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Business After Hours & Ambassador
Recognition at WaterMark
What a night! Over 70 Chamber members
gathered in the food court at WaterMark Place
Outlet Center to enjoy some outstanding food
prepared and served by Boateng's Cajun
Creations. If you have not tried their exceptional cuisine you need to stop by and let them
surprise you. Gumbo, shrimp, gator meat, oysters, jambalaya, bisque, and more provided
the crowd with a feast. Aleshia Witherspoon
(WaterMark manager) and the store managers at the outlet center were excellent hosts
and the crowd showed their gratitude. Door
prizes supplied by our corporate sponsors
and the outlet stores were given out to the
lucky registrants. The networking and laughter resounded throughout the food court and
the smiles were plentiful.
This was also the occasion to thank our ambassadors for the great work they do year
round. Special gifts were provided to each
and they were recognized individually and as
a group. The ambassadors are: Diane Sparks
(Coordinator), Regina Doriety (Co- coordinator), Nelda Pate (Secretary), Kay Baggett,
Sarah Belcher, LeeAnn Best, Connie Fuell,
Louise Hickey, Felicia King, Susan Majors,
Claire Mitchell, Minnie Roper, Sarah Smith,
Margaret Snider, Debbie Stewart,
Communication: The Key To Successful Business
July 2008
Bessemer Business Awards
Five awards for five very worthy local business recipients
highlighted the 19th Annual Bessemer Business Awards
luncheon at Lawson State-Bessemer. This annual event is
co-sponsored by the Bessemer Rotary Club and the
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Charles
Murray welcomed the attendees on behalf of Lawson State
including Millie Diliberto representing Jefferson County
Commissioner Bobby Humphryes and Major Alan Farley
of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Cook's
Catering catered the outstanding lunch and your ambassadors were the perfect hostesses.
The keynote speaker was Ted vonCannon, President of
the Metropolitan Development Board, who spoke on the
functions of the MDB, impact of new companies coming
into the region, some current projects and the importance
of leadership in economic development. He recognized
City Council member Sarah Belcher for her support of recent efforts in our area such as the U.S. Pipe decision to expand in Bessemer instead of China. It was a great talk by a
man who is recognized throughout the state as one of the
best in his profession. MDB is a friend and partner to the
Bessemer area and their efforts are appreciated.
(Article continued on page 4.)
(Article and picture continued on page 4.)
Happy group of recipients at 19th Annual Bessemer Business Awards.
Pictured lr; Chamber's Ronnie Acker, Rotary President Diane Hyche,
Alabama Power's Betty Smith, MDB President Ted vonCannon, Lawson State's
Dr. Anthony, and Premiere Chevrolet General Sales Manager Doug Green.
"When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike, you do not wait until
he has struck before you crush him." Franklin D. Roosevelt
Inside
Chamber Ambassadors honored at WaterMark Place, shown l-r:front row,
Lou Hickey, Connie Fuell, Diane Sparks, Latasha Cook, and
Regina Doriety. Back row; Sarah Belcher, Minnie Roper, Sarah Smith,
Claire Mitchell, Kay Baggett, Susan Majors, Tammy Tucker, Debbie Stewart,
Felicia King, Margaret Snider, Leeann Best, and Katherine Taylor.
It's Your Business: Strong Character-Good for Business
Page 2
Business News: Jefferson Co. Comprehensive Plan
Page 3
Chamber News: Lunch For Scholarships
Page 4
Chamber News: Open House Functions
Page 5
Community News: Lunch in the Park with BPD
Page 6
Community News: Spotlight: Bess. Development Board
Page 7
2
From the President
It's Your Business
"Live for something rather than die for nothing." So stated a
great American and General of the Army George Patton.
Thus it is with each of us, are we living for something or
merely existing? Do we do business in a way that makes us
proud, telling the truth, being honest in our dealings with our
fellow man? Or are we lacking character? John Wooden,
UCLA basketball coach and Hall of Famer put it this way,
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are; your reputation is merely what others think you are."
