BBAACCCC

essemeressemerrearea

ofofhamberhamberommerceommerce July 2008

Communication: The Key To Successful Business

Business After Hours & AmbassadorRecognition at WaterMarkBusiness After Hours & AmbassadorRecognition at WaterMark

InsideInsideIt's Your Business: Strong Character-Good for Business

Business News: Jefferson Co. Comprehensive Plan

Chamber News: Lunch For Scholarships

Chamber News: Open House Functions

Community News: Lunch in the Park with BPD

Community News: Spotlight: Bess. Development Board

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

What a night! Over 70 Chamber members gathered in the food court at WaterMark Place Outlet Center to enjoy some outstanding food prepared and served by Boateng's Cajun Creations. If you have not tried their excep-tional cuisine you need to stop by and let them surprise you. Gumbo, shrimp, gator meat, oys-ters, jambalaya, bisque, and more provided the crowd with a feast. Aleshia Witherspoon (WaterMark manager) and the store manag-ers at the outlet center were excellent hosts and the crowd showed their gratitude. Door prizes supplied by our corporate sponsors and the outlet stores were given out to the lucky registrants. The networking and laugh-ter resounded throughout the food court and the smiles were plentiful.

This was also the occasion to thank our am-bassadors for the great work they do year round. Special gifts were provided to each and they were recognized individually and as a group. The ambassadors are: Diane Sparks (Coordinator), Regina Doriety (Co- coordina-tor), Nelda Pate (Secretary), Kay Baggett, Sarah Belcher, LeeAnn Best, Connie Fuell, Louise Hickey, Felicia King, Susan Majors, Claire Mitchell, Minnie Roper, Sarah Smith, Margaret Snider, Debbie Stewart,

Bessemer Business AwardsBessemer Business AwardsFive awards for five very worthy local business recipients highlighted the 19th Annual Bessemer Business Awards luncheon at Lawson State-Bessemer. This annual event is co-sponsored by the Bessemer Rotary Club and the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Charles Murray welcomed the attendees on behalf of Lawson State including Millie Diliberto representing Jefferson County Commissioner Bobby Humphryes and Major Alan Farley of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Cook's Catering catered the outstanding lunch and your ambassa-dors were the perfect hostesses.

The keynote speaker was Ted vonCannon, President of the Metropolitan Development Board, who spoke on the functions of the MDB, impact of new companies coming into the region, some current projects and the importance of leadership in economic development. He recognized City Council member Sarah Belcher for her support of re-cent efforts in our area such as the U.S. Pipe decision to ex-pand in Bessemer instead of China. It was a great talk by a man who is recognized throughout the state as one of the best in his profession. MDB is a friend and partner to the Bessemer area and their efforts are appreciated.

"When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike, you do not wait untilhe has struck before you crush him." Franklin D. Roosevelt

Happy group of recipients at 19th Annual Bessemer Business Awards.Pictured lr; Chamber's Ronnie Acker, Rotary President Diane Hyche,

Alabama Power's Betty Smith, MDB President Ted vonCannon, Lawson State'sDr. Anthony, and Premiere Chevrolet General Sales Manager Doug Green.

Chamber Ambassadors honored at WaterMark Place, shown l-r:front row,Lou Hickey, Connie Fuell, Diane Sparks, Latasha Cook, and

Regina Doriety. Back row; Sarah Belcher, Minnie Roper, Sarah Smith,Claire Mitchell, Kay Baggett, Susan Majors, Tammy Tucker, Debbie Stewart,

Felicia King, Margaret Snider, Leeann Best, and Katherine Taylor.

(Article continued on page 4.)

(Article and picture continued on page 4.)

"Live for something rather than die for nothing." So stated a great American and General of the Army George Patton. Thus it is with each of us, are we living for something or merely existing? Do we do business in a way that makes us proud, telling the truth, being honest in our dealings with our fellow man? Or are we lacking character? John Wooden, UCLA basketball coach and Hall of Famer put it this way, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputa-tion, because your character is what you really are; your rep-utation is merely what others think you are."

Some feel that whatever they do that brings them honor be-fore men it is OK no matter if it is the right thing or honorable thing to do. Telling someone one thing in private and then de-nying that you said it in public shows a man's lack of charac-ter, no matter their reputation that man's lack of character is known to God and to himself. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) put it this way, "It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them." Our dealings in private make our character. My father always taught me that I should act in private the same as if I were standing on a stage in front of a large audience and so I have tried to follow that advice.

