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The newly-formed Literacy Council of West Alabama and The Chamber recognized the annual International Literacy Day on Monday, September 8th by holding local events to coincide with international efforts.
A "Reading Buddies” Volunteer Training Session was held at the Tuscaloosa Public Library where about 30 attendees learned how to engage students during volunteer reading time. Meanwhile, an all-day book fair at Barnes & Noble in Midtown Village raised about $1000 for the Literacy Council. Also, the Tuscaloosa Public Library held a library card drive at University Mall and many area schools recognized the day in creative ways.
 The main attraction of the day was a special luncheon program at the Hotel Capstone featuring keynote speaker Jill “J.R.” Labbe, deputy editorial page editor and senior columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Labbe (pictured with Chamber president Johnnie Aycock) is a past president of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, the third largest Rotary club in the world with over 600 members, and is a passionate, proactive leader in literacy initiatives in Texas.
Labbe first garnered the attention of about 100 people attending with statistics tying infant mortality rates in Alabama to the mother’s low literacy skills--The higher the educational attainment of the mother, the lower the infant mortality rate. She went on to say that national healthcare costs linked to low health literacy reach about $73 billion annually. “And who do you think is paying for that? You. And me. Everyone who pays insurance premiums and taxes to local public hospital districts and elevated out-of-pocket costs for healthcare,” she said.
“But it isn’t just your physical health that’s at risk if you can’t read and comprehend,” she said, since financial literacy is equally problematic. She described how many Americans who were caught up in the subprime mortgage mess got there because they couldn’t understand the forms and terms of what they were signing. “Not being able to read and comprehend is now people can be taken advantage of by shysters and charlatans,” she said.
As for the role of business in this issue, Labbe pointed out that businesses strive to accommodate every potential customer by using icons and photographs in place of words all around us and that same drive to help potential customers navigate their way to plunking down money for services or products also should motivate businesses to do something about improving adult literacy rates—and not just because it’s the right thing to do. “The quality of your workforce and the health of your regional and state economy depend on it,” she said. She stressed that business has got to be at the table when the discussion turns to the cost-benefit analysis of the status quo saying, that “business leaders have the best opportunity to attract and hold the attention of the lawmakers in control of appropriations.”
She said the good news is that conversations are underway in communities like ours across the country where individuals, business leaders, educators and agency officials are channeling their energy to establish programs to give people the skills they need to fully benefit from and contribute to the success of our national community.
An open forum discussion with Labbe was held after the luncheon at the UA. To get updates on the progress of The Literacy Council of West Alabama, visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com/literacy.
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 Our August mixer at the Bryant Museum, sponsored by Bryant Bank, was big fun! It was a tailgating party with Robertson’s BBQ sandwiches, sides and brownies. About 300 people attended and many wore red to show their team spirit. The museum continues to captivate fans.
Chamber After Hours at Art Night in Historic Downtown Northport was held on the evening of September 4th and was hosted by the Downtown Northport Merchants Association. Area restaurants teamed up with merchants to offer complimentary bites to shoppers in stores, which were open for business, among live Bluegrass music by The Clell Family. Many generous gift certificates were given away  and attendees enjoyed mingling and unique shopping.
Our next mixer will be Tuesday, October 14th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the shops at Indian Hills Square. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Thursday, the 16th of the same week.
Funds for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) will be raised by a raffle among the merchants along with a silent auction including 2 lower level Bama vs Auburn game tickets!
We’ll have great food by Peterbrooke, Desperado's and Quizno's and a cash bar will be available. Plan to come and tell a friend! |
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The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, along with sponsors Capstone Bank and The Prince-Glover Law Group, have announced plans for the sixth annual “State of the Community” breakfast on Thursday , September 25th at 7:30 a.m. at the Hotel Capstone (formerly Four Points Sheraton).
The breakfast is open to the public at no cost, however, reservations are required and encouraged.
“It is beneficial to have an annual report on the progress of our area and status of our local governments,” emphasized Chamber president, Johnnie Aycock. “Over the past few years, this program has been well-received and informative."
Scheduled to participate in the annual breakfast are Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Commission; Mayor Walt Maddox of the City of Tuscaloosa; and Mayor Harvey Fretwell of the City of Northport.
