ConnectionsCONNECTIONSDothan Area Chamber of Commerce January 2020

GROWING THE WIREGRASSPAGE 12

WIREGRASS LEGISLATORSTo Provide Legislative PreviewPAGE 4

JOBS IN HOUSTON COUNTYPAGE 14

EventsCalendar

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January

www.dothan.com(334) 792-5138

INSIDEWhat’s

January 2020

2 Events Calendar3 Ribbon Cuttings4 Cover Story8-11 Business Briefs12 Grow Dothan13 Workforce Development14 Small Business Development

Also In This Issue 9 Aces For The Arts10 Girls Inc. Plans Father-

Daughter Banquet11 Foundation Invites You To

“Take Flight”13 Sony Scholarship Applications

Now Available

Your Cover Photo

ConnectionsCONNECTIONSDothan Area Chamber of Commerce January 2020

GROWING THE WIREGRASSPAGE 12

WIREGRASS LEGISLATORSTo Provide Legislative PreviewPAGE 4

JOBS IN HOUSTON COUNTYPAGE 14

2 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

Your cover photo features Alabama’s State Capital located in Montgomery, AL.

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Ambassador and Diplomat Committee Meeting – 9 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Ribbon Cutting: Azara Degourville Personal Chef – 10:30 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Youth Leadership Dothan Houston County Healthcare Day – 7:45 a.m.Location: 4370 W. Main St. (Flowers Hospital)LEADS Group 1 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)Ribbon Cutting: Interim Healthcare – 10:30 a.m.Location: 3201 Montgomery Highway, Suite 9Dothan Area Young Professionals’ Development Luncheon – Noon (doors and buffet open at 11:30 a.m.)Location: 200 S. Cherokee Ave. (Dothan Country Club)*Reservations required: www.facebook.com/pg/dothanyp. See page 10 for more information. Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)*Reservations required: (334) 792-5138 Ribbon Cutting: Mighty Auto Parts of the Central Deep South – 10:30 a.m.Location: 6193 U.S. Highway 84 EastLEADS Group 2 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)DACC Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8:15 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)Leadership Dothan Courts, Local & State Government Day – 7:45 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)Ribbon Cutting: Melissa Elmore State Farm Insurance – 10:30 a.m.Location: 106 Dave St., HeadlandDothan Area Young Professionals’ Aces for the Arts – 6 p.m.Location: 909 S. St. Andrews St. (The Cultural Arts Center)*See page 9 for more information.Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Chamber Closed

Ribbon Cutting: Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention Expansion – 10:30 a.m.Location: 102 Morgan St.LEADS Group 1 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)Ribbon Cutting: Strickland Jewelers – 10:30 a.m.Location: 102 Central Park Ave., Suite 2Eggs and Issues General Membership Breakfast – 7:30 a.m.Location: 795 Ross Clark Circle (Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.’s Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall)*Reservations required: (334) 792-5138. See page 4 for more information.LEADS Group 2 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m.Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)Ribbon Cutting: BWC Commercial Air – 11:30 a.m.Location: 412 N. Foster St. Ribbon Cutting: Kiss My Axe – 4 p.m.Location: 256 N. Foster St.

