BACC

essemeressemerrearea

ofofhamberhamberommerceommerce March 2008

Communication: The Key To Successful Business

Chamber Board/AmbassadorsHold ReceptionChamber Board/AmbassadorsHold Reception

Chamber Honors First RespondersChamber Honors First Responders

InsideInsideIt's Your Business: Life's Tough

Business News: Grease Control Program

Chamber News: Ziti in the City Scholarship Luncheon

Chamber News: Casino Night Just Around Corner

Community News: Adopt-a-School Program

Business News: Spotlight: Congressman Artur Davis

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Welcoming our local elected officials to a get acquainted re-ception at the Chamber on February 7th, your Chamber Board of Directors and Ambassadors were able to network with sev-eral of our elected officials including: City Council President Jesse Matthews, Councilor Sarah Belcher (who is also a Chamber Ambassador), Councilor Dorothy Davidson, Councilor Earl Cochran and Councilor Albert Soles. School board members attending were: Vera Eades, Hattie Aikerson, Renna Scott, and Bessie Pippens. We also had representa-tives from Mayor Edward May (Adrianne Adams) and Commissioner Shelia Smoot's offices.

Good food and drink mixed with a cooperative spirit provided for a tremendous event. Several of our local officials encour-aged the Chamber to repeat the reception each year so our Board and Ambassadors can meet, ask questions, and laugh with those who are elected to serve our business community. A big thanks goes out to Chairman Jon Staggs, Treasurer Joni Holt, and Chairperson-elect Dr. Deborah Horn who led our Ambassadors as our official welcoming committee. Everyone had a great time and since it was just one hour everyone could stop by on their way home from work and still be with their fami-lies. Latasha Cook, Mary Milan and Jean Brown from your Chamber staff did an outstanding job of putting this event to-gether and the food from the Bright Star was a big highlight of the evening.

On February 20th Chamber Chairman Jon Staggs (Alabama Power) joined Sheriff Mike Hale, Police Chief Nathaniel Rutledge, Fire Chief Paul Syx, and Major Alan Farley as they paid homage to the brave men and women who "serve and pro-tect" our businesses in western Jefferson County. Keynoting the event was the Assistant Director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety, LTC Bubba Bingham. He did an exceptional job in relating the importance of our first responders to our lives and businesses. It is an honor for the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce to annually sponsor and host this exceptional event. We must always remember that these brave and very profes-sional civic servants put their lives on the line daily so the busi-ness community can grow and prosper. When you see them, thank them.

Recipients for the 2007 recognitions were as follows: Deputy Sheriff of the Year-Deputy Alan Rhea, who also received the Medal of Valor for his actions in disabling the perpetrator at the scene of the Wachovia Bank robbery. The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Gary D. Carmichael, who was recog-nized for his outstanding detective work that led to the arrest of an individual linked to several business robberies in downtown Bessemer. Chief Syx then recognized two firefighters as Fire Fighters of the Year, Lt. Tommy Cannon and Fire Fighter Shondrick Davis, who saved the life of an eight year old young lady who was passed out in a house fire. As you see each one is a hero in their own right but each recognized all the other first responders who work beside them and do equal feats of hero-ism each day.

The event could not have been as big a success (this is the sixth sell out year) without the outstanding support of Lawson State Community College-Bessemer and Ms. Edith Hunter who pro-vided the facilities and great food. Ambassadors and Staff set up the room, served the food, and provided greetings and smiles. Family and co-workers joined Chamber members and other officials such as Judge Tom King in standing ovations as each recipient was called to the podium. It was a day to be proud of the Bessemer area.

