Connections9Ribbon 2Cuttings

9Events 3Calendar

9Dothan 4By Design

9Workforce 5Development

9Business Briefs 6-9

9Small Business 10Development

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CONNECTIONSC H A M B E R

WHAT’SINSIDE

June 2011

9 www.dothan.com(334) 792-5138

Quoteo f t h e M o n t h

“A soaring performance starts with a determined effort.”

- Unknown

Joseph Johnson, president of Friend Bank Dothan, received honors when he was named the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Small Business Person of the Year. The award was presented during the organization’s Small Business Week General Membership Luncheon held May 7 at the Clarion Inn & Suites.

“This year’s recipient is a Dothan native, a 1982 Northview High School graduate and also was a member of Dothan’s first State Championship Football Team,” announced Trip Wheelless, Flowers Insurance Agency, LLC and the Chamber’s chairman-elect. “During his college years at the University of Alabama, he served as ‘Mike Man’ for the Alabama Cheerleading Squad. He is also a 1994 graduate of the LSU School of Banking.”

Johnson was selected by his peers for the award from among a slate of three Chamber members. Each year nominees are ranked on a point system that recognizes leadership in the community, customer satisfaction, business appearance, image and professional and civic involvement. Award nominees must reside in the Wiregrass area and own or operate a business with no more than 25 employees. The other two 2011 finalists were Matthew Howell, Atlanta Bread Co., and Don McCleod, Don McCleod, CPA, PC.

Small Business Week 2011 took place May 2-5. In planning the week’s activities, the Membership Events Task Force and staff strived to include events that would connect, celebrate, inspire and educate while paying tribute to the area’s small businesses and their contributions to the economy.

This year’s GM luncheon guest speaker was Dr. Freida Hill, chancellor for the Alabama Community College System. Hill is the Georgia educator unanimously chosen by the nine-member State Board of Education who made history as the first woman to serve as a permanent chancellor of the system when she took the helm on Dec. 1, 2009.

In her opening remarks, Chancellor Hill noted that the Alabama Community College System strives to make sure all students achieve their goals

academically, professionally and personally. Governed by the State Board of Education, the ACCS consists of 22 community colleges and four technical

colleges. “Community colleges reach the entire state,” Hill stated.

In reviewing the anticipated budget cuts for the new year, Hill reported that the ACCS’ state fund projections don’t look good. To meet current budget restraints, the system has had to increase class sizes, eliminate some programs and hire a lot of adjunct faculty. Community colleges only get 21 percent of state funding and even with budget cuts, community college tuition is still half of what universities charge.

Even though pro-ration has been a challenge for the two- to four-year college system, the Alabama Community College System is committed to providing a unified system of institutions delivering excellence

in academic education, adult education and workforce development. Approximately 300,000 people are served annually by all of the entities of the system, including Alabama Industrial Development Training, Alabama Technology Network, workforce development and adult education. Of those served, approximately 125,000 are enrolled in credit courses.

In closing, Hill encouraged members to “talk to your legislators about how this area would suffer without Wallace Community College. Sixty-five percent of jobs now and in the future are going to require at least a two-year degree.”

Other events throughout Small Business Week included the annual New Member Breakfast to honor those members who have joined the Chamber within the past two years and three educational seminars: The Role of the Small Business Advocacy, Building Your Business One Exceptional Employee at a Time and Marketing for Success in Today’s Economy.

The Chamber’s board of directors and staff want to thank the GM luncheon sponsors CenturyTel and Express Oil Change & Service Center. A special thank you to Dr. Steve Turkoski and the Membership Events Task Force for planning another successful week of events.

Johnson Chamber’s 2011 Small Business Person Of The Year

Dr. Freida Hill, chancellor to the Alabama Community College System, was the guest speaker at the General Membership Luncheon held during the Chamber’s Small Business Week celebrations.

Joseph Johnson is president of Friend Bank Dothan. A Dothan native, he is a 1982 Northview High School graduate and was a member of Dothan’s

first State Championship Football Team. During his college years at the University of Alabama, Johnson served as “Mike Man” for the Alabama Cheerleading Squad. He is also a 1994 graduate of the LSU School of Banking.

Johnson has been active in the Dothan community for many years serving as past chairman on the boards of Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center and Girls Inc. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and is an active member of the Dothan Rotary Club (past Chairman). He also coached Dixie Youth Baseball for 10 years.

Johnson enjoys serving Dothan as a community banker. Friend Bank is one of Alabama’s oldest community banks and has offices in Slocomb and Dothan. For over 100 years, the bank’s focus has been on building relationships while serving friends and neighbors in the Wiregrass.

Joseph Johnson, Friend Bank

RIBBONcuttings NEWmembers

RENEWINgmembers

Clip and add these to your Membership Directory.chill Yogurt café1640 Ross Clark Circle

Dothan, AL 36302Donna Gilbert

(334) 673-1114RESTAURANTS

Dothan High school snack canteen by

Pepi Foods1236 S. Oates St.

