and to grow your business. It is not easy to be a consistent
hard worker but the rewards can be great. Not only in financial gain but in self approval and pride in one's results
the hard working individual feels good about themself.
Mental and physical toughness helps you as a businessperson be more competitive and prepared each day to do
what has to be done to grow your business. Mentally this
includes knowing your competition, your product or service, and knowing the limitations of both. It includes continuous learning and educating yourself about the market
place and what will bring customers to you. Knowing your
customers is the toughest part of the mental side of business, you must work on that every day. Physically, this is
obvious, if you can't be at work or be alert every day you
will not help your business or your customers. Take care
of your body. It wears out way too soon for most of us.
Your team is that group of employees that you
have working with or for you. They are there because you as a manager or owner chose them to
be part of your company. They may be there because you chose to join the company. Their appearance, personality, customer skills, and attitude reflect on you and your company. If they
have too much "me" in their persona then you
may have a problem. Their being late to work,
complaining, and even outright disrespect toward other employees and customers will reflect
this egocentric attitude. You cannot tolerate
this! If you are the manager or owner the solution
is simple: they change or they go. If you are an
employee you can discuss this with the manager
or owner and if there is no will to correct the problem then maybe you need to find a better job.
Coach Snider was a real football legend but his
impact on the lives of the young men he coached
far out weighs any success they had on the gridiron. Let his lessons be a positive influence for
you in your personal life and business. You have
the ability to affect your environment at home
and at work. Make it a positive environment
based on hard work, mental and physical toughness, and teamwork because it's your business.
President
Chamber News
3
State Chamber & BCA Win One
for Small Business Owners
Town & Country Ford Hosts
Business After Hours
The Small Business Health Insurance Premium
Deduction Enhancement Bill was recently signed into law
by Gov. Bob Riley after a lot of hard work by the Business
Council of Alabama and the Chamber of
Commerce Association of Alabama. Effective for the
2009 tax year, business owners with fewer than 25 employees can deduct 150 percent of the amount they pay
for employee health insurance premiums from their state
income taxes. The plan also allows employees of small
businesses earning $50,000 or less annually to deduct
150 percent of what they pay for health insurance from
state income taxes. The bill becomes effective for the tax
year beginning January 1, 2009.
Great new cars, wonderful food and outstanding attendance made the August Business After Hours a real success. Steve Watts and Bill Sain with their staff were outstanding hosts and the promotion of the new 2009 Ford
FLEX by Fox6 was an exciting happening. The
Chamber Ambassadors and the T&C staff made everyone feel at home and welcome. Five $100 gas cards
were given away as door prizes and the networking was
very worthwhile.
The bill passed the Legislature during the Special
Session that ended May 31. At the urging of its small business member companies, which together make up nearly
80 percent of the its 5,000-company membership rolls,
the BCA has made passage of this small business incentive legislation one of its highest legislative priorities for
the past four years.
"Alabama's small businesses have earned this help,"
said BCA President and CEO William J. Canary. "Not only
do they employ the vast majority of all Alabama workers,
but they face daily regulatory and cost burden challenges
that continually increase the odds against their success.
"Our small businesses are the true heroes of Alabama's
economic success story. They carry an incredible portion
of the load and it's time our state leaders did something to
support them in their efforts to keep Alabamians employed and to ensure Alabama's success on the long
road to long-term economic growth and stability," Canary
added. "The BCA is proud to have championed this legislation, in partnership with the Business Associations' Tax
Coalition and the Chamber of Commerce Association of
Alabama, on behalf of our small business members. The
fact is, there is nothing small about small business. Their
contribution to our state is huge and we owe them a debt
of gratitude."
In closing the morning ceremony, Riley looked at the
small business supporters who filled the Old House
Chamber in the Capitol and remarked, "You did something fundamentally good for the state of Alabama and
we're all going to be the recipients of that good for years
to come as our economy grows and prospers."
