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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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Let Your Bucks Stop Here!
Shop Tuscaloosa County this spring.
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Springtime Shop Local Ad Campaign
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We've teamed up with AAF Tuscaloosa on a springtime "Let Your Bucks Stop Here" campaign. Spots have been placed in newspapers, on billbords and radio. TV spot is to come soon. We're urging folks to have a direct impact on our community's growth and well-being by shopping at home in Tuscaloosa County. This helps local businesses grow, creates jobs, and expands our retail market. And all of us benefit by supporting our infrastructure--things like schools, roads, parks, libraries and social services. So don't spend your hard-earned money somewhere else other than Tuscaloosa County. Invest in your community and let your bucks stop here! Click here to see the print ad.
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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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Fish Fry Mixer in May
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 Our May “Chamber Connects” after hours mixer will be held on Tues, May 11 at Houndstooth Condos (15th Street, across from Central High) from 5-7pm. Join us in the clubhouse for jazz, catfish and chicken by Bottomfeeders, plus cash prizes! Plan now to come and ask a friend. All employees of Chamber member businesses are invited as well as prospective members.
 Our April mixer was graciously hosted by the Tuscaloosa Galleria, where we enjoyed fabulous food, fellowship and shopping. |
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Dale Carnegie Customer Service Lunch Next Week!
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Boost your professional performance by attending our remaining spring classes. Call 758.7588 or email tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com to register today. Non-members welcome at a different cost.
Customer Complaint Resolution
May 6, 11am-1pm, Tusc Country Club
Cost is only $30, which includes a great hot lunch
DALE CARNEGIE CLASS--AWESOME VALUE!
There are two aspects of complaints: emotional and rational. Resolving complaints requires dealing with both by clarifying complaints, lowering anxiety for both parties, using practical guidelines, and applying a process that deals with both emotional and rational factors to build even stronger customer relationships.
What's Your 'Outloook' on Productivity?
May 25, 7:30am-9:30am, JMF
Cost is only $20, which includes breakfast
Learn to use Microsoft Outlook efficiently.
Excel 2007: Smorgasboard
May 25, 1-4pm, The Chamber
Cost is only $89 for HANDS-ON TRAINING
Learn all about Excel 2007. |
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Get Your Business on the Map
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Ginger, our beloved "Map Lady", is back! Be a part of the The Chamber's official, authorized 2010-2011 Street Map. It’s not in poster form at all, but is a nice folded item. Promote your business/service to residents, newcomers, local businesses and visitors, enhancing your company’s reach to new and prospective customers. Free ad preparation, free online business locator, free maps! Contact Ginger Nunley, our Village Profile representative, at flmaplady@gmail.com, 850.866.3385 (cell) or call The Chamber at 758.7588 to schedule a brief in-person appt. Just added: Shopping and Dining panels…Don’t be left out! |
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YP(t) Hosts Derby Party
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 Come join YP(t) for its 2nd Premier Event of 2010, the annual Kentucky Derby at Indian Hills Country Club this Sat, May 1 from 3-7pm. Wear your Sun best/Derby attire, including your most festive hats, ladies!
There’s a lot planned for the afternoon, including “betting” on the Kentucky Derby, which will be shown around 4:30pm on several TVs at the event (tickets won will be used for eligibility to win raffle prizes); a ladies hat competition with prizes for first, second, and third place; and a bean bag toss tournament.
YP(t) will provide light food and there will be a cash bar (Indian Hills only accepts cash, no debit/credit cards), as well as music by Jon Ray. Event will be both indoors and on the back outdoor area at Indian Hills (weather permitting). Premier Events are free, so plan to come and bring friends!
In other YP(t) news...
The event "In the Zone to Cure Cancer" exceeded expectations. The goal of $1500 was surpassed as the group raised 5,500 for the American Cancer Society. This allows YP(t) to be the title sponsor for the 2010 Relay for Life!
Also, www.yptuscaloosa.com has been updated and is always looking for content. Check it out and let it be known if you'd like to add something (requests for additions to the website will be looked at on a case by case basis). |
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Adopt-A-School Sustainer Program Underway
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 The Adopt-A-School Sustainer Drive is winding down, but it is not too late to become involved. The Adopt-A-School business-education partnership program is completing its 25th year of success in Tuscaloosa; 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.
