Connections 9 Ribbon 2 Cuttings 9 Events 3 Calendar 9 Grow Dothan 4 9 Workforce 5 Development 9 Business Briefs 6-9 9 Small Business 10-11 Development 9 CONNECTIONS C H A M B E R WHAT’S INSIDE June 2015 9 www.dothan.com (334) 792-5138 Quote of the Month “To be prepared is half the victory.” — Miguel de Cervantes Spanish Novelist The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce recently honored its small business members during the organization’s Small Business Week 2015. Held May 4-8, the week was filled with several seminars and exciting activities paying tribute to the area’s small businesses and their contributions to the economy. All the activities planned provided members the opportunity to not only network, but to also celebrate their accomplishments. Small Business Week 2015 was a week dedicated to bringing business owners and employees together to learn from the ideas, expertise and experiences of each other. The highlight of the week took place during the General Membership Luncheon held May 5 when the Chamber announced the finalists for the organizations’ annual Small Business Person of the Year award. A large number of well-deserving small business persons are nominated every year for this award. Once all the nominations have been received, the individuals are ranked on a point system that recognizes leadership in the community, customer satisfaction, business appearance and image, and professional and civic involvement. Criteria require that nominees reside in the Wiregrass area and own or operate a business with no more than 25 employees. The Chamber received a total of seven nominations this year, which were then narrowed down to three finalists. Congratulations to Donald Bolden, CapSouth Partners Inc., Scott Faulk, SERVPRO of Dothan, and Dutch Holland, Harley-Davidson of Dothan. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for the big announcement of the final award winner at the Oct. 8 Annual Meeting Luncheon. You won’t want to miss it! Before announcing the finalists’ names at the luncheon, last year’s award winner Mit Kirkland, from Scenic Cable Network and Production, gave an overview of what being the 2014 recipient has meant to him. He also talked about the importance of being a Chamber member. “If you get involved in the Chamber, your benefits will extend way beyond what’s listed in the Chamber’s membership guide,” said Kirkland. “You establish relationships through networking and attending Chamber events. Chamber members do business with Chamber members. You contribute by serving on committees and you help build a strong community by being part of a great organization.” Later in the program, Dr. Jack Sasser, president of Wiregrass Rehabilitation Services Inc., was the guest speaker. In his opening remarks, Dr. Sasser noted that his years of service in education and at WRC have all been a labor of love. “When you think of WRC, you remember the people side of it,” he stated. Dr. Sasser then had the audience repeat three important statements that everyone needs to say and believe within themselves. “You need to first say I like me; second, I can think for myself; and third, there is no problem that I can’t solve!” Dr. Sasser tells the individuals that he works with “I believe in you, I trust in you and I know you can do it!” In conclusion, he explained, “Small business is all about people and helping people.” Additional events throughout Small Business Week included a ladies luncheon and three informative and educational seminars: Safety in the Workplace, Marketing and Millennials: How the Game Has Changed and Engaging Your Employees. The Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff want to thank the General Membership Luncheon sponsors Ameris Bank, Cook’s Pest Control and the Dothan Eagle. It is with sponsorships like these that help to make Chamber activities a success. See page 10 for pictures and bios of the 2015 finalists and page 11 for event photos. Chamber Announces Finalists Small Business Person Of The Year Mit Kirkland, Scenic Cable Network and Production, gives an overview of what being the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Small Business Person of the Year has meant to him during the organization’s General Membership Luncheon held during Small Business Week 2015. Dr. Jack Sasser, president at Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc., was the guest speaker at the Dothan Area Chamber’s General Membership Luncheon held at WRC’s Sterling Events Services Rotary Hall. Over 180 Chamber members attended the General Membership Luncheon held during the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Week 2015.
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Connections9Ribbon 2Cuttings
9Events 3Calendar
9Grow Dothan 4
9Workforce 5Development
9Business Briefs 6-9
9Small Business 10-11Development
9
CONNECTIONSC H A M B E R
WHAT’SINSIDE
June 2015
9 www.dothan.com(334) 792-5138
Quoteo f t h e M o n t h
“To be prepared is half the victory.”
—MigueldeCervantes SpanishNovelist
TheDothanAreaChamberofCommercerecentlyhonored its small business members during theorganization’sSmallBusinessWeek2015.HeldMay4-8, the week was filled with several seminars andexciting activities paying tribute tothe area’s small businesses and theircontributionstotheeconomy.All the activities planned provided
memberstheopportunitytonotonlynetwork, but to also celebrate theiraccomplishments. Small BusinessWeek 2015 was a week dedicatedto bringing business owners andemployeestogethertolearnfromtheideas, expertise and experiences ofeachother.The highlight of the week took
placeduringtheGeneralMembershipLuncheon held May 5 when theChamber announced the finalistsfor the organizations’ annual SmallBusinessPersonoftheYearaward.A large number of well-deserving
smallbusinesspersonsarenominatedevery year for this award. Once allthenominationshavebeenreceived,theindividualsarerankedonapointsystem that recognizes leadership inthecommunity,customersatisfaction,business appearance and image, andprofessional and civic involvement.Criteriarequirethatnomineesresidein the Wiregrass area and own oroperateabusinesswithnomorethan25employees.The Chamber received a total of
seven nominations this year, whichwere then narrowed down to threefinalists. Congratulations to DonaldBolden, CapSouth Partners Inc.,Scott Faulk, SERVPRO of Dothan,andDutchHolland,Harley-DavidsonofDothan.BesuretomarkyourcalendarandjoinusforthebigannouncementofthefinalawardwinnerattheOct.8AnnualMeetingLuncheon.Youwon’twanttomissit!Before announcing the finalists’ names at the
luncheon, last year’s award winner Mit Kirkland,fromScenicCableNetworkandProduction,gaveanoverviewofwhatbeingthe2014recipienthasmeanttohim.Healsotalkedabouttheimportanceofbeing
willextendwaybeyondwhat’slistedintheChamber’smembership guide,” said Kirkland. “You establish
relationshipsthroughnetworkingandattendingChamberevents.ChambermembersdobusinesswithChambermembers.You contributeby servingoncommitteesandyouhelpbuildastrongcommunitybybeingpartofagreatorganization.”Later in the program, Dr. Jack
Sasser, president of WiregrassRehabilitation Services Inc., was theguestspeaker.Inhisopeningremarks,Dr. Sasser noted that his years ofserviceineducationandatWRChaveall been a laborof love. “Whenyouthink of WRC, you remember thepeoplesideofit,”hestated.Dr. Sasser then had the audience
repeat three important statementsthateveryoneneedstosayandbelievewithinthemselves.“YouneedtofirstsayIlikeme;second,Icanthinkformyself;andthird,thereisnoproblemthatIcan’tsolve!”Dr.Sassertellstheindividualsthat
he works with “I believe in you, Itrust inyouandIknowyoucandoit!” In conclusion, he explained,“Small business is all about peopleandhelpingpeople.”Additional events throughout
Small Business Week included aladiesluncheonandthreeinformativeand educational seminars: Safetyin the Workplace, Marketing andMillennials: How the Game HasChanged and Engaging YourEmployees.TheChamber’sBoardofDirectors
and staff want to thank the General MembershipLuncheon sponsors Ameris Bank, Cook’s Pest Control and the Dothan Eagle. It is withsponsorships like these that help tomakeChamberactivitiesasuccess.
