CONNECTIONS Connectionsdothan Area Chamber of Commerce March 2019

CONNECTIONS ConnectionsDothan Area Chamber of Commerce March 2019

Taking Business On An 80s Flashback PAGE 4 THE IMPORTANCE OF A Skilled Workforce PAGE 13 What’s EventsCalendar S M T MarchW T F S 1 2

INSIDE 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 March 2019 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

2 Events Calendar 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

3 Ribbon Cuttings 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 4 Cover Story 31 7-11 Business Briefs 12 Grow Dothan 4 U.S. Capital Update with Sen. Richard Shelby – 7:30 a.m. Location: 795 Ross Clark Circle (Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.’s Sterling 13 Workforce Development Event Services Rotary Hall) *See page 3 for more information. Reservations required: (334) 792-5138 14 Small Business Development Thank you to our sponsors: Mike Schmitz Automotive Group and SunSouth Bank Ribbon Cutting: Dothan Ice Cream Co. Relocation – 10:30 a.m. Also In This Issue Location: 123 N Foster St. 7 Slingluff United Spans Three 5 Ambassador and Diplomat Committee Meeting – 9 a.m. Generations Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 6 Ribbon Cutting: Signarama – 10:30 a.m. 8 Jackson Thornton Celebrates Location: 217 Graceland Drive, Suite 2 100 Years 7 Ribbon Cutting: Fostering Hope – 10:30 a.m. 11 Wiregrass United Way Exceeds Location: 1004 Montezuma Ave., Suite 1 2019 Goal 12 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: The Kart Doctor – 10:30 a.m. Location: 9459 U.S. Highway 84 West Your Cover Photo 13 Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Education Day – 7:45 a.m. Your cover photo features (l-r) Tiana Patrice, owner Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) CONNECTIONSMarch 2019 ConnectionsDothan Area Chamber of Commerce of Women’s CEO Alliance, and Patreese Walker from Ribbon Cutting: JC Carroll Construction & Masonry – 10:30 a.m. Fairytale Chateau Dothan at Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Spotlight on 14 Ribbon Cutting: Dear Violet Photography – 10:30 a.m. Business 2019. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Taking Business On An 80s Flashback PAGE 4 Small Business Seminar: The Art of Story Telling – 2-3:30 p.m. THE IMPORTANCE OF A Skilled Workforce PAGE 13 Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) *See Page 14 for more information. Reservations required: (334) 792-5138 20 Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8:15 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 21 Leadership Dothan Public Safety Day – 7:45 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) www.dothan.com 26 Ribbon Cutting: Revive Health and Hydration – 10:30 a.m. (334) 792-5138 Location: 118 S. Woodburn Drive 27 Ribbon Cutting: It’s Bin Cleaned – 10:30 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 28 Ribbon Cutting: KS Handmade – 10:30 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

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2 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 RibbonCuttings

Brannon Stand Five Star Painting Christian Academy of Dothan 2487 S. Brannon Stand Road 1272 Strickland Road Dothan, AL 36305 Headland, AL 36345 Patricia Howes Adrain Hammond (334) 699-2722 (334) 459-9817 GOVERNMENT/ www.fivestarpainting.com/ EDUCATION/ dothan INDIVIDUALS CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT / CONTRACTORS

Edward Jones - iXL Real Estate Desmond Douglas Wiregrass Financial Advisor 3306 Ross Clark Circle, 137 N. St. Andrews St. Suite 2 Dothan, AL 36303 Dothan, AL 36303 Desmond Douglas Tina Hollinger (334) 446-3973 (334) 350-3351 www.edwardjones.com www.334homesearch.com FINANCE / INSURANCE REAL ESTATE/ MOVING AND STORAGE

Emerald Coast Momma Goldberg’s Collections, LLC Deli 1213 Main St. 104 Apple Ave., Suite 5 Chipley, FL 32428 Dothan, AL 36305 April Durham Lee McCraney (850) 785-0088 (334) www.collectionservices.org www.mommagoldbergsdeli.com BUSINESS AND RESTAURANTS, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Fazoli’s The Park at Ashburn 3421 Ross Clark Circle 671 Westgate Parkway Dothan, AL 36303 Dothan, AL 36303 Robert Sirkis Amanda Dickens (334) 446-4239 (334) 792-0624 www.fazolis.com www.theparkatashburn.com RESTAURANTS, APARTMENTS FOOD AND BEVERAGE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Sen. Shelby To Provide Capital Update

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby will join the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce membership Monday, March 4, at 7:30 a.m. for a federal legislative update. The breakfast event will be held at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.’s Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall and will be a great opportunity for local business leaders to hear from one of the most influential and powerful leaders in our nation’s capital. Individuals tickets are $15 and corporate tables (seats eight) $150. Sponsorships are also available for $350. Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, March 1, at noon. To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or email [email protected].

www.dothan.com 3 CoverStory Taking Business On An 80s Flashback If you recently attended the Dothan area Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Annual Spotlight on Business you definitely experienced an “80s Flashback” catching glimpses of Madonna and Back To The Future’s Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown all while hearing the sounds of the past from the J. Geils Band’s “Centrefold” and Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It is estimated there were over 2,000 visitors at the area’s largest trade show which provides the community with the unique opportunity to see who is doing what in the Wiregrass business community. There were both new and long-standing members networking with prospective customers and each other. You could find businesses ranging from banks to physical fitness, home recreation to health care, heating to pest control, entertainment to consultants, and so many more. Each year a theme is chosen by the DACC to help create some Best In Show enthusiasm, excitement and even a little “decorating” competition Fun Zone Skate Center among the participants. As you walked into the Civic Center, you truly felt like you were stepping back in time to the 80s. You could find famous video games like Pac Man, gals dressed in miniskirts and leg warmers, Rubik’s cubes, Members Only jackets, lots of BIG hair, sunglasses and several famous movie scenes like the all American comedy Caddyshack and its famous dancing gopher. Congratulations to this year’s Best In Show winner the Fun Zone Skate Center. Second and third place winners were SpectraCare Health Systems Inc. and Melissa Elmore State Farm Insurance respectively. As you strolled through the arena, you also had the chance to sample delicious foods from various local restaurants, including Barberitos – A Southwestern Grill & Cantina, Breakfast & Lunch at Tammie’s, Jimmy Johns Dothan Inc., KC Kreative Catering, Newk’s Eatery, Papa John’s Pizza, Red Elephant, Rock-N-Roll Sushi and Tropical Smoothie Café. And to quench that thirst, Coca-Cola Bottling Co United Inc. and Wiregrass Auto Care offered cold sodas and water. A BIG shout out and thank you to this year’s Spotlight on Business 2019 sponsors: Cook’s Pest Control and Durden Outdoor Displays Inc. It’s with their support and sponsorships that help make the trade show a Second Place Winner SpectraCare Health Systems Inc. great event for all involved. Plans are already underway for next year’s activity, which will take place Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2019, at the Dothan Civic Center. Booths will go on sale in October/November 2019 and we encourage you to stay tuned to find out next year’s Spotlight theme!

