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Learn to “Wine & Dine”
Our next after hours networking event will be at Hotel Capstone on Tues, Nov 18 from 5 to 7 pm. Event will be sponsored by Hotel Capstone, Bryant Conference Center and the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Theme is “Wine & Dine.” Learn a bit about wine so it doesn’t intimidate you at a business dinner sometime. Great food will also be served. This will be a very nice event, don’t miss it!
Shops at Indian Hills Party a Hit
Our last after hours mixer at Indian Hills Square was fun. We enjoyed great food, shopping and time together. This one was special because it involved a fundraising auction for a charity, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB).
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Albert Einstein once wrote that “in every difficult situation lies opportunity.” Sometimes that’s hard for us to accept or recognize when the economic challenges keep coming at us from all directions along with other significant changes and shifting paradigms. Often, it’s hard to grasp what it all means to our businesses and families, to our community and local marketplace, and to us personally.
In a recent letter to our members, it was emphasized, however, that there is an essential need for the business community to lead, to work together, to demonstrate boldness and creativity, and to encourage each other. Even in the face of new challenges, it is vital to work together to sustain our community’s stability, leverage our strengths, and translate it into future economic prosperity and livability.
It’s not easy. At The Chamber, we understand that these are challenging times for every size and type of business in our marketplace, for employers and employees. At the same time, however, we believe that we can all pull together to actually gain strength and prosperity for the long haul, and that there are strategies that can be developed and executed in this current economic climate.
For example, we are currently forming an economic strategic leadership team made up of key leaders from the private and public sectors to provide counsel, guidance and encouragement as well as define possible and applicable strategies in the areas of public policy, communications, economic sustainability, trend analysis and other business tools.
Furthermore, The Chamber and the College of Commerce & Business Administration at the UA will be holding a regional Economic Summit on Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at the Bryant Conference Center.
Planning is underway now to address key elements of our economy and marketplace, including financial and banking, real estate and construction, public policy, economic trends and other topics applicable to small business sustainability and competitiveness. Watch for more details, but go ahead and save the date now. Put Jan 28, 2009 on your calendar today.
Your Chamber is the largest proactive private-sector business organization in the West Alabama region. Because of our faithful members and investors, our diverse cadre of progressive business and volunteer leaders, and our productive partnerships with the public sector, we have a high level of confidence in the future of our community and our economy.
This is a time to encourage each other, and it is important for us to hear your thoughts about the economy, the ways your Chamber can better meet your needs, and your thoughts about the future. We appreciate your support and loyalty. Help us better respond to your needs.
It’s going to take all of us working together to define and execute opportunities in today’s challenging environment and economic climate. |
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 Pampering! Shopping! Chocolate! All in one place? YES! The Women In Business Council of The Chamber of Commerce presents the 3rd Annual Sweet Escape on Thurs, Dec 4 from 4 to 7 pm at the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion.
Come enjoy the pampering from Chamber member salons like Tera Lane Salon & Spa, Nancy Taylor Skin Therapy & Day Spa and Tuscaloosa MedSpa Anti Aging Center.
You will also find Christmas gift giving (or getting) ideas from local vendors and we’ll be sure “Santa” knows your wishes. Vendors on hand will include Sheila’s Gift Baskets & Gifts, Nancy & Company Fine Jewelers, Gertrude’s Flowers, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Sarabella Café & Tea Room and others. Sample the sweet taste of chocolate from the Peterbooke Chocolatier throughout the evening.
The admission charge is only $10, payable at the door, plus a new toy for the US Marines “Toys for Tots Campaign” overseen by our local Salvation Army. Raffle tickets will also be sold at the door as well. Purchase 1 for $5 or 3 for $10 for a chance to win one of two $100 gift certificates to the vendor in attendance of your choice. A portion of the raffle tickets proceeds will also go to the Toys for Tots Campaign. All women who attend can also register for great door prizes!
Ladies, why would you miss this? To register, call 391.0559 or e-mail stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com. |
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Navigating Office 2007
MS Office 2007 has great new time-saving features but does require a bit of training to navigate the new interface. Feeling frustrated with it? Let us help. Our “Navigating Office 2007” class will be presented on Nov 19 from 7:30 am to 9:30 am (short class) at the West Alabama Bank & Trust in Northport. Cost is only $20 and breakfast is included! Trainer is Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining. Call Tracy at 391.0554 or email tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com to register.