Dothan, AL 36301Roger Burchett334-671-1445

RESTAURANTS

mike miller cotton states insurance

2743 Montgomery Highway, Suite 1002

Dothan, AL 36303Mike Miller

334-792-9421INSURANCE

Emperess Homecare Inc.Bridgett JohnsonMixson Business Center545 W. Main St., Suite 100Dothan, AL 36301Ph: (334) 836-0217, ext. 102NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Energy Conservation Systems Inc.Dan Ledford392 Westgate ParkwayP.O. Box 8121Dothan, AL 36304Ph: (334) 797-3433Fax: (334) 702-1228ENERGY SAVING PRODUCTS - SOLAR & REFLECTIVE INSULATION

Gulf Coast DermatologyKim O’Neal106 Westside Drive (Dothan, AL)2505 Harrison AvenuePanama City, FL 32405Ph: (850) 233-3376Fax: (850) 522-8354PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS - MD - DERMATOLOGY

Lafayette Automotive of DothanDean Gould1401 Sinnett Ave.Dothan, AL 36303Ph: (334) 794-4277Fax: (334) 702-1483AUTOMOBILE PARTS & SUPPLIES

Cotton States InsuranceJustin KyserMike MillerRay Rollins2743 Montgomery Highway, Suite 1002Dothan, AL 36303Ph: (334) 792-9421Fax: (334) 792-9426INSURANCE

Ronald White PropertiesRonald White1011 E. Lafayette St.Dothan, AL 36301Ph: (334) 792-6026REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL AND/OR COMMERCIAL

1 to 4 YearsAce Automotive Service Inc.Country Inn & SuitesHouston County Republican WomenJudge Benjamin H. LewisMilsco DistributionRE/MAX Southern Properties, LLCResidence InnSweet & Sassy!The Daughtry GroupTOPS - The Ordinary People Society Inc.Westwood Presbyterian Church

5 to 9 YearsDoctors Laboratory Inc.Evergreen Presbyterian ChurchPanhandle Converter & Scrap Co.Summerford Pallet Co. Inc.

10-14 YearsAlabama Air National Guard, 280th Combat Communications SquadronBlankenship Contracting Inc.CapSouth PartnersCook’s Pest ControlExpress Oil Change & Service Center

Oncology Supply Co. Inc.The Dothan Service League

15-19 YearsAlabama Municipal Electric AuthorityAlabama Telco Credit UnionCox Swimming Pools Inc.Dothan Area Convention & Visitors BureauHealthwest Dental Associates, PCJim Skinner HondaSoutheast Alabama Community TheatreWesley Manor Retirement Center

20-24 YearsBarstone ApartmentsBay Limousine Service of DothanBB&TChrist Church InternationalHeadland Chamber of CommerceJeffersKing Church Furniture Inc.Personnel ResourcesService Industrial SupplyThe Riley GroupWard-Bell Communications Inc.

25-29 Years20/20 Eye CareAction Computer Sales and Service Inc.Dothan Regional AirportDothan School of DanceEmfinger Steel Co. Inc.Kirkland JewelryRonnie’s Men’s & Boys’ Wear Inc.SpectraCare Health Systems Inc.Tri-State Industrial Rubber Inc.

30-39 YearsBevis, Eberhart, Browning, Walker & Stewart Cedar Heights ApartmentsColeman World GroupMichelin North America Inc.Morris Realty Co.Parkway Motor Co. Inc.Qualico Steel Co. Inc.Scarborough & Associates Inc.

40 Or more YearsComcast Cable of Dothan

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nealy’s4650 W. Main St., Suite 603

Dothan, AL 36305Nealy Shirah

(334) 699-3552GIFT SHOP

Southeast Alabama Gazette

Mixson Business Center545 W. Main St., Suite 100

Hillard Hamm(334) 836-0217, ext. 111

NEWSPAPERS

yOURcHamber

Coming Soon…In anticipation of the upcoming production of the Chamber’s 2012

Membership Directory and Business Guide, Chamber members will receive their Membership Verification forms in mid-July 2011. Contact the Director of Membership, Caroline Shippey, for more information at (334) 792-5138 or cshippey@dothan.com.

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Events June Calendar

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Military Affairs Committee Meeting – 9:30 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Ribbon Cutting: Emperess Homecare Inc. – 10:30 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Leadership Dothan Class XXIX Graduation Banquet – 6:30 p.m.Location: 2195 Ross Clark Circle (Clarion Inn & Suites).

Diplomat & Ambassador Committee Meeting – 9 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Ribbon Cutting: Pepi Food Services Inc. – 10:30 a.m.Location: 165 Technology Drive

Ribbon Cutting: Wiregrass Spay/Neuter Alliance – 10:30 a.m.Location: 570 S. Foster St. The Network Exchange – 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Location: 904 Royal Parkway (Highland Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse)

Troy University Small Business Counseling Sessions – 9:30 a.m. to noonLocation: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)*Reservations required: (334) 792-5138

Ribbon Cutting: Townsend’s Andersen Showroom – 10:30 a.m.Location: 105 S. Woodburn Drive, Suite 2

Board of Directors’ Breakfast – 7:30 a.m.Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Ribbon Cutting: Panera Bread – 2 p.m.Location: 3515 Ross Clark Circle

Ribbon Cutting: Continental Roofing Co., LLC – 10:30 a.m.Location: 3246 Montgomery Hightway, Suite 201

Dothan Area Young Professionals Evening at the Fun Zone – 6 p.m.Location: 465 Westgate Parkway (Fun Zone)*Reservations required: jansen@dothansteel.com. Tickets $10 members/$20 non-members.

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Ed LaFontaine Ted’s Jewelers

Ed is better known as “Ed from Ted’s.” He has been a member of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce since he became associated with Ted’s Jewelers four years ago.

This is his second year as an Ambassador. Ed says he really is a darn Yankee. “I moved to

Dothan and have no intentions of going anywhere else. Being in the Chamber has allowed me to meet the other area business owners and has also been a very rewarding venture.” Stop by and visit Ed at Teds Jewelers in Fountain Plaza on the circle.