For more details or to make reservations, call The Chamber at 758.7588 or go online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com and click on Community Calendar.
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The Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa AAS Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, September 25th. The four-man scramble will be held at Tuscaloosa Country Club. Both 8 AM and 1 PM shotgun starts are currently available and registration fees include green fees, cart and lunch. Registration and sponsor forms are online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com/aas/forms/htm.
The Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa AAS Tennis Tournament is a doubles tournament with 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0+ divisions set for Thursday, September 18th at Indian Hills Country Club. Cost is $45 per player and all schools with players representing them are eligible to win cash prizes. Registration and sponsor forms are online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com/aas/forms.htm. Indian Hills also has registration forms.
For more info on the tourneys or to donate a much-needed raffle item, call 391.0563 or email loo@tuscaloosachamber.com.
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Excel 2003 Beginning Hands-On Workshop
Have you ever tried to use Microsoft Excel only to find yourself frustrated by complicated formulas and intimidating menus? Do you have past experience using Excel but need a refresher? Do you want to incorporate Excel into the daily running of your business? The Chamber’s 2008 Business Success Training Series presents an Excel 2003 Beginning Hands-On Workshop!
You can learn all the basics in a unique hands-on approach that will leave you ready to impress your bosses, partners, and customers with your knowledge of this very useful application from Microsoft Office. Many businesses now use Excel as an integral part of their operations in order to analyze, simplify, and share information, so don’t be left out!
For only $139.99, you can attend an 8-hour workshop (with 30-minute lunch break) where you’ll be trained by Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining Inc. You’ll be assigned your own computer so you don’t just watch another person do something, you can do it yourself! Topics covered will include: creating formulas, editing a worksheet, navigating a worksheet, formatting a worksheet, creating headers and footers, creating page numbers, creating custom number formats, and more!
Fees are payable by check, credit card, or Chamber members may request an invoice. Don’t let your business fall behind the rest of the world, act today! Receive valuable professional training at a discount right here in West Alabama, with no drive to Birmingham.
The Excel 2003 Beginning Hands-On Workshop will be September 16th in The Chamber’s Morrow Room from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Only 12 seats are available. Call 758.7588 or email tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com to make your reservation today!
Mastering Excel Formulas 101
Do you have basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel 2003 but struggle with creating and manipulating formulas? If yes, then you should check out Mastering Excel Formulas 101, a part of The Chamber’s 2008 Business Success Training Series. In a short 2-hour breakfast seminar, you can learn all the basics of Microsoft Excel 2003 formulas. Many businesses now use Excel as an integral part of their operations in order to analyze, simplify, and share information, so don’t let your business fall behind, register for this seminar today!
For a very fair price of $20, trainer Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining, Inc. will teach you everything you need to know about Excel formulas in a relaxed setting with continental breakfast provided. Topics covered will include: formula rules, structure and editing; creating range names; sum and average functions; logical functions; text manipulation functions; using paste special to copy values in a formula; using insert function to save time writing formulas; and much more! Don’t drive to Birmingham for similar training; learn Excel right here in West Alabama!
Mastering Excel Formulas 101 will be on Wednesday, September 24th, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the West Alabama Bank (Formerly Bank Trust) in Northport. Reservations and cancellations are required by Wednesday, September 17th. Call 758.7588 or email tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com to make your reservation today! Fees are payable by check, credit card, or Chamber members my request an invoice.
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The Northport Citizen of the Year awards banquet will be held Tuesday, September 30th at 7 p.m. at the Northport Civic Center.
Sponsored by The Chamber, these awards are given to individuals that have contributed to the improvement of Northport using personal time, energy and talents to improve the Northport community. Awards will also be presented to Northport Religious Leader of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Educator of the Year, Public Safety Leader of the Year, and Heritage Pioneer of the Year. Program is funded by Diamond Level Chamber Champions, corporate table sponsorships and ticket sales. Individual tickets are $25 each, cost includes a tasty dinner by Robertsons BBQ. To purchase them, contact Tracy Crumpton at 391.0554 or tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com.
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Another E-Cycling Day was held for the community on August 28th in the back parking lot of University Mall. Effort was sponsored by The Chamber and the Cities of Northport and Tuscaloosa.
