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Post Your Events on our Community Calendar
Don't forget to post your community events on our free calendar at www.tuscaloosachamber.com.
You can subscribe to get a daily email/RSS feed & add items to your own calendar! You can also get a reminder email or text.
We now offer groups an online event registration service for a nominal fee.
Also, a group may put our calendar on its website and may even purchase a sublicense to customize it.
Call 758.7588 for more info.
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SHOP TUSCALOOSA COUNTY!
We can all stimulate our local economy & help raise consumer confidence in 2010!
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Next Mixer at Tuscaloosa Galleria
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Our April “Chamber Connects” after hours mixer will be held at the Tuscaloosa Galleria on Tues, Apr 13 from 5-7pm. Join us in the courtyard for networking, food by Evangeline’s, and door prize giveaways, plus great shopping! Plan now to come and ask a friend. All employees of Chamber member businesses are invited as well as prospective members.
Our March mixer was graciously hosted by Desperado’s, where we shared delicious steak house fare and visited with new and familiar business contacts.
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Chamber Launches New Livability Initiative
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  As one of The Chamber’s adopted priorities for 2010, a new livability initiative has been launched under the leadership of co-chairs Pam Smith of Ellis Architects and Jason Walker of Almon and Associates (both pictured). The purpose of the task force will be to develop, advocate and execute strategies to achieve the status as one of America’s top ten most livable communities.
There will be several components of the project, including: 1)defining livability qualities and measurable goals; 2) identifying peer cities to benchmark; 3) raising the community’s awareness, and promoting livability; and 4) identifying opportunities to improve the “gateways” leading into our community and our physical image.
Three teams have been established to address these various objectives, including:
Livability Team – Define livability and appropriate measurable benchmarks and metrics; develop appropriate strategies for implementation of an annual “livability scorecard”; research identified peer communities for review, possible visits and application to Tuscaloosa; and identify and recommend long-term strategies to help facilitate efforts to become one of America’s top 10 livable communities. The team chair is Nicki Simmons of the Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors.
Image & Marketing Team – Identify, develop and recommend strategic actions to enhance Tuscaloosa’s image as a livable community; and develop and recommend short and long-term marketing, communication and public relations strategies to promote the community’s livability. The team chair is Alice Maxwell of Advantage Realty Group.
Gateways & Physical Image Team – Identify opportunities to improve the metro community’s physical image, environment and beauty; identify actions to enhance the area’s “gateways” in the community; and recommend additional actions and strategies to build a positive physical image for the community. The chair is Kris Sodergren of Rosen Harwood.
As an initial step, The Chamber’s livability team has planned a leadership trip to visit Huntsville, which is currently Kiplinger’s #1 livable community in America. The visit will be on April 7th & 8th and anyone wanting to join the group and participate should contact Johnnie Aycock immediately at
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Livability Team to Visit Huntsville
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Our new livability team has planned a two-day visit to Huntsville, Kiplinger’s #1 livable community in America, to learn from their leaders about success in economic development, strategic marketing, and quality of life development. Visit is set for Apr 7-8. For more details or to sign up, email johnnie@tuscaloosachamber.com or call 391.0560. |
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Spring Training Opportunities
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We invite you to take advantage of these interesting and helpful Spring Training opportunities. Call 758.7588 or email tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com to register today! Non-members welcome at a different cost.
Virtual Presentations Are the Wave of the Future
March 31, 7:30-9:30am (Breakfast)
Location: JMF Training Room (Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza)
Cost: $20/person
There’s an art to delivering webinars and virtual presentations. It involves both presentation and technology skills. There is much to consider. What platform will you use? How do you choose among so many? Should you use a web cam? What about recording the event? How do you engage and keep the virtual audience’s attention?
Microsoft Word 2007 New Features, Tips & Tricks
March 31, 1-4pm
Location: The Chamber
Cost: $89/person
Microsoft Word 2007 has so many productivity features “under the hood” that people are missing, even those who have been using Word 2007 since it came out. Don’t miss out on the powerful productivity features you could be using right now. Sign up for this hands-on training and learn more. Each person will have a laptop to use during training. Seating limited to 12.
Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
April 8, 11am-1pm
Location: Tuscaloosa Country Club
Price: $30
Details to come. |
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Gov Bob Riley Headlines Next Chamber in Session
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 Mark your calendars now for the next Chamber in Session on Wed, May 26 at Hotel Capstone for a special program featuring Gov Bob Riley. Watch for more details coming soon, but schedule now to be involved. |
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State of the Schools Breakfast Set
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The Chamber, Jim Walter Resources, Inc and Lewis-Smyth-Winter are co-sponsoring the 5th Annual State of the Schools breakfast meeting on Apr 14 at Hotel Capstone at 7:30am. There is no charge but reservations are requested. A light continental style breakfast will be available.Headliners will be the superintendents of our two public school systems: Dr. Joyce Levey, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and Dr. Frank Costanzo, Tuscaloosa County Schools. Participants can register online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com or call 391.0556. |
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Be an Adopt-A-School Sustainer
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 The Adopt-A-School (AAS) business-education partnership program is completing its 24th year of success in Tuscaloosa, proving that corporate America and our schools systems can work cooperatively to make a positive impact in our community. However, tax-deductible monetary support is essential to the continued success of this program.
Adopters and Sustainers are the livelihood of the AAS program. Adopters give support through donated time, expertise, and financial commitments. Sustainers provide the financial support necessary for the coordination and administrative function of the entire program.
The 2009 AAS fundraising Sustainer Drive is underway and we invite you to join the Westervelt Company, who has served as the corporate sponsor since 1992, in supporting the program. Businesses and organizations may participate in the Sustainer program at the Board, Superintendent, Principal, Teacher, or Mentor levels of support. At all levels of participation a Sustaining partner provides a donation to the West Alabama Chamber Foundation, Inc., an IRS approved 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation.
To help AAS face the challenges ahead in the 2009-2010 school year, indicate your level of commitment on the Sustainer Commitment Form and return it to The Chamber office today! For more info about participating as a sustainer or adopting a school in the Tuscaloosa City or Tuscaloosa County School Systems, contact Loo Whitfield at 391.0563 or loo@tuscaloosachamber.com. |
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Get Your Business on the Map
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Be a part of our official 2010-2011 Street Map. Promote your business or service to residents, newcomers, local businesses and visitors, enhancing your company’s reach to new and prospective customers.
In addition to thousands of printed copies of this full-color map, our publishing partner, Village Profile, the recognized innovator in Chamber publishing, has harnessed the power of mobile technology to provide online access to your business via web-enabled cell phones, smart phones and other wireless devices 24/7 through its Mobile Map Publishing™.
FREE AD PREPERATION
FREE ONLINE BUSINESS LOCATOR
FREE MAPS
SPACE IS LIMITED…CALL TODAY…DON’T BE LEFT OUT!
If you’d like to be a part of this valuable and informative map, call Ginger Nunley, our Village Profile representative, at 850.866.3385 (cell) or call The Chamber at 758.7588 to schedule a brief in-person appt. |
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Creating A Really Cool Community
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What do we need to do to make the Tuscaloosa area the coolest community in the South? What actions can we take to become one of America’s most livable communities? On the surface, these questions may seem somewhat lighthearted and perhaps trivial. However, if you look deeper, it is a stimulating, intriguing and even practical economic idea.
In a study a couple of years ago by a group called Next Generation Consulting, it was revealed that three out of four young Americans under the age of 28 place more value on where they live than where they work. According to the research, the ‘new generation’ rely on themselves and look for and choose a ”cool community” to live and work. Again, this may sound like simply a passing trend or idea posed by an academic study, but look again and deeper.
