Our 94th Year Believe in Bessemer July 2016

Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce

CONTENTS:

Community Events / News........2, 9

4th of July Celebration……………….……..4 Chamber Calendar …………………………….6 Chamber News……………..…...........................7

Chamber / Community News…….8 Free Workshops………………………….….10, 11 Nomination Form………………..……….12, 13

2017 Bessemer Magazine………….…..14 Corporate Sponsorship…...……..…….…15

Bessemer Recreational Complex Ribbon Cutting Celebration

The Honorable Mayor Kenneth Gulley and Bessemer City Council members are excited to cut the ribbon for Bessemer’s first recreational center

since 1968. Gulley stated that when he ran for office in 2010, he promised that the citizens of Bessemer a recreational center and today he is

pleased to say that he has kept that promise. The mayor and council have worked on the plans for the recreation center and have developed a

plan that looks absolutely gorgeous and will be rewarding for the citizens of Bessemer. The Recreation Center is slated for opening in August

and will feature an indoor pool with kiddie slide, indoor walking track, fitness and workout areas, activity rooms and a collegiate-sized

gymnasium.

The celebration will be held Saturday, July 2nd starting with the ribbon cutting at noon. This is a free community festival from Noon until 4:00

pm. The event will feature a cook-off, local talent performing and will feature food and arts & crafts vendors.

A concert will start at 7 pm and will feature Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review. Also performing will be Urban Mystic, Alvin Garrett

and Sunshine Anderson. Tickets are $20 for the evening concert. Tickets can be purchased by calling 332-2346 or going to Bessemer City Hall

or Bessemer Civic Center starting today between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Civic Center on Saturday

between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

bessemerchamber.com JULY 2016

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

SATURDAY, JULY 2ND

Bessemer Recreational Complex

Highway 150 & Hall Avenue

Ribbon Cutting and Festival

12:00 – 4 pm

Cook-off, local talent, kid zone, food and arts & crafts vendors

Contact city hall at 424-4060 for more information

~ Free to attend ~

Concert

Featuring Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review

Gates open at 6 pm – tickets $20

MONDAY, JULY 4TH

City of Bessemer’s 4th of July Celebration

Bessemer City High School

6:30 – 9:00 pm

Free food, fun and giveaways for the entire family

Meet elected officials and enjoy patriotic music

Fireworks @ 8:45 pm

THURSDAY, JULY 7TH / 14th / 21st / 28th

Bessemer Farmers Market

Alex Bradford Park (1st Avenue N. and 19th St., Bessemer)

4 – 6:30 pm

Fresh, local and healthy food for you and your family

www.bessemerfarmersmarket.com

~ Occurs EVERY Thursday during the summer ~

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2016

~ Free Seminar ~

How to Start Your Own Business

Downtown Entrepreneurial Center

401 19th Street North, Bessemer, Al. 35020

6pm – 8pm

Call 481-4800 or visit www.bessemerincubator.net for more info.

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016

~ Free Seminar ~

25 Timeless Principles of Exceptional Businesses

Downtown Entrepreneurial Center

401 19th Street North, Bessemer, Al. 35020

3:30 – 5 pm

Call 481-4800 or visit www.bessemerincubator.net

for more info.

Training Business Leaders by Devron Veasley

It’s the middle of 2016 and it is a typical Alabama summer meaning

it is a HOT and people are active! The residents of Bessemer are not

the only thing that is moving around though, the business

community is also humming along. As a matter of fact, the business

community is growing and that is something about which all the

Bessemer Cutoff should be excited.

In the next few months, residents of the Bessemer cutoff will

witness the opening of the new Bessemer Community Center and

the new City Hall Building. Residents will also see the

transformation of the area around 21st street and 1st avenue with the

new Masonry Arts project. While these are projects completed by

the City of Bessemer and large private industry, the area’s small

business community is also growing and providing needed jobs.

Recently, new restaurants have opened or expanded, small industrial

companies are purchasing additional facilities and downtown

buildings, some long vacant, are now being frequently toured by

potential Lessors.

To assist the vibrant Bessemer business community and continue

growing the area economy, the Bessemer Business Incubation

System, a division of the Bessemer Industrial Development Board,

will be providing monthly training workshops. The workshops will

be aimed at training entrepreneurs in startup practices, business

finance, marketing, business planning and use of information

technology in business. In July, the programs will include seminars

on How to Start Your Own Business and 25 Principles of

Exceptional Businesses. Details about these and future programs

can be found at www.bessemerincubator.net or by calling The

Downtown Entrepreneurial Center at 205.481.4800. The general

public is encouraged to attend these informative programs. The

more the public is educated in how to start, maintain and thrive in

private business, the better for the entire community!

