CONNECTIONS Connectionsdothan Area Chamber of Commerce July 2018

CONNECTIONS ConnectionsDothan Area Chamber of Commerce July 2018

CREATING Tomorrow’s Leaders PAGE 4 Creating Hospitality Heroes PAGE 11 Roby Receives Spirit Of Enterprise Award PAGE 12 EventsCalendar

What’s S M T JulyW T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 INSIDE 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 July 2018 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2 Events Calendar 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 3 Ribbon Cuttings 29 30 31 4-5 Cover Story 7-11 Business Briefs 4 Independence Day – Chamber Closed 12 Grow Dothan 6 Groundbreaking: SpectraCare The Haven – 10:30 a.m. Location: 831 John D. Odom Road 13 Workforce Development 14 Small Business Development 10 Ambassador and Diplomat Committee Meeting – 9 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)

Also In This Issue Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 8 Wiregrass Transit Launches *Reservations required: (334) 792-5138 Bus Advertising Program Ribbon Cutting: Housing Authority of the City of Dothan – 10:30 a.m. 12 Dothan Remains Lowest Cost Location: 602 S. Lena St. Of Living Area In State 11 Ribbon Cutting: The Cottages Dothan, LLC – 10:30 a.m. 13 DEF Receives Grant Location: 203 Front Porch Court, Midland City 14 What Color Is Your Lure? 12 Ribbon Cutting: Williams Seafood Market South – 10:30 a.m. Location: 3600 S. Oates St., Suite 7

18 LEADS Group Semi-Monthly Meeting – 8 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Your Cover Photo Your cover photo Board of Directors’ Meeting – 9 a.m. features students from Location: IB XLAM USA, LLC (1371 Hodgesville Road) CONNECTIONSJuly 2018 ConnectionsDothan Area Chamber of Commerce the Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston 19 Small Business Seminar: What Color Is Your Lure? – 11:30 a.m. County Class 26 Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) taking a selfie after *For more information, see page 14. Reservations required: (334) 792-5138 CREATING Tomorrow’s Leaders their Graduation PAGE 4 Roby Receives Spirit Of Enterprise Award Banquet held at PAGE 12 Ribbon Cutting: Get Evidence Now, LLC – 10:30 a.m. Are You Taking Advantage 25 Of This Education Partnership? PAGE 13 Celebration at Jones Crossing May 11. Location: 211 W. Main St. 26 Ribbon Cutting: HealthActions Physical Therapy – 10:30 a.m. Location: 4300 W. Main St., Suite 14

www.dothan.com 27 Ribbon Cutting: Gateway Tire Southeast, LLC – 10:30 a.m. (334) 792-5138 Location: 570 Technology Drive 30 Ribbon Cutting: Fairway Independent Mortgage – 10:30 a.m. Location: 1284 Westgate Parkway

31 Ribbon Cutting: New York Life – 10:30 a.m. Location: 188 N. Foster St., Suite 108

2 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 RibbonCuttings

Dash Leadership Wal-Mart SuperCenter Development #2534 Group, LLC 3300 S. Oates St. 185 Ashford Road Dothan, AL 36301 Ashford, AL 36312 Michael Voorhees Chris Lasseter (334) 702-1310 (334) 798-2894 DEPARTMENT STORES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & LIFE COACHING

Dennis Lee, LLC dba GROUNDBREAKING Dennis Lee Furniture Metro Diner 1728 W. Main St., Suite 2 2777 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36301 Dothan, AL 36301 Sunny Spires Christopher Wyatt (334) 797-3499 www.metrodiner.com www.dennisleefurniture.com RESTAURANTS FURNITURE

Edward Jones – Brandon RELOCATIONS Apida, Financial Advisor Hometown Lenders, LLC 2576 Montgomery Highway, 112 W. Troy St. Suite 7 Dothan, AL 36303 Dothan, AL 36303 Tim Watson Brandon Apida (334) 794-2661 (334) 794-2019 www.thedothanmortgageman.com www.edwardjones.com/ MORTGAGES brandon-apida FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Guilt Boutique & Wine Troy Bank & Trust Bar 4971 W. Main St. 3108-3 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, AL 36305 Dothan, AL 36303 Mace Kirkland Miranda Dunn (334) 305-0475 (334) 790-0106 www.troybankandtrust.com www.facebook.com/guiltdothan BANKS RETAIL - CLOTHING

RV Connections Super Center 4218 S. Oates St. Schedule A Ribbon Cutting! Dothan, AL 36301 Are you a new Chamber member? Has your business expanded or relocated? Are Ashley McKeel you breaking ground for a new facility? If you answered yes to any of these questions, (334) 678-5194 you may want to schedule a Chamber Ribbon Cutting or Goundbreaking event. www.rvconnections.com These events take place weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Chamber staff will work with you to choose the date and time that best fits your schedule. Your SPORTS & RECREATION event will be included in the Calendar of Events section of the Chamber Connections and your picture will also be featured in the newsletter after the event. For more information or to book an event, contact Hayden Camp, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or [email protected].

Short Stuff Photography 130 E. Main St. Dothan, AL 36301 Kishia Saffold (334) 300-6866 www.shortstuffphotography.com PHOTOGRAPHERS

www.dothan.com 3 CoverStory Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders Foundation Holds Graduation Ceremonies

The Dothan Area Chamber Foundation recently held graduation Congratulations to Skylar Boone, Northview High School, who ceremonies for the organization’s Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston received a $1,500 college scholarship from the Dothan Service League. County and Leadership Dothan programs. Serving as important leadership Each year, DSL awards a scholarship to a student from Troy University, resources in our community, these two annual programs help to raise a Wallace Community College and to a Youth Leadership participant. participant’s awareness of the local issues and increase their understanding Leadership Dothan, a nine-month program, focuses on community of different perspectives, while at the same time encouraging them to resources, education, local and state government, health care, public become involved in solving the challenges facing their community. safety and quality of life. The Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County program is a seven- This year’s Leadership class had 38 graduates and held its graduation month training program that prepares high school juniors for leadership, ceremony June 7, at the Dothan Country Club. Banquet highlights involvement and participation in the future of the Wiregrass region. The included Katie Parrish, Visit Dothan, providing highlights from the adult program’s goal is to interest students in civic and volunteer activities, class. Closing remarks were given by the Leadership Dothan Steering encourage them to recognize their potential and assist them in identifying Committee’s Chair Lori Wilcoxon, Wiregrass Commons Mall. their special skills and talents. As part of both programs, the classes are required to complete a The 2017-2018 class had 44 high school juniors from 11 area schools community service project or fundraising event to help enhance their in Houston County graduate the Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston community. The Youth Leadership class sponsored two events – a County program. The ceremony took place at Celebration at Jones beautification project at Heard Magnet School and helping Wiregrass Crossing May 11. Brent Jones, deputy director of athletics for External Habitat for Humanity with a house renovation project. Operations at Troy University, was the guest speaker. Leadership Dothan sponsored a Mayfair event at Wiregrass Commons Also during the ceremony, Nyah Vincent, Northview High School, Mall, all the proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army. provided an overview of program highlights, which included visiting Plans are currently underway for the 2018-2019 classes. If you would local area hospitals during Healthcare Day and visiting the Dothan like more information about either of the programs, contact Linda Kelley, Police and Fire departments during the Courts, State and Local program coordinator and director of community development, at (334) Government Day. 792-5138 or email [email protected].

Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 26’s Graduation Banquet was held at Celebration at Jones Crossing. The class had 44 graduates.

Leadership Dothan Class 36 held its Graduation Banquet at the Dothan Country Club. The class had 38 graduates.

4 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 Youth LeadershipCongratulations Dothan-Houston County & Leadership Dothan Classes 2018 Graduates

Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 26 Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 36

Bailey Anderson Harrison Holland Laney Peters Ken Bailey Debbie Geiger Gina McKnight Rehobeth High School Northview High School Providence Christian School NAI TALCOR Alfred Saliba Family Whatley Darty Real Estate David Michael Andrews Camryn Hutton Noor Qureshi Terry Bain Services Center Katie Parrish Houston Academy Emmanuel Christian School Northview High School Flowers Hospital Adam Harden Visit Dothan Henry Beckett Sydney Jeffcoat Jonah Redden Chad Brown Personnel Resources Vimal Patel Houston Academy Houston Academy Wicksburg High School J. Michael Lee Associates Inc. Natalie Harrison Bijal of Troy Inc J. Wilson Benton Aunna Johnson Mary Grace Reeves Ray Brown Coleman Worldwide Emily Peluso Providence Christian School Houston Academy Houston Academy Alabama College of Moving Dothan City Schools Skylar Boone Drew Johnson Spencer Smith Osteopathic Medicine Heather Helms Kishia Saffold Northview High School Northview High School Providence Christian School Josh Chapman Houston County Probate Kiddie Care Learning Office Baylor Boyd Caleb Jones Laney Skipper CSS Inc. Center Rehobeth High School Ashford High School Rehobeth High School Sherri Collins Linda Hendrix Brandi Scott TriState Graphics Inc. Berkshire Hathaway Home Berkshire Hathaway Home Taylor Byrd Stephanie Leas Sophia Soifer Service Showcase Properties Providence Christian School Dothan High School Houston Academy Melisa Cope Service Showcase Properties Andy Hoekenga CBL Associate Properties Brooke Segrest Blake Calhoun William Lee Nyah Vincent Coleman Worldwide Northside Methodist Academy Houston Academy Northview High School Carla Cribbs Southeast Alabama Medical Moving Center Margaret Crim Macy Maddox Hannah Waterworth Wallace Community College Becky Johnson Parrish Smith Providence Christian School Northview High School Houston County High School Shaun Cunningham Troy University Dothan Coldwell Banker - Alfred Friend Bank Grayson Davis, Molly Matthews Hanna Watson Joe Johnson Saliba Realty Greg Summerlin Northview High School Dothan High School Houston Academy Wallace Community College Meagan Dorsey CINTAS Joshua Dawsey Callie Morrison Seth White Brian Jones Dothan High School Wicksburg High School Wicksburg High School Dothan Education Melinda Sykes Foundation Brian Jones State Farm Georgia-Pacific Loren Evans, Sarah Kate Murray Coleman Wright Insurance Watson Downs Adam Williams Dothan High School Providence Christian School Providence Christian School Mike Keeley Watson & Downs Arch Counseling Liz Evans Tyler Nguyen Wen Zhang Investments, LLC Porterfield Memorial Dothan High School Northview High School Northview High School United Methodist Church Glenda Yohn Justin Eaves Houston County Soil & Nicole Langford Dillon Gaster Mary Beth Odum Trinity Bank Water Conservation District Dothan High School Providence Christian School Flowers Hospital Amanda Garner Ron Leddon Alex Gauldin Jackson Parker Chick-fil-A at Ross Clark Ridgecrest Christian School Cottonwood High School Circle ServisFirst Bank Avery Groover Carrie McBride Northview High School Country Financial - Carrie McBride Agency

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

Bowen Pharmacy Metro Diner The Park at Ashburn Two Great Publications, Tina Stringer Christopher Wyatt Dawn Money 1906 Fairview Ave. 2777 W. Main St. 671 Westgate Parkway Dothan, AL 36301 Dothan, AL 36302 Dothan, AL 36303 One Great Idea! PH: (334) 794-4211 www.metrodiner.com PH: (334) 792-0624 FAX: (334) 712-6791 RESTAURANTS FAX: (334) 792-4549 www.bowenpharmacyrx.com www.theparkatashburn.com Something To Talk Are You Missing The Opportunity To PHARMACIES About APARTMENTS Reach Thousands Of Potential Customers? Davenport Design Wendy Shehee Wal-Mart & Development 116 E. Slocomb St. (Slocomb) SuperCenter #2534 Teresa Davenport 4093 County Road 36 Michael Voorhees You want to reach new residents and the 304 Hadden Road Hartford, AL 36344 3300 S. Oates St. business community. They want to know how Dothan, AL 36301 PH: (334) 886-7882 Dothan, AL 36301 PH: (334) 200-9848 www.facebook.com/ to find you. The best way to achieve both goals PH: (334) 702-1310 FAX: (334) 678-9996 STTABoutique is to advertise in the Dothan Area Chamber FAX: (334) 702-0445 www.linkedin.com/in/ RETAIL - CLOTHING DEPARTMENT STORES of Commerce’s 2019 Dothan’s Official teresadavenport Southern Quest Welcome Guide and the 2019 Membership Williams Seafood PROFESSIONAL Construction DEVELOPMENT Market South Directory & Business Guide. Billy M. Snell Jr. TRAINING John Williams 4326 S. Brannon Stand Road 3600 S. Oates St., Suite 7 Dothan Ice Cream Co. Dothan, AL 36305 The Dothan Area Chamber and Print Dothan, AL 36301 Brett Smith PH: (334) 678-0904 Services Inc., the Chamber member PH: (334) 446-6522 131 N. Foster St., Suite 4 CONSTRUCTION www.williamsseafood awarded this project, have begun the (physical) EQUIPMENT / market.com ad sales campaign for these 2019 116 Acadia Drive CONTRACTORS RETAIL - PREPARED Dothan, AL 36305 publications. Chamber members (primary contact The Cottages Dothan, FOOD and/or advertising agent) recently began receiving the PH: (334) 803-9898 LLC www.dothanicecream.com Jan Mashburn Zaxby’s Chamber’s project introduction letter, verification form(s) and ICE CREAM & FROZEN 203 Front Porch Court Jim Dykes a “Reserve Your Space” brochure. DESSERTS Midland CIty, AL 36350 3205 S. Oates St. PH: (334) 671-4663 Dothan, AL 36301 Print Services will be contacting members about the www.thecottagesdothan.com PH: (334) 446-6480 RENTAL HOUSING www.zaxbys.com advertising opportunities and has a media kit available online RESTAURANTS at www.psiprinter.com.