The most terrifying words in the English language are:I'm from the government and I'm here to help. President Ronald

(More Photos on Page 4)

Jon Staggs, Chief Paul Syx, Lt. Tommy Cannon,Firefighter Shondrick Davis and LTC Bubba Bingham

Attending reception were Council members l-r;Albert Soles, Sarah Belcher, Jesse Matthews

(President), Dorothy Davidson and Earl Cochran

22 It's Your BusinessIt's Your BusinessFrom the PresidentFrom the President'Life's tough.....it's even tougher if you're stu-pid,'' as John Wayne put it. And so it is with our professional, personal/private and public life. They are all tough. We strive for success (the definition of which is dependent on each of our own perceptions) and most of us work hard to achieve success. Not being stupid in our decision-making processes can help us lessen the toughness of facing all aspects of our life.

Like the criminal who can never get it right and is always being caught, put back in jail and "picked on" by society it is the decisions made that cause the problem. The unwed parent cannot understand why it happened to them, that is kind of stupid though, because we all know why it happened. But facing responsi-bility and making correct decisions helps those tougher times seem less straining and easier to face. That is not to say a person mak-ing mostly correct decisions will not face tough times because we all will, but it is easier to face a few tough times than having to face consis-tently tough times.

John Wayne said it correctly and understood it but he also had to face the responsibilities of his decisions. He had lung cancer and under-went successful surgery to remove his entire

left lung and four ribs. Despite efforts by his busi-ness associates to prevent him from going public with his illness (for fear it would cost him work), Wayne announced he had cancer and called on the public to get preventive examinations. Five years later, Wayne was declared cancer-free. He continued to smoke cigars and chew tobacco, and well he eventually got stomach cancer, but that did not have him saying why me? He said, "Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up any-way." Up until his death he worked hard and lived his life hard, he is in a lot of people's opinion the greatest action movie actor of all time. John Wayne's enduring status as an iconic American was formally recognized by the United States Congress on May 26, 1979 when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. On June 9, 1980 he was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. He won a Best Actor Oscar (True Grit) and his last movie, The Shootist, was filmed with him battling stomach cancer but he worked through it.

We cannot afford to be stupid in our busi-ness or personal lives. Making bad deci-sions consistently is a sign of flawed charac-ter and questionable maturity. We need to take responsibility for our decisions, think them out and make the best decisions we can. Some of our decisions will still be stu-pid but if we work hard, treat others fairly, and think before we act we can succeed. Like the Duke, we need to saddle up anyway and face our challenges. You as a business-person have to overcome "this tough life" be-cause it's your business.

President

Grease Control ProgramGrease Control Program

Jefferson County is required by Federal law to maintain over 2,700 miles of sanitary sewer

There are approximately 3,000 food service facilities connected to the sewer

In 2005, grease blockages caused more than 60% of sanitary sewer overflows in Jefferson County

These back ups are a hazard to the public, our wildlife, creeks and streams

Fats, oils, and grease can cause a sanitary sewer overflow due to build up over time in the system

The focus of the ordinance is Brown grease

Two ways to capture Brown grease are grease traps and grease interceptors

Training employees

Filing your application

Keeping proper documentation of where your grease is being disposed from the re-moval system

Determine the best grease removal system for your business and get approval from JefCo GCP

33Business NewsBusiness NewsThe Hueytown Chamber of Commerce at their monthly luncheon had a program presented about the Jefferson County Grease Control Program on February 21st. Chamber President Jena Large introduced Sharon Evans, Legislative Assistant to County Commissioner Jim Carns, and Dana Gray, JefCo Grease Control Program, who provided some very important information about the pro-grams affects on our local businesses especially food service establishments. The Bessemer Chamber encouraged our members to attend and the Chamber was represented. However, there may be a need to bring Sharon and Dana to a special meeting at the Chamber to go over their vital in-formation about this ordinance.

It is imperative and the law that all food service facilities covered by this ordinance handle their grease in an environmentally sound way. Businesses can do this by:

The Chamber is placing a link to Jefferson County's Environmental Services Department and the Grease Control Program on our web site for your convenience. Please take time to make sure your business is in compliance. If you would like for us to host a special meeting to discuss the GCP please contact us at 425-3253 or email mmilan1@bellsouth.net.

Some of the interesting things that they shared:

1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

5.