Some feel that whatever they do that brings them honor before men it is OK no matter if it is the right thing or honorable
thing to do. Telling someone one thing in private and then denying that you said it in public shows a man's lack of character, no matter their reputation that man's lack of character is
known to God and to himself. Samuel Clemens (Mark
Twain) put it this way, "It is better to deserve honors and not
have them than to have them and not deserve them." Our
dealings in private make our character. My father always
taught me that I should act in private the same as if I were
standing on a stage in front of a large audience and so I
have tried to follow that advice.
A modern day hero who overcame many obstacles to survive is Scott O'Grady. He is the U.S. Air Force pilot who
was shot down over Bosnia in 1995 while on a mission. He
was hunted by hostile forces for six days, evaded them and
was rescued by helicopter in an amazing show of resourcefulness and professionalism. He talks of serving his country
and being true to his character when he says, "It wasn't the
reward that mattered or the recognition you might harvest. It
was your depth of commitment, your quality of service, the
product of your devotion -- these were the things that
counted in a life. When you gave purely, the honor came in
the giving, and that was honor enough." He almost gave his
life for his service to his country and fellow men.
During this month of July let us remember who we
are, why we are here, and where we are going.
Those three w's should guide our lives not only in
business but also in our everyday life. Also, let us remember the brave men and women who have made
it possible for us to live in freedom, to prosper, and to
voice our opinions. Those World War II veterans
who gave their all some even their lives to make us
free are passing away at a rate of 2,000 per day. We
should make sure we thank them for their sacrifice
for us.
Having a World War II veteran as a father was a humbling experience. Especially as I stood a few years
ago on a stage at Fort Benning, Georgia with my
mother to have him inducted into the U.S. Army
Ranger Hall of Fame. He was an average hard working man and yet much more. His creed was put best
by Thomas Paine, "If there must be trouble let it be in
my day, that my child may have peace." Thanking
our fathers and mothers for their sacrifice for us is
not enough, we must live each day, do business
each day with honor and character to make them
proud. This is important to you as a businessperson
of strong character because it's your business.
President
Business News
EDAA Conference
Chamber President Ronnie Acker attended
the Economic Development Association of
Alabama's summer conference at Orange
Beach from June 22 through June 25. He was
attending as Chairman of the Jefferson County
Economic and Industrial Development
Authority. This event brings together the top
professionals in economic development from
across the state and is a great place to meet
those who impact our region. Serving as
Chairman of the Authority Ronnie concentrates efforts to bring jobs to Jefferson County.
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
SAVE THE DATE
3
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan
On June 17th the Jefferson County Planning &
Zoning Commission along with the Jefferson
County Department of Land Development held a
review of the draft Comprehensive Plan for the
County. This meeting allowed interested parties
to review the plan which is "the official statement
of a legislative body that sets forth goals, policies
and guidelines intended to direct the present
and future physical and economic development
of the community, including a unified physical design for the public and private development of
land and water."
The meeting focused on a review and accepted
comments on the draft of the "Comprehensive
Plan" for unincorporated Jefferson County in the
Shades Creek Watershed with focus on the areas along Hwy 150 near Shannon and South of
I-459 between Bessemer & Hoover; including:
Kimbrell, McCalla, McAdory, Greenwood, Bluff
Ridge, Smithson & Morgan Rd. as well as unincorporated areas near Bessemer, Helena,
Hoover, Homewood, Birmingham, Mountain
Brook, and Irondale. To access the draft plan go
to www.jeffcointouch.com. You can send input
by calling the Office of Land Development at
325-5638 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.
Also email your comments to:
[email protected].
4
Chamber News
Business After Hours & Ambassador
Recognition at WaterMark (continued from page 1)
Bessemer Business Awards
Katherine Taylor, and Tammy Tucker. When
you see these ladies please thank them for all
they do for the Bessemer Area business community. They volunteer their time and their employers allow them to do this so we need to
thank the following Chamber members: City of
Bessemer, Lawson State, Konica Minolta, ITT
Tech, Alabama Power, Bessemer Beauty
Institute, Legacy YMCA, John John's
Jewelers, Church & Staggs, Abana Realty,
and Golden Living. Several of our ambassadors are retirees and we thank them for their
volunteer hours, without these great ladies
your Chamber would not function.
