ConnectionsCONNECTIONSDothan Area Chamber of Commerce July 2018

CREATINGTomorrow’s LeadersPAGE 4

Roby Receives SpiritOf Enterprise AwardPAGE 12

Creating Hospitality HeroesPAGE 11

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27www.dothan.com(334) 792-5138

INSIDEWhat’s

July 2018

2 Events Calendar3 Ribbon Cuttings4-5 Cover Story7-11 Business Briefs12 Grow Dothan13 Workforce Development14 Small Business Development

Also In This Issue 8 Wiregrass Transit Launches

Bus Advertising Program12 Dothan Remains Lowest Cost

Of Living Area In State13 DEF Receives Grant 14 What Color Is Your Lure?

Your cover photo features students from the Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 26 taking a selfie after their Graduation Banquet held at Celebration at Jones Crossing May 11.

Your Cover Photo

ConnectionsCONNECTIONSDothan Area Chamber of Commerce

July 2018

CREATINGTomorrow’s LeadersPAGE 4

Roby Receives SpiritOf Enterprise AwardPAGE 12

Are You Taking AdvantageOf This Education Partnership?PAGE 13

2 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

Independence Day – Chamber Closed

Groundbreaking: SpectraCare The Haven – 10:30 a.m.Location: 831 John D. Odom Road

Ambassador and Diplomat Committee Meeting – 9 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)*Reservations required: (334) 792-5138

Ribbon Cutting: Housing Authority of the City of Dothan – 10:30 a.m.Location: 602 S. Lena St.

Ribbon Cutting: The Cottages Dothan, LLC – 10:30 a.m.Location: 203 Front Porch Court, Midland City

Ribbon Cutting: Williams Seafood Market South – 10:30 a.m.Location: 3600 S. Oates St., Suite 7 LEADS Group Semi-Monthly Meeting – 8 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Board of Directors’ Meeting – 9 a.m.Location: IB XLAM USA, LLC (1371 Hodgesville Road)

Small Business Seminar: What Color Is Your Lure? – 11:30 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)*For more information, see page 14. Reservations required: (334) 792-5138

Ribbon Cutting: Get Evidence Now, LLC – 10:30 a.m.Location: 211 W. Main St.

Ribbon Cutting: HealthActions Physical Therapy – 10:30 a.m.Location: 4300 W. Main St., Suite 14

Ribbon Cutting: Gateway Tire Southeast, LLC – 10:30 a.m.Location: 570 Technology Drive

Ribbon Cutting: Fairway Independent Mortgage – 10:30 a.m.Location: 1284 Westgate Parkway

Ribbon Cutting: New York Life – 10:30 a.m.Location: 188 N. Foster St., Suite 108

Guilt Boutique & Wine Bar

3108-3 Ross Clark CircleDothan, AL 36303

Miranda Dunn(334) 790-0106

www.facebook.com/guiltdothanRETAIL - CLOTHING

RELOCATIONSHometown Lenders, LLC

112 W. Troy St.Dothan, AL 36303

Tim Watson(334) 794-2661

www.thedothanmortgageman.comMORTGAGES

Dennis Lee, LLC dba Dennis Lee Furniture1728 W. Main St., Suite 2

Dothan, AL 36301Sunny Spires

(334) 797-3499www.dennisleefurniture.com

FURNITURE

Short Stuff Photography130 E. Main St.

Dothan, AL 36301Kishia Saffold

(334) 300-6866www.shortstuffphotography.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dash Leadership Development

Group, LLC185 Ashford Road

Ashford, AL 36312Chris Lasseter

(334) 798-2894LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT & LIFE COACHING

Wal-Mart SuperCenter #2534

3300 S. Oates St.Dothan, AL 36301

Michael Voorhees(334) 702-1310

DEPARTMENT STORES

Troy Bank & Trust4971 W. Main St.

Dothan, AL 36305Mace Kirkland

(334) 305-0475www.troybankandtrust.com

BANKS

GROUNDBREAKING Metro Diner

2777 W. Main St.Dothan, AL 36301Christopher Wyatt

www.metrodiner.comRESTAURANTS

RV Connections Super Center

4218 S. Oates St.Dothan, AL 36301

Ashley McKeel(334) 678-5194

www.rvconnections.comSPORTS & RECREATION

RibbonCuttings

Schedule A Ribbon Cutting!Are you a new Chamber member? Has your business expanded or relocated? Are

you breaking ground for a new facility? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to schedule a Chamber Ribbon Cutting or Goundbreaking event.

These events take place weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Chamber staff will work with you to choose the date and time that best fits your schedule. Your event will be included in the Calendar of Events section of the Chamber Connections and your picture will also be featured in the newsletter after the event.

For more information or to book an event, contact Hayden Camp, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@dothan.com.

Edward Jones – Brandon Apida, Financial Advisor

2576 Montgomery Highway, Suite 7

Dothan, AL 36303Brandon Apida

(334) 794-2019www.edwardjones.com/

brandon-apidaFINANCIAL ADVISORS

www.dothan.com 3

CoverStory

Creating Tomorrow’s LeadersFoundation Holds Graduation Ceremonies

The Dothan Area Chamber Foundation recently held graduation ceremonies for the organization’s Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County and Leadership Dothan programs. Serving as important leadership resources in our community, these two annual programs help to raise a participant’s awareness of the local issues and increase their understanding of different perspectives, while at the same time encouraging them to become involved in solving the challenges facing their community.

The Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County program is a seven-month training program that prepares high school juniors for leadership, involvement and participation in the future of the Wiregrass region. The program’s goal is to interest students in civic and volunteer activities, encourage them to recognize their potential and assist them in identifying their special skills and talents.

The 2017-2018 class had 44 high school juniors from 11 area schools in Houston County graduate the Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County program. The ceremony took place at Celebration at Jones Crossing May 11. Brent Jones, deputy director of athletics for External Operations at Troy University, was the guest speaker.

Also during the ceremony, Nyah Vincent, Northview High School, provided an overview of program highlights, which included visiting local area hospitals during Healthcare Day and visiting the Dothan Police and Fire departments during the Courts, State and Local Government Day.

Congratulations to Skylar Boone, Northview High School, who received a $1,500 college scholarship from the Dothan Service League. Each year, DSL awards a scholarship to a student from Troy University, Wallace Community College and to a Youth Leadership participant.

Leadership Dothan, a nine-month program, focuses on community resources, education, local and state government, health care, public safety and quality of life.