About 870 people came through to drop off mostly personal electronic waste, which included many TVs this time around. Official numbers from the recycling agency will be shared soon and it is evident that these events make a real difference in our area.
E-Cycling Day Task Force chairman Chris Rue of Black Warrior Technology said, “As before, the community response was amazing and we were glad to see additional cities and towns getting involved by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to help expand the positive impact of E-Cycling Day 2.0.”
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"How to Start a Small Business" workshop will be held Thursday, September 25th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa Public Library. Effort is sponsored by The Chamber and SCORE. Program will cover a list of concerns to small business owners including start-up procedures, business planning, financing, marketing, employee relations, taxes, licensing, and special interests of the attendees. Program is free and open to the public. Resourced materials will be provided. For more info, call 758.7588. |
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The Chamber, UA College of Continuing Studies, UA Entrepreneurship Council, and American Advertising Federation Tuscaloosa invite you to attend a free presentation on October 6th by Tim Miles, a senior partner with the strategic planning and message development firm, Wizard of Ads.
Miles has created ads of all kinds for small business clients across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. His thoughts and methodologies have been published in Radio Ink, Radio And Production, and Direct Magazine, and he serves as a contributing editor for American Small Business. Miles has won more than 60 awards for his online and offline copywriting, graphic design, radio and TV production, and promotional ideas. He teaches a course on marketing and fundraising principles at Wizard Academy in Austin, Texas. He speaks across the country to businesses, non-profits, and universities about what makes people do the things they do.
You’ll be entertained, informed and maybe even surprised at what you’ll take away from this session. This presentation will be held at the Bryant Conference Center on October 6th, from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Click here for registration info or call Adam Miller at 348.7587.
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 The UA Capstone School of Nursing provided health screenings for nine of the 19 Tuscaloosa City Schools pre-Kindergarten classes. Other classes are scheduled for October and December. Joining the nursing students were scores of volunteers from the Tuscaloosa City Schools Health Occupations Organization; Tuscaloosa Center of Technology; FocusFirst, a non-profit vision assessment agency; and UA volunteers. This is the second year of the partnership. Goal is to identify health issues that affect young children. Each year, the screening has unveiled issues that may interfere with the child's ability to perform well in school.
The students were determined to be eligible to participate in the pre-K program based upon their results on the DIAL-3, a standardized measure of readiness. Currently, there are 19 classrooms serving over 300 students.
Community businesses have joined in the efforts by providing lunch for the volunteers. Those businesses include Jimmy Johns, McAllisters, Quisno's, Sam's, and Mill Spring. Any business wishing to support these efforts are encouraged to call Missy Stephens at 759.3773.
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If you missed the deadline to vote in the recent Northport municipal race, you have a chance to vote in the Mayoral run off set for October 7th. You must register by Sept 26th, which is 10 days prior. It’s easiest to visit www.sos.state.al.us and download the form or click here to get it directly. Print it, fill it out completely, and drop it in the mail or hand deliver it to the Board of Registrars Office at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse (mailing address is on form). For more info, call 349.3870 x 417.
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Hotel Capstone, formerly the Four Points by Sheraton, just completed a $1.6 million renovation and is owned and now managed by Jackson Hospitality Services, a Birmingham-based hotel development company whose mission is to develop, own and manage outstanding hotels primarily in the Southeast region.
Located on the campus of the University of Alabama, Hotel Capstone gets into the spirit of the Crimson Tide with special rates throughout the year and events for football games, graduation and more. Shuttle service to the Tuscaloosa airport is available.
 The lobby has been updated to include all the charm of true Southern accommodations, the convenience of a full-service hotel and the aesthetic of a contemporary property.
There are 150 well-appointed guestrooms, 15 suites and 31 club-level rooms. Spacious guest quarters have been updated with contemporary furniture and a soothing palette. Renovated cardio-fitness room has been doubled in size and features new high-end equipment, flooring and flat-screen TVs.
Room service is offered by Legends, the bistro-style restaurant featuring American-fusion cuisine with highlights such as Bananas Foster-stuffed French Toast, Fried Crimson Tomatoes and a signature Honey & Sweet Tea Brined Breast of Chicken. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. A comprehensive drink menu features UA specials such as the Crimson Mary and an extensive wine list.
