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Upcoming Events

Apr 10 Excel 2007 Tables and Shortcuts Apr 14 Executive Commitee Apr 15 Outlook 2007 Training Apr 15 Outlook 2003 Training Apr 16 10th Annual West Alabama Leadership Prayer Breakfast

Inside this issueLiteracy Summit Unites Groups 2008 Civic Hall of Fame Honorees Announced Next Mixer is April 29th at UA Ferguson Center Get Your Entrepreneur of the Year Tickets Now WIB Council to Hold Roundtable on Anti-Aging Strategies Outlook Class Offered Soon Adopt-A-School Sustainer Program Needs Your Support Women in Business Council Awards Given Getting Students Ready for the Workplace Chamber Perk of the Month: CD Explains SSA Retirement Benefits Northport Downtown & Riverfront Plan Presented Nucor Park Opens AIG Grows First State Bank of the South Holds Ribbon Cutting Check Out the New Wild Birds Unlimited Welcome, New Members! Members in Motion/Upcoming Events

Literacy Summit Unites Groups

Together with Rotary, The Chamber is leading an effort to fight the tragic illiteracy in our region. A crowd of more than 350 people gathered at our Literacy Summit, held at Bryant Conference Center on March 27th, where literacy experts from across the nation presented and breakout sessions were held to address relative topics. Among dynamic presenters of the day, Mr. Louie Singleton of Odenville seemed to make the most impact. He received a standing ovation for telling his story of learning to read at age 54. During The Summit, government and business leaders mingled with groups already providing literacy services here. Purpose of the Summit was to raise awareness of the problem and bring groups together to help build a Literacy Council to coordinate all efforts. We'll update you on the progress of this at www.tuscaloosachamber.com/literacy and, in the meantime, call us at 391.0561 if you'd like to volunteer to help an existing agency in the area. (Photos by Barry Fikes.)

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2008 Civic Hall of Fame Honorees Announced

The Civic Hall of Fame Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd at 11:30 AM at the Four Points by Sheraton. This program honors citizens who have made significant, long-term contributions to the overall development of Tuscaloosa County. Tickets are $25 each. To get them, contact Stacey at 391.0559 or [email protected]. 2008 Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Honorees are:

Josephine Camp Davis (1937 - present). One of Tuscaloosa's most active civic and volunteer leaders, Josephine Davis has dedicated most of adult life serving the needs of citizens throughout the community in a variety of roles. She has contributed in significant ways to The ARC, DCH, First United Methodist Church, Tuscaloosa Public Library, Junior League, Bryce Hospital, Boys and Girls Clubs, and a host of other volunteer service organizations. She has been dedicated to doing her "civic duty", often quietly, for many years, earning deserved honors including Volunteer of the Year for multiple

organizations, including United Way, The ARC of Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and the Distinguished Alumna of the Year of the University of Alabama's National Alumni Association.

Myrtle Edwards Gray (1914 - present). Dr. Myrtle Edwards Gray is one of Tuscaloosa's most beloved educators and community servants. A native of Tuscaloosa, Dr. Gray dedicated her life to touching the lives of children and young adults in our community, working as an educator for 43 years in the Tuscaloosa City



Schools. Active as a civic leader in a variety of organizations, Dr. Gray has served the First African Baptist Church, YMCA, Alabama Association of Women's Clubs, Alabama Reading Association and many other educational and civic associations. The recipient of over 50 community service awards, she has been honored with the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award from Alabama Association of Women's Clubs, Teacher of the Year, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's Woman of the Year, an Honorary Doctorate from Selma University, and included on three separate occasions in Ebony Magazine's 100 Most Influential Black Women.

Sarah Ella Haughton Rodgers (1907 - 1998). A respected educator at The University of Alabama for over 41 years, Sarah Ella Rodgers had a significant and long-term impact on many facets of education and community life throughout her distinguished career. A professor of business statistics, Sarah Rodgers affected the lives of many young students at The University; and in 1981, the University's science and engineering library was named in honor of her and her husband, Dr. Eric Rodgers. An involved citizen, Sarah Rodgers contributed effectively to various organizations, including the Alabama Association For Crippled Children and Adults, West Alabama Rehab

Center, Northport First United Methodist Church, West Alabama Health Planning Board, Tuscaloosa Community Council and many others. Honored on many occasions for her community service, she was a recipient of the Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year, Northport Citizen of the Year, and United Way Volunteer of the Year.