This year’s Leadership class had 38 graduates and held its graduation ceremony June 7, at the Dothan Country Club. Banquet highlights included Katie Parrish, Visit Dothan, providing highlights from the adult class. Closing remarks were given by the Leadership Dothan Steering Committee’s Chair Lori Wilcoxon, Wiregrass Commons Mall.

As part of both programs, the classes are required to complete a community service project or fundraising event to help enhance their community. The Youth Leadership class sponsored two events – a beautification project at Heard Magnet School and helping Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity with a house renovation project.

Leadership Dothan sponsored a Mayfair event at Wiregrass Commons Mall, all the proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Plans are currently underway for the 2018-2019 classes. If you would like more information about either of the programs, contact Linda Kelley, program coordinator and director of community development, at (334) 792-5138 or email lkelley@dothan.com.

Leadership Dothan Class 36 held its Graduation Banquet at the Dothan Country Club. The class had 38 graduates.

Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 26’s Graduation Banquet was held at Celebration at Jones Crossing. The class had 44 graduates.

4 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County & Leadership Dothan Classes2018 Graduates

Congratulations

Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 26 Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 36

Bailey AndersonRehobeth High School

David Michael AndrewsHouston Academy

Henry BeckettHouston Academy

J. Wilson BentonProvidence Christian School

Skylar BooneNorthview High School

Baylor BoydRehobeth High School

Taylor ByrdProvidence Christian School

Blake CalhounNorthside Methodist Academy

Margaret CrimProvidence Christian School

Grayson Davis,Northview High School

Joshua DawseyDothan High School

Loren Evans,Dothan High School

Liz EvansDothan High School

Dillon GasterDothan High School

Alex GauldinRidgecrest Christian School

Avery GrooverNorthview High School

Harrison HollandNorthview High School

Camryn HuttonEmmanuel Christian School

Sydney JeffcoatHouston Academy

Aunna JohnsonHouston Academy

Drew Johnson Northview High School

Caleb Jones Ashford High School

Stephanie Leas Dothan High School

William Lee Houston Academy

Macy Maddox Northview High School

Molly Matthews Dothan High School

Callie Morrison Wicksburg High School

Sarah Kate Murray Providence Christian School

Tyler Nguyen Northview High School

Mary Beth Odum Providence Christian School

Jackson Parker Cottonwood High School

Laney Peters Providence Christian School

Noor Qureshi Northview High School

Jonah Redden Wicksburg High School

Mary Grace Reeves Houston Academy

Spencer Smith Providence Christian School

Laney Skipper Rehobeth High School

Sophia Soifer Houston Academy

Nyah Vincent Northview High School

Hannah Waterworth Houston County High School

Hanna Watson Houston Academy

Seth White Wicksburg High School

Coleman Wright Providence Christian School

Wen Zhang Northview High School

Ken BaileyNAI TALCOR

Terry Bain Flowers Hospital

Chad Brown J. Michael Lee Associates Inc.

Ray Brown Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Josh Chapman CSS Inc.

Sherri Collins TriState Graphics Inc.

Melisa Cope CBL Associate Properties

Carla Cribbs Wallace Community College

Shaun Cunningham Coldwell Banker - Alfred Saliba Realty

Meagan Dorsey Dothan Education Foundation

Watson Downs Watson & Downs Investments, LLC

Justin Eaves Trinity Bank

Amanda Garner Chick-fil-A at Ross Clark Circle

Debbie Geiger Alfred Saliba Family Services Center

Adam Harden Personnel Resources

Natalie Harrison Coleman Worldwide Moving

Heather Helms Houston County Probate Office

Linda Hendrix Berkshire Hathaway Home Service Showcase Properties

Andy Hoekenga Coleman Worldwide Moving

Becky Johnson Troy University Dothan

Joe Johnson Wallace Community College

Brian Jones Brian Jones State Farm Insurance

Mike Keeley Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church

Nicole Langford Flowers Hospital

Ron Leddon ServisFirst Bank

Carrie McBride Country Financial - Carrie McBride Agency

Gina McKnight Whatley Darty Real Estate

Katie Parrish Visit Dothan

Vimal Patel Bijal of Troy Inc

Emily Peluso Dothan City Schools

Kishia Saffold Kiddie Care Learning Center

Brandi Scott Berkshire Hathaway Home Service Showcase Properties

Brooke Segrest Southeast Alabama Medical Center

Parrish Smith Friend Bank

Greg Summerlin CINTAS

Melinda Sykes Georgia-Pacific

Adam Williams Arch Counseling

Glenda Yohn Houston County Soil & Water Conservation District

www.dothan.com 5

RenewingMembers

Clip and add these to your Membership Directory.NewMembers

40-49 YearsBevis, Eberhart, Browning, Walker & StewartQualico Steel Co. Inc.Scarborough & Associates Inc.WOW! Business

30-39 YearsFarmer, Price, Hornsby & Weatherford, LLPFastener Service Inc.First Baptist ChurchHathcock Plumbing & Electric Co. Inc./Roto RooterParsonsGroup, LLCPersonnel ResourcesRoni Holley State Farm Insurance

25-29 YearsThe Riley GroupLi-Bo’s Dance Barre Inc.Alabama Motor Express Inc.Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.Pinch-A-PennyBay Limousine Service of DothanMobile CommunicationsFirst Church of the NazareneVinson Plumbing & Electric Inc.Alabama Municipal Electric AuthorityA-Lock & SafeFairfield Inn DothanThe Kutt Above Inc.Pioneer Telephone Directories Corp.Visit Dothan

20-24 YearsBoyd’s Marine Inc.Dothan Area Botanical GardensFull Line Exhaust Inc.Southeast Alabama Community TheatreSoutheast Alabama Child Advocacy CenterSigns Etcetera Inc.

15-19 YearsAdams Beverages Inc.Blankenship Contracting Inc.CapSouth Wealth ManagementHarrison-Cannon Allstate InsuranceHouston County Health DepartmentSoutheastern Pediatric Associates, PAWiregrass Habitat for Humanity Inc.

