Bessemer Communication: The Key To Successful Business ... · the evening. An animated play of an Alabama-Auburn game ran continuously on a big screen, which drew the attention of

BBAACCCC

essemeressemerrearea

ofofhamberhamberommerceommerce October 2006

Communication: The Key To Successful Business

Tailgating Business After HoursHeld at Legacy YMCATailgating Business After HoursHeld at Legacy YMCA

Remember October 12th and get your golf team submissions in as soon as possible. Bent Brook will be the site and host for the day and the food will be outstanding. If you are hungry and enjoy good food we will have Bob Sykes BBQ for lunch and steaks for dinner provided by Bent Brook and Buffalo Rock Catering Creations. Sponsorships are affordable and partici-pation in the tournament by all our members is encouraged. Someone once said, "More business is done on the golf course than in the board room." Come out and help us have the best tournament ever. Board members Jack White and Brian Hammonds promise to make your day enjoyable and a business value. Contact the Chamber at (205) 425-3253 or email [email protected].

One of Bessemer's outstanding car dealers was featured in the Sunday September 24th Birmingham News. Written by Roy Williams, a News staff writer, the article featured questions and answers about Jordan, his dealership, and his move to exit 108 in Bessemer. Jordan answered a question about the auto mall planned for the exit with, "A group of dealers got together 10 years ago and came up with the idea of an auto mall but the idea did not fly at the time. Town & Country moved out here and was successful, and the Alabama Adventure amusement park was doing well. We could see the possibilities. Now that I am here, Dixie Nissan is opening by November and two or three others are coming out here soon. There is plenty of room to grow so we are excited about the future."

Jordan began his automobile career as a salesman for Roebuck Chrysler/Dodge in 1973. He has been a financial manager and attended Chrysler's Dealer Development Academy. He opened Midfield Dodge/Jeep in 1989 and changed the name to Jordan Frazier Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep when he moved to Academy Drive. If you get the chance read the article and especially the positive outlook Jordan has about the revitalization of the Bessemer Area. The Chamber is proud of members like Jordan who work hard, are humble and succeed.

InsideInsideIt's Your Business: Think Safety

Community News: YMCA Holds Health Fair

Chamber News: 2007 Magazine Promo to Begin Soon

Chamber News: Board Members Being Recommended

Business News: Walmart Holds Grand Re-Opening

Business News: Spotlight: Education

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

If you are a football fan you would have loved the business after hours sponsored by the Legacy YMCA in Bessemer. Charles Trammell and his staff went two extra miles to make the eve-ning both rewarding and fun. Good ole hot dogs, popcorn, brownies, and much more was a delicious way to "tailgate" for the evening. An animated play of an Alabama-Auburn game ran continuously on a big screen, which drew the attention of most of the crowd.

Alabama and Auburn pennants, jerseys, helmets, chairs, and banners decked the hall with Crimson and White plus Orange and Blue. They even had an official SEC banner hanging. Those who wanted got their picture made as a football player thanks to the artistic staff at the Y. Each school had a separate entrance decorated in their team colors so you showed your al-legiance as your entered. If you missed this after hours you missed one of the best.

Chamber Chairman Pam Nichols, Noland Health Services, wel-comed the over 50 attending and stated, "The Y staff did an in-credible job. This is fantastic!" You could throw a football for a prize in addition to the great door prizes handed out by Pam. Again our Ambassador group supported the Y staff in making the event so enjoyable and an evening to remember.

Hurry! Golf FORE ProgressOctober 12thHurry! Golf FORE ProgressOctober 12th

Jordan Frazier Featuredin Birmingham NewsJordan Frazier Featuredin Birmingham News

Crowd of well over50 enjoy YMCA BAH

Y staff did a great jobdecorating for the BAH

"No community will ever be very much better than its Chamberof Commerce causes it to be." President Ronald W. Reagan

ChairmanPam Nichols

welcomesCharles Trammell

(YMCA) andGene Cochran(Buffalo Rock)

to BusinessAfter Hours

22 It's Your BusinessIt's Your BusinessFrom the PresidentFrom the PresidentThe goblins are coming! Halloween is just around the corner and the youngsters will be tak-ing to the streets to gather as much candy and sweets as possible. This is a great time for our business community to remember to stress alertness and safety to our employees and cus-tomers. The kids will have a good time that night and we as adults need to do all we can to make it a safe time for them. This should be our same attitude on the job and in our workplace.