See page 10 for pictures and bios of the 2015 finalists and page 11 for event photos.
Chamber Announces Finalists Small Business Person Of The Year
Mit Kirkland, Scenic Cable Network and Production, gives an overview of what being the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Small Business Person of the Year has meant to him during the organization’s General Membership Luncheon held during Small Business Week 2015.
Dr. Jack Sasser, president at Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc., was the guest speaker at the Dothan Area Chamber’s General Membership Luncheon held at WRC’s Sterling Events Services Rotary Hall.
Over 180 Chamber members attended the General Membership Luncheon held during the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Week 2015.
25-29 YearsAlabamaMotorExpressInc.BB&TFarleyNuclearVisitorsCenterFoxRunApartmentsParsonsGroup,LLCPersonnelResourcesSummerWoodTownhomesTheRileyGroupWiregrassRehabilitationCenter Inc.
Dyna-LiftInc.FairfieldInnDothanFirstChurchoftheNazareneL.DwightBaker,MD,FACSMichaelS.Nowell,DDSPinch-A-PennyPrimeCareofDothanSandersSecurityTargetMarketingInc.TheKuttAboveInc.VinsonPlumbingandElectric Inc.WesleyManorRetirement Center
1 to 4 YearsAmericanFamilyCareArmstrongandJordan,PCB&WClosets,Mirrorsand MoreInc.BerneyOfficeSolutionsBradshaw’sJewelersCampingWorldCompleteSecurityandSoundCovenantSteelH&RBlockMarkDunningIndustries
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Your membership is an investment inthe future of your business and the economic
progress of the Wiregrass area.
Thank you!
birmingham theological seminary –
Dothan campus3FoxchaseDrive
Dothan,AL36305AngelaSmith
(334)797-8572SCHOOLS-THEOLOGY
n2 Publishing2204StonebridgeRoad
Dothan,AL36301KeithSewell
(334)791-9732PUBLISHING
toadlick music Festival117EastridgeDriveDothan,AL36301
ChrisGilbert(334)791-7576
ENTERTAINMENT
Wiregrass surgical Associates
4300W.MainSt.,Suite24Dothan,AL36305
KaitlinHarris(334)793-7534
PHYSICIANS&SURGEONS–MD–VASCULAR
PHYSICIANS&SURGEONS–MD
PHYSICIANS&SURGEONS–MD–BARIATRIC
yOuRcOverpHOTO
Pictured (l-r) are Scott Faulk, SERVPRO of Dothan, Carthel “Dutch” Holland, Harley-Davidson of Dothan, and Donald Bolden, CapSouth Partners Inc., the 2015 finalists for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Person of the Year award.
Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9 a.m. to noonLocation:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)*Pre-RegistrationRequired(334)792-5138/
Dothan Area Young Professionals’ Business Brews – 5:15 p.m.Location:560WestgateParkway,Suite1(KBCButcher’sBlockCateringandMarket)
Seminar: ADA: How Does Your Business Measure Up? – 11:30 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)*Pre-RegistrationRequired(334)792-5138.Seepage11formoreinformation.
Ribbon Cutting: Praestare Engineering Inc. Relocation – 10:30 a.m.Location:148E.MainSt.
Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8:15 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)
Ribbon Cutting: State Bank and Trust Co. (SB&T) Expansion – 10:30 a.m.Location:4482W.MainSt.
Seminar: Five Things Business Owners Need To Know About Bank Financing – 11:30 a.m.Location:102JamestownBlvd.(Chamber)*Pre-RegistrationRequired(334)792-5138.Seepage11formoreinformation.
