CONNECTIONS Connectionsdothan Area Chamber of Commerce January 2020

CONNECTIONS ConnectionsDothan Area Chamber of Commerce January 2020

WIREGRASS LEGISLATORS To Provide Legislative Preview PAGE 4 GROWING THE WIREGRASS PAGE 12 JOBS IN HOUSTON COUNTY PAGE 14 EventsCalendar

What’s S M T JanuaryW T F S 1 2 3 4 INSIDE 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 January 2020 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 2 Events Calendar 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 3 Ribbon Cuttings 26 27 28 29 30 31 4 Cover Story 8-11 Business Briefs 7 Ambassador and Diplomat Committee Meeting – 9 a.m. 12 Grow Dothan Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Ribbon Cutting: Azara Degourville Personal Chef – 10:30 a.m. 13 Workforce Development Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 8 Youth Leadership Dothan Houston County Healthcare Day – 7:45 a.m. 14 Small Business Development Location: 4370 W. Main St. (Flowers Hospital) LEADS Group 1 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m. Also In This Issue Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Ribbon Cutting: Interim Healthcare – 10:30 a.m. 9 Aces For The Arts Location: 3201 Montgomery Highway, Suite 9 Dothan Area Young Professionals’ Development Luncheon – Noon (doors and buffet 10 Girls Inc. Plans Father- open at 11:30 a.m.) Location: 200 S. Cherokee Ave. (Dothan Country Club) Daughter Banquet *Reservations required: www.facebook.com/pg/dothanyp. See page 10 for more information. 14 Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 11 Foundation Invites You To Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) “Take Flight” *Reservations required: (334) 792-5138 Ribbon Cutting: Mighty Auto Parts of the Central Deep South – 10:30 a.m. 13 Sony Scholarship Applications Location: 6193 U.S. Highway 84 East Now Available 15 LEADS Group 2 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) DACC Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8:15 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 16 Leadership Dothan Courts, Local & State Government Day – 7:45 a.m. Your Cover Photo Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Your cover photo Ribbon Cutting: Melissa Elmore State Farm Insurance – 10:30 a.m. Location: 106 Dave St., Headland CONNECTIONSJanuary 2020 features Alabama’s ConnectionsDothan Area Chamber of Commerce State Capital located 18 Dothan Area Young Professionals’ Aces for the Arts – 6 p.m. in Montgomery, AL. Location: 909 S. St. Andrews St. (The Cultural Arts Center) *See page 9 for more information. 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Chamber Closed

WIREGRASS LEGISLATORS To Provide Legislative Preview PAGE 4 21 Ribbon Cutting: Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention Expansion – 10:30 a.m. GROWING THE WIREGRASS Location: 102 Morgan St. PAGE 12 JOBS IN HOUSTON COUNTY PAGE 14 22 LEADS Group 1 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) Ribbon Cutting: Strickland Jewelers – 10:30 a.m. Location: 102 Central Park Ave., Suite 2 27 Eggs and Issues General Membership Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. www.dothan.com Location: 795 Ross Clark Circle (Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.’s Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall) (334) 792-5138 *Reservations required: (334) 792-5138. See page 4 for more information. 29 LEADS Group 2 Biweekly Meeting – 8 a.m. Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber) 30 Ribbon Cutting: BWC Commercial Air – 11:30 a.m. Location: 412 N. Foster St. Ribbon Cutting: Kiss My Axe – 4 p.m. Location: 256 N. Foster St.

2 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 RibbonCuttings

Apex Commercial Sidewalk Label Janitorial Boutique Solutions, LLC Windmill Station 545 W. Main St., Suite 100 1369 Headland Ave., Suite 6 Dothan, AL 36301 Dothan, AL 36303 Demetrius Bogan Brittany Wilson (334) 689-5101 (334) 695-1038 JANITORIAL SERVICE www.sidewalklabelboutique.com SHOPPING / SPECIALTY RETAIL

Dr. Watts Electric Southern Traditions 502 Sherwood Trail Wedding and Newton, AL 36352 Event Rentals Jamie McNelley 576 Johnnie Ingram Road (334) 435-6430 Webb, AL 36376 PLUMBING AND/ Sherry Sowell OR ELECTRICAL (334) 726-7286 CONTRACTORS EVENT FACILITIES AND SUPPLIES