Thank You To Our Event Sponsors:

Third Place Winner Cook’s Pest Control Durden Outdoor Displays Inc. Melissa Elmore State Farm

4 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 THANK YOU! TO OUR 2019 SPOTLIGHT PARTICIPANTS ADT Security Services Inc. Techway Automotive, LLC AllSouth Urgent Care Clinic Inc. The Pepi Companies Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Titan Magic & Brain Busters Escape Rooms Avadian Credit Union Transformation Media Barberitos - A Southwestern Grille & Cantina Troy Cablevision Inc. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Troy University Properties Troy University Continuing Education Breakfast & Lunch at Tammie’s Troy University Small Business Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc. Development Center Coleman Worldwide Moving Tyndall Federal Credit Union Comfort Systems USA Southeast Visit Dothan Cook’s Pest Control SPONSOR Wallace Community College Covenant Care Wesley Place on Honeysuckle Dermatology Specialists of Alabama Wiregrass Auto Care Digital Marketing Experts Wiregrass Courier, LLC Dothan Area Young Professionals Wiregrass Warehouse Inc. Dothan Houston County Library System Women’s CEO Alliance Dothan Networking Alliance WTVY-TV Gray Television Inc. Durden Outdoor Displays Inc. SPONSOR Zonta Club of Dothan Emerald Coast Answering Service Encompass Health FASTSIGNS of Dothan Five Star Credit Union Flowers Hospital Fun Zone Skate Center Fyzical Dizziness and Fall Prevention Center Harris Security Systems Inc. s Health Center South Medical Tower 80 HealthActions Physical Therapy FLASHBACK! Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility Houston County Republican Women Jimmy Johns Dothan Inc. KC Kreative Catering Larry Blumberg & Associates (LBA Hospitality) Like Mind Marketing Mattress USA Mayer Electric Supply Medical Advocacy & Outreach (MAO) Melissa Elmore State Farm Insurance NAI TALCOR NAPA Auto Parts Papa John’s Pizza PR Companies RAM Hotels Red Elephant Pizza & Grill Scenic Cable Network & Production SERVPRO of Dothan Slay-All-Day Pressure Washing Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center Southeast Gas SpectraCare Health Systems Inc. Takeout Star

www.dothan.com 5 Clip and add these to your NewMembers Membership Directory.

America’s Car-Mart iHeart Media Titan Magic & Brain Busters Jamie Billings Gregory Benefield Escape Rooms 3171 S. Oates St. 203 Gunn Road James Cunningham Dothan, AL 36301 Montgomery, AL 36117 518 N. Daleville Ave. PH: (334) 350-3391 PH: (334) 274-6464 Daleville, AL 36322 www.car-mart.com FAX: (334) 274-6467 PH: (334) 494-5996 AUTOMOTIVE / MARINE / AVIATION ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN / www.titanmagic.net Christian Kids Academy MARKETING / MEDIA / PRINTING ARTS / CULTURE / ENTERTAINMENT Sue Tate It’s Bin Cleaned LLC Wiregrass Wealth Management 205 Executive Park Drive Terry Simmons Adam Thomas 2932 Ross Clark Circle, #369 (UPS Store) 1244 Harden Road 306 Regency Court Dothan, AL 36301 Slocomb, AL 36375 Dothan, AL 36305 PH: (334) 406-0270 PH: (334) 258-5428 PH: (334) 803-0376 www.facebook.com/christiankidsacademy www.itsbincleaned.net www.wiregrasswealth.com GOVERNMENT / EDUCATION / INDIVIDUALS HOME / GARDEN FINANCE / INSURANCE Dear Violet Photography Katfish Korner Kim Thomas Lisa Brown Wounded Warriors of Alabama Inc. 405 Prestwick Drive 3356 Reeves Street Bill Williams Dothan, AL 36305 Dothan, AL 36303 515 N. Eastern Blvd. PH: (334) 379-6560 PH: (334) 446-6387 815 Snow St. www.dearvioletphotography.com RESTAURANTS, FOOD AND BEVERAGE Oxford, AL 36203 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PH: (256) 458-2715 (cell) KS Handmade www.alabamasoldier.org Dothan Diagnostic Imaging Keisha Schermerhorn Tiffany Guckenberg 130 Ridgecrest Loop 217 Graceland Drive, Suite 4 Dothan, AL 36301 Dothan, AL 36305 PH: (334) 701-0410 PH: (334) 350-3168 www.kshandmade.com FAX: (334) 671-1678 ARTS / CULTURE / ENTERTAINMENT www.southernradiologyspecialists.com DENTIST / HEALTH CARE / PHARMACY RJ Saxons, LLC dba KT’s Forme Nvasive Jason Mouniz 168 S. Foster St. Mechau Mowbray Dothan, AL 36301 5630 W. Main St., Suite 3 PH: (334) 796-7654 Dothan, AL 36305 RESTAURANTS, FOOD AND BEVERAGE PH: (334) 446-7002 www.formenvasive.com DENTIST / HEALTH CARE / PHARMACY