10-14 YearsAce Automotive Service Inc.Dothan City SchoolsMixson Business CenterS & S Development Co., LLPVillage Furniture Galleries

5-9 YearsArch Business Consulting Inc.Bradshaw’s JewelersComplete Security & SoundThe Daughtry GroupDermatology Specialists of AlabamaDisabled American Vet Chapter 87

Dothan Steel FabricatorsHoliday Inn Hotel

1-4 YearsAlabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM)Auto Expo Inc.The Bliss AtelierBrian Jones State Farm InsuranceChow King Grill & BuffetCornelius Nationwide InsuranceCountry Financial - Carrie McBride AgencyThe CourtyardCovenant SteelDakota Coffee WorksDothan Hematology & Oncology, PCThe DuBois InstituteEscape DothanForrest & Fields Real EstateHarrison, Dr. Thomas Health Center South Medical TowerLiberty Learning FoundationMoe’s Southwest GrillMural City Coffee Co.Playmaker Embroidery, LLCThe Recovery RoomRock-N-Roll SushiTaziki’s Mediterranean CaféTechway Automotive, LLCVistageWaffle HouseWilliams Seafood Market North

Bowen PharmacyTina Stringer1906 Fairview Ave.Dothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 794-4211FAX: (334) 712-6791www.bowenpharmacyrx.comPHARMACIES

Davenport Design& DevelopmentTeresa Davenport304 Hadden RoadDothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 200-9848 FAX: (334) 678-9996www.linkedin.com/in/teresadavenportPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Dothan Ice Cream Co.Brett Smith131 N. Foster St., Suite 4 (physical)116 Acadia DriveDothan, AL 36305PH: (334) 803-9898www.dothanicecream.comICE CREAM & FROZEN DESSERTS

Metro DinerChristopher Wyatt2777 W. Main St.Dothan, AL 36302www.metrodiner.comRESTAURANTS

Something To Talk AboutWendy Shehee116 E. Slocomb St. (Slocomb)4093 County Road 36Hartford, AL 36344PH: (334) 886-7882www.facebook.com/STTABoutiqueRETAIL - CLOTHING

Southern Quest ConstructionBilly M. Snell Jr.4326 S. Brannon Stand RoadDothan, AL 36305PH: (334) 678-0904CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT / CONTRACTORS

The Cottages Dothan, LLCJan Mashburn203 Front Porch CourtMidland CIty, AL 36350PH: (334) 671-4663www.thecottagesdothan.comRENTAL HOUSING

The Park at AshburnDawn Money671 Westgate ParkwayDothan, AL 36303PH: (334) 792-0624FAX: (334) 792-4549www.theparkatashburn.comAPARTMENTS

Wal-MartSuperCenter #2534Michael Voorhees3300 S. Oates St.Dothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 702-1310FAX: (334) 702-0445DEPARTMENT STORES

Williams Seafood Market SouthJohn Williams3600 S. Oates St., Suite 7Dothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 446-6522www.williamsseafoodmarket.comRETAIL - PREPARED FOOD

Zaxby’sJim Dykes3205 S. Oates St.Dothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 446-6480www.zaxbys.comRESTAURANTS

Two Great Publications,One Great Idea!

Are You Missing The Opportunity ToReach Thousands Of Potential Customers?

You want to reach new residents and the business community. They want to know how to find you. The best way to achieve both goals is to advertise in the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Dothan’s Official Welcome Guide and the 2019 Membership Directory & Business Guide.

The Dothan Area Chamber and Print Services Inc., the Chamber member awarded this project, have begun the ad sales campaign for these 2019

publications. Chamber members (primary contact and/or advertising agent) recently began receiving the Chamber’s project introduction letter, verification form(s) and a “Reserve Your Space” brochure.

Print Services will be contacting members about the advertising opportunities and has a media kit available online at www.psiprinter.com.

The Welcome Guide and Membership Directory & Business Guide will be mailed to Chamber members in late January 2019. High visibility through great distribution has been the key to the Welcome Guide’s success. Increased usage of the Membership Directory is a direct result of its convenience to find fellow business members to promote our business-to-business relationships. Don’t miss out on these important publications! Your company will benefit greatly by reaching all who look to the Dothan Area Chamber for information about Dothan businesses in 2019.

Distribution of the Welcome Guide (10,000) includes economic development prospects, new residents, prospective retirees and relocation families requesting information through the Chamber, 15 Chamber member apartment complexes for new residents, 15 Chamber member hotels/motels in-room distribution and the Dothan Utilities and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative offices to all new service customers. Great web exposure is another avenue of distribution for the 2019 Welcome Guide. The publication will be on the following websites: The City of Dothan, Houston County, Dothan Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Print Services Inc.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact:

(334) 702-4063(334) 712-6532 Faxwww.psiprinter.com

6 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

Ambassadors&Diplomats

Congratulations to the Ambassador and Diplomat Team of the Month “The Super Six” for claiming this month’s title. Team members are (seated) Betsey Marshall, TownePlace Suites; Lisa Baity, Alabama Kidney Foundation; (standing) Parrish Smith, Friend Bank; Eric Easley, FULLEFUELED; and Darryl Ellis, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation. Team member not pictured is Rona Miller, Holloway Credit Solutions, LLC.

Thank you to all our Ambassadors and Diplomats who serve as the eyes and ears for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. It is their dedication and support that assist your local Chamber in meeting its goals.

Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber Connections to see who will claim the title.

Team Of The Month

The Super Six

Star Of The Month

Lisa BaityAlabama Kidney Foundation

The Dothan Business Hall of Fame‘s eighth annual Banquet and Induction Ceremony will be held Thursday, Aug. 23, at Calvary Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m.

The following laureates will be honored this year: C. Charles Nailen, BBG Specialty Foods Inc. – Taco Bell Corp.; Velma J. Tribue, Velma Tribue State Farm; Reafield Vester, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (retired); and. Sam Wainwright, Wainwright Engineering.

The Hall of Fame’s mission is to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding business leaders, to perpetuate and inspire values of entrepreneurial spirit, personal integrity and community leadership in all generations.

Chamber members and the general public is invited to attend this special event. Individual tickets for the event are $50 and corporate tables (seats eight) are also available at $750.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Janice Shepard at (334) 792-5138 or janice@dothan.com.

Tickets Now On Sale!Dothan Business Hall Of Fame Banquet

The Southeast Alabama Community Theatre will hold community auditions Sunday-Tuesday, July 22-24, at The Cultural Arts Center for ages 8-18 for its upcoming production of Mary Poppins Jr. No experience is necessary.

Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical. Performance dates are Sept. 18-22 at the Dothan Opera House.

For audition times and more information, visit www.seact.com.

The Southeast Alabama Dance Co. will bring together dancers, teachers and choreographers for “an explosion of dance”.at its 2018 Summer Dance Expo and Choreography Connections Saturday-Wednesday, July 23-27.