Go Digital Tax Pro Accounting, with Donnia Bookkeeping & 194 Winslette Road Payroll Services Newton, AL 36301 2306-1 Montgomery Highway Donnia Rambin Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 648-6542 Dechauna Tensley ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC (863) 430-8470 DESIGN / MARKETING / ACCOUNTANTS MEDIA / PRINTING

Home2 Suites Tic Task Virtual by Hilton Assistant Services 5005 Montgomery Highway 545 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36303 Dothan, AL 36301 Hitesh Patel Chelsea Cooper (334) 873-4840 (334) 203-4900 www.home2dothan. BUSINESS AND home2suitesbyhilton.com PROFESSIONAL HOTELS / MOTELS / SERVICES TRAVEL

New Believer’s RELOCATION International Church Ingram Land & 1307 Travis Road Realty, LLC Dothan, AL 36301 16662 U.S. Highway 431 South Shalunda Williams Headland, AL 36345 (334) 601-6776 Tim Ingram RELIGIOUS (334) 585-9001 ORGANIZATIONS www.ingramland.com REAL ESTATE – RESIDENTIAL

The Poplar Building 1909 Montgomery Highway Dothan, AL 36303 Mathew Wanyama (334) 793-0166 www.thepoplarbuilding.com MOVING AND STORAGE

www.dothan.com 3 CoverStory Wiregrass Legislators To Provide Alabama Legislature Preview Eggs & Issues Annual Breakfast

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce will host our Wiregrass legislators at the organization’s annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast scheduled to be held Monday, Jan. 27, at Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc’s Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. Goal 4 of your chamber’s annual Strategic Plan is to sustain and strengthen the Wiregrass region’s business policies and military foundation. The DACC’s Governmental Affairs Council, chaired by Claudia Hall from Southeast Health, falls under this goal and oversees the Legislative Affairs Task Force and Military Affairs Committee. The objective of the Legislative Affairs Task Force is to advocate for strong and sound business policies and to facilitate member involvement in the legislative process. The annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast gives chamber members the opportunity to network and hear from their legislators on the current issues and plans for the 2020 session. You can also participate in an electronic survey on the many issues the legislature will consider including state prisons, rural health care, broadband and a statewide lottery. Public policy affects us all, both personally and professionally. That is why it is important for us to be engaged with our legislators and provide them input on the issues. The first day of the 2020 regular session will be Tuesday, Feb. 4. Tickets for the luncheon are $15 per person or $150 a corporate table (seats eight). Reservations are required and may be made by contacting the Chamber’s Director of Membership, Hayden Camp, at (334) 792- 5138 or [email protected]. Please join us on Jan. 27 to welcome our legislators as our guest speakers, and let your voice be heard!

Your Alabama Legislators Alabama State Senate: Alabama House of Representatives:

Sen. Billy Beasley, Rep. Steve Clouse, Rep. Dexter Grimsley, D-28th District R-93rd District D-85th District (Barbour, Bullock, Henry, (Dale, Houston) (Henry, Houston) Lee, Macon, Russell) (334) 261-0488 (334) 261-0513 (334) 261-0868 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Sen. Donnie Chesteen, Rep. Paul Lee, Rep. Jeff Sorrells, R-29th District R-86th District R-87th District (Dale, Geneva, Houston) (Houston) (Geneva, Houston) (334) 261-0890 (334) 261-0488 (334) 261-0542 [email protected] [email protected]

4 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 DISCOVER & EXPLORE COSTA DEL SOL WITH THE DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

9-DAY JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS: • Round trip scheduled airfare • Round trip transfers between airports and hotels • Personal airport VIP greeting and check-in service • Pre-departure orientation and travel documents • 7 nights First Class Accomodations • Includes breakfast daily and 5 dinners • Discovery Program Guide • Chamber Exchange • Full day tour of Granada • Tours of Ronda & Mijas

DAY BY DAY Costa Del Sol DAY 1 • Transatlantic flight DAY 2 • Arrive in Spain and transfer to our hotel for the next 7 nights • Remainder of the day at your leisure • Dinner at your hotel DAY 3 • Breakfast at your hotel • Tour to Ronda DAY 4 • Breakfast at your hotel • Day at leisure, Optional Tour to Tangier • Dinner at your hotel DAY 5 • Breakfast at your hotel • Half-day Tour of Mijas • Chamber Exchange DAY 6 • Breakfast at your hotel • Full day optional tour to Gibraltar • Dinner at your hotel DAY 7 Ronda • Breakfast at your hotel • Full day optional tour of Seville • Dinner at your hotel Click here to $3,399 PER PERSON DAY 8 $3,099 PER PERSON BOOK NOW if deposited by January 31st!* • Breakfast at your hotel • Full day tour to Granada • Dinner at your hotel DAY 9 Departing October 13, 2020 • Transfer to airport for flight home For more information, please contact: Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138