RibbonCuttings

New Believer’s International Church

1307 Travis RoadDothan, AL 36301Shalunda Williams

(334) 601-6776RELIGIOUS

ORGANIZATIONS

RELOCATIONIngram Land &

Realty, LLC16662 U.S. Highway 431 South

Headland, AL 36345Tim Ingram

(334) 585-9001www.ingramland.com

REAL ESTATE –RESIDENTIAL

Southern Traditions Wedding andEvent Rentals

576 Johnnie Ingram RoadWebb, AL 36376

Sherry Sowell(334) 726-7286

EVENT FACILITIESAND SUPPLIES

Sidewalk Label Boutique

Windmill Station1369 Headland Ave., Suite 6

Dothan, AL 36303Brittany Wilson(334) 695-1038

www.sidewalklabelboutique.com SHOPPING /

SPECIALTY RETAIL

Go Digitalwith Donnia

194 Winslette RoadNewton, AL 36301

Donnia Rambin(334) 648-6542

ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN / MARKETING /

MEDIA / PRINTING

Tax Pro Accounting, Bookkeeping &Payroll Services

2306-1 Montgomery HighwayDothan, AL 36303Dechauna Tensley

(863) 430-8470ACCOUNTANTS

Apex Commercial Janitorial

Solutions, LLC545 W. Main St., Suite 100

Dothan, AL 36301Demetrius Bogan

(334) 689-5101JANITORIAL SERVICE

Home2 Suitesby Hilton

5005 Montgomery HighwayDothan, AL 36303

Hitesh Patel(334) 873-4840

www.home2dothan.home2suitesbyhilton.com

HOTELS / MOTELS /TRAVEL

Tic Task Virtual Assistant Services

545 W. Main St.Dothan, AL 36301

Chelsea Cooper(334) 203-4900

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES

The Poplar Building1909 Montgomery Highway

Dothan, AL 36303Mathew Wanyama

(334) 793-0166www.thepoplarbuilding.com MOVING AND STORAGE

Dr. Watts Electric502 Sherwood TrailNewton, AL 36352

Jamie McNelley(334) 435-6430

PLUMBING AND/OR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

www.dothan.com 3

Wiregrass Legislators To Provide Alabama Legislature Preview

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce will host our Wiregrass legislators at the organization’s annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast scheduled to be held Monday, Jan. 27, at Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc’s Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Goal 4 of your chamber’s annual Strategic Plan is to sustain and strengthen the Wiregrass region’s business policies and military foundation. The DACC’s Governmental Affairs Council, chaired by Claudia Hall from Southeast Health, falls under this goal and oversees the Legislative Affairs Task Force and Military Affairs Committee.

The objective of the Legislative Affairs Task Force is to advocate for strong and sound business policies and to facilitate member involvement in the legislative process. The annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast gives chamber members the opportunity to network and hear from their legislators on the current issues and plans for the 2020 session. You can also participate in an electronic survey on the many issues the legislature will consider including state prisons, rural health care, broadband and a statewide lottery.

Public policy affects us all, both personally and professionally. That is why it is important for us to be engaged with our legislators and provide them input on the issues. The first day of the 2020 regular session will be Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Tickets for the luncheon are $15 per person or $150 a corporate table (seats eight). Reservations are required and may be made by contacting the Chamber’s Director of Membership, Hayden Camp, at (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@dothan.com.

Please join us on Jan. 27 to welcome our legislators as our guest speakers, and let your voice be heard!

CoverStory

Rep. Steve Clouse, R-93rd District (Dale, Houston)(334) 261-0488steve.clouse@alhouse.gov

Rep. Paul Lee, R-86th District(Houston)(334) 261-0488pleed86@gmail.com

Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-29th District (Dale, Geneva, Houston)(334) 261-0890donnie.chesteen@alsenate.gov

Alabama House of Representatives:Alabama State Senate:

Rep. Jeff Sorrells, R-87th District(Geneva, Houston)(334) 261-0542

Rep. Dexter Grimsley, D-85th District (Henry, Houston)(334) 261-0513wlmdex@hotmail.com

Sen. Billy Beasley, D-28th District (Barbour, Bullock, Henry, Lee, Macon, Russell)(334) 261-0868bill.beasley@alsenate.gov

Your Alabama Legislators

Eggs & Issues Annual Breakfast

4 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

CO S TA D E L S O LD I S CO V E R & E X P L O R E

WITH THE DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Costa Del Sol

Ronda

9-DAY JOURNEYHIGHLIGHTS:• Round trip scheduled airfare • Round trip transfers between airports

and hotels• Personal airport VIP greeting and

check-in service• Pre-departure orientation and travel

documents• 7 nights First Class Accomodations• Includes breakfast daily and 5 dinners• Discovery Program Guide• Chamber Exchange• Full day tour of Granada• Tours of Ronda & Mijas

DAY BY DAY

DAY 1• Transatlantic flight

DAY 2• Arrive in Spain and transfer to our

hotel for the next 7 nights• Remainder of the day at your leisure• Dinner at your hotel

DAY 3• Breakfast at your hotel • Tour to Ronda

DAY 4• Breakfast at your hotel • Day at leisure, Optional Tour

to Tangier• Dinner at your hotel

DAY 5• Breakfast at your hotel• Half-day Tour of Mijas• Chamber Exchange

DAY 6• Breakfast at your hotel • Full day optional tour to Gibraltar• Dinner at your hotel

DAY 7• Breakfast at your hotel • Full day optional tour of Seville• Dinner at your hotel

DAY 8• Breakfast at your hotel • Full day tour to Granada• Dinner at your hotel

DAY 9• Transfer to airport for flight home

Departing October 13, 2020

$3,399 PER PERSON$3,099 PER PERSON if deposited by January 31st!*

For more information, please contact:Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138

Click here toBOOK NOW

www.dothan.com 5

RenewingMembers

Clip and add these to your Membership Directory.NewMembers

Bobcat of Dothan / Leppo RentsRyan Tywon3837 Ross Clark CircleDothan, AL 36303PH: (334) 350-5660www.dothanbobcat.comAUTOMOBILE RENTING & LEASING

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.Sheila LukerP.O. Box 9551Dothan, AL 36304PH: (334) 790-8292www.downsyndromefriends.org

