Connections9Ribbon 2Cuttings

9Events 3Calendar

9Grow Dothan 4

9Workforce 5Development

9Business Briefs 7-13

9Small Business 14Development

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CONNECTIONSC H A M B E R

WHAT’SINSIDE

April 2015

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

Quoteo f t h e M o n t h

“There are some defeats more triumphant than victories.”

—MicheldeMontaigne 16thCenturyFrenchAuthor

The79thannualTri-StatesJuniorBeefExpowasheldattheHoustonCountyFarmCenterFeb.20-21andas inyearspast,was agreatshowcase of achievement andsuccessamongparticipants.Sponsored by the Dothan

Area Chamber of Commerce,Alabama Cooperative ExtensionSystem, State Department ofEducationandStateDepartmentofAgricultureandIndustries,theTri-States Junior Beef Expo is atwo-daydistricteventshowcasingseven counties in Alabama, twocounties in Florida and threecountiesinGeorgia.This year’s event drew 33

4-H,FFAorFHAmemberswhoexhibited 67headof cattlewithatotalof$2,811inprizemoneybeing awarded. The show wasjudged by Stephen DonaldsonfromCullman,Alabama,whohasjudgednumerouscattleshowsinthetri-statearea.TheexpobeganFridayevening,

Feb. 20,with the ShowmanshipDivision featuring three classesof junior showmen and twoclassesofseniorshowmen.VivienHobart from Geneva County,Alabama; Matthew Baxley fromGeneva County, Alabama; andWilton Pittman from JacksonCounty,Floridawere the JuniorShowmanship winners. TheSenior Showmanship winnerswere Clay Tew, Dale County,Alabama;andHolliNapperfromCoffeeCounty,Alabama.The high point of the show

was the selection of the GrandChampion steer thatwas ownedand exhibited by Pittman. TheReserveGrandChampionoftheshow was owned and exhibitedbyHarmonButler,DaleCounty,Alabama.TheSoutheastAlabamaDistrict Grand Champion wasalso won by Butler, and theSoutheast Alabama DistrictReserve Champion was won by

Tew.TheSteerShowwasfollowedbyaHeiferShowthat

was also judged by Donaldson.The owner and exhibitor ofthe Supreme Champion Heiferwas Joshua Case Birge, JacksonCounty, Florida. The ReserveSupreme Champion Heifer wasowned and exhibited by BryceHendricks, Coffee County. TheCounty Exhibit Award was wonbyJacksonCounty,Florida.TheChamberwouldespecially

like to thank Ricky Hudson,regional extension agent III,WiregrassResearchandExtensionCenter, who served as chairman,and the businesses listed below,which through their generositymake this event one of the toprateddistrictshowsinthestate:

• AlabamaCattlemen’s Association

• AnsleyWhatley,Ansley’s BuildingMaterials

• ClarionInnandSuites

• FirstSouthFarmCredit

• GeneRaganFamily

• MidSouthBank,NA

• RegionsBank

• WiregrassElectric Cooperative

• SummerfordCattleand MulchMakers

Thankyoutoeveryoneinvolvedforalltheirhardworkinhelpingtomake this year’s expo anotherwonderfulaccomplishment.Mark your calendar and plan

to join us at next year’s showscheduled for the third weekendinFebruary2016.

Annual Beef Expo A Wonderful Showcase79th Annual Tri-States Junior Beef Expo

Grand Champion Steer Wilton Pittman, Jackson County, Florida

Reserve Grand Champion Steer & Southesat Alabama District Grand Champion

Harmon Butler, Dale County, Alabama

Southeast Alabama District Reserve ChampionClay Tew, Dale County, Ala.

Supreme Champion HeiferJoshua Case Birge, Jackson County, Florida

Supreme Champion HeiferBryce Hendricks, Coffee County, Alabama

RIBBONcuttings NEWmembers

RENEWINGmembers

Clip and add these to your Membership Directory.

Dothan VolkswagenTedMilanowski2730RossClarkCircleP.O.Box8548Dothan,AL36304Ph:(334)699-8888Fax:(334)699-8880AUTOMOBILESALES&SERVICE

The Grounds GuysMattHollerman4853CountyRoad55Headland,AL36345Ph:(334)618-8730LAWNCARELANDSCAPING

RaceWay #6927JohnnyM.Shaw1581RossClarkCircleDothan,AL36301Ph:(901)833-2088GAS&CONVENIENCESTORES

RaceWay #6960JohnnyM.Shaw3605ReevesSt.Dothan,AL36301Ph:(901)833-2088GAS&CONVENIENCESTORES

RaceWay #758SonnyPatel2585RossClarkCircleDothan,AL36301Ph:(334)792-8899Fax:(302)437-6233GAS&CONVENIENCESTORES

Scotts Ortho Miracle-GroEricPeters82DandelionCourtP.O.Box833Dothan,AL36305Ph:(334)515-7972LAWNCAREPESTCONTROLTERMITECONTROL

Wiregrass Archaeological ConsultingJustinStickler172HoneysuckleRoad,Suite2P.O.Box9385Dothan,AL36304Ph:(334)685-3354CONSULTANTS-CULTURALRESOURCES

50 YearsToddandSons

40-49 YearsBeasleyPharmacyBlueCrossandBlueShield ofAlabamaBobWoodallAirCareSystems Inc.DothanHardwareandSupply Co.Inc.Harden’sWeldingandRepairHardwick,Hause,Segrest andWaldingMidsouthPavingInc.

30-39 YearsBestWestern-DothanInn andSuitesBurnettValuationServices, LLCCarriageHouseApartmentsColonySquareApartmentsConestogaInc.GeneMcGriffStateFarm InsuranceHartsandFlowersProfessionalLaneDental AssociatesSchadFlowerandGardenShopSoutheasternPerformance ApparelWomen’sHealthCareof Dothan,PC

25-29 YearsGolf+ShelleyOfficeFurniture andPrinting

SouthernCoachesInc.TheDowntownGroupUnifirstCorp.VelmaTribueStateFarm Insurance

20-24 YearsAnesthesiaConsultants MedicalGroup,PCDANCOIndustrial ContractorsInc.HardwickandSonPrinting Inc.HelmsManagementand FinancialSolutionsHighlandOaksGolfCourseLewisG.HumphreysJr.,DMDWiregrassSystemsInc.

15-19 YearsAlabamaSouthFamilyPodiatryChildren’sHospitalofAlabamaHomeBuildersAssociationof Dothan/WiregrassS&KConsultingTheMobileAtticTheTerraceatGrovePark

10-14 YearsAgFibers,LLCDavisDirectRenu-ItTubandTile RefinishersSERVPROofDothanSoutheastShreddingTheBerryCo.TownofGordon

WiregrassOrthodontic Specialists

5-9 YearsCarnesChiropracticand WellnessCenterEdwardJonesInvestments- SommerHolidayInnExpressHotel andSuitesNorthviewChristianChurchPansandPetalsCateringRedElephantPizzaandGrillU.S.CouplingandAccessories Inc.WiregrassConstructionCo.Inc.

1-4 YearsAffordableDenturesAGFMachinery,LLCE.K.KitchenEagleEyeOutfittersInc.GeorgeT.BagbyStatePark andLodgeGoWaiterDothanMaryKayCosmeticsMosquitoSquadofthe WiregrassPattiRutlandJazzInc.TheRealEstateGroup

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Dothan Volkswagen2730RossClarkCircle

Dothan,AL36301TedMilanowski(334)699-8888

AUTOMOBILESALES&SERVICE

Diversified Logistics, LLc

2581S.BrannonStandRoadDothan,AL36305

VannCarter(334)446-6064

TRANSPORTATION

sibley Lawn care, LLc1301SassarSt.