Mastering Word Documents Hands-On Workshop
Do you use MS Word daily but need to know more about the program to minimize your document creation time? Take our day-long, hands-on workshop for only $139.99 on Dec 9 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at The Chamber. Topics include: tables, mail merge, sections, templates and forms. Prerequisite: You must know the basics to attend this class. Trainer is Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining. Seating is limited! Call Tracy at 391.0554 or email tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com to register.
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We’ll be "Celebrating You" on Thurs, Jan 15, 2009. Save the date. More details to come soon!
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First Place goes to Olesea Voloshin (left), a student at the UA, for her angular shot of Denny Chimes with tulips. Second Place winner is Wade Weaver (right) for his dynamic nighttime shot of car lights streaming beside a Tuscaloosa sign. Third place goes to Michael Dillard (middle) for his peaceful shot of a dog looking out over the mounds in Moundville.
Honorable Mentions go to Susan Dickinson for a shot of children watching donuts being made at Krispy Kreme and for a shot of a Grandfather and grandchild looking out over the river. Honorable Mentions also go to Betty Shipe for her artistic photos of the Black Warrior River at night and of the Bama Belle. Wade Weaver, second place winner, also received an Honorable Mention for a beautiful sunset portrait of the Black Warrior River.
An informal awards ceremony was held on the evening of Nov 6 at Harrison Galleries. The framed images are currently on display as an exhibit there, stop by and check them out!
Winning image is The Chamber's official one for 2009 and will grace the cover of the 2009 Chamber Directory and Community Resource Guide (other entries may be printed inside), Community Map and Chamber Membership Card. |
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“I have learned valuable aspects that I can take back to my students...I appreciate the positive communication between business presenters and educators…Great discussions... I enjoyed the information on skills and traits needed for employment and career success.” These are just a few of the comments we received from local secondary school counselors following a recent tour/forum organized and sponsored by the Adopt-A-School Program.
The Chamber, through AAS, recognizes the importance of keeping local school counselors informed and armed with the information necessary to educate our future work force and to guide the students as they develop the skills needed to succeed in an ever-growing and ever-changing technical workplace. School counselors play an important role in directing our students as they choose courses and training to prepare for their future.
On Nov 3, middle and high school counselors from both the Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems and several surrounding counties met to learn more about local industries and training needed for area students. Hosted by Mercedes-Benz USI, the forum/tour offered the counselors an opportunity to interact with local business leaders and to tour the Mercedes assembly plant.
During an opening lunch session, the counselors heard a presentation from Johnnie Aycock, president of The Chamber, concerning the changing workforce needs and occupational outlook for the West Alabama area. They also heard from Nisha Warbington, counselor for Davis-Emerson Middle School, about Junior Achievement. Counselors then got a tour of the facility and, afterward, had an opportunity to interact with a panel of local business leaders and ask pertinent questions concerning opportunities for local students and the training and skills required for students planning to enter the workforce. Counselors heard from Terry Waters, Alabama Power Company; Bill Taylor, Mercedes-Benz USIl; and Gary Nichols, McAbee Construction Company.
We plan to grow this program in the future. For more info about how your business can participate, contact Loo Whitfield at 391.0563 or loo@tuscaloosachamber.com. |
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 Barnes & Noble Community Relations Manager Rhesha Smith recently presented Chamber President Johnnie Aycock, also head of the newly-formed Literacy Council of West Alabama, with a $1,000 check. The money was generated at a Book Fair held back in Sept to recognize International Literacy Day. The bookseller is the newest company to help support the Literacy Council of West Alabama. To see all involved partners, please visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com/literacy. To find out how you can help, please call 391.0561.
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 The official commemorative book of Crimson Tide football is available now, just in time for the holidays! Tradition: The Pride of Bryant-Denny celebrates the thrill of game day at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Chamber members get discounts when ordering: For one to 9 copies, visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com to order and save shipping (click on the book). For 10 to 29 copies, price is $47.96 per book (20% off plus reduced freight). For 30+ copies, cost is $41.97 per book (30% off plus reduced freight.) Contact publisher at 423.544.7461 or rob.holder@thebooksmithgroup.com if ordering 10 or more books. Deluxe Editions are available at a different cost.