A modern day hero who overcame many obstacles to sur-vive is Scott O'Grady. He is the U.S. Air Force pilot who was shot down over Bosnia in 1995 while on a mission. He was hunted by hostile forces for six days, evaded them and was rescued by helicopter in an amazing show of resource-fulness and professionalism. He talks of serving his country and being true to his character when he says, "It wasn't the reward that mattered or the recognition you might harvest. It was your depth of commitment, your quality of service, the product of your devotion -- these were the things that counted in a life. When you gave purely, the honor came in the giving, and that was honor enough." He almost gave his life for his service to his country and fellow men.

During this month of July let us remember who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. Those three w's should guide our lives not only in business but also in our everyday life. Also, let us re-member the brave men and women who have made it possible for us to live in freedom, to prosper, and to voice our opinions. Those World War II veterans who gave their all some even their lives to make us free are passing away at a rate of 2,000 per day. We should make sure we thank them for their sacrifice for us.

Having a World War II veteran as a father was a hum-bling experience. Especially as I stood a few years ago on a stage at Fort Benning, Georgia with my mother to have him inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He was an average hard work-ing man and yet much more. His creed was put best by Thomas Paine, "If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." Thanking our fathers and mothers for their sacrifice for us is not enough, we must live each day, do business each day with honor and character to make them proud. This is important to you as a businessperson of strong character because it's your business.

22 It's Your BusinessIt's Your BusinessFrom the PresidentFrom the President

President

Golf FORE Progress October 23rd SAVE THE DATE

Golf FORE Progress October 23rd SAVE THE DATE

33Business NewsBusiness NewsChamber President Ronnie Acker attended the Economic Development Association of Alabama's summer conference at Orange Beach from June 22 through June 25. He was attending as Chairman of the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority. This event brings together the top professionals in economic development from across the state and is a great place to meet those who impact our region. Serving as Chairman of the Authority Ronnie concen-trates efforts to bring jobs to Jefferson County.

On June 17th the Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Commission along with the Jefferson County Department of Land Development held a review of the draft Comprehensive Plan for the County. This meeting allowed interested parties to review the plan which is "the official statement of a legislative body that sets forth goals, policies and guidelines intended to direct the present and future physical and economic development of the community, including a unified physical de-sign for the public and private development of land and water."

The meeting focused on a review and accepted comments on the draft of the "Comprehensive Plan" for unincorporated Jefferson County in the Shades Creek Watershed with focus on the ar-eas along Hwy 150 near Shannon and South of I-459 between Bessemer & Hoover; including: Kimbrell, McCalla, McAdory, Greenwood, Bluff Ridge, Smithson & Morgan Rd. as well as unin-corporated areas near Bessemer, Helena, Hoover, Homewood, Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and Irondale. To access the draft plan go to www.jeffcointouch.com. You can send input by calling the Office of Land Development at 325-5638 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. A l s o e m a i l y o u r c o m m e n t s t o : LandDevelopment@JCCAL.org.

EDAA ConferenceEDAA Conference Jefferson County Comprehensive PlanJefferson County Comprehensive Plan

Bessemer Business AwardsBessemer Business AwardsBusiness After Hours & AmbassadorRecognition at WaterMarkBusiness After Hours & AmbassadorRecognition at WaterMark

This year's honorees were: Category 1: Tippi's Bakery & Deli, Category 2: Builders Millworks, Category 3: Premiere Chevrolet (GM Doug Green receiving the award), NonProfit- Lawson State Community College (Dr. Anthony receiv-ing), and Safety- Alabama Power Company (Betty Smith as representative). This group was chosen from an elite number of nominees which included: 20/20 Optical, Wilson Pallet & Packaging, Western Tribune, Dexter Fortson, Konica Minolta, Modular Connections, Spec Clutch, Special Shapes Refactory, AHR Metals, Alabama Gas, Birmingham Rail, American Red Cross, and Bessemer Advocacy Center. The Chamber looks forward to next year and the long list of nominees that the Rotary Club and we can honor.

An added surprise was the Bessemer Rotary Club recognizing their Rotarian of the Year at the luncheon. Local attorney Sunny Lippert (mem-ber of the Chamber's Board of Directors) was pre-sented this prestigious award by last year's honoree Cecil Wooten and Rotary President Diane Hyche. The Rotary Club always makes positive contributions to the Bessemer Area.

