S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

southshelbychamber.com

Inside this Edition

SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KALEIDOSCOPEC o l u m b i a n a • C h e l s e a • H a r p e r s v i l l e • W e s t o v e r

W i l s o n v i l l e • V i n c e n t a n d t h e S o u t h S h e l b y C o u n t y R e g i o n

Call the Chamber Offi ce at 205-669-9075 for more information on these events or visit our website at www.southshelbychamber.com for complete calendar information.

• Board of Directors & Ambassadors• Article• Things to Do & See in Shelby County• Next Chamber Luncheon• Welcome Aboard Chamber Members• Upcoming September/October Chamber Events

2012 Corporate Sponsors

Visit Shelby County’s Museum Trail at www.shelbycountymuseums.com

BOARD MEMBERS

Linda Wren, AT&T Dr. Ben Smith, Smith Chiropractic Daniel Holmes, Shelby County Reporter Robert Jackson Bridges, Historic Shelby Association Miranda Carter, Johnny Rays Mary Strehle, Victory GMC

Wayne Johnsey, Piggly Wiggly

Donna Smelcer, Shelby Baptist Medical Center Richard Cook, Busy Hands Framing and Gifts Evan Major, Former Superintendent of Education Jon Lauderdale, Alagasco Faye McGuire, Frontier Bank

Parish Argo, First United Security Bank Kevin Morris, M&F Bank

Chris Cano, Alabama Power Company Offi ce Team, Ben Corbitt and RSVP Volunteers

2012 eXecUTIVe commITTee

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Past President & AdvisorBilly Jones

Bryant Bank

Secretary/TreasurerDr. Benjamin W. Smith, III

Smith Chiropractic

1st Vice PresidentFaye McGuireFrontier Bank

2nd Vice PresidentKevin MorrisM&F Bank

PresidentDonna SmelcerShelby Baptist

Medical Center

2012 ambassadors PhoTo oF 3rd QUarTerlY meeTING

Executive DirectorStacy Walkup

The 2012 South Shelby Chamber of Commerce ambassadors pictured are L-R:Chuck Watkins, Mary Deloach, Dale Neuendorf, Linda Major, Vicki Everett, Donald Shirley, Carla Watkins, Freda York, Gerie Kelley, Suzie Smart, Marvin Copes, Kelly Ellison and Stacy Walkup

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oN The moVe

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Doug Seagle, P.E. and Bobby Kemp, P.E. are top executives in their new business venture in establishing and incorporating Kemp & Seagle Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Mr. Seagle is a graduate of North Carolina State University bringing many years of expertise to his company and demonstrates involvement in the Brook Highland Development, the Galleria Blvd Flyover, the widening of Hwy 280 to Hugh Daniel Drive as some of his civil engineering accomplishments.

Mr. Kemp is a graduate of Auburn University also bringing many years of experience in the private sector along with a background and experience in the Alabama Department of Transportation. He demonstrates involvement in the Grandview Business Park Development on US-280, Caldwell Mill Road widening from AL-119 to Valleydale Road and the widening on Valleydale Road from Hwy 31 to Hwy 65.

“We plan to provide our clients with a level of service that goes beyond what big companies are offering.” According to Doug Seagle

Kemp & Seagle Consulting Engineers, Inc. offers Transportation Design Services, Commercial Site Developments and Construction Inspections. They are located at 436 West College Street Columbiana, Alabama and can be reached at 205-670-0300.

South Shelby Chamber of Commerce welcomes STS & Prideline Transportation to Shelby County!

Walter E. Turner is the Director of STS (School Transportation Solutions Inc.) and President of Prideline Transportations. He oversees both businesses each unique but both offering an array of professional services to meet your transportation needs.

It is our mission at STS to transport individuals safely to their destination by providing reliable and well-equipped vehicles, directed by trained staff who fully understands the needs of our clients.

Not all companies are in a position to serve their communities as we have, and for this we are grateful. We believe that STS has the following strengths that make us the ideal community partner

According to Walter, Prideline plans to serve the local Alabama market and will offer all types of charter service from football games (sporting events), shuttle service, executive transporting and event transportation to service for college campuses and churches.

Walter, a graduate of University of Montevallo, has been in the bus charter business for over 20 years. He is currently with STS transportation here in Birmingham where he will continue his duties as Director of Operations.

Mr. Turner shared they already run transportation for the Birmingham City Schools, John Carroll High School, University of Alabama Football games, Birmingham Southern College, and more!

They are excited about their new Prideline transportation buses and celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting celebration on August 30, 2012. They are located at 1400 McCain Parkway Pelham, Alabama 35124 and can be contacted at 205-620-1123.

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce welcomes Kemp & Seagle Consulting Engineers, Inc. to Shelby County!