Dothan,AL36301JoshuaSibley

(334)648-3526LAWNCARE

mcLeod’s Publik House

5540W.MainSt.,Suite9Dothan,AL36305

PaulMcVay(334)405-0043

BARS,PUBS,TAVERNSSALOONS

RELOcatiOnsHughston clinic, Pc

512NorthShadyLaneDothan,AL36303

JenniferTovey(334)732-3221

PHYSICIANS&SURGEONS–MD–ORTHOPEDICS

(BONE&JOINT)

team Linda simmons real estate

5630W.MainSt.,Suite3Dothan,AL36305

LindaSimmons(334)479-0860

REALESTATE-RESIDENTIALAND/ORCOMMERCIAL

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Events April Calendar

Spirit of Service Task Force Meeting – 8 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

Good Friday - Chamber closed

Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting – 7:30 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

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

Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Public Safety Day – 7:45 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

Ribbon Cutting: The Main Event – 4:45 p.m.Location:1701E.CottonwoodRoad.(HoustonCountyFarmCenter-Tri-StateBBQFestivalMainGate)

Community-Wide Prayer Breakfast – 7:30 a.m.Location:DothanCivicCenter

Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9 a.m. to noonLocation:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8:15 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

Leadership Dothan Economic Development Day – 7:45 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

Ribbon Cutting: Humana Relocation – 11 a.m.Location:150N.FosterSt.

Ribbon Cutting: Delectable Edibles and More Relocation – 11 a.m.Location:150N.FosterSt.

Houston County Spirit of Service Day

Ribbon Cutting: RaceWay #758 – 10:30 a.m.Location:2585RossClarkCircle

Ribbon Cutting: The Grounds Guys – 3 p.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)

Ribbon Cutting: RaceWay #6927 – 10:30 a.m.Location:1581RossClarkCircle

Ribbon Cutting: Wiregrass Surgical Associates – 8:30 a.m.Location:4300W.MainSt.,Suite24

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7CongratulationstotheAmbassadorandDiplomat

Teamof theMonth “Ready, Set,Go” for claimingthismonth’s title. Pictured (seated l-r) are Jo Ann Kirkland, AFLAC; Hayden Camp, DothanEducation Foundation; Brooke Crane, DandridgeDental,PC;(standing)Kerry Seay,WDHNTV-18;Adam Saucer,MassMutual;Kassie Glover,AvadianCredit Union; and Rob Gilbreath, Mighty AutoParts.ThankyoutoallourAmbassadorsandDiplomats

whoserveastheeyesandears fortheDothanAreaChamber of Commerce. It is their dedication andsupportthatassistyourlocalChamberinmeetingitsgoals.Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber

Connectionstoseewhowillclaimthetitle.

Chris BaileyLarry Blumberg and Associates

(LBA Hospitality - Marriott Properties)

Star Of The Month

Ambassadors & DiplomatsTeam Of The Month

Ready, Set, Go

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Grow Dothan Working For The Wiregrass

The Grow Dothan Capital Campaign hascontinued to move forward since the last updateas area businesses continue to come together tohelpintheadvancementofeconomicdevelopment.The Grow Dothan team also continues to meetwith community leaders, agencies and businessesto increase the knowledge and understanding ofwhereandhowGrowDothandollarsarespentforeconomicdevelopmentintheregion.GrowDothanisnotjustaneconomicdevelopment

effort for Dothan or Houston County. GrowDothan is a regional effort focusing on makingtheWiregrassregionabetterplaceforeveryonetolive,workandplayasawhole.GrowDothanworksthroughouttheentireregiontoadvanceeconomicdevelopment.When an economic development project comes

to fruition in the Wiregrass, we all benefit. Weall need to come together to advance workforcedevelopment, education, economic developmentandhealthcare,becauseeachplayanimportantroleintheofjobcreationpuzzle.To date, $880,716 in financial commitments

have been made, which includes contributions of$300,000fromtheCityofDothanand$140,000fromHoustonCounty.The three year goal is $2million.Forthosethathavemadeapledgealready,thank

you. The Grow Dothan team greatly appreciatesyour support. For those that have not, please

consider partnering with us today. Investing inGrowDothanensuresourregionhastheresourcestoturneconomicopportunitiesintoreality.DothanandtheWiregrassregionareonthecusp

of significant economic growth.Now,more thanever,wemusthave the resources tobring jobs toour area. Investing in Grow Dothan helps reachthatgoal.ComeandbeapartnerinvestingintheWiregrass.

By investing inGrowDothan,youarepartneringwiththestrongestbusinessadvocacyorganizationin the area. Every contribution to the campaignis critical. Every Chamber member benefits, andcontinuestobenefit,fromagrowingandthrivingeconomy.Thankyouforyourconsideration.Yoursupport

makesadifference!Nocommitmentistoosmall,it’sthroughpartnershipthatmakesDothan,HoustonCounty and the Wiregrass area what it needs inordertobetheperfectplacetolive,workandplay.

Grow Dothan is committed to regional economic development and the Grow Dothan team recently visited with elected officials and community leaders in Geneva County. Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Parker, Grow Dothan Chairman Mark Saliba, Alfred Saliba Corp., Chairman-Elect Forrest Register, Register Realty Co. Inc., and Director of External Affairs Dean Mitchell participated in a roundtable discussion with Wiregrass Electric Cooperative officials Les Moreland and Brad Kimbro, Alabama State legislators Sen. Harri Anne Smith and Rep. Donnie Chesteen, Hartford Mayor Jeff Sorrells, and Geneva Mayor Philip Carter. Discussions centered around job creation, workforce development and education initiatives.

GROWDOtHan

The Dothan Technology Center and Houston County Career and Technical Center recently provided tours of their facilities to the Grow Dothan team and various Wiregrass officials and legislators. Both schools play a vital role in education and workforce development for this region. Technology centers provide an important link to students to work-based learning. Thank you to DTC’s Terry Scott and HCCTC’s Glen Maloy for coordinating the tours.

Grow Dothan Chairman Mark Saliba (center), Alfred Saliba Corp., provides a campaign and economic development update to area officials during the monthly Grow Dothan meeting.

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WORkfORCEDeVeLOPment

Every two years, theAlabama Department ofLabor projects out for 10years the job growth andturnoverwithinourworkforceregion. As each occupationhas an occupational code andidentified skills associatedwith the performance of taskswithin that occupation, wehave all the parts to create asystem that allows forecastingof regional skill shortages

basedontheoccupationalprojections.O*Net, the online occupational data network,

catalogstheoccupationsandlistsrelatedtasksaswellasrequiredknowledge,skillsandabilities.Thesystemcategorizes35differentskillsintosixsetsrangingfrombasic skills, that facilitate learning or themore rapidacquisition of knowledge, to technical skills, usedto design, set-up, operate and correct malfunctionsinvolvingapplicationofmachinesortechnicalsystems.The skill categories are numbered here to match

the skill categories with the projected “Primary”needs through the projected period as shown in theaccompanyingtable.Primaryskillsarethefirst10skillslisted for each occupation in theO*Net system.TheSkillsGapIndexrankstrainingneedsasthehighertheindexthehighertheneedforproficiencyinthatskill.Themostrecent“StateoftheWorkforce“document

thatwehavewaspublishedinJune2014andprovidedskillanalysisandprojectionsforthe2008-2018period.At the time the 2008-2018 projections came out,theestimatewas thatRegion10wouldhave169,030workers in2018.Thelatestprojectionsfortheperiod2012-2022,project the2022 regional employmentat151,750.Theestimated2012regionalemploymentwas140,540.Regardlessoftheactualnumbersemploymentlevel attained, the relevant skill requirements remainvalid,andbasicskillsdominatethetopofthelist.

Identification And Quantification Of The Projected Workforce Skills Gap

Youth Leadership Lends Helping HandAsoneof its classprojects, theYouthLeadership

Dothan-Houston County Class 23 volunteered tohelpWiregrass Habitat forHumanity with a rehabhouselocatedonPersimmonStreet,Dothan.

Classmembersspentthedayworkinghardtogetall the interiorwallsofthehomeprimedandready.Theclasseventooksometimewhilepaintingtohavefunamongfriends.

