Communique - Bessemer · Nikki Jordan, Sarrell Dental Secretary Nelda Pate, Retired Jill Amburgey,...
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Communique Communication: The Key to Successful Business MAY 2013 UPCOMING EVENTS chamber EVENTS 05/21 Business After Hours at Brookwood Occupational Health Clinic from 5-7 pm 05/27 Memorial Day Holiday – Chamber Closed 05/28 Board of Directors Meeting at 11:45 am COMMUNITY EVENTS 06/01 4 th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival Debardeleben Park in downtown Bessemer City of Bessemer's Take PRIDE in our City Week Mayor Kenneth Gulley, the Bessemer City Council and the Chamber under the leadership of Anthony Underwood and Chamber Vice President LaTasha Cook led the way as April 13-21 was officially the clean up of various areas of the City. The Kick Off was held in the West Lake Parking lot with a special appearance of Auntie Litter to rev up the tempo. Bags, gloves, t-shirts, and information were made available for volunteers and supporters. The Chamber arranged for Auntie Litter to visit every elementary school in the Bessemer City School system and the kids made a pledge to keep the City clean. City Council President Ron Marshall and Council members were also present to lend support and sign their pledges just as the children which we encourage all citizens and businesses to sign and adhere to which states: I promise to do my part to make and keep Bessemer litter free. I promise to keep my house, my yard, and my city clean and free of trash. I will throw my trash away and pick up trash when I see it. I will tell my family and friends about taking PRIDE in our community. NO MORE TRASH! 3 rd Annual Beginner's Day of Golf Charles Miller was a great host, the Frank House Golf Course was in great condition, and the Bob Sykes BBQ was delicious for the 3 rd Annual Day of Golf for beginners on April 25 th . The staff at the course, the Chamber staff and the Ambassadors made sure everyone enjoyed the afternoon of golfing. David Darby, board member and Chairman of the event, welcomed all and made sure everything ran smoothly. 44 golfers and a total crowd of over 70 were on hand. This was the third year for this event and it grows each year. Frank House Golf Course is undergoing improvements and new Director and Pro Charles Miller works with his employees to improve the fairways, the greens and the infrastructure. When you get the chance, go by and play a round at our very own municipal course.
Transcript of Communique - Bessemer · Nikki Jordan, Sarrell Dental Secretary Nelda Pate, Retired Jill Amburgey,...
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Communique Communique
Communication: The Key to Successful Business
MAY 2013
UPCOMING
EVENTS
chamber
EVENTS
05/21 Business After
Hours at Brookwood
Occupational Health
Clinic from 5-7 pm
05/27 Memorial Day
Holiday – Chamber
Closed
05/28 Board of Directors
Meeting at 11:45 am
COMMUNITY
EVENTS
06/01 4th
Annual Bob
Sykes BBQ & Blues
Festival
Debardeleben Park in
downtown Bessemer
City of Bessemer's Take PRIDE in our City Week Mayor Kenneth Gulley, the Bessemer City Council and the Chamber under the leadership of Anthony
Underwood and Chamber Vice President LaTasha Cook led the way as April 13-21 was officially the
clean up of various areas of the City. The Kick Off was held in the West Lake Parking lot with a special
appearance of Auntie Litter to rev up the tempo. Bags, gloves, t-shirts, and information were made
available for volunteers and supporters. The Chamber arranged for Auntie Litter to visit every elementary
school in the Bessemer City School system and the kids made a pledge to keep the City clean. City
Council President Ron Marshall and Council members were also present to lend support and sign their
pledges just as the children which we encourage all citizens and businesses to sign and adhere to which
states: I promise to do my part to make and keep Bessemer litter free. I promise to keep my house,
my yard, and my city clean and free of trash. I will throw my trash away and pick up trash when I
see it. I will tell my family and friends about taking PRIDE in our community. NO MORE TRASH!
3rd
Annual Beginner's Day of Golf Charles Miller was a great host, the Frank House Golf
Course was in great condition, and the Bob Sykes
BBQ was delicious for the 3rd Annual Day of Golf for
beginners on April 25th. The staff at the course, the
Chamber staff and the Ambassadors made sure
everyone enjoyed the afternoon of golfing. David
Darby, board member and Chairman of the event,
welcomed all and made sure everything ran smoothly.
44 golfers and a total crowd of over 70 were on hand.
