The Shelby County Chamber BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Shelby County Ready to Work Program The Shelby County Cham- ny engagement in the classroom sure. Successful completion of cesses. We are thankful for each ber and 58 INC. are fortunate to and industry tours. The RTW cur- the program allows the student of our Ready to Work educators, speak with employers every day riculum is set to standards cited to earn two credentials: “Alabama Mrs. Dawn Howard (VMHS), Mrs. as they do business in our com- by business and industry employ- Certified Worker Certificate” and Ashley Crumpton (SCHS), Mr. Ash- munities. Over the past sever- ers throughout our state, and the “National Career Readiness Cer- ton Cottingham (MHS), Mr. Robert al years, our team has met with skills cited in the U.S. Department tificate”. Bullington (THS) who have worked 200+ Shelby County employers to of Labor’s Secretary’s Commission Students also received a with us to build up each student learn about their businesses and on Achieving Necessary Skills “hands-on” experience through and help them see their full po- to better understand their talent (SCANS) Reports. industry tours and guest speak- tential in a worthwhile career and workforce needs. Diverse in Led by this feedback, 58 INC., ers while learning about the vari- through this class. their makeup, these companies The Shelby County Chamber, The ety of career options available to Partnerships between edu- share a common opinion: Career Onin Group and several of our them. More than 30 major em- cation and industry are vital for exposure and soft skills are essen- schools in Shelby County, formed ployers have participated in the a stronger and more prepared tial elements of a prepared work- a partnership in 2019-2020 to pi- program thus far by interacting workforce. The Chamber and 58 force. It’s not the technical skills or lot a new program called; High with the students in some way. INC. are thankful our local indus- training that prevents a successful School Ready to Work. Four high On January 23rd, and March 4th try partners (below) jumped at hire or retention. It’s the lack of schools –Thompson, Monteval- participating students were given the opportunity and supported essential skills in punctuality, at- lo, Shelby County and Vincent the opportunity to interview with this programming for each RTW titude and communication that Middle-High School – participat- many of these employers for a student. This program allows em- prevent successful employment. ed. The partnership developed full-time position after they grad- ployers to invest in their future Ready To Work (RTW) combines a year-long program: One semes- uate. A planned “Signing Day” workforce by informing students workplace readiness training with ter focused on soft skills training, will be celebrated virtually via the about their opportunities and the employer-driven curriculum and and a second semester focuses school’s social media accounts importance of stronger workforce career exposure through compa- on industry-specific career expo- and press on those students’ suc- skills. Newsletter 1301 COUNTY SERVICES DR. PELHAM, AL, 35124 60 July/August 2020 Health Focus of the Month: Keeping an eye on your health Going to your primary care with sun damage such as cata- sult in an infectious corneal ulcer. to wear safety glasses whether doctor, pediatrician, or dentist racts and solar retinopathy. As we These ulcers, if serious enough, you are playing sports or doing are all part of taking care of your all head outdoors more during can cause long term damage to lawn work. health. What about eye care? these months, it is important to our eyes. If you happen to get Eye health is critical for every- Eye care is an integral part of our protect ourselves and our eyes water in your eyes with contacts one of all ages. The AOA rec- health! Many say that our eyes from harm- while swim- ommends the first eye exam to are the windows to our body. ful UV rays. ming it is be performed before a child is Numerous systemic diseases I always best to take 12 months, at least once before such as diabetes, hypertension, recommend the contacts 5 years old, then yearly during thyroid disease, and tumors can wearing out to clean school years. Once a patient is be detected from an annual eye sunglasses and disin- above 18, it is recommended that exam. Therefore, eye exams at with 100% UV protection along fect them as soon as possible to a patient have an eye exam at every stage of life can help keep with hats to protect us from the decrease your likelihood of com- least every 2 years. Once a pa- our vision strong and monitor sun when outdoors. Another plications. tient reaches 40 years old, they for many systemic conditions. common mistake people make As we spend more time out- should receive an exam every Also, many eye diseases such as is exposing your eyes with their doors and increase use of fans 1-2 years as many eye diseases glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy contact lenses to water while and air conditioning, our eyes are linked with aging. At Vision can occur without any noticeable swimming or other activities. The can also start becoming dryer. First Eye Center, we offer a wide symptoms in their early stages. FDA recommends that all contact It is very common that eyes can range of medical, surgical and Early detection of eye conditions lenses should not be exposed to feel gritty and irritated during the routine services. We specialize in are very important to long term any water including swimming summer months, your eye doctor primary eye care, iLasik, and laser prognosis. pools, tap water, ocean/lake wa- can simply recommend over the cataract surgery. As summer is in full swing, here ter. This is due to the risk of the counter tears or prescribe certain Newsletter are some tips we should all follow water potentially holding any medications if your condition is Dr. James Andrew Ho to keep our eyes healthy. Many type of microorganism, fungus, or severe or linked to any systemic Vision First Eye Center, Alabas- eye conditions have been linked bacteria that potentially can re- conditions. It is also very crucial ter Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Cindy Ed- Presenting Sponsors munds for achieving Ambassador of the Month. Cindy is a real es- tate agent with ARC Realty, and has been helping buyers & sell- ers for almost 20 years. She loves what ARC stands for, “A Relation- town, with various trades and contrac- ship Company”, and feels that or move across the country, I can tors, which is also very helpful to is what makes the difference in help!” She works with a lot of her clients. working with an agent from ARC first time home buyers, as well as Cindy has been married to her Realty. “We care for each other people relocating to Birmingham college sweetheart, Kirk, for 33 like a family at ARC and we show for the first time. She feels that years. They have lived in North that same care with our clients.” her listening skills, patience, and Shelby county the whole time and Cindy enjoys helping people attention to detail is what makes they have two grown children. and traveling. If you have a real with all types of real estate trans- her a great agent. Through all She loves spending time with her estate need or question, you can actions. “Whether you need to of her networking she has built family & friends, going to con- contact Cindy at 205-229-2774 or upsize, down size, move across a great database of connections certs & sporting events, reading, [email protected]. 205 - 663 - 4542 SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG ShelbyLiving.com 61 CENSUS 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The 2020 Census is closer than you think! Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted. Everyone counts. The census counts every person living in It’s about fair the United States once, only representation. once, and in the right place. Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how Newsletter many seats each state gets. It’s in the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790. It’s about $675 billion. It’s about redistricting. After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts. The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and Taking part is communities are based on census data. your civic duty. That money is spent Completing the census on schools, hospitals, is mandatory: it’s a way roads, public works, to participate in our and other vital democracy and say programs. “I COUNT!” 62 July/August 2020 Census data are Businesses use census being used all data to decide where to build factories, around you. offices, and stores, which create jobs. Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving Real estate legislation, quality-of-life, developers use the and consumer advocacy. census to build new homes and revitalize old Newsletter Your privacy neighborhoods. is protected. It’s against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly 2020 will be release your responses in any way that could identify you or easier than ever. your household.