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 the AAS Program face the challenges ahead in the 2010-2011 school year, indicate your level of commitment on the Sustainer Commitment Form and return it to the Adopt-A-School 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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Save the Date for AAS Golf Tournament
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 For the 20th consecutive year, golfers will rally in Sept in support of the Adopt-A-School Program. Mark your calendars and plan to participate in the Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament on Thurs, Sept 9. The four-man scramble will be held at Ol’ Colony Golf Course, a new venue for the event. All teams will play at 1pm and “Early Bird” Discount registration will be available in June.
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Social Media Toolbox: Facebook Fan Pages
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By Donna Gilliland, Social Media Specialist
How to Set a Username for your Fan Page
As a business owner, consultant, book author and celebrity, it fan can be extremely advantageous to have a commercial presence on Facebook via a special type of page called a Fan page also known as a business page. You must first have a personal profile page before Facebook will allow you to create a fan page.
Once you have a fan page you will want to secure a username for your page. In my case, I wanted my username for my fan page to be my company name – MOSTraining. For example, my URL is http://www.Facebook.com/MOSTraining. My vanity URL allows me to direct people easily to my business page on Facebook.
In order to obtain a username for your fan page, also known as a vanity URL, your page must have at least 25 fans. Once you have those 25 you can use the link http://www.facebook.com/username to begin the process of securing a username for your fan page. When you arrive at this page you will see a link that says Set a username for your Pages. It is plural because you can have multiple fan pages and you can set a username for each of those pages, assuming each has 25 fans. Click the link to begin the process of specifying which page you wish to secure a username for.
Warning: Be careful about the name you choose for your fan page because you will not be able to edit or transfer this username once you set it.
Fan Page Benefits
There are a large number of benefits in having a fan page and too many for this short article. Let’s start with two for now. One is that fan pages are indexed by Google and two you can have an unlimited number of fans!
What would you like to know next about Facebook fan pages?
Come on over to my page at http://www.Facebook.com/MOSTraining and click “Like” to become a fan. Write on my wall and let me know what you would like to see me write about in the next Perspective issue in my MOSTraining Social Media Toolbox section.
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Carnegie Coach: How to Cope with Difficult Clients
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By Michael Crom
Executive Vice President, Dale Carnegie Training
Objections come with the turf, so you have to be prepared to handle and resolve. Here are five ways to help you handle your client better.
1. Anticipate objections. When you’re preparing your proposals, think about issues your customer might raise—and plan your response.
2. Listen carefully. Show your value as a problem-solving consultant by listening closely to clients’ concerns. Don’t interrupt or get defensive.
3. Understand the objection. If you’re not 100 percent clear about the client’s objection, ask questions. Check your understanding by restating the problem in your own words to your client.
4. Answer questions fully and honestly. You won’t resolve issues by being evasive, by manipulating clients, or by misrepresenting products. Preface your answer by showing you understand that the concern is legitimate from the client’s viewpoint. After responding, confirm with your client that there are no other questions.
5. Be flexible. Understand that your client has been your client for so many years because you have met their needs. Furthermore, preparing any kind of report involves drafts before the final product is accepted.
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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Merle Norman Hosts Ribbon Cutting
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Merle Norman Cosmetics & Boutique held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Mar 26 as part of its grand opening festivities. Event also included a sidewalk sale, models wearing new clothes line, relaxation stations and door prizes. Address is 2119 University Blvd in Downtown Tuscaloosa (same block as Moe’s BBQ). Call 349.0072 for more info.
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Tera Lane Celebrates New Salon Opening
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TL (Tera Lane) Signature Salon celebrated opening in Midtown Village on Apr 5 with a ribbon cutting and festivities. Drop in and see this beautiful new salon! Address is 1800 McFarland Blvd, Ste 220 (next to Game Stop). Call 345.4414 or visit www.teralanesalon.com for more info.