This annual summer dance workshop has been introducing the latest dance styles and ideas. Faculty will be teaching Classical Ballet, jazz, pointe, contemporary and specialty classes. Three levels of dance will be offered: beginning/intermediate for students 8 years old and above with previous dance experience, intermediate and advanced.

A placement class will be given at the beginning of camp to determine which level each student will be placed. Each level will have a minimum of three classes per day. Enrollment will be on a first come basis. Tuition is $325 if postmarked by July 1, or $350 if postmarked after July 1.

To register, or for more info, contact the SEADAC at (334) 702-7139, email seadac@graceba.net or visit www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org.

SEACT To Hold Auditions“Mary Poppins Jr.”

SEADAC To Hold Summer Dance Expo

BusinessBriefs

www.dothan.com 7

BusinessBriefs

Forehand Earns CRD Designation

Morgan Stanley recently announced that Lee Forehand of the firm’s Dothan office has been designated as a corporate retirement director. Forehand earned the CRD designation after advanced training

and examination, focusing exclusively on the corporate retirement plan marketplace.

In addition to completing the course work, financial advisors must meet certain requirements with regards to retirement assets and industry experience. Of Morgan Stanley’s approximately 15,000 financial advisors, Forehand is among only approximately 2 percent of the firm’s advisors who have qualified for this prestigious designation.

The CRD designation recognizes financial advisors who have dedicated their practice to helping corporate clients manage all aspects of their retirement plans. The services the firm’s corporate retirement directors can offer include assistance with: plan evaluation and design, vendor selection, investment review and selection, fee and service benchmarking, and educating employees on topics critical to retirement security.

“Morgan Stanley is pleased to recognize Lee for his proven ability to help retirement plan sponsors manage their responsibilities in today’s complicated retirement environment,” said Jeffrey Keller, executive director and head of corporate retirement for Morgan Stanley.

Forehand joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 and received an associate’s degree in business from Enterprise State Junior College, a bachelor’s in finance from Troy University and a master’s in financial planning from the University of Alabama. He also holds the professional designations of chartered retirement plans specialist and chartered retirement planning counselor from the College for Financial Planning and qualified plan financial consultant from the National Association of Plan Advisors.

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. For more information, visit www.morganstanley.com.

Four Star Freightliner is pleased to announce that two trainees, Timothy Bibb and Nicholas Smith, are officially Four Star Freightliner diesel technicians after graduating from the company’s newly organized apprentice program.

Bibb and Smith spent three months in intensive training that included classwork and supervised, hands-on work in the shop. While working in the shop, the pair received guidance from experienced senior technicians as they applied their recently taught skills.

With the technology that comes with a modern truck, it is almost impossible to walk into a shop and perform any kind of repair without having additional training. The owner of Four Star Freightliner, Jerry Kocan, started the apprentice program so that someone with little to no experience can still have an opportunity to become a technician. Kocan’s answer to the problem was to start the Four Star apprenticeship program.

After successfully completing the program, trainees are offered a job at a Four Star dealership. Bibb and Smith now work at the Montgomery dealership. David Carroll, Four Star Freightliner’s training manager, worked closely with both men during the program and taught them different skills at the Dothan dealership.

“Both came ready to learn,” said Carroll. “They like what they do, have a good work ethic and are hard workers. I see great potential in both of them. They’re going to be great technicians.”

The apprentice program can run between 3-6 months. Four Star will provide starter tools and after a certain period of employment the tools become the property of the technician.

For those interested in joining the apprentice program, contact Scott Dixon, Four Star Freightliner operations manager, at (800) 239-8785 or scottd@fourstarfreightliner.com.

Bibb, Smith Graduate Apprentice Program

Lee Forehand,Corporate Retirement Director

Congratulations to Timothy Bibb (third from left) and Nicholas Smith (second from right) who recently graduated from Four Star Freightliner’s apprentice program. Also pictured (l-r) are Montgomery Service Manager Tony Snead, Training Manager David Carroll, Bibb, Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan, Smith and Operations Manager Scott Dixon manager.

Wiregrass Transit recently announced a new transit advertising program that will provide supplemental funding for the nonprofit organization. Advertisements will be displayed on the sides and rear of the 20 buses currently operating in its fleet. Special sizing and wraps are also available.

“Wiregrass Transit had a similar program in the past that had some success before being phased out. With additional buses, new routes, and a management team focused on future growth, we felt it was time to launch a new transit advertising program that not only provides the standard transit signage, but has the potential for full bus wraps. By advertising with us, businesses can help fund public transportation while getting their advertisement seen by thousands of motorists daily,” explained Jared Weed, Wiregrass Transit director.

The program will be administered by local advertising agency, jsmithdesign, who will sell, print and install the advertisements. Wiregrass Transit is a public nonprofit organization

providing essential transportation services as well as tailored transportation to the general public in Dothan and Houston County. It currently operates a fleet of 20 vehicles and provides a range of capabilities to transport individuals, groups and to accommodate the disabled. All vehicles are ADA accessible and are equipped with wheel chair lifts and stations.

To find out more about this program or to discuss advertising, call Jon Smith at (334) 446-1441 or visit www.wiregrasstransitads.com.

Wiregrass Transit Launches Bus Advertising Program

8 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

BusinessBriefs

Donofro, Trott Join BBVA Advisory BoardBBVA Compass

announced that Joe Donofro and Scott Trout have been added to its Southeast Alabama Market Advisory Board. As part of their responsibilities, Donofro and Trott will advise bank leadership on market d e v e l o p m e n t s and projects, and other potential opportunities for the bank to assist clients.

As owner of Donofro Architects, Donofro has spent

nearly 40 years providing design leadership on commercial and residential projects in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. His commercial portfolio includes retail, health care, housing, restaurants, ecclesiastical and municipal projects. Donofro holds architectural licenses in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, and is a founding member of the Downtown Group.

Trott is the public market director for CDG

Engineers and Associates where he manages a diverse staff of professional engineers, geologists and project professionals involved in infrastructure design, permitting, funding and project management for a large variety of public and private entities. CDG’s clients benefit from Trott’s design expertise, which incorporates management, planning, modeling, permitting, evaluation, construction process optimization and rehabilitation. Trott is actively involved in many professional associations which educate and advocate on many topics such as public works and air, water, and waste management.