You can get a full preview and place your order at www.alabamafootballbook.com or you can stop by the sales tent set up to one side of Denny Chimes for each home football game this season.
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A ribbon cutting ceremony for Mitt Lary Family Practice was held on Oct 9 and was hosted by the owners, Drs. Malika and Fawad Aryanpure. Attendees were given a tour of the great new facility, which is a much-welcomed addition to the area. Address is 4815 Rose Blvd and the phone number there is 722.0650. The couple also owns Med Express in Taylorville.
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For 150 years now, the The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) has provided superior education and rehabilitation services to the blind, deaf and disabled in our state. The AIDB Tuscaloosa Regional Center, which offers programs and services in our area, hosted a community reception with ribbon cutting on Nov 5 to celebrate the milestone and its becoming a Chamber member. Senator Richard Shelby and Congressman Artur Davis were on hand to commend the group for its work in the state. Address is 2412 Skyland Blvd, E in Tuscaloosa. For more info, call 345.2883.
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PRIDE of Tuscaloosa celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 8. Address is 620 14th St. in Tuscaloosa (in Parkview Plaza, corner of 15th St. & Hackberry, behind bakery). This is a non-profit organization and is associated with PRIDE National Youth Teams. Agency has been active since 1984 and is the only PRIDE affiliate in Alabama. Purpose is to spread a prevention message related to safe and drug-free living. PRIDE recruits and trains youth to help spread the safe and drug-free message through peer to peer mentoring. This is accomplished by community outreach, community service, drug education and drug-free activities. For more info, call 764.0351 or visit prideoftuscaloosa@comcast.net. |
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University Village Apartments hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct 30 at its plush clubhouse. A tour of the community really surprised visitors—Who knew the gated complex has it’s own tanning salon, fitness center, computer room, free car wash facility, numerous swimming pools (some with pool tables in them to play on), resident tennis instructor, game room with pay-per-view TV programs upon request, and even complimentary snacks? And the living space is professionally planned and decorated in style. It’s a college kid’s dream! Address is 800 31st Street in Tuscaloosa (off 10th Ave., near Greensboro Ave). For more info, call Manager Linda Collins at 345.4438 or visit www.university-village.com. Collins is now pre-leasing phase IV.
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The following joined from Oct 1 to date.
Cain Logistics, LLC
Avis Car & Truck Rentals, Inc.
Benchmark Advisors, LLC
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
Braxsim, LLC
Value Place
ARD Logistics-Alabama, LLC
University Village Apartments
Mitt Lary Family Practice
The Fisher Law Firm, PC
MedExpress
Sante Fe Cattle Company
Candlewood Suites
Schaeffer Eye Center
The Law Office of Ronald L. Davis |
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UCPWA Holds Farewell Reception for Exec Director Today
Toni Franklin is leaving UCPWA after serving as its Executive Director for seven years. One of her greatest accomplishments is an accessible park built at the office site through a partnership with Nucor. Those who have worked with her or know her are invited to a Farewell Reception on Nov 13 from noon to 3 pm at Steamer's Restaurant in Northport. For more info, please call Brenda Ewart at 292.3992.
Night of Champions Baseball Country Benefit is Tonight
The 2nd Annual Night of Champions will be held Thurs, Nov. 13 at The Zone at Bryant- Denny stadium. There will be food, fun and major league baseball players on-hand. Speaker will be Andy Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds and all-time leading homerun hitter at the UA. There will be great silent and live auctions. A golf tournament will be held tomorrow at North River Yacht Club. Both events benefit Baseball Country, a non-profit ministry serving campers at the camp in Jena and doing mission and baseball outreach in Alabama. Tickets for the event may be purchased at Mr. Bill's Restaurant, ValleyView Church, Lord of the Harvest Church, New Beginnings Church, Bryant Bank (Tuscaloosa and Northport), and American Shutterbug. Tickets are $50. Call Kenny Burns 454.3641 for more info.