Ambassador OfThe Month

Diplomat Of The Month

1. Kathy Farley, Troy University

2. Leslie Weber, MidSouth Bank, NA

3. Adam King, Flowers Insurance Agency, LLC

4. Linda Ward, Ameris Bank

5. Jennifer Doherty, Dothan Regional Airport

Top 5 Ambassadors

1. Pamela T. Cutchens, Dothan Career Center

2. Jo Ann Kirkland, AFLAC

Top 2 Diplomats

Carol PotterSCI Companies Inc.

Carol is an implementation professional with SCI Companies Inc. a professional employee organization. She has served as an Ambassador for the Dothan Area Chamber of

Commerce for three years.“Working as a Diplomat is my way of giving back

to our community, business networking and making life-lasting friendships. I enjoy being able to provide support and to assist the Chamber and its members.”

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Mark Your Calender!The Network Exchange

Highlands Oaks golf Course Clubhouse — June 9, 2011

Don’t miss the Chamber’s next Network Exchange event to be held Thursday, June 9, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Highlands Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse. Join us for hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The event is free to attend and don’t forget to bring your business cards. For more information about The Network Exchange, please call (334) 792-5138.

Thank you To Our Event Sponsors

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DOTHAN By Design

From the PresidentIn looking at the first quarter 2011 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, the Dothan

Metropolitan Statistical Area ranks 24th out of 312 metropolitan areas as the lowest cost area to live in the United States. When comparing the index to other metropolitan areas in Alabama, Dothan is tied for the lowest cost area with Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala., at 90.1 percent, which is 9.9 percent below the national average in cost.

The Index consists of pricing items in the groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services categories. When we break down each category for Dothan, we really have some great cost numbers to tell those that inquire about our area. The below information highlights what a great bargain the Dothan market provides for utilities, housing, transportation and health care services. This index does not include taxes; however, if taxes were added, our area would most definitely be highlighted.Matt Parker,

President

Dothan MSA Second Lowest In State

ACCRA Cost Of Living IndexFirst Quarter 2011

The Five Most and Least Expensive Urban Areasin the ACCRA Cost of Living Index (COLI)

First Quarter 2011National Average for 312 Urban Areas = 100

Most ExpensiveRanking Urban Areas COL Index

12345

New york (Manhattan), NyNew york (Brooklyn), NyHonolulu, HawaiiSan Francisco, Calif.New york (Queens), Ny

218.4185.6170.6163.6156.9

Least ExpensiveRanking Urban Areas COL Index

12345

Harlingen, TexasFort Smith, Ariz.Pueblo, Colo.Cookeville, Tenn.Temple, Texas

80.583.784.284.584.8

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The Five Most and Least Expensive Places forGroceries by Index Number

in the ACCRA Cost of Living Index (COLI)First Quarter 2011

National Average for 312 Urban Areas = 100

Most ExpensiveRanking Urban Areas COL Index

12345

Honolulu, HawaiiNew york (Manhattan), NyKodiak, Ark.Anchorage, Ark.Fairbanks, Ark.

155.3154.8145.6142.3133.7

Least Expensive

Ranking Urban Areas COL Index12345

Round rock, TexasCorpus Christi, TexasHarlingen, TexasMcAllen, TexasWaco, Texas

78.480.081.181.182.5

Among the 312 urban areas that participated in the first quarter 2011 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan) N.Y., to almost 9.9 percent below the national average in Dothan, Ala. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is published quarterly by C2ER – The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering 60 different items for which prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and university applied economic centers in each participating urban area. Small differences should not be interpreted as showing a measurable difference.

The composite index is based on six components – grocery items, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services. In the report, 10 metropolitan areas were included in the Alabama data, with Dothan and Florence, Ala., reporting the second lowest composite indexes in the state at 90.1 percent. Birmingham, Ala., had the lowest at 89.6 percent. The Dothan MSA however had the lowest index for Utilities at 80.7 percent.

The index is helpful for individuals relocating to our area for a variety of reasons tied to retirement or employment, or those individuals seeking information on general health care costs, transportation and miscellaneous services.

At times, we as citizens and Chamber members, overlook the significance of these studies, but this is a standardized study done every quarter and price information is gathered on specific days during the quarter to provide an apples-to-apples comparison of metropolitan areas in the United States and their cost of living index. Our Cost of Living Index calculator is found on the Chamber’s website www.dothan.com so you can do a quick comparison of our area against the majority of metropolitan areas in the U.S. From our military men and women who train here, to the retirees and the new hires that move to our area, this index is a great resource to promote our area.

On a final note, I want to extend thanks to you, our members, for your support in helping with relief efforts due to the devastating tornado in north Alabama. The outpouring of business, utility providers, faith-based organizations, teachers and students has been tremendous. That area has been truly ravaged and the time for recovery will be slow, so please continue to do what you can to help. I would also like to recognize the City of Dothan and the Houston County Commission for sending personnel and equipment to help restore infrastructure in the north Alabama communities as this support was very much needed and appreciated by our fellow Alabamians.

Item National Average Dothan Average National Average

Housing 100% 76.3% 27.7%

groceries 100% 101.8% 1.8%

Utilities 100% 80.7% 19.3%

Transportation 100% 91.6% 8.4%

Health Care 100% 84.6% 15.4%

Misc. goods 100% 100.9% 0.9%

The latest U.S. Census Bureau numbers show the largest employer by industry sector in Houston County and the Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area is Health Care and Social Services. Statewide the Health Care sector came in third in employment behind Manufacturing and Retail.