A successful luncheon with great food, awards, recognitions, and an outstanding speaker, what more could you ask. Please plan to attend next year as the Chamber and Rotary Club highlight the exceptional businesses we have in the Bessemer region.

Katherine Taylor, and Tammy Tucker. When you see these ladies please thank them for all they do for the Bessemer Area business com-munity. They volunteer their time and their em-ployers allow them to do this so we need to thank the following Chamber members: City of Bessemer, Lawson State, Konica Minolta, ITT Tech, Alabama Power, Bessemer Beauty Institute, Legacy YMCA, John John's Jewelers, Church & Staggs, Abana Realty, and Golden Living. Several of our ambassa-dors are retirees and we thank them for their volunteer hours, without these great ladies your Chamber would not function.

Again the Chamber thanks the stores at WaterMark Place Outlet Center and Aleshia Witherspoon for an outstanding evening. Please remember to shop the Bessemer area first, we have everything you may need.

Pictured relaxing after a great meal at WaterMark Place are from l-r beginning in front; Sarah Smith, Nelda Pate, Connie Harper, Margaret

Snider, Lou Hickey, Diane Sparks, and Steve Self.

Chamber NewsChamber News44(continued from page 1)

(continued from page 1)

McCalla Orthodontics andPediatric Dentistry Open HouseMcCalla Orthodontics andPediatric Dentistry Open House

Lunch for ScholarshipsLunch for Scholarships

On June 20th there was face painting, a moon-walk, games, balloons and story time with Hannah Montana at the McCalla Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Open House. It was festive and a great time for all. This event was in celebration of 5 years for Dr. Sanchez in den-tal practice at the Letson Farms location. Chamber board member David Darby and Ambassador/City Councilor Sarah Belcher were on hand to congratulate Dr. Sanchez and the staff.

Spaghetti and tetrazzini poured forth from the First Presbyterian Church downtown on June 12th as the Chamber Ambassadors held a lun-cheon to raise money for the Ora Foster Community Service Scholarship. Over $1,000 was raised to support the area's gradu-ating seniors from Jess Lanier, McAdory and Bessemer Academy High Schools. Chamber VP La tasha Cook and Ambassador Coordinator Diane Sparks organized and led a tremendous effort. Not only was the food great but also the camaraderie among the Chamber members working together was a true joy.

Chamber President gets Happy Face tattoo

Chamber Chairman Jon Staggs checking on Scholarshiplunch as Chamber staffer Jean Brown works.

Ambassadors Sarah Belcher and Minnie Roper working hard at Scholarship lunch.

Open House at MuellerOccupational MedicineOpen House at MuellerOccupational Medicine

Golf FORE Progress October 23rd SAVE THE DATE

Golf FORE Progress October 23rd SAVE THE DATE

Dr. Michael Mueller and his staff invited all Chamber members to an open house held on June 26th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. There was great food and refreshments plus a tour of the facilities. Located on Memorial Drive across from Medical West the facility offers state of the art occupational medical care and rehabili-tation.

Chamber NewsChamber News 55

On June 2nd the Bessemer Police Department held its first Business O u t r e a c h e v e n t a n d l u n c h a t Debardeleban Park. Beginning at 11:00 am, the officers grilled hotdogs and ham-burgers for the business attendees and provided information on security, law en-forcement, and safety for businesses. This event started off right and with an in-crease in attendance by the business com-munity it will continue to be an event to look forward to. Providing information was only a part of what the event was meant to ac-complish. The BPD wants to hear from your business and to exchange ideas on how to make Bessemer a better place to do business. Plan to attend the next BPD event to share your concerns, ideas and suggestions.

At the June 3rd meeting of the City Prayer Breakfast the decision was made to move the monthly event to the Bessemer Chamber building located at 321 18th Street N. Beginning July 7th the Prayer Breakfast will meet the first Monday of each month at the Chamber with the intent to draw as many downtown and area busi-ness people as possible to join in praying for our city and the surrounding area. It is a great way to start off each month and the Chamber is proud to be a part of this truly civic oriented group. The meetings always begin at 7:30 am. For more information please call the Chamber at 425-3253 or email mmilan1@bellsouth.net.

