CULLMANSENSE.COM December 1, 2014 EYES OF PROGRESS 9
Volume 45 December 2014 | Issue 12
artist, this is an opportunity to gain support needed for your pieces and let exposure within our Chamber, as us know if you will need any special well as with community members. accommodations (ex: outlet). Limit- It affords artists a chance to give ed space is available. We would like back to our local community and to thank all of our current members also to make a profit should they and invite future members to join us choose to do so. Fifty percent of pro- as we honor our local artists and cel- ceeds are donated to the local Food ebrate the beautiful works of art that Bank and 50 percent to the artists; originate from our talented commu- however, the artist may also opt nity. Please email info@cullman- to donate 100 percent of the pro- chamber.org to register and request ceeds to our local area food bank. your submission form, stop by the The deadline to submit yourChamber office or call 256-734-0454. artwork will be today, Monday, If you would like to attend please Our final Business After Hours event After Hours Silent Auction/Chamber December 1, 2014. Any medium is call the chamber to register or res- to conclude this quarterly series will for Charities event to celebrate the accepted and subject to approval by gister online. Members $15.00 be held on Tuesday, December 9, end of a fantastic year! We are seek- the Chamber. You must be 18 years and Future Members $20.00. 2014 as we present our 3rd annual Art ing local art and special pieces. As an or older. Please provide any display or From the Chamber President: You’re Gonna Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid
The Movie: The Movie: Elf The Business Lesson: Do not empty Miracle on 34th Street your RV’s septic tank into the sewer The Business Lesson: Protect your because the buildup of methane gas The Business Lesson: Responsiveness, brand against knock-offs. could cause a city-wide blackout. flexibility and honesty build customer loyalty. In this 2003 charmer, Will Ferrell Ho, ho. Never mind all that. The real is Buddy the Elf, a human raised at business lessons from the 1989 film Edmund Gwenn plays Kris Kringle in the North Pole among Santa and his Christmas Vacation are numerous the original Miracle on 34th Street, re- elves. When he returns to New York and obvious: don’t substitute employ- Leah Bolin leased in 1947. Hired as a department he is shocked by the proliferation of ee cash bonuses with jelly-of-the- President & CEO, store Santa at Macy’s, he promptly bewhiskered fat men in red pajamas. month club subscriptions; don’t hire Cullman Area Chamber breaks the rules by telling some cus- “You sit on a throne of lies!” he in- contractors for pool work unless you of Commerce tomers they’d have better luck finding forms one department store phony. have the capital on hand; don’t kid- what they’re looking for over at Gim- Buddy’s reaction summarizes the nap your boss; never wear a forest I have a dirty little secret. I start lis- ble’s. Macy’s management is outraged. harmful effects counterfeits and green dickie under a white sweater. tening to Christmas music in Oc- But by looking beyond short-term knock-offs can have on brand integri- But on this holiday season we’re tober. There - I said it! Mock me if considerations in favor of genuine ty. For the Santa brand any semblance not here to merely recap the you will-but I love Christmas mu- customer service, Gwenn’s San- of quality control has long since obvious. Rather, let’s dig sic. The same is true for Christmas ta creates great buzz, builds slipped away and the result is exactly deeper. The story-line for the movies. Can you watch “Christmas loyalty, and expands Macy’s the kind of disillusionment expressed film is familiar - a bumbling Vacation” too many times? They customer base. In an era when voice- here. This film should be standard- idealist seeks to capture are like Thin Mint Cookies or Cad- mail menus have largely replaced viewing at every company boardroom. the perfect family Christmas... and bury Eggs-get as many as you can human contact and frustrated con- everything goes wrong! The humor while you can! I discovered recently, sumers feel increasingly alienated, The Movie: lies in the visual and narrative jux- though, that Christmas movies actu- a strategy of honest, customer-cen- Christmas Vacation tapositions - the ideal of the pefect ally have some great business lessons. tered service can pay big dividends. Chamber President continued on pg 13... www.CullmanChamber.org