Safety is always in the back of our minds but just one slip up by anyone of us or our employees and all the training in the world can't make up for someone being hurt or property damaged. How do you as a business owner or manager stress safety? Remember safety adds value to your business, to your workplace, and to your life. Let me list a few ways that may help your busi-ness.

Motivate with recognition. Each month recognize the achievements in safety. Discuss the zero acci-dent months and make the team of employees proud of what they achieved.

Investigate every accident. Find out what, why, how and who caused each and every accident. Let those involved help investigate. Have your best and longest serving employees serve as an investiga-tion team. Sit down with all employees and go over the details of the accident and how it should have been avoided.

Think of OSHA as a friend. Governmental agencies are most of the time avoided by the small business person and with good reason. They have too many rules and regulations. However, when it comes to safety your business needs someone to help. OSHA wants to help and they offer outreach, educa-tion and compliance assistance to small busi-nesses. Use them to help your business.

Finally, THINK SAFETY. Every employee should re-alize that you are serious about them not being hurt on the job. Meet daily before the work begins to dis-cuss the job, how it is to be done, and how it will be done safely.

Focus on the human element. You and your employ-ees are your best asset to avoid unsafe actions or pro-cesses. Develop an open communications with em-ployees and let them be a part of the safety program. When they see an unsafe action encourage them to speak up and help make corrections.

Set a goal for safety. The best number is zero acci-dents and especially zero injuries. Let your employ-ees help you set the goal so they feel a part of the team and they feel a buy in to achieving the goal.

Remembering the children out on Halloween will help keep them safe. Remembering your em-ployees and business may help them be safe but working at safety on the job makes sense and it saves money. You should be working at safety because it is your business.

President

1

3

4

5

6

2

428-9064

1713 Third Avenue NorthBessemer, Alabama 35020

USSELL & OMPANY, LLC USSELL & OMPANY, LLCR CCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

1907 - 2006

YMCA Holds Health FairYMCA Holds Health Fair Project Fit America atMcAdory Elementary SchoolProject Fit America atMcAdory Elementary SchoolUAB Medical West, local healthcare profes-

sionals, and the YMCA staff made the health fair at the Y a tremendous success again. Blood pressure, cholesterol tests, eye exams, back measurements, and body fat numbers were just a few of the health related activities being given free to the public at this year's fair. Whenever there is something like this for the community the Chamber will support it 100% and encour-ages all of our members to support it. Our thanks must be given to all those who partici-pated and especially to Charles Trammell and the Y staff.

On September 8th a large crowd of school, civic and business leaders joined the students and fac-ulty of McAdory Elementary School on the play-ground to dedicate the new fitness area dedi-cated to helping the students be more physically fit. Sponsored by Children's Health System, the Junior League of Bimingham, Crippled Children's Foundation, and the Monday Morning Quarterback Club the equipment and program will benefit the children and help them be better prepared for the future. Principal Harold Jackson welcomed everyone after the McAdory High School band and cheerleaders led the stu-dents into their seats. Dr. Phil Hammonds, JefCo Superintendent, then addressed the group. A fitness demonstration by several stu-dents highlighted the program and the finale was a pep talk and demonstration by Adria and Natalie Montgomery better known as the Fitness Twins. The visitor that made the students happi-est was UAB Mascot Blaze the Dragon. He en-tertained and led the kids in exercises. Vulcan Material's Joey West was recognized for all the great work the company has done as the school's adopter. It was a very good day for edu-cation.

33Community NewsCommunity News

Doctor assesses attendeeat Y Health Fair

www.bessemerchamber.com

44 Chamber NewsChamber NewsZiti Luncheon Held toSupport Scholarship FundZiti Luncheon Held toSupport Scholarship Fund

Your Chamber Needs NewMembers-Can You Help?Your Chamber Needs NewMembers-Can You Help?

2007 Magazine Promotionto Begin Soon!2007 Magazine Promotionto Begin Soon!

The Chamber Ambassadors and Staff held a luncheon on September 20th to raise funds to support our annual schol-arships awarded to a deserving student in each of our three local high schools. Working from early morning until around 2:00 pm the group served 283 lunches and cleared over $1,000, which will go a long way in helping our area youth. In addition to raising the needed revenue the work-ers had a great time. Special thanks should be given to Chamber VP Latasha Cook, Jean Brown, Mary Milan, Ora Foster, Connie Fuell, Minnie Roper, Debbie Stewart, Claire Mitchell and Michelle Brown for the long hours and the hard work. We want to thank Cook's Catering for the great food and hard work for the Chamber. But most of all we want to thank all of the companies and individuals who supported the Ambassadors in this effort. ITT Tech pur-chased the most number of lunches but Town & Country Ford swore that they would be the company to beat for our next luncheon. Competition makes the effort of our Ambassadors even more fun and enjoyable.

