Last month, we talked about Cullman’s newtourism opportunities. The month before thatwe talked about capitalizing on currentopportunities. This month I would like to talkabout making new opportunities. There is nocookie-cutter approach to success. However,there are strategies your business can deviseto take advantage of local activity as well astourism. Here are a few marketing andmanagement tips that are beneficial for localsand tourists alike:
Attracting Lucrative LocalsJust as you want to reach out to travelers andtourists from out of town, don’t forget to focusyour marketing and advertising efforts closeto home.
� Explain what differentiates you – Areyou family/pet friendly? Do you stocklocal products? How easy is it to get toyou? Do repeat visitors receive anyspecial discounts?
� Source local – Look for ways tointegrate local produce into yourbusiness so that customers get a realflavor of what our community offers(and the dollars stay local).
From the Chamber President
If you don’t know where you’re going,you might not get there!
� Team up with complimentarybusinesses to cross-promote andmarket your businesses.
� Cash-in on what Cullman has tooffer –City of Churches, festivals,unique shopping and dining, recreation,one-of- a- kind attractions.
� Develop messages and advertisingthat targets larger groups – Can youhandle bus tours or school field trips?Any incentives or package deals forlarger groups or families?
� Get Involved in Local Events/Festivals – Community fairs, farmersmarkets, sports events and concertsoffer great opportunities to reach localsand tourists.
Use Location-Based Services to AttractPassersbyDon’t forget to take advantage of mobiletechnology. Promoting your small businessto tourists who might be passing by usingmobile apps isn’t that difficult. Our newChamber app or apps such as Groupon, letyou post information about your latest offersand limited-time deals to consumers within a
certain distance of your business. You canalso schedule deals so they get deliveredduring key hours. Keep your Chamber page,Google, Yelp, Yellow Pages and other onlinelistings up to date too.
Make it Easy for Tourists to Come Back toTheir Favorite SpotsStart with a plan to reach your low hangingfruit – repeat visitors. The best way to do thisis to stay in touch with them all year roundwith special offers, email marketing and socialmedia updates. Let them know what plans youhave for the year and any upgrades you’vemade to your business.
Partner with Local Business GroupsReach out to your local CoC and tourismoffice. We will promote clusters of businessesin the same business sector such as hotels,restaurants, tour operators or campgroundsto name a few. The CoC offers businesses anopportunity to participate in their targeted andcollective approach to marketing.
Simply put, we want to help you build a solidfoundation for success. Use your greatestresource for information and support-the CoC!
Leah Bolin
Cullman Area
Chamber
of Commerce
PO Box 1104Cullman, AL 35056-1104
[email protected]: 256-734-0454
Fax 256-737-7443www.cullmanchamber.org
www.visitcullman.org
- Yogi Berra
VOLUME 44 | AUGUST 2013 | ISSUE 8
Cullman, Alabama – The Cullman AreaChamber of Commerce and Tourism Boardannounces the hiring of its first full timeTourism Director.
After a lengthy search, the Cullman AreaChamber of Commerce has hired CeceliaSmith, originally from Georgia, as theTourism Director. She started the positionon July 9th with a unanimous approvalby the Chamber’s Tourism Board. Ceceliabrings with her extensive experience inmarketing, sales, tourism and hospitality.Before joining the Chamber she worked
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce andTourism Board Hires Tourism Director
as a private marketing consultant inDecatur, Alabama, served as EventsDirector of the Northern Pima CountyChamber of Commerce in Tucson, workedin marketing at the Indianapolis Zoo, incustomer service with Delta Air Lines andUS Airways, and served as MembershipDirector of the Walton County Chamberin Georgia.
Sammie Danford, Tourism BoardChairman said, “With new events likeRock the South music festival and theapproval of the Bass Hall of Fame
permanent site, the need for tourismcontinues to grow. It is our hope that wewill be able to organize all tourisminitiatives under one roof.”