The Network Exchange – 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.Location:4980FlowersChapelRoad(HighlandHillsApartmentsClubHouse)
TeamoftheMonth“TheBreakfastClub”forclaimingthismonth’stitle.Pictured(seatedl-r)areAngie Bell, Courtyard by Marriott; Leanne Todd, HoustonAcademy;(standing)Josh Haisten,MidSouthBank;Matt Bolin, Coleman World Group; and Adam O’Brien, Wells Fargo Bank, NA. Team membersnot pictured are Suzanne Barrick, VIP Dothan Magazine;andRamona Miley,BerkshireHathawayHomeServicesShowcaseProperties.ThankyoutoallourAmbassadorsandDiplomats
whoserveastheeyesandears fortheDothanAreaChamber of Commerce. It is their dedication andsupportthatassistyourlocalChamberinmeetingitsgoals.Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber
Since the May newsletter update, Grow Dothanhascontinueditsworktoexpandthearea’seconomicdevelopment.Thetremendoussupportshownbythebusiness community and its leaders are testimoniesto the level of partnership that exists within thiscommunity. It demonstrates the commitment toensuringtheregion’sfuturegrowth;thecommitmentto meeting the needs of our community; thecommitmenttoprovidingbusinessopportunitiesandmorejobs.Justlastmonth,WayneFarmsannounceditsplans
toexpanditsDothanoperationadding500jobsand42,000squarefeettothefacility.ThisisgreatnewsforDothan,HoustonCountyandtheWiregrass.Weare thankful andgrateful toWayneFarms for theirconfidenceandsupport.ThisisGrowDothanworkingforyouandforour
community.Whenjobsaresecuredandbusinessesareexpanded,weallbenefitasthosedollarsturnoverinthecommunitythroughmoreretail sales,expandedtax base, contract opportunities and consumerconfidence.TheGrowDothanteamwaspleasedtoworkwith
MayorMikeSchmitz,thecitycommission,HoustonCounty Chairman Mark Culver and commission,State of Alabama Department of Commerce,Alabama Industrial Development Training, andDothanIndustrialDevelopmentBoard,tomakesureWayne Farms had everything they needed tomakethis important decision to add jobs and investmenthereinDothan.Todate,$953,966infinancialcommitmentshave
been made, including contributions of $300,000fromtheCityofDothanand$140,000fromHoustonCounty.Thethreeyeargoalis$2million.Won’t you come join us and be aGrowDothan
partner? You will be partnering with the strongestbusiness advocacy organization in the area, andhelping to equip it to build a stronger business
environment. A stronger business environment thatbenefitseveryone.Investing in the Grow Dothan capital campaign
provides the necessary resources for projects likeWayneFarmstohappen,andwethankallourcurrentinvestors.Ifyouarenotyetaninvestor,weencourageyoutoconsiderapledgeforthecontinuedeffortstogrowtheWiregrasseconomy.Whenit’sallsaidanddone,everyChambermember
benefits, and continues to benefit, from a growingandthrivingeconomy.Thank you for your consideration. Your support
WayneFarmsannouncedWednesday,May6,thatthecompanywillbeexpandingtheDothan,Alabamafreshprocessingfacility.The expansion will double the facility’s capacity
and includes building an additional 42,000 square-feet to the already existing structure and adding aminimumof500jobstothelocalarea.Theprojectistentativelyscheduledforcompletioninmid-2016.“Wayne Farms is excited for the opportunity
to expand our business and bring jobs to the localarea. With the rising demand for chicken we haveanopportunitytoincreaseouroutput,”statedClintRivers,WayneFarmschiefoperatingofficer.The current Dothan plant consists of a 105,000
appreciate the supportofourgovernor, theStateofAlabamaDepartmentofCommerce/AIDT,Dothan’smayorandcitycommission,variouscitydepartments,Houston County chairman and commission, theIndustrialDevelopmentBoardoftheCityofDothan,and the Grow Dothan team to support this greatexpansion in our community. The additional jobs,investmentandindirectimpactthisprojectwillbringtoourregionistremendous.WecannotthankWayneFarms and their team enough for their investmentandforthisgreatopportunityforourarea.”
Wayne Farms, LLC is the sixth-largest verticallyintegrated poultry producer in the U.S. withannual sales exceeding $1.9 billion. A subsidiaryof Continental Grain Co.,Wayne Farms owns andoperates 11 fresh and further-processed facilitiesthroughout the Southeast, producesmore than 2.6billion pounds of poultry products each year, andemploysmorethan8,900individuals.Producing products under the brand names of
WAYNE FARMS® fresh chicken; PLATINUMHARVEST® premium fresh chicken; DUTCHQUALITY HOUSE® chicken and CHEF’SCRAFT™ gourmet chicken, Wayne Farms has awell-knownhistoryofdeliveringexceptionalpoultryproductstosomeofthelargestindustrial,institutional,andfoodservicecompaniesacrossAmerica.
Wayne Farms Dothan Facility
Chamber Calls For Bill Passage To Streamline
Federal Permitting And Approval
TheDothanAreaChamberofCommercerecentlyjoinednearly200stateandlocalchambersinsigningon to amulti-industry letter in supportof theU.S.Senatepassing theFederalPermitting ImprovementAct, commonly known as permit streamlininglegislation.TheFederalPermittingImprovementActof2015
addresses the problem that far too many shovel-ready projects face lengthy project delays from theprolonged federal permitting and approval process.Permit streamlining helps speed up the permittingprocess and lets important projects move forward,fosteringjobcreation.The bill is designed to streamline the process of
issuing infrastructure permits in several importantways:
• Coordinate responsibilities among multipleagencies to ensure early agency involvement andcompliancewithdeadlines;
• Establish a reasonable process for determiningthe scope of project alternatives, so that theenvironmental review does not devolve into anendlessquesttoevaluateinfeasiblealternatives;
• Createapubliclyaccessible“dashboard”totrackprojects during the permitting review whileimposingagencyaccountability;and
• Reduce the statute of limitations to challengean environmental review under the NationalEnvironmental PolicyAct from six years to 150days.
The Act has since passed by the U.S. Senatecommittee by a 12-1 vote. Passage of this bill wasessentialtogrowingtheeconomy.Itdoesnotmandatethatanyparticularprojectisbuilt,butitdoesimposereviewschedulesonfederalagencies.Whenasimilarprocesswasdeployedontransportationconstructionprojects,itcutthetimetocompleteanenvironmentalreviewfrom73monthsto37months.
5
WORkfORCEDevelOPment
OnMay5,Alabama SenateBill 191 was passed into law.ThisActremovedtheAlabamaCommunity College systemfromundertheStateBoardofEducationandcreatedaBoardof Trustees of the AlabamaCommunity College System.Several pertinent excerpts oftheActfollow.BE IT ENACTED BY
THE LEGISLATURE OFALABAMA: Section 1.The Legislature finds and
determinesallofthefollowing:
(1)Thatitisnecessarytothewelfareofthestatethatitprovideworkforcedevelopmentinitiativesthatareresponsivetoindustryneedsfromhighlyspecializedtraining programs that help prepare entry levelemployeestomeetgrowingdemands.
(2)That the needs of the citizens, businesses, andindustriesofthestatearebestservedbyaunifiedsystem of institutions and programs deliveringexcellence inacademiceducation,adulteducation,andworkforcedevelopment.
(3)That a unified system is best supported andsupervised by a board of trustees devoted solelyto providing the best possible facilities, teaching,andinstructionthroughtheAlabamaCommunityCollegeSystem.
(4)That high quality, affordable, local educationalopportunities for students to obtain associate’sdegrees and to prepare for continuing theireducation at four-year institutions have been ahallmarkofAlabama’stwo-yearcollegesystemsinceits inception, that theboardof trusteescreatedbythis act is chargedwithmaintaining and buildinguponthoseoptionstoensurethatacollegeeducationremainsaffordableforallAlabamafamilies.
§16-60-111.