RenewingMembers

70 Or More Years Southern Bone and Joint Specialists LaQuinta Inns & Suites Hudson Office Supply Inc. Southern Business Systems Murray’s Irrigation Mayer Electric Supply 30-39 Years Northview Christian Church McDaniel & Associates, PC Town of Cowarts Alabama Power Co. Whittaker Marketing 50-59 Years Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union AAA Cooper Transportation Dothan Landmarks Foundation 5-9 Years Barge Design Solutions ENT Care Alabama Motor Express Logistics Century 21 James Grant Realty Farley Nuclear Energy Education Center Amedisys Home Health Care Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc. Flowers Insurance Agency, LLC Angel Hands Home Care Davis Oil Co. Harley-Davidson of Dothan Atlantic and Southern Equipment Dothan Animal Hospital Jackson Thornton CarMax Dothan Brace Shop The Old Mill Restaurant Collier, Jack Dothan Eagle Red Roof Inn & Suites Dandridge Dental, PC Dothan Powersports Terry L. Horn, CPA Dothan Tuesday Rotary Club Flowers Hospital Troy University First Light Home Care Hardwick, Hause, Segrest & Walding Wiregrass United Way Ford Finders Employment Services, LLC Hathcock Roofing & Remodeling Co. Wiregrass Warehouse Inc. HomeTown Lenders, LLC Hollis & Spann Contractors Women’s Health Care of Dothan, PC J. Michael Lee Associates Inc. Houston County Farmers Federation WOOF AM/FM Mary Kay Cosmetics Lee, Livingston, Lee, Nichols & Barron, PC 25-29 Years Mike’s Plumbing and Electric, LLC Peter A. McInish, LLC McClintock, Nelson & Associates, CPA’s, PC Real Estate Services of Dothan Inc. Mike Schmitz Automotive Group Raymond James S. Brannon Clothing Inc. Winco, LLC dba Bojangles’ #1144 Northcutt Drug Co. Saliba Construction Co. Inc. Poly Inc. Wiregrass BEST Inc. Scott-Cook Pharmacy Wiregrass Spay/Neuter Alliance Ramsey, Baxley & McDougle Women’s Medical Center, PC Regions Bank Zonta Club of Dothan Register Realty Co. Inc. 20-24 Years 1-4 Years Smith’s Inc. of Dothan Alabama Department of ADS Security Southeast Gas Rehabilitation Services Dennis Lee, LLC Swedish Match Cigars Builders Door and Hardware Dove Christian Supply Tom West Co. Ridgecrest Baptist Church Edward Jones - Brandon Apida, Financial Advisor Twitchell Technical Products, LLC 15-19 Years Edward Jones - Greg Wakefield, Financial Advisor Whatley Supply Co. FASTSIGNS of Dothan WTVY-TV Gray Television Inc. Alabama Technology Network Deanco Auto Auction Inc. Flowers Medical Group Family Medicine Dothan 40-49 Years Dothan Pilcher Ambulance Service Freedom Payment Systems, LLC Bill E. Mullen, CPA Fort Rucker Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fresenius Kidney Care Dothan Bob Woodall Air Care Systems Inc. Hall Housing Investments Inc. Heartland Dunbarton Corp. Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory Housing Authority of the City of Dothan, AL Durden Outdoor Displays Inc. Temple Emanu-el Ingram Land & Realty, LLC Harts & Flowers Town of Midland City MAHA USA, LLC Home Oil Co. Inc./Hobo Pantry Food Stores Zaxby’s Momma Goldberg’s Deli King’s Appliances Inc. Motobilt Inc. McDonald’s of Dothan 10-14 Years NAI TALCOR MidSouth Bank Belk - Wiregrass Commons Mall Preferred Risk Services Palmer Electric Construction Co. Coldwell Banker Commercial - Alfred Saliba Realty Replica Plastics PeoplesSouth Bank Denton Road Mini-Storage, LLC Shelor and Hundley Urology, PC Shute Pecan Co. Inc. Dothan Networking Alliance Shift Designs Southeastern Oral-Maxillofacial & Facial Cosmetic First South Farm Credit TownePlace Suites Surgery Center, PC Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wiregrass Equipment Co.

6 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 Ambassadors&Diplomats BusinessBriefs Star Of The Month

Slingluff United Spans Three Generations

In 1928, Mickey Mouse made his debut in Steamboat Willie and a pair of men’s alligator oxfords ran $5.95. It was also the year Betts Slingluff Sr. opened Slingluff United Insurance. In an age where businesses set up shop and fizzle overnight, Slingluff embodies what it means to be family owned and ingrained in community. Here’s the backstory of their 90 years in business... After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Slingluff took a job in Dothan. Armed with a staff of one, and a whole lot of grit, he set his sights on the insurance industry. By 1945, he had outgrown his Mary Colburn office in the First National Bank of Dothan building and moved down Wiregrass Auto Care Foster Street. 1963 brought a fresh start on South Oates Street where Slingluff United is today, and the addition of his son, Morris. Over the next 42 years, the agency would grow from a modest office to a staff of 16 associates. In 2005, Morris Slingluff turned the reins over to his son, Ben, Team Of The Month who continues to cultivate a team of diligent and personable people who are the heart of Slingluff United. The way the staff handled the aftermath of Hurricane Michael reaffirmed why they were in the insurance business in the first place: to help others during a disaster. “I had agents in here the day after the storm before 7 a.m., ready to help,” said Ben Slingluff. “Most of them had families at home with no Chamber Six Pack electricity, but they were here and out in the field checking on people.” As Slingluff United begins its 91st year, the company remains more devoted than ever to doing good in the community and representing the insurance industry with integrity. For more information, contact Slingluff United Insurance at (334) 792-5101 or visit www.slingluffunited.com.

Ben Slingluff (center) and Steve Thompson (right) from Slingluff United Insurance serve lunch to the city of Dothan’s Public Works Department after Hurricane Michael. Congratulations to the Ambassador and Diplomat Team of the Month “Chamber Six Pack” for claiming this month’s title. Team YOURCHAMBER members (seated l-r) Tara Ryals, Troy University; Mary Colburn, Wiregrass Auto Care; Karen Forehand, MidSouth Paving Inc.; (standing) Elizabeth Buntin, Century 21 James Grant Realty; Tim Spotlight your business. Rockwell, Country Financial; and Sheila Cestaro, WDHN TV-18. Team member not pictured is Kelley Massingill, Veterans Cleaning Get more exposure! Solutions. As a Chamber member, you are entitled to one free Thank you to all our Ambassadors and Diplomats who serve as the business card ad in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, eyes and ears for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. It is their dedication and support that assist your local Chamber in meeting its Chamber Connections, within 90 days from the date you goals. join. For more information, contact Melia McKean at (334) Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber Connections to see who 792-5138 or [email protected]. will claim the title.

