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Our 94th Year Believe in Bessemer February 2016
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce
Contents:
94th Annual Meeting…...……………..…………….……….…..1
Charles A. Long Award Recipient………….……………..….2
Chamber Calendar ……………………………………..………...4
94th Annual Meeting..………..…...……………………...….....5, 7
Corporate Sponsor Program………………………...…...…...6
2016 Board of Directors…………………….....................…….8
State of the City Address / Membership Mtg……………....9
Taste of Bessemer & Business Expo…………..……………......10
94th Annual Meeting……….A Huge Success
Words of excitement, inspiration and especially motivation capped the evening at the 94th
Annual Meeting of the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce. The evening began with an
hour of mixing and mingling with chamber members and their guests. Approximately 300
attendees were greeted and given a warm welcome by our chamber board of directors and
ambassadors.
Our theme for the year is “Believe in Bessemer”. The banquet started with a prayer by the
Reverend Louis Jones, Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. Followed by dinner and a slide
show of a reflection of 2015 with the music of Don’t Stop Believing by Journey.
We honored our outgoing Board members: Julie Bell, State Farm; David Darby, Trustmark;
Terry Dawson, Bessemer Civic Center; Roderick Evans, Paden & Paden; Charles King,
Regional Paramedical Services; Judy Mathis, Moore Coal; Lee Henderson, Alagasco; Kim
Starling, Brookwood Medical Center; Anthony Underwood, Anthony Underwood Automotive
and Watermark Place Event Center. These individuals did an outstanding job serving on the
board of directors and leading the chamber on the path of a successful future.
Also the new board of directors were recognized along with the chamber ambassadors.
Expressions of gratitude and a token of appreciation was presented to the 2015 ambassador
coordinator, Lula Walter with the City of Bessemer for leading the ambassadors. The 2015
Ambassador of the Year was Daryl Owens. Daryl is a hard worker and is committed to the
ambassador program and the success of the chamber.
The Charles A. Long Sr. Outstanding Civic Award was presented to David Darby, Trustmark by
last year’s recipient Keith Pennington, CEO of Medical West. David was definitely deserving
of this honor. (See story inside)
Chuck Ewart was the highlight of the evening. He warmed up the crowd and was definitely a
motivating and inspirational speaker. Chuck Ewart is with the Ewart group, which is a com-
The 2016 Bessemer
Magazine is available.
pany dedicated to helping businesses and organizations meet the needs of their customers. He gave an excellent speech on leadership, change,
goal setting/strategic planning. He kept the audience’s attention.
The Honorable Mayor Kenneth Gulley closed the evening with remarks. The annual meeting was a worthwhile event and will be one that will
be remembered.
Speaker Chuck Ewart and Chamber President
LaTasha Cook.
Ambassador of the Year Daryl Owens and
Mayor Kenneth Gulley
bessemerchamber.com FEBRUARY 2016
2
CHAMBER NEWS
David Darby, Trustmark – 2016 Charles A. Long Outstanding Civic Award
Recipient
Every year the highlight and excitement comes from who will be the Charles A. Long Outstanding
Civic Award Recipient. “As any structure must have a strong foundation, this year's recipient of the Charles A Long Sr
Outstanding Civic Award, was provided a strong foundation from civic minded parents, who
themselves were leaders of our community. A focus on familial activities, the acquisition of
knowledge and an obligation to give back to your community were ever present in the home. To
accentuate these qualities, this person joined the scouts at a very early age which has provided a
thread of service and integrity throughout a lifetime.
A propensity for finance was realized in elementary school when this individual was found with a substantial amount of money for a small
boy hidden in a drawer. This young entrepreneur had been saving milk and lunch money, as well as, providing loans with interest to his
siblings. There is no doubt these first returns can still be found in a high yield investment somewhere.
Upon achieving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, it came as no surprise when our recipient began a career in the banking
industry; which to date has spanned 30 years. Throughout this career, the recipient has consistently received accolades and awards for
surpassing expected goals and measures. As a proven leader, there have been scores of employees to benefit from the knowledge and
mentorship of this giving individual.
In spite of this individual's time consuming career, the early focus to “give back to your community” has remained a priority. This individual
has served on the Board of Directors for Bessemer Chamber of Commerce, Bibb County Chamber of Commerce, Legacy YMCA and Boy
Scouts, Greater Alabama Council. This person was awarded a Lifetime membership to the Metro Sertoma Club to which our recipient has
held every position during the 30 years of service. Other organizations benefiting from this person's participation include Jaycees, Multiple
Dystrophy, Bessemer Business Bureau, The Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce, Homewood High School, Bethel-Ensley Action Task,
Junior Achievement and Future Business Leaders of America. And there are others.