This year's honorees were: Category 1: Tippi's
Bakery & Deli, Category 2: Builders Millworks,
Category 3: Premiere Chevrolet (GM Doug
Green receiving the award), NonProfit- Lawson
State Community College (Dr. Anthony receiving), and Safety- Alabama Power Company
(Betty Smith as representative). This group was
chosen from an elite number of nominees which
included: 20/20 Optical, Wilson Pallet &
Packaging, Western Tribune, Dexter Fortson,
Konica Minolta, Modular Connections, Spec
Clutch, Special Shapes Refactory, AHR Metals,
Alabama Gas, Birmingham Rail, American Red
Cross, and Bessemer Advocacy Center. The
Chamber looks forward to next year and the long
list of nominees that the Rotary Club and we can
honor.
Again the Chamber thanks the stores at
WaterMark Place Outlet Center and Aleshia
Witherspoon for an outstanding evening.
Please remember to shop the Bessemer area
first, we have everything you may need.
(continued from page 1)
An added surprise was the Bessemer Rotary
Club recognizing their Rotarian of the Year at the
luncheon. Local attorney Sunny Lippert (member of the Chamber's Board of Directors) was presented this prestigious award by last year's
honoree Cecil Wooten and Rotary President
Diane Hyche. The Rotary Club always makes
positive contributions to the Bessemer Area.
A successful luncheon with great food, awards,
recognitions, and an outstanding speaker, what
more could you ask. Please plan to attend next
year as the Chamber and Rotary Club highlight
the exceptional businesses we have in the
Bessemer region.
Pictured relaxing after a great meal at WaterMark Place are from l-r
beginning in front; Sarah Smith, Nelda Pate, Connie Harper, Margaret
Snider, Lou Hickey, Diane Sparks, and Steve Self.
Chamber News
5
McCalla Orthodontics and
Pediatric Dentistry Open House
Open House at Mueller
Occupational Medicine
On June 20th there was face painting, a moonwalk, games, balloons and story time with
Hannah Montana at the McCalla Orthodontics
and Pediatric Dentistry Open House. It was
festive and a great time for all. This event was
in celebration of 5 years for Dr. Sanchez in dental practice at the Letson Farms location.
Chamber board member David Darby and
Ambassador/City Councilor Sarah Belcher
were on hand to congratulate Dr. Sanchez and
the staff.
Dr. Michael Mueller and his staff invited all
Chamber members to an open house held on
June 26th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. There was
great food and refreshments plus a tour of the
facilities. Located on Memorial Drive across
from Medical West the facility offers state of
the art occupational medical care and rehabilitation.
Lunch for Scholarships
Spaghetti and tetrazzini poured forth from the
First Presbyterian Church downtown on June
12th as the Chamber Ambassadors held a luncheon to raise money for the Ora Foster
Community Service Scholarship.
Over
$1,000 was raised to support the area's graduating seniors from Jess Lanier, McAdory and
Bessemer Academy High Schools. Chamber
VP Latasha Cook and Ambassador
Coordinator Diane Sparks organized and led a
tremendous effort. Not only was the food great
but also the camaraderie among the Chamber
members working together was a true joy.
Chamber President gets Happy Face tattoo
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
SAVE THE DATE
Chamber Chairman Jon Staggs checking on Scholarship
lunch as Chamber staffer Jean Brown works.
Ambassadors Sarah Belcher and Minnie Roper
working hard at Scholarship lunch.
6
Community News
Lunch in the Park with BPD
On June 2nd the Bessemer Police
Department held its first Business
Outreach event and lunch at
Debardeleban Park. Beginning at 11:00
am, the officers grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for the business attendees and
provided information on security, law enforcement, and safety for businesses.