Farmers Insurance GroupJessica Goolsby22 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 560 (Birmingham)P.O. Box 831067Tuskegee, AL 36083PH: (334) 339-1584www.farmersinsurance.comFINANCE / INSURANCE

Holman Whatley & Associates, Inc.Trip Whatley200 Grove Park Lane, Suite 100Dothan, AL 36305PH: (334) 677-9700www.holmanwhatley.comFINANCIAL ADVISORS

Interim HealthcareClaude (Chip) Camp3201 Montgomery Highway, Suite 9Dothan, AL 36303PH: (334) 446-0676www.interimhealthcare.com/DothanALHOME HEALTH SERVICE

Kiss My AxeMatt Hayes256 N. Foster St.Dothan, AL 36303PH: (334) 699-5629www.kmaxe.comARTS / CULTURE / ENTERTAINMENT

Mary Kay Cosmetics (Ham)Jennifer M. Ham2558 Ross Clark Circle,Suite 107 (Physical)407 Burt Drive, Apt. 8Dothan, AL 36305PH: (334) 212-5898www.marykay.com/jham831PERSONAL SERVICE AND CARE

MAU Workforce SolutionsBrittany Marler3792 Mance Newton RoadMidland City, AL 36350PH: (334) 796-1067www.mau.comHUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Red LobsterWilliam Seice3116 Montgomery HighwayDothan, AL 36303PH: (334) 793-6262www.redlobster.comRESTAURANTS, FOOD AND BEVERAGE

SBI SeminarsJohn Gormley200 Shandwick CourtP.O. Box 2121Dothan, AL 36305PH: (800) 826-7681www.sbiseminars.comBUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Southeast Alabama Community FoundationBurton Crenshaw111 Adris Place, Suite 8 (Dothan)114 Church St.Montgomery, AL 36104PH: (334) 264-6223www.cacfinfo.orgNONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Norton FirmJake A. Norton739 W. Main St.Dothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 699-2020www.thenortonfirm.comATTORNEYS / LEGAL

The Poplar BuildingMathew Wanyama1909 Montgomery HighwayDothan, AL 36303PH: (334) 793-0166www.thepoplarbuilding.comMOVING AND STORAGE

Village CleanersDawn Dean700 W. Carroll St.Dothan, AL 36301PH: (334) 792-2823PERSONAL SERVICE AND CARE

90 To 99 YearsSlingluff United Insurance

30-39 YearsJohn J. Flowers Jr., DMD, PCSoutheastern Performance Apparel

25-29 YearsFerguson, Sizemore and AssociatesWDFX-TV Fox 34Westside Terrace & Rehab First

20-24 YearsBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase PropertiesCourtyard by MarriottHealthwest Dental Associates, PC

15-19 YearsCircle City Glass Co. Inc.

10-14 YearsThe Landing & Five Star CateringSouthern Development Council Inc.Wells Fargo AdvisorsWells Fargo Advisors Financial Network

5-9 YearsAero-One Aviation, LLCAmerica’s Home Place

Coast To Coast Coatings Inc.Cobb, Boyd, White & CobbDixieland Metals Inc.Dothan Downtown Redevelopment AuthorityFairway Outdoor AdvertisingFord Finders Employment Services, LLCFort Rucker - Wiregrass AUSAGlass Doctor of DothanGlasstream Powerboats, LLCHinson Communications Inc.Magnolia Preserve, LLCNelson’s Electronic SystemsThe Westgate Center

1-4 YearsAventa Specialized Women’s CareCashwell’s Photo Bar & Portrait PrintingDittus MachiningEdward Jones - Desmond Douglas, Financial AdvisorFyzical Dizziness and Fall Prevention CenterHowell School Senior ApartmentsLittle Caesar’s Pizza dba Epding Industries, Inc.Naomi & OlivePeople ReadyThe Pink Alternative, LLCRonnie’s Clothing and ShoesTropical Smoothie Café

Congratulations to the Ambassador and Diplomat Team of the Month “Won And Done” for being our Team of the Month. Team members (seated l-r) are Katie Saliba, Personnel Resources; Mary Colburn, Wiregrass Auto Care; (standing) Kaitlin Pugh, Jason Ketchum State Farm Insurance; and Holli Reynolds, Five Star Credit Union. Team members not pictured are Stacey Brackin, Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.; Cindy Grommes, New York Life; and Dot Thompson, Ford Finders Employment Services, LLC.

Thank you to all our Ambassadors and Diplomats who serve as the eyes and ears for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. It is their dedication and support that assist your local Chamber in meeting its goals.

Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber Connections to see who will claim the title.