As for meetings and banquets, the Hotel accommodates 18 to 400 comfortably in 8,300 sq ft of convertible indoor function space. There are 8 on-site conference rooms with an additional 30,000 sq ft of space available at the Bryant Conference Center adjacent to the hotel. A new business center supplements these facilities. An experienced sales and catering staff is available to assist in planning events from a casual tailgate to a black tie affair with menus from Legends. For more info, contact Richard Davis at 752.3200.
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Royal Fine Cleaners celebrated its new location behind Northport Baptist with a grand opening on the evening of August 21st. Address is 1211 11th Street in downtown Northport. Event featured a ribbon cutting, great food and big door prizes. Owner Bill Wright educated visitors about the unique FRSTeam fabric restoration service he offers there, the most comprehensive garment and fabric restoration service available guided by the principles of Family, Integrity, Responsibility, Satisfaction and Technology. Royal Fine Cleaners is a licensed FRSTeam service provider with a commitment to the restoration and insurance industries. It provides valuable restoration at a cost far less than replacement using specialized technology and a personal touch to restore happiness. Wright serves the people of West Alabama as well as the rest of our state and Mississippi. He may be reached at 391.0034 or 866.598.0916. |
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The brand-new 42,000-foot Piggly Wiggly at 2731 University Blvd East in Alberta, across from Alberta Elementary, held its official grand opening with a ribbon cutting on the morning of September 3rd. Grocery shopping just got a lot better for folks in this area! The beautiful store features outstanding meat and produce departments and a large Hispanic section. Please drop by to check it out. For more info, please contact Jimmy Welborn at 556.7522.
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Cotton & Canvas marked its recent opening with an official ribbon cutting ceremony during Chamber After Hours at Art Night in Historic Downtown Northport on September 4th. The shop, located at 423 Main Ave., is stocked with designer jeans and dresses as well as popular Bama accessories and more. It offers a unique shopping experience with an eclectic mix of inventory. For more info, contact owner Paulo Gonzalez at 345.5505. |
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The following joined from June 1st to date.
Green Brae Design
Industrial Blasting Services, LLC
Volunteers of America
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Fast Trac Express Car Wash
Unique Marketing Concepts
Morgan Stanley
Eagles’ Wings, Inc.
Adecco Employment
Herndon, Hicks & Associates
Sarabella Café and Tea Room
McDonald’s, RPH Management, Inc.
The Private Gallery, Inc.
Déjà Vu, Inc.
Duncanville Middle School
Lake View Elementary
Northport Elementary
Acker Appliance, Inc.
First Care
Adams Antiques
Connecting Hearts Residential Services, Inc.
Cynthia Lee Almond, LLC
Hawkins Interiors/The Potager
Rock Quarry Middle School
Southview Elementary School
Southview Middle School
University Place Middle School
Friends of Historic Northport, Inc.
Cotton & Canvas
PRIDE of Tuscaloosa
JC Malone Associates
Accufirst Title Service, Inc.
Adcox Associates, LLC
Sabel Steel Services, Inc.
Edelweiss, LLC |
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UBS to Give Away Bama vs Western Kentucky Tickets
Come and donate blood or platelets Friday, September 12th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and be entered into a chance to win two tickets to the Alabama vs. Western Kentucky football game.
United Blood Services wants you to "Bleed Crimson" and help supply the gift of life to DCH Health Systems. Center is located at 950 Dr. Edward Hilliard Drive, (off University Blvd, next to LabCorp). For more info, please call 750.8999.
Nancy Taylor Hosts Surgeon, Holds Breast Cancer Event
Dr. William J. Hedden, M.D. is accepting patients for September 12th at Nancy Taylor Skin Therapy & Day Spa. He is an extensively trained plastic surgeon in Birmingham and is dedicated to achieving beautiful, natural looking results for his patients. Hedden’s formal education and hands-on training are second to none. For more info or to book an appointment, call 391.4585.