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1104, Cullman, AL 35056-1104 | 256-734-0454 | F: 256-737-7443 | [email protected] www.cullmanchamber.org | www.visitcullman.org CULLMANSENSE.COM 10 EYES OF PROGRESS December 1, 2014 SMALL BUSINESS & DECEMBER SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Office Equipment Company, Inc. QuickBooks Seminar 209 3rd Street SE The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce hosted an Advanced Quick- Books class on November 18, 2014. The participants gave high marks for the Cullman, AL 35055 instruction and lessons learned. Robert Page, an economist and CPA with 256-734-1900 the Alabama Cooperative Extension, facilitated the class and was able to pro- vide personalized instruction to the attendees during the 2 ½ hour session. Sponsored by: Cullman Florist Check our website and calendar for upcoming seminars during 2015. 256-734-0263 NOVEMBER’S SMALL BUSINESS OF MONTH
From L to R: Rita Dean, owner of What a Girl Wants; Jason Ger- stman, CEO/owner of Valley Heating & Cooling; and Derek Lane, Angie Jarrett; Robert Page, Alabama Cooperative Extension; and Cullman Chamber. Robbie Henshaw are pictured above. Congratulations to our Novem- man Area Chamber of Commerce ber Small Business of the Month and make contributions to our PAINT THE TOWN winner, Valley Heating & Cooling. community, offer outstanding cus- This month’s Small Business of the tomer service and serve as inspir- Month was sponsored by What A ing success stories. Nomination Girl Wants. The Small Business of forms can be downloaded at www. the Month award is given monthly cullmanchamber.org. Valley Heat- to a local small business that meets ing & Cooling is honored to re- nomination requirements. Eligible ceive this award and happy to offer candidates have under 100 em- their services to the Cullman area. ployees, are members of the Cull-
Pictured above is Ms. Richter’s class from Cullman Middle School. The winners from the Paint the Town contest are: Ms. Rutherford’s class from Cullman Primary School, Ms. Lochridge’s class from St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Ms. Boyd’s class from Cullman High School, and the overall winner was Ms. Richter’s Class from Cullman Mid- dle School. We’d like to extend a special thanks to Ginger Camp- bell who represented her company, Webb Wheel, and sponsored the event. We’d also like to thank Chick-fil-A for providing lunch to our overall winners. Presenting the check was Maria Richter Schultz, Retail Committee Chair - O.F. Richter & Sons, along with Ginger Campbell that represented Webb Wheel, Presenting Sponsor. Paint the Town was sponsored by:
2310 Industrial Drive SW Cullman, AL 35055 www.webbwheel.com CULLMANSENSE.COM December 1, 2014 EYES OF PROGRESS 11 MEMBERSHIP
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Thank you for you support & investment in the Cullman Area!
Sips n Strokes 256-338-6333 Finishing Touch Body Shop 256-287-2497
Halloween & Hospitality – We Love Our Members!
Donut Joe’s 505 Main Ave SW Cullman, AL 35055 | 256-841-5872
We at the Chamber loved Halloween. Who doesn’t love dressing up in a costume and eating loads of candy? This year, we dressed up and vis- ited Cullman City Primary – Head Start and the Margaret Jean Jones Applebee’s Center where Cruella de Vil sang and passed out candy. We also vis- 2106 Cherokee Ave SW ited as many members as we could throughout the day. Thank you Cullman, AL 35055 | 256-736-6336 for allowing us to spend our favorite spooky holiday with y’all!
Above: Some of the clients at The Candle Garden Margaret Jean Jones Center posed 320 1st Ave SE with Cruella & her dalmatians Cullman, AL 35055 | 256-338-7204 Proven & Dependable Bremen, Alabama Manufacturing 3ULPDU\3URGXFWV 5ROO6HDO'RRUV (QYLURQPHQWDO&RQWUROV +HDWLQJ(TXLSPHQW 3RXOWU\9HQWLODWLRQ 'DLU\9HQWLODWLRQ +RUWLFXOWXUH9HQWLODWLRQ 3ULPDU\3URFHVVHV Above: Chamber President, Leah 0HWDO)DEULFDWLRQ Bolin, dressed as Cruella de Vil, :HOGLQJ and Margo Messersmith, Owner of Margo’s Antiques & Gifts $VVHPEO\ (OHFWURQLF%RDUG5HSDLU 7HFKQLFDO&HQWHU %UHPHQ)DFLOLW\ &RXQW\5G%UHPHQ$/86$ &XPEHUODQGLVDSDUWRI*6,DZRUOGZLGHEUDQGRI$*&2ZZZFXPEHUODQGSRXOWU\FRP CULLMANSENSE.COM 12 EYES OF PROGRESS December 1, 2014