(a) There is established a Board of Trustees of theAlabama Community College System. The boardshallbecomposedofthefollowingmembers:
(2)SevenmembersappointedbytheGovernorsothatonemember of the board is a resident of eachofthesevencongressionaldistrictsinthestateasthedistrictsareconstitutedontheeffectivedateofthisarticle. Themember appointed by theGovernorpursuant to this subdivision, representing thecongressionaldistrictinwhichthemaincampusofAthensStateUniversityislocated,shallserveasthememberof theBoardofTrusteesofAthensStateUniversitypursuanttosubdivision(3)ofsubsection(a)ofSection16-47A-4.
(b)Allmembers appointed by theGovernor shall befree from any contractual, employment, personal,or familial financial interest in the AlabamaCommunityCollegeSystem.
§16-60-116.14
(a) TheAlabamaAviationCollege,formerlyknownastheAlabamaInstitutionofAviationTechnology,isestablishedasanindependentinstitutionwithintheAlabama Community College System responsiblefor providing aviation education and trainingstatewide.TheAlabamaAviationCollege shall beresponsible directly to the Chancellor, who shallprovide an annual budget that adequately fundsthe statewidemission of the college.Themissionofthecollegeshall includepreparingandtrainingmaintenance, service, and new build assemblytechniciansfortheaviationindustry.
§16-60-117.
The board may operate technical and workforcedevelopmentprogramsasarenecessaryandappropriateto provide a skilled workforce within the state. Suchtechnical and workforce development programs maybeprovidedthroughthe facilitiesandfacultiesof thecommunityandtechnicalcollegesormaybeprovidedatothersitesandutilizingsuchotherfacultyandstaffas are required to satisfy the needs of business andindustry.
Alabama Legislature Moves Community College From Under State Board Of Education
Hayden Camp (left), Dothan Education Foundation, delivers cookies to Principal Johnny Dixon, Rehobeth Middle School.
AMEA Announces 2015 Scholarship
Winners
Thirty-twohighschoolseniorswillenrollinafour-yearuniversityortwo-yearcollegethisyearwithhelpfromtheAlabamaMunicipalElectricAuthorityandits11membersthroughthe2015AMEAScholarshipProgram.Each of the 32 scholarship recipientswillreceive a $2,500 scholarship for a total of $80,000awardedinthisyear’sprogram.To be eligible for the AMEA scholarship or
technicalschoolscholarship,astudent’sfamilymustreceiveelectricservicefromamember’selectricutilityand the studentmust attend anAlabama collegeoruniversity.“We are very pleased with the response to this
year’s program and we congratulate the winners,”said Pamela Poole, AMEA Scholarship Programcoordinator.“ThroughsuchinitiativesastheAMEAScholarship Program, AMEA and its members arehelping enrich the lives of students throughout thestate, and the benefits of this program will have along,lastingeffect.”Thisyear’srecipientsare:
• Kaylee Clark, James Sturdivant and MichelleTuggle,BenjaminRussellHighSchool
• NicholasKellenberger,DothanHighSchool
• HenryMorris,ProvidenceChristianSchool
• Katherine Brayer, William Davis and CassidyWest,FairhopeHighSchool
• AlysaGauciandJewelWallace,FoleyHighSchool
• KyleJones,SpanishFortHighSchool
• Al’AsiaWalker,LaFayetteHighSchool
• BenjaminWilkerson,ChambersAcademy
• LauraFloydandAnQuavisSimpson,LanettHighSchool
• KarleeOliver,ValleyHighSchool
• LaceyFolmar,CrenshawChristianAcademy
• MichaelOdomandAbbiSanders,LuverneHighSchool
• Adriane King and Abbey Rowe, Opelika HighSchool
• Victoria Donaldson, Skylar Fontaine and JoycePleze,PiedmontHighSchool
• Amy Dennis and Philip Tice, Sylacauga HighSchool
• Monica James and Amber Smith, Booker T.WashingtonHighSchool
• CandaceWilson,Lee-ScottAcademy
The2015AMEATechnicalScholarshipwinnersare:
• BaileyFrost,SylacaugaHighSchool
• DanielleMartin,OpelikaHighSchool
• DylanLangley,EmmanuelChristianSchool
Steve Turkoski, Project Manager
Education Committee Recognizes Area TeachersIn recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week,
May 4-8, theDothanAreaChamber ofCommerce’sEducation Committee, Board ofDirectors andmanyvolunteerswerebusydeliveringalittleover470dozen
cookiestoareaschoolsbyweek’send.Thank you to the Dothan Technology Center’s
CulinaryDepartmentforthedeliciouscookies.
Tami Culver (left), Dothan Education Foundation, delivers cookies to Sarah Owen at Slingluff Elementary School.
Dr. Roy Watford, Education Committee chairman, delivers cookies to Summer Lisenby, special education teacher at Selma.Elementary School.
Cliff Mendheim, Prim and Mendheim, heads out to deliver cookies to Dothan High School, Dothan City Schools Central Office and ARC.
BuSINESSbrieFs
Your Chamber Of Commerce Helping Small Businesses Grow And Expand
“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.”
— Babe Ruth
In this final article aboutthe different components of
the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, I wouldlike to remind you that theChamber is focusedonfiveveryspecificstrategicgoals:
1. GrowtheeconomyoftheWiregrass;
2. Develop a seamless education and workforcesystem;
3. EnhancetheWiregrassregion’squalityoflife;
4. Foster collaboration and trust between theChamberandelectedofficials through improvedcommunication;and
The Chamber’s Membership DevelopmentCouncilandstrategicgoalnumberfivestates“Growmembership and provide resources necessary forbusinesspeopletocreate,sustainandexpandregionalcompanies.” The Council is chaired by Chamberboard member Lori Wilcoxon, general manager ofthe Wiregrass Commons Mall. The Council staffcoordinators are LaRhonda Robinson, director ofmembership; Steve Turkoski, project manager; andJaniceShepard,vicepresidentofadministration.Amajority of our local businesses are small, and
manyarefamily-ownedandoperated.TheWiregrassregion is known for producing great entrepreneurs.HarvardBusinessSchooldefinesentrepreneurshipasthe relentlesspursuitofopportunitywithout regardfor resources currently controlled. That’s where wecome in. The Chamber is your one-stop resourcecenterforlocalbusinesssuccessandgrowth.Letmesharesomeexamples.Are younew to the community?Doyouneed to
develop a wider business network? The Chamber’sNetwork Exchange, Spotlight on Business andGeneralMembershipeventsareexcellentnetworkingandlearningopportunities.Need information and support? The Chamber’s
ongoingbusinessseminarsandSmall Business Toolkit are excellent sources of information. Our businesscounseling, Resource Library, online informationandRevolvingLoanFundarevaluableresources.Andfinally,butprobablymostimportant,ourexperiencedstaff, as well as our volunteer Ambassadors and
Diplomats,areallheretoprovidepersonalassistanceonadailybasis.Have a story to tell? The Chamber’s Ribbon
Cuttings and monthly Chamber Connections newsletterareperfectwaystoshareyourstory.Need inspiration? No problem. Join us for our
Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony heldannuallyinAugust.OrmeetMitKirkland,our2014SmallBusinessPersonof theYear.You’llwalkawayinspiredbytheseamazingstories.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…
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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.