In an effort to continue to represent the ever growing business community in the western Jefferson County region it is important to continue to bring new blood into the organization. You can help! By asking ven-dors, customers, or neighbors if they belong to the Chamber and if not invite them to join you in making a difference in our community. If you know of someone that would join but you are shy or would rather not ask them, please contact the Chamber at 425-3253 or email [email protected] and the staff would be more than willing to contact them for you. As the area grows the Chamber will continue to grow.

A new magazine is coming soon to be promoted and ads sold by the Western Star in partnership with your Chamber. We want all of our members to be included in the magazine to the extent possible. If you have never had an ad in the magazine it is a great way to promote your business and at the same time support the Chamber and western Jefferson County. There will be some changes coming in the magazine so be watching for a new and improved issue. Please join the other great businesses in our area who advertise their com-pany in the only magazine that highlights and pro-motes the entire western Jefferson County area. For information call the Chamber at (205) 425-3253 or email [email protected].

Ambassadors Minnie Roper,Connie Fuell and Ora Fosterenjoy working Ziti Luncheon

Claire Mitchell, Minnie Roper,Debbie Stewart, Ora Foster

and Michelle Brownworking hard for Chamber

Visit today and

see for yourself !

Just off Hwy 150, minutes from I-459.

THE LODGE Assisted Living

THE ORCHARD Dementia Care

Garden Homes

Separate and distinct living choices:

THE GROVE Independent Living

VALUE AND SERVICE IN

SENIOR LIVING SECOND TO NONE.

Noland Health Services 481-1271

Nominating Committee Selected andMeets to Recommend New Board Members

Nominating Committee Selected andMeets to Recommend New Board Members

Chairman Pam Nichols appointed a nominating committee to take all nominations for the Chamber's board and to make a recommendation to the board so they could be sent out to the membership this month. The committee con-sisted of Don Holmes, Holmes Oil, as Chairman; two board members in Thelma Vanderburg, First American Bank, and Ryan Underwood, Anthony Underwood Automotive; and two non-board members in John Anderson, Manufacturers Packaging, and Charles Trammell, Legacy YMCA. These five joined Chairman Pam Nichols and Chairman-elect Kenneth Gulley in making the recommendations. The membership will be receiving the eight nomi-nees for a vote in the mail. Please review the nominees and let us know your support. According to the Chamber's bylaws:

Election and Term of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall, at the September meeting each year, appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of two members of the Board of Directors and two members in good standing, who are neither officers nor Directors, and one other who shall be designated as chairman of the Committee. Prior to the October meeting, the Nominating Committee shall meet with the Chairman of the Board, Chairman-Elect and the President of the Chamber to select a slate of nominees sufficient in number to maintain at least 12 directors. The nominated slate shall be mailed to the general membership. The member-ship of the Chamber shall have the opportunity of placing additional names in nomination by presenting a peti-tion of nominations signed by at least 20 percent of the current membership of the Chamber in good standing. Such petition must be filed within ten days of the date on which the nominated slate was mailed to the member-ship. If additional qualified nominations are made from the general membership within the ten-day period, a sec-ond ballot bearing the names of all nominees will be issued to the membership for vote. The number of nomi-nees receiving the highest number of votes equal to the number of directors needed shall be declared elected. Ten days will be allowed from date of the ballot mailing to the date the votes are counted. The Nominating Committee shall supervise all elections and serve as judges for any contested or disallowed votes. In the event of a tie, the judges shall cast lots via secret ballot and certify as elected the person or persons on whom the selec-tion falls. All voting shall be by ballot. No proxy shall be allowed. A plurality of votes cast shall constitute an elec-tion. The Nominating Committee shall report to the Board of Directors at its October meeting the names of the new directors. Directors shall serve for a term of three years. No Director elected by the membership shall suc-ceed himself within a period of one year.

55Chamber NewsChamber News

Section 3.Section 3.

66 Business NewsBusiness NewsUPS Opens New Locationat Morgan Road ExitUPS Opens New Locationat Morgan Road Exit

Juanette Stoudemire Electedto Alabama Central CU'sBoard of Directors

Juanette Stoudemire Electedto Alabama Central CU'sBoard of Directors

WalMart Holds GrandReopeningWalMart Holds GrandReopening

emailTo enhance ourcommunicationswith your office

or location, send youremail address to us at:

[email protected] fax it to 425-4979.