E. Roger Sayers (1936 - present). One of Alabama's most respected educators and community leaders, Roger Sayers served as President of The University of Alabama from 1989 - 1996. During his highly successful and distinguished career, he served in a variety of important leadership roles including Chairman of the College Football Association, Member of the President's Commission of the NCAA, Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and served as an officer and director of numerous other organizations including First Presbyterian Church, Challenge 21, Southeastern Conference, Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, United Way of

West Alabama, Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, and many others. Honored on numerous occasions for his education and civic leadership in building "town-gown" partnerships, he is a member of the Alabama Academy of Honor and a recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the Minnie Miles Endowed Excellence Award.

J. Paul Singleton (1909 - present). During a highly effective business career, Paul Singleton also made a lasting and significant impact on the Tuscaloosa for many



years, with very little in the civic life of the community escaping his attention and involvement. For over 50 years, Paul Singleton worked at Central Foundry, staring as a clerk and working his way all the way up the ladder to General Manager. During his distinguished civic career, he served as the general chairman of Tuscaloosa's first United Fund (now United Way of West Alabama) campaign in 1954; served as a member of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education; a long-time trustee of Holt Elementary School; and on the board of directors of numerous organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, YMCA, City National Bank and Tuscaloosa Rotary Club. Honored often for his many contributions, he was the 1957 recipient of the Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year.

Terry H Waters (1949 - present). Any conversation about the civic leaders of today's Tuscaloosa area community would always include Terry Waters near the top of the list. Since his arrival in 1995, Terry Waters has been an engaged, effective business and community leader. Employed for over 36 years with Alabama Power Company, Terry Waters has contributed in significant and lasting ways to the economic development, workforce development and quality of life for the area along with directly contributing to numerous service-oriented initiatives. An active leader with numerous organizations, he has served as Chairman or President of many associations including The Chamber of Commerce of

West Alabama, the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, Hospice of West Alabama, United Way of West Alabama, and many others. Honored on many occasions, he is a recipient of the Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year and one of only 3 people in the history of The Chamber of Commerce to be named as Member of the Year twice.

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Next Mixer is April 29th at UA Ferguson Center

Our next after-hours social will be Tuesday, April 29th from 5 to 7 PM at the Ferguson Center on the UA campus, hosted by UA and Classic Fare, the official caterer of the University of Alabama. They're going all out! Plan to join us for live Jazz music and lavish snacks in a gorgeous space. And, of course, experience the power of networking there! Parking will be available in the lot in front of the engineering building and the parking deck will be available for free. We had a great turnout and fun time at the Milagros mixer last month sharing great food and each other's company.



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Get Your Entrepreneur of the Year Tickets Now

Tickets are on sale now for the 20th Annual H. Pettus Randall Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Luncheon, to be presented by The Chamber and College Station Properties. The program honors small business owners and entrepreneurs in West Alabama while recognizing the vital role they play in our community. Awards given will include: Rising Star, Entrepreneur of the Year, Advocate of the Year and Lifetime Achievement. The luncheon will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton beginning at 11:30 AM on May 1st. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased by April 28th. To purchase tickets, contact Stacey at 205.391.0559 or [email protected] or you can register online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com.

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WIB Council to Hold Roundtable on Anti-Aging Strategies

The Women In Business Council is hosting a Roundtable on April 17th from 11:30 AM to 1PM at the University Church of Christ. Dr. Caroline Day-Teesdale will present "Inside Out: Smart Anti-Aging Strategies for Women". Lunch will be included and you can register for door prizes by bringing your business cards. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. To purchase them, contact Stacey at 391.0559 or [email protected] or you can register online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com. The Women In Business Council is also asking participants to help FOCUS, a Tuscaloosa Senior Citizen service organization, fill their food pantry. As a part of your entry fee, please bring at least one non-perishable food item.

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Outlook Class Offered Soon

Outlook is a staple in any business. Unfortunately, often times many features are overlooked. The Chamber's Business Training Series Outlook Seminar will change that. Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining will teach participants how to



create appointments and meeting invitations, categorize calendar entries, create polls using the voting feature, and much more! There will be two sessions for this seminar on Tuesday, April 15th with the 8 AM to noon morning session using Outlook 2007 and the 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM afternoon session focusing on Outlook 2003. Both sessions will take place in the Chamber Morrow Room. Cost is $90 for members and non-members are welcome for a bit more. To register, contact Tracy Crumpton at 391.0554 or [email protected].