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

Bobcat of Dothan / Kiss My Axe SBI Seminars Leppo Rents Matt Hayes John Gormley Star Of The Month Ryan Tywon 256 N. Foster St. 200 Shandwick Court 3837 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, AL 36303 P.O. Box 2121 Dothan, AL 36303 PH: (334) 699-5629 Dothan, AL 36305 PH: (334) 350-5660 www.kmaxe.com PH: (800) 826-7681 www.dothanbobcat.com ARTS / CULTURE / www.sbiseminars.com AUTOMOBILE RENTING ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS AND & LEASING PROFESSIONAL Mary Kay Cosmetics SERVICES F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Ham) Sheila Luker Jennifer M. Ham Southeast Alabama P.O. Box 9551 2558 Ross Clark Circle, Community Dothan, AL 36304 Suite 107 (Physical) Foundation PH: (334) 790-8292 407 Burt Drive, Apt. 8 Burton Crenshaw www.downsyndromefriends.org Dothan, AL 36305 111 Adris Place, Suite 8 PH: (334) 212-5898 (Dothan) Farmers Insurance www.marykay.com/jham831 114 Church St. Group PERSONAL SERVICE Montgomery, AL 36104 Jessica Goolsby AND CARE PH: (334) 264-6223 22 Inverness Center Parkway, www.cacfinfo.org Suite 560 (Birmingham) MAU Workforce NONPROFIT P.O. Box 831067 Solutions ORGANIZATIONS Tuskegee, AL 36083 Brittany Marler PH: (334) 339-1584 3792 Mance Newton Road The Norton Firm Mary Colburn www.farmersinsurance.com Midland City, AL 36350 Jake A. Norton Wiregrass Auto Care FINANCE / INSURANCE PH: (334) 796-1067 739 W. Main St. www.mau.com Dothan, AL 36301 Holman Whatley & HUMAN RESOURCE PH: (334) 699-2020 Associates, Inc. MANAGEMENT www.thenortonfirm.com Trip Whatley ATTORNEYS / LEGAL 200 Grove Park Lane, Suite 100 Red Lobster Team Of The Month Dothan, AL 36305 William Seice The Poplar Building PH: (334) 677-9700 3116 Montgomery Highway Mathew Wanyama www.holmanwhatley.com Dothan, AL 36303 1909 Montgomery Highway FINANCIAL ADVISORS PH: (334) 793-6262 Dothan, AL 36303 www.redlobster.com PH: (334) 793-0166 Interim Healthcare RESTAURANTS, FOOD www.thepoplarbuilding.com Claude (Chip) Camp AND BEVERAGE MOVING AND STORAGE 3201 Montgomery Highway, Won And Done Suite 9 Village Cleaners Dothan, AL 36303 Dawn Dean PH: (334) 446-0676 700 W. Carroll St. www.interimhealthcare. Dothan, AL 36301 com/DothanAL PH: (334) 792-2823 HOME HEALTH SERVICE PERSONAL SERVICE AND CARE