This was the third year for this event and it grows
each year. Frank House Golf Course is undergoing
improvements and new Director and Pro Charles
Miller works with his employees to improve the
fairways, the greens and the infrastructure. When
you get the chance, go by and play a round at our
very own municipal course.
Medical West Open House The UAB Hematology Oncology West Clinic held an open house on April 2
nd at the newly renovated facility at 915 Medical Center Drive.
Refreshments were enjoyed, tours of the facility were provided and it was a great opportunity for our local business folks to meet the staff. The
clinic provides cancer care close to home and patients can take advantage of UAB's state-of-the-art infusion therapy and expert, personal care.
Medical West CEO Keith Pennington is proud of the new opportunity to be of service to the western Jefferson County region.
Chamber Membership = Real Value Does joining my local chamber of commerce affect the bottom line for my business? Is there any real value to my chamber of commerce
membership? Is my local chamber of commerce membership an effective business strategy? Will my chamber membership really help my small
business?
As a local chamber of commerce executive, I have long believed the answer to these questions, and many more, is a resounding YES!
No one will argue that local chambers of commerce have a direct positive impact on the communities they serve. However, when pressed to
provide quantitative data to support that claim, chamber executives have often found themselves hard-pressed to produce a reply.
At the end of last year, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) commissioned a follow-up study to look at “The Real Value of
Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce.” In partnership with Insperity, the Schapiro Group, Market Street Services and the Western Association
of Chamber Executives, the study removes the subjectivity of an “opinion” poll to provide statistically significant answers that can determine the
real value to businesses of joining a local chamber of commerce. As any businessperson will tell you, real “value” is measured in terms of
consumer outcomes. The study answers the question: “do consumers really support businesses because they are chamber members?”
The conclusion, whether a business is large or small, a franchise or locally owned, is well established or just-opened, membership in a local
chamber of commerce provides value to any business. Chamber membership truly does make a positive impact!
There are more than 120 local chambers of commerce across the great State of Alabama that stand ready and willing to help your business
succeed. With your help, we truly can be a “united voice for business.”
The Business Council of Alabama and Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA), through a unique relationship known as The
Partnership, together represent the interests of some one million working Alabamians through its member companies and more than 120 local
chambers of commerce.
-Jeremy L. Arthur President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA)
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 2
Chamber News
Cook Out at the Chamber – Business After Hours Holt Insurance and DEX Imaging hosted an outstanding business after
hours at the Chamber building and Bright Star parking lot. Grilled
chicken, sausage and shrimp kabobs were the highlight in addition to
delicious baked beans and potato salad provided by Bob Sykes BBQ.
Live music, door prizes and celebration of the just completed
membership drive where enjoyed by over 70 attendees. Mayor Gulley
along with Council members Ron Marshall, Donna Thigpen, Sarah
Belcher and Chester Porter attended with City department heads and
employees. Anthony Underwood had a video of the just completed
PRIDE program running showing Auntie Litter visiting the Bessemer
schools. Our thanks go to Joni Holt and Connie Fuell for helping make
this a memorable evening.
2013 Board of Directors
Chairman
Billy Parsons, CPA
Chairman Elect
Charles King, Regional Paramedical Services
Treasurer / Finance Chairman
Eric Messer, Rural Metro Ambulance
Rev. Reginald Calvert, New Jerusalem Baptist Church
David Darby, Trustmark National Bank
Regina Doriety, Lawson State Community College
Joni Holt, Holt Insurance Company
Rob Kirkland, Legacy YMCA
Judy Mathis, Moore Coal Company
Tom McDougal, Medical West
Jerrellis Melton, Alabama Gas Company
Kyle Sain, Town & Country FORD
Jon Staggs, Alabama Power Company
Kim Starling, Brookwood Medical Center
Chuck Taylor, Splash Adventure Anthony Underwood, Anthony Underwood Auto.
2013 Ambassadors
Coordinator
Claire Mitchell, LaShun's Beauty Salon
Co Coordinator
Nikki Jordan, Sarrell Dental
Secretary
Nelda Pate, Retired
Jill Amburgey, Rural Metro Ambulance
Michael Ashmore, Stellar Staffing
Kay Baggett, Retired
Sarah Beasley, Joe Beasley Memorial Foundation, Inc
Sarah Belcher, Bessemer City Council
Beverly Edwards, Rural Metro Ambulance
Connie Fuell
Louise Hickey, Retired
Shirley Horn, Retired
Doris Lewis, City of Bessemer
Minnie Roper, Retired
Lula Walter, City of Bessemer
Ericka Watson, Individual
Trisston Wright Burrows, Moore Coal Company
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 3
Save the Date!
