Communique - Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce

Communique
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Communication: The Key to Successful Business
NOVEMBER AND
DECEMBER 2014
UPCOMING
EVENTS
chamber
12/02 Ambassador Meeting
8:30 am
12/09 Business After Hours
at Shoals Ambulance
from 5 – 7 pm
12/13 City of Bessemer
Christmas Parade at 2
pm in downtown
Bessemer
12/16 Board of Director’s
Meeting 11:45 am
The Bessemer Magazine is THE Promotional Magazine For
Our Area
It’s that time of year again. Plans are being finalized for the 2015 Bessemer
Magazine. The 2015 magazine will include our chamber Membership
directory for Bessemer and surrounding areas and present our area as an
attractive and progressive place to live, work, shop and visit.
This
publication will also include color photos of people, places and events as well
as interesting features and profiles. This magazine is a great marketing tool
for your business and the entire Bessemer Area. Over 3,000 copies of the
magazine are distributed to all of our area hotels, churches, business locations
and Alabama’s Welcome centers and family/class reunions. The magazine is
mailed to all tourist and newcomers seeking information on our area.
Reserve your ad space today.
Plan to Support the City of Bessemer Christmas Parade on December 13th
The City of Bessemer’s Christmas parade
will be held on Saturday, December 13,
2014 at 2 pm in Downtown Bessemer. We
ask that you consider being a sponsor for
this event. This year’s theme is ‘A Heroes
Christmas…Honoring Our Military and
First Responders’. The sponsorship fee is
$150.00 and the registration fee is $25 per
entry.
Business News
Councilor Sarah Wallace Belcher Retires After 20 Years of Service as Bessemer City Councilor in District #3
Sarah Belcher celebrated her retirement with elegance on November 7, 2014 at the Bessemer Civic Center. Mrs. Belcher has served five terms on
the city council. She was elected in 1994. She has served on many board and organizations. Of the numerous boards and organizations, we are
proud to say that she has been an advocate for the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the duration of her term. She is currently
an active ambassador. Councilor Belcher has done a great job as a servant and civic leader. The one thing that everyone agreed about during
their expressions was, she was a fair and direct lady and you never had to second guess her. Her direction and plans were always made clear.
Belcher plans to remain actively involved in the chamber and her community.
Harmony MediSpa & Wellness Center
Re-Grand Opening for Susan Schein Chevrolet
Susan Schein’s re-grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 13, 2014. The dealership is located at 4821 McAdory
School Road. Ronnie Griffith is the manager. We welcome Susan Schein to the City of Bessemer.
Manager Ronnie Griffith is joined by chamber
board member David Darby and board chairman
Charles King along with Ambassador Sarah
Beasley
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS:
Brown Beauty Barber School
Lisa Brown
1724 First Avenue N.
Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205-424-4247
[email protected]
www.brownbeautyschool.com
November / December 2014
Harmony MediSpa & Wellness Center
Nova Law, MD
401 19th Street North
Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205-870-4343, F 205-870-0299
[email protected]
www.harmonymedispa.com
Individual
Jack White
2652 Alta Glen Drive
Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
PH 205-266-5126, F 205-460-7203
[email protected]
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique
Page 2
Business News (continued)
National Business Women’s Week
The Honorable Mayor Kenneth Gulley declared October 20 th October 26th, National Business Womens week in the City of
Bessemer. NBWW is nationally recognized. NBWW honors
the contributions of working women and employers who
support working women and their families, Business and
Professional Women’s Foundation celebrates National
Business Women’s Week® (NBWW) during the third week of
October.
National Business Women’s Week® provides an opportunity
to call attention to women entrepreneurs, facilitate discussions
on the needs of working women, share information about
successful workplace policies, and raise awareness of the
resources available for working women in their communities.
Traditionally during NBWW, BPW Foundation singles out
extraordinary women who epitomize what it means to be a
woman leader in the workplace.
During this week Bessemer BPW recognized the 2014 Woman
of Achievement recipient Judge Lynneice Washington and the
2014 Woman of the Year, Mrs. Jenny Schrimscher.
Congratulations to both of these ladies.
Top photo [left to right] – Andie Sloan, LaTasha Cook,
Judge Lynneice Washington, Senator Priscilla Dunn,
Jenny Schrimscher, Speaker – Cheryl Gurley.
Bottom photo [left to right] – Julie Bell, Nikki Jordan,
Doris Lewis, Andie Sloan, Mayor Kenneth Gulley,
LaTasha Cook, Senator Priscilla Dunn, Sarah Beasley,
Claire Mitchell and Shirley Horn.
City of Bessemer Elected Officials Inauguration Ceremony
The City of Bessemer Inauguration Ceremony was held for the school board members, Bessemer City Council and Office of Mayor. The
ceremony was held on Monday, November 3, 2014 at the Bessemer Civic Center. The following officers were sworn in: Bessemer Board of
Education Board members; Claire Mitchell, Vera M. Eades, Renna Soles Scott, Joseph Edwards, Carolyn
Hudson of
Wilson.
City
Photo Courtesy
the CityBessemer
of Bessemer
Council Members: David Vance, Chester Porter, Cynthia Donald, Donna Thigpen, Ronald Marshall, Jesse Matthews, and Cleophus King.
Last but not least, Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley.
Congratulations to our elected officials. The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce look
forward to working with each of you to do whatever is needed to promote and enhance the City of Bessemer.