The description of our recipient would not paint a complete picture without mentioning the guiding hand given to individuals and family. The
recipient takes the time for those who simply ask. Whether the issue is how to get out of debt, how to buy a home or simply, how to repair a
leaky faucet… this person will take the time to illuminate the way.
While caring for an elderly Mother living in the home, the recipient also supports the community endeavors of their adult children, spouse and
siblings.. Whether it is the renovation of the Alabama Theatre, the growth of Camp Fletcher or rescuing hundreds of dogs off the street of
Bessemer, this recipient helps to achieve goals.”
Zig Ziglar once said “If you want to achieve your goals, help others achieve their goals”. Our recipient has not only read the quote, he lives it.
This year’s award was presented by 2015 recipient Keith Pennington, CEO of Medical West to 2016 recipient David Darby.
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Sponsorship Investments
Diamond $10,000
Platinum $ 7,500
Gold $5,000
Silver $3,000
SBP $1,000
Call us at 425-3253 for more details
2016 BOARD MEMBERS
FEBRUARY 2016
3
bessemerchamber.com
Mitch Avery
Alabama Gas
Richard Bishop
ITT Technical Institute
Lynn Brown
Alabama Splash
Adventure
Trisha Galvez
Legacy YMCA
Carlton Jackson
Bessemer Fire
Department
Louis Jones
Mt. Hebron Baptist
Church
Vicki Lane
AAA Bessemer
Candice Lee
TBGS Holdings /
Masonry Arts
Reggie Mays
United Prosthetics and
Orthotics
Dr. Fred Primm
Bessemer Board of
Education
Kela Pryor
City of Bessemer
Cristy Richardson
America’s First Federal
Credit Union
John Sides
Alabama Power
Company
Hank Tyler
Town & Country Ford
Devron Veasley
Bessemer Business
Center
Trina Vines
Oak Trace Care and
Rehabilitation Center
Jerry Yarbrough
Bessemer Utilities
Past
Chairman
Eric Messer
Shoals
Ambulance
Chairperson
Joni Holt
Holt
Insurance
Agency
Chairman
Elect
Nathan Clark
Medical
West
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS IN STOCK at the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce
The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce has
promotional items for sale. We have X-large
Beach towels and chairs for $20.00 each. Stop by
and pick up your items at 321 18th Street N.,
Bessemer, AL 35020.
2016 Investors
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS
AG Gaston Construction Company
Comfort Care Home Health & Hospice Engineering Environmental Forestry Service
Legacy YMCA
Paden & Paden, PC
Regional Paramedical Services
State Farm Insurance Agent, Julie Bell
Trustmark National Bank
William Parsons CPA
Treasurer
Connie Fuell
Dex Imaging
Place Your Ad in
the Chamber
Communique
FULL PAGE AD
$75 per occurrence
SMALL AD
$50 per month or 6
months for $240
FEBRUARY 2016
4
CHAMBER NEWS (2016 Chamber Calendar)
bessemerchamber.com
January
Tuesday, January 5, 8:30am Ambassador Meeting
Tuesday, January 19, 11:00am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 19, 11:30am Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, January 28, 5:30pm Chamber Annual Meeting
February
Tuesday, February 2, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting
Tuesday, February 16, 11:00am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 16, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 24, Noon Chamber Membership Meeting
March
Tuesday, March 1, 8:30am Ambassador Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 11:00am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, March 17, 5-7pm Business After Hours
(St. Patrick’s Day)
April
Tuesday, April 5, 8:30am Ambassador Meeting
Tuesday, April 19, 11:00am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 19, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, April 21, 5-8pm Taste of Bessemer / Business
Expo
May
Tuesday, May 3, 8:30am Ambassador Meeting
Thursday, May 5th National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 12, 5-7pm Business After Hours
(Membership Drive Wrap Up Party)
Tuesday, May 17 11:00am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 17, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
June
No Meeting Ambassadors
Tuesday, June 21 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, June 21, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
July
No Meeting Ambassadors
Tuesday, July 19, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, July 19, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
August
Tuesday, August 2, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting
Thursday, August 11, 5:30pm First Responders / Business
Awards Gala
Tuesday, August 16, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, August 16, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
September
Tuesday, September 13, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting
Wednesday, September 14, Noon Chamber Membership Mtg.
Tuesday, September 20, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, September 20, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
October
Tuesday, October 4, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting
Thursday, October 6 Golf “FORE” Progress
Tuesday, October 18, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, October 18, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
PINK & PURPLE PARADE
November
No Meeting Ambassadors
Tuesday, November 15, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, November 15, Noon Board of Directors Meeting
December
Tuesday, December 6, 8:30am Ambassadors Meeting
Thursday, December 8, 5-7pm Chamber Christmas Open
House
Saturday, December 10, 2:00pm City of Bessemer Christmas
Parade
Tuesday, December 20, 11:00am Executive Committee Mtg.