6.

7.

On March 14th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm come support your Chamber Ambassadors as they raise money for the Ora Foster Community Service Scholarship given to area high school se-niors. This annual event has become a real treat and something local businesses look forward to participating. A single dinner is $7, which in-cludes homemade baked ziti with Italian Sausage and beef, salad, garlic bread and bev-erage (Pepsi products). There will also be vege-table baked ziti for those that prefer it. Also, for businesses there will be pans of ziti that feed 8 for $55, which includes the sides and beverage. See the enclosed flyer for more information and your order form. Help the Chamber Ambassadors help our local high schools. If you have questions contact us at 425-3253 or email mmilan1@bellsouth.net.

Remember one of the highlights of the year is com-ing this month. On March 13th, paint your hair green, where green ties, socks or whatever and join the Chamber at the Holiday Inn Express for our annual St. Patrick's Day bash. This is a great time to meet and greet your fellow Chamber members, to eat hearty and drink if you must. Outstanding door prizes are always given away and music is in the air. This year Anthony Underwood Automotive, Dixie Nissan, Bessemer Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Premiere Chevrolet, and Town and Country Ford will sponsor the evening's events. We kick off at 5:30 pm and will end no later than 7:30, so join us as you head home and network to make you and your business more visible. For more information c o n t a c t u s a t 4 2 5 - 3 2 5 3 o r e m a i l mmilan1@bellsouth.net. It will be fun!!!!!

Ziti in the City Scholarship LuncheonZiti in the City Scholarship Luncheon St. Patrick's Day Business After HoursSt. Patrick's Day Business After Hours

Chamber Honors First RespondersChamber Honors First Responders

Chamber NewsChamber News44

Chairman Staggs, Chief Nathaniel Rutledge,Sgt. Gray D. Carmichael and LTC Bingham

Sheriff Mike Hale, Deputy Alan Rhea,LTC Bingham, and Chairman Jon Staggs

(continued from page 1)

The Casino Night committee is working to make this year's event the best ever. Mark your calendars for April 18th at the Woodward Country Club and join us for an outstanding evening. If you do not gamble (for fun money only) there is still plenty to do and great food to enjoy. Music, dancing, silent auction, fel-lowship, and on and on and on. It will be one of the evenings during the year that you will re-member and Chamber members will talk about. For more information contact us at 425-3253 or email mmilan1@bellsouth.net.

With the retirement of Mr. Ed Kean all advertising in the monthly newsletter has lapsed. If you would like to reach 600 of your peers, be seen daily on the web site, in the Communique Newsletter, and support the Chamber please contact us at 425-3253 or email mmilan1@bellsouth.net. Your ad would be as little as $50 monthly and if you take it out for the remainder of the year there will be special pricing. Again, help us keep the newsletter a resource for our business community.

Learn to say no and goodbye when you have pressing deadlines

If you can't answer a question, say so

Work with realistic deadlines

Work hardest when you are most mentally alert

Avoid making a "production" out of small tasks

Use the telephone to save mileage and time

Practice good listening techniques and habits

Put aside unimportant tasks

Control interruptions

Think first, then do; do instead of dream

From The Chamber of Commerce Pacesetter December 2007 issue we find: Managing time suc-cessfully is a challenge. Here are some tips that can help you make the most of your time.

It is not bad to pause before you make a deci-sion. It is wise to not be hasty. But it is imper-ative that you do something when the growth and vitality of your business is at stake. Communication is an action not a concept. Moving, making something happen is better done by clear, concise, and expeditious com-munication. Putting off talking to your em-ployees, managers, or customers never moves you forward. So as business experts continually emphasize good communication so too do they recommend that you don't pro-crastinate.