Melissa Cartee, Chamber Board Chairmanstated, “The hiring of the first full-timeTourism Director for Cullman is amilestone that the Chamber’s Board ofDirectors has anticipated for a long time.Cecelia Smith brings to this position theexpertise and knowledge that will resultin economic growth through tourism forthe entire Cullman area. On behalf of the
Chamber Boardof Directors welook forward toworking withCecelia and thenewly formedTourism Board.”
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Be sure to visit these businesses for yourtransportation & accessory needs.
AUTO DEALERS
America’s Car-Mart(256) 734-3973
1634 Brantley Avenue, NWCullman, AL 35055-
http://www.car-mart.com
Bill Smith Pontiac-Buick-GMC, Inc.(256) 734-4472
1940 2nd Avenue NWCullman, AL 35055
http://www.billsmithpontiac.com
Billy Ray Taylor Auto Sales(256) 739-5415
1303 2nd Avenue SWCullman, AL 35055-5308
http://www.billyraytaylorautosales.com
Cullman Dodge-Chrysler, Inc.(256) 734-0721
1302 2nd Avenue SWCullman, AL 35055
http://www.withyouowntheroad.com
Culpepper Auto Sales(256) 734-9400
107 9th Street SWCullman, AL 35055
Eckenrod Ford Lincoln of Cullman, Inc.(256) 734-3361
5255 AL Highway 157 NWCullman, AL 35058-
http://www.eckenrodford.com
Honda of Decatur(256) 355-3636
735 Beltline RoadDecatur, AL 35601
Lynn Layton Cadillac - Nissan(256) 353-8150
2402 US Highway 31, S.Decatur, AL 35601-
http://www.lynnlaytonnissan.com
Lynn Layton Chevrolet(256) 353-5531
2416 AL Highway 31 SDecatur, AL 35601-
http://www.lynnlayton.com
Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Inc.(256) 734-6430
1655 Cherokee Avenue SWCullman, AL 35055
Serra Visser Nissan(256) 739-1771
1645 2nd Avenue, NWCullman, AL 35055-
http://www.serravissernissan.com
South Park Auto Sales, Inc.(256) 734-7381
1628 2nd Avenue NWCullman, AL 35055-1734
AUTO DETAILING
Sparkle Automotive Detailing(256) 595-0360
145 Ward Hill RoadHanceville, AL 35077
AUTO PARTS & SUPPLIES
Keystone Automotive Industries(256) 734-3411
215 County Road 490Cullman, AL 35055-
http://www.keystone-auto.com
Peek Auto Parts(256) 734-0675
1937 2nd Avenue SWCullman, AL 35055
AUTO REPAIR
Affordable Automotive LLC(256) 739-2290
5132 County Road 703Cullman, AL 35055
Dodge City Collision Center, LLC(256) 287-0680
4333 County Road 216Hanceville, AL 35077-
http://www.dodgecitybodyshop.com
Earl’s Body Shop, Inc.(256) 734-2406
2251 Decatur Avenue NWCullman, AL 35055
http://www.earlsbodyshop.com
Express Oil Change(256) 737-5465
1711 2nd Avenue SWCullman, AL 35055
Joe Caretti Auto Service, Inc(256) 739-2940
1049 County Road 490Hanceville, AL 35077
Mullins Body Shop, LLC(256) 734-1353
11042 US Highway 31 SCullman, AL 35055
Texaco Xpress Lube(256) 739-5888
117 2nd Avenue SWCullman, AL 35055
BOAT DOCKS
Flotation Systems, Inc.(256) 287-0445
2700 AL Highway 69 SCullman, AL 35057
Boat Docks
BOAT REPAIR
Leon’s Marine(256) 734-3223
9090 County Road 813Cullman, AL 35057-
TIRE & AUTO SERVICE
College Tire(256) 352-2221
315 Main StreetHanceville, AL 35077
McGriff Industries, Inc.(256) 739-0710
86 Walnut Street NECullman, AL 35055
http://www.mcgriffindustries.com
Peoples Tires & Service, Inc.(256) 734-4585
1107 Katherine Street NWCullman, AL 35055
http://www.peoplestires.com
Quick Tire Sales, Inc.(256) 739-1473
1600 AL Highway 157Cullman, AL 35058
http://www.quicktiresales.com
TRUCK & TRAILER SALES/REPAIR
C & M Truck and Trailor Repair(256) 734-6378
82 Schaeffel RoadCullman, AL 35055
Lift Service, Inc.(256) 381-0021
1110 Highway 20 ETuscumbia, AL 35674
http://www.liftserviceinc.com
Cecelia Smith