Joe Turner
Presenting Sponsor:
magician based in Atlanta, Georgia. print appearances, including Good A brand engagement and audience Morning America, Nightline, and a impact specialist, he creates custom- highly rated feature on CNN Headline The Chamber’s 72nd Annual Meet- The Gloria Williams Agency. This ized corporate magic presentations News. Joe is currently serving as the ing & Gala will be on Thursday, year’s program will also feature the and keynotes for promotional, mo- International President-Elect of the February 19, 2015 at Stone Bridge presentations of the annual Emma tivational and entertainment events International Brotherhood of Ma- Farms located at 281 County Road Marie Eddleman Citizen of the Year in the United States and around the gicians. He is also a member of the 717 in Cullman. The doors open at Award and the Small Business of world. Joe’s title, “Chief Impossibility Academy of Magical Arts at The Magic 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6 the Year Award. We will have gen- Officer,” alludes to his corporate back- Castle in Hollywood, the Society of p.m. There will be a post party from eral admission tickets available for ground prior to his magical enter- American Magicians, The Magic Cir- 8-10:30 p.m. The event is presented sale in December. For more infor- tainment and speaking career, as well cle in London (A.I.M.C. with Silver by Peoples Bank of Alabama and fea- mation, or to make a reservation, as his expertise in adapting his per- Star) and the Fellowship of Christian tures the theme, “The Magic of Suc please contact the Chamber at info@ formances to entertain and amaze his Magicians. He is also a popular speak- cess”. Our featured guest speaker cullmanchamber.org or by telephone audiences while emphasizing specific er, onscreen and onstage talent, a is renowned comedian and key- at 256-734-0454. Our speaker and marketing or inspirational messages. professional pianist, an accomplished note speaker, Joe Turner and is entertainment, Joe M. Turner, is a He has been featured in numerous vocalist, composer and playwright. presented by Freedom Insurance – professional speaker, mentalist and television, radio and Speaker Sponsor:
Emma Marie Eddleman Award
This award, presented in February of each year by the Cullman Area Chamber, recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contri- bution to the community. Nominations should include a written state- ment about the individual’s accomplishments and why that individual should be considered for the award. The nominee should be dedicated to community service, have accomplished outstanding goals or tasks in a community service role, have achieved an outstanding status in the community and be a resident of Cullman County. All nominations must be submitted to the Chamber no later than the last day of Janu- ary to be eligible. You may fill out a nomination form online at cull- manchamber.org - forms or email [email protected]. CULLMANSENSE.COM December 1, 2014 EYES OF PROGRESS 13
The 2014 - 15 Leadership Class along with local Judges; the Honorable Judge Chaney, the Honorable Judge Nicholas and the Honorable Judge Turner. Presented By: justice system and law enforcement ber outing will be on “Local Gov- within the Cullman community. ernment”. Leadership Co-Chairs Leadership Cullman County is a government, economic development The day was full of educational ex- include Brian Lacy, Cullman Electric nine-month series of seminars and and quality of life. This ambitious periences and simulated situations Cooperative; and TJ Franey, Cullman programs designed to bring togeth- group of leaders have successful- that fully engaged the members. County Schools. Cullman Cham- er a class of 20 community leaders ly completed sessions on education Thanks to Listerhill Credit Union ber President Leah Bolin leads the to examine community issues such and criminal justice. Their Novem- for providing breakfast and to KFC group and serves as program advisor. as education, healthcare, crime, ber session focused on the criminal for providing lunch. Their Decem-
Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC)
The Governmental Affairs Committee of the Cullman Area Cham- ber of Commerce is committed to reviewing, developing, and supporting issues that promote a positive, pro-active econom- ic environment with social progress and enhanced quality of life.