Houston County Students Participate In “Real Life” Project

Houston County Schools are always strivingto encourage students, enrich their educationalexperiencesandconnect themto theworldofworkand real-life experiences. When businesses andindustriesinDothanandHoustonCountyparticipateintheseendeavors,itmakestheexperiencesomuchmorevaluable.ThispastFebruary,theCareerPreparednessclasses

atCottonwoodHighSchoolparticipatedinaGroceryShopping/Budgeting project. Students were placedinto groups of four and given $40 from classroomfundsandwererequiredtostudythecircularadfromthe Cottonwood Corners Publix location to planhealthymealsforafamilyoffourfortheweek.Publixwasverygenerousindonatingcircularads,

storecouponsanditstimeallowingstudentstoshopinthestoreandparticipateinthe“reallife”shoppingexperience.Allproceedspurchasedweredonated totheWiregrassAreaFoodBank.TheFoodBanktooktime tomeet the students at Publix to pick up thedonations.Houston County Schools thanks Publix and the

WiregrassAreaFoodBankfortheirparticipationindevelopingandenrichingstudentsintheireducation.

The Career Preparedness classes at Cottonwood High School recently participated in a Grocery Shopping/Budgeting project at the Cottonwood Corners Publix store.

As one of its class projects, Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County volunteered to help Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity with one of its rehab houses.

Steve Turkoski, Project Manager

Basic Skills 1

Complex Problem Solving 2

Resource Management Skills 3

Social Skills 4

System Skills 5

Technical Skills 6

shop build

sponsorbuy selldineorder service

Whatever you DoDo it with a Chamber Member!Chamber members support Chamber membersand together we support the local economy.

support

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NETWORkINGWhoyouknowdoesmakeadifference!MakeimportantbusinesscontactsatChamberseminars,SpotlightonBusinessTradeShow,quarterlymembershipmeetingsandTheNetworkExchange.

SMAll BuSINESS DEvElOpMENTRepresentativesfromtheSmallBusinessDevelopmentCenterofTroyUniversityareavailablethesecondTuesdayofeachmonthforfreeandconfidentialsmallbusinesscounselingsessionsattheChamber.YoumustmakeappointmentsthroughtheChamber.

puBlICITyPublicityandheightenednamerecognitionthroughprint,

Internetandeventexposure.

BENEfITS AND DISCOuNTSSavemoneyonsupplies,travel,hotels,landscaping,appliances

andmorethroughtheChamber’sMember-To-MemberDiscountProgram.

INfORMATIONEverythingyouneedtoknowabouttheDothanarea-population,wages,costofliving,taxes,laborforce,economicdevelopment,

recreation,businesstrends,businesslistingsandmuchmorecanbefoundattheChamberandonourwebsitewww.dothan.com

lEARNING OppORTuNITIESThroughouttheyeartheChamberhostsseminarsofinterest

tosmallbusinessowners,entrepreneursandnonprofitorganizations.Theinformativeprogramsareconducted

foranominalfeeandincludeameal.

REfERRAlSOnadailybasis,theChamberreceivesdozensofrequestsforrecommendationsongoodsandservicestobepurchasedinthe

Dothan-HoustonCountyarea.Wereferthesenewcomers,tourists,arearesidentsandbusinessestoChambermembersonly.

BuSINESS AND TECHNOlOGy ExpOAttendtheChamber’sannualSpotlightonBusinessTradeShow,Dothan’sonlybusiness-to-businesstradeshow.Boothspaceis

availableonlytomembersoftheChamber.

ADvERTISING OppORTuNITIESNeedadvertisingthatistargeted,effectiveandaffordable?The

Chamber Connections, Membership Directory and Business Guide, Dothan’s Official Welcome GuideandChamberwebsiteoffer

powerfuladvertisingchoicestoreachbusinessesandconsumers.

MAIlING lABElSMembershipmailinglabelsareavailableinseveraldifferent

formatsforanominalfee.

GOvERNMENT ADvOCACyTheDothanAreaChamberofCommerceservesasanadvocateonissuesimportanttolocalbusinessbymonitoringlocal,state

andfederallegislation.

CREDIBIlITyDemonstrateyourcommitmenttothecommunitybybecominga

partofthevisionandstrategiesofthelargest,strongestandmostactivebusinessorganizationintheDothanarea-the

DothanAreaChamberofCommerce.

COMMuNITy IMpROvEMENT pROjECTSBuildingexistingbusiness,recruitingnewjobsandmarketingtheWiregrassareaarethreewaystheChamberworkstostrengthenoureconomy.Withover950+members,theChamberiscommittedto

thesustainedgrowthandprosperityoftheregion.

WEBSITETakeadvantageofthe“MembersOnly”linkontheChamber’swebsitewherememberscanlinktheirwebsitetotheChamber’s,learnaboutmember-to-memberdiscounts,accesssmallbusiness

developmentlinks,areademographicsandmore.

CORE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE:

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce invites area businesses to join and receive valuable benefits for their business.

BuSINESSbriefs

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Your Chamber Of Commerce Producing Skilled Workers and Working in Partnership

“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.”

— Peter Drucker

In this month’s message Iwouldliketofocusontwoofthe Chamber’s five strategicgoals – “Develop a seamless

education and workforce system” and “Fostercollaboration and trust between the Chamber andelectedofficialsthroughimprovedcommunication.”The Education Council is chaired by Chamber

board member Cliff Mendeim, managing partnerat Prim and Mendheim, LLC. The Council staffcoordinatorsareLindaKelley,directorofcommunitydevelopment,andSteveTurkoski,projectmanager.The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Council is

chairedbyChamberboardmemberScottApplefield,presidentofWinco,LLCdbaBojangles’.TheCouncilstaffcoordinatorsareLaRhondaRobinson,directorof membership, and Dean Mitchell, director ofexternalaffairs.TheChamber’sscopeofworkrelatedtoeducation

varieswidelyfromsimplydeliveringcookiestoteachersto show our appreciation on Teachers AppreciationDay, to findingwaystobetterconnectourbusinesspeopleandourstudents,topresentingtheCHOICESeducation program to all Houston County eighth-graders,tohostingcareersummitsandjobfairs.ButI’dliketoshareonerecentsuccessstorythatties

thetwogoalstogether,andisagreatexampleofourmeaningfulworkthroughcollaborationwithelectedofficials.Severalmonthsago,CommercialJet,LLCreached out for workforce assistance; specifically,they were having difficulty finding enough skilledaircraftstructuralassemblers.Soafterseekingfirsttounderstandtheissue,theDothanAreaChamber,Cityof Dothan, Houston County,Wiregrass legislators,

Dothan Regional Airport, Wallace CommunityCollege and the Alabama Industrial DevelopmentTraining came together to develop a customizedsolution. By combining state and local resources,CJETAcademywasborn.In December 2014, the first class of 25 CJET

Academy students graduated. These graduatesare now employees at Commercial Jet with brightcareersahead.AnotherCJETAcademyclassof30iscurrentlyunderway.Thissuccess isaprimeexampleofthepublic-privatepartnershipworkingtogethertomeetthebusinesscommunity’sneeds.Tofindoutmoreaboutrecentsuccesses,challenges

and opportunities, join us at the Chamber for ourmonthly Legislative Affairs Committee meetings.Membersarewelcomedandencouragedtoattendthemeetings.Atthesemeeting,youwillhear fromandengagedirectlywithourelectedofficials.TheCommitteemeetsmonthlyat7:30a.m.atthe

Chamberofficewhile theAlabamaLegislature is insession.TheMarchmeetinghasalreadytakenplace,and the remaining scheduled Committee meetingdates for this sessionareMonday,April6;Monday,May4;andMonday,June1.Ifwould like tobe includedon the email list for

reminders for the monthly meetings and periodiclegislativeupdates,emailDeanMitchellatdmitchell@dothan.com.Welookforwardtoyoujoiningusfortheseimportantdiscussions.If your business is not currently a member of

theDothanAreaChamber,we need you.Considerthis anopen invitation.TheChamber is verymuchan organization based on the principles of creativecooperation and synergy. Simply put, the whole isgreaterthanthesumofitsparts.Formoreinformation,contacttheChamberoffice

at(334)792-5138.

Hope Johnson is chair of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and CEO and chair of Friend Bank.

Hope Johnson

Chair’s Message… Spirit of Service Day Kicks Off In Houston County

Kick-offcelebrationswereheldrecentlyatthefuturesite of the Peggi Crawford James Park for the 26thAnnualSpiritofServiceDaysetforSaturday,April18.This year’s event is also partnering with Houston

CountyGivesDay,whichwilltakeplaceFriday,April17,from3-7p.m.atEagleEyeOutfitterswheremorethen18nonprofitswillhaveinformationalboothssetup.Formoreinformationonvolunteeringortoregistera

project,contactLindaKelley,DothanAreaChamber’sdirectorofcommunitydevelopment,at(334)792-5138or lkelley@dothan.com.