Team Of The Month

Won And Done

Star Of The Month

Mary ColburnWiregrass Auto Care

Ambassadors&Diplomats

6 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

If you’re a Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce member, chances are one reason you joined was to gain exposure for your company. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 3-7 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center, 90-plus companies will participate in Spotlight on Business, the area’s largest trade show. This is one of the avenues the DACC offers for promoting your company. A few booths are still available for the 2020 show.

If you’re interested in one, contact Hayden Camp, the Chamber’s director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@dothan.com.

If you’re not sure about the $350 (+25 for electricity if desired) investment to host a booth, here are five reasons why the trade show is important to your company’s marketing activities:

1. Showcasing yourself and your products. People do business with people they know. Spotlight on Business is a powerful platform to stand out from the crowd, meet people face-to-face and tell them about your company and its benefits.

2. Customer Relations. Whether you’re looking to expand your customer base or build stronger relationships with existing companies, Spotlight on Business will draw 1,500-plus attendees. Research shows that trade shows produce qualified leads, and sometimes it’s with the person in the booth next to yours.

3. Networking. If you’re attending or exhibiting, you’ll see community and industry leaders at Spotlight on Business. Shaking hands with a few of them could earn you a connection that could lead to more business.

4. Measuring the competition. Everyone does it. Knowing your competition is a strategic move every entrepreneur should employ. In a friendly environment, you’ll be able to observe those in your industry as well as others. How are they different? What can you learn from them?

5. Generating leads. There’s a difference between collecting business cards and finding a quality lead. At Spotlight on Business, you can experiment with different sales techniques, gaining immediate feedback through responses and body language on what works and what doesn’t. You’ll have a sea of representatives from the business community to attract to your booth. The key here is follow-up. Prove your tenacity beyond Spotlight on Business with personalized phone calls or emails to set a time to visit with them one-on-one and keep your business in the forefront of their decision-making.

5 Reasons To Exhibit At SpotlightOn Business

YOURCHAMBER

Spotlight your business.Get more exposure!

As a Chamber member, you are entitled to one free business card ad in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, Chamber Connections, within 90 days from the date you join. For more information, contact Melia McKean at (334) 792-5138 or melia@dothan.com.

29th ANNUAL TRADE SHOW

RED, WHITE& YOU!

IT’S NOT TOO LATEBOOTHS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!This year’s Spotlight on Business will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at the Dothan Civic Center from 3-7 p.m. This trade show allows members to showcase their products and services to the general public, as well as fellow Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce members.

This is your opportunity to reach over 1,500 potential customers.

A limited number of booths are still available. The cost for each booth is $350 (+$25 for electricity if desired). Exhibit spaces are available on a first-come basis and payment is required to reserve your space. You will be able to choose your booth location at the time of registration.

For more information, contact Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@dothan.com.

Sponsored By:

Spotlight on BusinessBooths Are Still Available!

www.dothan.com 7

BusinessBriefs

YOURCHAMBER

Got News About Your Business? Submit your article to the Chamber for

inclusion in future Connections newsletter. Contact Melia McKean at (334) 792-5138 or melia@dothan.com.

Chamber Executive Director Named CCAA

ChairmanThe DACC’s Executive Director, Dean

Mitchell, was recently named chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama for 2020.

Mitchell assumed this role at the recent CCAA/Business Council of Alabama Annual Meeting in Birmingham. He was also elected to serve on the Business Council of Alabama Board of Directors.

Serving The WiregrassSince 1969

334.794.0328 tomwestcompany.com2158 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301

Flowers Medical Group Primary Care Locations500 Healthwest Dr. • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-641-4073

4300 West Main St., Suite 16 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-697-80554300 West Main St., Suite 41 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-731-7102

210 Westside Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-759-3054108 Medical Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-309-82784126 West Main St. • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-309-8598

144 Virginia Avenue • Daleville, AL 36322 • 334-731-7121

Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family want convenient, accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at Flowers Medical Group are making it easier than ever to get primary care.

Online scheduling is available for select providers at FlowersMedicalGroup.com.

ASK ABOUT

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE.

FlowersMedicalGroup.com

99309_FLOW_PCP_CallTrack_4_75x4_1845c.indd 1 10/6/17 4:45 PM

DACC Executive Director Dean Mitchell was recently named CCAA chairman. Pictured with Mitchell is CCAA President and CEO Jeremy Arthur.

Did you know that the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce has a Job Listings page on its website www.dothan.com just for you our members? Having every available option for its members and businesses to list job openings is a priority to the DACC and we are excited to offer this free benefit.

Beneficial not only to Chamber members, but it’s also a place where individuals looking for a job can see what position(s) members currently have open. An additional resource for you and job seekers, it’s a win win for businesses, citizens and our community.