The Chamber’s Existing Business andIndustry Committee will host the"Fourth Friday" Luncheon on Friday,August 23, in the All Steak RestaurantBanquet Room (323 3rd Ave. S.E.). Ourfeatured speaker will be Cliff Vaughn ofRed Clay Pictures
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce - Eyes of Progress - August 2013
Chamber to host monthly “Fourth Friday”The event is sponsored by EvaBank.Doors open at 11:30 am to allownetworking opportunities before theprogram begins at 11:50 am. Lunch is $15per person for Chamber members and $20for "Future" members. Reservations inadvance are required*. Please registeronline at www.cullmanchamber.org orRSVP by contacting the Chamber via e-mail at [email protected] or bycalling 256-734-0454.
Red Clay Pictures producesdocumentaries and other non-fictionprojects from its base in Nashville,Tennessee. It is currently in productionon “Brother Joseph and the Grotto,” the“true fairy tale” of the creator of AveMaria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama.
Cliff Vaughn (producer/director/writer/editor) is the Principal at Red ClayPictures. Under that banner, he made thedocumentaries “Immaterial John” and“Sawyerville,” both of which focused on
Documentary Filmed: “Brother Joseph and the Grotto”/ Red Clay Pictures
Getting to know Cliff Vaughnunique individuals. He has also shot,edited, written, produced and directedeight documentaries and non-fictionvideos for a religious non-profit, allfocusing on social justice issues. Onewas awarded Best Documentary at theInternational Black Film Festival ofNashville, and another aired on morethan 130 ABC-TV stations. He holds adoctorate in American culture studiesfrom Bowling Green State University inOhio and is a member of the InternationalDocumentary Association.
* 48 hours cancellation notice or subject to billingNo payments will be taken at the door but can be in-voiced or paid online.
Carol Ann Vaughn Cross (producer)teaches “Cultural Perspectives” and“Communication Arts” at SamfordUniversity in Alabama. She has madepresentations to diverse academic, civicand religious groups, including theSociety for Scientific Study of Religion/Religious Research Association; theSouthern Historical Association; theAlabama Historical Association; and theAlabama Association of Historians. Sheis well connected in Alabama and hasserved on the boards of the Alabama
Poverty Project, the Alabama Citizens forConstitutional Reform, the Leading EdgeInstitute, and the Alabama Civil JusticeFoundation. She holds a doctorate inhistory from Auburn University inAlabama, with specialties in Americanreligious history, gender, technologyand culture, and the South.
Links:
http://redclaypictures.comhttp://brotherjosephmovie.com
Chamber announces leadershipfor Total Resource CampaignWe need high-energy volunteers to make thisTotal Resource Campaign a SUCCESS!The Cullman Area Chamber of Commercewill kick off its first annual Total ResourceCampaign on Aug. 21. The goal is to raisemoney to help the Chamber fund newand existing programs to benefit thecommunity and its members.
The “Reelin’ In The BigOne” total resourcecampaign is a high energy,7-week campaign whereapproximately 60 volunteerChamber members will sellmemberships, program andevent sponsorships, as wellas, advertising and budget-reduction items. Volunteerswill work closely withmembers to help deviseways to effectively promotetheir business. The opportunities andrelationships established through thisproject are essential to your Chamber’sability to serve as the unified voice ofbusiness, promoting sustainable growthand prosperity.