Owner Watson Cole and support personnel from the UPS family welcomed customers and the Chamber to their grand opening on September 5th. Located in suite 115 at 3979 Parkwood Road just off Morgan Road, there is excitement in the UPS group about serving a growing area like they found. Opportunity for growth and building a customer base were Watson's motivation for locating in the Greenwood area. He lives there and it makes sense for him to provide a vital service to his neighbors. As the world's largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services, UPS continues to develop the frontiers of logistics, supply chain management, and e-Commerce . . . combining the flows of goods, information, and funds. It is great to welcome them to our business community. Police Chief Nathaniel Rutledge and Captain Danny Johnson were on hand representing Mayor Ed May and to help Watson cut the ribbon to officially open for business. If you have packages to ship or any logistics problem call Watson Cole at 230-0088.

Juanette Stoudemire, of Forestdale, AL, has been elected to the Board of Directors for Alabama Central Credit Union. Mrs. Stoudemire brings a wealth of talent and inspiration to Alabama Central. She has an Associates Degree from Samford University and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Faulkner University. Alabama Central is a state wide financial institution with over $200 million in assets and 30,000 in membership. Those who live, work, worship, or attend school in one of our part ic ipat ing counties are el igible for membership.

Scott Currier and the employees at the Bessemer WalMart gathered early on September 1st to celebrate the new or I should say the re-grand opening of one of the mega mart's busiest locations. The new paint, flooring, and merchandise layout make shopping at the store so much more enjoyable. The employees handed out donations to local charities as a way to say thank you for the support the community has given to them. Several employees and dignitaries spoke and Mayor Ed May was on hand to congratulate the employees and WalMart management. After all the festivities the Mayor and Scott cut the ribbon to officially recognize the refurbished facility. It was a great day and when you are in the store let the management know how much you appreciate the investment in our area.

Chief Nathaniel Rutledge andOwner Watson Cole cut ribbon at UPS

Mayor May and Scott Currier cutribbon at WalMart grand reopening

77Business NewsBusiness News

NOTE TO MEMBERS: This monthly article presents the thoughts and suggestions of members of the Chamber about business re-lated topics. This material was adapted from an article published in Birmingham News on August 30, 2006 and written by Kim Bryan

Bessemer Superintendent Deborah Horn re-quested school system employees list "things that worked well" and "things that did not work well" this past school year. Horn said she expanded her end-of-the-year, anonymous query to include fac-ulty and support staff employees at all campuses in the city school district. "They were free to write whatever they wanted, including negative things about me," Horn said. "I wanted their honest as-sessment, good or bad."

The results were compiled and categorized by re-sponse. Horn listed the top five responses for each category as "areas of strength" and "opportunities for growth."

The list starts with the response employees noted most and continues based on the level of re-sponse, Horn said.

NOTE: The Chamber encourages our membership to be in-volved with all schools in our area. This includes Bessemer City, Jefferson County and Bessemer Academy. Remember leaders like Dr. Horn provide the direction and it is for the com-munity, including the business community to help move us positively and forward. Thanks for all you do for you do make a difference.

The list was distributed to employees, school board members and spectators at this month's board meeting.

Student academic progress

Professional development for staff

Reading programs singled out were the Alabama Reading Initiative and Success for All

Cooperative, collegial faculty

Leadership

Technology

Discipline

Parental involvement Athletics

Attendance, truancy

It's Town & Country's birthday, but their customers are get-ting the goodies. "We're celebrating with prizes, special events, some of our biggest savings ever and more – all to let our customers know how much we appreciate their sup-port, said Town and Country President Steve Watts. "After all, our customers are the reason Town & Country Ford has become one of the nation's biggest Ford dealers in seven short years."

Industry observers have watched in amazement – and competitors in fear – as Town & Country Ford Bessemer has rocketed to the ranks of the nation's elite Ford dealer-ships in seven short years. In the latest rankings of all Ford dealers, Town & Country ranks 51st nationwide – a re-markable achievement, by all accounts. And they've passed hundreds of dealers along the way. Plus, Town & Country is Alabama's No. 1 Mustang dealer and the No. 1 Ford dealer in the state in sales of certified pre-owned vehi-cles.

"There's no doubt we have the greatest customers in the world, and we try to keep customers coming back with the best deals around and with outstanding, friendly service. That's why our 7th Anniversary Celebration Spectacular is all about customer appreciation," said Watts.