The Welcome Guide and Membership Directory & Business Guide will be mailed to Chamber members in late January RenewingMembers 2019. High visibility through great distribution has been the key to the Welcome Guide’s success. Increased usage of the Membership Directory is a direct result of its convenience 40-49 Years 20-24 Years Dothan Steel Fabricators to find fellow business members to promote our business- Bevis, Eberhart, Browning, Boyd’s Marine Inc. Holiday Inn Hotel to-business relationships. Don’t miss out on these important Walker & Stewart Dothan Area Botanical Qualico Steel Co. Inc. Gardens 1-4 Years publications! Your company will benefit greatly by reaching Scarborough & Full Line Exhaust Inc. Alabama College of all who look to the Dothan Area Chamber for information Associates Inc. Southeast Alabama Osteopathic Medicine about Dothan businesses in 2019. WOW! Business Community Theatre (ACOM) Southeast Alabama Child Auto Expo Inc. 30-39 Years Advocacy Center The Bliss Atelier Distribution of the Welcome Guide (10,000) includes Farmer, Price, Hornsby Signs Etcetera Inc. Brian Jones State Farm economic development prospects, new residents, prospective & Weatherford, LLP Insurance retirees and relocation families requesting information Fastener Service Inc. 15-19 Years Chow King Grill & Buffet through the Chamber, 15 Chamber member apartment First Baptist Church Adams Beverages Inc. Cornelius Nationwide Hathcock Plumbing & Blankenship Contracting Inc. Insurance complexes for new residents, 15 Chamber member hotels/ Electric Co. Inc./Roto Rooter CapSouth Wealth Management Country Financial - Carrie motels in-room distribution and the Dothan Utilities and ParsonsGroup, LLC Harrison-Cannon Allstate McBride Agency Wiregrass Electric Cooperative offices to all new service Personnel Resources Insurance The Courtyard customers. Great web exposure is another avenue of Roni Holley State Farm Houston County Health Covenant Steel Insurance Department Dakota Coffee Works distribution for the 2019 Welcome Guide. The publication Southeastern Pediatric Dothan Hematology will be on the following websites: The City of Dothan, Houston 25-29 Years Associates, PA & Oncology, PC County, Dothan Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dothan The Riley Group Wiregrass Habitat for The DuBois Institute Area Chamber of Commerce and Print Services Inc. Li-Bo’s Dance Barre Inc. Humanity Inc. Escape Dothan Alabama Motor Express Inc. Forrest & Fields Real Estate Wiregrass Rehabilitation 10-14 Years Harrison, Dr. Thomas For more information about this opportunity, please Center Inc. Ace Automotive Service Inc. Health Center South contact: Pinch-A-Penny Dothan City Schools Medical Tower Bay Limousine Service Mixson Business Center Liberty Learning Foundation of Dothan S & S Development Co., LLP Moe’s Southwest Grill Mobile Communications Village Furniture Galleries Mural City Coffee Co. First Church of the Nazarene Playmaker Embroidery, LLC Vinson Plumbing & 5-9 Years The Recovery Room Electric Inc. Arch Business Rock-N-Roll Sushi Alabama Municipal Consulting Inc. Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Electric Authority Bradshaw’s Jewelers Techway Automotive, LLC A-Lock & Safe Complete Security & Sound Vistage Fairfield Inn Dothan The Daughtry Group Waffle House (334) 702-4063 The Kutt Above Inc. Dermatology Specialists Williams Seafood (334) 712-6532 Fax Pioneer Telephone of Alabama Market North Directories Corp. Disabled American Vet www.psiprinter.com Visit Dothan Chapter 87

6 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 Ambassadors&Diplomats BusinessBriefs Team Of The Month

Tickets Now On Sale! The Super Six Dothan Business Hall Of Fame Banquet The Dothan Business Hall of Fame‘s eighth annual Banquet and Induction Ceremony will be held Thursday, Aug. 23, at Calvary Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. The following laureates will be honored this year: C. Charles Nailen, BBG Specialty Foods Inc. – Taco Bell Corp.; Velma J. Tribue, Velma Tribue State Farm; Reafield Vester, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (retired); and. Sam Wainwright, Wainwright Engineering. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding business leaders, to perpetuate and inspire values of entrepreneurial spirit, personal integrity and community leadership in all generations. Chamber members and the general public is invited to attend this special event. Individual tickets for the event are $50 and corporate tables (seats eight) are also available at $750. To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Janice Shepard at (334) 792-5138 or [email protected].