“We are honored that Joe Donofro and Scott Trott accepted our invitation to be market advisory board members,” said Southeast Alabama Market President Jeff Williams. “Both are uniquely qualified to make sure the bank is serving the Wiregrass tri-states market, by making businesses and individuals aware of the bank’s financial strength, international trade finance capabilities, award winning technology, local wealth management and trust services, and ease of doing business with our branches. We look forward to benefitting from their business expertise and knowledge of Dothan and the surrounding tri-state communities.”

For more information, contact Christina Anderson, external communications at (205) 524-5214 or christina.anderson@bbva.com.

Joe Donofro

Scott Trott

Chamber Nominations and Elections Committee

Announces Proposed New Board Members2018-2019 Term

At the July 2018 Board of Directors meeting, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Nominations and Elections Committee, chaired by Scott Applefield, immediate-past chairman, presented to the board a proposed slate of nine candidates who will each serve three-year terms on the Board of Directors, replacing those whose regular terms expire this fall. The nominated candidates are:Watson DownsEngineered Systems Inc.Claudia HallSoutheast Alabama Medical CenterGreg HoffmanWiregrass Construction Co. Inc.Brandon HurstMartin Environmental Services Inc.Brad KimbroWiregrass Electric CooperativeDavid (Mit) KirklandScenic Cable Network and ProductionHenry QuinteroFive Star Credit UnionSami ShahComfort Inn & SuitesPat ThomasDothan Awning and Exteriors

The general membership is hereby notified that additional names of candidates for director can be nominated by petition, bearing the genuine signatures of at least 5 percent of all qualified voting members of the Chamber, using a separate petition for each nominee. Candidates nominated must have been submitted to the Committee for consideration prior to the May 18, 5 p.m. deadline. Such petition must be filed with the Nominations and Elections Committee no later than 5 p.m., July 16, 2018. If no petition is filed, the nominations shall be closed and the nominated slate declared elected by the Board of Directors at its next scheduled meeting. In the event a petition is filed, the Nominations and Elections Committee will be responsible for conducting an election in accordance with the Chamber By-Laws.

1108 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 36301334-793-8111 samc.org

SAMC is the region’s first hospitalto earn the prestigious Gold PlusStroke Award from the AmericanHeart Association and AmericanStroke Association.

From the area’s first responders to SAMC’s highly trained stroketeam of physicians, nurses andclinical team members, patients receive the latest stroke care available.

This means a coordinated andquicker response time, which inturn means less damage caused by the stroke.

Top 10% in nation for patient safety

WITH STROKE,TIME LOST IS BRAIN LOST.

SAMC IS THE REGION’S GOLDSTANDARD FOR STROKE CARE.

PROVIDING PATIENTS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF ADVANCED

STROKE CARE.

YOURCHAMBER

Don’t Forget to Vote2018 Primary Runoff Election

July 17Your vote counts!

www.dothan.com 9

BusinessBriefs

The Dothan Association of Realtors and Whatley Darty Real Estate welcome Brandon Henderson and Brittany McCarty to the team.

Born and raised in Dothan, Henderson is a new young agent with a great work ethic and a genuine care for his clients. He works 110 percent to ensure that a client’s real estate experience is stress free and enjoyable.

Henderson has worked in many di f ferent f ie lds which inc lude construction, welding

and supervision of infrastructure rehabilitation projects in and around the Dallas, Texas, area. He is currently pursuing a mechanical engineering degree from Auburn University and plans to graduate by 2019.

McCarty possesses a strong customer service background with over 10 years of experience, as well as business management studies.

This new journey in life is enhanced by McCarty’s zeal to learn new things. When she’s not working hard to establish herself in real estate, she is busy enjoying life to the fullest with her husband, children and extended family.

For more information, contact the Whatley Darty Real Estate at (334) 699-1999 or visit www.whatleydarty.com.

Henderson, McCartyJoin Whatley Darty

Real Estate Spa Novus is pleased to welcome Naci Steines to its staff. A graduate from the esthetics program at Lurleen B. Wallace with a license in esthetics, Steines previously interned in Birmingham with a facial plastic surgeon.

Originally from Waco, Texas, Steines resides in Enterprise where her husband is an Apache pilot in the Army. She also has additional training in laser and microneedling.

She picked this line of work because she is passionate about helping women feel their best and gain self-confidence.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Spa Novus at (334) 699-body (2639) or visit www.spanovus.com.

Spa Novus Welcomes Steines To Staff

Naci Steines

Brandon Henderson,Realtor

Brittany McCarty,Realtor

Flowers Medical Group Primary Care Locations500 Healthwest Dr. • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-641-4073

4300 West Main St., Suite 16 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-697-80554300 West Main St., Suite 41 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-731-7102

210 Westside Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-759-3054108 Medical Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-309-82784126 West Main St. • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-309-8598

144 Virginia Avenue • Daleville, AL 36322 • 334-731-7121

Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family want convenient, accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at Flowers Medical Group are making it easier than ever to get primary care.

Online scheduling is available for select providers at FlowersMedicalGroup.com.

ASK ABOUT

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE.

FlowersMedicalGroup.com

99309_FLOW_PCP_CallTrack_4_75x4_1845c.indd 1 10/6/17 4:45 PM

Lincoln scholar and acclaimed trial lawyer Jonathan F. Putnam will be the featured speaker at a Friends of the Dothan/Houston County Libraries Lunch and Learn at the Dothan Country Club Thursday, July 19, at 11:30 a.m. Putnam has created the Lincoln & Speed mystery series which will be releasing its third title, Final Resting Place, July 10. These Honored Dead debuted in 2016 and Perish from the Earth appeared in 2017.

Using his love of history and legal expertise, Putnam has created compelling historical mysteries set in the 1830s. Speed is the second son of a wealthy plantation owner who teams up with young Illinois trial lawyer Abraham Lincoln to solve a variety of mysteries.

Putnam graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School where he was first in his law class. He has worked at the international law firm Kirkland & Ellis, LLP since 1993. When not researching Lincoln, writing or advocating for victims, Putnam runs in marathons and manages his family’s fantasy football league. He lives with his wife and three children in New York and London.

The luncheon cost is $20, which includes a buffet lunch and author presentation.

Reservations are required to attend. To make your reservation, or for more information, call Friends of the Library at (334) 791- 2706 or email friends@dhcls.org.

Friends Of The Library Invite You To A

Lunch and Learn

10 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

BusinessBriefs

Celebrate RecoveryEvery Friday • 7 p.m.Harvest Church. This is a biblical 12-step program for anyone struggling with life’s hurts, hang-ups or habits. The program is free and all are welcome. For those with children, age-specific children’s program available. For more information, call (334) 702-6555 or email celebraterecovery@harvestdothan.com. “You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there!”

