June - Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce

Connections
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June 2015
Chamber Announces Finalists
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The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce recently
a Chamber member.
honored its small business members during the
“If you get involved in the Chamber, your benefits
organization’s Small Business Week 2015. Held May
will extend way beyond what’s listed in the Chamber’s
4-8, the week was filled with several seminars and
membership guide,” said Kirkland. “You establish
exciting activities paying tribute to
relationships through networking and
the area’s small businesses and their
attending Chamber events. Chamber
contributions to the economy.
members do business with Chamber
All the activities planned provided
members. You contribute by serving
members the opportunity to not only
on committees and you help build a
network, but to also celebrate their
strong community by being part of a
accomplishments. Small Business
great organization.”
Week 2015 was a week dedicated
Later in the program, Dr. Jack
to bringing business owners and
Sasser, president of Wiregrass
employees together to learn from the
Rehabilitation Services Inc., was the
ideas, expertise and experiences of
guest speaker. In his opening remarks,
each other.
Dr. Sasser noted that his years of
The highlight of the week took Mit Kirkland, Scenic Cable Network service in education and at WRC have
place during the General Membership and Production, gives an overview of all been a labor of love. “When you
Luncheon held May 5 when the what being the Dothan Area Chamber think of WRC, you remember the
of Commerce’s 2014 Small Business
Chamber announced the finalists
people side of it,” he stated.
Person of the Year has meant to him
for the organizations’ annual Small during the organization’s General
Dr. Sasser then had the audience
Business Person of the Year award.
Membership Luncheon held during repeat three important statements
A large number of well-deserving Small Business Week 2015.
that everyone needs to say and believe
small business persons are nominated
within themselves. “You need to first
every year for this award. Once all
say I like me; second, I can think for
the nominations have been received,
myself; and third, there is no problem
the individuals are ranked on a point
that I can’t solve!”
system that recognizes leadership in
Dr. Sasser tells the individuals that
the community, customer satisfaction,
he works with “I believe in you, I
business appearance and image, and
trust in you and I know you can do
professional and civic involvement.
it!” In conclusion, he explained,
Criteria require that nominees reside
“Small business is all about people
in the Wiregrass area and own or
and helping people.”
operate a business with no more than
Additional events throughout
25 employees.
Small Business Week included a
The Chamber received a total of
ladies luncheon and three informative
Dr. Jack Sasser, president at Wiregrass
seven nominations this year, which
and educational seminars: Safety
Rehabilitation Center Inc., was the
were then narrowed down to three guest speaker at the Dothan Area in the Workplace, Marketing and
finalists. Congratulations to Donald Chamber’s General Membership Millennials: How the Game Has
Bolden, CapSouth Partners Inc., Luncheon held at WRC’s Sterling Changed and Engaging Your
Scott Faulk, SERVPRO of Dothan, Events Services Rotary Hall.
Employees.
and Dutch Holland, Harley-Davidson
The Chamber’s Board of Directors
of Dothan. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us
and staff want to thank the General Membership
for the big announcement of the final award winner
Luncheon sponsors Ameris Bank, Cook’s
at the Oct. 8 Annual Meeting Luncheon. You won’t
Pest Control and the Dothan Eagle. It is with
want to miss it!
sponsorships like these that help to make Chamber
Before announcing the finalists’ names at the
activities a success.
luncheon, last year’s award winner Mit Kirkland,
from Scenic Cable Network and Production, gave an
See page 10 for pictures and bios of the 2015 finalists
and page 11 for event photos.
overview of what being the 2014 recipient has meant
to him. He also talked about the importance of being
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Ribbon Cuttings
Small Business Person Of The Year
Events
Calendar
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Grow Dothan
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Workforce
Development
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9
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Business Briefs
6-9
Small Business
Development
10-11
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Quote
of the Month
“To be prepared is half the
victory.”
— Miguel de Cervantes Spanish Novelist
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www.dothan.com
(334) 792-5138
Over 180 Chamber members attended the General Membership Luncheon held during the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small
Business Week 2015.
Ribbonc ut ti n gs
newm e m b e r s
Clip and add these to your Membership Directory.