Steve Watts, Ronnie Acker, Ray Parrish
(Ford Motor Company) and Hank Tyler
are ready to award door prizes.
Jason Dean Passes Away
Not only did we lose a legendary fast-pitch softball pitcher and
long-time Bessemer civic leader on August 21st but we also
lost a great friend. Jason Dean has lived in Bessemer since
1936 when his family moved here from Georgia. He was a
charter inductee of the Central Alabama Softball Hall of Fame
and elected to the Alabama Softball Hall of Fame. Jason graduated from Bessemer High School in 1944 where he lettered
in football, basketball and track and quarterbacked and captained the football team. He entered the Navy in 1944, served
in the Pacific, and played on Navy All-Star teams. After the
war, he returned to Bessemer and married his high school
sweetheart, Peggy Powell. Jason was the youngest member
ever elected to the Board of Directors of the Bessemer YMCA
and served that organization for 60 years. He was instrumental in organizing and coaching YMCA youth football, Little
League baseball, and building Y-Wood Field. He retired from
U.S. Steel and then served on the Bessemer City Council for
fourteen years. He was former Chairman of the Bessemer
Board of Education, the Bessemer YMCA and the Bessemer
City Parks and Recreation Board, and also served on the
Boards of the American Red Cross, Bessemer Hall of History,
Bessemer Beautification Board, First United Methodist
Church and Salvation Army. He was honored as YMCA Man
of the Year, Lion's Club Man of the Year and won the Charles
A. Long Award as Bessemer's Citizen of the Year. His beloved
wife, Peggy Powell Dean preceded him in death as did his constant companion of 19 years, Shorty, who is the happiest dog
in Heaven. An extraordinary father and grandfather, he leaves
behind daughters, Peggy Dean Glenn of Durham, North
Carolina and Patti Dean Ruffin of Macon, Georgia; sister Alice
Dean Dillard; son-in-law, Cambridge F. Glenn; and five grandsons and step-grandsons, Chase Ruffin, William Ruffin, Ben
Ruffin, Jase Glenn and William Glenn. Services were held
August 25th at First United Methodist Church in Bessemer.
4
Community News
Bessemer Housing Authority
Welcomes New Executive Director
Alphonso Patrick was officially welcomed to
Bessemer as the new Director of the
Bessemer Housing Authority. Mayor Ed May
and the Board of Commissioners held a luncheon at the Civic Center on July 31st presenting Mr. Patrick a resolution from the City
Council and introducing him to the community leadership. The Chamber welcomes
him to our city and wish him all the best in
making affordable housing available to the
citizens in the Bessemer area.
Blessing of the Pets Service
A special service will be held by First Christian
Church in Bessemer entitled "Blessing of the
Pets" on Sunday, October 5, 2008 beginning at
9:45 am in DeBardeleben Park. The service
will honor St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron
Saint of animals and God's special creation,
the animals. The event will emphasize being a
responsible pet owner, a promotion by the
Humane Society and a time of blessing.
People will be able to bring their animals
(leashed please) and receive a special blessing for their pets from minister Dr. Kim
Pilkinton. A representative group of adoptable
pets are planned to be present. Donations will
be accepted for the Greater Birmingham
Humane Society. The entire Bessemer community is invited to attend and if you have questions please contact Dr. Pilkinton at 451-4356.
5
Community News
Davis Middle School Service Project
(con't from pg. 1)
This was the kind of workday where the desire to serve was stronger than politics which made a difference in the community of
Bessemer. Dr. Deborah Horn, Bessemer School Superintendent, was amazed at the transformation of the school. State
Representative Priscilla Dunn remarked how great the painting was and how professional. City Council President Jesse Matthews
jumped in to paint and work shoulder to shoulder with the volunteers. Councilman Earl Cochran worked all day to install the electrical and watering hardware. Sarah Belcher did double duty, she did her normally great job as a Chamber Ambassador and worked
painting as a City Councilor. School Board members Vera Eades and Darlene Perkins came by to lend their support. And to top it
off, Principal Albert Soles was all smiles as he watched much needed work accomplished at the school he loves so much. Two representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bessemer Stake Presidency, Blake Archibald and Butch Green,
brought their sons and painted like professionals. The Chamber thanks all those who gave of their time to make this day so successful.