The US economy, as well as our local economy, is changing and has changed dramatically over the past 15 or 20 years. Experts are telling us that information and knowledge drive economic vitality and have actually replaced capital and energy as the primary wealth-creating assets in today’s economy. Technology and knowledge are now primary production factors, according to various economic studies.
Now, what has this got to do with creating a “cool community”? Let’s go a little deeper.
Study after study, and experience after experience of ‘new generation’ communities, confirm that a region’s future economic strength will depend heavily on its ability to attract, retain and develop a human capital base that is skilled, flexible and technology - savvy. Human capital is playing and will continue to play a much more important role in the success of communities. And this is the “new creative generation”.
With the aging population and ‘baby boomers’ nearing retirement age, cool communities across America are competing aggressively to attract and retain that coveted demographic – the young, ’new generation’ professionals. Who are these young professionals? One definition says they are people between 25 and 44 who are “knowledge workers”. They are individuals that look for a place to live first, and then find employment or a career.
 Again, Next Generation Consulting reports young professionals are looking for superior quality of life, which means different things to different people. However, among their primary interests, that include a healthy lifestyle, career opportunities, and security for themselves and their families, are key ingredients such as a wide, diverse variety of recreational, artistic, retail and entertainment options as well as opportunities to be engaged in the civic and social life of the community.
The Metropolitan New Economy Index of the Progressive Policy Institute, provides us with an interesting and intriguing perspective on the “old economy” verses the “new economy”.
In this work, the index points out that the in the old economy, people believed that being a cheap place to do business was the key, while in the new economy, being a place rich in talent is the key. In the old economy, attracting companies was the key, but in the new economy, attracting education knowledge is the key. And in the old economy, a high-quality physical environment was considered a luxury, however, in the new economy, physical, cultural and recreational amenities and lifestyle are essential ingredients in attracting knowledge workers and new generation professionals.
Well, here we are again with the same question: What does all of this have to do with creating a really cool, livable community?
In his groundbreaking book, The Rise of the Creative Class, author Richard Florida points out that the creative communities tend to be the economic winners and will continue to be centers of a high concentration of creative professionals and experience a high concentration of creative economic outcomes in the form of innovation, entrepreneurship and high-tech growth.
But he also emphasizes throughout his book that creative, “cool” communities will thrive and expand their economic vitality where all forms of creativity - artistic, cultural, technological, economic -can take root and flourish. Creative, new generation professionals are not necessarily looking for the traditional, physical attractions, but rather look for “cool” communities that have an abundance of high-quality, accessible amenities and experiences. And this includes cultural, artistic, recreational, entertainment, and lifestyle retail options!
“Economic and lifestyle considerations both matter and so does the mix”, emphasizes Florida. ”The bottom line is that communities need a people climate...this means supporting creativity across the board - in al of its various facets and dimensions - and building a community that is attractive to creative people…” Former Mayor of Seattle says that “success lies in creating a place where the creative experience can flourish.” This is what a ‘cool community’ is all about.
Now, what about the Tuscaloosa metro community? Can we become a cool community? Can we become one of America’s most livable communities? If you consider our community’s assets and the many initiatives and efforts underway, our potential is great. |
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YP(t) Hosts Cancer Benefit at The Zone
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The new YP(t) group—Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa—will host an event entitled In the Zone to Cure Cancer on Apr 15 from 6-9pm at The Zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium. There will be live music, silent auction, food and surprises! Attendees must be 22-40. Tickets are $30/each or $50/couple and can be purchased in advance through Melissa McPherson at The American Cancer Society at 342.2009 or email yptuscaloosa@gmail.com.
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Country Artist Clay Walker Headlines 1st Tuscaloosa Crawfish Boil
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 We encourage your support of an important new Downtown Tuscaloosa event. The 1st Annual Tuscaloosa Crawfish Boil will take place in the area known as the City Fest Lot on April 24 from 11am-11pm.
The success of this will stimulate more events for Downtown, raising the livability of our community. But we must support these events to make them happen.
A new local production company will manage the event, which will be marketed throughout our region. Five thousand visitors are expected.