Dothan Final Stop For Smithsonian ExhibitTroy University Dothan’s Library will serve as the
finalstopforatravelingSmithsonianInstitutionexhibitexploringthehistoryoftheU.S.workforce,“TheWayWeWorked,”fromMay19-June25.Part of the Smithsonian’sMuseumonMain Street
program,“TheWayWeWorked”exploreshowworkhasbecomeacentralelementinAmericanculture,andtracesthemanychangesthathaveaffectedtheworkforceandworkenvironmentsover thepast150years, includingthe growth of manufacturing and increasing use oftechnology.Alsoinconjunctionwiththeexhibit,TroyUniversity
and The Cultural Arts Center will host several freepublicevents:
• A book talk with Dr. Jim Hansen, author of A Difficult Par: Robert Trent Jones and the Making of Modern Golf,Tuesday,May26,at6:30p.m.attheHighlandOaksGolfCourse;
• AscreeningofthedocumentaryQuiltmakers of Gee’s Bend at the Wiregrass Museum of Art Saturday,June6,from11:30a.m.to1:30p.m.;
• A workshop, Local HistoryWORKS!, with “TheWayWeWorked” Alabama lead scholar Dr. JohnKvach,Thursday,June11,from9:30a.m.to3p.m.attheDothanCampus,and
• A screening and discussion of the film Brother Joseph and GrottowithdirectorCliffVaughanandproducerCarolAnneVaughnCross,Sunday,June14,from2-4p.m.atSt.ColumbiaCatholicChurch.
Admissiontoalleventsisfreeandopentothepublic.Formoreinformationonevents,visithttp://spectrum.troy.edu/twww/ or contactDr.Olliff at (334) 983-6556,[email protected].
BuSINESSbrieFs
2-1-1 Presents Sip, Celebrate And Give
Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1, Southeast will host a seven-year anniversarycelebration and fundraiser Thursday, June 18, from 6-9 p.m. at TheGrand onFoster.Sip,CelebrateandGivewillfeaturelivemusic,acashbarandhorsd’oeuvres.Inadditiontoaliveandsilentauctiontohelpraisemuchneededfundsforthe
organization,2-1-1willalsobepromotingits2-1-1Club.Thepurposeofthe2-1-1Clubistoget211donorstocontribute$100eachtoWiregrassUnitedWay2-1-1annually.Tickets for the event are $25 each or two for $40. For tickets or additional
and easy access to information about health and human services. Informationand referral specialists assess callers’ needs, determine their options andprovideappropriatereferralstoprogramsandservicesthatcanhelp.WiregrassUnitedWay2-1-1providesthisservice24/7forpeopleneedinghelp
orwantingtogivehelpinsevensoutheastAlabamacounties.Thefamilyofservicesprovidedhelpsrestorethehealthandproductivityofindividuals,organizationsandworkplaces leadingtoan improvedqualityof life forourentirecommunity.Getconnected,getanswers.Formoreinformation,visitwww.wiregrass211.com.
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Poplar Head Farmers MarketEvery Saturday June 6 – July 25 • 8 a.m. - noonCornerofMainandSt.Andrewsstreets.SponsoredbyTheDowntownGroup of Dothan, this open air market features fresh locally grownvegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, etc. For more information,contact The Downtown Group at (334) 793-3097 or visit www.thedowntowngroup.com.
Music By MoonlightJune 11 & 25 • 7:30 p.m.LandmarkPark.Packapicnicsupper,bringthefamilyandfriendsandenjoyaneveningofgreatmusicunderthestarsinarelaxed,informalsetting.Free to attend.Formore information, call thepark at (334)794-3452orvisit www.landmarkparkdothan.com.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream SocialJune 14 • 5-7 p.m.Landmark Park. It’s a summertime treat for the whole family asLandmarkParkobservesNationalDairyMonth.Activitiesincludecowmilking,butterchurning,icecreammakingandmore.Plus,freesingledipicecreamcones.Admissioncostis$5adults,$3kidsandmembersfree. Formore information, call the park at (334) 794-3452 or visitwww.landmarkparkdothan.com.
Art Attack! June 22-26 • 9 a.m. - noon WiregrassMuseumofArtandConferenceCenter.It’sanartexplosionforages9through12:camperswillgetmessywithmixedmediafromcollagetospraypaint.TheywillalsolearnaboutthequiltsofGee’sBendandgettotakeaMuralTour.Allnewprojects;allsupplies included.Cost ismembers:$95.00;non-members:$105.00.Pre-registration isrequired.Formore information, call (334)794-3871, ext. 25or visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org.
Upcoming Member EventsTwo Great Publications,
One Great Idea!Ad Sales Campaign Currently Underway
You want to reach new residents and the business community. They want to know how to find you. The best way to achieve both goals is to advertise in the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Dothan’s Official Welcome Guide and the 2016 Membership Directory & Business Guide.
The Dothan Area Chamber and Print Services Inc., the Chamber member awarded this project, have begun the ad sales campaign for these 2016 publications. Chamber members (primary contact and/or
advertising agent) recently began receiving the Chamber’s project introduction letter, verification form(s) and a “Reserve Your Space” brochure.
Print Services will be contacting members about the advertising opportunities and has a media kit available online at www.psiprinter.com.
The Welcome Guide and Membership Directory & Business Guide will be mailed to Chamber members in late January 2016. High visibility through great distribution has been the key to the Welcome Guide’s success. Increased usage of the Membership Directory is a direct result of its convenience to find fellow business members to promote our business-to-business relationships. Don’t miss out on these important publications! Your company will benefit greatly by reaching all who look to the Dothan Area Chamber for information about Dothan businesses in 2016.