We also want to thank those businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsored the day. Gold PRIDE Patrons: Alabama
Power, Alabama Gas, ITT, David Hobdy, US Pipe, Canaan Baptist Church, Shan Paden, Stan Pate, Greg Harris, Joe Beasley
Memorial Foundation, GRS Surveying, and Earl Cochran. Gold PRIDE Contributors: Weaver Land, Bessemer Kiwanis, EEFS,
Aaron Killings and Walter Lewis. Gold PRIDE Individuals: Commissioner Bobby Humphryes, Representative Priscilla Dunn, Sarah
Belcher, and Bessemer Business & Professional Women. A great lunch was provided from Mr. Hot Dog and Bob Sykes BBQ.
Bessemer BPW members worked hard at
Davis project: l-r, Sarah Belcher, Latasha
Cook, Priscilla Dunn, and Claire Mitchell.
Organizers Jeffrey Norris
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
and Randy Donaldson (Alagasco).
City Council members Jesse Matthews,
Sarah Belcher and Earl Cochran
admire newly planted tree.
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
SAVE THE DATE
City Council President Jesse Matthews
working hard painting at Davis
LDS Church volunteers pause before starting
the work project at Davis Middle School.
Welcome New Members for August
EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS
Cliff Nail
13176 Michael Drive
Lake View, McCalla 35111
477-2168
[email protected]
www.edwardjones.com
*Investments
TANNEHILL PREMIERE CINEMA
Kobe Bone
4801 Promenade Parkway
Bessemer, AL 35022
Phone 205.428.4401, Fax 205.428.4403
[email protected]
www.pccmovies.com
*Theater
GENT'S MAGIC SHOESHINE, INC.
Johnny & Carolyn Wilson
4778 Carriage Brook Drive
Bessemer, AL 35022
Phone: 205.481.0010
[email protected]
*Shoeshine Service
UAB SARRELL DENTAL & SARRELL EYE CENTER
Micah Blunt, Shari Riley
2700 Fifth Avenue N.
Bessemer, AL 35020
Phone 205.425-1327, Fax 205.425-5539
[email protected]
www.sarrelldental.org
*Non-Profit: (Dental & Eye Care for Children)
HARDWARE STORE ONE
HARDWARE HOUSE
Charlie Camp
2910 Morgan Road, Ste 106
Bessemer, AL 35022
Phone 205.424.0559
Fax 205.428.0650
[email protected]
*Retail
6
Business News
Governor Riley Announces
Alabama Named "State of the Year"
for Economic Development
Governor Bob Riley visited expanding businesses in the aviation, life sciences and automotive fields in three cities on
Wednesday, August 6th to announce Alabama has been
named "State of the Year" by a trade magazine for its economic development performance in 2007. This is the fifth
time in the last six years Alabama has been ranked the
South's top economic development state by Southern
Business and Development magazine.
"Once again, Alabama leads the South in economic development and the South leads the nation," said Governor
Riley. "Our ranking as number one is a monumental accomplishment. It's recognition that Alabama is the place where
there are more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunity."
Colin Coyne Promotes the
Sustainable Birmingham Initiative
Colin Coyne is circulating a plan with the goal of establishing Birmingham as a model "green" community that would
be a national hub for manufacturing and distributing sustainable products. Colin says his proposal will spur economic growth, job creation, quality of life and educational
improvements in the region.