N2 Publishing
2204 Stonebridge Road
Dothan, AL 36301
Keith Sewell
(334) 791-9732
PUBLISHING
AIG Financial Network
Mack Deas
301 Perry Ave.
P.O. Box 1567
Dothan, AL 36302
Ph: (334) 794-5400
Fax: (334) 792-0065
RETIREMENT PLANNING
SERVICE
INSUR ANCE &
INVESTMENTS
Chow King Grill and
Buffet
(Opening Soon)
Joanna Wu
3112 Ross Clark Circle
Dothan, AL 36303
Ph: (678) 622-7179
RESTAUR ANTS
CATERERS
Birmingham
Theological Seminary –
Dothan Campus
3 Foxchase Drive
Dothan, AL 36305
Angela Smith
(334) 797-8572
SCHOOLS - THEOLOGY
Toadlick Music Festival
Dothan Neighbors
Magazines
Dan Ledford
1702 Fairmont St.
Dothan, AL 36303
Ph: 334 797-3433
PUBLISHING
Toadlick Music Festival
Chris Gilbert
117 Eastridge Drive
Dothan, AL 36301
Ph: (334) 791-7576
ENTERTAINMENT
Golden Corral
Kenyatta Parker
3340 Ross Clark Circle N.W.
Dothan, AL 36301
Ph: (334) 677-9976
Fax: (334) 677-9978
RESTAUR ANTS
renewingm e m b e r s
117 Eastridge Drive
Dothan, AL 36301
Chris Gilbert
(334) 791-7576
ENTERTAINMENT
40 Or More Years
Morris Realty Co.
Parkway Motor Co. Inc.
Scarborough and Associates Inc.
WOW! Business
30-39 Years
Branton Land Surveyors
Cedar Heights Apartments
Dothan School of Dance
Fastener Service Inc.
Hathcock Plbg. and Elec. Co.
Inc./Roto Rooter
Michelin North America Inc.
Qualico Steel Co. Inc.
Roni Holley State Farm
Insurance
Wiregrass Surgical
Associates
4300 W. Main St., Suite 24
Dothan, AL 36305
Kaitlin Harris
(334) 793-7534
PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS –
MD – VASCULAR
PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS –
MD
PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS –
MD – BARIATRIC
Dyna-Lift Inc.
Fairfield Inn Dothan
First Church of the Nazarene
L. Dwight Baker, MD, FACS
Michael S. Nowell, DDS
Pinch-A-Penny
PrimeCare of Dothan
Sanders Security
Target Marketing Inc.
The Kutt Above Inc.
Vinson Plumbing and Electric
Inc.
Wesley Manor Retirement
Center
15-19 Years
Agri-AFC, LLC
Community Bank and Trust
(CB&T)
Copies 2 Go
25-29 Years
Express Oil Change and Service
Alabama Motor Express Inc.
Center
BB&T
Full Line Exhaust Inc.
Farley Nuclear Visitors Center
Healthwest Dental Associates,
Fox Run Apartments
PC
ParsonsGroup, LLC
Houston County Health
Personnel Resources
Department
Summer Wood Townhomes
Southeast Alabama Child
The Riley Group
Advocacy Center
Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Southeast Alabama Community
Inc.
Theatre
Southeast Alabama Regional
Planning and Development
20-24 Years
Commission
Alabama Municipal Electric
Authority
Bay Limousine Service of
10-14 Years
Dothan
Adams Beverages Inc.
C & M Sporting Goods
Don Harrison Allstate
Christ Church International
Insurance
Thank you!
Your membership is an investment in
the future of your business and the economic
progress of the Wiregrass area.
yourc ov e r photo
Pictured (l-r) are Scott Faulk, SERVPRO of Dothan, Carthel
“Dutch” Holland, Harley-Davidson of Dothan, and Donald
Bolden, CapSouth Partners Inc., the 2015 finalists for the
Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Person
of the Year award.
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Evergreen Presbyterian Church
J & S Mortician Service, LLC
Southeastern Printers of Dothan
Summerford Pallet Co. Inc.
Wiregrass Living Magazine
5-9 Years
Ace Automotive Service Inc.
Country Inn and Suites
Dothan Janitorial and Paper
Supply
Dothan Steel Fabricators
Houston County Republican
Women
Milsco Distribution
Panhandle Converter Recycling
Residence Inn by Marriott
1 to 4 Years
American Family Care
Armstrong and Jordan, PC
B & W Closets, Mirrors and
More Inc.
Berney Office Solutions
Bradshaw’s Jewelers
Camping World
Complete Security and Sound
Covenant Steel
H & R Block
Mark Dunning Industries
Eve n t s
S
June C a l e n d a r
Ambassadors & Diplomats
Team Of The Month
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Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting – 7:30 a.m.
Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)
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Ambassador and Diplomat Committee Meeting – 9 a.m.
Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)
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Leadership Dothan Graduation Banquet – 6:30 p.m.
Location: 200 S. Cherokee Ave. (Dothan County Club)
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Troy University Small Business Counseling – 9 a.m. to noon
Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)
*Pre-Registration Required (334) 792-5138/
Dothan Area Young Professionals’ Business Brews – 5:15 p.m.