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ThINGs To do aNd see IN shelbY coUNTY

September 15 Grape Stomp Harpersville | Shelby County 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Harpersville Grape Stomp Morgan Creek Vineyards--Visitors get to stomp grapes with their feet in wooden barrels, take free tours, enjoy free wine tastings, plus enjoy food and other fun activities. Location: Morgan Creek Vineyards, 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville, AL 35078. 205-672-2053. www.morgancreekwinery.com. Admission charged.

September 17-22 Shelby County Alabama Fair, Annual Columbiana | Shelby County Fri., 5:30 p.m. until; Sat., 3 p.m. until. Columbiana Shelby County Fair visit Shelby County Exhibition Center—Booths, contests, entertainment, educational exhibits, rides and other amusements. Mon.-Location: Shelby County Exhibition Center. www.alshelbycountyfair.com. Admission charged.

September 24- Old Baker Farm Pumpkin PatchOctober 31 Harpersville | Shelby County 205-672-7209. www.oldbakerfarm.com. Admission charged. Old Baker Farm--Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay maze, hay ride, petting farm, and more. Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m. until dark. Location: Old Baker Farm. Contact: Gerald Baker 205-672-7209, oldbakerfarm@yahoo.com. www. oldbakerfarm.com Admission charged.

September 27 “Tackling A Cure”~Shelby County High School Calera | Shelby County Shelby County High School vs. Calera Eagles Football Game Order Your T-Shirt by September 7, 2012 for $10.00. To place an order or for more information email mwalker@ shelbyed.k12.al.us or call the chamber offi ce at 205- 669-9075. We have Order Forms! The game is at Calera High School Stadium. Supports Breast Cancer Research in Alabama

October 5-7 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Columbiana | Shelby County BOW is a three day workshop designed for women ages 18 years or older. The workshop offers hands-on instruction in a fun and non-threatening learning environment. Participants choose from over 50 courses such as backyard wildlife, rock climbing, camp cooking, map and compass, camping, mountain biking, shooting sports (pistol, rifl e, shotgun, muzzleloader, as well as gun safety), fi shing, hunting, canoeing, nature photography, nature crafts, archery, ATV handling, bird watching, motor boat handling, and more. Location: Alabama 4H Center. Contact: Sylvia Payne at 334-252-5453, sylvia.payne@dcnr.alabama.gov www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/Events_for_ women/bow. Admission charged. Payments: Credit Cards (call for specifi cs)

October 6 Chelsea Day Chelsea | Shelby County 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Chelsea City Hall. Chelsea High

School Band Boosters is hosting “Chelsea Day” themed: “Celebration of the Arts” Visit various vendors and artisans from throughout the state while enjoying good food, family fun and local entertainment from our schools and churches. For more info call 205-913-8373. Free Admission

October 12-13 Shelby Iron Works Fall Festival Shelby | Shelby County Annual Fall Festival. Museum open. Antique sawmill in operation, syrup mill turning cane juice into syrup using old fashioned open pan method, blacksmiths and farriers demonstrating their work. Music, food, country store. Location: Shelby Iron Works 10268 CR 42, Shelby, AL 35143. Contact: Thomas N. Trimble, president. 205-670- 0142. tntjct@bellsouth.net. www.shelbyironworks.com Admission: Fee for participants only

October 14- Statewide Student Juried Art CompetitionNovember 18 Columbiana | Shelby County Shelby County Arts Council and University of Montevallo have partnered to host a Statewide Student Juried Art Competition for 10, 11 and 12 grade high school students. Sponsored by Regions Bank. Deadline for Entry is Midnight, Sunday, October 14 College Preview Day and Exhibit Reception is Sunday, November 4, 2012. Visit our Website for more information and details for entry. Location: Shelby County Arts Council - Columbiana. Contact: Susan Gordon, 205 669 0044. susan@shelbycountyartscouncil.com. www. shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Admission: Free

October 20 Harpersville Heritage Tour Harpersville | Shelby County 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Harpersville and the South Shelby Chamber host Heritage Tour that offers educational and historical facts about the History of Harpersville. Transportation is provided and please wear your walking shoes! Location: Starting at Morgan Creek Vineyard. Contact: Town Hall 205- 672-9877 or South Shelby Chamber 205-669-9075. www. southshelbychamber.com . Admission Charged

October 27 Whigmaleerie Day in Wilsonville Wilsonville | Shelby County 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wilsonville honors its Scottish heritage with Whigmaleerie Day, a third annual event celebrating the town’s past, present and future with exhibits, a music festival stage, children’s rides, a Revolutionary War Camp and reenactment, antique vehicles, local vendors, a chili cooking contest and bagpipers.Location: Downtown Wilsonville. Contact: Town Hall -205-669-6180 or South Shelby Chamber 205-669-9075, soshelby@bellsouth. net. www.southshelbychamber.com . Free Admission.