Role of GAC Morning Blend is a chamber event held each third Wednes- • Establishing productive relationships between business day of the month in the Commons Room of the CoC. interests and public officials. You set the topic, Starbucks provides the coffee. This is a • Providing forums to inform Chamber members, public officials great opportunity to network with others in the communi- and candidates for public office on issues ty. Thanks to Les Cheveux for being our monthly sponsor! impacting the business community. • Developing and supporting legislation and other governmental From the President continued from pg 9... action which promotes a strong business climate and job growth opportunities. family holiday gathering against ture. The spirits of all three shall • Endeavoring to hold public officials accountable for their the reality of a group of flawed strive within me. I will not shut actions and the resulting impacts on the business community. human beings thrown togeth- out the lessons that they teach.” er not by choice, but by virtue of a If you would like to apply for the GAC please contact Deb- blood connection sealed by pure Source: Minyanvil bie Matthews at [email protected] or fill chance; the urbane Clark Griswold against the profane Cousin Eddie. out the application at www.cullmanchamber.org under forms. And therein lies our lesson. Building a successful business demands the constant search for perfection bal- anced against the reality of constant Merry Christmas flaws and failure. The beauty of it lies from the Chamber not in the achievement of perfection, but the process of searching for it. Staff & Board of There are countless oth- er lessons in Christmas movies Directors. such as, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story”. AsAs we begin a new year, I am re minded of Charles Dickens’ quote in “A Christmas Carol”. “I will hon- or Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the fu- CULLMANSENSE.COM 14 EYES OF PROGRESS December 1, 2014 TOURISM Smithsonian Exhibition: Exploring the American Workforce Coming to Cullman lace State Community Col- interactives, to tell the compelling SITES connects millions of Amer- lege in partnership with the story of how work impacts our in- icans with their shared cultural herit- Cullman County Museum. dividual lives and the historical and age through a wide range of art, sci- The Cullman Area has cultural fabric of our communities. ence and history exhibitions. State been expressly chosen by humanities councils, located in each the Alabama Humanities Since 1997, the foundation has part- state and U.S. territory, support com- Foundation to host “The nered with the Smithsonian to bring munity-based humanities programs Way We Worked” as part the Museum on Main Street program that highlight such topics as local his- of the Museum on Main to small cities and rural communities tory, literature and cultural traditions. Street project—a nation- across Alabama. “Allowing all of our To learn more, visit www.sites.si.edu al/state/local partner- state’s residents to have access to the or www.alabamahumanities.org. ship to bring exhibitions cultural resources of our nation’s pre- and programs to rural miere museum is a priority of the Ala- cultural organizations. bama Humanities Foundation,” said What would life be like without teach- Executive Director Armand DeKey- ers, doctors or firefighters? Every “The Way We Worked,” adapted from ser. “The Way We Worked” is part of day, Americans are hard at work on an original exhibition developed Museum on Main Street, a unique farms, factories, in homes or at desks by the National Archives and Rec- collaboration between the Smithson- keeping our communities thriving. ords Administration, explores how ian Institution Traveling Exhibition work has become a central element Service (SITES), state humanities The Cullman community, in cooper- in American culture. It traces the councils across the nation and local How do you ation with Alabama Humanities many changes that have affected the host institutions. To learn more about Foundation, will explore the pro- workforce and work environments “The Way We Worked” and other make a living? fessions and the people that sustain over the past 150 years, includ- Museum on Main Street exhibitions, You are part of this nation’s American society when it hosts “The ing the growth of manufacturing visit www.museumonmainstreet.org. Way We Worked,” a Smithsonian In- and increasing use of technology. story. Rediscover the strength stitution traveling exhibition. “The The exhibition draws from the Ar- Support for Museum on Main Street and spirit of American work- Way We Worked” will be on view Feb- chives’ rich collections, including has been provided by the United States ers through rare archival ruary 9th until March 20th of 2015 at historical photographs, archival ac- Congress, Alabama Power Foundation images, compelling videos, the Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wal- counts of workers, film, audio and and Norfolk Southern Foundation. and fascinating interviews.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT 2nd QUARTER WINNERS Business/Organization with Best Landscaping – Small Traditions Mortgage
Business/Organization with Best Landscaping - Large Primary School of Cullman
Business/Organization with Best Curb Appeal – Deadline December 15th Cullman County Museum
The Community Improvement Committee is seeking nominations for Business/Organization with their Community Improvement Awards. These awards are present- Best Restoration – Loft 212 ed on a quarterly basis. The Committee hopes to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect and promote community improve- Business/Organization with ment in Cullman. Categories include: Best Landscaping - Small, New Construction – Best Landscaping - Large, Best Curb Appeal, Best New Con- struction, Best Restoration, and Building a Sense of Commu- St. John & Associates nity. If you would like more information, or would like to nomi- nate please email [email protected] or call 256-734-0454. Business/Organization “Building a Sense of Community” – Sportsman Lake Park - Splash Pad
Crosshaven Shop local this Holiday Season! CULLMANSENSE.COM December 1, 2014 EYES OF PROGRESS 15
Pictured Above: The 2014 - 2015 Youth Leadership class at the Civil War Museum. Youth Leadership Cullman Coun- development and quality of life. The sponsor Wallace State Community ty is a nine-month series of sem- class is well under way and enjoying College, breakfast sponsor McGriff inars and programs designed to their time learning about the Cull- Tire, and lunch sponsor Cullman educate selected youth partici- man area. Their upcoming session County Sheriff Department. Jackie pants from Cullman area high this month is “Law and Criminal Jus- Moore, Director of Finance & Ad- schools on community issues such tice” where they will learn all about ministration, is the program advisor. as education, healthcare, law enforcement and the criminal jus- crime, government, economic tice system. Thank you to presenting
Presenting Sponsor:
Above L to R: Heather Middleton (Good Hope High School), Savanna Terry and Sarah Dyer (Vinemont High School), model hats at the Crooked Creek Civil War Museum.