22nd Annual Golf ‘fore’ progress
tournament
Thursday, October 3rd at Bent
Brook @ Noon
Beginners Day of Golf
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 4
Beginners Day of Golf (continued)
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 5
Community News
District Boy Scout Banquet The Cherokee District representing over 1,000 young men in the western Jefferson County area held its annual banquet at Hueytown First
Methodist Church on April 4th
. District Chairman Ronnie Acker and District Commissioner Cyndi Lafond welcomed the over 50 volunteers and
Scouts who enjoyed a great feast, received awards and were encouraged to continue to build the young men in our area.
Career Day at Hueytown Middle School The Chamber was invited again to participate in Hueytown Middle School's Career Day held on April 26
th. The school invited professionals
from various walks of life to speak and answer questions to up to three classes. The students participated by taking notes on questions they
needed to answer in the regular classes. It is rewarding to find the interest of students in what one does each day and to be thinking about how
they want to spend their careers.
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 6
BCA/ATN Manufacturer of the Year Awards The Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network announced the winners of the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year Awards
at a luncheon ceremony at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa on April 19th
. The BCA and ATN began the annual awards ceremony in
2000, and the event has consistently drawn Alabama dignitaries and manufacturing leaders to honor companies that have a commitment to
improving Alabama’s economy. Governor Robert Bentley presented the keynote address.
The awards program recognizes Alabama manufacturing enterprises that exhibit excellence in leadership, performance, profitability and work
force relations. Winning manufacturers are selected by an independent panel of judges who look for demonstrations of superior performance in
the areas of customer focus, employee commitment, operational excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth and investment in
training and retraining.
“For the 14th time, the BCA is honored to recognize Alabama’s best manufacturers for the valuable role they play in the state’s economy,” said
William J. Canary, president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. “The Manufacturer of the Year Awards began 14 years ago, and they
continue to be a highlight of the year not just for the BCA but also for the Alabama Technology Network, the Chamber of Commerce
Association of Alabama, and the National Association of Manufacturers, to which BCA is the exclusive affiliate. Congratulations to the best
manufacturers of 2013.”
The 2013 Manufacturers of the Year are: Large Manufacturer of the Year (400 or more employees) Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.,
Vance; Medium Manufacturer of the Year (100-399 employees) 3M Guin; Small Manufacturer of the Year (1-99 employees) GATR
Technologies, Inc., Huntsville; Best of the BEST Award Decatur-Austin Robotics Coalition (The BEST Robotics Inc., is designed to excite and
inspire our students about engineering, science and technology careers through participation in a sports-like competition. This non-profit,
volunteer-based program is headquartered in Texas, and Decatur-Austin Robotics Coalition was the highest achieving school in the state during
the 2012 BEST competitions.)
Getting your cash in a slow-pay economy
by Jim Giuliano
Customers stretching payments more than 30 days is becoming the norm, not the exception. There are ways to lessen the chances you’ll get
victimized by the trend. A survey by the publication CFO & Controller Alert shows:
96% of businesses say in the last three months their customers have stretched out payments more and more
46% say customers are going more than 30 days past due before making any payments
Before the problem hits you — if it hasn’t already — consider a couple of steps to take right now.
Loosen up Something you’d probably never even consider a few years ago: increasing credit lines for customers who pay you late! But it’s a different
world now. And your business needs to keep making money.
For starters, have your Accounts Receivable folks run an aging report. If you have customers who keep paying on time and in-full, now’s a great
time to think about raising their credit lines. (By the way: Calling it a “credit line” rather than a “credit limit” is a subtle nuance, but an effective
one – no one likes to feel limits are being imposed.)
Then take a look at which of your customers are still paying within a week of the payment due date, even if it’s after. Think about approaching
Sales and talking about extending a little more credit to them, too. “Rewarding” these people may not only gain you more business, but it may
also increase goodwill with those accounts, which could get them paying a little faster (or at least keep ’em from sliding back).
Tighten up Of course, when customers decide not to pay on time, there are consequences. Odds are, your company has the option of levying late fees or
finance charges on past-due accounts. (Continued on page 9)
Business News
It’s Your Business By: Ronnie Acker, President
"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone
who can do him absolutely no good." Thus, said
Samuel Johnson. This is also a brilliant business
axiom. If you treat those who are not your customers
or vendors in a polite and professional manner, there
is the great chance that their word of mouth reports
about you and your business will send you many,
many future customers. But, and this is a big but,
your treatment must be sincere and unselfish. How
do you accomplish this?