Planet Weekly to Host HYPE Fashion Event Tomorrow
The Planet Weekly will be hosting a HYPE Fashion Event Fri, Nov 14 at the Mellow Mushroom Upstairs Bar. The event will debut the HYPE section of the Planet Weekly as well as feature great women's clothing. Doors will open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. The Mellow Mushroom will be serving $5 martinis during the show and tickets will be sold at the door for $10. For more info, contact Lauren Stover at 256.390.3338 or Linda Johnson at 792.7239.
Dr. Hedden Visits Nancy Taylor Day Spa
Dr. William J. Hedden, MD will be accepting patients for Nov 14 and Dec 5 at Nancy Taylor Skin Therapy & Day Spa. Dr. Hedden is a plastic surgeon in Birmingham dedicated to achieving beautiful, natural looking results for his patients. His formal education and hands-on training are second to none. To book your consultation appt, call 391.4585.
Welcome Santa to University Mall
Help welcome Santa to University Mall! Santa’s Arrival Parade will be this Fri evening, Nov 14. Kids can march in the parade by bringing an unwrapped toy for donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. Line-up for the parade is at 5:45 pm in the Belk Mens store court area by the Catherine’s entrance. Parade will start at 6 pm. For more info, call Rebecca Royen at 553.8414.
An Afternoon of Art
Join the Arts Council for the West Alabama Juried Show opening reception this Sun, Nov 16 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm in the Bama Theatre's Junior League Gallery. Exhibit runs Nov 16 to Dec 18.
Suites Open House is Nov 19
Candlewood Suites invites you to attend an Open House Party on Nov 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Address is 651 Skyland Blvd., East in Tuscaloosa (next to Ramada Inn). Come celebrate the Grand Opening, meet the staff and tour the property. There will be food by Cypress Inn and a 32” plasma TV will be given away as a door prize! For details, contact Paul Junkins at 765.5116.
Robert (Bert) Payne (ZF) Charity Golf Classic is Nov 19
Coworkers of Bert Payne’s at ZF Industries have organized a charity golf classic to help offset his medical cost associated with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Event will be at Ol’ Colony on Nov 19 starting at noon. Registration and lunch will last from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. It’s a Best Ball Tournament and cost for a 4-person team is $400. Fee includes lunch, green fees and cart. Cash prizes will be given for places first through third. For more info or to register, contact Tony Causey at 233.2083 or Marty Walker at 242.6534. Hole sponsorships are also available for $150 each.
2008-09 Bama Fanfare Season Continues with “CSI Live!”
The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa Co will present the 2nd production in the 2008-09 Bama Fanfare educational series on Nov 21 with the Mad Science production of "CSI Live!". Performances will take place at the Bama Theatre and showtimes are 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. Length of the production is approx 1 hour and is suitable for pre K through 5. Tickets are $5 and are available by calling Sandra Wolfe at 758.4994, x4.
Spiller Furniture Donates to Local Charities, Churches
During the month of Jan 2009, all Spiller Furniture Stores will be having a Charity Sale. For every purchase made, customers can choose from a list of approved nonprofit 501 (c) 3 charities and churches to receive a 2% cash donation of the purchase.
If your charity or church would like to be considered for the list, they must contact Spiller Furniture no later than Dec 15, 2008. Donations will be distributed in Feb 2009. For more info, please contact April Stamps at 333.2027 or email april@spillerfurniture.com.
Nancy Taylor Day Spa Arrives at Hotel Capstone
Nancy Taylor Day Spa has arrived at the Hotel Capstone, formerly Four Points by Sheraton, on the UA campus! Here, they are excited to bring fabulous services to business clients, travelers and football fans in need of relaxation. Call Hotel Capstone at 752.3200 and book yourself or your client an unforgettable experience.
Non-Profits Wrap at B&N
Each year, Barnes & Noble offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to raise funds for the holiday season by providing gift wrapping to customers for donations. This is an easy way to raise funds. B&N provides the customers, location and gift wrapping supplies. All your organization needs are dependable and cheerful volunteers who enjoy gift wrapping. Window of opportunity is Nov 15 to Dec 24, times are 10 am to 10 pm daily. If interested, please contact Rhesha Smith at 349.0872. |
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