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Adopt-A-School Sustainer Program Needs Your Support

The Adopt-A-School business-education partnership program is completing its 23rd 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 Adopt-A-School 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 2008 Adopt-A-School fundraising Sustainer Drive is underway and we invite you to join the Westervelt Company, Ellis Architects, Inc. and Phifer Incorporated in supporting the program. While the Westervelt Company continues to serve as the corporate sponsor for the program, Ellis Architects and Phifer Incorporated have committed to support the program again in 2008 as Board Level Sponsors. Businesses and organizations may participate in the Sustainer program at the Board, Superintendent, Principal, Teacher, or Mentor levels of support. The levels of the Sustainer program were reorganized in 2007 to recognize participating businesses and to expand their participation in the Adopt-A-School program. 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 Adopt-A-School Program face the challenges ahead in the 2008-2009 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 205.391.0563 or [email protected].

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Women in Business Council Awards Given



The Women in Business Council's 2nd Annual Awards Luncheon was held at the University Church of Christ on March 13th. Heather Reier, owner of Peterbrooke Chocolatier won the Roots & Wings Award, given to women who leave behind the familiar to follow a business-related dream. Since opening Peterbrooke in September, Reier has broken several company sales records! Liz Marston, Assistant Director of Caring Days Adult Daycare, won the Bright Future Award, given to an outstanding businesswoman who has been in her field for less than five years. She was also recognized for her years of volunteer service to our area. Janet Teer, VP of legal services for DCH Regional Medical Center, won the Defining Woman of the Year Award for her long career with the hospital and involvement with other groups such as UA, Hospice of West Alabama and the Kentuck Association. Cecile Horton, President of the Board of Directors of Pine Valley Retirement Community, won the Achievement Award for her years making the venture a success. Kristy E. Reynolds, Bruno professor of marketing at the University of Alabama, received the Trailblazer Award for her continued research in consumer behavior. Special guest speaker was Meaghan Williams, Executive Director at BNI (Business Networking International) of North Alabama. Program also featured a presentation on domestic violence by Mike Sullivan, director of Turning Point. The Women in Business Council, now in its third year, provides opportunities, training, and resources for development of professional excellence and success for women in our business community.



Pictured, left to right, are Reynolds, Horton, Reier and Marston. Top

Getting Students Ready for the Workplace

Thanks to Merichem and Ward Scott Veron Architects for presenting a very successful State of the Schools program on April 2nd. The county and city school superintendents spoke to about 120 business and community leaders emphasizing the importance of developing strong partnerships as public schools face increasingly tight budgets and growing student populations. Help is needed to prepare students for the workplace--Volunteers and apprenticeship programs are needed. If interested, please contact Loo Whitfield at 391.0563 or email [email protected].

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Chamber Perk of the Month: CD Explains SSA Retirement Benefits

You'll receive a letter and CD in the mail soon from the Social Security Administration. We've partnered with them to provide you with the informative piece explaining almost all aspects of your Social Security retirement benefit. It's our hope that this will be of great help as you or your employees plan for retirement in the next one to three years. Additional copies are available. The Baby Boom retirement wave is upon us! For more info about this or the new SSA web-based services ar www.socialsecurity.gov, please call Rufus Lewis at 205.349.1661 x 1214.

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Northport Downtown & Riverfront Plan Presented

Downtown is the heart and soul of Northport and it deserves special attention. Also, Northport's riverfront is a tremendous untapped resource--recreationally, economically and for overall quality of life. By having a master plan, future development proposals can be objectively evaluated to determine their acceptability. Katherine Ennis of the City of Northport presented a plan to members of the Northport Advisory Council on March 31st at Steamers. It was compiled by The Walker Collaborative and Third Coast Design Studio, both of



Nashville. You may view it yourself on the city's website at www.cityofnorthport.org. For more info or to make comments, contact Katherine at 205.339.7000.

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Nucor Park Opens

The Nucor Community Park officially opened on March 20th. It was designed for all kids of all abilities and has features like wheel chair swings, special slides and a smooth playing surface. Funds are needed for upkeep so engraved bricks are being sold for the park's Legacy Walk. Contact Toni Franklin at 205.345.3031 for details.

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AIG Grows

The AIG American General Business and Professional Center held a grand opening with ribbon cutting ceremony on April 1st at 1110 15th Street, Suite K in Tuscaloosa, near 15th Street Diner. The new office features conference rooms, private offices and a staff of four. For more details about the company, contact Bo Fields at 758.0366 or [email protected]. By the way, he was recently recognized as the company's top selling agent for fiscal year 2007, helping to seal the expansion. Congrats!