Campaign chairman is Dr. Vicki Hawsey,President of Wallace State CommunityCollege. “Our Total Resource Campaignis a new and exciting program from whicheveryone can benefit. Chamber membersare able to one-stop shop for an entire
calendar year, and options includemembership, sponsorship, andadvertising. Volunteers can build theirown personal networks and earn greatincentives. This endeavor will enablethe Chamber to develop and grow as an
organization.”
Our campaign will last 7weeks, from late Augustthrough October. Duringthis time, Chamber membershave the opportunity to pickand choose sponsorshipsand marketingopportunities for the entirespread of events andservices in 2014, just in timeto plan their budgets.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be ahelping hand of the Chamber and earna little extra cash — maybe even avacation — for yourself as well! This isan excellent way to meet people andconnect with local businesses andChamber members.
We can’t wait to get started! If you’reinterested in being a volunteer for thecampaign, or for more information,contact Deonne Ludwig at (256) 727-2044 or [email protected].
LOTS OF FUN AND FOOD
FOR EVERYONE Y’ALL!
Great Pumpkin Weigh-In
8:00-11:0011:00-12:0012:00-2:00
Great Food All Day / celebrity chefs
8:00-8:208:35-8:559:10-9:3010:00-10:4511:15-12:0012:30-1:151:45-2:302:45-3:30
Festhalle Market Platz
8:00-3:30 Contest, farmers market, food tasting, live music
Cullman County Museum - EDUCATION CLASSES
10:00-11:0011:00-12:001:00-2:00
Depot Park
8:00-3:30
AUG.24TH
SAT.
SPONSORS - THANKS Y’ALL!
www.farmyall.com
AUG 22 Quarterly Tour - H & H TechnologiesBus will depart from upper parking deck at 9:15 and will return at 12:15pm. Limitedseating available. For more information please contact Jackie Moore [email protected] or call 256-734-0454.
Open CarryLaw Seminar
August 29 | 8:30am-9:30amChamber’s Charter Business Room
Speaker Lacy Beasley,Municipal Retail Consultant withThe Shopping Center Group
A seminar will be held on August 20, from8:30am to 9:30am in the Chamber’sCharter Business Room to provide anoverview on the new gun law in effectAugust 1. Representative Ed Henry andChief Kenny Culpepper will address theway officers respond to individuals withguns and changes in the way businessesimplement policy under the new law.RSVP 256-734-0454.
TIPS for ImprovingCUSTOMER SERVICE
SEMINAR
Registration- ($10 per entry)JudgingWeigh-In
Rumors Deli – breakfast sampleBlue Moose- breakfast sampleAll Steak - chef matt heim
Dyron’s Lowcountry – chef Dyron Powell
Highlands Bar and Grill – chef Frank Stitt
Hot and Hot Fish Club – chef Chris Hastings
Little Savannah – chef Clif Holt
Wallace State Culinary Arts - chef Chris Villa
BABY FOOD MAKING DEMONSTRATIONFOOD DEMONSTRATION (ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI)FOOD DEMONSTRATION
COW PATTY BINGO, PETTING ZOO, CONTESTs,
HORSESHOe CONTEST, EXHIBITORS
CASH MOB is coming to a businessnear you! The Cullman Area CoCRetail Committee has enlisted a funway to help out our fellow businessowners and shop in some placeswe love or maybe have never visited.Join the “mob” on Tuesday, August6th at 11:30am at From the HeartGifts and Monogramming. Eachmonth a name is pulled from thefishbowl and that’s where the “mob”(anyone who wishes to participate)meets at a specific day and time tospend a predetermined minimumamount of money. As part of ourCash Mob initiative, we require thateach business pay it forward by se-lecting a local non-profit or charity todonate to. It can be a percentage ofthe cash mob sales or donation oftime/resources. Let’s help bringawareness to the importance ofshopping local.
We each do a little, We all do a lot !!!!
For additional information visitwww.cullmanchamber.org or email
Director of photography Allen Laseter, with Cliff Vaughn andproducer designer Mary Rose Pardales.
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