www.dothan.com 7 BusinessBriefs

22nd Annual Community-Wide Jackson Thornton Celebrates 100 Years Prayer Breakfast Dothan Civic Center Jackson Thornton, a certified public service areas with many smaller service projects April 17, 2019 • 7:30 a.m. accounting and consulting firm, is celebrating already completed. two big milestones in 2019: its 100th birthday Also in honor of its 100th birthday, the firm and the roll-out of a new corporate brand introduced new branding, a new corporate identity and tagline across all its entities. website and an ad campaign focused on Jackson Thornton was founded in 1919 in generations of client stories. The firm’s new Montgomery, Alabama, which remains the tagline, “Set the bar higher,” is a call for both location of the firm’s corporate headquarters. employees and clients to raise their expectations Through the years, the firm has expanded into of Jackson Thornton even higher in the coming seven offices in three states: Alabama, Tennessee century. To watch the video from the 100 and Kansas. In honor of its centennial, Jackson Years | 100 Acts of Service kick off, visit www. Thornton’s staff will celebrate with a special jacksonthornton.com/jt100andaccounting- year of giving back in each of the communities video. it serves. Guest Speaker “As we begin our second century, we Sherri Burgess wanted a way to show our appreciation to the communities who have been so welcoming of us,” said Ned Sheffield, Jackson Thornton Writer and speaker Sherri Burgess will president and managing principal. “We be the guest speaker at the 22nd Annual thought what better way to say thank you than Community-Wide Prayer Breakfast at to donate our time, talents and gifts to worthy the Dothan Civic Center Wednesday, organizations across our service areas.” April 17, at 7:30 a.m. Jackson Thornton’s 200+ person team Author of the book Bronner: A Journey kicked off its “100 Years | 100 Acts of Service” To Understand, Burgess is the wife of by packing more than 34,000 meals for Rick Burgess, co-host of “The Rick and The Jackson Thornton team kicked off its “100 Years | Rise Against Hunger. The firm is evaluating 100 Acts of Service” by packing more than 34,000 meals Bubba Show” radio program. additional large-scale opportunities in its for Rise Against Hunger. Individual tickets are now on sale for $15 and are only available through the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. Corporate tables of eight are $150. Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family Deadline to purchase tickets is April 10. want convenient, accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at To purchase tickets by phone with Flowers Medical Group are making it easier than ever to get primary care. a credit card, or for more information, Online scheduling is available for select providers at call Julie Mollohan at (334) 792-5138 or FlowersMedicalGroup.com. [email protected]. ASK ABOUT SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE.

Flowers Medical Group Primary Care Locations SEADAC To Present “The 500 Healthwest Dr. • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-641-4073 4300 West Main St., Suite 16 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-697-8055 Greatest Show On Earth” 4300 West Main St., Suite 41 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-731-7102 210 Westside Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-759-3054 The Southeast Alabama Dance Co. will 108 Medical Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-309-8278 The Greatest Show, A present its spring show 4126 West Main St. • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-309-8598 Tribute To Barnum & Bailey Thursday-Sunday, 144 Virginia Avenue • Daleville, AL 36322 • 334-731-7121 March 7-10, at the Dothan Civic Center. Performance times vary. To purchase tickets, call the Dothan Civic Center Box Office at (334) 615- FlowersMedicalGroup.com 3175. Or for more information, visit www. southeastalabamadancecompany.org.

8 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 99309_FLOW_PCP_CallTrack_4_75x4_1845c.indd 1 10/6/17 4:45 PM BusinessBriefs

#SaveTheDate For These Upcoming Member Events Celebrate Recovery Small Business Counseling Every Friday • 7 p.m. March 12 • Vary Newsweek Honors Home Harvest Church. This is a biblical 12-step Dothan Area Chamber. Troy University’s Instead Senior Care program for anyone struggling with life’s Small Business Counseling offers hurts, hang-ups or habits. The program is small business counseling sessions the Home Instead Senior Care is proud to free and all are welcome. For those with second Tuesday each month from 9:30 announce it’s been named to Newsweek’s children, age-specific children’s program a.m. until 1:30 p.m. These half-hour inaugural list for America’s Best Customer available. For more information, call counseling sessions are free, but pre- Service 2019. Harvest at (334) 702-6555 or email registration is required. To register, call “This award shines a light on the unparalleled celebraterecovery@harvestdothan. (334) 792-5138. dedication to excellence of Home Instead com. “You can’t heal a wound by saying CAREGivers, franchise owners, key players and it’s not there!” Thirsty Pig TrimTab Takeover Home Office team members as we continue March 14 • 5-7 p.m. our journey of enhancing the lives of aging First Friday Mother’s Group Thirsty Pig. Come out and meet Jimmy adults and their families, “ said Jeff Huber, March 1 • 9 a.m. Steward from TrimTab and sample Home Instead Senior Care president and CEO. St. Columba Catholic Church. On the several of their wonderful beers. Glass This unsolicited list derives scores from a series first Friday each month, moms and kids and prize giveaways all evening. This will of independent surveys, collected for Newsweek are invited to come to the 9 a.m. Mass. be the official kick off to a three-day Saint by an organization called Statista. Top brands After Mass, moms and kids are invited to Paddy’s day party at the Thirsty Pig. For each received about 100 evaluations from the gym for story time and crafts for kids, more information, call (334) 699-1475 customers. Scores weighed Net Promoter Score, and coffee and fellowship for moms. All or visit www.thirstypig.beer. which is the likelihood of recommendation, moms and children are welcome. For with these five evaluation criteria: more information, contact the church at Spring Farm Day (334) 944-6523. March 16 • 10 a.m. 1. Quality of Communication - measuring Landmark Park. Turn back the clock overall friendliness and politeness of email, 1st Saturday Family Day 100 years and experience living history telephone and in-person communication; March 2 • 10:30 a.m. demonstrations of sheep shearing, 2. Technical Competence - measuring the Wiregrass Museum of Art & Conference blacksmithing, plowing with mules, quality of information received with Center. This is a program that basket weaving, quilting and other sufficient detail; provides entertainment for the whole traditional springtime farm activities. 3. Range of Services - measuring fulfillment of family. Children and their families can Entertainment will include two stages of one’s personal expectations; enjoy a different fun-filled activity each traditional music. For more information, month. The program is free and open to call the park at (334) 734-3452 or visit 4. Customer Focus - measuring whether children of all ages who are accompanied www.landmarkparkdothan.com. personal concerns were addressed; and by an adult. For more information, 5. Accessibility - measuring the availability of contact the museum at (334) 794-3871 customer service staff. or visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org. Have an upcoming 6. Home Instead Senior Care provides in- event planned? home services such as companionship, Send your event information housekeeping, meal preparation, personal to [email protected] care, errands, incidental transportation, Alzheimer’s/dementia care and offers free care consultations. For more information, contact Liz Woodard, community service representative, at (334) 699-6815, [email protected] or visit www.homeinstead.com/689.

