Although rain and a competing social event might have kept the crowd down a little, the after-hours Chamber networking event at the Brand New Tuscaloosa Chevrolet on October 26 was highly successful.
Over the two-hour period of the event, a good-sized crowd filled the lobby of the dealership's new location on Interstate Parkway at Exit 77 on Interstate 20/59. The Chamber Ambassadors coordinated the event, led by Alan Hood of Tuscaloosa Chevrolet, his wife Ella of Home Towne Suites, and Angie Askew of Morgan Keegan.
The Business Network International (BNI) groups, led by Mary Power of Key Staff Source, also helped with the event.
A number of Chamber members donated food or door prizes for the after-hours get-together. Among them were: Pizza Hut, FIG, Amy's Florist, Woods & Water, The Brand New Tuscaloosa Chevrolet (in addition to being the host); Regions Bank; The Bank of Tuscaloosa; Home-Towne Suites; Sheila's Gift Baskets and Gifts, Chic-Fil-A; Coca-Cola Enterprises; Verizon Wireless, and Express Personnel.
New members, prospective members, and longtime members had some refreshments, won door prizes, and "connected" with each other.
"Networking is one of the key benefits of Chamber membership," said Carla Bailey, Ambassadors Chair, "and our event in October was a good example of how Chamber volunteers can work together successfully."
After the event, the Brand New Tuscaloosa Chevrolet donated to The Chamber the two banners that were used to welcome members and guests. In the photo, Alan Hood, left, and Johnnie Chambers hold open one of the banners.
The Chamber recently sent to all members a survey that requested their help in setting the direction and developing the business plan for the organization in 2007.
The survey was sent electronically to most members, and mailed to about 200 members for whom The Chamber doesn't have a valid e-mail address.
The Chamber leadership, which will be directed in 2007 by Jim Harrison III, sincerely wants the input of as many members as possible.
Some veteran volunteers and some who've just received training will be spending a lot of time in eighth grade classrooms at five Tuscaloosa County middle schools during November.
These volunteers will be presenting the CHOICES program, which is an interactive lecture-demonstration that deals with the importance of students making good decisions (choices) in their academic lives and how choices (good and bad) can affect their future success.
This is the seventh consecutive school year that The Chamber's CHOICES program has been presented to middle schoolers. The rest of the Tuscaloosa County schools and all Tuscaloosa City schools will be handled during the spring semester.
In the photo, Loo Whitfield, who heads the Adopt-A-School program for The Chamber and is the instructor for CHOICES training, conducts a class. Karen Cash of AFFLINK Corp., and Ken King of Cingular Wireless were two of the students.
Several businesses and organizations have provided the financial support for the CHOICES program. They are: AFFLINK Corp., the Bank of Tuscaloosa, Junior League of Tuscaloosa, the Reese Phifer Jr. Memorial Foundation, Regions Bank, Sam's Club, and Security Bank.
Many more exciting details will be on the way soon, but go ahead and circle January 23, 2007, on your calendar today. That's when The Chamber will celebrate the accomplishments of 2006 with a lot of food, fun and fellowship. It will be a night to remember! You and your associates won't want to miss this event.
Why, you might ask, does The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama get involved in a Hunting and Fishing Trail? Try the hunting and fishing industry brings in more than $3 billion each year in the State of Alabama.
That is why two years ago, a group of business people in West Alabama saw a unique opportunity to utilize natural resources as an economic development tool, and change the way people view the state of Alabama.
The West Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail was a collaborative effort between Alabama Power Company, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau, local business owners and private citizens. It was made up of a collection of hunting and fishing lodges and its aim is to increase the awareness of outdoor recreation and enhance economic development in West Alabama.
The success of the venture was enough that the organizers are now taking the "Trail" statewide. From now on the name is the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail, reflecting an overall scope that is modeled after the highly successful Robert Trent Jones Golfing Trail.
Since its conception in 2004, the Trail has made significant impact for its members. "Our focus has been to work with local outfitters, business owners, economic development organizations and tourism partners to promote and strengthen the outdoor market in Alabama," said Donny Jones, chairman of the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail.
"I think the Trail can have a great economic impact on our state," said Barnett Lawley, commissioner of the department of conservation and natural resources. "Anytime we can promote our natural resources and the opportunity for people to enjoy the state of Alabama we need to take advantage of it." Lee Sentell, director of Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, echoed that statement. "We feel the trail will encourage a new generation of youngsters from all over the world to become involved in outdoor activities. When boys and girls spend time outdoors with their fathers and grandfathers they have a greater respect for nature and a greater respect for the natural assets of Alabama."
The Trial not only utilizes its partnerships to promote members, but also employs the latest in web development and marketing to bring hunters and anglers to Alabama. In 2005, the Trail was presented the Innovator of the Year Award at the annual West Alabama Stars in the Industry ceremony.
Long known as one of the most diverse states due to its geography and location, Alabama, is a hunting and fishing paradise. "One of our goals is to capitalize on our longer hunting seasons, variety of wild game and extensive fishing opportunities," says Jones, who is also vice president of technology and operations, Chamber of Commerce of West. "Many northern states have limited game, fishing and hunting seasons.
Thus far in 2006, more than 700 people have attended "Chamber University," and they have returned to the workplace better able to meet the day-to-day demands of their jobs.
The November 7 seminar on Franklin Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" was the 16th training course or seminar offered by The Chamber this year. An earlier Covey seminar, "4 Disciplines of Execution," as a matter of fact, was attended by more members and associates than any other seminar this year: 86.
Five early morning seminars on technology were popular. They dealt with Microsoft
VoterVoice
Although rain and a competing social event might have kept the crowd down a little, the after-hours Chamber networking event at the Brand New Tuscaloosa Chevrolet on October 26 was highly successful.
New members, prospective members, and longtime members had some refreshments, won door prizes, and "connected" with each other.
Some veteran volunteers and some who've just received training will be spending a lot of time in eighth grade classrooms at five Tuscaloosa County middle schools during November.
The success of the venture was enough that the organizers are now taking the "Trail" statewide. From now on the name is the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail, reflecting an overall scope that is modeled after the highly successful Robert Trent Jones Golfing Trail.
The Trial not only utilizes its partnerships to promote members, but also employs the latest in web development and marketing to bring hunters and anglers to 
Thus far in 2006, more than 700 people have attended "Chamber University," and they have returned to the workplace better able to meet the day-to-day demands of their jobs.