RenewingMembers

90 To 99 Years Coast To Coast Coatings Inc. Slingluff United Insurance Cobb, Boyd, White & Cobb Dixieland Metals Inc. 30-39 Years Dothan Downtown Redevelopment John J. Flowers Jr., DMD, PC Authority Southeastern Performance Apparel Fairway Outdoor Advertising Ford Finders Employment Services, LLC 25-29 Years Fort Rucker - Wiregrass AUSA Ferguson, Sizemore and Associates Glass Doctor of Dothan WDFX-TV Fox 34 Glasstream Powerboats, LLC Westside Terrace & Rehab First Hinson Communications Inc. Magnolia Preserve, LLC 20-24 Years Nelson’s Electronic Systems Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Westgate Center Congratulations to the Ambassador and Diplomat Team of the Month Showcase Properties “Won And Done” for being our Team of the Month. Team members Courtyard by Marriott 1-4 Years (seated l-r) are Katie Saliba, Personnel Resources; Mary Colburn, Healthwest Dental Associates, PC Aventa Specialized Women’s Care Cashwell’s Photo Bar & Portrait Printing Wiregrass Auto Care; (standing) Kaitlin Pugh, Jason Ketchum State 15-19 Years Dittus Machining Farm Insurance; and Holli Reynolds, Five Star Credit Union. Team Circle City Glass Co. Inc. Edward Jones - Desmond Douglas, members not pictured are Stacey Brackin, Wiregrass Rehabilitation Financial Advisor Center Inc.; Cindy Grommes, New York Life; and Dot Thompson, 10-14 Years Fyzical Dizziness and Fall Prevention Center Ford Finders Employment Services, LLC The Landing & Five Star Catering Howell School Senior Apartments . Southern Development Council Inc. Little Caesar’s Pizza dba Epding Thank you to all our Ambassadors and Diplomats who serve as the Wells Fargo Advisors Industries, Inc. eyes and ears for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. It is their Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network Naomi & Olive dedication and support that assist your local Chamber in meeting its People Ready 5-9 Years The Pink Alternative, LLC goals. Aero-One Aviation, LLC Ronnie’s Clothing and Shoes Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber Connections to see who America’s Home Place Tropical Smoothie Café will claim the title.

6 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 Booths Are Still Available! 29th ANNUAL TRADE SHOW 5 Reasons To Exhibit At Spotlight Spotlight on Business On Business If you’re a Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce member, chances are one reason you joined was to gain exposure for your company. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 3-7 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center, 90-plus companies will participate in Spotlight on Business, the area’s largest trade show. This is one of the avenues the DACC offers for promoting your company. A few booths are still available for the 2020 show. If you’re interested in one, contact Hayden Camp, the Chamber’s director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or [email protected]. If you’re not sure about the $350 (+25 for electricity if desired) investment to host a booth, here are five reasons why the trade show is important to your company’s marketing activities: 1. Showcasing yourself and your products. People do business with people they know. Spotlight on Business is a powerful platform to stand out from the crowd, meet people face-to-face and tell them about your company and its benefits. 2. Customer Relations. Whether you’re looking to expand your customer base or build stronger relationships with existing companies, Spotlight on Business will draw 1,500-plus attendees. Research shows that trade shows produce qualified leads, and sometimes it’s with the person in the booth next to yours. 3. Networking. If you’re attending or exhibiting, you’ll see community RED, WHITE and industry leaders at Spotlight on Business. Shaking hands with a few of them could earn you a connection that could lead to more business. & YOU! 4. Measuring the competition. Everyone does it. Knowing your competition is a strategic move every entrepreneur should employ. IT’S NOT TOO LATE In a friendly environment, you’ll be able to observe those in your BOOTHS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! industry as well as others. How are they different? What can you learn from them? This year’s Spotlight on Business will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at the Dothan Civic Center 5. Generating leads. There’s a difference between collecting business from 3-7 p.m. This trade show allows members cards and finding a quality lead. At Spotlight on Business, you to showcase their products and services to the can experiment with different sales techniques, gaining immediate general public, as well as fellow Dothan Area feedback through responses and body language on what works and Chamber of Commerce members. what doesn’t. You’ll have a sea of representatives from the business This is your opportunity to reach over 1,500 community to attract to your booth. The key here is follow-up. Prove potential customers. your tenacity beyond Spotlight on Business with personalized phone calls or emails to set a time to visit with them one-on-one and keep A limited number of booths are still available. The cost for each booth is $350 (+$25 for your business in the forefront of their decision-making. electricity if desired). Exhibit spaces are available on a first-come basis and payment is required to reserve your space. You will be able to choose your booth location at the time of YOURCHAMBER registration. For more information, contact Hayden Camp at Spotlight your business. (334) 792-5138 or [email protected]. Get more exposure! Sponsored By: As a Chamber member, you are entitled to one free business card ad in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, Chamber Connections, within 90 days from the date you join. For more information, contact Melia McKean at (334) 792-5138 or [email protected].