October 31 Monster Walk Columbiana | Shelby County 4-5:30 p.m. Downtown Columbiana. Sponsored by the Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Association.

September & October

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chamber sNaP shoTs

If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you should start by weighing the pros and cons, so that you can make a wise decision. The resources in this section are essentially a toolkit to guide your decision-making process.

Is Entrepreneurship For You? Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience and can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy. However, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work.Consider whether you have the following characteristics and skills commonly associated with successful entrepreneurs:Comfortable with taking risks: Being your own boss also means you’re the one making tough decisions. Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty. Do you avoid uncertainty in life at all costs? If yes, then entrepreneurship may not be the best fi t for you. Do you enjoy the thrill of taking calculated risks? Then read on.Independent: Entrepreneurs have to make a lot of decisions on their own. If you fi nd you can trust your instincts — and you’re not afraid of rejection every now and then — you could be on your way to being an entrepreneur.Persuasive: You may have the greatest idea in the world, but if you cannot persuade customers, employees and potential lenders or partners, you may fi nd entrepreneurship to be challenging. If you enjoy public speaking, engage new people with ease and fi nd you make compelling arguments grounded in facts, it’s likely you’re poised to make your idea succeed. Able to negotiate: As a small business owner, you will need to negotiate everything from leases to contract terms to rates. Polished negotiation skills will help you save money and keep your business running smoothly.Creative: Are you able to think of new ideas? Can you imagine new ways to solve problems? Entrepreneurs must be able to think creatively. If you have insights on how to take advantage of new opportunities, entrepreneurship may be a good fi t. Supported by others: Before you start a business, it’s important to have a strong support system in place. You’ll be forced to make many important decisions, especially in the fi rst months of opening your business. If you do not have a support network of people to help you, consider fi nding a business mentor. A business mentor is someone who is experienced, successful and willing to provide advice and guidance. Read the Steps to Finding a Mentor article for help on fi nding and working with a mentor.

Do Your Market Research Explore how to use market research to fi nd out if there is a market for your idea. To help you build a picture of market conditions and demographics, the U.S. government also provides access to free market data and statistics.Understand Your MarketTo run a successful business, you need to learn about your customers, your competitors and your industry. Market research is the process of analyzing data to help you understand which products and services are in demand, and how to be competitive. Market research can also provide valuable insight to help you:Reduce business risksSpot current and upcoming problems in your industryIdentify sales opportunitiesHow to Conduct Market ResearchBefore you start your business, understand the basics of market research by following these steps:

Identify Offi cial Government Sources of Market and Industry DataThe government offers a wealth of data and information about businesses, industries and economic conditions that can aid in conducting market research. These sources provide valuable information about your customers and competitors:

Economic IndicatorsEmployment StatisticsIncome and EarningsIdentify Additional Sources of AnalysisTrade groups, business magazines, academic institutions and other third parties gather and analyze research data about business trends. Use Internet and database searches to fi nd information related to your location and industry.

Article from the U.S. Small Business Administration website at www.sba.gov.

Thinking About Starting a Business?

Join the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Jimmy Henderson, Branch Manager at Regions Bank; Columbiana Branch located at 21325 Highway 25, Columbiana 35051; 205-669-4061. Stop in and welcome Mr. Henderson to the Neighborhood!

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce welcomes their new Merchandise Salesperson Becky Edwards at the Columbiana Alabama Power Center located on 205 North Main Street Columbiana Alabama 35051; 205-226-1380. Visit Becky Edwards when you are need of a new appliance!

6moNThlY chamber lUNcheoNs

September 6, 2012 Location: Columbiana United Methodist Church (Multi Purpose Room) 200 North Main Street, Columbiana Alabama 35051

Keynote Speaker: J Dr. John W. Stewart III, President of the University of Montevallo

City Spotlight: the Town of Vincent

Local Spotlight: Leadership Shelby County

Please RSVP: 205-669-9075

Location: Columbiana United Methodist Church (Multi Purpose Room) 200 North Main Street, Columbiana Alabama 35051

Keynote Speaker: REPRESENTATIVE JIM McClendon (R) 50th District (St. Clair and Shelby)

City Spotlight: the Town of Wilsonville

Please RSVP: 205-669-9075

October 4, 2012

Stewart

McClendon

Price: $10.00.*Networking begins at 11:30amDoor Prizes Welcomed!

Price: $10.00.*Networking begins at 11:30amDoor Prizes Welcomed!

Welcome aboard chamber members7

Photography, Medical Clinics, Business meeting space, Wildlife Education, Hospice Services, Construction, Education & Consulting, Dental Services, Community Churches and so many more new members joining the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce to network, promote and be a part of the local communities through the chamber of commerce. Are these your neighbors, reach out to them and explore what they are all about, you will truly be amazed!