Distribution of the Welcome Guide (10,000) includes economic development prospects, new residents, prospective retirees and relocation families requesting information through the Chamber, 14 Chamber member apartment complexes for new residents, 20 Chamber member hotels/motels in-room distribution and the Dothan Utilities and Wiregrass Electric Authority offices to all new service customers. Great web exposure is another avenue of distribution for the 2016 Welcome Guide. The publication will be on the following websites: The City of Dothan, Houston County, Dothan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Print Services Inc.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact:
hasbeenanintegralpartofthehealthcarecommunityfor 11 years. The facility, located within SoutheastAlabamaMedicalCenter, is a long-term, acute-carehospital that specializes in the care of patients thatrequireanextendedhospitalization.NolandHospitalisDothan’sspecialtyhospital.The
specialized nursing care, advanced respiratorycare, certified wound care management, dietarymanagement, casemanagement, aswell as physical,occupationalandspeechtherapies.Thetypicallengthofstayaverages25days.ManypatientstransferdirectlyfromtheIntensive
CareUnittoparticipateinNolan’ssignatureprograms:pulmonary care, wound care or infectious diseaseprograms.Nolandisveryproudofitsoutcomes.This last year, NolandHospital was awarded the
Clinical Excellence Award among its six LTACHfacilities. Ventilator wean rate was 69 percent, andapproximately84percentofitspatientsdischargetoa less restrictive level of care such as home, skillednursing, rehabilitation or assisted living facilities.Nolandhasservedover2100patientsoverthelast11years.Noland Hospital Dothan invites you to make
plans to come and celebrate with them all theiraccomplishmentsFriday,May8,from11a.m.until1p.m.Therewillbefingerfoodsandtoursprovided.Formore information, contactWendyMorris, at
(334)699-4377.
The Art Of Pain Management Art ContestThe Southeast Pain Management Center is
conducting an Art of Pain Management art contestdedicated to patients who live with chronic pain. Inan effort to educate the public through art and torecognize the many who suffer with chronic pain,SoutheastPainManagementisnowacceptingvisualartexhibitsfromartist-patientsdealingwithchronicpain.Patientsareaskedtousethecontestasavehicleto
express some facet of their pain experience throughvisual artwork by submitting art pieces on 8”x10”,11”x14”,14”x18”or16”x20”canvasorpaper,utilizingmediumssuchaspaints,charcoalorpencil.In addition to the art, submissions should include
The top 10 entries will be framed and displayedpermanently in the Southeast Pain ManagementCenter.FirstplacewinnerwillreceiveaniPad,secondplacewinneraVisagiftcardandthirdplacearestaurantgiftcard.The entry dates areMay 6 through Aug. 5,, with
the winner being announced Aug. 11. AnUnveilingReceptionwillbeheldTuesday,Sept.1,at5:30duringSeptember’sPainAwarenessMonth.ArtsubmissionscanbedroppedoffattheSoutheast
PainManagementCenterlocatedat208HavenDrivein Dothan. All entries will become property of theSoutheastPainManagementCenterFormoreinformation,contactSonyaJordanat(334)
793-8196.
DEF To Host Golf Tournament
TheDothanEducationFoundationis preparing to host its annual
Morris Slingluff MemorialGolf Tournament to beheld Monday, June 8, attheDothanCountryClub.Through this tournament,
DEF has awarded over $350,000 back to DothanCitySchoolsbywayofteachergrants.Thisyear,theorganizationhopestoreachagoalof$40,000forthegrantprogram.Communityandtournamentsponsorsthisyearare
Michelin North America - Dothan Team, SlingluffUnitedInsurance,CapSouthPartnersInc.,theTomZiegenfelder Family, as well as numerous golf holeandteamsponsors.A four-person scramble, lunch starts at 11 a.m.
withteeoffatnoon.Thedayincludescashprizesforhighest gross and net score, a $10,000 hole-in-oneandachancetowinasetofMichelintires.Thecost is$500perteamor$125perperson.A
holesponsorshipcanbesecuredfor$125.To sign up or for more information, call the
DEF office at (334) 794-6585 or visit www.dothaneducationfoundation.org.
Tom West Co. is pleased toannounceAnessaKenthasjoinedthe company as an associatebroker. Kent, a multi-milliondollar producer, has years ofexperienceandknowledgeinrealestate and enjoys working withsellersandbuyers.“We are thrilled to have
team,sheisreadytohelpmarketandrepresentyourinterestsduring the saleor acquisitionof yournexthome.“KentisanativeofOpelikaanda1990graduateof
AuburnUniversitywith abachelor’sdegree. She isalsoaproudveteranoftheNavy.Sheandherhusband,Greg,havetwochildrenandresideinDothan.For more information, give Kent a call at (334)
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties isexcited to welcome ChristineWhite to their dynamic team ofrealestateprofessionals.Whitehas10yearsofrealestate
experience which includes sevenyears as an REO assetmanager.Her goal is to provide hercustomers and clients with the
TheSoutheastAlabamaCommunityTheatrewillhostfourSummerTheatreCampsforkidsthisJuneand July. Online registration is now open for theweeksofJune15,June22,July13andJuly20.ThecampsareheldatTheCulturalArtsCenterand
registrationisrequiredinadvance.SEACTSummerTheatreCampsforKidsofferinstructioninstaging,choreography, costumes and performance.Childrenages 5 and older spend the weekmemorizing linesandblockingforanopenperformanceonFridayforfriendsandfamily.Make it aSEACTsummer for yourchildren.For
more information, call the SEACT office at (334)794-0440, email [email protected] or visit www.seact.com.
BuSINESSbrieFs
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Dr. Jack Sasser, long-timechiefofficer/administratoroftheWiregrass Rehabilitation CenterInc.,hasannouncedhisintenttoretirebytheendofthe2015.Dr.Sasser has served as chief officerof the Dothan non-profit forthe past 19 years. The Board ofDirectorsisannouncingitsintentto employ a successor to Dr.Sasserinthenextfewmonths.