As indicated by employment numbers, health care is a major economic engine within our county and region. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projections for future high growth jobs within the Region 10 Workforce Council area indicate that five of the top 11 occupations with at least 25 projected openings per year are health care related.

The most recent edition of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Monthly Labor Review noted that between 2007 and 2009, that while nationwide nonfarm employment was in decline and shed 7.5 million jobs, the health care industry gained 428,000 jobs, even though growth was weakened by increased health care costs which resulted in a slower rate of growth.

The following graph provides data through 2008, while reported data through 2009 indicates continued growth in health care employment; preliminary reports indicate a slowdown in hiring through 2010.

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WORKFORCEDevelOPment

Impact And Recession Resistance Of Health Care Industry

Steve Turkoski, Project Manager

Youth Leadership Public Safety Day

The Dothan Area Chamber Foundation’s Youth Leadership Dothan Class 19 vistited the Dothan Police and Fire departments during Public Safety Day.

During the day, the class got to tour the departments and learn about the jobs performed by our local police officers and fire personnel.

The Youth Leadership program is a seven-month training program that helps prepare high school juniors for leadership, involvement and participation in the future of our Wiregrass region. The program’s goal is to interest students in civic and volunteer activities and to encourage them to recognize their potential.

For more information about the Youth Leadership Dothan program, contact Linda Kelly, director of community development and program coordinator, at (334) 792-5138 or lkelley@dothan.com.

Teachers HonoredAt Reception

Approximately 150 area teachers attended the annual Teachers’ Appreciation Reception hosted by the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. Held at the Wiregrass Museum of Art & Conference Center, this annual event pays tribute to our local teachers for all their hard work and dedication to this area’s education system.

The Youth Leadership Dothan Class takes a break to pose for a group picture during their visit to the Dothan Fire Department’s Westgate Parkway Station.

Officer Derek Womack from the Dothan Police Department helps Dothan High School junior LaTya McCall put on a bomb squad suit during Youth Leadership Dothan’s Public Safety Day.

With Dothan’s planned medical school, the regional impact and cultural influence of the health care industry can only be expanded, and the regional populace and economy will be the beneficiaries.

The following national health care employment projections by health care occupation indicate a very similar pattern to our regional occupational projections. The occupations with the highest projected employment growth nationwide are the same as the high growth occupations in Region 10.

The Monthly Labor Review reported, “Although health care employment tends to expand throughout changing business cycles, hospital employment has moved countercyclically to both real GDP and total nonfarm employment throughout the last three recessions. Consequently, when unemployment rises, so does the jobs growth rate in hospitals.” While hospital employment increased during the recession, employment in ambulatory health care services had the largest employment growth in the health care industry during the recession.

The following compensation for health care employees within the Dothan MSA was extracted from the Bureau of Economic Analysis website.

BUSINESSbrieFs

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At the May board of directors meeting, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Nominations and Elections Committee, chaired by Charles Buntin, immediate past chairman and Tom West Co., presented to the board a proposed slate of nine candidates who will each serve three-year terms on the board of directors, replacing those whose regular terms expire this fall. The nominated candidates are:

Chamber Nominations And Elections Committee Announces Proposed New Board Members

2011-2012 Term

B. Scott Applefield Winco, LLC dba Bojangles’

Donald P. Bolden CapSouth Partners

Troy Fountain Wiregrass Church

Cynthia GreenWiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.

Don McCleodDon McCleod, CPA, PC

Harrison MorrisServisFirst Bank

Forrest RegisterRegister Realty Co. Inc.

Susan Stacks WilkinsCenturyLink

Todd YoungbloodSouthern Nuclear

The general membership is hereby notified that additional names of candidates for director can be nominated by petition, bearing the genuine signatures of at least five percent of all qualified voting members of the Chamber, using a separate petition for each nominee. Candidates nominated must have been submitted to the Committee for consideration prior to the May 12, 5 p.m. deadline. Such petition must be filed with the Nominations and Elections Committee no later than noon, June 10, 2011. If no petition is filed, the nominations shall be closed and the nominated slate declared elected by the board of directors at the June 15 meeting. In the event a petition is filed, the Nominations and Elections Committee will be responsible for conducting an election in accordance with the Chamber By-Laws.

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Take 12 of the largest personalities in the Dothan area, mix in a little rhinestones, sequins, lots of hairspray, a little diva attitude and a whole lot of practice and what do you get? The second annual Dancing with the Stars-Dothan, the

largest, most unique and entertaining fund-raising event hosted by The Dothan-Houston County Substance

Abuse Partnership, This year’s event, scheduled for

Saturday, June 25, at the Dothan Civic Center, promises to be even more entertaining

than last year’s event, which raised more than $14,000 for the Partnership.

“We have an absolutely outstanding group of local celebrities putting their best dance moves on the stage at the Civic Center this year to help us continue to provide the children of Dothan and Houston County with the information they need to make an educated and solid decision when presented with drugs, alcohol and tobacco,” stated Jeffery Biggs, community outreach coordinator for the Partnership. “This group of celebrities has pledged to do their best to help us raise $50,000 for this year’s Dancing with the Stars-Dothan; and we really believe we’re going to be able to reach that goal.”

The slate of local celebrities include Courtney Caulfield owner of Courtney’s Studio; WKMX radio personality Julie Jacobs; Regions Bank City President Lamar Brooks; Wiregrass Hospice’s Holli Closson; former Dothan Fire Chief Sam Crawford; WDHN’s Jamiese Price; Kickin’ Country 93.7 radio personalities Amie Pollard and Jerome Jackson; Gold’s Gym trainer Danny Powers; Dothan Police Cpl. Rachel David; Goldfinger’s Jason Edberg; and WTVY’s Joshua Repp.