www.dothan.com 7 BusinessBriefs Chamber Executive Director Named CCAA Chairman

The DACC’s Executive Director, Dean Mitchell, was recently named chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama for 2020. Attention Chamber Temple Emanu-El To Hold Mitchell assumed this role at the recent Members! CCAA/Business Council of Alabama Annual Annual Art Auction Meeting in Birmingham. He was also elected Did You know … to serve on the Business Council of Alabama Temple Emanu-el Sisterhood invites Did you know that the Dothan Area Board of Directors. you to its Art Auction, new auction house, Chamber of Commerce has a Job Listings page new auctioneer and new genres of art and on its website www.dothan.com just for you memorabilia Saturday, Jan. 25. There will be our members? Having every available option a Preview at 6:30 p.m. and then the auction for its members and businesses to list job at 7:15 p.m. openings is a priority to the DACC and we are Advance tickets are $10 per person, $12 at excited to offer this free benefit. the door and includes wine and cheese, tea and Beneficial not only to Chamber members, a beer tasting from a local microbrewery. There but it’s also a place where individuals looking will also be a “Second Chance” held Sunday, for a job can see what position(s) members currently have open. An additional resource Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with bagels, for you and job seekers, it’s a win win for coffee and juice served at no charge. A portion businesses, citizens and our community. of the proceeds will benefit local charities. If you haven’t already used the Job Listings For more info, contact Temple Emanu-El at page to your advantage, the DACC encourages (334) 792-5001. The Temple is located at 188 DACC Executive Director Dean Mitchell was recently you to check out this chamber-member benefit named CCAA chairman. Pictured with Mitchell is N. Park Ave., Dothan. designed just for you! CCAA President and CEO Jeremy Arthur.

Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family want convenient, accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at Flowers Medical Group are making it easier than ever to get primary care. Online scheduling is available for select providers at FlowersMedicalGroup.com. ASK ABOUT

Serving The Wiregrass SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS Since 1969 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 334.794.0328 tomwestcompany.com 2158 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 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 YOURCHAMBER 4126 West Main St. • Dothan, AL 36305 • 334-309-8598 144 Virginia Avenue • Daleville, AL 36322 • 334-731-7121 Got News About Your Business? Submit your article to the Chamber for inclusion in future Connections newsletter. Contact Melia McKean at (334) 792-5138 FlowersMedicalGroup.com or [email protected].

8 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 99309_FLOW_PCP_CallTrack_4_75x4_1845c.indd 1 10/6/17 4:45 PM BusinessBriefs

#SaveTheDates For These Upcoming Member Events

Seeds of Hope Art After Hours Every Thursday • 7 p.m. Jan. 16 • 5:30 p.m. Harvest Church Fellowship Hall. This Wiregrass Museum of Art and is a grief support group for those who Conference Center. Held the third Pre-Sale Tickets have lost loved ones, are going through a Thursday of February, May, August Available Now divorce or experiencing any kind of life- and November, the event provides an changing loss to offer understanding and open platform to share original poetry, Join the Dothan Area Young Professionals support to each other as they walk through prose, skits and more. Works can be for cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres, craps, roulette, similar situations. For more information, individual or collaborative and not blackjack and more at its annual Aces for the call Harvest at (334) 702-6555 or email exceed 5 minutes in length. To register Arts Casino Night at the Dothan Cultural Arts [email protected]. or for more information, contact the Center Saturday, Jan. 18, 6-10 p.m. museum at (334) 794-3871 or visit Young in age or young in heart, DAYP wants 1st Saturday Family Day www.wiregrassmuseum.org. you to experience this exciting night. The event Jan. 4 • 10:30 a.m. is open to ages 21 and up, and all members Wiregrass Museum of Art & Conference HCRW Monthly Meeting of the community are encouraged to come out Center. This is a program that Jan. 23 • 11 a.m. and support DAYP. provides entertainment for the whole Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc.’s family. Children and their families Sterling Event Services Rotary Hall. The Happy Hour will be from 6-7 p.m. and there can enjoy a different fun-filled activity Houston County Republican Women will be a raffle at the end of the night. There are each month. January’s event includes hold monthly luncheon meetings the big prizes to be given away. “Stand in the Light” a shadow puppetry fourth Thursday of each month and Tickets are $25 each for DAYP members workshop with WMA exhibiting artist include a guest speaker. Events include a and $50 for non-members. Dress is cocktail Anna Sue Courtney. The program is free Meet and Greet 11 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. attire. To get in on the pre-sale tickets, email and open to children of all ages who and the meeting at noon. Reservations [email protected]. Each ticket purchased are accompanied by an adult. For more are required by noon the Tuesday prior during the pre-sale only will receive an information, call (334) 794-3871 or visit to meeting. To make your reservation, or additional $500 in Aces for the Arts money. www.wiregrassmuseum.org. for more information, contact Barbara Note on pricing: if your spouse is NOT a Wheelless at [email protected] or DAYP member, you will also receive member Planetarium Shows (941) 539-0917. pricing - limit two. Every Friday-Monday • Times Vary Landmark Park. Planetarium shows are Health Chat held on Fridays at 3:30 p.m., Saturdays Jan. 28 • 5:30 p.m. at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Friend Bank Communication Room. Has Your Address Changed? Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Carnes Chiropractic’s Health Chats are Mondays at 3:30 p.m. The programs held the fourth Tuesday of each month. are $3 per person, free for members The monthly topic varies and Health