Houston County Chairman Mark Culver encourages the community to get involved in the 2015 Spirit of Service Day scheduled for Saturday, April 18 throughout Houston County.

Houston County Gives Day To Take

Place April 17

Morethan18HoustonCountynonprofitagencieswillparticipateintheannualHoustonCountyGivesDay Friday, April 17, from 3-7 p.m. at Eagle EyeOutfitters. The eventwill serve as a kickoff for theSpiritofServiceDaysponsoredbytheDothanAreaChamberofCommerceSaturday,April18.Houston County Gives Day mission is to help

educatetheWiregrasscommunityonareanonprofitsand connect potential and existing volunteers anddonors with the nonprofits of their choice thushelpingtobuildastrongercommunityofresourcestohelpthoseinneed.NationalVolunteerWeekisApril12-18andHCGD

nonprofitsencouragethemediaandpublic tocomeoutandlearnmoreaboutdifferentnonprofits,aswellasvolunteeropportunitiesavailablewitheach.During the event, donations can be made

online from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., or in personat the event. For more information, visit www.houstoncountygives.comor followonFacebookatwww.facebook.com/houstoncountygivesday.

Wiregrass To Host 2015 Alabama State Games

The Alabama SportsFestival Foundation,thecitiesofDothanandOzark,andthecountiesof Dale and Houstonannounced this weekthat the2015AlabamaState Games XXXIIIwill be coming to theWiregrassJune12-14.The Alabama State

Gameswereestablishedin 1982 at the requestof the United StatesOlympic Committee

todevelopOlympic-styleStateGamesforthecitizensofAlabama.The firstStateGameswereheldon theAuburnUniversitycampusin1983.For a complete list of the planned athletic events,

visit the Chambers Facebook page. For additionalinformationabouttheAlabamaStateGamesandtheupcomingWiregrassevent,visittheASFFoundation’swebsitewww.alagames.net.Manyvolunteeranddifferentpartneropportunities

arealsoavailable.Ifyou’reinterestedineitheroftheseopportunities, visit theChamber’s Facebookpage tosee the list. Youmay also contact ChrisWilkins, at(334) 440-8255 or email chris.wilkins@alagames.com.

BuSINESSbriefs

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Carmike Cinemas’ Weekend “Kidtoon”Every Weekend • Times VaryDothanPavilion.CarmikeCinemaswillplayaspecial“Kidtoon”everyweekendforonly$5.Formoreinformation,contactthelocaltheatreat (334)836-0813orvisitwww.carmike.com for show times.SomelocationswillbeabletohaveaspecialshowingonTuesdaymorningsforschoolsanddaycarestotakeadvantageofCarmike’sStimulusTuesdays.

1st Saturday Family DayApril 4 • 10:30 a.m.WiregrassMuseumofArt&ConferenceCenter.Thisisaprogramthatprovidesentertainmentforthewholefamily.Childrenandtheirfamiliescan enjoy a different fun-filled activity each month. The program isfreeandopentochildrenofallageswhoareaccompaniedbyanadult.Formoreinformation,contacttheMuseumat(334)794-3871orvisitwww.wiregrassmuseum.org.

Easter Services April 5 • Times VaryHarvestChurch.HarvestChurchwillholditsannualcommunity-wideEaster church service and invites everyone to attend. There will bethreeservicesheldEasterSundayat8a.m.,9:30a.m.and11:15s.m.Formore information,callHarvestat (334)702-6555orvisit www.harvestdothan.com.

Petrit Ceku, Classical GuitaristApril 9 • 7 p.m.Wallace Community College Bencze Theatre. International guitarvirtuoso Petrit Ceku will perform a concert. Ceku has distinguishedhimselfasoneoftheleadingguitaristsofhisgeneration.Theprogramwill include a diverse range of repertoire, from Baroque to Spanishmusic. The event is free. If you need accommodations under ADA,pleasecontactDr.ThomasMapleat334-556-2616atleasttwoweekspriortotheshow.

Annual Spring Plant SaleApril 9 • Times VaryDothanAreaBotanicalGardens.Thisannualsalefeaturesawidevarietyof plants of all types including shrubs, trees, flowering vines, groundcoversandalargeselectionofhard-to-findplantsincludinghydrangeas.SoilpHtesting,kitsforsoilanalysisandfireantcontrolinformationwillalsobeavailable.HoursareFriday9a.m–5p.m.andSaturday9a.m.–2p.m.Formoreinformation,contactCherylHatcheratcall(334)798-1034,email jhatcher@graceba.net orvisit www.dagb.com.

Start A Fire TourApril 9 • 7 p.m.Ridgecrest Baptist Church. The Start A Fire Tour with Unspoken,JonnyDiazandJJWeeksBand.Toordertickets,call(855)223-1008orvisitRidgecrestBaptistChurch,EagleEyeOutfittersandTheJOYFMOffices.

ACCFCU’s Golf TournamentApril 17 • 10 a.m.SilverWingsGolfCourse.TheArmyAviationCenter FederalCreditUnionwillholdits25thAnnualGolfTournamentforFortRuckerArmyEmergencyReliefFund.EntryFeeis$55forSilverWingsmembers;$65fornon-members.FeeIncludeslunch,cart,greenfeesandregistrationgift.Toregister,callKenLongat(800)448-4096or(334)598-4411,ext.1702;orKelliePilcherat(334)598-4411,ext.1302.

Upcoming Member Events

Have an upcoming event planned?Send your event information to mmckean@dothan.com

BuSINESSbriefs

9

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• Multiple-source monitoring keeps you in the conversation

Call CenturyLink’s authorized print and digital advertising sales agent, Berry, at 1-800-398-7417.

Hurry! Offer ends 6/22/15

per monthOnly $129 Blissett Receives

CIPS Designation

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesShowcase Properties congratulatesAngela Blissett who recentlycompletedthecourserequirementsfor the Certified InternationalProperty Specialist designation.The CIPS designation is theonly international designationrecognized by the NationalAssociationofRealtors.

After completing the coursework requirements,designees instantly join a network of nearly 2,500international property professionals around theworld. These referral partners can help you dobusiness in over 40 countries, and ensure that youwillreceivethesamelevelofservicenomatterwhereyournexthomeis located.Currently,thereareonlysixCertifiedInternationalPropertySpecialistsinthestateofAlabama.Blissetthasbeenintherealestatebusinessforover

25yearsandislicensedinAlabamaandFlorida.Sheismarriedtolocalhomebuilder,MichaelBlissett,theircompany,BlissettBuildersInc.hasbeenbuildingnewresidentialhomesintheWiregrassareasince1993.Formoreinformation,contactJenniferHamilton,

director of marketing and operations, at (334)792.7474.

Shute Pecan Co. Inc. recently celebrated its 85th anniversary. Pictured (l-r) are Sandi Shute Hodge, Kenneth Gaylard, Jean Shute, Charles Harden and Eugene Hall.

Shute Pecan Celebrates 85 YearsShute Pecan Co. Inc. recently celebrated the

completion of its 85th pecan season. Started byRobert Shute in 1929, the business was originallylocated in downtown Dothan on Crawford Streetuntil1969whenitmovedtothecompany’scurrentlocationat1475-1479RossClarkCircle.The anniversary celebration was held at the

company’s retail store and was attended by severalfromthepecanindustry,aswellasfriendsandformeremployees.JeanShutewasrecognizedwiththe85thyearplaqueforheryearsatthehelm.Mrs.ShuteranShutePecanCo.foralmost50years.Alsorecognizedwerelongtimeemployees,Eugene

Hall, Steve Parker and Charles Harden for theirdecadesofservicetothecompany.A wholesale broker of pecans, Shute Pecan also

offers a retail store with a full line of healthy anddecadentnutchoices,giftsandAmishproducts.