Congratulations to the Ambassador and Diplomat Team of the Month “The Super Six” for claiming this month’s title. Team members are (seated) Betsey Marshall, TownePlace Suites; Lisa Baity, Alabama Kidney Foundation; (standing) Parrish Smith, Friend Bank; Eric SEACT To Hold Auditions Easley, FULLEFUELED; and Darryl Ellis, Alabama Department of “Mary Poppins Jr.” Rehabilitation. Team member not pictured is Rona Miller, Holloway Credit Solutions, LLC. The Southeast Alabama Community Theatre will hold community Thank you to all our Ambassadors and Diplomats who serve as the auditions Sunday-Tuesday, July 22-24, at The Cultural Arts Center eyes and ears for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. It is their for ages 8-18 for its upcoming production of Mary Poppins Jr. No dedication and support that assist your local Chamber in meeting its experience is necessary. goals. Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber Connections to see who the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and will claim the title. received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical. Performance dates are Sept. 18-22 at the Dothan Opera House. Star Of The Month For audition times and more information, visit www.seact.com. SEADAC To Hold Summer Dance Expo

The Southeast Alabama Dance Co. will bring together dancers, teachers and choreographers for “an explosion of dance”.at its 2018 Summer Dance Expo and Choreography Connections Saturday- Wednesday, July 23-27. This annual summer dance workshop has been introducing the latest dance styles and ideas. Faculty will be teaching Classical Ballet, jazz, pointe, contemporary and specialty classes. Three levels of dance will be offered: beginning/intermediate for students 8 years old and above with previous dance experience, intermediate and advanced. A placement class will be given at the beginning of camp to determine which level each student will be placed. Each level will have a minimum of three classes per day. Enrollment will be on a first come basis. Tuition is $325 if postmarked by July 1, or $350 if postmarked after July 1. Lisa Baity To register, or for more info, contact the SEADAC at Alabama Kidney Foundation (334) 702-7139, email [email protected] or visit www. southeastalabamadancecompany.org.

www.dothan.com 7 BusinessBriefs Forehand Earns CRD Bibb, Smith Graduate Apprentice Program

Designation Four Star Freightliner is pleased to announce “Both came ready to learn,” said Carroll. that two trainees, Timothy Bibb and Nicholas “They like what they do, have a good work Morgan Stanley Smith, are officially Four Star Freightliner ethic and are hard workers. I see great potential recently announced diesel technicians after graduating from in both of them. They’re going to be great that Lee Forehand the company’s newly organized apprentice technicians.” of the firm’s Dothan program. The apprentice program can run between office has been Bibb and Smith spent three months in 3-6 months. Four Star will provide starter tools designated as a intensive training that included classwork and and after a certain period of employment the corporate retirement supervised, hands-on work in the shop. While tools become the property of the technician. director. Forehand working in the shop, the pair received guidance For those interested in joining the apprentice Lee Forehand, earned the CRD from experienced senior technicians as they program, contact Scott Dixon, Four Star Corporate Retirement designation after applied their recently taught skills. Freightliner operations manager, at (800) 239- Director advanced training With the technology that comes with a 8785 or [email protected]. and examination, focusing exclusively on the modern truck, it is almost impossible to walk corporate retirement plan marketplace. into a shop and perform any kind of repair In addition to completing the course without having additional training. The owner work, financial advisors must meet certain of Four Star Freightliner, Jerry Kocan, started requirements with regards to retirement assets the apprentice program so that someone and industry experience. Of Morgan Stanley’s with little to no experience can still have an opportunity to become a technician. Kocan’s approximately 15,000 financial advisors, answer to the problem was to start the Four Forehand is among only approximately 2 Star apprenticeship program. percent of the firm’s advisors who have qualified After successfully completing the program, for this prestigious designation. trainees are offered a job at a Four Star Congratulations to Timothy Bibb (third from left) The CRD designation recognizes financial dealership. Bibb and Smith now work at the advisors who have dedicated their practice to and Nicholas Smith (second from right) who recently Montgomery dealership. David Carroll, Four graduated from Four Star Freightliner’s apprentice helping corporate clients manage all aspects Star Freightliner’s training manager, worked program. Also pictured (l-r) are Montgomery Service of their retirement plans. The services the closely with both men during the program Manager Tony Snead, Training Manager David firm’s corporate retirement directors can offer and taught them different skills at the Dothan Carroll, Bibb, Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan, Smith and include assistance with: plan evaluation and dealership. Operations Manager Scott Dixon manager. design, vendor selection, investment review and selection, fee and service benchmarking, and educating employees on topics critical to Wiregrass Transit Launches Bus Advertising Program retirement security. Wiregrass Transit recently announced a new providing essential transportation services as “Morgan Stanley is pleased to recognize transit advertising program that will provide well as tailored transportation to the general Lee for his proven ability to help retirement supplemental funding for the nonprofit public in Dothan and Houston County. It plan sponsors manage their responsibilities in organization. Advertisements will be displayed currently operates a fleet of 20 vehicles and today’s complicated retirement environment,” on the sides and rear of the 20 buses currently provides a range of capabilities to transport said Jeffrey Keller, executive director and head operating in its fleet. Special sizing and wraps individuals, groups and to accommodate the of corporate retirement for Morgan Stanley. are also available. disabled. All vehicles are ADA accessible and Forehand joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 “Wiregrass Transit had a similar program are equipped with wheel chair lifts and stations. and received an associate’s degree in business in the past that had some success before To find out more about this program or to from Enterprise State Junior College, a being phased out. With additional buses, new discuss advertising, call Jon Smith at (334) bachelor’s in finance from Troy University routes, and a management team focused on 446-1441 or visit www.wiregrasstransitads. and a master’s in financial planning from future growth, we felt it was time to launch com. the University of Alabama. He also holds a new transit advertising program that not the professional designations of chartered only provides the standard transit signage, retirement plans specialist and chartered but has the potential for full bus wraps. By retirement planning counselor from the advertising with us, businesses can help fund College for Financial Planning and qualified public transportation while getting their plan financial consultant from the National advertisement seen by thousands of motorists Association of Plan Advisors. daily,” explained Jared Weed, Wiregrass Transit Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial director. services firm providing investment banking, The program will be administered by local securities, wealth management and investment advertising agency, jsmithdesign, who will sell, management services. For more information, print and install the advertisements. Wiregrass visit www.morganstanley.com. Transit is a public nonprofit organization