Also, Nancy Taylor Day Skin Therapy & Day Spa invites you to indulge in luxury spa services on Friday, October 3rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Indian Hills Country Club and support the DCH Breast Cancer Fund. Perfect for you, clients, staff, anyone who needs a special treat! To schedule your spa experience (required), call Kelly Misko by Tuesday, September 30th at 391.4585. All proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund.
Epiphany Serves Up Anniversary Celebration/Fundraiser for Cancer Center
Epiphany Café in downtown Tuscaloosa will soon celebrate its five year anniversary by holding a fundraiser for the DCH Cancer Center. The event on Thursday evening, September 18th from 8 to 11 p.m. will feature hors d'oeuvres, a bold selection of wines and the sultry sounds of the Erin Mitchell Band. Cost is $75 per person (additional donations for DCH Cancer Center also accepted). All net proceeds will go to the new DCH Cancer Center. Chef Tres Jackson believes “Restaurants should be a part of the community they are in and serve the greater good.” Epiphany is located at 519 Greensboro Avenue in Tuscaloosa. For more info, contact Emily Barbee at 344.5583 or email epiphanycafe1@yahoo.com.
You’re invited to "Walk With Me"
Easter Seals West Alabama invites the community to its 2nd annual "Walk With Me" event on Saturday, September 20th at Riverwalk Park East. The day begins with registration at 9 a.m. with the 1.5-mile fun walk beginning at 10 a.m. Walkers can meet Honorary Ambassadors Makana, Hayden, Charity, Sue, and Willie, who have benefited from Easter Seals programs, as well as this year’s Honorary Chairman, Alabama Softball Coach Patrick Murphy. After the walk, enjoy children's activities, music, and refreshments. To register a team, join a team, or make a donation, visit www.walkwithme.org/tuscaloosa or call 759.211 ext. 230.
Girl Scouts "Girlapalooza" is Sept 27th
The Girl Scouts will present their "Girlapalooza: Girl Scouting, It’s a Community Thing" event on Saturday, September 27th at Annette Shelby Park in Tuscaloosa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be moon walks, water activities, face painting, demonstrations, door prizes, step show, music, train rides and stuffed animal adoptions. Admission is free. Bring the whole family! Sponsors are Alabama Power, Bank of Tuscaloosa, Borgo Designs, Bryant Bank, Downtown Tuscaloosa Merchants Assoc., Game Day Tents, Morgan Keegan, and Premier Service Company. For more info, call Rosa Johnson at 759.5421 x 23.
University Mall Presents Fall Fashion Show
University Mall will put on a fall fashion show Saturday, September 27th at 2 p.m. Fashions from stores will be modeled by the University Mall Junior & Teen Teams and door prizes will be given away throughout the show. For more info, call Rebecca Royen at 553.8414.
Hilton Garden Inn Sets Holiday Menu
Yes, it’s football season. But the folks at Hilton Garden Inn Tuscaloosa have sugarplums dancing in their heads since the holidays are just around the corner! They wish to make it a joyous and easy time of the year with personalized attention to events, talented chefs, and overnight and meeting room prices to fit your budget. Call them for your company gathering, church banquet, or family dinner from 4 to 64! Contact Tracy Channell at 722.0360 or traci.Channell@hilton.com to check out the holiday menu and get more info. Get a discount by booking a party prior to September 30th!
Theatre Tuscaloosa Presents "A Little Night Music"
Tickets are now on sale for Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 10th anniversary production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s elegant romantic comedy, "A Little Night Music." Directed by Paul Looney, Theatre Tuscaloosa’s Executive Producer Emeritus with Leslie Poss, musical director, the five-time Tony Award-winning musical plays October 3-12, 2008 at the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus, 9500 Greensboro Road. Tickets are $22-adult; $17-senior adult; $10- student and are available through Theatre Tuscaloosa’s website, www.theatretusc.com or the ticket office at 391.2277.
Sarabella Café and Tea Room Now Open for Saturday Lunch
Sarabella Café & Tea Room is now open for Saturday lunch from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Her offerings include salads with homemade dressings, a variety of gourmet sandwiches, and homemade soup. There’s tea, of course, in pretty pots as well as specialty coffees and desserts. The Café is located at 353 Bear Creek Road in Tuscaloosa (take Hwy 69 South and turn by McDonalds, Café is on the right). For more info, call 752.1515. |
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