Angela Blissett,Realtor

Children’s Homes To Hold FundraiserThe Alabama Children’s

HomesandFamilyMinistriesinvites the communityto join them at CrossFitEmbraceSaturday,April25,from8:30a.m.to11a.m.foran“EmbracetheFatherless”fundraisertohelpchildreninneed.Everyone will have a

great time competing whilehelping to raise funds to directly benefit childrenreceiving care through Alabama Baptist Children’sHomes.A Workout of the Day will be created to

accommodate a range of participants and will beshared online. From beginners who may be more

interested inhaving funand trying somethingnew,tomore seasonedCrossFit athletes, this is an eventeveryonewillenjoy.Registrationis$30perathleteandcommemorative

T-shirts will be provided for participants. Doorprizes will also be given throughout the event andlocalfoodwillbeavailableforpurchase.Sponsorshipopportunitiesarealsoavailable.Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationonsponsorships,

contactJayBoydatjboyd@alabamachild.orgor(334)677-7856.Toregisterforthefundraiserorformoreinformation,youcanalsoemailBoyd,connectwiththe Children’s Homes on Facebook (alabamachildorCrossFitEmbrace)orvisitonlineateitherwww.alabamachild.org/embracethefatherless or www.crossfitembrace.com.

Temple Emanu-El Plans Annual Deli Day Temple Emanu-El will host its annual Deli Day

selling a bag lunch to individuals and businessesfor$12eachThursday,April30.Lunches includeaquarterpoundcornedbeefsandwichonAtlantaBreadCompany’sJewishryebread,aKosherdillpickle,bagofchips,chocolatechipcookieandcondiments.Lunches will be ready for pick up at the Temple

from11a.m.until1p.m.onthatThursday.Deliveryis availableondeliordersof eightormore lunches.TheorderdeadlineisApril20withpaymentduebyApril23.Toplaceyourorder,orformoreinformation,call

TempleEmanu-Elat (334)792-5001orvisitwww.dothandeliday.org.

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Mark your calendar and make plans to join theExchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention andMike Schmitz Automotive Group for the annualSuperhero’s5KRun/WalkandKids’One-MileFunRun/WalkSaturday,April11,attheWestgateTennisCenter.Race-dayregistrationwillbeheldfrom6:30a.m.to

7:45a.m.infrontoftheWestgateTennisCenteronWhatleyDrive.Starttimesarethe5KRun/Walkat8a.m.andtheOne-MileFunRun/Walkwillfollow.Pre-registration entry fees are 5K $20,One-Mile

Fun Run $10. Proceeds will benefit the ExchangeCenter’s mission to stop child abuse and familyviolence through counseling, in-home support andpreventioneducationservices.Unique awardswill be given to first, second and

thirdplacerunnersineachagedivision.Awardswillalsobegiventooverall first,secondandthirdplacewalkers.Formoreinformation,ortoregister,contactCindy

Wattat(334)671-1966orcindy@exchangecap.org.

Exchange Center To Host Superhero’s 5K

Run/Walk

James Bowman Realty Welcomes

New RealtorsJames Bowman Realty Inc.

welcomesJudySpearsandKristiWadsworthtoitsteamofrealtors.A seasoned and experienced

realtor who is familiar withDothan and the surroundingareas,Spearsisexperiencedinallloanprogramsandhasadesiretomakehomeclosingasuccess.Shehas certifications in AccreditedBuyers Representative, CertifiedResidential Specialist, GraduateRealtor Institute, CertifiedNewHome Specialist and as anassociatebroker.SheismarriedtoRickSpears.Residing in Dothan for the

past 16 years, Wadsworth joinsthe team as a realtor originally

fromThomasville,Georgia. She previouslyworkedforCovenantMethodistChurchforthepast11years.SheismarriedtoClayWadsworthandtheyhavefourdaughters.For more information on all the services offered

through James Bowman Realty, contact CarrieAnn Blankenship at (334) 714-7522 or visitwww.dothanforsale.com.

Judy Spears,Realtor

Kristi Wadsworth,Realtor

Thornell Recognized As Top Advisor

Merrill Lynch announces thatFinancialAdvisorToddThornellhas been nationally recognizedas a top advisor by Barron’smagazineinitsannual“America’sTop 1,200 Advisors: State-by-State” list, published February2015.Intotal,293MerrillLynchadvisors are included on thisyear’slist.

Advisorsconsideredforthe“America’sTop1,200Advisors:State-by-State”rankinghaveaminimumofsevenyearsof financial servicesexperienceandhavebeenemployedat theircurrent firmforat leastoneyear.Quantitative and qualitative measures used to

determine the advisor rankings include: clientassets,returnonassets,clientsatisfaction/retention,

compliance records, and community involvement,amongothers.Barron’sdoesnotreceivecompensationfromadvisors,participatingfirmsandtheiraffiliates,orthemediainexchangeforrankings.“Todd’s inclusion on Barron’s magazine’s annual

‘America’s Top 1,200 Advisors: State-by-State’ listdemonstrateshiscommitmenttoprovidingclientsapersonalized andholistic financial approach tohelpthempursuepersonalgoals.Thisrecognitioniswell-deserved, and we are proud to support Todd withthe strengthof the firm’s resources ashe continuesto offer insightful guidance to clients,” said DavidOberman,complexdirector.ThornellresidesinDothanandhasbeenapartof

MerrillLynch’sDothanofficefor17years.Formore information, contact Jan Shelley, client

associate, at (334) 677-0518 or janet_shelley@ml.com.

Todd Thornell,Financial Advisor

SEACT Presents “Dixie Swim Club”The Southeast

AlabamaCommunityTheatrewill close itsregular season withThe Dixie Swim Clubat TheCultural ArtsCenter April 28 -

May2.Five Southern women,

whose friendships began many years ago on theircollege swim team, set aside a long weekend every

August to recharge those relationships. Free fromhusbands,kidsandjobs,theymeetatthesamebeachcottagetocatchup,laughandmeddleineachother’slives. Over four weekends in a span of 33 years,their livesunfoldandeachrelies increasinglyontheothersforadviceandvalidationinthishilariousandtouchingcomedy.TicketsgoonsaleApril13forthisHope,Jonesand

Wootencomedythatmakesforagreatgirlsnightout.Forperformance times, ticket informationormore,visitwww.seact.com.

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.

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7th Annual

WIREGRASS ECONOMIC FORUMPresented by CapSouth Partners

WhenThursday, April 23, 2015Doors and Buffet Open 11:00aProgram 11:30a to 1:30pWhereWiregrass Church900 W. Main StreetDothan, AlabamaWhatA first-class event that you will not want to miss, providing economic updates and insights, featuring local businesses and recognizing their contributions.

Join Us April 23rd!Table Sponsor---------------------------------------------$350.00Includes a reserved table for eight, recognition in the program, and an advertisement slide in the presentation that will be rolling before and after the program. Note: Deadline for slides is April 6th.

Individual Tickets -----------------------------------------$20.00

For more information, please contact Meredith Agan or Scott Fain at 334.673.8600 or sfain@capsouthpartners.com.

www.wiregrasseconomicforum.com

Thank you to our Forum Partners:

CapSouth Partners is an independent Registered Investment Advisor.

18th Annual Community-Wide Prayer Breakfast

Dothan Civic Center April 14, 2015 • 7:30 a.m.

DothannativeRev.DavidR.Salibawillbetheguest speakerat the18thAnnualCommunity-Wide Prayer Breakfast at the Dothan CivicCenterTuesday,April14,at7:30a.m.Saliba is inhis secondyear servingaspastor

of the First United Methodist Church inGreenville, Alabama, after serving seven yearsasexecutiveministerofFUMCinMontgomery.He has received the United Methodist FirstCareer Seminary Award and is an alumnaof Leadership Montgomery and LeadershipAlabama Initiative. Saliba is active and serveson many different community boards and isalsotheco-founderoftheMontgomeryCountySeniorHomeCareServices.Individualticketsarenowonsalefor$14.00

at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.Corporatetablesofeightare$120.Topurchaseaticketbyphonewithacreditcard,orformoreinformation, call Janice Shepard at (334)792-5138oremailjanice@dothan.com.

Guest SpeakerRev. David R. Saliba

March of Dimes’ Invites You To Join The March For Babies

The community is invited to join the March ofDimesfortheorganization’sannualMarchforBabiesSaturday,May9,atEastgateParkfrom9:30a.m.until1p.m.Theeventpromisestobeafundayoutwithpeoplewhosharethepassionforimprovingthehealthofbabies.