The "Sustainable
Birmingham Initiative" employs a for-profit model for a new
"green" economy he believes could transform the city into
a national green manufacturing leader. According to Mike
Tomberlin in the Birmingham News dated August 23rd,
Colin left Savannah, Ga.-based Melaver Inc. to form his
own development company, the Coyne Group. He decided
to stay in Birmingham rather than move to Savannah as
part of Melaver's move to control overhead spending.
The magazine, which covers economic development activity in 17 states, uses a point system based on announcements of 200 jobs or more and/or capital investments of $30
million or more to rank the states. Alabama has been
named "State of the Year" for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and
now 2007. Last year, Alabama saw 473 new and expanding
industry announcements. Those projects resulted in more
than 24,000 announced new jobs.
"What it amounts to is I chose Birmingham over Melaver,"
Coyne said. "Melaver has been very generous to me."
Chief Executive Martin Melaver credited Coyne with putting the firm on track with the Federal Reserve project.
To celebrate the news, Governor Riley and Alabama
Development Office Director Neal Wade visited three companies that announced expansions and new jobs last year:
Westwind Technologies in Huntsville, Brookwood
Pharmaceuticals in Birmingham and Hyundai outside
Montgomery. Each of the three represents industry sectors
the state has worked to increase its presence - aviation, life
sciences and automotive manufacturing.
Blue Bumble Bee Opens
Alabama is home to three auto assembly plants that employ
more than 11,000. The automotive manufacturing industry
in the state grew to 48,457 direct automotive jobs in 2007, up
from 44,834 jobs in 2005, according to the Alabama
Automotive Manufacturers Association. Since 2001,
Alabama's auto industry has added more than 21,000 jobs,
the association reported earlier this year.
"Whenever we recruit a new industry to our state, it gets a lot
of headlines and attention, and it should. But when an existing company succeeds to the point that it needs to grow and
add more jobs - and it wants to put those jobs in Alabama that's something we truly need to celebrate," said Governor
Riley.
"He's a great guy and very much a believer in
Birmingham," he said. "He's been instrumental in making
us a believer in Birmingham."
The Blue Bumble Bee opened its doors to the delight of the
McCalla/Bessemer area with fashionable ladies apparel and
gifts for home or the family. Store owner Amelia RodgersMunez has a mission of creating a shopping experience that's
comfortable, relaxing and inviting while providing distinctive
merchandise and incomparable customer service. Located in
the new Colonial Promenade Tannehill the store will have special events such as "Make Me Over" (September 3rd),
Breakfast At The Bee, Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Party, and more.
Local and regional artists also provide a great reason to shop
at the Bee, they include: Randy Webb, Haley Montgomery
(My Goodness!), Margaret Morales, Lee Ann Perry,
Obsessions Jewelry, and Hearts for Him Ministries.
Selections of clothing and gifts from Earth Creations, Yellow
Box Shoes, French Connection, Linda Segal, and many,
many more. You can contact Amelia and her staff at 4269330 or email [email protected].
The Governor said one reason why he wanted to visit these
three companies is to highlight the state's success in diversifying its economy. "We've worked to diversify our economy.
We never want to be reliant on any one industry. You can
look at other states across the nation that relied too much on
one industry and see how that can invite disaster," Governor
Riley said. "Our economic diversity is enabling Alabama to
weather this national downturn better than most states."
The Governor also thanked Wade and local economic developers for Alabama's strong economic performance.
"We've built strong partnerships that have worked to bring
new jobs to Alabama. I thank all of you because it wouldn't
be possible without your leadership and our outstanding
workforce," Governor Riley said.
Blue Bumble Bee cuts ribbon with owner Amelia
Rodgers-Munez and Mayor May doing the honors.
Business News
7
Spotlight on Business: Canaan Baptist Church
NOTE TO MEMBERS: This monthly article presents the thoughts and suggestions of members of the Chamber
about business related topics. For the next few months we will be highlighting some of our area's churches that contribute so much to the area and to our business community.