Dothan Are Chamber P.O. Box 638 and are not recommended for children Chats are free and open to the public. Dothan, AL 36302 under age 5. For more information, When existing patients attend four Dothan Area Chamber of Commer P.O. Box 638 Dothan, AL 36302 call (334) 794-3452 or visit www. Health Chats, they receive a free office landmarkparkdothan.com. visit. For more information, call (334) 794-2225. Homebuyer’s Workshop Jan. 12 • 10 a.m. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Have an upcoming Don’t forget to let the Dothan Area Showcase Properties. Free monthly Chamber of Commerce know if your event planned? mailing address has changed so we workshops are held the second Saturday Send your event information can be sure to keep you up-to-date each month. To register or for more to [email protected] on activities and events. information, call (334) 792-7474. Call Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or email [email protected].

www.dothan.com 9 BusinessBriefs

Girls Inc. Plans Father- Daughter Banquet

Girls Inc. of Dothan will host its 26th annual Father-Daughter Banquet Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center. This popular event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special relationship between daughters and fathers or other favorite male role models. The evening features a seated, catered dinner by Southern Social, music, dancing, photographs by Wilson Oppert Photography, a huge balloon drop and a gift bag for each attendee. Reservations are required and tickets purchased before Feb. 3 are $125 per couple and $45 for each additional daughter. Reservations and tickets after Feb. 3 are $150 per couple and $70 each additional daughter. All proceeds benefit Girls Inc. in fulfilling their mission of inspiring girls in the Wiregrass area to be strong, smart and bold. To make your reservation, or for more information, call Girls Inc. at (334) 793-2321. Census Day Is April 1

Did you know the 2020 Census count guides funding of new roads and DAYP To Host Professional bridges? The next time you’re on your Development Luncheon morning commute, merging on to a The Dothan Area Young Professionals street, highway or crossing a bridge, will hold its next Professional Development think of the decennial census. Luncheon at the Dothan Country Club Wednesday, Jan. 8, at noon (doors and buffet open at 11:30 a.m.). Your responses to the 2020 Census, Guest speaker will be Mary Beth Maddox, which includes every person living in Personnel Resources senior executive vice the United States, may help decide when and where roads president. The luncheon is free for DAYP members or $15 for non-members. DAYP is an and bridges will be built in your community. organization which offers a great way for young professionals in the Wiregrass area to network, Many states rely on population numbers from the census socialize and expand their professional horizons. taken once every 10 years to allocate revenue from gasoline To reserve your seat, visit www.facebook. sales taxes, one of the primary sources of funding for local com/pg/dothanyp. Or for more information roads. about DAYP and how you can become a member, visit www.dothanyp.com.

10 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 BusinessBriefs

Why It’s Good Business To Landmark Park Plans Annual Seed Swap Support The Landmark Park and the Wiregrass Master Gardeners will host their annual Seed Swap in the Stokes Activity Barn Saturday, Jan. 25, from Arts 1-3 p.m. Similar to a potluck dinner, gardeners are encouraged to bring samples of their favorite heirloom seeds to exchange with others. In a June 4, 2019, post by Forbes Councils Admission is free with paid gate fee of $4 for adults, $3 for kids and Member Henry Kurkowski, he wrote: free for members. A small portion of seeds distributed will be placed in the park’s Seed Bank for future generations. The economic impact of the arts is well For more information, contact the park at (334) 794-3452, parkinfo@ documented. According to a report, the landmarkparkdothan.com or visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com/ growth in arts and cultural economic park-events. activity made up 4.3 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product for 2016. That equates to more than $804 billion in economic activity for that year alone.