If you haven’t already used the Job Listings page to your advantage, the DACC encourages you to check out this chamber-member benefit designed just for you!

Attention Chamber Members!

Did You know …

Temple Emanu-El To Hold Annual Art Auction

Temple Emanu-el Sisterhood invites you to its Art Auction, new auction house, new auctioneer and new genres of art and memorabilia Saturday, Jan. 25. There will be a Preview at 6:30 p.m. and then the auction at 7:15 p.m.

Advance tickets are $10 per person, $12 at the door and includes wine and cheese, tea and a beer tasting from a local microbrewery. There will also be a “Second Chance” held Sunday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with bagels, coffee and juice served at no charge. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities.

For more info, contact Temple Emanu-El at (334) 792-5001. The Temple is located at 188 N. Park Ave., Dothan.

8 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

BusinessBriefs

Seeds of HopeEvery Thursday • 7 p.m.Harvest Church Fellowship Hall. This is a grief support group for those who have lost loved ones, are going through a divorce or experiencing any kind of life-changing loss to offer understanding and support to each other as they walk through similar situations. For more information, call Harvest at (334) 702-6555 or email ccare@harvestdothan.com.

1st Saturday Family DayJan. 4 • 10:30 a.m.Wiregrass Museum of Art & Conference Center. This is a program that provides entertainment for the whole family.  Children and their families can enjoy a different fun-filled activity each month. January’s event includes “Stand in the Light” a shadow puppetry workshop with WMA exhibiting artist Anna Sue Courtney. The program is free and open to children of all ages who are accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (334) 794-3871 or visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org.

Planetarium ShowsEvery Friday-Monday • Times Vary Landmark Park. Planetarium shows are held on Fridays at 3:30 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Mondays at 3:30 p.m. The programs are $3 per person, free for members and are not recommended for children under age 5. For more information, call (334) 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com.

Homebuyer’s WorkshopJan. 12 • 10 a.m.Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties. Free monthly workshops are held the second Saturday each month. To register or for more information, call (334) 792-7474.

#SaveTheDatesFor These Upcoming Member Events

Art After HoursJan. 16 • 5:30 p.m.Wiregrass Museum of Art and Conference Center. Held the third Thursday of February, May, August and November, the event provides an open platform to share original poetry, prose, skits and more. Works can be individual or collaborative and not exceed 5 minutes in length. To register or for more information, contact the museum at (334) 794-3871 or visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org.

HCRW Monthly MeetingJan. 23 • 11 a.m.Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.’s Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall. The Houston County Republican Women hold monthly luncheon meetings the fourth Thursday of each month and include a guest speaker. Events include a Meet and Greet 11 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. and the meeting at noon. Reservations are required by noon the Tuesday prior to meeting. To make your reservation, or for more information, contact Barbara Wheelless at bwheelless@gmail.com or (941) 539-0917.

Health ChatJan. 28 • 5:30 p.m.Friend Bank Communication Room. Carnes Chiropractic’s Health Chats are held the fourth Tuesday of each month. The monthly topic varies and Health Chats are free and open to the public. When existing patients attend four Health Chats, they receive a free office visit. For more information, call (334) 794-2225.

Have an upcoming event planned?

Send your event information to melia@dothan.com

Join the Dothan Area Young Professionals for cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres, craps, roulette, blackjack and more at its annual Aces for the Arts Casino Night at the Dothan Cultural Arts Center Saturday, Jan. 18, 6-10 p.m.

Young in age or young in heart, DAYP wants you to experience this exciting night. The event is open to ages 21 and up, and all members of the community are encouraged to come out and support DAYP. 

Happy Hour will be from 6-7 p.m. and there will be a raffle at the end of the night. There are big prizes to be given away.

Tickets are $25 each for DAYP members and $50 for non-members.  Dress is cocktail attire. To get  in on the pre-sale tickets,  email dayp@dothan.com.    Each ticket purchased during the pre-sale only will receive an additional $500 in Aces for the Arts money.

Note on pricing: if your spouse is NOT a DAYP member, you will also receive member pricing - limit two.

Pre-Sale TicketsAvailable Now

Don’t forget to let the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce know if your mailing address has changed so we can be sure to keep you up-to-date on activities and events.

Call Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or email hcamp@dothan.com.

Has Your Address Changed?

Dothan Area Chamber of Commer

P.O. Box 638

Dothan, AL 36302

Dothan Are Chamber

P.O. Box 638

Dothan, AL 36302

www.dothan.com 9

BusinessBriefs

Girls Inc. of Dothan will host its 26th annual Father-Daughter Banquet Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center.  This popular event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special relationship between daughters and fathers or other favorite male role models. 