Local professional dancers include Cameron Philippona, Roger Garcia, defending champ Sonya Philippona, Doug Compton, Nancy Hein, Brian Lumbatis, Ron Devane, Debbie Driggers, Robin Saliba, Steve Morrison, Sandy Lumbatis and Marta Trevathan.

The Partnership, as well as the celebrities and pros, are currently seeking sponsorships. Each sponsorship dollar raised by the celebrity and pro will be applied to their vote total, along with votes cast the night of the event by the audience, and a panel of professional judges.

Sponsorships begin at $100. More information can be obtained by contacting Biggs at (334) 699-2813, jbiggs@wiregrasspartnership.com or by contacting any celebrity or professional dancer associated with the show.

Tickets for the show are $15 and can be purchased through the Dothan Civic Center Box Office.

BUSINESSbrieFs

Upcoming Member EventsDothan Networking AllianceEvery Thursday • 7:15 a.m. Smokey Joe’s Restaurant. DNA is a business-to-business networking alliance bringing life to each other’s business by providing quality referrals. For more information, visit www.networkingindothan.com.

Celebrate RecoveryEvery Friday • 6 p.m.Harvest Church. This is a biblical 12-step program for anyone struggling with life’s hurts, hang-ups or habits. The program is free and all are welcome. Optional dinner starts at 6 p.m.; free to first-time guests. For those with children, age specific children’s program available. For more information, call Harvest at (334) 702-6555 or email celebraterecovery@harvestdothan.com. “You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there!”

Poplar Head Farmers MarketEvery Saturday • 8 a.m. - noonDothan Civic Center and Wiregrass Museum of Art & Conference Center parking lots. Sponsored by The Downtown Group of Dothan, this open air market features fresh locally grown vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, prepared foods, music, children’s activities and artists from within a 50-mile radius of Dothan. For more information, visit www.poplar headfarmersmarket.com.

Dothan Newcomer’s ClubJune 2 • 9:30 a.m.The Dothan Newcomer’s Club meets the first Thursday of each month at various locations throughout the area. Meetings are open to all women who have lived in the Dothan area two years or less, or have experienced a major life change within the past two years. For more information, contact Cynthia Lumpkin (334) 793-5620.

1st Saturday Family DayJune 4 • 10:30 a.m.Wiregrass Museum of Art & Conference Center. A program that provides entertainment for the whole family. Children and their families can enjoy a different fun-filled activity each month. The program is free and open to children of all ages accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (334) 794-3871 or visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org.

Old Fashioned Ice Cream SocialJune 11 • 5-8 p.m.Landmark Park. Come celebrate National Dairy Month with a free scoop of ice cream, exhibits of dairy implements and more. Admission is adults $5; children $3; park members free. For more information, call (334) 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkpark.com.

American Business Women’s AssociationJune 13 • 11:30 a.m.Old Mill Restaurant. All women are invited to join the American Business Women’s Association’s Dothan Circle City Chapter for their monthly meeting. Meetings are held the second Monday. For more information, call Stormie Andrews at (334) 699-8740.

Dothan Civitan ClubJune 14 & 28 • noonOld Mill Restaurant. The Club meets at noon the second and fourth Tuesday. Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18. To reserve your seat, or for more information, contact Carla Rodgers at (334) 983-6500 or carla.rodgers@covan.com.

Houston County Republican WomenJune 23 • 11:30 a.m.Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Lion’s Hall. The Houston County Republican Women meet the fourth Thursday. Guest speakers vary. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. and is $10/person. All are invited and reservations are required the Tuesday before the meeting date. To make your reservation, contact Katy Maddox at hcrw@live.com or (334) 790-9700. For more information, visit www.hcrw.us.

Health ChatsJune 28 • 6:15 p.m.Carnes Chiropractic & Wellness Center, EMS Classroom, Suite 217. Health Chats are free and open to the public. June’s Health Chat topic is How to Treat Reflux and Other Digestive Problems Naturally. For more information, call (334) 794-2225.

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Have an upcomingevent planned?

Send your event information to mmckean@dothan.com

Teeing Up For Education

The Education Foundation for Dothan’s Future Inc.

invites Chamber members to tee up for education during the

Morris Slingluff Memorial Golf Tournament to be held June 16 at the Highlands Golf Course.

Proceeds will go back to the classroom for teacher grants.

The golf tournament is a four-person scramble and the cost is $100 per player and $400 per team. Hole sponsorship signs are also available for $100, or $500 for a team and sponsorship sign.

Lunch will be at 11 a.m. with the tee off taking place at noon. There will be cash prizes for gross and net, and a $10,000 hole-in-one contest.

For more information about the golf tournament, or to register, call (334) 794-6585 or (334) 791-8516.

Jennifer Waters,Communications Director

First All-Laser Bladeless LASIK

Procedure Performed In Wiregrass

Local Eye Center South surgeons Drs. Marnix Heersink and Tyler A. Hall recently performed the first all-laser iLASIK procedures in southeastern Alabama, as part of a study now underway at Eye Center South.

Laser eye surgery continues to improve and allow patients less dependency on glasses and contact lenses and the latest advancement is the development of the IFS Laser™, a completely bladeless method of LASIK eye surgery that creates within 10 seconds or less a flap of the outer surface of the eye using advanced painless light energy.