Nationwide Insurance Agency Allan Lowe Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-7333

Baptist Health Center-ChelseaVicki Minor Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-2588

Brown Lumber & Building SupplyAndy Brown & Andrew Brown Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6715

Piggy WigglyCharles Culotta, Sam Culotta, Wayne Johnsey Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-4278

EBSCO Industries, Inc.F. Dixon Brooke Jr. President & CEO Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-6600

Coosa Valley MillingFrank McEwen Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6605

Sullivan CommunicationsJoe Sullivan Birmingham, AL 35244 205-988-5522

Shangri-La Assisted Living LLCRezalina D. Nichols Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-9202

Cornerstone Christian SchoolDebbie Collins Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-7777

Alabama Glastek, Inc.Bill and Regina Rogers Birmingham, AL 35212 205-592-4527

Timothy D. Nettles, DMDColumbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6778

Shelby Co MagazineLuke Camara Alabaster, AL 35007 205-447-2214

Shelba NivensChelsea Alabama

Cousins Insurance AgencyMichael Bennett Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-3337

Central State BankMitt Schroeder Calera, AL 35040 205-668-0711

Family ConnectionSusan Johnson Saginaw, AL 35137 205-663-6301

Shelby County Board of EducationRandy Fuller, Superintendent Columbiana, AL 35051 205-682-7000

280 Auto Service, LLCBruce and Cindy Salser Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-2085

Stella & Dot, JewelryCindy Salser, Independent Stylist Chelsea, AL 35043 205-368-0715

Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc.Kelley Zajac/ Emmett Parker Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-5035

Shelby Shores Community AssociationLouise R Cahela Shelby, AL 35143

Coosa Valley MillingFrank McEwen Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6605

Gordon TimberlandsJanice & Brian Gordon Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-6837

Shelby Accounting & Tax ServiceRhonda McCormac Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-8033

Post NetGene & Diane Thomas Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-0123

Alabama Telco Credit Union Bryan Morrow Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-7797

Dan and Beth HedrickColumbiana, Alabama

AlagascoJon Lauderdale Pelham, AL 35124 205-716-2884

Fox 6 WBRCLuke Holcomb Birmingham, AL 35209 205-583-4318

Blue Springs Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn Ray and Doris Harris Vincent, AL 35178 205-672-9955

Realty South Inverness Freda S. York Associate Broker, e-PRO 109 Inverness Plaza Birmingham, AL 35242 205-915-5580

Price: $10.00.*Networking begins at 11:30amDoor Prizes Welcomed!

Price: $10.00.*Networking begins at 11:30amDoor Prizes Welcomed!

Bryant Bank offers you a return to the old-school fundamentals of banking: hard work, dedication and pride.

Our local community bankers are determined to help families get ahead and see businesses grow. In short, to make our community a better place to live.

Join the Bryant Bank family today.

Because, when it comes to banking, Nothing Beats It.

21290 Hwy. 25 - Columbiana, Al 35051Phone: 205.670.9720

Columbiana

NMLS ID: 582857 www.BryantBank.com

SM

Bryant Bank offers you a return to the old-school fundamentals of banking: hard work, dedication and pride.

Our local community bankers are determined to help families get ahead and see businesses grow. In short, to make our community a better place to live.

Join the Bryant Bank family today.

Because, when it comes to banking, Nothing Beats It.

21290 Hwy. 25 - Columbiana, Al 35051Phone: 205.670.9720

Columbiana

NMLS ID: 582857 www.BryantBank.com

SM

UPcomING chamber eVeNTs

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September - OctoberSeptember 25 Educational Seminar – 8:30am – 10:30am M&F Bank (16623 Hwy 280, Chelsea, AL 35043) (map). The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an educational seminar on the topic of excellent customer service. This seminar will be held on Tuesday, September 25 8:30-10:30am at M&F Bank in Chelsea and will be taught by Kevin Morris of M&F Bank. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by calling 205-669-9075. Price: $10, price includes a light breakfast

September 28 Coffee with the Mayor – Harpersville Town Hall at 8am. Networking South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the City of Harpersville will host a Coffee and Breakfast uniting neighboring businesses, civic and county leaders at 8am at the Harpersville City Hall. Sponsored by Alabama Power, Bryant Bank, Deloach Barber and Casper’s, Regions Bank, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, and Shelby County Reporter.

October 9 Save the Date: Ambassador Meeting @ 11am/ Jeanette Niven House

October 19 Save the Date: Coffee with the Mayor @ 8am/Wilsonville Town Hall

October 23 Save the Date: New Member Orientation @ 9am/Vincent Town Hall

Upcoming Chamber Events:

Check out our chamber photographs on our website at southshelbychamber.com

*Partnership with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Calera Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce. These forums are OPEN to the PUBLIC and PLEASE check the Shelby County Reporter for ALL the municipal dates and times to double check locations etc.. thank you!