Poplar Head Farmer’s MarketEvery Saturday • 8 a.m. - noonCorner of Main and St. Andrews streets. This is an open-air market featuring fresh locally-grown vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, etc. For more information, call the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority at (334) 699-8118 or visit www.dothandowntown.org/poplar-head-farmers-market.

Foster FestJuly 6 • 6 p.m. Foster Street Downtown Dothan. Hosted by the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority, this is a free, pet-friendly event showcasing downtown Dothan, the local arts, crafts and music scene, downtown businesses and classic cars. For more information, contact the DDRA at (334) 699-8118 or visit www.facebook.com/fosterfest.

Upcoming Member EventsMusic By MoonlightJuly 12 • 7:30 p.m. Landmark Park. Pack a picnic supper, bring the family and friends and enjoy an evening of great music under the stars on the Gazebo lawn. Free admission. For more information, call (334) 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkpark.com.

Homebuyer WorkshopJuly 14 • 10 a.m.Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties. Free monthly Homebuyer workshops are held the second Saturday each month, except for in November when the workshop date is Nov. 17. To register, or for more information, call (334) 792-7474.

Art After HoursJuly 19 • 5:30 p.m.Wiregrass Museum of Art and Conference Center. WMA’s quarterly event will mark the opening of new exhibitions. Come wander the galleries and take in the new art on display. Light snacks will be served, and drinks available for purchase. Cost: members free; non-members $5. For more information, call (334) 794-3871 or visit www.wirgregrassmuseum.org.

Have an upcoming event planned?

Send your event information to mmckean@dothan.com

Home Instead Senior Care is pleased to welcome Sara Arnold and Jessica Culbreth to its team as key players at their office. Each of their roles is vitally important to the continued success of Home Instead’s locally-owned franchise in providing the best care for aging residents of the Wiregrass.

Arnold will serve as administrative assistant and staffing coordinator to help the office run smoothly and find the best matches of caregivers to client each week.

This will help to ensure that clients and caregivers are both satisfied. Arnold has a diverse background and many clerical and administrative positions, ranging from the criminal court system to private industry.

Culbreth will serve as caregiver recruitment and engagement coordinator. In this human resources role, she will be responsible for the recruiting and interviewing of potential caregivers, as well as preforming criminal and driving background checks. She will also be responsible for the development of caregivers that includes training and ongoing communication and engagement. Culbreth has a strong background in human resources and management.

Home Instead Senior Care provides assistance to seniors with their daily activities such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medications reminders, transportation, personal care, as well as dementia care.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, call Liz Woodard, community service representative, at (334) 699-6815 or email liz.woodard@homeinstead.com.

Through the partnership of Visit Dothan, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast AlabamaWorks and area hotels and attractions, a Hospitality 101 Program has been created. Hospitality 101 seeks to support Dothan’s tourism, workforce and business needs by creating stronger “Hospitality Heroes.”

A press conference announcing the Hospitality 101 Program took place at the Visit Dothan Information Center and in attendance were Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and representatives from Visit Dothan, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, and Southeast AlabamaWorks.

Designed to provide professional development training for frontline hotel employees, hotel professionals will gain experience through hands-on customer service exercises during the one-day training

and guided city bus tour. Each guided stop at the city’s businesses and attractions will educate participants on how to better promote what the city of DGthan has to offer for visitors to shop, dine and play during their stay.

For more information about the program contact Katie Parrish, director of operations and marketing, at (334) 794-6622 or katie@visitdothan.com.

Home Instead SeniorCare Welcomes

New Key Players

Creating Hospitality Heros In Dothan

Sara Arnold, Administrative Assistant / Staffing Coordinator

Jessica Culbreth, Caregiver Recruitment / Engagement Coordinator

YOURCHAMBER

Attention Members!If you know of a business interested

in benefiting from joining the Chamber, please contact Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@dothan.com.

www.dothan.com 11

On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Coleman Worldwide Moving and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledged and recognized Alabama Rep. Martha Roby as a “friend of business” and recipient of this year’s U.S. Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Award.

The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region including the Dothan Area Chamber and its members.

Each year, working closely with state and local chambers and the American business community, the U.S. Chamber identifies the issues that are most important to the success of free enterprise, and then evaluate members of Congress on how they vote on those issues. Those members who vote 70 percent or greater in that given year of Congress receives the U.S. Chamber’s coveted Spirit of Enterprise Award.

Rep. Roby earned the U.S. Chamber’s award with a 95 percent voting record. Congratulations Rep. Roby on receiving this award, and thank you for your leadership in Washington.

Roby Receives Spirit Of Enterprise Award DACC Receives Business Partner Award

GrowDothan

Dothan Remains Lowest Cost Of Living Area In StateACCRA Cost of Living Index

First Quarter 2018

The Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area remains the lowest cost of living area in the state. Among the 263 urban areas that participated in the first quarter 2018 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, Dothan MSA came in at 84 percent for its total index. This index represents that the overall cost of living for the Dothan area is 16 percent below the national average.

When compared to the eight Alabama urban areas that participated in the 2018 first quarter Index, the Dothan area was the lowest cost area in the state. Moreover, Dothan, Alabama was the lowest cost area when compared to communities in Georgia and Florida. The area also reported the lowest composite index in the state for Utilities and Miscellaneous Goods and Services.

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering 60 different items for which prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and university applied economic centers in each participating urban area. Small differences should not be interpreted as showing a measurable difference.

The composite index is based on six component categories – Housing, Utilities, Grocery Items, Transportation, Health Care and Miscellaneous Goods and Services.

“Data and statistics continue to show that Dothan is a great and inexpensive place to live and work. This index is an invaluable tool that provides apples to apples information on the cost of our community versus other metro areas in the United States,” said Matt Parker, president of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. He indicated the index is helpful for individuals relocating to our area for a variety of reasons tied to retirement or employment, or those individuals seeking information on general health care costs, transportation and miscellaneous services.

“The Dothan area has consistently been in the top 25 lowest cost areas with its participation of this index. We thank our staff and the Council for Community and Economic Research for the opportunity to take part in this index each quarter and provide up-to-date information on costs for our region,” concluded Parker.