Dr.Sasser,aretirededucatorfor36years,becamethe administrator, now president, ofWRC in 1996.He has nurtured WRC as a business with a socialpurpose,growingabudgetof$1.6million into$10millionannually.Underhisguidance,WRCandtheDothanRotary
Children’s Foundation raised nearly $1 millionto establish an Endowment Fund for facilitiesmaintenance, opened a new Work Services Centerraising over $1 million in less than a year for thatproject,transformedaformertrainingworkshopintotwo thriving retail stores, and received two Section811grantsforhousingforindividualswithdisabilities.Additionally, during Dr. Sasser’s tenure atWRC,
over 18,000 individuals with disabilities in the
tri-states area have been assisted in overcomingvocationalbarriersandsecuringemployment.ForitsachievementsunderDr.Sasser’sleadership,WRCwasawarded the Alabama Association of RehabilitationFacilitiesOutstandingFacilityoftheYearAward.Dr. Sasser’s civic role in the community is
noteworthy.HisisamemberandpastpresidentoftheDothanRotaryClub,amemberoftheDothanAreaChamberofCommerceandaformerboardmemberfor the Community Intensive Treatment Program,FamilyGuidanceCenterandCovenantHospice.Additionally,Dr.Sasser isaRotaryFoundationof
Rotary International two-time Paul Harris Fellow,the 2010 Alabama Association of RehabilitationFacilitiesOutstandingRehabilitation Professional oftheYear,theDothanRotaryClub2011-12Rotarianof theYear,andarecipientof theW.RobertBrownAndalusiaHighSchoolOutstandingGraduateAward.In2014,Dr.Sasserwas inductedintotheDothan
Business Hall of Fame. This prestigious honorrecognizes the accomplishments and contributionsofpastandpresentcommunitybusinessleaders,theirdedication and commitment to economic growth,personalintegrity,andalifetimespentdemonstratingcivic leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarianismtowardtheirfellowcitizens.
Neurosurgery.Dr. Schmitz is on call for you 24/7.Flowers Hospital welcomes Marcus P. Schmitz, M.D., to the medical staff. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Dr. Schmitz brings new services to the hospital, and focuses on treating brain and spine conditions. A board-certified neurosurgeon, Dr. Schmitz brings more than 20 years of experience to the Wiregrass area. Dr. Schmitz and his wife have two adult children. He is now accepting new patients.
TheDothan Leadershipmonument, which honorssevenofthecity’spastbusinessleaders,willbededicatedinabriefceremonyThursday,June18,at10a.m.The public is invited to attend and pay tribute to
themen from 1964-1968who helped our city groweconomically: EustaceBishop Sr., JohnConti, RufusDavisII,JosephDonofro,PaulFelts,HarryHallandJamesT.“Red”McGouirk.
Located at126N.St.AndrewsSt. by theDothanCivicCenter, theDothanLeadershipmonumentwasdesignedby localarchitectAndyGosselin.Therewillbe a reception with the families of the men on themonumentfollowingthededication.Formoreinformation,callKerryFarrell,TheMain
Event,at(334)699-1475.
Chamber Names 2015-2016
Nominations And Elections Committee
The 2015-2016 Nominations and ElectionsCommitteehasbeen appointed to select the slateof nine candidates that will each serve three-yearterms, replacing the directors currently on theChamberBoardofDirectorswhose regular termsexpire this fall. Those on the Nominations andElectionsCommitteeare:
Chair of the BoardHope JohnsonFriend Bank
Chairmen-ElectForrest RegisterRegister Realty Co. Inc.
Immediate-Past ChairmanBob WoodallBob Woodall Air Care Systems Inc.
Past Chairman Mark SalibaAlfred Saliba Corp.
Past Chairman Jeff ColemanColeman World Group
Past ChairmanCharles BuntinTom West Co.
Past ChairDr. Linda C. YoungWallace Community College
Dr. David ArringtonTroy University
Blake Daughtry The Daughtry Group
Rob Goldsmith Larry Blumberg and Associates (LBA Hospitality)
Kevin Payne Slingluff United Insurance
Amy Schutz Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity Inc.
Velma J. Tribue Velma Tribue State Farm Insurance
Roy Watford House of Flowers
As specified in the By-Laws, this committeeis made up of the chairman, chairman-elect, thepast five chairmen and seven Chamber membersrepresenting business classification codes. Theimmediatepastchairmanservesasthechairmanofthecommittee.Members of the Dothan Area Chamber of
Commerce wishing to recommend someone as aBoardMembermustdosoby5p.m.June12.Namesshould be submitted to Bob Woodall, chairman,Nominations and Elections Committee, DothanArea Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 638,Dothan,AL36302.Allnamesshouldbesubmittedinwritten form,with the recommendation signedbytheindividualmembermakingthenomination.
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Donald Bolden,CapSouth Partners Inc.
Donald Bolden isa lifelong resident ofDothan, graduatingfrom Dothan HighSchool in 1968 andattending WallaceCommunityCollege.Heenteredthelifeinsurancebusiness following thedeathof his father,Paul
Canaanwassoldin1993andBoldenresumedhis career in investments and insurance. In2001, he established CapSouth Partners Inc., acomprehensiveinvestmentandwealthmanagementfirmwhereheservesaspresidentandseniorwealthadvisor.CapSouthhasexpandedovertheyearsandhasofficesinAlabamaandGeorgia.
Valuing community involvement, Bolden is astaunch advocate for the arts thoughhis supportof organizations such as Patti Rutland Jazz andSoutheastAlabamaCommunityTheatre.Hewasnamed by SEACT as The Arts 2010 BusinessPersonof theYear.Asoneof theoriginal boardmembersoftheWiregrassHopeGroup,heservedfor26years,manyof thoseaspresident.Hewasan organizing member of the Dothan TennisAssociationandwasinfluentialinthedevelopmentoftheWestgateTennisCenter.
Boldenwas the catalyst behindwhatwe nowknow as the Wiregrass Economic Forum – anannual event recognizing and celebrating thecontributions of businesses to the Wiregrasseconomy. This event brings approximately 350peopletogethereachyeartorecognizecompaniesthat are making an impact in our area, and hasfeaturedsuchspeakersasJimmyRane,Dr.DavidBronnerandMayorMikeSchmitz.
Bolden and his wife Sally have beenmarriedforover40yearsandhavethreechildrenandfivegrandchildren. They are organizing members ofWiregrassChurch.