Lacey Barrett (Home School), and Javier Figueroa (Holly Pond) enjoy break at Sports- man Lake Park during Community Day. CULLMANSENSE.COM 16 EYES OF PROGRESS December 1, 2014
ACCEPTING DONATIONS
Our Chamber for Charities program will be accepting Christmas do- nations of unwrapped gifts until December 5, 2014. If you or some- one you know wishes to donate a toy this Christmas season, please drop your donations off to the Chamber anytime between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations will go to Cullman Car- ing for Kids. If your business or organization is offering Christmas assistance or collecting donations, please let the Chamber know so that we may help properly assist and direct those in need; please call 256-734-0454.
Fall is well under way to becoming The 2nd Annual Cullman Christ- Upcoming Events winter in just a few, short, blistery mas Festival and Outdoor weeks! Time to break out the mit- Market will be on December 13 tens, coats, scarves, heaters and hot from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An outdoor December 17th - Morning Blend - 8 AM hands. Get ready to bundle up and community festival celebrating the December 25th - CLOSED brace the brisk winter weather at the wonders of the Christmas season. January 1 - CLOSED annual Christmas in Cullman cele- Come ready to eat, play, shop and January 21 - Morning Blend - 8 AM bration! The 2014 Cullman Christ- celebrate! Shop in the outdoor old January 22 - Membership 101 - 11:30 AM mas Parade will start at 6 p.m., and world market setting, based on the the Lighting of the Tree will be at tradition of the beautiful outdoor January 23 - Community Luncheon 6:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., you can catch European Christmas markets, with February 19 - 72nd Annual Meeting & Gala - 5:30 PM Santa at the Festhalle, CHS Drama more than 50 market vendors offer- February - March - The Way We Worked (pg 14) Team and WSCC Singers per- ing beautiful and unique gift items. forming. At 7:45 p.m. there will be Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings the Cornerstone Revival Christmas Bring the kids to visit with Santa and music, and from 5:15 - 9 p.m., there Mrs. Claus and have fun in the “Candy will be Choir Carolers in downtown. Cane Lane Kids’ Carnival Area” December 4th, CRMC - CEMS with games, rides, carriage rides, in- December 4th, - Cutie Patooties Don’t forget to also check out the flatables and “Buckin’ Blitzen”, the December 5th, - James R. Smith Trucking Winter Wonderland of Christmas mechanical bull. Visit the food court December 11th - Creative Design & Screen Printing Lights at Sportsman Lake, open De- area for delicious foods from a var- cember 5 at dark. For more infor- iety of food vendors. Enjoy live en- mation, please call 256-734-3052. tertainment throughout the day from The highly anticipated Christmas school choirs and jazz bands to up Arts & Crafts Show held at the Cull- and coming talent from around the man Civic Center will be held on area. Don’t miss out on all the fun this Friday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to Christmas in Cullman has to offer! 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 Make plans to attend these fun events Christmas Window Display Contest Winners from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more in- and get into the spirit of the season! formation, please call 256-734-9157. Each year, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce promotes its Christmas in Cullman Window Display Contest and awards cre- ative entries. This contest is a wonderful way for our commun- Shop local this ities to celebrate the holiday season, promote seasonal cheer, and SHOP LOCALLY & support local retailers. Participants were asked to use lights and Holiday Season! create a Christmas-themed display. Winners were selected from SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY three categories including restaurant, retail and service-relat- ed businesses. Congratulations to our winners and runner-ups!
2014 Chamber Christmas Window Display Contest Winners: Margo’s Antiques and Gifts (Retail) Shimmer & Glo (Service) Carlton’s Italian Restaurant (Restaurant) Finders Keepers and Bella Faire Day Spa & Salon placed in our run- ner-up category