How to Start Your Own Business

Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Location: Downtown Entrepreneurial Center

401 19th Street North, Bessemer, Al. 35020

Cost: Free

25 Timeless Principles of Exceptional Businesses

Date: Thursday July 28, 2016

Time: 3:30pm – 5pm

Location: Downtown Entrepreneurial Center

401 19th Street North, Bessemer, Al. 35020

Cost: Free

Congratulations Bessemer Police Chief

Nathaniel Rutledge

Chief Nathaniel Rutledge received the Heart of an

Eagle award from the BSA GAC Cherokee District.

Charles "Red" Farmer and Jonathan McConnell also

received an Eagle award. Bobby Humphrey was the

keynote speaker for the event that was held on June 9th

at Hueytown United Methodist Church.

Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Sponsorship Investments

Diamond $10,000

Platinum $ 7,500

Gold $5,000

Silver $3,000

SBP $1,000

Call us at 425-3253 for more details

2016 BOARD MEMBERS

JULY 2016

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bessemerchamber.com

Mitch Avery

Alabama Gas

Richard Bishop

ITT Technical Institute

Lynn Brown

Alabama Splash Adventure

Trisha Galvez

Legacy YMCA

Carlton Jackson

Bessemer Fire Department

Louis Jones

Mt. Hebron Baptist Church

Vicki Lane

AAA Bessemer

Candice Lee

TBGS Holdings / Masonry

Arts

Reggie Mays

United Prosthetics and

Orthotics

Dr. Fred Primm

Bessemer Board of Education

Cristy Richardson

America’s First Federal Credit

Union

John Sides

Alabama Power Company

Hank Tyler

Town & Country Ford

Devron Veasley Bessemer

Business Center

Trina Vines

Oak Trace Care and

Rehabilitation Center

Jerry Yarbrough

Bessemer Utilities

Past Chairman

Eric Messer

Shoals

Ambulance

Chairman

Joni Holt

Holt Insurance

Agency

Chairman

Elect

Nathan Clark

Medical West

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS IN STOCK at the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce

The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce has

promotional items for sale. We have X-large

Beach towels and chairs for $20.00 each. Stop by

and pick up your items at 321 18th Street N.,

Bessemer, AL 35020.

2016 Investors

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Alabama Splash Adventure

America’s First Federal Credit Union

Chambers Funeral Home Comfort Care Home Health & Hospice

Engineering Environmental Forestry Service

Legacy YMCA Paden & Paden, PC

Pinnacle Motorsports

Regional Paramedical Services State Farm Insurance Agent, Julie Bell

Trustmark National Bank

William Parsons CPA

Treasurer

Connie Fuell

Dex Imaging

Finance

Chairman

Kela Pryor

City of Bessemer

Place Your Ad in

the Chamber

Communique

FULL PAGE AD

$75 per occurrence

SMALL AD

$50 per month or 6

months for $240

JULY 2016

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CHAMBER NEWS (2016 Chamber Calendar)

bessemerchamber.com

Think BESSEMER

July

No Meeting Ambassadors

Tuesday, July 19, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.

Tuesday, July 19, Noon Board of Directors Meeting

August

Tuesday, August 2, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting

Thursday, August 11, 5:30pm 25th Annual Business Awards

and First Responders Gala

Tuesday, August 16, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.

Tuesday, August 16, Noon Board of Directors Meeting

September

Tuesday, September 13, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting

Wednesday, September 14, Noon Chamber Membership Mtg.

Tuesday, September 20, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.

Tuesday, September 20, Noon Board of Directors Meeting

October

Tuesday, October 4, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting

Thursday, October 6 Golf “FORE” Progress

Tuesday, October 18, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.

Tuesday, October 18, Noon Board of Directors Meeting

PINK & PURPLE PARADE

November

No Meeting Ambassadors

Tuesday, November 15, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.

Tuesday, November 15, Noon Board of Directors Meeting

December

Tuesday, December 6, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting

Thursday, December 8, 5-7pm Chamber Christmas Open

House

Saturday, December 10, 2:00pm City of Bessemer Christmas

Parade

Tuesday, December 20, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.

Tuesday, December 20, Noon Board of Directors Mtg.

25th Annual Bessemer

Business Awards and First

Responders Gala Thursday, August 11, 5:30 pm

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS:

8 Signs of Heat Overexposure Heavy sweating. But if heat stroke sets in, the body

can no longer compensate and stops sweating.

Pale skin

Muscle cramps

Feeling tired and weak

Altered mental status (confusion or disorientation)

Headache

Becoming semi-conscious, or passing out.