First, realize that all who you associate with in the
business world and in private life are potential
customers. People who you meet will make you the
face of your business whether they are family, friend,
or new aquaintance. You represent your business
24/7 whether you want to or not. That is a fact that
too many businesses overlook or deemphasize.
Next, always treat those you meet with respect and
when possible with a smile. Everyone deserves your
respect whether they are President or begger. Why?
Because we are all brothers and sisters on this earth.
The only reason to disrespect someone is when they
lose your trust by their actions. Smile even to those
you disrespect, they will wonder what you have up
your sleeve.
Thirdly, be nice! Civility is the greatest way to win
friends and influence people. Even when you are
disagreeing with someone you can respect and be
nice to them. Losing your temper, which we all do at
times, does no good in the business world or
especially in your private life. As said in the movie,
“Road House”, be nice until it is time to not be nice.
And when is it time to not be nice in the business
world, never!
Finally, consider who you are. You are your
business, you are a member of a family, a brother or
sister, a mother or father, a son or daughter. You are
special so act like it and treat all people the way they
should be treated and earn yourself trust, respect, and
loyalty.
It all comes down to you. Be your best self at all
times, be a winner and act like a winner. You make a
difference everyday whether good or bad. Labor to
be a positive in life especially your own. Make
yourself the best you can be.
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 7
Chamber News – New Members in April
Air Ops, LLC
Johnathan F. Austin
1030 Mitchell Field Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
PH 205.424.2377, F 888.845.7739
www.airopsllc.com
*Aviation
Allen Temple AME Church
Rev. Lugenia Johnson
917 22nd Street N., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.428.5961, F 205.428.5980
*Church
American Can Inc.
George Watkins, Bethany Watkins
PO Box 1083, Bessemer, AL 35021
PH 205.428.4064, F 205.428.0270
*Recycling
As Is Furniture
Rodney and Karen Goodwin
1919 Third Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.425.0195, F 205.425.0195
www.asisbessemer.com
*Furniture
Auto Trim Design of Birmingham, Inc.
Tim Owens
1615 Hickory Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
PH 205.428.5858, F 205.428.0899
*Automobile Supply
Auto Tune
Patrick Davis
1311 Ninth Ave. N., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.426.8863
*Automobile Repair
AutoNet, Inc.
Dale Pridgen
PO Box 36772, Birmingham, AL 35236
PH 205.426.2900, F 205.426.3001
www.shopautonet.com
*Automobile Sales
Bennett’s Heating & Cooling
Brian Bennett
1602 Ninth Ave. N., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.987.1905
*Heating & Cooling
Bessemer Board of Educ. – Angela Bedgood
816 Westfield Dr, Fairfield, AL 35064
PH 205.835.5597
*Education
Bessemer Farmers Market
Sallie Lee
3780 Lee Roy Lane, Bessemer, AL 35022
PH 205.426.2700
http://bessemerfm.wordpress.com
*Non Profit
Bessemer Municipal Court – M S Muhammad
23 North 15th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.481.4373
*Governmental – Municipal Court
Bessemer Public Library
Donna Schremser, Venedia Wallace
400 N. 19th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.428.7882, F 205.428.7885
www.bessemer.lib.al.us
*Library
Bessemer Public Library – Charlena Johnson
PO Box 55334, Birmingham, AL 35255
PH 205.422.4609
*Library
Bessemer Public Library – Venedia Wallace
129 Carol Drive, Birmingham, AL 35215
*Library
Birmingham Association of Realtors
Cliff Long
3501 Independence Drive, B’ham, AL 35209
PH 205.871.1911, F 205.802.6070
www.birminghamrealtors.com
*Real Estate
Boatengs Cajun Creations Restaurant
Carolyn Boateng
2 19th Street N., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.436.2848
*Restaurant
Charles Miller – Fairway 1
801 Golf Course Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
PH 205.424.9540
www.frankhousegc.com
*Golf Course
City of Bessemer – Abraham Ward
1800 Third Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.410.0324, F 205.744.5191
www.bessemeral.org
*City Government
City of Bessemer – Clerk & Treasurer
Adrina F. Hines
1800 Third Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.434.6319
www.bessemeral.org
*City Government
City of Bessemer – Cornell Hall
1804 Third Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.424.4060
www.bessemeral.org
*City Government
City of Bessemer – Revenue Department
April Fowler
803 Third Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.960.6580
www.bessemeral.org