There are many reasons why promoting Foundation Invites You To “Take Flight” local arts and cultural nonprofits can help The Southeast Health Foundation’s flight plan is in place for The Gala to improve communities. Promoting the 2020. The foundation invites you to take flight with them Saturday, Feb. arts can also positively impact the 29, 2020. You’ll be boarding at Aero-One Aviation, and the departure bottom line for companies that support time is set for 6 p.m. these organizations. It’ll be a direct flight and will include in-flight cuisine, beverages and entertainment. As soon as cruising altitude is reached, the seat belt sign To read the article, visit www.forbes.com/sites/ will be turned off and you’ll be able to bid on silent and live auction items. forbesagencycouncil/2019/06/04/why-its-good- Tickets are $185 per person, two tickets $360, four tickets $700 or six business-to-support-the-arts/#32451239720f. tickets $1,020. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit www.sehealthfoundation.org/the-gala or call (334) 673-4150.

Oliver Named Employee Of The Year

Four Star Freightliner Inc. announced recently its Employee of the Year class truck products from Daimler (Freightliner, Western Star and Fuso) during the company’s annual Year End Employee Celebration. Damita and a full spectrum of services. It maintains one of the most comprehensive Oliver, who works from the Dothan, Alabama location, received the networks of dealerships and service centers in the Southeast region. There majority of votes from her co-workers and was named the top employee are seven locations to support customers’ needs: Montgomery, Dothan and of 2019. Valley, Alabama; Albany, Tifton and Valdosta, Georgia; and Tallahassee, Oliver, who has been with the company for nine years, is the company’s Florida. For more information, visit www.fourstarfreightliner.com. payroll manager and has held that position since 2014. Prior to her role as payroll manager, she handled accounts receivable duties. “I am so excited that Damita will be representing Four Star Freightliner as our Employee of the Year,” said Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner dealer principal. “Her character and integrity are unmatched. She provides a tremendous example to all of our employees how a humble and grateful person represents herself.” Four Star employs more than 200 people throughout its seven locations. Oliver said she is grateful and honored that her peers chose her for this honor. “I thank everyone who found me deserving of this recognition, especially the owner of the company Jerry Kocan. His support throughout my years at Four Star Freightliner motivates me to give my absolute best to my job. I work with an amazing group of colleagues that contribute to me doing my job with a smile.” Damita Oliver is pictured with Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner dealer principal, Four Star Freightliner prides itself on providing customers with world during the company’s annual employee celebration.

www.dothan.com 11 GrowDothan Check This Out Dothan! Because of the commitment and support from all our Grow Dothan and Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce partners, we have been able to bring 3,200+ jobs and $616 million in investment to this great area. Below is a map of Houston County showing all the major economic development projects in the local area since 2015. A BIG Thank you to each and everyone one of you for your commitment and support!

12 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 WorkforceDevelopment Jobs In Houston County

Since the post-recession period started in part-time and full-time, are counted in the BEA data, but how many jobs 2010 there has been a much-touted drop in the a person holds and whether it is full-time or part-time is not reported in unemployment rate across the state. In 2010, the monthly Department of Labor Reports. unemployment rate in Houston County was 7.5 percent, dropping to 3.5 percent in 2018 and currently at 2.4 percent. Our reported county labor force in 2010 was 45,694 and in 2018 it Steve Turkoski, Project Manager was 45,660. So, while the labor force shrank by 34 from 2010 to 2018 the number of Houston County residents that were employed grew from 59,065 to 61,280, an increase of 2,215. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs in Houston County grew from 61,706 in 2010 to 64,607 in 2018. This number is obviously greater than the labor force as reported by the Department of Labor. That difference is due to the fact that labor force, employment, and unemployment are based on residents within the reported county, whereas “jobs” are within the county, but may employ people from other counties, just as Houston County residents may work elsewhere. So, while the unemployment rate dropped 4 percent between 2010 and 2018, the number of jobs in Houston County increased 4.7 percent, with much of that increase as a result of increased proprietorships. For the period, proprietorships increased 10.75 percent. During the period, approximately 400 more people residing in Houston County had more than one job, up from 2,002 in 2010. Multiple jobs, Area Businesses Needed For Career Fair Your business or organization has the opportunity to help Troy University Dothan students, upcoming graduates and alumni to “Find AreAre YouYou A Chamber the Job You’ll Love” by participating in the annual Valentine’s Day Career Fair to be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. until noon. Member-To-Member Participant?Participant? Interested businesses can register for the fair by visiting https:// troy.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/13147. If you do not already have an account, you will need to first select “No Account? Sign Up Here.” Registrations received prior to Jan. 8, will receive the early bird registration fee. If you have any questions, or need more information, contact Joanne Krist at [email protected] or (334) 983-6556, ext. 21223.