Casino Night is JustAround the CornerCasino Night is JustAround the Corner

Advertising in the CommuniqueAdvertising in the Communique

Time-Wise IdeasTime-Wise Ideas

Communicate Don'tProcrastinateCommunicate Don'tProcrastinate

55Chamber NewsChamber News

May 1st is National Day of Prayer and our Bessemer Area religious leaders are preparing for a special time for all to pray for our families, our jobs, our City, State and Nation. First Presbyterian Church will host this year's program with lunch and services beginning at 11:00 am. We encourage all of our businesses to join in this nationwide effort and humbly ask for the blessings from your God.

National Day of PrayerNational Day of Prayer

The City of Bessemer and the Chamber's Adopt-a-School Program needs your help. We will be bringing together those in the busi-ness community who want to help our local schools in a unified effort. In the next several weeks we will meet to give each business de-tails on how and who you can help. Be pre-pared and willing to volunteer yours and your employee's time to furthering the education of our young people. An investment in them now will help your business by providing better em-ployees in the future.

Helping Hands Hospice is seeking volunteers in the Bessemer, Midfield, and Hueytown area to volunteer their time or services for out pa-tients in the area. There are many different ways to volunteer such as running errands, reading to a patient, cutting grass, cutting hair, manicures, making a meal, listening or just giv-ing a couple of hours out of a day to a caregiver so that they can take a break.

Volunteers are a very important part of the Helping Hands organization. Without volun-teers they would not be able to accomplish their goals for patients. Those goals are to keep patients as comfortable as possible and also maintain their dignity at this very difficult stage in their lives.

If you are interested in volunteering for Helping Hands Hospice, call Cindy Hubble, Volunteer Coordinator, at 444-0126 or her cell phone at 266-1543.

On February 29th the Boy Scouts of America Greater Alabama Council held its annual American Values luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Birmingham. It was a privilege as an Eagle Scout to rep-resent the Chamber and listen to famed quarterback Archie Manning speak. Archie is the father of Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, both of whom have won Super Bowls. It was a great occasion and a great way to raise funds for a premiere youth organization.

Adopt-a-School ProgramAdopt-a-School Program

Volunteers Needed!!!Volunteers Needed!!!

American Values LuncheonAmerican Values Luncheon

Community NewsCommunity News66

NOTE TO MEMBERS: This monthly article presents the thoughts and suggestions of members of the Chamber about business related topics. This year we are learning more about our State and Federal elected officials.

Congressman Artur Davis was born in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama on October 9, 1967. He graduated from Jefferson Davis High School, earned a B.A. at Harvard University in 1990 and a J.D. from Harvard University in 1993.

After two terms in Congress, U.S. Representative Artur Davis has earned recognition as a productive and ef-fective legislator who has set a new standard of service for his constituents. As Congressman Davis begins his third term, he is rapidly developing a national reputation as a thoughtful leader who is poised to influence the national debate.

Congressman Davis has been appointed to one of the most prestigious committees in the House, the Ways and Means Committee. This committee oversees economic policy in a wide array of areas, including tax law, trade policy, and health care, as well as the Social Security and Medicare programs. Davis is only the tenth Alabamian to serve on this important committee in 188 years. Davis also holds a slot on the Judiciary Committee, which covers areas ranging from constitutional law to immigration to the criminal and civil justice systems. Congressman Davis' strong legislative track record in Washington is matched with an active presence in his West Alabama district. He has chaired the Health Care Subcommittee of Governor Bob Riley's Black Belt Action Commission, an effort that has led to expanded delivery of vital services throughout the Black Belt. The Commission has been heralded by various news organizations as one of the best public-private partnerships in the state's recent history.

Recognized by the Washington Post, the National Journal and CNN as one of the future leaders to watch in Washington, Congressman Davis has been tabbed by his peers for several important assignments. He is cur-rently the recruitment chairman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2008 cycle. He is the co-chair of the centrist New Democrat Caucus, a group that emphasizes education and technologi-cal competitiveness. Congressman Davis also serves as a member of the House Majority Leader's Advisory Group and as a member of the Steering and Policy Committee, which approves committee assignments and rules changes for the Democratic Caucus.