*City Government
City of Bessemer – Toraine Norris
1800 Third Ave. N., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.424.4060
www.bessemeral.org
*City Government
Clay House Children’s Center, The
Debbi Land
1830 Dartmouth Ave., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.481.4155, F 205.481.4254
www.clay-house.org
*Non Profit
Creative Land Services
Tim Bragg
701 Grant Street, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.218.0338
*Construction
CWC Group LLC dba Firehouse Subs
Jim Cain
4917 Promenade Pkwy, Ste 105,
Bessemer, AL 35022
PH 205.428.5844, 205.428.5845
www.firehousesubs.com
*Restaurant
Dex Imaging
Connie Fuell
2814 Linden Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209
PH 205.484.2561, F 205.484.2569
www.deximaging.com
*Office Equipment, Document Management
Dollar General
Jerry Ferfes, Nick Orefice
4101 Lakeshore Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022
PH 205.497.6801, F 205.497.6807
*Distribution Center
Foundry Dental Center
Dr. Michael McCracken
1700 Sixth Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.434.2031
*Non Profit
General Automotive & Truck Repair
Walter Cox
1329 First Avenue N. Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.425.7958, 205.425.7742
*Automobile Repair
Hwy 150 Buyers Way Inc.
John Patterson
1319 Fifth Avenue N., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.425.3599, F 205.425.7791
*Automobile Sales, Automobile Finance
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 8
Business News (continued from page 6)
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 9
Chamber News New Members in April
(continued) Individual – Rep. Merika Coleman
452 14th Way, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
PH 205.919.9411
*Individual
Individual – Henry Gipson
3101 Avenue C, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.913.2941
www.facebook.com/gip.gipson
*Individual
Individual – Sherry E. McClain
4129 Fourth Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.481.4192
*Individual
Individual – Peggy S. McCoy
2116 Viking Circle, B’ham, AL 35216
PH 205.979.6189
*Individual
Jefferson Credit Union
Buddy Sutter
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd North,
Suite B-300, Birmingham, AL 35203
PH 205.325.5683, F 205.325.5251
www.jeffersoncreditunion.org
*Bank, Financial Services
Klassic Cuts
Kenneth Williams
2725 Ninth Avenue
Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.425.2887
*Barber
Madly Myle Salon
Shante Langford
214 19th Street N.
Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.243.5793
*Salon
PAC Insurance Agency, Inc.
Ken McFeeters
421 19th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.426.9885, F 205.426.9851
www.pacinsuranceagency.com
*Insurance
Realty South-Over the Mountain-Alford Ave.
Peggy S. McCoy
2116 Viking Cir., Birmingham, AL 35216
PH 205.822.2364, F 205.822.2610
*Real Estate
Ronald’s Sales & Service
Geneva V. Whitely
2001 Carolina Ave., Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.424.0471, F 205.424.2268
*Towing & Repair
Trio Safety, LLC
Brady B. McLaughlin
950 Mitchell Field Rd, Bessemer, AL
35022
PH 205.440.1000
www.triosafety.com
*CPR Training
Visions Beauty Dist.
Jeffery Simmons
3584 Hwy 31 S. Ste 182
Pelham, AL 35124
PH 205.567.3397
*Beauty Distributor
Von Tailoring & Alterations
Evonne Wilson
2234 19th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020
PH 205.425.4659
*Alterations, Tailoring
First step: Make sure those penalties are being enforced. You’d be surprised how many
companies aren’t taking advantage of what’s already built into their contracts. Enforcing finance
charges is one thing – being sure customers feel the sting is another. And that’s just what might
get them to start paying more promptly.
Instead of simply telling customers they’ll pay an additional 2% if a payment is late, for example,
consider calculating exactly what that translates into in dollars and cents on each invoice.
Granted, it will take extra effort. But at a time when every organization is doing everything it can
to save as much money as possible, seeing that they’ll pay $350 more on that invoice could make
them think twice before stretching you.
Pride Week Photos
WD Construction
William Duncan
PO Box 3774
Dolomite, AL 35061
PH 205.744.8406
F 205.744.8405
*Construction
Pride Week Photos
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 10
Pride Week Photos
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 11
Pride Week Photos
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 12
May 2013 Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Communique Page 13
2013 CORPORATE SPONSORS
2013 SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS
Paden & Paden, PC