8 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 BusinessBriefs Donofro, Trott Join BBVA Advisory Board Chamber Nominations BBVA Compass Engineers and Associates where he manages and Elections Committee announced that a diverse staff of professional engineers, Announces Proposed New Joe Donofro and geologists and project professionals involved in Scott Trout have infrastructure design, permitting, funding and Board Members been added to its project management for a large variety of public 2018-2019 Term Southeast Alabama and private entities. CDG’s clients benefit from Market Advisory Trott’s design expertise, which incorporates At the July 2018 Board of Directors meeting, Board. As part of management, planning, modeling, permitting, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s their responsibilities, evaluation, construction process optimization Nominations and Elections Committee, chaired Joe Donofro by Scott Applefield, immediate-past chairman, Donofro and Trott and rehabilitation. Trott is actively involved in presented to the board a proposed slate of nine will advise bank many professional associations which educate candidates who will each serve three-year terms leadership on market and advocate on many topics such as public on the Board of Directors, replacing those whose developments works and air, water, and waste management. regular terms expire this fall. The nominated candidates are: and projects, and “We are honored that Joe Donofro and Scott Watson Downs other potential Trott accepted our invitation to be market Engineered Systems Inc. opportunities for the advisory board members,” said Southeast Claudia Hall bank to assist clients. Alabama Market President Jeff Williams. “Both Southeast Alabama Medical Center As owner of are uniquely qualified to make sure the bank Greg Hoffman Donofro Architects, is serving the Wiregrass tri-states market, by Wiregrass Construction Co. Inc. Scott Trott Donofro has spent making businesses and individuals aware of the Brandon Hurst nearly 40 years providing design leadership bank’s financial strength, international trade Martin Environmental Services Inc. on commercial and residential projects in finance capabilities, award winning technology, Brad Kimbro Alabama, Georgia and Florida. His commercial local wealth management and trust services, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative portfolio includes retail, health care, housing, and ease of doing business with our branches. David (Mit) Kirkland restaurants, ecclesiastical and municipal We look forward to benefitting from their Scenic Cable Network and Production projects. Donofro holds architectural licenses business expertise and knowledge of Dothan Henry Quintero in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and the surrounding tri-state communities.” Five Star Credit Union and South Carolina, and is a founding member For more information, contact Christina Sami Shah Comfort Inn & Suites of the Downtown Group. Anderson, external communications at (205) Trott is the public market director for CDG 524-5214 or [email protected]. Pat Thomas Dothan Awning and Exteriors The general membership is hereby notified that additional names of candidates for director can be nominated by petition, bearing the genuine signatures of at least 5 percent of all qualified WITH STROKE,TIME LOST IS BRAIN LOST. voting members of the Chamber, using a separate petition for each nominee. Candidates nominated must have been submitted to the Committee SAMC is the region’s first hospital for consideration prior to the May 18, 5 p.m. deadline. Such petition must be filed with the to earn the prestigious Gold Plus Nominations and Elections Committee no later Stroke Award from the American than 5 p.m., July 16, 2018. If no petition is Heart Association and American filed, the nominations shall be closed and the Stroke Association. nominated slate declared elected by the Board of Directors at its next scheduled meeting. In From the area’s first responders the event a petition is filed, the Nominations to SAMC’s highly trained stroke and Elections Committee will be responsible for team of physicians, nurses and conducting an election in accordance with the Chamber By-Laws. clinical team members, patients receive the latest stroke care SAMC IS THE REGION’S GOLD available. YOURCHAMBER STANDARD FOR STROKE CARE. This means a coordinated and quicker response time, which in turn means less damage caused PROVIDING PATIENTS THE by the stroke. HIGHEST LEVEL OF ADVANCED STROKE CARE. Don’t Forget to Vote 2018 Primary Runoff Election 1108 Ross Clark Circle July 17 Top 10% in nation for patient safety Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-8111 samc.org Your vote counts!

www.dothan.com 9 BusinessBriefs Henderson, McCarty Friends Of The Library Spa Novus Welcomes Join Whatley Darty Invite You To A Steines To Staff Real Estate Lunch and Learn Spa Novus is pleased to welcome The Dothan Lincoln scholar and acclaimed trial lawyer Naci Steines to its Association of Jonathan F. Putnam will be the featured staff. A graduate Realtors and Whatley speaker at a Friends of the Dothan/Houston from the esthetics Darty Real Estate County Libraries Lunch and Learn at the program at Lurleen B. welcome Brandon Dothan Country Club Thursday, July 19, at Wallace with a license Henderson and 11:30 a.m. Putnam has created the Lincoln & in esthetics, Steines Brittany McCarty to Speed mystery series which will be releasing its previously interned the team. third title, Final Resting Place, July 10. These Naci Steines in Birmingham with a Born and raised in Honored Dead debuted in 2016 and Perish from facial plastic surgeon. the Earth Brandon Henderson, Dothan, Henderson appeared in 2017. Originally from Waco, Texas, Steines resides Realtor is a new young agent Using his love of history and legal expertise, in Enterprise where her husband is an Apache with a great work Putnam has created compelling historical pilot in the Army. She also has additional ethic and a genuine mysteries set in the 1830s. Speed is the second training in laser and microneedling. care for his clients. He son of a wealthy plantation owner who teams She picked this line of work because she is works 110 percent to up with young Illinois trial lawyer Abraham passionate about helping women feel their best ensure that a client’s Lincoln to solve a variety of mysteries. and gain self-confidence. real estate experience Putnam graduated from Harvard University For more information, or to schedule an is stress free and and Harvard Law School where he was appointment, call Spa Novus at (334) 699-body enjoyable. first in his law class. He has worked at the (2639) or visit www.spanovus.com. Henderson has international law firm Kirkland & Ellis, LLP worked in many since 1993. When not researching Lincoln, writing or advocating for victims, Putnam runs Brittany McCarty, different fields Realtor which include in marathons and manages his family’s fantasy construction, welding football league. He lives with his wife and three and supervision of infrastructure rehabilitation children in New York and London. projects in and around the Dallas, Texas, The luncheon cost is $20, which includes a area. He is currently pursuing a mechanical buffet lunch and author presentation. engineering degree from Auburn University and Reservations are required to attend. To make plans to graduate by 2019. your reservation, or for more information, call McCarty possesses a strong customer service Friends of the Library at (334) 791- 2706 or background with over 10 years of experience, as email [email protected]. well as business management studies. This new journey in life is enhanced by Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family McCarty’s zeal to learn new things. When she’s not working hard to establish herself in real want convenient, accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at estate, she is busy enjoying life to the fullest with Flowers Medical Group are making it easier than ever to get primary care. her husband, children and extended family. Online scheduling is available for select providers at For more information, contact the Whatley FlowersMedicalGroup.com. Darty Real Estate at (334) 699-1999 or visit www.whatleydarty.com. ASK ABOUT SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE.