This event started off right and with an increase in attendance by the business community it will continue to be an event to look
forward to. Providing information was only
a part of what the event was meant to accomplish. The BPD wants to hear from
your business and to exchange ideas on
how to make Bessemer a better place to
do business. Plan to attend the next BPD
event to share your concerns, ideas and
suggestions.
www.bessemerchamber.com
email
To enhance our
communications
with your office
or location, send your
email address to us at:
[email protected]
or fax it to 425-4979.
City Prayer Breakfast
Moves to Chamber
At the June 3rd meeting of the City Prayer
Breakfast the decision was made to move
the monthly event to the Bessemer
Chamber building located at 321 18th
Street N. Beginning July 7th the Prayer
Breakfast will meet the first Monday of each
month at the Chamber with the intent to
draw as many downtown and area business people as possible to join in praying for
our city and the surrounding area. It is a
great way to start off each month and the
Chamber is proud to be a part of this truly
civic oriented group. The meetings always
begin at 7:30 am. For more information
please call the Chamber at 425-3253 or
email [email protected].
Community News
7
Spotlight on: Bessemer Development Board
NOTE TO MEMBERS: This monthly article presents the thoughts and suggestions of members of the Chamber about business related topics.
For over 100 years the City of Bessemer has been one of Alabama's leading manufacturing and
commerce centers. Several of the state's oldest, continually-operating firms are located in
Bessemer, including U.S. Pipe and Foundry and Southern Ductile Casting Corporation.
But Bessemer is also home to many service sector and technology-based companies, such as
Logista and Trillion Communications. Medical West, and the various clinics and health-related
companies that service the institution, form Bessemer's largest private sector employment
force. And in the field of distribution, the Bessemer area is proud to call CVS Pharmacy, Federal
Express, Home Depot, Office Max and Piggly Wiggly (Alabama Distributing Company) corporate citizens.
Since the mid-1980s, the Bessemer Development Board's various programs have been utilized
by these and other companies to create an ever-growing, diverse local economy. Some of the
Bessemer Development Board's program results include:
*Assisting over 400 businesses with business plan preparation, loan processing and other technical assistance;
*Booking over 100 business loans from its two revolving loan funds, with a default rate of less
than 8%, helping to create and retain over 3,000 jobs.
*Helping to grow the city's store of business parks from just two in 1982 to fifteen in 2005, parks totaling over 1,500 acres. Seven of those business parks are owned and managed by the Board.
The Bessemer area is also the home to Jefferson County's only two industrial parks.
*The construction of close to 50 metal industrial buildings for lease to for-profit entities, representing a total of more than 750,000 sq. ft. and a capital investment of approximately $12 million.
*The creation of two business incubation facilities - the 26,000 sq. ft. Bessemer Business Center
(BBC) on the Bessemer campus of Lawson State College, and the 17,000 sq. ft. Downtown
Entrepreneurial Center (DEC) in downtown Bessemer.
Thanks to the past efforts of Jim Byram and with continued leadership from Troy Post the
Bessemer Development Board leads the way in economic development efforts in Bessemer.
Calendar of Events July 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
July
July
July
July
July
Oct
1
4
7
15
15
23
Ambassadors Meeting
4th of July Holiday
City Wide Prayer Breakfast
Executive Committee Meeting
Board of Director's Meeting
Golf FORE Progress Tourn.
8:15 A.M
All Day
7:30 A.M.
11:30 A.M.
Noon
Noon
Chamber
Chamber Closed
Chamber
Chamber
Chamber
Bent Brook
Deborah Horn
Chairman Elect
Bessemer Board of Education
Welcome New Members for June
Joni Holt
Treasurer & Chairperson of Finance
Holt Insurance
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.
ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS CONSULTANTS, INC.
Tim Clay, Ann Ferrier
5204 Bessemer Super Highway
Brighton, AL 35020
Phone 205.425.9000, Fax 205.278.9772
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Business Categories: Accounting & Taxes
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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