Tuesday, December 20, Noon Board of Directors Mtg.
bessemerchamber.com FEBRUARY 2016
5
CHAMBER [Continued]
2016 CHAMBER
AMBASSADORS
Coordinator
Lori Chisem Lawson State Community College
Co-Coordinators
Daryl Owens
Bessemer City Schools
Andie Sloan
Comfort Care
Secretary
Nelda Pate, Retired
Kay Baggett, Retired
Sarah Beasley,
Joe Beasley Memorial Foundation, Inc
Sarah Belcher, Retired
Erin Cooney, Holt Insurance Agency
Sadie Harris, Retired
Shirley Horn, Retired
Latesia Jefferson,
Oak Trace Care and Rehab
Charles King,
Regional Paramedical Services
Doris Lewis, City of Bessemer
Claire Mitchell,
Visalus - Body by Vi
Kenya Rose
Lula Walter, City of Bessemer
Trisston Wright Burrows, Moore Coal Co.
Ambassadors are the key resource in
extending hospitality in the Bessemer area
and are experienced in business,
community, and promotional arenas.
An Ambassador must serve as an active
public relations arm of the Chamber and be
prepared to meet visitors, local businesses,
and various forms of the media.
We encourage you join the ambassador
program. The ambassadors meet on the 1st
Tuesday of each month at 8:30am at the
Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce.
bessemerchamber.com
CHAMBER [Continued]
Why Your Company Should Be a Sponsor
Sponsorship can be especially effective as a marketing tool because it can be a means of accessing a wide range of audiences such as decision
makers in business, government entities, and of course customers. It can be particularly beneficial for companies that take part in international
trade, because sponsorship transcends cultural and language barriers.
A growing number of marketers think that corporate sponsorship is better than other methods as it provides opportunities to gauge customer
response to products immediately. Events allow business owners or executives relate directly with their customers, while they give customers
the opportunity to try out the products of a company firsthand. In comparison, marketing research methods such as focus groups are usually
costly and may not focus on the right kind of people, while market surveys or questionnaires usually do not allow prospective customers the
opportunity to try out products.
Heightened visibility due to positive publicity through the media is another reason corporate sponsorship of events - especially those that
attract large numbers of people like popular sports events - can be the most effective marketing tool. Every corporate sponsor seeks the widest
exposure possible in both print and electronic media. This publicity increases the visibility of the company's products and services. The various
kinds of media that cover the event usually include the names, and even pictures, of the sponsors. This kind of mass coverage by the media that
the sponsor gets is usually unaffordable, if the company were to purchase it. Therefore, in order to maximize the impact, the company
sponsoring the event should augment the media coverage the organizers arrange. In fact, sponsorship often can generate media coverage which
may not have been otherwise available.
FEBRUARY 2016
6
CHAMBER
bessemerchamber.com FEBRUARY 2016
7
Messer Excitingly Passes the Gavel to Holt Finishing His Chairmanship
With the Chamber in Good Financial Status
2015 was a great year under Eric Messer’s (Chairman of the Board – Shoals
Ambulance) leadership.
Some of things that Messer accomplished were:
*The Chamber ended 2015 with a surplus
*Economic Development continued at an all-time high in the Bessemer Area
*Our Corporate Sponsors and board members held competitive Business After Hours that
were fun and had record numbers in attendance.
*We Coordinated the City’s 4th of July celebration and Christmas Parade
*2015 was the year that the Bessemer Business Awards Gala brought over 350 people to the Bessemer Civic Center where recognitions were
made for our first responders, Business of the Year and Doctor of the Year.
* New computer equipment and software was purchased to make our staff more efficient.
* City of Bessemer promotional items were purchased
* We advertised the City of Bessemer in the Excursions magazine that are placed in every hotel room throughout Birmingham
* We prepared Bessemer Baskets that were donations at conferences inside and outside the state of Alabama
* We welcomed 16 new businesses with a ribbon cutting or ground breaking ceremony
CHAMBER
bessemerchamber.com FEBRUARY 2016
8
Mitch Avery, Alabama Gas; Richard Bishop, ITT Technical Institute; Lynn Brown, Alabama Splash Adventure; Trisha Galvez, Legacy YMCA;
Carlton Jackson, Bessemer Fire Department; Louis Jones, Mt. Hebron Baptist Church; Vicki Lane, AAA Bessemer; Candice Lee, JB
Processing; Reggie Mays, United Prosthetics and Orthotics; Dr.; Fred Primm, Bessemer Board of Education; Kela Pryor, City of Bessemer;
Cristy Richardson, America’s First Federal Credit Union; John Sides, Alabama Power Company; Hank Tyler, Town & Country Ford; Devron
Veasley, Bessemer Business Center; Trina Vines, Oak Trace Care and Rehabilitation Center; Jerry Yarbrough, Bessemer Utilities.