The evening features a seated, catered dinner by Southern Social, music, dancing, photographs by Wilson Oppert Photography, a huge balloon drop and a gift bag for each attendee. 

Reservations are required and tickets purchased before Feb. 3 are $125 per couple and $45 for each additional daughter. Reservations and tickets after Feb. 3 are $150 per couple and $70 each additional daughter. All proceeds benefit Girls Inc. in fulfilling their mission of inspiring girls in the Wiregrass area to be strong, smart and bold. 

To make your reservation, or for more information, call Girls Inc. at (334) 793-2321.

Girls Inc. Plans Father-Daughter Banquet

Census Day IsApril 1

Did you know the 2020 Census count guides funding of new roads and bridges? The next time you’re on your morning commute, merging on to a street, highway or crossing a bridge, think of the decennial census.

Your responses to the 2020 Census, which includes every person living in

the United States, may help decide when and where roads and bridges will be built in your community.

Many states rely on population numbers from the census taken once every 10 years to allocate revenue from gasoline sales taxes, one of the primary sources of funding for local roads.

The Dothan Area Young Professionals will hold its next Professional Development Luncheon at the Dothan Country Club Wednesday, Jan. 8, at noon (doors and buffet open at 11:30 a.m.).

Guest speaker will be Mary Beth Maddox, Personnel Resources senior executive vice president. The luncheon is free for DAYP members or $15 for non-members. DAYP is an organization which offers a great way for young professionals in the Wiregrass area to network, socialize and expand their professional horizons.

To reserve your seat, visit www.facebook.com/pg/dothanyp. Or for more information about DAYP and how you can become a member, visit www.dothanyp.com.

DAYP To Host Professional Development Luncheon

10 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

BusinessBriefs

In a June 4, 2019, post by Forbes Councils Member Henry Kurkowski, he wrote:

The economic impact of the arts is well documented. According to a report, the growth in arts and cultural economic activity made up 4.3 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product for 2016. That equates to more than $804 billion in economic activity for that year alone.

There are many reasons why promoting local arts and cultural nonprofits can helpto improve communities. Promoting thearts can also positively impact thebottom line for companies that supportthese organizations.

To read the article, visit www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2019/06/04/why-its-good-business-to-support-the-arts/#32451239720f.

Why It’s Good Business To Support The Arts

Landmark Park and the Wiregrass Master Gardeners will host their annual Seed Swap in the Stokes Activity Barn Saturday, Jan. 25, from 1-3 p.m.

Similar to a potluck dinner, gardeners are encouraged to bring samples of their favorite heirloom seeds to exchange with others.

Admission is free with paid gate fee of $4 for adults, $3 for kids and free for members. A small portion of seeds distributed will be placed in the park’s Seed Bank for future generations.

For more information, contact the park at (334) 794-3452, parkinfo@landmarkparkdothan.com or visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com/park-events.

Landmark Park Plans Annual Seed Swap

Foundation Invites You To “Take Flight”The Southeast Health Foundation’s flight plan is in place for The Gala

2020. The foundation invites you to take flight with them Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. You’ll be boarding at Aero-One Aviation, and the departure time is set for 6 p.m.

It’ll be a direct flight and will include in-flight cuisine, beverages and entertainment. As soon as cruising altitude is reached, the seat belt sign will be turned off and you’ll be able to bid on silent and live auction items.

Tickets are $185 per person, two tickets $360, four tickets $700 or six tickets $1,020. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information, visit www.sehealthfoundation.org/the-gala or call (334) 673-4150.

Oliver Named Employee Of The YearFour Star Freightliner Inc. announced recently its Employee of the Year

during the company’s annual Year End Employee Celebration. Damita Oliver, who works from the Dothan, Alabama location, received the majority of votes from her co-workers and was named the top employee of 2019.

Oliver, who has been with the company for nine years, is the company’s payroll manager and has held that position since 2014. Prior to her role as payroll manager, she handled accounts receivable duties.

“I am so excited that Damita will be representing Four Star Freightliner as our Employee of the Year,” said Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner dealer principal. “Her character and integrity are unmatched. She provides a tremendous example to all of our employees how a humble and grateful person represents herself.”

Four Star employs more than 200 people throughout its seven locations. Oliver said she is grateful and honored that her peers chose her for this honor. “I thank everyone who found me deserving of this recognition, especially the owner of the company Jerry Kocan. His support throughout my years at Four Star Freightliner motivates me to give my absolute best to my job. I work with an amazing group of colleagues that contribute to me doing my job with a smile.”