Registrationoneventdaywillbeginat8:30a.m.andthewalkwillgetunderwayat9:30a.m.It’snottoo latetogetyourteamtogetherandwalktohelpraisemoneyforbabiesrighthereinourcommunity.Formoreinformation,ortoregisteryourteam,call

Jenny Tidmore at (334) 792-0149, email jtidmore@marchofdimes.orgorvisitwww.marchforbabies.org.

Dothan Express To Host Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast

ExpressEmploymentProfessionalsofDothanwillhost the2015RefreshLeadershipLiveSimulcast, anationwide leadership event featuring retail giantDaymondJohn,actorDanAykroydandmotivationalspeakerLizMurray.Backfor itssixthyear, theeventwillbesimulcast

Wednesday, April 15, at Wiregrass RehabilitationCenter Inc.’s Sterling Events Services Rotary Hall.To register, visitwww.refreshleadership.com/live.Thereisnochargeforthisevent;however,aminimumdonationof$10fortheAlzheimer’sResourceCenterisbeingrequested.Seatingislimited,soregisterearly.“Express is proud to present this exciting

opportunity for business leaders throughout ourcommunity,” said Terry Stansell, Dothan Expressfranchisee.“Eachspeakerinthisyear’sdistinguished

lineup was specifically chosen for their provenexpertiseandextraordinaryaccomplishments.”JohnisCEOofFUBUandSharkBrandinganda

TVpersonalityonABC’s“SharkTank.”Hewillsharethe exact goal-setting strategies he attributes to hissuccessandwillteachparticipantshowtoincorporatethemintoalltheirendeavors.Actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician and

businessman, Aykroyd will discuss the role greatleadershiphasplayed inhis legendarycareer–bothonandoffthebigscreen.Murray is a motivational speaker and bestselling

authorof“BreakingNight:AMemoirofForgiveness,Survival,andMyJourneyfromHomelesstoHarvard.”She inspires participants to achieve their goals bysharingherextraordinarystoryofsurvival.

“Express has a strong presence in Dothan andwearepleasedtoofferRefreshLeadershipLiveasawaytogivebacktothebusinesscommunity,”addedStansell.Formoreinformation,callthelocalExpressoffice

at(334)671-1315orvisitwww.expresspros.com.

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Troy University Offers Health, Wellness Fair Local community health care providers and

organizations will provide free screenings andinformationduringTroyUniversity’AnnualHealthand Wellness Fair Tuesday, April 14, from 9 a.m.untilnoonontheDothanCampusinMaloneHall’sHarrisonRoom.Vendorswillalsobepresenttoprovideinformation

on wellness topics including exercise, nutrition andpersonal safety alongwith free access to a range ofservices including blood pressure, vision test andbodycompositionanalysis.Theeventisfreeandopentothepublic.For more information, call Charlene Owings at

(334)983-6556,ext.1204orcowings@troy.edu.

ServisFirst Bank Announces New Leadership

Ronald DeVane, ServisFirstBank Dothan’s Board ofDirectors chairman, announcesHarrison Morris as CEO ofServisFirst Bank Dothan andSteveMcCarroll totheBoardofDirectors.Serving with the bank since

inception of the Dothan regionin 2008, Morris will transitionfrom president to CEO andpresident of ServisFirst BankDothan providing leadership tothe already successful team ofbankersandvaluedclients.Morris has over 17 years of

banking experience. Prior toServisFirst Bank, he servedin various leadership roles

with banks throughout Alabama, including seniorcommunitybankerforWachoviaBankinMontgomeryand market president of Wachovia’s operation inDothan.

“It is an honor to announceHarrisonMorris asCEO and the addition of Steve McCarroll to ourBoard of Directors,” stated DeVane. “Harrison’scommitment to the bank over the past seven yearshas had a huge impact on our many successes. Heis not only a great banker, but also a great leaderwithinthebankandtheDothancommunity.Steve’scaliberofexperiencewithintheindustrywillprovideinsightandleadershiptofurthergrowingServisFirstBank. An active member in the community whosereputationprecedeshim,Stevewillserveasaliaisonand representative for the bank throughout theDothanarea.”Additionally, McCarroll’s experience within the

banking industrywill further strengthen thebank’scommitment to providing quality banking servicesto clients throughout the Dothan area.McCarroll,whobringsover33yearsofexperienceinthebankingindustry, most recently serving as president ofCompassBankinDothan,whereheretiredin2013.FormoreinformationaboutServisFirstBank,visit

www.servisfirstbank.com.

Harrison Morris,CEO

Steve McCarroll,Board of Director

Tri-State BBQ Festival April 10 -11

The10thannualTri-StateBBQFestivalwillbeheldattheHoustonCountyFarmCenterFriday-Saturday,April10-11.Thisyear’sentirefestivalisbeingfilmedfortheTVshow“BBQPitWars”ontheDestinationAmericachannel.Friday’seventsarefrom5-10p.m.andfeaturesthe

BBQBashYardPartywithaconcertat7p.m.bytheR&BbandLegacy.Therewill alsobebicycle stuntshows,areptileshowandawholehogcookingclassat6:30pm.OnSaturday,festivalhoursarefrom10a.m.until

6p.m.andtheBBQcompetitionkicksoffandoffersover$10,000inprizemoney.Therewillalsobeacarshow, bicycle stunt shows, kids cook off, sweet teacontest, reptile programs, live music, BBQ tastingtent,shoppingwithvendors,cookingclassesandalotmore.Admissionis$10perperson,withchildrenages6

andunderfree.Topurchasetickets,orforadditionalinformation,visitwww.tristatebbq.comorcall(334)699-1475.

Accuracy. Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement. If joint pain or stiffness is keeping you from doing the things you love, our robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery could help you get back to the life you deserve. Flowers Hospital now offers innovative, robotic technology for partial knee and total hip replacements – and because it’s minimally invasive, many patients experience significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery than with traditional joint replacement surgeries. You will find support and comfort from our team of dedicated surgeons and specially trained nurses and technicians who will be with you every step of the way.For more information about the Flowers Hospital Joint Replacement Center, and to find out if you may be a candidate for robotic-assisted partial knee or total hip replacement, call 334-944-7068 or visit FlowersHospital.com/RoboticAssistedSurgery.

Patient results may vary. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.

FlowersHospital.com

82669_FLOW_RAJoint_6_0625x5_1325c.indd 1 3/3/15 1:38 PM

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Front

The Wallace Community College

F UNDATIONGolf “Fore” Education Tournament

April 23, 2015at the

Highland Oaks Golf Course

Registration and Sponsorship:

Tracy Brooks • 334-556-2626

Lunch • Golf • Prizes

www.wallace.edu/golf4edu

Annual Alzheimer’s Conference

Dothan Civic Center • 8 a.m.

The Alzheimer’s Resource Center and WallaceCommunity College will host the 26th AnnualAlzheimer’s Conference Wednesday, April 1, attheDothanCivic Center from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.The theme for this year’s conference is “Best CarePracticesinDementiaCare;ProvidingCarewithouttheFight.”This year’s speaker will be Teepa Snow, world

renowned speaker and educator on Alzheimer’sdiseaseandcaregiving.Snowisanadvocateforthoseliving with dementia and has made it her personalmission to help families and professionals to betterunderstandthediseaseandhowtocareforthosewhohaveit.Oneventday, registrationwillbeginat7:30a.m.

Thecostis$65withCEUsand$25withoutCEUs.To register, call Wallace Community College at

(334)556-2205.Formore information, contact theAlzheimer’sResourceCenterat(334)702-2273.

Fort Rucker, The Next StepsFour weeks ago,

Dothan citizens,ChambermembersandtheWiregrasscommunity turned out infull force to sharewithU.S.

Army officials how importantFort Rucker is to our local

economyandournationalsecurity.It’snowtimetotakeactionagain.Bythetimethisarticleispublished,boththeU.S.