Lunch in the Park with BPDLunch in the Park with BPD City Prayer BreakfastMoves to ChamberCity Prayer BreakfastMoves to Chamber

To enhance ourcommunicationswith your office

or location, send youremail address to us at:

mmilan1@bellsouth.netor fax it to 425-4979.

email

Community NewsCommunity News66

www.bessemerchamber.com

NOTE TO MEMBERS: This monthly article presents the thoughts and sug-gestions of members of the Chamber about business related topics.

For over 100 years the City of Bessemer has been one of Alabama's leading manufacturing and commerce centers. Several of the state's oldest, continually-operating firms are located in Bessemer, including U.S. Pipe and Foundry and Southern Ductile Casting Corporation. But Bessemer is also home to many service sector and technology-based companies, such as Logista and Trillion Communications. Medical West, and the various clinics and health-related companies that service the institution, form Bessemer's largest private sector employment force. And in the field of distribution, the Bessemer area is proud to call CVS Pharmacy, Federal Express, Home Depot, Office Max and Piggly Wiggly (Alabama Distributing Company) corpo-rate citizens.

Since the mid-1980s, the Bessemer Development Board's various programs have been utilized by these and other companies to create an ever-growing, diverse local economy. Some of the Bessemer Development Board's program results include:

*Assisting over 400 businesses with business plan preparation, loan processing and other tech-nical assistance;

*Booking over 100 business loans from its two revolving loan funds, with a default rate of less than 8%, helping to create and retain over 3,000 jobs.

*Helping to grow the city's store of business parks from just two in 1982 to fifteen in 2005, parks to-taling over 1,500 acres. Seven of those business parks are owned and managed by the Board. The Bessemer area is also the home to Jefferson County's only two industrial parks.

*The construction of close to 50 metal industrial buildings for lease to for-profit entities, repre-senting a total of more than 750,000 sq. ft. and a capital investment of approximately $12 million.

*The creation of two business incubation facilities - the 26,000 sq. ft. Bessemer Business Center (BBC) on the Bessemer campus of Lawson State College, and the 17,000 sq. ft. Downtown Entrepreneurial Center (DEC) in downtown Bessemer.

Thanks to the past efforts of Jim Byram and with continued leadership from Troy Post the Bessemer Development Board leads the way in economic development efforts in Bessemer.

Spotlight on: Bessemer Development BoardSpotlight on: Bessemer Development Board

77Community NewsCommunity News

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

YOUR CHAMBER STAFFYOUR CHAMBER STAFF

Ronnie Acker, President

LaTasha Cook, Vice President

Mary Milan, Administrative Specialist

Jean Brown, Accounting Specialist

Celebrating 86Years of Service Cut out this logo to place in your ads for higher name recognition

BESSEMER AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jon StaggsChairman of the Board

Alabama Power

Kenneth Gulley Past Chairman

Lawson State Community College

Deborah Horn Chairman Elect

Bessemer Board of Education

Joni Holt Treasurer & Chairperson of Finance

Holt Insurance

Rupesh Patel, Hampton Inn Keith Pennington, Medical West

Allen Rice, ITT Technical Institute Steve Self, Buffalo Rock Company

Hank Tyler, Henry H. Tyler Enterprises Thelma Vanderburg, First American Bank

Nelda Weaver, Weaver Land & Realty, Inc.

Doug Caddell, Canaan Baptist Church David Darby, BankTrust

Randy Donaldson, Alabama Gas Company CeCe Doss, Wilson Pallet & Packaging

Arthur Green, JeffCo District Attorney, Bess. Div. Howard Johnson Jr., Johnson Funeral Home

Sunny Lippert, Attorney Ross Mitchell, Baptist Health System

Tom Nicholson, US Pipe & Foundry Co.

Calendar of Events July 2008Calendar of Events July 2008Chamber

Chamber Closed

Chamber

Chamber

Chamber

Bent Brook

Ambassadors Meeting

4th of July Holiday

City Wide Prayer Breakfast

Executive Committee Meeting

Board of Director's Meeting

Golf FORE Progress Tourn.

July 1

July 4

July 7

July 15

July 15

Oct 23

8:15 A.M

All Day

7:30 A.M.

11:30 A.M.

Noon

Noon

www.bessemerchamber.com

ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS CONSULTANTS, INC.Tim Clay, Ann Ferrier5204 Bessemer Super HighwayBrighton, AL 35020Phone 205.425.9000, Fax 205.278.9772Email: tclay@e-controller.comaferrier@e-controller.comBusiness Categories: Accounting & Taxes

Welcome New Members for JuneWelcome New Members for June