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Members in Motion
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Hot Air Balloon Race Festivities to Include BBQ Cook Off
Tuscaloosa Regional Airport will host the First Annual Pigs in Flight BBQ Festival in conjunction with the Sunrise Community Balloon Race on May 22. All proceeds from both events will benefit the local Resources for Independence, an affiliate of Sunrise. As an official BBQ contest licensed through the Kansas City Barbeque Society, this festival draws individuals and teams from all around to compete for the title of best chicken, ribs, and pull-pork. $3,000 in prize money is up for grabs! It’s not too late to join the competition--deadline for registration is Apr 30. For registration, sponsor, vendor, and volunteer info, visit www.pigsinflightbbq.com.
Relay for Life is Saturday
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event will be held on May 1st at Shelton State Community College. Relay begins at 5pm and cost to participate is $10/person. Call 342.2009 for more info.
Clean Our Lake Day is May 1
The City of Tuscaloosa Water Dept’s Lakes Division along with several corporate sponsors will host the second annual "Clean Our Lake Day" on Sat, May 1 from 8am-4pm. Area residents, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to join city crews and sponsor volunteers in picking up trash and litter on and around Lake Tuscaloosa. Participants will be provided collection bags, t-shirts and refreshments at Binion Creek Boat Landing & Rock Quarry Boat Landing. All participants in the cleanup will be entered into a raffle drawing for prizes. For more info, call 311.
Downtown Northport Hosts Blues Extravaganza 2010
Alabama Blues Project will present Blues Extravaganza 2010 on Sat, May 1 from noon-7pm. Hosted by the Downtown Northport Merchants Assoc, this free, outdoor family-friendly blues festival will be held in historic downtown Northport. Live show features three After-School Blues Camp student bands as well as Alabama blues greats Microwave Dave, Bettie Fikes, Lil' Jimmy Reed and more! Call 752.6263 or email cara@alabamablues.org for more info.
Walk of Heroes
The Tuscaloosa Rotary Honor Flight will take 104 WWII veterans to DC on May 1. Plane will depart Bama Air at 7am and return at 8:10pm. Area High School bands, Honor Guards, Boy Scouts, local leaders, and citizens will celebrate the return of these American heroes to whom we are indebted for our freedom. All citizens are encouraged to come to this patriotic celebration and begin gathering at the airport at 7pm in anticipation of the return of our local heroes. Flags will be dispensed to the crowd, bands will play patriotic music, and many other activities are planned for the "Walk of Heroes".
Wild Birds Hosts Wood Turning Demo
A demonstration of wood turning by Maurice Clabaugh will be held on Sat, May 1 from 9:30am-4pm at Wild Birds Unlimited. Address is 312 Merchants Walk, Ste 5B, in Tuscaloosa (behind Ruby Tuesday's). See bowls turned and the process explained. 20 % discount on his fine turned objects. Call 366.0309 for more info.
Art Night is May 1
Art Night is the first Thurs of each month and celebrates the downtown Tuscaloosa and Northport galleries. Kentuck studio artists will host their monthly Open Studios for visitors to see works in progress, meet the artists, and see the actual workspaces where the artists apply materials, design, technique and equipment to the creative process. Kentuck Courtyard will feature live music and fresh made bread and pizzas from the cob oven. For more info, call 758.1257.
Entrepreneurship Class Offered for Aspiring Business Owners
Individuals aspiring to be their own boss can gain some valuable insight thanks to a class on entrepreneurship offered through the dept of Training for Existing Business and Industry at Shelton State. The 8-week course is May 4-June 22 and meets on Tues evenings from 6-9 pm. Tuition for the class is $349. For more info, call 391.2386. For other continuing education offerings, visit the Workforce Opportunities section at www.sheltonstate.edu.
4th Annual Eagles’ Wings Celebrity Golf Tournament
Event will be held on Thurs, May 6 at Indian Hills Country Club. Golfers, hole sponsors, event sponsor, corporate sponsor & volunteers are needed. For more info, call 345.5484 or 799.2218.
Eagles’ Wings Annual Dinner & Auction=BBQ & Entertainment
Event will be held Fri, May 7 at Bryant Conference Center. There will silent and live auctions. Doors open at 5:30pm and dinner by Robertson’s BBQ will begin at 6:30pm. Great entertainment line up includes The Lamb Family and Barney & The Mayberry Gang. Call 345.5484 for more info. Event and corporate sponsors are still needed!