HouseandSenatewillhavereleasedtheirbudgetbills,anditisimportantthatwespeakupandletourelectedofficialsinWashingtonknowthatsequestrationmustbestopped.Sequestrationisthelawthatiscurrentlyinplacethatwillresultincutstoourmilitary.ThosecutscoulddramaticallyaffectFortRucker.Please take the time to call the below elected

officials and share with them your personal storiesof how important Fort Rucker is to the Wiregrasseconomy, why we must maintain a strong nationaldefenseandaskthemtostopsequestration.

• U.S.Rep.MarthaRoby,(202)225-2901-Thankher for standing strong for Fort Rucker and tokeepworkingtostopsequestration.

• U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, (202) 224-5744 -

Thank him for standing strong for Fort Ruckerandtokeepworkingtostopsequestration.

• U.S.Sen.JeffSessions,(202)224-4124-Thankhim for standing strong for FortRucker and tokeepworkingtostopsequestration.

• U.S.Rep.GaryPalmer,Alabamamemberonthe

House Budget Committee, (202) 225-4921 -Pleaseaskhimtostopsequestration.

• U.S.Rep.TomPrice,HouseBudgetCommitteechairman,202-225-4501-Pleaseaskhimtostopsequestration.

• U.S.Sen.MikeEnzi,SenateBudgetCommitteechairman, (202) 224-3424 - Please ask him tostopsequestration.

FortRuckeristheheartbeatoftheWiregrass,andweneedtokeepitstrong.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,or need more information, contact Dean Mitchell,Chamber’sdirectorofexternalaffairs,at(334)792-5138ordmitchell@dothan.com.

Four Star Freightliner Celebrates 15th Anniversary February marked an important milestone in the

historyofFourStarFreightlinerInc.whenthecompanycelebratedits15thanniversary.ThehistoryofFourStarFreightlinerbeganin2000

whenJerryKocanacquiredtwoFreightlinerdealershipsin Dothan andMontgomery, Alabama. Kocan madethe purchases following a successful career as VicePresident andGeneralManager of one of the largesttruckdealershipsintheSoutheast.“My family encouraged me and moved 200 miles

southwest to supportmydream.Without themnoneofthiswouldhavebeenremotelypossible,”saidKocan.“I want to recognizemy wife, Nancy and daughters(MeredithandSamantha)forbelievinginmydreamtobuildatruckdealershipthatisemployeeandcustomerfocused.”Four Star Freightliner later purchased dealerships

inTifton(2001),Valdosta (2011)andAlbany(2014),Georgia;Tallahassee,Florida(2003).Theoriginalnameofthecompany,FreightlinerofSouthernAlabama,waschangedtoFourStarFreightlinerin2006.

FourStarFreightlinerisnowtheSoutheastregion’sleading heavy and medium duty truck dealer thatoffers a complimentary line of Freightliner, FUSO,andWesternStarbrand trucks forbothhighway andvocationaluse.For more information, visit Four Star online at

fourstarfreightliner.com.

Four Star Freightliner Inc. recently celebrated the company’s 15th anniversary. Pictured (l-r) is the Kocan family: Meredith, Samantha, Nancy and Jerry.

Are You A Member-To-Member Participant?ThroughtheDothanAreaChamberofCommerce’s

Member-to-Member Discount Card program,members are encouraged to network with and buyfrom other members. The programhas seen a huge response frommembers and their employees sinceinception.Today the card continues to offer

discounts off services and productsfromover25participatingChambermembers upon presentation. Areyouaparticipant?Beingaparticipantnotonlyhelpspromote your business, but also demonstrates yourmembershipcommitment.Any Chamber member may participate in the

programbydecidingonthediscountorpromotiontooffer.Participationintheprogramisallvoluntary,andtheonly requirement is that thediscountbeoffered

foratleast30days.Acurrent andprintableversionof

the Participating Chamber MemberDiscount List is available on theChamber’s website www.dothan.com under the “Chamber” tab foreasyreference.The list isupdatedasneeded.

FormoreinformationaboutthisChamberbenefitortobecomeaparticipant,callLaRhondaRobinson,director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or lrobinson@dothan.com.

yOuRcHamber

Remember your ABC’s...

always buy chamber!

14

SMAllbusinessDEvElOpMENT

Employment Law Resource

SmallBusinessTipsAct fast, stay calm to manage negative reviews TerryPowellsaysunhappycustomershaveatendencytoventonline,sobusinessownersneedtoeffectivelymanagecomplaints.Amonghistipsaretorespondassoonaspossible,takeresponsibilitywhenappropriateand avoidmaking defensive or emotional replies. Readmore: www.entrepreneur.com/article/238753. (Source: Entrepreneur online, Terry Powell, “4 Cool-Handed Ways for Responding To Negative Comments Online,” Nov. 5, 2014)

How to get customers to refer your business Word-of-mouthmarketingmust beworked at to be effective in leadgeneration.BrianBarquillawritesthatcustomersmustfeelcomfortablewithyour levelofexpertisebeforetheywill recommendyou,so focusoncreatingcontentthatdemonstratesyourknowledge,suchaswritingwhitepapers,hostingwebinarsandspeakingatliveevents.Readmore:www.entrepreneur.com/article/241529. (Source: Entrepreneur online, Brian Barquilla, “3 Ways to Boost Word of Mouth and Referrals for Your Business,” Jan. 30, 2015)

Avoid these common legal pitfalls Thereareanumberofcommonwaysbusinessownersmaybebreakingthe law without realizing it, including failing to collect sales tax,inadvertently selling recalledmerchandise andmismanaging investors’money, Eric McGehearty writes. “If you’re engaging in any kind ofactivitythatyourgrandmotherwouldnotapproveof,thenyouhaveaproblem,”sayslawyerMickMickelsen.Readmore:www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2015/02/02/10-ways-businesses-unknowingly-break-the-law/. (Source: Forbes online, Eric McGeherty, “10 Ways Businesses Unknowingly Break The Law,” Feb. 2, 2015)

Tips for updating your employee manual It’scriticaltokeepyourHRpoliciesuptodate,andGeneMarksoffersnineareastothinkaboutwhenreviewingyourmanual.Headvisestobeawareofminimum-wagelaws,developapolicyforemailuseandclarifyyoursick-leaveprocedures.Readmore:www.inc.com/gene-marks/9-additions-you-need-to-make-to-your-hr-manual-right-now.html. (Source: Inc. online, Gene Marks, “9 Additions You Need To Make To Your HR Manual Right Now,” March 11, 2015)

Be aware of tax breaks, changes as you prepare to file SmallbusinessesshouldkeyinonfourkeyaspectsoftheU.S.taxcodeas the seasoncontinues, includingchangesaroundhealthcarecredits.Other available credits and deductions include last year’s extensionof more than 50 tax breaks. Read more: www.entrepreneur.com/article/243810. (Source: Entrepreneur online, Mike D’Avolio, “4 Tax Code Changes Small-Business Owners Should Know About,” March 11, 2015)

Positive communication increases job satisfaction Fifty-fivepercentofworkersderivegreatsatisfactionfromreceivinga“thankyou”fromtheirdirectmanager,and70percentofemployeessaypositivefeedbackfromco-workersatanylevelisasatisfaction-booster,accordingtoastudybyKronos.ReadMore:www.businessnewsdaily.com/7814-make-employees-appreciated.html. (Source: BusinessNewsDaily.com, Chad Brooks, “The Simple Thing You Can Do to Make Your Employees Happy,” March 5, 2015)

Best practices for better invoicingTeddy Nykiel writes that software such as QuickBooks, FreshBooksandXerocanmaketheinvoicingprocesssimplerandfaster.Expertssayit’s also important to establish clear expectations with customers andimplementanumberingsystemtohelpyoustayorganized.Readmore:www.nerdwallet.com/blog/small-business-finances/7-tips-effective-invoicing/.(Source: NerdWallet.com, Teddy Nykiel, “7 Tips for Effective Invoicing,” March 16, 2015.)

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy,has created an onlineEmployment Law Guide: Laws, Regulations and Technical Assistance Services. ThisGuidedescribesthemajorstatutesandregulationsadministeredbytheU.S.

DepartmentofLabor that affect businesses andworkers.TheGuide is designedmainlyforthoseneeding“hands-on”informationtodevelopwage,benefit,safetyandhealthandnondiscriminationpoliciesforbusinesses.TheEmployment Law Guide is available atwww.dol.gov/compliance/guide/

index.htm.