“Our goal in conducting this LASIK study is to confirm the safety, efficacy and results of this exciting new FDA-approved Femtosecond laser technology and to ensure patients’ safety, precision and comfort during the procedure,” said Heersink. “We’re very proud to be involved in advances for LASIK procedures in the Wiregrass.”

During the 60-day LASIK study, Eye Center South surgeons will monitor and confirm that enhanced treatment times means faster visual recovery, excellent results and greater comfort for patients, allowing less stress on LASIK patients and reduced fear and anxiety regarding having a LASIK procedure.

Patients enrolled in Phase One of the LASIK study will receive the Femtosecond technology upgrade at no additional charge, which represents a savings of more than $800 per patient.

“With iFS Femtosecond laser technology, we will be creating cornea flaps with pinpoint accuracy that are truly customized for each patient’s particular vision needs,” Heersink stated.

The new iFS Laser is also now making it possible to treat patients who may have previously been told they were not candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or dry eyes.

For more information about the LASIK study now underway, call Eye Center South at (334) 793-2211.

Water Joins CVB StaffThe Dothan Area

Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce Jennifer Waters has joined its team as communications director.

Waters is a 2005 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in computer science.

Born and raised in the Wiregrass area, Waters has

worked in sales and marketing since graduating from Alabama. She is a member of the Dothan

Area Young Professionals and also an alumni of the Dothan Area Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Dothan program.

For more information about the Dothan Area CVB, visit their website www.dothanalcvb.com or give Waters a call at (334) 794-6622.

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DAYP Holds Fundraiser

The Dothan Area Young Professionals hosted the First Annual Bowling for Grandview Tournament this past March. The event was held as a fundraiser for DAYP’s Adopt-A-School Grandview Elementary.

Sixteen four-person teams participated in the event and together they raised $1,100 for the school. Grandview’s principal Tamika Fleming said she’s not yet sure where the money will be utilized, but with the budget cuts, she knows it will be desperately needed for the children.

The Dothan Area Young Professionals is a group of local 21-41 year olds who are committed to the community and focus on three key growth areas: professional development, community mindedness and peer socialization.

If you would like more information about the DAYP, or how you can join, visit their website www.dothanyp.com.

Durden Adds Digital Lighthouse

Durden Outdoor Displays Inc. has been dedicated to bringing local businesses better opportunities to grow through effective marketing campaigns. One of Durden’s newest tools is the addition of a digital billboard located in Eufaula, Ala.

Located on U.S. Highway 431, the new display is an industry first digital lighthouse featuring a tri-sided display. One of the faces, viewable from the north bound lanes, is a state-of-the-art digital display. The digital billboard face is viewable from the northbound lanes.

“The traffic count in this area is roughly 13 million cars per year. With a traffic count like this, advertisers will have the opportunity to get their marketing message out to a large number of people quickly,” said Bill Durden, vice president.

For more details on the new digital lighthouse billboard, contact Durden Outdoor Displays at (800) 239 3041 or visit www.durdenoutdoor.com.

Alfred Saliba Realty Earns Award

Coldwell Banker-Alfred Saliba Realty was recently named the Number One Office in Closed Production in Alabama for independently owned and operated affiliated companies in the Coldwell Banker® system in 2010.

“Coldwell Banker-Alfred Saliba Realty exhibits the highest standards of professionalism, fulfilling the reputation for which Coldwell Banker companies are known,” said Frank Lindsey, regional director of the Coldwell Banker Atlanta Region. “We are thrilled to name Coldwell Banker-Alfred Saliba Realty as the Number One Office in Alabama.”

“It is an honor to present Coldwell Banker-Alfred Saliba Realty with the Number One Office award in Alabama,” added Jim Gillespie, chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC. “Coldwell Banker-Alfred Saliba Realty has proven to be a leader

in 2010 by excelling during challenging times and providing customers with the high standard of service and expertise representative of the most professional sales agents in the business.”

This year was undoubtedly challenging for real estate, as it was for many sectors of the economy, but 2010 showed signs of improvement. “Home prices have begun to stabilize and interest rates remain low,” said Gillespie. “Affordability has improved and many markets are at historically strong levels, which make it a smart time for home buyers.”

Coldwell Banker-Alfred Saliba Realty, which was founded in 1967, has over 40 full-time realtors making it the largest full-service real estate company in the Dothan market. The office is located at 410 N. Shady Lane in Dothan and can be reached at (334) 793-6600.

Teaming Up, Being Sweet And Sticking

Together

The Wallace Community College Association of Student Practical Nurses recently partnered with Montana Street Magnet School and Slingluff Elementary School during April’s Spirit of Service Day. ASPN’s President Beverly Cody (far left) and Vice President Teresa Hanson (far right) delivered donations of peanut butter and jelly to Montana Magnet Principal Sue Clark as part of the “Lets Team Up, Be Sweet and Stick Together” service project. The food was donated to the Wiregrass Area United Way Food Bank. The project is part of an incentive offered by The Feinstein Foundation of Rhode Island and its effort to fight hunger. The Foundation will donate funds to the Food Bank based on collections, and participating schools will be eligible for up to $1,000 in grant money.

Gifted Education Conference A Big Success

More than 30 local parents and teachers learned more about meeting the needs of high-ability students during

Troy University’s third annual Gifted Education Conference at the Dothan Campus in April.

The conference has grown steadily since its inception, and this

year’s turnout nearly doubled the attendance of the previous year, said Troy education professor Dr. Victoria Morin.