And The 2015 Finalists Are …Small Business Person Of The Year
SMAllbusinessDEvElOpMENT
Scott Faulk,SERVPRO of Dothan
Scott Faulk is theowner and operator ofSERVPRO of Dothanand SERVPRO ofCoffee, Dale, GenevaandHenrycounties.Heis a longtime residentof the Wiregrass andattended Dothan CitySchools.
Faulk earned a bachelor’s degree in civilengineeringfromAuburnUniversityandworkedincivilengineeringdesignandconstructionfor18years.In2012,heandhiswifeDaphnerealizedtheirdreamofowningtheirownbusinesswhentheypurchasedSERVPROinDothan.
Faulk is a member of TheDothan-HoustonCountyRotaryClubandFirstUnitedMethodistChurchwhere he serves on the Lay LeadershipCommittee.
SERVPROisaproudsupporterofTheChildAdvocacy Center, Kiwanis Club of Dothan,Dothan City Schools, Providence ChristianSchool,NorthsideMethodistAcademy,HoustonAcademy, Association of the United StatesArmy, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce,Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, ExchangeCenter For Child Abuse Prevention, WiregrassRehabilitation Center Inc., Dothan EducationFoundation,DothanRescueMission,AmericanCancerSocietyandUnitedWay.
SERVPROspecializesinfireandwaterclean-up and restoration from damage caused by fireand water in both residential and commercialstructures.
FaulkandhiswifeDaphnehavebeenmarriedfor21yearsandhavetwochildren–LawsonandClaire.DaphneisvicepresidentoffinancewithOncology Supply Inc. and has been with thecompanyfor15years.ScottandDaphnearebothgraduatesofNorthviewHighSchool.
Carthel “Dutch” Holland,Harley-Davidson of Dothan
Carthel “Dutch”Holland is the proudowner of the Harley –Davidson of Dothanstore, a family-ownedbusiness that wasestablished in 1972.Born and raised in
Slocomb, Alabama, as a youth, Holland helpedhisfatheronthefarm.In1951,heenlistedintheU.S.Armyuntilhe returnedback toDothan inthemid-1950s.
HollandstartedworkingforLoftin’sTransferandStorageCo.wherehe tookaDaleCarnegiecourse which gave him the nickname “Dutch”which he uses to this day.He alsomet hiswifeSara while working for Loftins and the couplemarriedApril1,1956.
Holland left Loftin’s to become the unitadministrator for the National Guard post inSlocombwherehespentatotalof34years.
Holland had always been interested inmotorcycles and in 1968, he wrote a letter tothe Harley-DavidsonMotor Co. about openinga dealership inDothan. It took three years, buttheMotorCo.awardedHollandthefranchisein1972.Holland,hiswifeandtheirsonBillwerethemainemployeesat the timeandhavegrownthedealershipfromthesmallshopnexttoaclothingstoretothedealershipweseetoday.
HollandalsobegantheWiregrassChapteroftheHarleyOwnersGroup in1986andcan stillbeseenoutridingwiththegroup.Thedealership,and the Harley Owners Group, support manylocalcharities intheWiregrassbyholdingpokerrunsandtakingdonations fororganizations likethe Southern Alabama Regional Council onAging,MuscularDystrophyAssociation, SpecialOlympics, Southeast Alabama Child AdvocacyCenterandWiregrassChildren’sHome.
Small Business Week Events
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ADA: How Does Your Business Measure Up?
Dothan Area ChamberJune 11 • 11:30 a.m.
Wiregrassareasmallbusinessesareseeinganincreaseinthreateninglettersfrom theADAGroup.These letters are real threats typically directed at anunknowngeneralcounselforyourcompany.Thedetailsofthelawsuitdescribeallegedviolationsoftheaccessiblylawsandthreatenlitigationinfederalcourtconcerningaccessfordisabledindividuals.Last year, the Auburn-Opelika area small businesses received 90+
potential letters stating various potential ADA violations from a variety ofsources including the ADA Group (www.oanow.com/news/auburn/article_4e70d0b6-063c-11e4-b82f-0017a43b2370.html). These lettersshouldbetakenseriouslyandlegalconsultationishighlyrecommended.Join the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Attorney Bricker
Daughtry, shareholderwithCarrAllisonLawFirm’sBirminghamoffice, forthis important seminar titledADA:HowDoesYourBusinessMeasureUp?Thursday,June11,at11:30a.m.attheChamberfacility.Youwillhearfirst-handhowyoucanmakesureyourbusinessisincompliance
Five Things Business Owners Need To Know About Bank Financing
Dothan Area Chamber June 18 • 11:30 a.m.
Gettingandkeepingasuccessfulborrowingrelationshipwithabankcanbeakeycomponenttobusinesssuccess.Whetheryourbusinessisseekingbankfinancingoralreadyhasit,youneedtobe“intheknow”onthe“dos”and“dont’s”ofearningandkeepingthecapitalflowingintoyourbusiness.Join theDothanAreaChamber andLunelle Siegel, senior vice president
atBBVACompassCommercialBillingService, for the seminarFiveThingsBusinessOwnersNeedToKnowAboutBankFinancingThursday,June18,at11:30a.m.attheChamberfacility.Intheaftermathofthegreatrecession,sometakeawayssurfacedforbusiness
ownersconfrontingdecliningsalesandthefightforprofitability.Thesehard-learned lessons and other ingredients for success in gettingwhat youwantfromthebankwillbethetopicofthisinsightfulprogram.Pre-registrationisrequiredbynoonTuesday,June16.Thecosttoattend
Mark Your Calendar For These Small Business Seminars
yOuRcHAmber
InpreparationfortheupcomingproductionoftheDothanAreaChamberofCommerce’s2016 Membership Directory and Business Guide, ChambermembersweresenttheirmembershipverificationformMay1.IfyouhavenotalreadyreceivedyourVerificationformthroughthemail,please
contact LaRhonda Robinson, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 ore-mail [email protected],July6,2015.
Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 5/11/15. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.
Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for March:62,598in2014;62,108in2015
57,965in2014;58,471in2015Employed
Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for March:7.4%in2013;5.9%in2014
Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for March:21issued($5.12million)in2014;22issued($4.92million)in2015
Home Sales in Dothan for March:91soldin2014;109soldin2015
Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for March:4,968in2014;3,731in2015
Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for March:$1,375,072in2014;$1,451,462in2015(County)$4,528,400in2014;$4,057,544in2015(City)