Nausea or vomiting

6 First Steps to take After Recognizing Heat-Induced

Illness Call 911.

Get the person out of the sun and into a cool area. An

air-conditioned area is ideal, but moving someone into

the shade will also help.

Apply water to help the person cool off.

Apply ice to the neck or armpits, where large blood

vessels are close to the surface.

Remove any heavy clothing

Immerse the body in cool water, either at a swimming

pool or in a bathtub.

NEW MEMBERS - JUNE 2016

Cloverdale Enterprises LLC

Gregory Scott

130 Hall Avenue

Bessemer, AL 35020

PH 205-427-4714

gregoryleescott@gmail.com

*Convenience Store

The Place TP LLC

Charity Hutchins

921 19th Street North

Bessemer, AL 35020

PH 205-335-4057 or 205-434-5704

theplacetpllc@gmail.com

*Event Rental / Caterer

Tower Loan of Bessemer

Bryan Dickerson

5031 Ford Parkway, Ste 102

Bessemer, AL 35022

PH 205-432-1093, F 205-432-1096

Mgr933@towerloan.com

*Bank / Financial Services

bessemerchamber.com JULY 2016

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CHAMBER

JUNE 2016

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2016 CHAMBER

AMBASSADORS

Coordinator

Lori Chisem, Lawson State Community College

Co-Coordinators

Daryl Owens, Bessemer City Schools

Andie Sloan, Comfort Care

Secretary

Nelda Pate, Retired

Mara Allen, Latch and Live Foundation

Kay Baggett, Retired

Sarah Beasley, Joe Beasley Memorial

Foundation, Inc

Sarah Belcher, Retired

Tamala Briggins, Oak Trace Care & Rehab

Erin Cooney, Holt Insurance Agency

Susan Franklin, TBGS Holdings

Paije Frazier

Sadie Harris, Retired

Shirley Horn, Retired

Latesia Jefferson, Oak Trace Care & Rehab

Charles King, Regional Paramedical Services

Doris Lewis, City of Bessemer

Claire Mitchell, Visalus - Body by Vi

Kenya Rose

Lula Walter, City of Bessemer

Trisston Wright Burrows, Moore Coal Co.

Ambassadors are the key resource in

extending hospitality in the Bessemer area

and are experienced in business,

community, and promotional arenas.

An Ambassador must serve as an active

public relations arm of the Chamber and be

prepared to meet visitors, local businesses,

and various forms of the media.

We encourage you join the ambassador

program. The ambassadors meet on the 1st

Tuesday of each month at 8:30am at the

Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce.

25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala

It’s the 25th Anniversary for the Bessemer Business Awards. Successful planning is being

made by the 2016 executive committee. We are pleased to have these awards around for 25

years. The committee is planning to make this year’s event very special.

This year’s gala will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the Bessemer Civic

Center.

Many changes have taken place over the years, but the awards and recognitions continued.

This will be the 25th year for the Business of the Year, the 14th year for the Law Enforcement

Officer of the Year, the 14th year for the Firefighter of the Year, the 10th Year for the Deputy

Sheriff of the Year and the 4th year for the Doctor of the Year.

I encourage you to make a nomination for the Business of the Year and the Doctor of the Year.

The nomination form is included in this newsletter and the deadline for nominations is July

21st.

Make sure to support this event and join us as we recognize and honor our first responders.

They spend countless hours protecting us and this will be a grand event for you to attend and

say thank you.

Sponsorships are $1000.00. Tables are $400.00 and individual tickets are $60.00. Call the

Chamber at 425-3253 to make your reservations.

10 Good Reasons to Buy Local

First

Significantly more money re-

circulates in our area when

purchases are made at locally

owned, rather than nationally

owned businesses: More money

is kept in the community

because locally owned

businesses purchase from other

local businesses and service

providers.

New jobs are provided by local

businesses.

Our one-of-a-kind businesses are

a part of our distinctive

character.

Local business owners invest in

community.

Customer service is usually

better.

Competition and diversity leads

to more choices.

Reduced environmental impact.

Public benefits far outweigh

public costs.

Encourages investment in our

area.

Non-profits receive greater

support.

Think BESSEMER

COMMUNITY

bessemerchamber.com JULY 2016

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Don Gaylor Retires After 18 Years

With the City of Bessemer

Congratulations to Mr. Don Gaylor, Director

of the Building and Inspections Department

for the city of Bessemer, he will retire in

July. Mr. Gaylor has been with the city

since 1998. He will be missed.