The historic Canaan Baptist Church was organized in 1818 one year before Alabama became a state. Canaan
was instrumental in the origin of both the Bessemer and Birmingham Baptist Associations. Sunday, September
7th, Canaan Baptist Church will celebrate 190 years of living for God's glory and sharing His story from their
doorstep to the ends of the earth. The church has a twenty-five acre campus from which to serve the community.
They have just celebrated the first anniversary in their newest addition – a state of the art Children's Building.
Canaan is a Family of Families whom God has called to a unique Journey of faith. Together, they're making disciples by leading people to Love God, Share life, Serve others and Show Jesus to the world. To facilitate a growing congregation two worship services are offered on Sunday mornings at 9 and 10:30 am. Members share life
through small group Sunday School at the same times. Classes are provided for all ages and seasons of life.
Each Sunday, members and guests experience a blended worship that celebrates the tradition of hymns and
the intimacy of praise music. The pulpit ministry of the pastor provides relevant expository preaching. When visiting Canaan, you will be greeted by the warmth of His Body and the presence of His Spirit.
Canaan is led by Senior Pastor, Morgan Bailey, Journey Pastor, Charles Teague, Worship Pastor, Jeff Stith and
Children's Minister, Jon Killingsworth. The church is currently searching for a youth minister. The church is
blessed with a wonderful support staff of Ministry Assistants – Mae McDonald, Kerri Brown and Genna Baldwin.
The music ministry is enriched by the Orchestra under the direction of Howard Beckner, Pianist, Lynn Heaton
and Keyboardist, Patricia Thompson. Canaan is located at 2543 Morgan Road in Bessemer.
Calendar of Events September 2008
BESSEMER AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jon Staggs
Chairman of the Board
Alabama Power
Kenneth Gulley
Past Chairman
Lawson State Community College
Deborah Horn
Chairman Elect
Bessemer Board of Education
Joni Holt
Treasurer & Chairperson of Finance
Holt Insurance
September 4
September 7
September 8
September 11
September 16
September 16
Sept. 20-21
September 25
October 23
Ambassadors Meeting
8:15 A.M.
Chamber
Marvel City Fest
11-7:00 P.M. Colonial Prom.
City Wide Prayer Breakfast
7:30 A.M.
Chamber
Bessemer Library Opening
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Library
11:30 A.M.
Chamber
Executive Committee Meeting
Noon
Chamber
Board of Director's Meeting
2:00 P.M. Bess. Airport
2008 Wings & Wheels
5:30-7:30 P.M.
TBA
Business After Hours
Noon
Bent Brook
Golf FORE Progress Tournament
email
Doug Caddell, Canaan Baptist Church
David Darby, BankTrust
Randy Donaldson, Alabama Gas Company
CeCe Doss, Wilson Pallet & Packaging
Arthur Green, JeffCo District Attorney, Bess. Div.
Howard Johnson Jr., Johnson Funeral Home
Sunny Lippert, Attorney
Ross Mitchell, Baptist Health System
Tom Nicholson, US Pipe & Foundry Co.
Rupesh Patel, Hampton Inn
Keith Pennington, Medical West
Allen Rice, ITT Technical Institute
Steve Self, Buffalo Rock Company
Hank Tyler, Henry H. Tyler Enterprises
Thelma Vanderburg, First American Bank
Nelda Weaver, Weaver Land & Realty, Inc.
To enhance our
communications
with your office
or location, send your
email address to us at:
[email protected]
or fax it to 425-4979.
www.bessemerchamber.com
BESSEMER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 648
Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0648
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Phone: 205-425-3253 Fax: 425-4979
Toll Free: 1-888-4BESSEMER (Toll Free)
www.bessemerchamber.com
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
YOUR CHAMBER STAFF
Ronnie Acker, President
LaTasha Cook, Vice President
Mary Milan, Administrative Specialist
Jean Brown, Accounting Specialist
Celebrating
86 Years of Service
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