Flowers Medical Group Primary Care Locations 500 Healthwest Dr. • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-641-4073 4300 West Main St., Suite 16 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-697-8055 4300 West Main St., Suite 41 • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-731-7102 210 Westside Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-759-3054 108 Medical Drive • Dothan, AL 36303 • 334-309-8278 4126 West Main St. • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-309-8598 144 Virginia Avenue • Daleville, AL 36322 • 334-731-7121

FlowersMedicalGroup.com

10 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 99309_FLOW_PCP_CallTrack_4_75x4_1845c.indd 1 10/6/17 4:45 PM BusinessBriefs Home Instead Senior Upcoming Member Events Care Welcomes Celebrate Recovery Music By Moonlight New Key Players Every Friday • 7 p.m. July 12 • 7:30 p.m. Harvest Church. This is a biblical 12-step Landmark Park. Pack a picnic supper, Home Instead program for anyone struggling with life’s bring the family and friends and enjoy Senior Care is hurts, hang-ups or habits. The program is an evening of great music under the stars pleased to welcome Sara Arnold and free and all are welcome. For those with on the Gazebo lawn. Free admission. For Jessica Culbreth children, age-specific children’s program more information, call (334) 794-3452 or to its team as key available. For more information, visit www.landmarkpark.com. players at their office. call (334) 702-6555 or email Each of their roles celebraterecovery@harvestdothan. Homebuyer Workshop is vitally important com. “You can’t heal a wound by saying July 14 • 10 a.m. Sara Arnold, to the continued it’s not there!” Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Administrative Assistant / success of Home Showcase Properties. Free monthly Staffing Coordinator Instead’s locally- Poplar Head Farmer’s Market Homebuyer workshops are held the owned franchise Every Saturday • 8 a.m. - noon second Saturday each month, except in providing the best care for aging Corner of Main and St. Andrews streets. for in November when the workshop residents of the This is an open-air market featuring fresh date is Nov. 17. To register, or for more Wiregrass. locally-grown vegetables, fruit, flowers, information, call (334) 792-7474. Arnold will serve herbs, etc. For more information, call as administrative the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Art After Hours assistant and staffing Authority at (334) 699-8118 or visit July 19 • 5:30 p.m. coordinator to www.dothandowntown.org/poplar- Wiregrass Museum of Art and Conference help the office run head-farmers-market. Center. WMA’s quarterly event will mark Jessica Culbreth, smoothly and find the opening of new exhibitions. Come Caregiver Recruitment / the best matches Engagement Coordinator Foster Fest wander the galleries and take in the new of caregivers to client each week. July 6 • 6 p.m. art on display. Light snacks will be served, This will help to ensure that clients and Foster Street Downtown Dothan. and drinks available for purchase. Cost: caregivers are both satisfied. Arnold has a Hosted by the Dothan Downtown members free; non-members $5. For diverse background and many clerical and Redevelopment Authority, this is a free, more information, call (334) 794-3871 administrative positions, ranging from the pet-friendly event showcasing downtown or visit www.wirgregrassmuseum.org. criminal court system to private industry. Dothan, the local arts, crafts and music Culbreth will serve as caregiver recruitment scene, downtown businesses and classic and engagement coordinator. In this human cars. For more information, contact the Have an upcoming resources role, she will be responsible for DDRA at (334) 699-8118 or visit www. event planned? the recruiting and interviewing of potential facebook.com/fosterfest. Send your event information caregivers, as well as preforming criminal and driving background checks. She will to [email protected] also be responsible for the development of caregivers that includes training and ongoing communication and engagement. Culbreth has a strong background in human resources and management. Creating Hospitality Heros In Dothan Home Instead Senior Care provides assistance to seniors with their daily activities Through the partnership of Visit Dothan, Designed to provide professional such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, development training for frontline hotel medications reminders, transportation, Southeast AlabamaWorks and area hotels and employees, hotel professionals will gain personal care, as well as dementia care. attractions, a Hospitality 101 Program has experience through hands-on customer For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, call Liz Woodard, community been created. Hospitality 101 seeks to support service exercises during the one-day training service representative, at (334) 699-6815 or Dothan’s tourism, workforce and and guided city bus tour. Each email [email protected]. business needs by creating stronger guided stop at the city’s businesses “Hospitality Heroes.” and attractions will educate A press conference announcing participants on how to better YOURCHAMBER the Hospitality 101 Program promote what the city of DGthan took place at the Visit Dothan has to offer for visitors to shop, Attention Members! Information Center and in dine and play during their stay. If you know of a business interested attendance were Dothan Mayor For more information about in benefiting from joining the Chamber, Mark Saliba and representatives from Visit the program contact Katie Parrish, director of please contact Hayden Camp at (334) 792- Dothan, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, operations and marketing, at (334) 794-6622 5138 or [email protected]. and Southeast AlabamaWorks. or [email protected].

www.dothan.com 11 GrowDothan Dothan Remains Lowest Cost Of Living Area In State ACCRA Cost of Living Index First Quarter 2018

The Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area remains the lowest cost of “Data and statistics continue to show that Dothan is a great and living area in the state. Among the 263 urban areas that participated in inexpensive place to live and work. This index is an invaluable tool that the first quarter 2018 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, Dothan MSA came provides apples to apples information on the cost of our community in at 84 percent for its total index. This index represents that the overall versus other metro areas in the United States,” said Matt Parker, president cost of living for the Dothan area is 16 percent below the national average. of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. He indicated the index is When compared to the eight Alabama urban areas that participated helpful for individuals relocating to our area for a variety of reasons tied in the 2018 first quarter Index, the Dothan area was the lowest cost area to retirement or employment, or those individuals seeking information in the state. Moreover, Dothan, Alabama was the lowest cost area when on general health care costs, transportation and miscellaneous services. compared to communities in Georgia and Florida. The area also reported “The Dothan area has consistently been in the top 25 lowest cost areas the lowest composite index in the state for Utilities and Miscellaneous with its participation of this index. We thank our staff and the Council Goods and Services. for Community and Economic Research for the opportunity to take part The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in this index each quarter and provide up-to-date information on costs in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non- for our region,” concluded Parker. consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering 60 different items for which prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and university applied economic centers in each participating urban area. Small differences should not be interpreted as showing a measurable difference. The composite index is based on six component categories – Housing, Utilities, Grocery Items, Transportation, Health Care and Miscellaneous Goods and Services.