Country artist Clay Walker is the musical headliner. Dreamland will cook and serve BBQ, Wintzell's will shuck and grill oysters, Mellow Mushroom will serve pizza, and, of course, there will be crawfish as well as other selected vendors including area artists. A kids play area with crafts and activities will be provided by CHOM.
Various sponsorships are available. Call 792.7239 for more info. Your involvement can make a positive difference! |
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Social Media Toolbox
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Linkedin Profile Tip
How special is your Specialties field?
Do you want to be found on Linkedin? Make good use of your Specialties field on your profile. This field is searched by Linkedin.
Fill your specialties field with all the keywords you want to be found by, separating each with a comma.
Linkedin has a search feature that you can use to locate people by company, by industry and so much more. Make sure you can be found and fill out your Specialties field with your specialties! |
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Carnegie Coach: People Skills
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By Michael Crom
Executive Vice President, Dale Carnegie Training
Improving your interpersonal skills is something that cannot happen overnight. The only way to improve is to practice and actually do it. Many of the skills may take time for you to adopt, however there are also some quick little techniques that can start to make things easier almost immediately.
1) Stay professional. Remember no matter whom you’re talking to make sure you are at your best. The way you act reflects on your character. Learn to deal with situations in an appropriate way.
2) Establish credibility. Be sincere, if you are truthful and upfront with people it will go a long way to gaining other’s respect and trust.
3) Understand others’ point of view. Remember to reflect on what others tell you, even if you disagree take the time to learn and understand where they are coming from.
4) Learn about others. Take time talk with employees or clients. Conversations do not need to be work related, rather simple conversations that help you learn about the person and build rapport.
5) Be confidant. Keep eye contact and your body relaxed. Be sure to speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
Plan to attend our Dale Carnegie Lunch N Learn, Creating Loyal Customers & Complaint Resolution, coming to Tuscaloosa Country Club on May 6. Cost is $30. |
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Members in Motion
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Merle Norman Plans Grand Opening
The new Merle Norman Cosmetics & Boutique will hold grand opening festivities for its Downtown Tuscaloosa store on Mar 26-27. Includes sidewalk sale, models wearing new clothes line, relaxation stations and door prizes. Ribbon cutting is set for Fri, Mar 26 at 11:30am. Address is 2119 University Blvd. Call 349.0072 for more info.
Tour de Tuscaloosa
The “Tour de Tuscaloosa”, Tuscaloosa’s largest cycling event, will be Mar 27-28. With over 400 cyclists expected to race over the weekend, it will be the largest group in the event’s 4 year history. Over 2000 visitors are expected for the weekend. Parts of downtown will be blocked off for the race and there will be many opportunities around there to view it.
Criterium begins in downtown on Sat at noon with races every thirty minutes until 8pm. The start/finish line will be at the corner of 4th and 23rd downtown. Road Race begins at 8:30am Sun at Lake Lurleen State Park. There will also be at one mile “fun run” on Sat at 4 on the racing course. Benefits from the fun run will be given to Tuscaloosa Police and Firemen’s charities. For more info, visit www.tourdetuscdaloosa.com or call 344.5971.
Druid City Arts Festival
The Druid City Arts Festival is Sat, Mar 27 on the City Fest Lot in downtown Tuscaloosa. The festival, which will run from 2-9pm, is free and open to the public and will feature live music, artists, food and beverage vendors, and children’s activities. Activities will center on a main stage with performances by six bands representing a range of musical genres with a focus on local and regional original music. For more info, visit www.creativecampus.ua.edu or call 348.7887.
Strings Attached Bluegrass Concert at Bama
Event featuring Hurricane Creek will be held Mar 27 from 4-6pm. Proceeds benefit Tuscaloosa’s One Place. Concert tickets are $15 and concert + reception tickets are $30. Call 462.1000 for more info.