Alabama Rep. Martha Roby (center) was presented the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spirit of Enterprise Award. Also pictured (l-r) are Jimbo Loftin, Coleman Worldwide Moving senior vice president of field operations; Jeff Coleman, Coleman Worldwide Moving president and CEO; Beau Benton, Larry Blumberg and Associates (LBA Hospitality) and DACC chairman; and Dean Mitchell, DACC executive director.

The Dothan Technology Center recently presented the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce with its first “Business Partner of the Year” award during the DTC’s Honor Program. Pictured (l-r) are Emily Peluso, DTC counselor; Dean Mitchell, DACC executive director; and Joey Meigs, DTC director of career and technical education.

12 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

The Dothan Education Foundation recently received a generous $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo to benefit the organization’s annual Teacher and School Grants program.

“Wells Fargo continues to be an outstanding partner in education with the Dothan Education Foundation. Their support of the DEF Teacher and School Grant Program impact students, teachers and administrators in our community,” said Gindi Prutzman, DEF president. “Wells Fargo knows the importance of quality education in Dothan and we greatly appreciate this grant and the work they do.”

“Wells Fargo fully advocates for education as one of the most important investments we can make in our country’s future,” said Dothan Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Jamie Lynne McKnight. “The youth of today are tomorrow’s business owners, leaders and teachers, and we are honored to support the Dothan Education Foundation and the public schools to promote educational success. We will continuously support educational efforts within Dothan and across the state of Alabama through our many initiatives committed to this vital life discipline.”

Since 1995, the Dothan Education Foundation has awarded over $480,000 in grants to Dothan City School teachers and principals to encourage innovative teaching to enhance the educational experience

for students by supplying funds for activities that would otherwise be unavailable - activities outside the scope of normal funding. Community support in this tournament will continue to foster educational success for our students and grow creative classrooms.

DEF Receives Wells Fargo Foundation Grant

The following information is from an April 26, Economic News Release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In October 2017, 66.7 percent of 2017 high school graduates age 16 to 24 were enrolled in colleges or universities, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Among persons age 20 to 29 who received a bachelor’s degree in 2017, 77.6 percent were employed.

Information on school enrollment and employment status is collected monthly

in the Current Population Survey, a nationwide survey of about 60,000 households that provides information on employment and unemployment. Each October, a supplement to the CPS gathers more detailed information about recent degree recipients and school enrollment. In addition to data on recent high school graduates, this release for the first time presents information on recent degree recipients age 20 to 29.

Highlights from the October 2017 data:

• Among recent high school graduates age 16 to 24, women remained more likely to be enrolled in college (71.7 percent) than men (61.1 percent).

• Among 16- to 24-year-olds, 41.8 percent of recent high school dropouts were working or looking for work, lower than the labor force participation rate of 67.4 percent for recent high school graduates not enrolled in college.

• About 16.3 million people age 16 to 24 were not enrolled in school--42.7 percent of the total.

• Among 20- to 29-year-olds, 79.8 percent of recent associate degree recipients, 77.6 percent of recent bachelor’s degree recipients, and 77.5 percent of recent advanced degree recipients were employed.

• About one-fourth of recent bachelor’s degree recipients age 20 to 29 were enrolled in school.

• Among those age 20 to 29, unemployment rates for recent associate degree recipients, recent bachelor’s degree recipients, and recent advanced degree recipients were 5.6 percent, 8.3 percent, and 11.9 percent, respectively.

Recent High School Graduates and Dropouts (Age 16 to 24)Of the 2.9 million youth age 16 to 24 who graduated from high school

between January and October 2017, about 1.9 million (66.7 percent) were enrolled in college in October. The college enrollment rate of recent high school graduates in October 2017 was slightly lower than the rate in October 2016 (69.7 percent).

Among 2017 high school graduates age 16 to 24, the college enrollment rate for young women was 71.7 percent, higher than the rate of 61.1 percent for young men. The college enrollment rate of recent Asian graduates (83.0 percent) was higher than for their White (67.1 percent), Hispanic (61.0 percent), and Black (59.4 percent) counterparts.

The labor force participation rate (the proportion of the population that is employed or looking for work) for recent high school graduates enrolled in college was 39.8 percent. The participation rates for male and female graduates enrolled in college were about the same, at 41.2 percent and 38.8 percent, respectively.

Among recent high school graduates enrolled in college in October 2017, about 9 in 10 were full-time students. Recent graduates enrolled as full-time students were about half as likely to be in the labor force (36.9 percent) as were their peers enrolled part time (74.0 percent).

About 2 in 3 recent high school graduates enrolled in college attended 4-year colleges. Of these students, 30.3 percent participated in the labor force in October 2017, lower than the 58.4 percent for recent graduates enrolled in 2-year colleges.

Recent high school graduates not enrolled in college in the fall of 2017 were much more likely than enrolled graduates to be in the labor force (67.4 percent, compared with 39.8 percent). The unemployment rate for recent high school graduates not enrolled in college was 16.8 percent, higher than the rate of 10.2 percent for recent graduates enrolled in college.

Between October 2016 and October 2017, 530,000 young people dropped out of high school. The labor force participation rate for recent dropouts (41.8 percent) was much lower than the rate for recent high school graduates not enrolled in college (67.4 percent). The jobless rate for recent high school dropouts was 18.9 percent in October 2017, little different from the rate for recent high school graduates not enrolled in college (16.8 percent).

College Enrollment And Work Activity Of Recent High SchoolAnd College Graduates – 2017

Steve Turkoski, Project Manager

WorkforceDevelopment

The Dothan Education Foundation recently received a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. Pictured (l-r) are Meagan Dorsey, DEF communications director; David Crutchfield, DEF board; Kandy Groover, DEF board; Warren Reeves, DEF board; Gindi Prutzman, DEF president; Jamie Lynn McKnight, Wells Fargo; Terry Stansell, DEF board; Critt Snellgrove, DEF board chairman; Dr. Barbara Alford, DEF board; Trip Whatley, DEF board chairman-elect.

www.dothan.com 13

SmallBusinessDevelopment

Small Business Seminar

What Color Is Your Lure?Dothan Area Chamber of CommerceThursday, July 19 • 11:30 – 1 p.m.

The “Color Is Your Lure” evolved from a fishing trip where the conversation was that some were catching fish and some were not. The business horizon is a constant change! In sales, we are faced with greater competition, a more educated consumer and the introduction of new technologies. All of this while we, as sales people, are required to hit higher goals, see more customers and respond more quickly. If you’re a manager, you’re with a more diverse workforce, shorter deadlines, new products and greater responsibilities. There are new technologies and sometimes the learning curve is challenging. Much of which comes from the senior leadership and require us to integrate into the workforce as quickly as possible.