Roby Receives Spirit Of Enterprise Award DACC Receives Business Partner Award

On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Coleman Worldwide Moving and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledged and recognized Alabama Rep. Martha Roby as a “friend of business” and recipient of this year’s U.S. Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Award. The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region including the Dothan Area Chamber and its members. Each year, working closely with state and local chambers and the American business community, the U.S. Chamber identifies the issues that are most important to the success of free enterprise, and then evaluate members of Congress on how they vote on those issues. Those members who vote 70 percent or greater in that given year of Congress receives the U.S. Chamber’s coveted Spirit of Enterprise Award. Rep. Roby earned the U.S. Chamber’s award with a 95 percent voting record. Congratulations Rep. Roby on receiving this award, and thank you for your leadership in Washington.

Alabama Rep. Martha Roby (center) was presented the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spirit of Enterprise Award. Also pictured (l-r) are Jimbo Loftin, Coleman The Dothan Technology Center recently presented the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Worldwide Moving senior vice president of field operations; Jeff Coleman, Coleman with its first “Business Partner of the Year” award during the DTC’s Honor Program. Worldwide Moving president and CEO; Beau Benton, Larry Blumberg and Associates Pictured (l-r) are Emily Peluso, DTC counselor; Dean Mitchell, DACC executive director; (LBA Hospitality) and DACC chairman; and Dean Mitchell, DACC executive director. and Joey Meigs, DTC director of career and technical education.

12 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 WorkforceDevelopment College Enrollment And Work Activity Of Recent High School And College Graduates – 2017

The following information is from an April 26, Recent High School Graduates and Dropouts (Age 16 to 24) Economic News Release from the U.S. Bureau of Of the 2.9 million youth age 16 to 24 who graduated from high school Labor Statistics. between January and October 2017, about 1.9 million (66.7 percent) In October 2017, 66.7 percent of 2017 high were enrolled in college in October. The college enrollment rate of recent school graduates age 16 to 24 were enrolled in high school graduates in October 2017 was slightly lower than the rate in colleges or universities, the U.S. Bureau of Labor October 2016 (69.7 percent). Statistics reported. Among persons age 20 to 29 Among 2017 high school graduates age 16 to 24, the college enrollment who received a bachelor’s degree in 2017, 77.6 rate for young women was 71.7 percent, higher than the rate of 61.1 percent were employed. percent for young men. The college enrollment rate of recent Asian Steve Turkoski, Information on school enrollment and graduates (83.0 percent) was higher than for their White (67.1 percent), Project Manager employment status is collected monthly Hispanic (61.0 percent), and Black (59.4 percent) counterparts. in the Current Population Survey, a nationwide survey of about The labor force participation rate (the proportion of the population 60,000 households that provides information on employment and that is employed or looking for work) for recent high school graduates unemployment. Each October, a supplement to the CPS gathers more enrolled in college was 39.8 percent. The participation rates for male and detailed information about recent degree recipients and school enrollment. female graduates enrolled in college were about the same, at 41.2 percent In addition to data on recent high school graduates, this release for the and 38.8 percent, respectively. first time presents information on recent degree recipients age 20 to 29. Among recent high school graduates enrolled in college in October 2017, about 9 in 10 were full-time students. Recent graduates enrolled as Highlights from the October 2017 data: full-time students were about half as likely to be in the labor force (36.9 • Among recent high school graduates age 16 to 24, women remained percent) as were their peers enrolled part time (74.0 percent). more likely to be enrolled in college (71.7 percent) than men (61.1 About 2 in 3 recent high school graduates enrolled in college attended percent). 4-year colleges. Of these students, 30.3 percent participated in the labor • Among 16- to 24-year-olds, 41.8 percent of recent high school force in October 2017, lower than the 58.4 percent for recent graduates dropouts were working or looking for work, lower than the labor force enrolled in 2-year colleges. participation rate of 67.4 percent for recent high school graduates not Recent high school graduates not enrolled in college in the fall of 2017 enrolled in college. were much more likely than enrolled graduates to be in the labor force • About 16.3 million people age 16 to 24 were not enrolled in (67.4 percent, compared with 39.8 percent). The unemployment rate for school--42.7 percent of the total. recent high school graduates not enrolled in college was 16.8 percent, • Among 20- to 29-year-olds, 79.8 percent of recent associate degree higher than the rate of 10.2 percent for recent graduates enrolled in recipients, 77.6 percent of recent bachelor’s degree recipients, and 77.5 college. percent of recent advanced degree recipients were employed. Between October 2016 and October 2017, 530,000 young people • About one-fourth of recent bachelor’s degree recipients age 20 to 29 dropped out of high school. The labor force participation rate for recent were enrolled in school. dropouts (41.8 percent) was much lower than the rate for recent high • Among those age 20 to 29, unemployment rates for recent associate school graduates not enrolled in college (67.4 percent). The jobless rate degree recipients, recent bachelor’s degree recipients, and recent for recent high school dropouts was 18.9 percent in October 2017, little advanced degree recipients were 5.6 percent, 8.3 percent, and 11.9 different from the rate for recent high school graduates not enrolled in percent, respectively. college (16.8 percent). DEF Receives Wells Fargo Foundation Grant

The Dothan Education Foundation recently received a generous for students by supplying funds for activities that would otherwise be $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo to benefit the organization’s annual unavailable - activities outside the scope of normal funding. Community Teacher and School Grants program. support in this tournament will continue to foster educational success for “Wells Fargo continues to be an outstanding partner in education with our students and grow creative classrooms. the Dothan Education Foundation. Their support of the DEF Teacher and School Grant Program impact students, teachers and administrators in our community,” said Gindi Prutzman, DEF president. “Wells Fargo knows the importance of quality education in Dothan and we greatly appreciate this grant and the work they do.” “Wells Fargo fully advocates for education as one of the most important investments we can make in our country’s future,” said Dothan Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Jamie Lynne McKnight. “The youth of today are tomorrow’s business owners, leaders and teachers, and we are honored to support the Dothan Education Foundation and the public schools to promote educational success. We will continuously support educational efforts within Dothan and across the state of Alabama through our many The Dothan Education Foundation recently received a grant from the Wells Fargo initiatives committed to this vital life discipline.” Foundation. Pictured (l-r) are Meagan Dorsey, DEF communications director; David Since 1995, the Dothan Education Foundation has awarded over Crutchfield, DEF board; Kandy Groover, DEF board; Warren Reeves, DEF board; Gindi Prutzman, DEF president; Jamie Lynn McKnight, Wells Fargo; Terry Stansell, DEF board; $480,000 in grants to Dothan City School teachers and principals to Critt Snellgrove, DEF board chairman; Dr. Barbara Alford, DEF board; Trip Whatley, encourage innovative teaching to enhance the educational experience DEF board chairman-elect.