Four Star Freightliner prides itself on providing customers with world

class truck products from Daimler (Freightliner, Western Star and Fuso) and a full spectrum of services.  It maintains one of the most comprehensive networks of dealerships and service centers in the Southeast region. There are seven locations to support customers’ needs: Montgomery, Dothan and Valley, Alabama; Albany, Tifton and Valdosta, Georgia; and Tallahassee, Florida. For more information, visit www.fourstarfreightliner.com.

Damita Oliver is pictured with Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner dealer principal, during the company’s annual employee celebration.

www.dothan.com 11

GrowDothan

Because of the commitment and support from all our Grow Dothan and Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce partners, we have been able to bring 3,200+ jobs and $616 million in investment to this great area. Below is a map of Houston County showing all the major economic development projects in the local area since 2015.

A BIG Thank you to each and everyone one of you for your commitment and support!

Check This Out Dothan!

12 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

Sony Scholarship opportunities are now available. If you or someone you know is a senior at Dothan High School, they are eligible to apply for the Dothan Area Chamber Foundation Sony Scholarship.

Two Dothan High seniors will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship in spring 2020. Eligible seniors should see their school guidance counselor to pick up an application package.

Applications are due back to the school counselor by 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

Your business or organization has the opportunity to help Troy University Dothan students, upcoming graduates and alumni to “Find the Job You’ll Love” by participating in the annual Valentine’s Day Career Fair to be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Interested businesses can register for the fair by visiting https://troy.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/13147. If you do not already have an account, you will need to first select “No Account? Sign Up Here.” Registrations received prior to Jan. 8, will receive the early bird registration fee.

If you have any questions, or need more information, contact Joanne Krist at jkrist@troy.edu or (334) 983-6556, ext. 21223.

Sony Scholarship ApplicationsNow Available

Area Businesses Needed For Career Fair

WorkforceDevelopment

Jobs In Houston County

Steve Turkoski, Project Manager

Since the post-recession period started in 2010 there has been a much-touted drop in the unemployment rate across the state. In 2010, the unemployment rate in Houston County was 7.5 percent, dropping to 3.5 percent in 2018 and currently at 2.4 percent. Our reported county labor force in 2010 was 45,694 and in 2018 it was 45,660. So, while the labor force shrank by 34 from 2010 to 2018 the number of Houston

County residents that were employed grew from 59,065 to 61,280, an increase of 2,215.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs in Houston County grew from 61,706 in 2010 to 64,607 in 2018. This number is obviously greater than the labor force as reported by the Department of Labor. That difference is due to the fact that labor force, employment, and unemployment are based on residents within the reported county, whereas “jobs” are within the county, but may employ people from other counties, just as Houston County residents may work elsewhere. So, while the unemployment rate dropped 4 percent between 2010 and 2018, the number of jobs in Houston County increased 4.7 percent, with much of that increase as a result of increased proprietorships. For the period, proprietorships increased 10.75 percent.

During the period, approximately 400 more people residing in Houston County had more than one job, up from 2,002 in 2010. Multiple jobs,

part-time and full-time, are counted in the BEA data, but how many jobs a person holds and whether it is full-time or part-time is not reported in monthly Department of Labor Reports.

Are You A ChamberMember-To-Member Participant?

Being a participant not only helps promote your business, but also demonstrates your Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce membership commitment. For more information about this DACC benefit or to become a participant, call Hayden Camp, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138, email hcamp@dothan.com or visit www.dothan.com/membertomemberprogram.

#DACC100Years

Are You A ChamberMember-To-Member Participant?

Being a participant not only helps promote your business, but also demonstrates your Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce membership commitment.

For more information about this DACC benefit or to become a participant, call Hayden Camp, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138, email hcamp@dothan.com or visit www.dothan.com/membertomemberprogram.

#DACC100Years

www.dothan.com 13

SmallBusinessDevelopment

It was a packed room at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s December small business seminar - How to Grow Your Business Using Google.

Presented by Tec Tony Lloyd, the area’s Google data engineer and owner of Pathfinder Digital Marketing, LLC, members learned about the ins and out of using Google, how to use Google to grow their business and about Google’s many free services and tactics.

Thank you Tec Tony for taking time out of your busy schedule to

Learning How to Use Google ToGrow Your Business

Mark Your CalendarFor This Upcoming SeminarBack By Popular Demand

Building & Strengthening Your Networking Skills

Dothan Area Chamber of CommerceThursday, Jan. 23 • 2-3:30 p.m..

How many of us have said at one time or another “I hate networking”? A majority of people are uncomfortable when it comes time to network with individuals we don’t know. But, in today’s business world, networking is a necessity. Successful networking can open doors to more business opportunities and jobs. And what business out there doesn’t want more opportunities?

To help you achieve networking success, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Mary Beth Maddox, Personnel Resources senior executive vice president, will present a Building & Strengthening Your Networking Skills workshop Thursday, Jan. 23, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the chamber facility.