Sponsored by the Troy College of Education, the conference is aimed at helping parents and teachers recognize and nurture the creative potential in high-ability students in kindergarten through second grade. This year’s workshop focused on developing creative potential both at home and in the classroom.

Feedback from attendees indicated many left inspired and excited about applying the lessons they learned, Morin said. Participants also had high marks for the conference’s presenters.

The fourth annual conference is tentatively set for April 2012. For more information, contact Morin at vmorin@troy.edu.

Kandy Groover (left), Dothan Area Young Professionals membership director, and Jansen Tidmore (far right), DAYP chairman, present a $1,100 check to Tamika Fleming, principal at Grandview Elementary School. The funds were raised during the First Annual Bowling for Grandview Tournament held in March,

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Flowers Hospital recently named Derek Robinson as director of environmental services. Robinson began his career at Flowers Hospital in June 2009 as the assistant director for the department.

As the new director, Robinson will oversee the hospital’s housekeeping staff and is responsible for ensuring the cleanliness

of the hospital’s more than 400,000 square feet of space. In addition, he is responsible for the facility’s laundry services.

“Derek’s character and commitment to our patients make him a natural fit for the director position,” said Suzanne Woods, Flowers Hospital CEO. “He understands that the appearance and cleanliness of our facility is one of the first things our patients and their family members notice. Derek does an excellent job of supporting our employees and ensuring they understand their important role in providing excellent healthcare services.”

Robinson received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy State University with a minor in business administration. He and his wife, Jessica, have been married for five years and have one son, Will.

Flowers Hospital has served the health care needs of the Wiregrass for over 60 years. The facility is not only an important resource for the Dothan community, it also serves as a major tertiary referral center for the tri-state area of south Alabama, southwest Georgia and northwest Florida.

By combining responsible personnel of approximately 1,200 employees, modern equipment and supplies, effective management, sophisticated support services, up-to-date professional education programs, and a staff of over 250 exceptional physicians, Flowers Hospital is able to assure patients of quality health care.

Flowers Hospital currently scores in the top 1 percent on process-of-care, or “core” measures, in the United States, as developed and rated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital achieves top quality scores across four clinical areas: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical infection prevention.

For more information, contact Tonya Pruitt, professional development coordinator, at (334) 794-5000, ext. 8575 or visit www.flowershospital.com.

Robinson Named EVS Director

Derek Robinson,Environmental Services Director

Local Restaurant Offers Fundraising

AssistanceHave you “Herd”? Dothan’s Red Elephant Pizza

and Grill Restaurant will host fundraising events to help area organizations.

Called “Share Events,” all an organization has to do is bring family, friends and anyone else that wants to help their cause to the Red Elephant on a pre-determined day. Red Elephant will then give the organization 15 percent of all the sales from customers that came out to support the organizations fundraising cause.

Last year alone, Red Elephant gave back over $6,000 to groups like the Wiregrass Children’s Home, Champions of Hope and Dothan area high schools.

The Share Events are held on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays and are subject to availability. Interested organizations can visit Red Elephant’s website www.redelephantpizza.com and click the “Share Event” tab. Fill-out the form and be on their way to a great fundraiser that is fun.

Don’t miss the upcoming fundraising dates for Wiregrass Church June 5, 12, 19 and 26.

The Red Elephant Pizza & Grill Restaurant is located in the Circle West Shopping Center, 3108 Ross Clark Circle and is open for lunch or dinner, Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Wiregrass Electric Sponsors Students For Washington Youth Tour

Madison Hendrix of Hartford and Aaron McDaniels of Geneva were recently selected by Wiregrass Electric Cooperative to attend the National Rural Electric Association Youth Tour to Washington, DC, June 11-16.

Hendrix, daughter of Jerome and Angie Hendrix, is a junior at Geneva County High School; and McDaniels, son of Don and Tammy McDaniels, is a junior at Geneva. Selected as alternate was Lyle Singletary, a junior at Ashford Academy and the son of Ritchie and Decca Singletary of Ashford.

“These students have proven their leadership abilities in their schools and communities, and Wiregrass Electric is proud to sponsor them to the Washington Youth Tour,” said Michael S. McWaters, Wiregrass Electric CEO.

The Youth Tour to Washington is sponsored annually by NRECA, the national association for electric cooperatives, to present students with a hands-on experience with the nation’s government and to promote leadership roles in area youth. The students are selected by an independent panel of judges during an interview process.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is an electric distribution system with more than 3,500 miles of line providing reliable energy to over 23,000 homes and businesses in Houston, Geneva, Covington, Dale and Coffee counties. For more information, visit their website www.wiregrass.coop.

Madison Hendrix of Hartford (second from right) and Aaron McDaniels of Geneva (third from right) were selected by Wiregrass Electric Cooperative to attend the National Rural Electric Association Youth Tour to Washington, DC. Pictured (l-r) are Tracy Reeder and Debra Eubanks Baxley, WEC board of trustees; Kyle Singletary, alternate; McDaniels; Hendrix; and Donald Ray Wilks, WEC board president.

The Wiregrass United Way will host a 2-1-1 Duck Race Fundraiser Saturday, June 4, at Eastgate Park in Dothan from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The fundraiser will help raise the much needed funds to sustain their non-profit agency 2-1-1 in order to continue providing free information and referral services to

residents in the Wiregrass. Admission to the Duck Race is free. The fundraiser

will provide a festival atmosphere that includes vendors, booths, children’s activities, a silent auction and live music. The Duck Race will be held at 2:11 p.m.