Congressman Davis' excellent academic career gave birth to a flourishing professional life as a successful at-torney and advocate for justice. Upon graduation from law school, Congressman Davis received a clerkship with Judge Myron F. Thompson, one of the first African-American judges appointed to the federal bench in Alabama. From 1994 to 1998, Congressman Davis established a 98 percent conviction rate as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama fighting white-collar criminals and the scourge of drugs and violence on our streets and in our neighborhoods. From 1998 until his election to Congress, Congressman Davis worked as a litigator in private practice.

Spotlight on Business: Congressman Artur DavisSpotlight on Business: Congressman Artur Davis

77Business NewsBusiness News

BESSEMER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEBESSEMER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OFFICE HOURSMonday-Friday 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.Phone: 205-425-3253 Fax: 425-4979Toll Free: 1-888-4BESSEMER (Toll Free)

www.bessemerchamber.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

P.O. Box 648Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0648

YOUR CHAMBER STAFFYOUR CHAMBER STAFF

Ronnie Acker, President

LaTasha Cook, Vice President

Mary Milan, Administrative Specialist

Jean Brown, Accounting Specialist

Celebrating 8686Years of Service Cut out this logo to place in your ads for higher name recognition

BESSEMER AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jon StaggsChairman of the Board

Alabama Power

Kenneth Gulley Past Chairman

Lawson State Community College

Deborah Horn Chairman Elect

Bessemer Board of Education

Joni Holt Treasurer & Chairperson of Finance

Holt Insurance

Rupesh Patel, Hampton Inn Keith Pennington, Medical West

Allen Rice, ITT Technical Institute Steve Self, Buffalo Rock Company

Hank Tyler, Henry H. Tyler Enterprises Thelma Vanderburg, First American Bank Nelda Weaver, Weaver Land & Realty, Inc.

Doug Caddell, Canaan Baptist Church David Darby, BankTrust

Randy Donaldson, Alabama Gas Company CeCe Doss, Wilson Pallet & Packaging

Arthur Green, JeffCo District Attorney, Bess. Div. Howard Johnson Jr., Johnson Funeral Home

Sunny Lippert, Attorney Ross Mitchell, Baptist Health System

Tom Nicholson, US Pipe & Foundry Co.

Calendar of Events March 2008Calendar of Events March 2008Medical West

Chamber

Chamber

Holiday Inn Exp.

1st Presbyterian

Chamber

Chamber

Civic Center

Bent Brook

Woodward C. C.

Lawson-Bess.

1st Presbyterian

City Wide Prayer Breakfast

Ambassadors Meeting

Minister's Meeting

Bus. After Hrs/St. Patrick's Day

Annual Scholarship Luncheon

Executive Committee Mtg.

Board of Director's Mtg.

Salvation Army Annual Banquet

Medical West Charity Golf Tourn.

Casino Night

Administrative Prof. Luncheon

National Day of Prayer

March 4

March 4

March 6

March 13

March 14

March 18

March 18

March 18

April 17

April 18

April 23

May 1

7:30 A.M.

8:15 A.M.

Noon

5:30-7:30 P.M.

10:00-2:00 P.M.

11:30 A.M.

Noon

6:30 P.M.

1:00 P.M.

7-11 P.M.

Noon

TBA

BURCHFIELD HOMES, INC.Chris Burchfield21010 Tammie DriveMcCalla, AL 35111Phone 601-7560 fax 477-1029Homebuilder

KELLY SERVICESJeannie Thrower orTiffani Stanton617 Bessemer Super HwyMidfield, AL 35228-3012Phone 428-1574stanttl@kellyservices.comwww.kellyservices.comStaffing

INNOVATIVE COMPUTER CONCEPTS ICCRobert Parker3603 Pine Lane SE Ste ABessemer, AL 35022Phone 380-8854fax 380-8855rparker@icc-corp.netwww.icc-corp.netHitech/Computer

Welcome New Members for FebruaryWelcome New Members for February