In this workshop, you will learn different skills and pick up tips that will help you come out of that “uncomfortable” shell to now be able to go out and establish great business connections and relationships.

The workshop is free; however, pre-registration is required. To reserve your seat, call Susan Tatom at (334) 792-5138 or email statom@dothan.com.

YOURCHAMBER

Attention Members!If you know of a business interested in benefiting from joining

the Chamber, please contact Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@dothan.com.

14 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce has been presenting the Small Business Person of the Year award to deserving outstanding business owners since 1987. Agnes Simpson of WOOF Radio was the Chamber’s first Small Business Person of the Year award recipient. This prestigious recognition is awarded annually to an individual owner of a local small business (1-25 employees). The candidate must show growth or sustainability of their business, have strong employee relations, show commitment to social responsibility and exemplify strong community involvement. Although the candidates will be judged in all of these areas they do not have to excel in every area to win.

Do you know a small business owner with a success story and who is making a contribution to the local community and the economy? If so, nominate them. The Chamber will accept nominations for the 2020 Small Business Person of the Year from Jan. 16 to March 13, 2020. The winner will be announced in May at the Small Business Week General Membership Luncheon.

Each nominee must meet the following criteria:

• Employ between one and 25 people.

• Be the founder, partner or owner of the business.

• Business must be a member in good standing of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Have been an active Chamber member for at least three continuous years.

• Business must have been operating in the Dothan area for a minimum of three years.

• Business must exhibit growth and longevity, involvement in community development, innovative practices, and success in the face of adversity.

• Adhere to ethical business practices.

• Candidate can not have won award within the past 10 years.

To nominate a small business person, fill out the information below. (Please type or print)

Name of Nominee: _______________________________________

Company: ______________________________________________

Nominated By: __________________________________________

Your Phone Number or Email Address: _______________________

_______________________________________________________

Why this individual deserves recognition: (For additional comments, attach an additional sheet.) __________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Return this form to:Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce • Attn: Hayden CampP.O. Box 638 • Dothan, AL 36302 • Fax: (334) 794-4796

Or email Hayden at hcamp@dothan.com

Nominations are due by March 13, 2020, 5 p.m.Thank you for your nomination!

2020 Small Business Person of the YearAward Nominations

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Let them find you.

There are a lot of people

looking for your business.

Call (334) 792-5138 to get connected.

Over 4,000 visi t www.dothan.com each month.

Reach new prospects searching for local informat ion about Dothan.

AD SIZE COST PER MONTH 1 Mo. 3 Mo. 6 Mo. 1 Yr.

Standard $75 $67.50 $63.75 $60

Ads will be linked to advertiser’s Website at no additional charge.

ON OUR WEBSITE

We reach the people you should be reaching.

www.dothan.com

Over 6,000* read The Connect ions each month.

Reach over 1,000 Chamber member businesses with a low cost ad each month.

AD SIZE COST PER MONTH 1 Mo. 3 Mo. 6 Mo. 1 Yr.

Bus. Card $130 $117 $110.50 $104Back Cover $160 $144 $136 $128Small $210 $189 $178.50 $168Medium $260 $234 $221 $208Large $375 $337.50 $318.75 $300

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

* Est imated total based on 2,400 subscript ions

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.dothan.com 15

al 11022 al 52253 fl cmc1250696 ga cn209553334.340.1111 www.bwcair.com

Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 12/04/19. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.

EconomicIndicatorsLabor Force for the Dothan MSA for October:

63,152 in 2018; 64,143 in 201960,683 in 2018; 62,592 in 2019 Employed

Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for October:3.9% in 2018; 2.4% in 2019

Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for October:17 issued ($4.93 million) in 2018; 15 issued ($4.15 million) in 2019

Home Sales in Dothan for October:132 sold in 2018; 128 sold in 2019

Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for October:4,721 in 2018; 5,143 in 2019

Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for October:

$1,581,866 in 2018; $1,635,480 in 2019 (County)$5,360,978 in 2018; $5,844,346 in 2019 (City)

A Publication of theDothan Area Chamber of CommerceJanuary 2020Vol. 47, No. 4 (USPS 700-660)© Copyright 2020

ConnectionsC H A M B E R

CONNECTIONS

Chamber Connections is published monthly (USPS 700-660) for the members of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce,

102 Jamestown Blvd., Dothan, AL 36301. Subscription rate is $24 annually. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce,

P.O. Box 638, Dothan, AL 36302. Periodicals postage is paid at Dothan, AL and additional mailing office.

meeting shapingm e e t i n g t h e c h a l l e n g e s h a p i n g t h e f u t u r e

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.dothan.com

(334) 792-5138chamber@dothan.com