To help you our members, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and David Balmer, Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie Training, invite you to join us for the luncheon workshop “What Color is Your Lure?” Thursday, July 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“What Color Is Your Lure?” addresses the way business has changed and how we can no longer rely on doing things the same old way we always have. This workshop will discusses the need for adaptability, the need to know your customers and employees better and realizing that we need more than one way of approaching people and situations.

Come join us! The cost for the workshop is $10 per person and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, July 17. To reserve your seat, call Susan Tatom at (334) 792-5138.

Small Business TipsTips to keep your business growing Conquering growing pains can require business owners to overcome challenges, writes Annie Pilon. She offers a list of articles on topics such as getting a business loan, developing a risk-management strategy and using automation and big data to solve problems. Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2018/04/10-tips-for-scaling-your-business-and-overcoming-growing-pains.html. (Source: SmallBizTrends.com, Annie Pilon, “10 Tips for Scaling Your Business and Overcoming Growing Pains,” April 28, 2018)

How to establish a long-term vision Sixty-three percent of small businesses make strategic plans that look at most a year into the future, a Constant Contact survey found. Owners can develop a longer-term vision by setting a schedule for reviewing financials, evaluating new opportunities and looking further into the future, writes Pamela Slim. Read more: www.entrepreneur.com/article/312654. (Source: Entrepreneur.com, Pamela Slim, “How to Overcome Common Challenges and Help Your Small Business Grow,” April 30, 2018)

7 Facebook custom audiences to target Facebook custom audiences are a handy tool to help your business retarget consumers on the social network who have interacted with your website. Charlie Lawrance reviews seven custom audiences and how they can work for you. Read more: www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-ways-to-target-website-visitors-with-facebook-custom-audiences. (Source: SociailMediaExaminer.com, “Charlie Lawrance, “7 Ways to Target Website Visitors with Facebook Custom Audiences, May 8, 2018)

For three days only, pay no sales tax on:

½ Clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item) ½ Certain school supply items ($50 or less per item)

½ Computers or computer equipment ($750 or less)

½ Any book valued at $30 or less

For more information, visit www.alabamaretail.org/resources/salestaxholidays

Alabama’s 13th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items will be observed from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2018, until midnight, Sunday, July 22, 2018.

July 20-22Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday

Are You A ChamberMember-To-Member Participant?

Being a participant not only helps promote your business, but also demonstrates

your Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce membership

commitment.

For more information about this DACC benefit or to become a participant, contact Hayden Camp,

director of membership, at (334) 792-5138, email hcamp@dothan.com or visit

www.dothan.com/membertomemberprogram.

14 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and Diplomat Committees are gearing up for its 2018-2019 fiscal year, and are looking for a few good volunteers who enjoy teamwork and meeting people. The program year runs October-September and the committees meet the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office.

Serving as an Ambassador or Diplomat allows you to become more involved in your business community. This results in increased networking opportunities, enhanced visibility of your business and numerous opportunities to market and promote your products and services.

If you are interested in serving as an Ambassador or Diplomat for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce please complete and return the application. The commitment is for one year.

The Chamber has 50 Ambassador positions available for the 2018-2019 year and will accept applications until Aug. 1, 2018, or until all positions are filled.

Returning Ambassadors/Diplomats must also re-apply for the 2018-2019 year.

For more information, contact the Director of Membership, Hayden Camp, at (334) 792-5138 or email hcamp@dothan.com.

(To be a Diplomat you must have been an Ambassador for three consecutive years.)

Name: _________________________________________

Business Name: __________________________________

Title or Position: _________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone: _________________ Fax: ____________________

E-mail: _________________________________________

Circle One: AMBASSADOR DIPLOMAT

AMBASSADOR / DIPLOMAT COMMITTEE APPLICATION2018-2019

Are you good at promoting your beliefin the Chamber?

Do you enjoy people and networking?

Is your business interested in connectingwith the community?

Then you may have what it takes to be aChamber Ambassador or Diplomat.

Let them find you.

There are a lot of people

looking for your business.

Over 6,000* read The Connect ions each month.

Over 4,000 visi t www.dothan.com each month.

Reach over 950 Chamber member businesses with a low cost ad each month.

Reach new prospects searching for local informat ion about Dothan.

AD SIZE COST PER MONTH 1 Mo. 3 Mo. 6 Mo. 1 Yr.

Bus. Card $130 $117 $110.50 $104Back Cover $160 $144 $136 $128Small $210 $189 $178.50 $168Medium $260 $234 $221 $208Large $375 $337.50 $318.75 $300

AD SIZE COST PER MONTH 1 Mo. 3 Mo. 6 Mo. 1 Yr.

Standard $75 $67.50 $63.75 $60

Ads will be linked to advertiser’s Website at no additional charge.

Call (334) 792-5138 to get connected.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER ON OUR WEBSITE

We reach the people you should be reaching.

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.dothan.com

* Est imated total based on 2,400 subscript ions

www.dothan.com 15

Air Care Systems, Inc.

334.340.1111Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 6/1/18. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.

EconomicIndicatorsLabor Force for the Dothan MSA for April:

61,816 in 2017; 62,530 in 201859,321 in 2017; 60,281 in 2018 Employed

Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for April:4.0% in 2017; 3.6% in 2018

Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for April:8 issued ($1.80 million) in 2017; 23 issued ($6.64 million) in 2018

Home Sales in Dothan for April:102 sold in 2017; 145 sold in 2018

Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for April:4,113 in 2017; 4,650 in 2018

Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for April:

$1,641,393 in 2017; $1,685,422 in 2018 (County)$5,979,504 in 2017; $6,063,559 in 2018 (City)

A Publication of theDothan Area Chamber of CommerceJuly 2018Vol. 45, No. 10 (USPS 700-660)© Copyright 2018

ConnectionsC H A M B E R

CONNECTIONS

Chamber Connections is published monthly (USPS 700-660) for the members of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce,

102 Jamestown Blvd., Dothan, AL 36301. Subscription rate is $24 annually. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce,

P.O. Box 638, Dothan, AL 36302. Periodicals postage is paid at Dothan, AL and additional mailing office.

meeting shapingm e e t i n g t h e c h a l l e n g e s h a p i n g t h e f u t u r e

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.dothan.com

(334) 792-5138chamber@dothan.com