Support Turning Point Mother’s Day Daisy Sale
Help end the cycle of violence in our community by purchasing bouquets of purple, yellow or white daisies, note cards, and t-shirts from Turning Point. Pick them up at University Mall’s Center Court on Fri, May 9 from 3-7pm and Sat, May 10 from 10am-5pm. If interested in volunteering and/or selling, please call 758.0808 or email tpoint@dbtech.net. Download an order form and get more info at www.turningpointservices.org.
Nancy Taylor Specials
Nancy Taylor Day Spa is offering a “Quiet Moments” package for Mothers Day that includes a One Hour Facial, One Hour Massage, Spa Manicure, Spa Pedicure, Shampoo & Style, plus Lunch for $275. Call 391.4585 or visit www.nancytaylordayspa.com.
Also, the Spa welcomes hair stylist Allison Daniels, who has 18 years salon experience. She's currently offering color at 20% off or shampoo and blow dry for only $25 with any other regular spa service.
Tuscaloosa Air Show is May 8-9
The Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show, featuring the US Navy Blue Angels and US Army Golden Knights, will be May 8-9 at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport. This year's theme is “A Salute to Veterans” and will feature aircraft from all major wars, including WWII, Vietnam, Desert Storm and more. Admission is FREE and reserved seating is available for purchase. For more info, please call 248.5311 or visit www.tuscaloosaairshow.com. If interested in volunteering at the show, call 248.5800. Corporate sponsorships are available and going fast. For more info on how your company can be involved, contact Stephanie Roberts at 391.9200 or stephanie@tcvb.org.
Hardy Digital Photography Running Grand Opening Specials
Tuscaloosa's newest studio for indoor and outdoor portraits is currently offering half off all standard packages (one 30-min background indoor session only), plus 30% off all canvas gallery wraps, framed fine art prints and enlargements. Great portraits for all occasions. To schedule an appt, call 349.9581 or 553.5969. Appts preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Studio is located at 936 25th Ave East, Ste 2 in Tuscloosa (one block behind Church's Chicken off Univ Blvd East).
Photograph the Cahaba Lilies
Join photographer Barry Fikes for a unique experience on the Cahaba. Capture the beautiful Cahaba Lilies while in bloom. Several workshops are planned. Contact him at 553.7165 or barry@fikespix.com to register.
Novelty Items Needed for Downtown Slam
The Sports Foundation will present The Comcast & TSF Downtown 3 on 3 Slam on May 15 in the old Cityfest lot downtown. There will be competitions for children and adults, a free Family Fun Zone with music and games for children, and a Hot Shot contest with the chance for one person to win $10,000. Organizers are looking to fill 500 bags with novelty items like pens, coupons, etc. If you have items to offer, contact Don Staley at 394.0700 or dstaley3@aol.com. |
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Welcome, New Members!
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The following joined from Mar 1 to date.
Prowash & Lube
Hardy Digital Photography
Letters Hops & Vine
Southern Times Magazine
Straitline Fence, LLC
McKinney Orthodontics
Automation Personnel Service, Inc
Ellis Advertising
Merle Norman Cosmetics & Boutique
TL Signature Salon, LLC
Lee Allen Hallman
The APP, Alston Place Partnership
Denson Brantley Advertising
Gutherie Construction, Inc
Sterling Limo-Cab
Gameday Housing, LLC
Davis Dental of Tuscaloosa
Proscape
Colonial Life & Accident
Ai Corporate Interiors
Chesapeake Consulting, Inc
Advanced Disposal Services
AWOA-Ability Workers of AL
Riverside Family Medicine
Zaxby's
Weight Watchers North America
Advantage Staffing
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You’re invited to the Leadership Tuscaloosa Graduation Luncheon at Hotel Capstone on May 12 at noon. Guest speaker is Mayor Walter Maddox. Make plans to attend and support our graduating leaders! Cost is $25/person. Contact Stacey Gann at 391.0559 or 