Ongoing Small Business SeriesThe Entrepreneurship Council, which emanated from the City of Dothan’s

Economic Summit on Jobs, has blended with the Small Business DevelopmentCounciloftheDothanAreaChamberofCommerce.TheCouncilhasalsorecentlystartedtheirfourthyearofpresentingaseriesofseminarsonthebasicinformationandactivitiesleadinguptostartinganewbusiness.Forthefirstfewyears,theseminarswereheldexclusivelyattheMixsonBusiness

Center, but to date this year, the programs are being conducted on the TroyUniversity Dothan Campus. Additionally, coordination is underway to provideinformativeprogramsatthedowntownlibrarylocation.Therecurringseriestopicsinclude:selectingabusinessstructure,businessplans,

zoningandlicensing,financingoptions,andmarketingamongothers.Noticeofupcomingevents areprovidedby flyers, email, socialmedia andannouncementsprovidedbytheDothanEagle.TheEntrepreneurshipCouncilalsohostsasocialeventeachyearandrecognizes

thosethatprovidedprogramsupportthroughouttheyear.Ifyouwouldlikefurtherinformation,contactSteveTurkoski,Chamber’sproject

director,at(334)792-5138orsturkoski@dothan.com.

“Small businesses are the engines of job growth and an integral part of the framework of the American economic system.”

—Gov.RobertBentley

Small Business FactsBelow are various small business facts reported by the U.S. Small Business

Administrationwebsite:

•The23millionsmallbusinesses inAmericaaccount for54percentofallU.S.sales.

•Smallbusinessesprovide55percentofalljobsand66percentofallnetnewjobssincethe1970s.

•The600,000plusfranchisedsmallbusinessesintheU.S.accountfor40percentofallretailsalesandprovidejobsforsome8millionpeople.

•ThesmallbusinesssectorinAmericaoccupies30-50percentofallcommercialspace,anestimated20-34billionsquarefeet.

•Thenumberof smallbusinesses in theUnitedStateshas increased49percentsince1982.

•Since1990,asbigbusinesseliminated4millionjobs,smallbusinessesadded8millionnewjobs.

TheSBAhelpsAmericansstart,buildandgrowbusinesses.Throughanextensivenetworkoffieldofficesandpartnershipswithpublicandprivateorganizations,SBAdeliversitsservicestopeoplethroughouttheUnitedStates,PuertoRico,theU.S.VirginIslandsandGuam.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Trends, “Small Business, Big Impact!” www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ocpl/resources/13493.

Laureate Nomination FormThe Dothan Business Hall of Fame’s board of advisors is now accepting

nominations for the 2015 Dothan Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame’smissionistorecognizetheaccomplishmentsandcontributionsofouroutstandingbusinessleaders,toperpetuateandinspirevaluesofentrepreneurialspirit,personalintegrityandcommunity leadership inallgenerations.Tobeeligible forselection,apersonmusthavemadeasignificantimpactonthedevelopmentofDothanand/orHoustonCountybypromotingthefreeenterprisesystemandentrepreneurship;bydemonstratingcivic leadership;andbytheirphilanthropyandhumanitarianismtowardtheirfellowcitizens.

NameofNominee:_____________________________________________

Born(dateandplace): __________________________________________

Deceased(dateandplace):_______________________________________

Company/Organization(ifcurrentlyemployed):____________________

______________________________________________________________

WorkAddress:_________________________________________________

WorkPhone:__________________________________________________

WebAddress:__________________________________________________

WorkE-mail:__________________________________________________

PresentTitle/Position:__________________________________________

No.ofYears: __________________________________________________

MailingAddress:_______________________________________________

Pleaseprovideabiographicaldescriptionof thenominee (not toexceed two

pages)andonaseparatesheetforeachbelowsection,pleaseprovidethefollowinginformation.Feelfreetoincludesupportingdocuments(newsclippings,magazinearticles,etc.).Aphoto(preferablycolor)willbeusedintheprogramandMUSTbesubmittedwiththebiographical/supportingdocuments.

1. Significantachievements–anyachievementsthatarefirst-timeachievements2. Awardsandhonorsbestoweduponnominee(chronologically)3. Memberships4. Professional,businessorvocationalhistory(chronologically)5. Photoofthenomineefortheprogram

Thankyoufortakingtimetoputforthyournomineeforthe2015DothanBusinessHallofFame.Laureateinducteeswillbenotifiedinmid-June2015.

NominationSubmittedBy:______________________________________

Address:City:______________

State:Zip:Telephone:______________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________________

Nominations are due by May 1, 2015. Mail your nomination to:

DothanBusinessHallofFameDothanAreaChamberofCommerce

Attention:JaniceShepardP.O.Box638

Dothan,AL36302

__________________________________

___________________

DOTHAN BUSINESSHall OF Fame

BUSINESSHall OF Fame

DOTHAN

BUSINESSHall OF Fame

DOTHAN

NominationForm

Deadline: April 30, 2015

The Dothan Area Chamber Foundation is now accepting applications/nominations for Leadership Dothan Class XXXIV. The nine-month programfocuses on community resources, education, quality of life, political arenas,healthandhumanservicesandpublicsafety.Localprofessionalsconductlectures,participate in panel discussions, simulations and tours to educate programparticipantsaboutourcommunity.

TheprogramyearbeginsinSeptemberandconcludesinMay.Thetwo-dayopeningretreatwillbeheldSept.9and10,2015,andattendanceismandatory.ThereareeightprogramdaysstartinginOctoberandendinginMay.Participantsmeetonedaypermonth,usuallythethirdThursday,forninehours.

ParticipationinLeadershipDothanisopentoanypersonlivingorworkinginHoustonCounty.TheSteeringCommitteereviewsapplicationssolicitedfromallwalksofcommunitylifetoselectaclassofinterested,motivatedandconcernedindividualswhohaveadesiretooffertheirtimeandtalentsto improvingtheircommunity. One of the Foundation’s goals is to select emerging leaders andsystematically inform,challengeandeducateparticipantsaboutourcommunityopportunitiesandneeds.

Individuals, businesses and community organizations may nominateprospective Leadership Dothan participants by completing this form andreturning it to the Chamber by April 30, 2015.Eachnominee/applicantwillthenreceiveanapplicationtobecompletedandreturnedbyJune10.

A maximum of 40 people will have the opportunity to participate inLeadershipDothaneachyear.Tuitionis$750foreachparticipant.Thetuitioncoverstheopeningretreat,meals,programmaterialsandtransportation.

Please send an aPPlication for Leadership dothan to:

Name:________________________________________________________

Business/Organization:_________________________________________

MailingAddress:_______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

E-mailAddress:________________________________________________

PhoneNumber:________________________________________________

PersonNominatingCandidate:___________________________________

Business/Organization:_________________________________________

Eithermailorfaxthisformto:

DothanAreaChamberofCommerceAttn:LindaKelley

P.O.Box638,Dothan,AL36302Fax:(334)794-4796lkelley@dothan.com

NominationsareduebyApril30,2015.Thankyouforyournomination!

15

ConnectionsCONNECTIONSC H A M B E R

ChamberConnectionsispublishedmonthly(USPS700-660)forthemembersoftheDothanAreaChamberofCommerce,102JamestownBlvd.,Dothan,AL36301.Subscriptionrateis$24annually.Postmaster:SendaddresschangestoDothanAreaChamberofCommerce,P.O.Box638,Dothan,AL36302.PeriodicalspostageispaidatDothan,ALandadditionalmailingoffice.

a publication of thedothan area chamber of commerceapril 2015Vol. 42, no. 7 (UsPs 700-660)© copyright 2015

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Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 3/12/15. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.

Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for January:61,634in2014;61,227in2015

58,191in2014;57,933in2015Employed

Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for January:5.6%in2013;5.4%in2014

Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for January:10issued($2.21million)in2014;23issued($5.55million)in2015

Home Sales in Dothan for January:69soldin2014;76soldin2015

Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for January:3,885in2014;3,332in2015

Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for January:$1,719,193in2014;$1,812,555in2015(County)$4,033,884in2014;$4,462,234in2015(City)

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