The company is celebrating with a "Lucky 7" series of Friday-afternoon drawings each week through Oct. 27, awarding each week's winner a high-definition television. (No purchase necessary, but contestants must be present to win.) The seven TV winners will have a chance to win a 2007 Mustang.

Even NASCAR legend Jack Roush is getting in on the cele-bration, with a visit to the dealership on Oct. 5. Roush will meet with fans and sign autographs. "Our customers never get tired of seeing Jack, and he's always glad to ac-commodate them. Town and Country is the state's only dealership selling the Roush Mustangs and is the nation's biggest seller of Roush Performance parts, so Jack likes to let the people of Birmingham know how much he appreci-ates their support," said Watts. Town & Country Ford is a Corporate Sponsor of the Chamber and we congratulate them on their 7th birthday.

Town & Country Ford has been there, Jordan Frazier Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep has opened with energy, Dixie Nissan is close to opening and Premiere Chevrolet is un-der construction. With these four major dealerships locat-ing to exit 108 at Academy Drive on I-20/59 the trend is set and rumor has it that two more dealerships will soon follow suit. It will be a major shopping experience when you need a car to be so close to so many great dealers who want your business. The auto mall that we have all heard so much about is coming to fruition. If you get the chance go visit and see what a large array of vehicles will be ready for sale or lease. It is exciting!

EducationEducationSpotlight on Business:Spotlight on Business:"Lucky 7" Birthday For

Town & Country Ford"Lucky 7" Birthday ForTown & Country Ford

Exit 108 Will Be the Prime AutoDealership Location in RegionExit 108 Will Be the Prime AutoDealership Location in Region

STRENGTHS:STRENGTHS:

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:

BESSEMER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OFFICE HOURSMonday-Friday 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.Phone: 205-425-3253 Fax: 425-4979Toll Free: 1-888-4BESSEMER (Toll Free)

www.bessemerchamber.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

P.O. Box 648Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0648

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 149BESSEMER, AL 35020

PAID

YOUR CHAMBER STAFFYOUR CHAMBER STAFF

Ronnie Acker, President

LaTasha Cook, Vice President

Mary Milan, Administrative Specialist

Jean Brown, Accounting Specialist

CelebratingCelebrating 8484Years of ServiceYears of Service Cut out this logo to place in your ads for higher name recognitionCut out this logo to place in your ads for higher name recognition

BESSEMER AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pam NicholsChairman of the BoardNoland Health Services

Jack WhitePast Chairman

White Industries

Kenneth GulleyChairman Elect

Lawson State Community College

Kenneth CostonTreasurer

Coston General Contractors

Dr. Deborah Horn, Bess. Board of Educ.Ross Mitchell, Baptist Health System

Sam Modder, Brown Service Funeral HomeJon Staggs, Alabama Power Company

Tim Thornton, UAB Medical WestMike Turner, Turner Tax

Hank Tyler, Henry H. Tyler EnterprisesRyan Underwood, Anthony Underwood Auto.

Thelma Vanderburg, First American Bank

Gene Cochran, Buffalo Rock CompaniesMelonie Delee, Alabama Adventure

Grover Dunn, Jefferson Co. Tax Collector Arthur Green, JeffCo District Attorney, Bess. Div.

Brian Hammonds, Brian's Carpet and TileDon Holmes, Holmes Oil Company

Joni Holt, Holt Insurance

Calendar of Events October 2006Calendar of Events October 2006City Hall

Chamber

Bes. Bus. Center

Civic Center

Bent Brook

Chamber

Chamber

Buffalo Rock

Heritage Trail

TBA

Mayor/Council Swearing In

Ambassadors Meeting

Coffee & Contacts

Tourism Division Meeting

Golf FORE Progress

Executive Committee Mtg.

Board of Director's Meeting

Business After Hours

Strategic Planning Retreat

BHHA Home Tour

End Daylight Savings Time

Halloween

Oct. 2

Oct. 3

Oct. 5

Oct. 5

Oct. 12

Oct. 17

Oct. 17

Oct. 19

Oct. 26-27

Oct. 28-29

Oct. 30

Oct. 31

9:00 A.M.

8:15 A.M.

7:30 A.M.

2:00 P.M.

Noon

11:30 A.M.

Noon

5:30-7:30 P.M.

9:00 A.M.

All Day

2:00 A.M.

All Day

WREN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLCCharlie Wren & Henry DeBardelebenPO Box 154Birmingham, AL 35061-0154(205) 744-4597 or (205) 424-1855fax (205) [email protected]*Residential/Commercial Construction & Renovation

Welcome New Member for SeptemberWelcome New Member for September