YOURCHAMBER Zonta International Food Festival To Be Held March 9

Cusinine from around the world will be on are also available. Remember your ABC’s... display for guests to enjoy during the Zonta The festival is a great opportunity for family, Club’s annual International Food Festival to friends, neighbors and companies to support be held Saturday, March 9, at the National local organizations that empower the young Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, at 6 p.m. girls and women of our community. Always Advance tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for Tickets are sold online at www.eventbrite. children 10 years old and under, and children com or on location at The Redd Dresser, Buy under 4 are free. At the door, tickets are $35 Shute Pecan Co. and Lewis-Smith Supply. For for adults and $15 for children. Sponsorship more information or tickets, contact Angie Chamber! opportunities for the event and reserved McKinney at (334) 714-8958 or Amanda tables, seating for eight ($350) or six ($200), Enfinger at (334) 618-4532.

www.dothan.com 9 BusinessBriefs Whitehead Receives Shelley Joins Dothan Real Promotion Estate Team

CAE Donates Golf Cart To SERVPRO of The Dothan Real Dothan and Coffee, Estate Team welcomes Help Local Nonprofit Dale, Geneva and Amanda Shelley to its Henry counties is ever growing agency. Along with not only providing daily hot proud to announce As a realtor, Shelley lunches to the local nonprofit Love In Action the promotion of is looking forward to International Ministries, the CAE USA Jessica Whitehead being an advocate for Dothan Training Center has also donated a six- as the new sales and her clients whether seater golf cart to the organization. buying or selling a “We have a golf cart! Praise God! Thank marketing manager. Jessica Whitehead, Amanda Shelley, home. you CAE USA, for donating this golf cart to Whitehead has been Sales and Marketing with the company Realtor Born and raised us,” said Ken Tuck, Dothan’s Love In Action manager in Dothan, Shelley since October 2017 president. “Sam Morehead and everyone at at an early age found her love for the arts and and has over 10 years of retail sales and CAE are such blessings to us. They donate a hot volunteered with the Southeast Alabama Dance lunch to us every day, and it is always delicious. customer service experience and five years of Co. for set design while attending Wallace It consists of one meat and two vegetables and business-to-business sales. Community College for art studies. She rolls. They help us with at least 160 meals every “Jessica’s hard work and dedication to the continued to broaden her artistic studies thru week.” SERVPRO system has earned her the position 2013. Love in Action will use the golf cart to help of sales and marketing manager,” said Barry In 2013, Shelley began working with her its homeless friends who aren’t very mobile get Montgomery, SERVPRO general manager. husband Clint at Branton Land Surveyors. around the ministry’s campus easier. It will “We are excited about her contribution to the Through working at Branton Land Surveyors, also come in hand to help with transporting continued growth of our company.” she has developed knowledge of land parcels, donations from the office down the hill to Whitehead serves as an Ambassador for real estate and land development. Growing on suites 4 and 6, and for many other uses. the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and this knowledge, she and her husband started For more information, contact Jeslen a board member for the Dothan Area Young a real estate investment company in 2017. Morehead, CAE office manager, at (334) 873- Professionals. Originally from Tifton, Georgia, Opening this company led her to obtaining her [email protected] 2401 or . she resides in Dothan with her husband Kyle Real Estate license. and stepson Haiston. In her spare time, Throughout her different career roles, Whitehead enjoys DIY projects with her customer service has been a hallmark for Shelley. husband, vacationing and classic movies. She is excited to bring this same service to her For additional information on SERVPRO’s career in real estate where she is looking forward to working with you. services, contact Whitehead at (334) 805-9103 For more information, give Shelley a call at or visit www.servprodothan.com. (334) 699-7653.

Digital Marketing Experts Announces Wiregrass VIP Pass

Digital Marketing Experts, one of the because of the convenience it provides. nation’s premier providers of digital marketing Mobile Wallet provides users with a digital services, is pleased to announce its new Pass which is always stored in their Wallet app The CAE USA Dothan Training Center donated a golf Wiregrass VIP Pass, a revolutionary new way either on their iPhone or Android phone that cart to Love in Action International Ministries. Pictured for businesses to get exposure to thousands of is fully interactive with their business. At the (l-r) are CAE Facilities and Logistics Manager Sam Morehead, CAE Program Manager Todd Conyers and families in the Wiregrass area. touch of a button customers can: Love In Action President Ken Tuck. As a fully interactive-guide in Facebook • Call to make a reservation; Messenger, Mobile Wallet and City Guide, users will be able to: • Get directions to the business using Mobile YOURCHAMBER Wallet; • Promote their business and offers; • Like and follow the business on social media; • Share their business offers instantly from and Attention their mobile phone; • Redeem special offers and promotions from Members! • Claim and redeem special offers promoted; the business. and For local business owners this is huge and If you know of a business • Be one of an “Exclusive” list of businesses in with Digital Marketing Experts exclusive interested in benefiting from their own category. packages, clients will get monthly detailed joining the Chamber, please Digital Marketing has integrated Facebook reports on the performance of their offers. contact Hayden Camp at Messenger, which has over 1.5 billion monthly For more information on the Wiregrass VIP (334) 792-5138 or hcamp@ users. Tapping into this new marketing channel Pass, contact Donnia Rambin at (334) 589- dothan.com. allows businesses to reach their customers in 9052, [email protected] or visit a unique and effective way. Over 2.3 billion www.mydmeonline.com. people are using Mobile Wallet worldwide

10 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 BusinessBriefs Wiregrass United Way Exceeds Goal