For the Duck Race, numbered plastic ducks that have been purchased ahead of time will be in a race at the Eastgate Park lake. Tickets can be purchased for $10 each or 3 for $25. Call (334) 836-1963 for details.

Prizes for the Duck Race include a $1,500 Home Oil Gas Card, a set of Michelin Tires and a Carnival Cruise.

For information about the Duck Race, visit www.211duckrace.com; or for information about services provided by the Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1, Southeast Alabama program, visit www.w211.cfsites.org.

Don’t Miss The 2-1-1 Duck Race

Special Thank You To The General Membership Luncheon Sponsors

CenturyLink Express Oil Change & Service Center

10

SMAllbusinessDEvElOPMENT

2 0 1 1

Women-Owned Firms Increase

In the American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, A Summary of Important Trends, 1997–2011 reports that women-owned f irms have increased by 50 percent since 1997. Additionally, the number of women-owned f irms in Alabama in 2011 is 115,200, with Alabama being ranked seventh in growth by the number of f irms (65.7 percent increase since 1997) and 30th by growth of revenues (55.3 percent since 1997). (By contrast, in 2008, the Small Business Office of Advocacy reported 107,531 women-owned businesses in Alabama.)

The sectors with the highest percent of women-owned f irms in 2011 are: Other Services – 16 percent, Health Care and Social Assistance - 15.7 percent, Professional, Scientif ic and Technical Services – 14 percent.

The full report can be found at http://media.nucleus.naprojects.com/pdf/WomanReport_FINAL.pdf.

Small Business TipHow to take your customer service to the next levelBusiness owners need to stop reacting to customer needs and start anticipating them in order to provide truly great service, says Micah Solomon, co-author of Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit. He also urges business owners to give employees the permission and resources to meet customer needs as well as building systems to track customer preferences. (Source: Duct Tape Marketing, www.ducttapemarketing.com, Micah Solemon, “Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit,” Feb. 23, 2011)

Small Business Week Events

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee is gearing up for its 2011-2012 fiscal year, and is looking for a few good volunteers who enjoy teamwork and meeting people.

Ambassadors serve as the organization’s “eyes and ears” by working with staff members to make contact with Chamber members throughout the year, in addition to a number of other responsibilities. If you are in sales, marketing, advertising or public relations, the Ambassador Committee may be the perfect way for you to get involved with area businesses.

The Chamber will accept applications for the 50 Ambassador positions for the 2011-2012 year until all positions are filled. The final deadline for applications is noon August 26, 2011.

For more information, contact the Director of Membership, Caroline Shippey at (334) 792-5138 or cshippey@dothan.com.

Name:

Organization:

Position:

Address:

Phone: Fax:

Email:

Ambassador Committee A P P l I C A T I O N

2011-2012

Are you good at promoting what you believe in?

Do you enjoy people and networking?

Is your business interested in connecting with

the community?

Then you may have what it takes to be a

Chamber Ambassador.

__________________________________

___________________

11

Laureate Nomination FormThe Dothan Business Hall of Fame’s board of advisors is now accepting

nominations for the 2011 Dothan Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of our outstanding business leaders, to perpetuate and inspire values of entrepreneurial spirit, personal integrity and community leadership in all generations. To be eligible for selection, a person must have made a significant impact on the development of Dothan and/or Houston County by promoting the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship; by demonstrating civic leadership; and by their philanthropy and humanitarianism toward their fellow citizens.

Name of Nominee: _____________________________________________

Born (date and place): __________________________________________

Deceased (date and place): _______________________________________

Company/Organization (if currently employed): ____________________

______________________________________________________________

Work Address: _________________________________________________

Work Phone: __________________________________________________

Web Address: __________________________________________________

Work E-mail: __________________________________________________

Present Title/Position: __________________________________________

No. of Years: __________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _______________________________________________

Please provide a biographical description of the nominee (not to exceed two

pages) and on a separate sheet of paper for each section below, please provide the following information. Feel free to include supporting documents (news clippings, magazine articles, etc.).

1. Significant achievements – any achievements that are first-time achievements2. Awards and honors bestowed upon nominee (list chronologically)3. Memberships4. Professional, business or vocational history (list chronologically)

Thank you for taking time to put forth your nominee for the 2011 Dothan Business Hall of Fame. Laureate inductees will be notified in mid-July 2011.

Nomination Submitted By: ______________________________________

Address: City: ______________

State: Zip: Telephone: ______________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________________

Nominations are due by June 15, 2011. Mail your nomination to:

Dothan Business Hall of FameDothan Area Chamber of Commerce

Attention: Janice ShepardP. O. Box 638

Dothan, AL 36302

Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 5/05/11. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.

Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for February:63,217 in 2010; 62,202 in 2011

Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for February:9.9% in 2010; 9.0% in 2011

Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for February:14 issued ($3.50 million) in 2010; 19 issued ($5.12 million) in 2011

Home Sales in Dothan for February:73 sold in 2010; 70 sold in 2011

Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for February:2,847 in 2010; 2,907 in 2011

Houston County Sales and Use Tax for February:$1,219,475 in 2010; $1,290,053 in 2011

ConnectionsCONNECTIONSC H A M B E R

Chamber Connections is published monthly (USPS 700-660) for the members of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Jamestown Blvd., Dothan, AL 36301. Subscription rate is $24 annually. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 638, Dothan, AL 36302. Periodicals postage is paid at Dothan, AL and additional mailing office.

A Publication of theDothan Area Chamber of CommerceJune 2011Vol. 38, No. 9 (USPS 700-660)© Copyright 2011

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