November / December 2014
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique
Page 3
Chamber News
Chamber Board Holds Annual Strategic
Planning Meeting
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Oxmoor Valley hosted the
2015 Board of Directors strategic planning session. The
board of directors sat attentive and received information
from our speaker Jeremy Arthur, with CCAA (Chamber of
Commerce Association of Alabama). Jeremy did an
outstanding job explaining to the board of directors the
purpose and role of a chamber and the board of directors
code of conduct. The board also received a report on the
current finances and 2014 programs. Plans for events and
the 2015 budget were presented during the session. Great
things are in the planning process for the new year. Be on
the lookout for some exciting events and opportunities as
your Chamber promotes the City of Bessemer and your
businesses.
Bessemer’s Veterans Day Program
The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce,
The City of Bessemer and the Bessemer Cutoff American Legion Post 149 sponsored the
annual City of Bessemer Veterans Day
Program on November 7, 2014 at 11:00am at
the Bessemer City Hall Auditorium. The
event was to honor our heroes, the men and
women who put their lives on the line to
protect and serve the citizens of the United
States. The speaker was the commanding
officer LCDR Arlen B. Rose of the Navy
Operational support center in Bessemer.
Those honored were United States Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard
and Coast Guard. Others recognized were
the City of Bessemer Fire and Police
Department. We salute all of our heroes
that have sacrificed for us.
Golf ‘FORE’ Progress
The 23rd Annual Golf “FORE” Progress was a huge success. Tuesday, October 14 th, 117 golfers gathered to enjoy a round of golf and an
opportunity to network with other business leaders. Despite the windy and cold weather each golfer was greeted with the warm hearts of the
chamber ambassadors. This was the first year that the tournament was held at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Oxmoor Valley. The staff did a
great job in hosting the event and making sure that everyone felt welcome. A box lunch was furnished by Bob Sykes Barbecue and a delicious
steak dinner was provided in the evening by Jazzy Lady Catering. Town and Country Ford and Premiere Chevrolet provided the car for the Hole
in One. Special thanks to Steyr Arms for donating a L9-A1 Pistol for the silent auction. We had great door prizes and wonderful food for
everyone. A great atmosphere, a wonderful game of golf with friendly volunteers and tasty food, what more is there to offer a golfer? We
would like to thank our sponsors for making this event a success.
November / December 2014
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique
Page 4
Chamber News
Hot Dog Cookout…Hosted by Chamber Ambassadors
The Chamber Ambassadors hosted a hotdog cookout fundraiser to
benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree campaign. On November 7 th,
following the Veterans Day programs, those in attendance were able
to stop by the chamber and purchase hot dogs and smoked sausages
for lunch. The Ambassadors will use proceeds for this event to
purchase items for a Childs wish list. The ambassadors host at least
three fundraisers a year, with all the proceeds being used to benefit
education and childrens’ wish lists. We say thank you to the
companies that support these fundraisers; your contributions ensure
the success of the event.
Business News
Our Chamber Members Are Ready to Cater Your
Holiday Events
Give One of Them a Call
BESSEMER CHAMBER MEMBERS
RESTAURANT / CATERERS
Anjel’s Venue @ 450
Boateng’s Cajun Creations
Bob Sykes Barbecue
Chick-Fil-A
Cloray’s Café
Destiny on the One
Discovery Alabama Event Center
Jazzy Lady Catering
Kaylyn’s
Majestic Catering
McAlister’s Deli
New Bryant’s Seafood
San Antonio Grill
Sneaky Pete’s
Sonic’s of Bessemer
Tayoyaki Restaurant
The Bright Star Restaurant
The Fish Hook LLC
The Fish Market Restaurant
The New Morgan Road Café
November / December 2014
205-200-0142
205-436-2848
205-426-1400
205-426-3190
205-424-4366
205-425-3533
205-425-4554
205-572-0045
205-436-2600
205-426-6500
205-426-0387
205-491-5652
205-477-1110
205-424-4036
205-428-2002
205-477-6400
205-424-9444
205-424-6611
205-322-3330
205-566-5246
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique
Page 5
2014 CORPORATE SPONSORS
2014 Board of Directors
Chairman
Charles King, Regional Paramedical Services
Chairman Elect
Eric Messer, Shoals Ambulance
Past Chairman
Billy Parsons, CPA
Treasurer
Joni Holt, Holt Insurance Company
Julie Bell, State Farm Insurance
Don Bratcher, Rural Metro Ambulance
Nathan Clark, Medical West
David Darby, Trustmark National Bank
Terry Dawson, Regions Bank
Regina Doriety, Lawson State Community College
Roderick Evans, Paden & Paden, PC
Connie Fuell, Dex Imaging
Jimmy Hankins, Restoration Xpress
Judy Mathis, Moore Coal Company
Jerrellis Melton, Alabama Gas Company
Dr. Fred Primm, Bessemer Board of Education
Mike Roper, Bessemer Police Department
Jon Staggs, Alabama Power Company
Kim Starling, Brookwood Medical Center
Hank Tyler, Town & Country Ford
Anthony Underwood, Anthony Underwood Auto.
Devron Veasley, Bessemer Business Center
Neil Walker, First Financial Bank
November / December 2014
2014 SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS
Paden & Paden, PC
2014 Ambassadors
Coordinator
Nikki Jordan, Trio Safety
Co-Coordinator
Lula Walter, City of Bessemer
Secretary
Nelda Pate, Retired
Kay Baggett, Retired
Sarah Beasley, Joe Beasley Memorial Foundation, Inc
Sarah Belcher, Retired
Lori Chisem, Lawson State Community College
Louise Hickey, Retired
Shirley Horn, Retired
Doris Lewis, City of Bessemer
Claire Mitchell, Visalus - Body by Vi
Daryl Owens, Bessemer City Schools
Minnie Roper, Retired
Trisston Wright Burrows, Moore Coal Co.
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique
Page 8