Joseph Johnson, overall campaign chairman, grand opening that raised almost $4,000; a announced at a February press conference that mobile app promotion with Chick-fil-A on Ross the Wiregrass United Way had exceeded their Clark Circle that raised more than $7,000; Dine Dothan Nursing campaign goal of $2,870,000. By reaching this Out Dothan, a giveaway of 19 $100 restaurant goal, the local United Way will now receive a gift cards that raised more than $22,400; and in Home Wins Statewide $400,000 Challenge Pledge from the Wiregrass the last week of the campaign a matching gift Excellence Award Foundation. from Wiregrass Construction that encouraged Many area businesses and individuals across others to make a donation that would be Westside Terrace Healthcare has been the six-county region covered by the United Way matched. recognized as a 2018 recipient of the Pathway made the campaign a success. “More than 8,150 The Wiregrass United Way has served the to Performance Excellence Award for its individuals have made a financial pledge to this community since 1938. For more information, commitment to improving the lives of residents year’s campaign,” noted Johnson. visit www.wuw.org or check out their Facebook, through quality care. The distinction is the Now that the campaign has ended, United Instagram and Twitter accounts. introductory level of three progressive award Way volunteers will visit each of the 42 levels through the Alabama Performance agencies to discuss their needs for the year. At Excellence Award program. the conclusion of the agency visits, they will “It’s tremendous to be honored at a statewide recommend to the United Way Board of Trustees level for our commitment to care and to know an allocation amount for each agency for 2019. that our efforts are helping our residents live Some of the highlights of the recent campaign better lives,” said Administrator Kristie Hughes. included the Pacesetter Kickoff sponsored by The program promotes quality and high Morris, Cary, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers performance for businesses and organizations where more than 20,000 meals were packaged in the state. Westside Terrace was one of five for the Wiregrass Area Food Bank in 39 minutes; award recipients. a Bus Tour of the six-county region to kick off The award criteria is based on the core the campaign with a mini campaign kickoff values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance event at each stop that included local civic and Wiregrass United Way Campaign Chairman Joseph Excellence Program. This internationally- community leaders, cheerleaders and bands; a Johnson and President Walter Hill thank the Wiregrass recognized framework helps organizations fundraiser at the new Metro Diner before their for helping the organization exceed its campaign goal. among different industry sectors improve organizational effectiveness and achieve strategy-driven performance. Coffman international Earns Prestigious “The examiners and judges were very impressed with the commitment Westside has Presidential Award made to performance excellence,” wrote Linda Vincent, executive director of the Alabama Coffman International Inc., a local to customers in the area,” said John Coffman. Performance Excellence Program, in a letter International Truck commercial dealership, has “Everyone at Coffman is dedicated to providing announcing the honor. received the prestigious International Truck an outstanding customer experience. Our For more information, contact Teri Sumbry, Presidential Award. Introduced in 2018, the customers rely on us to keep their businesses communications and public relations specialist, award honors the top 7 percent of International moving and growing. For more than 42 years, at (334) 394-2310, ext. 2514 or tsumbry@ Truck dealerships that achieve the highest our customers have been returning to us because westsideteam.com. level of performance in terms of operating and they know we deliver quality International financial standards, market representation and products and services that help drive profits to most importantly, customer satisfaction. their bottom line.” “This award is the highest honor an Coffman International is a full-service International dealer principal can achieve from International Truck dealership serving the company,” said Mark Belisle, senior vice customers in the Wiregrass area. Coffman is president of distribution at Navistar. “Coffman also an Idealease affiliate. For more information, International, is one of only 15 International contact John Coffman at (334) 726-4901, Greystone United To dealerships in the United States and Canada who [email protected] or visit www. Host In The Zone Men’s earned this prestigious recognition in 2018.” coffmaninternationaltrucks.com. Belisle continued, “The Presidential Award Simulcast also recognizes the effort and dedication of all the dealership’s employees. A highly-skilled, Greystone United Methodist Church’s professional staff is a critical success factor for Men’s Ministry will present “In The Zone 2019 any commercial truck dealership. John and Mark Gameday Simulcast for Men” Saturday, March Coffman are clearly committed to growing their 2, at 8:15 a.m. All are invited to attend this business and being recognized by customers free event. as the dealership of choice in their market. I The day will begin with breakfast being congratulate everyone at Coffman International served at 8:15 a.m., registration from 8:30- for their commitment to outstanding customer 8:50 a.m., followed by the simulcast from 9 service, operational excellence and representation of the International Truck brand.” a.m. until 1 p.m. To reserve your seat, or for more information, “This award is a great honor for everyone at Coffman International Inc. received the 2018 Coffman International because it recognizes all International Truck Presidential Award. Pictured (l-r) contact Mark Robbins at (334) 794-6725 or the hard work and professionalism we bring are owners Mark Coffman and John Coffman. email [email protected].

www.dothan.com 11 GrowDothan DACC, Dothan City Schools, Liberty Learning Team Together To Share Real Life Challenges With High School Seniors

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, Dothan City Schools and Many thanks to all the business and community leaders who spoke to Liberty Learning Foundation recently partnered together to help provide the seniors, it truly made a difference. If you are interested in participating practical advice, expectations and opportunities for Dothan City School in this program, contact Dean Mitchell, DACC executive director, at seniors as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Local community [email protected]. and business leaders spoke to all 600 seniors and reminded them about the importance of having a plan, being a good employee and contributing to build a better community. After hearing from the speakers, students were given a survey to determine the success of the event and to see if they would like to hear the speakers again. Based on the responses, 90 percent of the seniors felt this experience was beneficial and would like future speakers/events to cover topics such as interviewing techniques; financial advice on how to budget, establishing credit and paying taxes; owning a business, types of trades and the best jobs in Dothan; and college preparedness. Students were also asked to write down something they learned. These are a few of their responses: what to do during an interview; the way you present yourself is one of the most important parts of an interview; always challenge yourself and strive to be better; teamwork; life is about choices; Local community and business leaders spoke to all 600 of Dothan City Schools’ seniors plan, set goals and think positive; the importance of communication; and reminding them about the importance of having a plan, being a good employee and stay committed and work hard. contributing to build a better community. Eggs And Issues Advocating For You

A priority of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce is to advocate for you our members and your issues in Montgomery and Washington D.C Eggs and Issues Survey Results that will improve and help make the Wiregrass’ business climate more competitive. In conjunction with that, the DACC held its annual Eggs How optimistic are you that 2019 will be a good year economically for your business and & Issues General Membership Breakfast meeting to give members the for the business community as a whole? opportunity to hear from the Wiregrass delegation. Very optimistic 60% Somewhat optimistic 4% Alabama Sen. Donne Chesteen, 29th District (Dale, Geneva, Houston); Moderately optimistic 35% Not at all optimistic 1% State Representatives Paul Lee, 86th District (Houston); Dexter Grimsley, Do you support a plan that would increase the state gas tax to a rate that would make 85th District (Henry, Houston); Jeff Sorrells, 87th District (Geneva, Alabama regionally competitive and dedicate all funding to fixing Alabama’s crumbling Houston); and Steve Clouse, 93rd District (Dale, Houston) were on hand road and bridge infrastructure? $1,984,000 to talk about the different issues facing lawmakers in the upcoming 2019 Yes 73% No 6% Depends on how much the tax is 21% Legislative Session. Some of the topics discussed included the general Would you support more investment in health care, specifically through Medicaid fund; education budget hearings and trust fund; gas tax and Wiregrass expansion? infrastructure package to meet the needs for better roads; state’s prison Yes 25% No 30% Depends on how much the program costs 45% conditions; and rural broadband. Alabama currently does not have a state minimum wage; our state instead adheres to The Alabama Legislature will begin its 2019 session Tuesday, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Would you support Alabama increasing March 5. DACC members are encouraged to join it and its Legislative its minimum wage? Affairs Committee as we host our local Wiregrass representatives and Yes 43% No 57% senators for legislative update meetings here at the Chamber office. Alabama’s First Class pre-K program has consistently received recognition for high standards such as teacher qualifications, curriculum, and class size. Currently, about one third of the state’s 4 year olds are covered. Would you support an expansion of the pre-K program? Yes 75% No 12% Depends on how much the program costs 13% Broadband connection in many of our rural communities continues to be a challenge. Lack of access to high speed Internet limits economic and educational opportunities. Would you support a multi-year budget appropriation that helps build out Internet service to rural communities? Yes 87% No 13% Our state’s prison system continues to be challenged by a host of issues including overcrowding, shortage of staff, and adequate mental health care. Gov. Kay Ivey is considering two main approaches to a plan to build three new men’s prisons – 1) issue bonds to pay for construction, or 2) enter a lease agreement with private companies that build prisons. Which option would you support? 1 - 29% 2 – 44% Neither 27% Wiregrass legislators talk with Chamber members during the DACC’s Eggs & Issues Indeed.com lists 1,156 job openings within a 25-mile radius of Dothan. Do you General Membership Breakfast. Pictured (l-r) are Alabama Sen. Donnie Chesteen, support increased state investment to help offset workforce development challenges that District 29 (Dale, Geneva, Houston); DACC Governmental Affairs Council include transportation options, soft-skill training, hard-skills training and educational Chairman Steve Duebelt; Rep. Steve Clouse, 93rd District (Dale, Houston); DACC opportunities? Chair Mary Beth Reynolds, Rep. Jeff Sorrells, 87th District (Geneva, Houston); Yes 67% No 5% Depends on how much it costs 29% Rep. Dexter Grimsley, 85th District (Henry, Houston); Rep. Paul Lee, 86th District (Houston); and DACC President Matt Parker.