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First State Bank of the South Holds Ribbon Cutting

First State Bank of the South celebrated its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 18th. The bank is located at 5520 McFarland Blvd, in front of Food Max in Northport. Derrell O'Briant is Branch Manager and the number there is 205.330.2525. You can learn more at www.firststatebanksouth.com.

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Check Out the New Wild Birds Unlimited

Wild Birds Unlimited held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 4th to celebrate its grand re-opening. The shop is located at 312 Merchants Walk, Ste. 5B in Tuscaloosa (behind Ruby Tuesday's). Stop by this unique store to see what's new. They have lots of great things for your garden and patio...It's that season! Mary Rhodes is the new owner and her number is 366.0309.

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Welcome, New Members!

The following joined from March 1st to date.

Brooms, LLC



Certified Debt, LLC HAAS Environmental, Inc. Hughes and Mullenix, Inc.

NorthRiver Yacht Club Robertson Banking Co.

Thee and Me Ltd. Watchful Eye Care Service Watermark Outlet Center

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Members in Motion/Upcoming Events

Community Conversations Set for April Community Conversations is a new approach to the town hall meeting format as the City of Tuscaloosa strives to create a customer friendly environment and have their work be open, efficient and effective. Mayor Walt Maddox, Council members and City department heads will be available to talk about projects, ideas and initiatives going on in your community. Remaining meetings will be held April 17th at Rock Quarry Elem and April 24th at Skyland Elem. For more info, call 311 or visit www.tuscaloosa.com. BBQ and Blue Jeans is Saturday The DCH Foundation's BBQ & Blue Jeans event will be Saturday, April 12th at 6 PM at Water Oaks Farm. With the support of UA Men's Basketball Head Coach Mark Gottfried, BBQ & Blue Jeans: Shoot for the Cause will benefit the Help and Hope Prostate Cancer Fund. It'll feature an Old West theme, BBQ and live music. Tickets are $40 each and will be available at the event. For more info, contact Casey Johnson at 205.759.7349 or [email protected]. Holt Community Garage Sale to Help Build Playground Holt Elementary Adopt-A-School partners Junior League, Sam's Club and Wal-Mart, together with Leadership Tuscaloosa, will host a Holt community garage sale on Saturday, April 12th to help build a new playground there. Sale will be held in the school's gym and doors open at 6:30 AM. For more info or to donate items, contact Anne Huffaker at 758.1159. Bama Theatre Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Special Screening Celebrating the Bama Theatre's 70th Anniversary, the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County will present the screening of the classic film You Can't Take It With You on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Admission will be 25 cents with small soft drinks and popcorn available for 5 cents. For more info, call 205.758.5195 or go to www.tuscarts.org. Play to Celebrate Southern Authors Theatre Tuscaloosa invites you to a theatrical celebration of southern authors (Fannie Flagg is one). Page to Stage will be presented Saturday, April 12th, at 7:30 PM in the Bean-Brown Theatre at Shelton State Community College. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students. A group discount is available. Call 391.2277 or order online at www.theatretusc.com.



West Alabama Leadership Prayer Breakfast is Coming Up The 10th Annual West Alabama Leadership Prayer Breakfast will be held April 16th at Bryant Conference Center. Doors open at 6:30 AM and program begins at 7:15 AM. Inspirational keynote speaker is Coach Tom Osborne, former head coach and current Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska. For details, contact John Merrill at 342.2787 or Stan McCracken at 349.0117. Seminar to Address Using Radio to Recruit Employees Traditional methods of recruiting and retaining employees just not working anymore? Hear about a program that allows you to reach people who are employed as well as those who are looking...using radio. A free recuitment seminar hosted by Chris Stonick, founder of Stonick Recruitment, will be presented on Wednesday, April 16th from 9 AM until 11 AM at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tuscaloosa. Continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 AM. To RSVP, contact Larry Murphy at 205.799.7082 or [email protected]. Project Child/T-Town Paws Golf Tournament is April 18th A 4-person scramble at Ol' Colony Golf Club on Friday, April 18th will benefit underprivileged children in our area as well as many animals. There will be a 12:45 PM shotgun start and the cost is $450 per team or $112.50 per person. Contact Frank Slapikas at 3397074 for more info or to reserve spots.

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Template Page 1 of 12chamber-commerce.s3.amazonaws.com/PDF/PDF/aprilperspectives0… · z2008 Civic Hall of Fame Honorees Announced zNext Mixer is April 29th at UA Ferguson Center