Tower Loan of Bessemer Celebrates New Location With Ribbon Cutting

CCAA…”Building a Better Alabama Through Strong Chambers of Commerce”

The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) consists of Chambers of Commerce, their executives and staff, and members of

business and community organizations that directly serve chamber of commerce work in the State of Alabama.

CCAA has a long tenure as the preeminent organization serving Chamber of Commerce professionals, and the Chambers of Commerce they

represent, in the State of Alabama. The organization exists to strengthen the vital role local Chambers of Commerce play in economic and

community development.

In addition, CCAA provides its members with exceptional services in the areas of advocacy, professional development, and communication

of issues that affect the local business community. CCAA also serves as a clearinghouse for business-related information, peer-to-peer

networking opportunities and other contacts that serve the needs of local Chamber of Commerce professionals.

In 2003, the grassroots efforts of CCAA were strengthened when The Partnership was formed between CCAA and the Business Council of

Alabama (BCA). The BCA/CCAA Partnership is the first of its kind in the United States and has become a model for other states. Together,

the two groups represent the interests and concerns of over one million working Alabamians.

CHAMBER

Left (Top photo) – Don Gaylor and Roderick Evans

Left (Bottom photo) – Lula Walter and Don Gaylor

Right (Top Photo) – Tower Loan of Bessemer Ribbon Cutting

Right (Bottom photos) – Daryl Owens presents Ribbon Cutting certificate from the

chamber. Chamber members enjoy refreshments at ribbon cutting event.

The

Latch and Live Foundation Takes on Homelessness in Bessemer

The Latch and Live Foundation held its first Annual “Imagine Me” gala on Saturday, June 25th at the EDU Warehouse in Bessemer. Over 200

gathered to support this worthy cause. The Latch and Live Foundation will provide immediate emergency funding for housing and bills.

The vision of the Latch and Live foundation is to rebuild lives and provide help and hope to impoverished families of Bessemer and

surrounding cities. Founder, Mara Allen stated that working in the child care field has exposed her to the growing needs of homelessness

among families with small children and that she has been fortunate to be able to impact the lives of others, all while partnering with some of

the most passionate and driven philanthropists on the globe.

If you would like to support this worthy cause contact Mara Allen at 1302 Eastern Valley Rd, Bessemer, AL 35020, by phone at 205-434-4294,

by fax at 205-434-4294 or by email at mara@latchandlivefoundation.org.

COMMUNITY

JULY 2016

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bessemerchamber.com

Coming July 21st to the McAlister’s Deli Near You, We Are

Celebrating National Free Tea Day

Come anytime from open to close and get a free 32 oz. tea, no purchase necessary. You

can choose black or green, sweetened or unsweetened tea. There will be lots of

activities for everyone including a bouncy house and face painting. Bring your friends,

family or coworkers.

We are located at 4977 Promenade Parkway, Ste 121, Bessemer in the Tannehill

Shopping Center.

Any questions, call 205-426-0387. We cater breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gold SPONSORSHIP $5,000.00 94th Annual Meeting - Table of 8

25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala – Table of 8

1 full page ad in the 2017 Bessemer Magazine (preferred spot)

¼ page Story in the 2017 Bessemer Magazine

Silver Sponsor for Golf “FORE” Progress

Plan a business after hours on your behalf (Not to exceed $250)

Up to $400 credit toward annual membership dues

½ page ad in chamber Communiqué

Company Logo with website link on Chamber website

Chamber listing for up to 3 company representatives

Pre/Post event advertising

Silver SPONSORSHIP $3,000.00

94th Annual Meeting - Table of 8

25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala – 2 tickets

$500 credit toward an ad in 2017 Bessemer Magazine

Golf “FORE” Progress Golf Tournament (Team of 4 and Name/Logo on all promotional material)

94th Annual Meeting - Table of 8

25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala – 2 tickets

$500 credit toward an ad in 2017 Bessemer Magazine

Golf “FORE” Progress Golf Tournament (Team of 4 and Name/Logo on all promotional material)

Small Business Partner SPONSORSHIP $1,000.00

94th Annual Meeting (4 tickets) with option to upgrade

$200 credit toward an ad in the 2017 Bessemer Magazine

Golf “FORE” Progress Golf Tournament - Hole Sponsorship

Business Card ad in one issue of the Communique newsletter

Chamber listing for up to 2 company representatives

Pre/Post event advertising

2016 Sponsorship

Opportunities

The mission of the Bessemer Area Chamber of

Commerce is to promote the economic well-

being of regional businesses and represent the

business community in economic, political, civic,

educational and cultural development of the

region.

We hope you will consider supporting the

Bessemer Chamber of Commerce programs in

2016. This investment is tax deductible, so sign up

today!