12 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 WorkforceDevelopment The Importance Of A Skilled Workforce And How Alabama Ranks In Its Efforts

In a 2018 University of Alabama, Culverhouse College labor was either very important or important. Fifty-three percent said that the of Commerce, Center for Business and Economic availability of skilled labor was having an effect on current operations or plans for Research, survey of Alabama businesses the number one expansion. Of those saying this, 58 percent identified the basic skills as primarily issue identified as a pressing need across the state was lacking, with 58 percent also saying advanced skills such as: advanced welding, education and workforce training. The number one issue machine tool programing and bioprocessing as lacking. Forty-two percent identified facing the responding companies was workforce. a lack of STEM skills. Approximately 50 percent of respondents noted that the drug The January 2019 edition of Site Selection magazine crisis was affecting their ability to find qualified workers. Sixty-two percent said that states, “Site consultants surveyed by Site Selection states legalizing marijuana will negatively affect the quality of their workforce. magazine in October say workforce is the number one In Area Development magazine’s 2018 report on top states for doing business, factor driving expansion or greenfield location decisions Alabama ranked third, behind Georgia and Texas. In the “competitive labor Steve Turkoski, for their corporate clients today.” environment” category, Alabama ranked sixth, and in the category of “Leading Project Manager So how do the magazine and respondents rate our Workforce Development Programs” Alabama is ranked second behind Georgia and workforce compared to other states in the region? Alabama is ranked as third place ahead of Louisiana. in a three-way tie with Kentucky and Texas, with Tennessee and Oklahoma ranked INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES as first and second within the “South Central” region. The other states in the defined Leading Workforce Development Programs region are Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The criteria they considered in their rankings were: 1. Georgia 7. Virginia • CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business workforce and education rankings; 2. Alabama 8. Ohio 3. Louisiana 9. Florida • Forbes’ Best States for Business, labor supply ranking; 4. South Carolina 10. Mississippi • U.S. News Best States for Education ranking; and 5. Tennessee 11. Iowa 6. North Carolina 12. California • ACT National Career Readiness Certificates rankings and average number of workforce development enactments passed in the state legislatures. The importance of a skilled workforce in the furtherment of economic development has been stated many times, but of the utmost importance is our desire The latest survey of corporate officers conducted by Area Development magazine and ability to constantly improve the skills of our workforce and always strive to lead found that “90 percent of the Corporate Survey respondents indicate labor costs and the pack. The 2018 Business Facilities magazine, 14th annual state rankings places skilled labor availability as ‘very important’ or ‘important’ to a location decision. Alabama at the number two spot for workforce training leaders, but reverses the For the corporate entity seeking to reduce risk, a detailed and comprehensive study rankings of Georgia and Louisiana. Alabama has historically held the number one or of an area’s established labor pool and talent pipeline is critical. This would include two spot for many years and is working hard to stay there. a demographic analysis of workers in the marketplace by occupation and skill, a deep dive on overall labor market migration (and population migration) trends WORKFORCE TRAINING LEADERS both historically and looking forward, a thorough analysis of training providers and 1. Louisiana 6. Florida educational institutions (and the types of graduates/skills they produce), and an in- 2. Alabama 7. Virginia depth discussion with employers regarding availability of workers and competition 3. Georgia 8. North Carolina for local skilled labor among firms.” 4. Tennessee 9. Oklahoma Of the respondents to the survey, 88.8 percent said that the availability of skilled 5. New Mexico 10. Texas

Chamber Committee Presents JROTC Cadet Leadership Awards

During its regular quarterly meeting, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s During the presentations, the cadets had the opportunity to talk about Military Affairs Committee honored five local area high school JROTC cadets their involvement in the JROTC program and future plans. All the cadets and for their outstanding leadership and performance during the current 2018-2019 commanders expressed their gratitude to the DACC and the Military Affairs school year. Committee for this special recognition. Currently, the Dothan Area Chamber is The committee annually dedicates a meeting to honoring the cadets and their the only area chamber that holds such an activity in their honor. commanders in order to show its appreciation and support of the local JROTC programs. Retired Col. Tom Boyle, Military Affairs Committee chairman, presented the Cadet of the Year Leadership awards to: 1. Carroll High School - Army JROTC Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Nelson Program Commander: (Ret.) Col. Milton Shipman 2. Daleville High School - Army JROTC Cadet Lt. Col. Jamie Peters Program Commander: (Ret) Col. Teresa Townsend 3. Dothan High School - Army JROTC Cadet Maj. Alex Robert Schaefer Program Commander: (Ret.) Sgt. Maj. Tracy Adams 4. Northview High School - Marine JROTC Cadet Lt. Col. Bailee Segars Program Commander: Master Sgt. Sedrick Hicks The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee presented 5. Rehobeth High School - Navy JROTC Cadet of the Year Leadership awards to five local area high school JROTC cadets. Cadet Cmdr. Alison North Pictured (l-r) are Cadet Cmdr. Alison North and Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Treude, Rehobeth Program Commander: Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Treude High School – Navy JROTC; Cadet Lt. Col. Bailee Segars and Master Sgt. Sedrick Hicks, Northview High School - Marine JROTC; (Ret.) Col. Tom Boyle, DACC “The Military Affairs Committee is proud to have the opportunity to honor these Military Affairs Committee chairman; Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Nelson outstanding students and their commanders,” said Boyle. “Our committee looks and (Ret.) Col. Milton Shipman, Carroll High School - Army JROTC; Cadet Lt. forward to recognizing these cadets each year and this is just one avenue this committee Col. Jamie Peters and (Ret) Col. Teresa Townsend, Daleville High School - Army takes to meet our goal of enhancing the positive interaction between the Dothan area JROTC; and Cadet Maj. Alex Robert Schaefer and (Ret.) Sgt. Maj. Tracy Adams, community, Fort Rucker and the area’s military command and personnel.” Dothan High School – Army JROTC.