BBeingeing aa participantparticipant notnot onlyonly helpshelps promotepromote youryour business, butbut also also demonstrates demonstrates your your Dothan Dothan Area Area Chamber of Commerce membership commitment.Chamber of Commerce membership commitment. For more information aboutabout thisthis DACC benefitbenefit Sony Scholarship Applications or to become a participant, call Hayden Camp,Camp, Now Available director of membership,membership, at at (334) (334) 792-5138, email email [email protected] or orvisit visit www.dothan.com/ www.dothan. Sony Scholarship opportunities are now available. If you or someone membertomemberprogram. you know is a senior at Dothan High School, they are eligible to apply for com/membertomemberprogram. the Dothan Area Chamber Foundation Sony Scholarship. #DACC100Years#DACC100Years Two Dothan High seniors will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship in spring 2020. Eligible seniors should see their school guidance counselor to pick up an application package. Applications are due back to the school counselor by 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

www.dothan.com 13 SmallBusinessDevelopment Mark Your Calendar Learning How to Use Google To For This Upcoming Seminar Grow Your Business Back By Popular Demand It was a packed room at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s December small business seminar - How to Grow Your Business Using Google. Presented by Tec Tony Lloyd, the area’s Google data engineer and owner of Pathfinder Digital Marketing, LLC, members learned about the ins and out of using Google, how to use Google to grow their business and about Google’s many free services and tactics. Thank you Tec Tony for taking time out of your busy schedule to Building & Strengthening Your Networking Skills Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Jan. 23 • 2-3:30 p.m..

How many of us have said at one time or another “I hate networking”? A majority of people are uncomfortable when it comes time to network with individuals we don’t know. But, in today’s business world, networking is a necessity. Successful networking can open doors to more business opportunities and jobs. And what business out there doesn’t want more opportunities? To help you achieve networking success, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Mary Beth Maddox, Personnel Resources senior executive vice president, will present a Building & Strengthening Your Networking Skills workshop Thursday, Jan. 23, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the chamber facility. In this workshop, you will learn different skills and pick up tips that will help you come out of that “uncomfortable” shell to now be able to go out and establish great business connections and relationships. The workshop is free; however, pre-registration is required. To reserve your seat, call Susan Tatom at (334) 792-5138 or email statom@ dothan.com.

YOURCHAMBER Attention Members! If you know of a business interested in benefiting from joining the Chamber, please contact Hayden Camp at (334) 792-5138 or [email protected].

14 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2020 T DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2020 Small Business Person of the Year Award Nominations The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce has been presenting the 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 2020 Small Business Person of the Year from Jan. 16 to March 13, 2020. 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 years. • Business must have been operating in the Dothan area for a minimum of three years. IN THIS NEWSETTER ON OR WESITE • Business must exhibit growth and longevity, involvement in community development, innovative practices, and success in the face O O of adversity. T • Adhere to ethical business practices. • Candidate can not have won award within the past 10 years. R R To nominate a small business person, fill out the information below. (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:______

E Website at no additional charge. ______Why this individual deserves recognition: (For additional comments, attach an additional sheet.)______

OTHAN AREA HAER O OERE Return this form to: Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce • Attn: Hayden Camp W P.O. Box 638 • Dothan, AL 36302 • Fax: (334) 794-4796 Or email Hayden at [email protected] Nominations are due by March 13, 2020, 5 p.m. Thank you for your nomination!

EconomicIndicators Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for October: 63,152 in 2018; 64,143 in 2019 60,683 in 2018; 62,592 in 2019 Employed Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for October: 3.9% in 2018; 2.4% in 2019 Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for October: 17 issued ($4.93 million) in 2018; 15 issued ($4.15 million) in 2019 Home Sales in Dothan for October: 132 sold in 2018; 128 sold in 2019 Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for October: 4,721 in 2018; 5,143 in 2019 Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for October: $1,581,866 in 2018; $1,635,480 in 2019 (County) $5,360,978 in 2018; $5,844,346 in 2019 (City) 334.340.1111 www.bwcair.com al 11022 al 52253 fl cmc1250696 ga cn209553 Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details. Data as of 12/04/19. 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