www.dothan.com 13 SmallBusinessDevelopment

Small Business Tips

Tips to keep your business growing Conquering growing pains can require business owners to Small Business Seminar overcome challenges, writes Annie Pilon. She offers a list of articles on topics such as getting a business loan, developing a risk-management strategy and using automation and big What Color Is Your Lure? data to solve problems. Read more: https://smallbiztrends. Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce com/2018/04/10-tips-for-scaling-your-business-and- overcoming-growing-pains.html. (Source: SmallBizTrends. Thursday, July 19 • 11:30 – 1 p.m. com, Annie Pilon, “10 Tips for Scaling Your Business and Overcoming Growing Pains,” April 28, 2018) The “Color Is Your Lure” evolved from a fishing trip where the conversation was that some were catching fish and some were not. The How to establish a long-term vision business horizon is a constant change! In sales, we are faced with greater Sixty-three percent of small businesses make strategic plans competition, a more educated consumer and the introduction of new that look at most a year into the future, a Constant Contact technologies. All of this while we, as sales people, are required to hit survey found. Owners can develop a longer-term vision higher goals, see more customers and respond more quickly. If you’re by setting a schedule for reviewing financials, evaluating a manager, you’re with a more diverse workforce, shorter deadlines, new new opportunities and looking further into the future, products and greater responsibilities. There are new technologies and writes Pamela Slim. Read more: www.entrepreneur.com/ sometimes the learning curve is challenging. Much of which comes from article/312654. (Source: Entrepreneur.com, Pamela Slim, the senior leadership and require us to integrate into the workforce as “How to Overcome Common Challenges and Help Your Small quickly as possible. Business Grow,” April 30, 2018) To help you our members, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce 7 Facebook custom audiences to target and David Balmer, Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie Training, invite you to Facebook custom audiences are a handy tool to help your join us for the luncheon workshop “What Color is Your Lure?” Thursday, business retarget consumers on the social network who have July 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. interacted with your website. Charlie Lawrance reviews seven “What Color Is Your Lure?” addresses the way business has changed custom audiences and how they can work for you. Read and how we can no longer rely on doing things the same old way we more: www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-ways-to-target- always have. This workshop will discusses the need for adaptability, the website-visitors-with-facebook-custom-audiences. (Source: need to know your customers and employees better and realizing that we SociailMediaExaminer.com, “Charlie Lawrance, “7 Ways to need more than one way of approaching people and situations. Target Website Visitors with Facebook Custom Audiences, May Come join us! The cost for the workshop is $10 per person and 8, 2018) includes lunch. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, July 17. To reserve your seat, call Susan Tatom at (334) 792-5138.

Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday Are You A Chamber July 20-22 Member-To-Member Participant? Alabama’s 13th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items will be observed Being a participant not from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2018, until only helps promote midnight, Sunday, July 22, 2018. your business, but also demonstrates For three days only, pay no sales tax on: your Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce membership ½ Clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item) commitment. ½ Certain school supply items ($50 or less per item) For more information about this DACC benefit ½ Computers or computer equipment ($750 or or to become a participant, contact Hayden Camp, less) director of membership, at (334) 792-5138, ½ Any book valued at $30 or less email [email protected] or visit www.dothan.com/membertomemberprogram. For more information, visit www.alabamaretail.org/resources/salestaxholidays

14 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JULY 2018 AMBASSADOR / DIPLOMAT COMMITTEE APPLICATION There are 2018-2019 Are you good at promoting your belief a lot of people in the Chamber?

looking for Do you enjoy people and networking? your business. Is your business interested in connecting with the community?

Then you may have what it takes to be a Chamber Ambassador or Diplomat.

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and Diplomat Committees are gearing up for its 2018-2019 fiscal year, and are looking for a few good volunteers who enjoy teamwork and meeting people. The program year runs October-September and the committees meet the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office. Serving as an Ambassador or Diplomat allows you to become more involved in your business community. This results in increased networking opportunities, enhanced visibility of your business and numerous opportunities to market and promote your products and services. If you are interested in serving as an Ambassador or Diplomat for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce please complete and return the application. The commitment is for Let them find you. one year. The Chamber has 50 Ambassador positions available

IN THIS NEWSLETTER ON OUR WEBSITE for the 2018-2019 year and will accept applications until Aug. 1, 2018, or until all positions are filled. Over 6,000* read Over 4,000 visit Returning Ambassadors/Diplomats must also re-apply for The Connections www.dothan.com the 2018-2019 year. each month. each month. For more information, contact the Director of

Reach over 950 Chamber Reach new prospects Membership, Hayden Camp, at (334) 792-5138 or email member businesses with a searching for local [email protected]. low cost ad each month. information about Dothan. (To be a Diplomat you must have been an Ambassador for AD SIZE COST PER MONTH three consecutive years.) 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. Back Cover $160 $144 $136 $128 Standard $75 $67.50 $63.75 $60 Name: ______Small $210 $189 $178.50 $168 Medium $260 $234 $221 $208 Large $375 $337.50 $318.75 $300 Ads will be linked to advertiser’s Business Name:______* Estimated total based on 2,400 Website at no additional charge. subscriptions Title or Position:______Call (334) 792-5138 to get connected. Address:______

______

DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Phone:______Fax:______

We reach the people you should be reaching. E-mail:______www.dothan.com Circle One: AMBASSADOR DIPLOMAT

EconomicIndicators Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for April: 61,816 in 2017; 62,530 in 2018 59,321 in 2017; 60,281 in 2018 Employed Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for April: 4.0% in 2017; 3.6% in 2018 Air Care Systems, Inc. Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for April: 8 issued ($1.80 million) in 2017; 23 issued ($6.64 million) in 2018 Home Sales in Dothan for April: 102 sold in 2017; 145 sold in 2018 Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for April: 4,113 in 2017; 4,650 in 2018 Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for April: $1,641,393 in 2017; $1,685,422 in 2018 (County) 334.340.1111 $5,979,504 in 2017; $6,063,559 in 2018 (City)

Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 6/1/18. 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