www.dothan.com 13 SmallBusinessDevelopment Alabama’s 2018 Small Business Profile

The Small Business Administration’s Office the largest share of small business employment. jobs. The smallest gains were in firms employing of Small Business Advocacy does a Small The below graph provides further details on 20 to 99 employees, which added 1,350 net Business Profile each year. According to the firms with employees. (Source: Statistics of US jobs. (Source: Statistics of US Businesses, US 2018 profile: Businesses, US Census Bureau) Census Bureau) • There were 392,939 small business; Private-sector employment increased 1.1 The Small Business Profiles are produced by percent during the 12month period ending in the US Small Business Administration’s Office • There were 98,270 small businesses with January 2018. This was above the increase of of Advocacy. Each report incorporates the most employees; 1 percent during the prior 12-month period. up-to-date government data to present a unique • There were 322,025 small businesses without (Source: Current Population Survey, Bureau of snapshot of small businesses. Small businesses employees (non-employers); and Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor) are defined for this profile as firms employing The number of proprietors increased in fewer than 500 employees. Net small business • There were 775,829 workers employed by 2016 by 2.3 percent relative to the previous job change, minority small business ownership, small businesses. year. (Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, US and exporter share statistics are based on the State Economy Overall: Department of Commerce) 2015 Statistics of US Businesses, 2012 Survey of In the third quarter of 2017, Alabama grew Small businesses created 15,718 net jobs in Business Owners, and 2015 International Trade at an annual rate of 2.7 percent, which was 2015. Firms employing fewer than 20 employees Administration data, respectively. slower than the overall US growth rate of 3.4 experienced the largest gains, adding 8,284 net percent. Alabama’s 2016 growth rate of 1.5 percent was unchanged from the 2015 rate of 1.5 percent. (Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, US Department of Commerce) In January 2018, the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, down from 5.5 percent in January 2017. This was below the January 2018 national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. (Source: Current Population Survey, Bureau of #SaveTheDate Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor) Employment: Small Business Seminar Alabama small businesses employed 775,829 people, or 47.5 percent of the private workforce, The Art of Storytelling in 2015. (Source: Statistics of US Businesses, US Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Census Bureau) Firms with fewer than 100 employees have March 14 • 2 - 3:30 p.m. In the business world, it’s your responsibility to differentiate yourself from the competition. This is becoming increasingly challenging in today’s crowded market. One often overlooked way to stand out from the crowd is by harnessing the power of storytelling. Humans are biologically programmed to pay close attention to information in the form of stories, which makes storytelling an especially powerful sales tool. This means stories are a great way to capture buyers’ attention, boost retention, activate emotions and increase customer engagement. Join the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and David Balmer, Dale Carnegie of the Emerald Coast area manager / instructor, for a great seminar on “The Art of Storytelling” Thursday, March 14, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the DACC facility. You’ll learn techniques for creating two types of sales stories and when to use them for maximum impact. You will refine the content of your stories, practicing the delivery with confidence and bringing mundane facts and figures to life. You’ll also learn where to find content ideas for your sales story, and you will begin to see inspiration every day. The seminar is free to attend, but pre- registration is required by noon Wednesday, March 13. To reserve your space, contact Susan Tatom at (334) 792-5138.

14 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS MARCH 2019 There are DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE a lot of people 2019 Small Business Person of the Year looking for Award Nominations The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce has been presenting the your business. 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 2019 Small Business Person of the Year from Jan. 14 to March 13, 2019. 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 Let them find you. years. • Business must have been operating in the Dothan area for a minimum of three years. IN THIS NEWSLETTER ON OUR WEBSITE • Business must exhibit growth and longevity, involvement in community development, innovative practices, and success in the face Over 6,000* read Over 4,000 visit of adversity. The Connections www.dothan.com each month. each month. • Adhere to ethical business practices. • Candidate can not have won award within the past 10 years. Reach over 1,000 Chamber Reach new prospects member businesses with a searching for local To nominate a small business person, fill out the information below. low cost ad each month. information about Dothan. (Please type or print) AD SIZE COST PER MONTH Name of Nominee:______1 Mo. 3 Mo. 6 Mo. 1 Yr. AD SIZE COST PER MONTH Bus. Card $130 $117 $110.50 $104 1 Mo. 3 Mo. 6 Mo. 1 Yr. Company:______Back Cover $160 $144 $136 $128 Standard $75 $67.50 $63.75 $60 Small $210 $189 $178.50 $168 Nominated By:______Medium $260 $234 $221 $208 Large $375 $337.50 $318.75 $300 Ads will be linked to advertiser’s Your Phone Number or Email Address:______

* Estimated total based on 2,400 Website at no additional charge. subscriptions ______Why this individual deserves recognition: (For additional comments, Call (334) 792-5138 to get connected. attach an additional sheet.)______

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Return this form to: Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce • Attn: Hayden Camp We reach the people you should be reaching. P.O. Box 638 • Dothan, AL 36302 • Fax: (334) 794-4796 www.dothan.com Or email Hayden at [email protected] Nominations are due by March 13, 2019 Thank you for your nomination!

EconomicIndicators Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for December: 61,087 in 2017; 62,157 in 2018 58,909 in 2017; 59,857 in 2018 Employed Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for December: 3.6% in 2017; 3.7% in 2018 Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for December: 9 issued ($2.39 million) in 2017; 6 issued ($1.48 million) in 2018 Home Sales in Dothan for November: 112 sold in 2017; 114 sold in 2018 Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for December: 3,869 in 2017; 4,946 in 2018 Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for December: $1,582,050 in 2017; $1,933,904 in 2018 (County) $5,619,635 in 2017; $6,567,830 in 2018 (City)

Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 2/04/19. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.

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.

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(334) 792-5138 [email protected] meetingmeeting the challenge shapingshaping the future www.dothan.com