Black Warrior Storytelling Festival
The UA Creative Campus Initiative’s Second Black Warrior Storytelling Festival will be from 1-6pm Sun, Mar 28 at the Park at Manderson Landing at the base of Hackberry Ln and Jack Warner Pkwy in Tuscaloosa. Festival will highlight local storytellers and performers. Tellers include Steve Clark, sports enthusiast and author of Bear Revelations; Tennessee native and inspirational storyteller Molly Catron; Abigail Hardin, author of Look at Me; I Am Just Like You and founder of the Open My Eyes Foundation; Mobile civil rights author Frye Gaillard; and two members of the UA Forensics Team, Angeles Burke and Blake Williams. For more info, call 334-488-5896 or email davidson.whit@gmail.com.
UA Arboretum Teaches Lawn Care Practices
On Sun, Mar 28 at 2pm, Ted Sekeres, who has over 20 years experience in lawn maintenance, will discuss spring lawn care practices and sustainable techniques for the homeowner. Simultaneously, UA volunteers will lead hands-on garden projects with children. Meet at the UA Arboretum Pavilion.
Blue Jeans for the Blues
Make a fashion statement for a cause! On Mon, Mar 29, the Alabama Blues Project is asking local businesses and schools to wear blue jeans to work, for a donation of just $5. This is a fun and easy way to help raise funds for their award-winning Blues Camps that serve our community's children. For more info, call 752.6263 or visit www.alabamablues.org.
Shelton Alumni Host Comedy Night
The Alumni Assoc of Shelton State will host its annual Alumni Comedy Night on Wed, Mar 31 at 7pm in the Bean-Brown Theatre of the Sandra Hall Ray Fine Arts Center. Special entertainment will be Dr. Allen Mallory, whose comedy club sellouts, keynote speeches and TV appearances have endeared him to audiences across the country and made him the talk of the comedy club industry. He is also a member of the faculty at Shelton. A limited number of tickets are still available; they are $10/each, with proceeds going to fund the Alumni Association’s scholarships for adult students. Continuing education credits are also available for child care workers and nurses. For info or to get tickets, call Ronda Shirley at 391.2252 or contact her by email at rshirley@sheltonstate.edu.
April Art Night is Almost Here
Celebrate the visual arts in downtown Northport and Tuscaloosa on Thur, Apr 1, with the Artrageous Riverfront Arts Tour from 5-9pm. A number of galleries will also host live music and provide refreshments.
And “The Birmingham Seven” (B7) jazz septet will now perform at 8pm at Little Willie’s, 2350 Fourth St in downtown Tuscaloosa, the first Thurs of every mo. For more info, visit www.birminghamseven.com.
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Bring your child (10 & under) to share breakfast with the Easter Bunny and his helpers on Sat, Apr 3, from 8-9:30am at the Phelps Center. Afterwards, each child will have the opportunity to have his/her photo taken with the Bunny and receive an Easter goody to take home. Cost is $5/person. Reservations are suggested by calling 562.3230. |
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Welcome, New Members!
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The following joined from Feb 1 to date.
Steve Richardson & Co, CPA
Moe’s Original BBQ
Latham Engineering, LLC
Tusco Fence, Inc
Kabel Hearing
Allied Waste Industries
Prowash & Lube
Hardy Digital Photography, LLC
Letters Hops & Vine
Southern Times Magazine
Straitline Fence, LLC
McKinney Orthodontics
Automation Personnel Service, Inc
Ellis Advertising
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The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa have joined together to host Congressman Spencer Bachus at a lunch meeting on Tues, Apr 6 at Indian Hills Country Club at 12 Noon. Reservations are required and the cost is $20/person for non-Rotarians. To make your reservation, call The Chamber at 391.0559 or 758.7588 or email 
You're invited to join in a Wine Tasting to benefit The Literacy Council of West Alabama on Apr 1 from 5:30-8pm at Letters on Bryant Dr in Tuscaloosa. Cost is $10, payable at the door.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Mar 8 for Therapeutic Professional Group, a new business offering a variety of massage techniques, located at