City of Bessemer Selected By Obama Administration for Local Foods, Local Places Initiative to Boost
Neighborhood Revitalization Through Local Food Enterprises
Article by Torraine Norris
The city of Bessemer has been selected by the Obama Administration to participate in Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative that helps
communities increase economic opportunities for local farmers and related businesses, create vibrant places and promote childhood wellness by
improving access to healthy local food.
Bessemer is one of 27 cities out of approximately 300 applicants nationwide to be selected for the program.
Go to www.usda.gov to read the Local Foods, Local Places press release.
“We are very excited to be selected to participate in this program,” said Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley. “This is an opportunity for us to
engage and create federal partnerships which will help us in the revitalization of our city and improve the overall health and well-being of our
residents."
Each Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP) partner community works with a team of experts who help community members recognize local assets
and opportunities, set goals for revitalizing downtowns and neighbourhoods, develop an implementation plan and then identify targeted
resources from the participating federal agencies to help implement those plans.
Developed as a partnership between the USDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority, this initiative is part of the White
House Rural Council’s Rural Impact work to improve quality of life and upward mobility for children and families in rural and tribal
communities.
Under the effort a team of agricultural, transportation, environmental, public health and regional economic experts will work directly with the
city to develop specifically identified local food projects.
Bessemer’s initial include partnering with state and local agencies to create and market a viable Farmer’s Market in the city as part of downtown
revitalization efforts. In addition, the city desires to promote healthier eating habits and the use of vacant properties for activities such as
community gardens and urban farming.
The city has identified several prospective partners to assist in the initiative. The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
assisted the city in applying for the grant.
COMMUNITY
2016 Board of Directors
The Chamber is excited about this group of individuals
that will lead the chamber for 2016. These individuals
have agreed to serve the chamber and have made the
commitment to lead and direct the chamber of
commerce and to represent the full membership of the
Chamber in every capacity to guarantee that the
organization achieves its mission. Input, commitment,
leadership, action and decision-making are the key
elements that each individual brings to the board.
Working with Chairperson Joni Holt, Holt Insurance
are: Chairman Elect Nathan Clark, Medical West;
The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Invites You to Attend Our
Membership
Luncheon
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
at 12:00 pm
Lawson State Community College
Bessemer Campus’ Ethel Hall Auditorium
Speaker: Jefferson Traywick
Senior Project Manager Birmingham Business Alliance
$20.00 per person
Call us at 205-425-3253
to make your reservation today
~ Seating is Limited ~
Reservation Deadline:
Friday, February 19th
D R I N K
IRISH Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
Thursday, March 17, 2016 5 PM – 7 PM
321 18th Street North, Bessemer
Sponsored By:
RSVP the Chamber at 205.425.3253 no later than
Friday, March 11th if you plan to attend
Networking Refreshments
Door Prizes
Purchase a Ticket and Take a Chance on a Pot of Gold
Gold SPONSORSHIP $5,000.00 94th Annual Meeting - Table of 8
25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala – Table of 8
1 full page ad in the 2017 Bessemer Magazine (preferred spot)
¼ page Story in the 2017 Bessemer Magazine
Silver Sponsor for Golf “FORE” Progress
Plan a business after hours on your behalf (Not to exceed $250)
Up to $400 credit toward annual membership dues
½ page ad in chamber Communiqué
Company Logo with website link on Chamber website
Chamber listing for up to 3 company representatives
Pre/Post event advertising
Silver SPONSORSHIP $3,000.00
94th Annual Meeting - Table of 8
25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala – 2 tickets
$500 credit toward an ad in 2017 Bessemer Magazine
Golf “FORE” Progress Golf Tournament (Team of 4 and Name/Logo on all promotional material)
94th Annual Meeting - Table of 8
25th Annual Bessemer Business Awards and First Responders Gala – 2 tickets
$500 credit toward an ad in 2017 Bessemer Magazine
Golf “FORE” Progress Golf Tournament (Team of 4 and Name/Logo on all promotional material)
Small Business Partner SPONSORSHIP $1,000.00
94th Annual Meeting (4 tickets) with option to upgrade
$200 credit toward an ad in the 2017 Bessemer Magazine
Golf “FORE” Progress Golf Tournament - Hole Sponsorship
Business Card ad in one issue of the Communique newsletter
Chamber listing for up to 2 company representatives
Pre/Post event advertising
2016 Sponsorship
Opportunities
The mission of the Bessemer Area Chamber of
Commerce is to promote the economic well-
being of regional businesses and represent the
business community in economic, political, civic,
educational and cultural development of the
region.
We hope you will consider supporting the
Bessemer Chamber of Commerce programs in
2016. This investment is tax deductible, so sign up
today!