Location: 560 Westgate Parkway, Suite 1 (KBC Butcher’s Block Catering and Market)
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Seminar: ADA: How Does Your Business Measure Up? – 11:30 a.m.
Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)
*Pre-Registration Required (334) 792-5138. See page 11 for more information.
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Ribbon Cutting: Praestare Engineering Inc. Relocation – 10:30 a.m.
Location: 148 E. Main St.
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Board of Directors’ Meeting – 8:15 a.m.
Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)
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Ribbon Cutting: State Bank and Trust Co. (SB&T) Expansion – 10:30 a.m.
Location: 4482 W. Main St.
Seminar: Five Things Business Owners Need To Know About Bank Financing – 11:30 a.m.
Location: 102 Jamestown Blvd. (Chamber)
*Pre-Registration Required (334) 792-5138. See page 11 for more information.
The Breakfast Club
Congratulations to the Ambassador and Diplomat
Team of the Month “The Breakfast Club” for claiming
this month’s title. Pictured (seated l-r) are Angie Bell,
Courtyard by Marriott; Leanne Todd, Houston
Academy; (standing) Josh Haisten, MidSouth Bank;
Matt Bolin, Coleman World Group; and Adam
O’Brien, Wells Fargo Bank, NA. Team members
not pictured are Suzanne Barrick, VIP Dothan
Magazine; and Ramona Miley, Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Showcase Properties.
Thank you to all our Ambassadors and Diplomats
who serve as the eyes and ears for the Dothan Area
Chamber of Commerce. It is their dedication and
support that assist your local Chamber in meeting its
goals.
Be sure to check out next month’s Chamber
Connections to see who will claim the title.
The Network Exchange – 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 4980 Flowers Chapel Road (Highland Hills Apartments Club House)
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Ribbon Cutting: Texas Roadhouse – 2:30 p.m.
Location: 3730 Montgomery Highway
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Ribbon Cutting: Healthy You Inc. Relocation – 10:30 a.m.
Location: 3124 W. Main St., Suite 14
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Ribbon Cutting: Southeast Archery, LLC – 10:30 a.m.
Location: 3600 S. Oates St., Suite 5
Star Of The Month
Save The Date!
The Network Exchange
Highland Hills Apartments Club House
June 18, 2015 • 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce for The Network Exchange Thursday, June 18,
from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Highland Hills Apartments Club House, 4980 Flowers Chapel
Road. Be sure to join us for an evening of excitement filled with hors d’oeuvres, refreshments
and the opportunity to network with other Chamber members. The event is free and everyone is
encouraged to bring plenty of business cards to exchange! For more information, call LaRhonda
Robinson, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or lrobinson@dothan.com.
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Suzanne Barrick
VIP Dothan Magazine
GROWDO TH A N
Grow Dothan Working For Economic Growth
Since the May newsletter update, Grow Dothan
has continued its work to expand the area’s economic
development. The tremendous support shown by the
business community and its leaders are testimonies
to the level of partnership that exists within this
community. It demonstrates the commitment to
ensuring the region’s future growth; the commitment
to meeting the needs of our community; the
commitment to providing business opportunities and
more jobs.
Just last month, Wayne Farms announced its plans
to expand its Dothan operation adding 500 jobs and
42,000 square feet to the facility. This is great news
for Dothan, Houston County and the Wiregrass. We
are thankful and grateful to Wayne Farms for their
confidence and support.
This is Grow Dothan working for you and for our
community. When jobs are secured and businesses are
expanded, we all benefit as those dollars turn over in
the community through more retail sales, expanded
tax base, contract opportunities and consumer
confidence. The Grow Dothan team was pleased to work with
Mayor Mike Schmitz, the city commission, Houston
County Chairman Mark Culver and commission,
State of Alabama Department of Commerce,
Alabama Industrial Development Training, and
Dothan Industrial Development Board, to make sure
Wayne Farms had everything they needed to make
this important decision to add jobs and investment
here in Dothan. To date, $953,966 in financial commitments have
been made, including contributions of $300,000
from the City of Dothan and $140,000 from Houston
County. The three year goal is $2 million.
Won’t you come join us and be a Grow Dothan
partner? You will be partnering with the strongest
business advocacy organization in the area, and
helping to equip it to build a stronger business
Chamber Calls For Bill
Passage To Streamline
Federal Permitting
And Approval
Wayne Farms Announces
Future Expansion Project
Wayne Farms announced Wednesday, May 6, that
the company will be expanding the Dothan, Alabama
fresh processing facility.
The expansion will double the facility’s capacity
and includes building an additional 42,000 squarefeet to the already existing structure and adding a
minimum of 500 jobs to the local area. The project
is tentatively scheduled for completion in mid-2016.
“Wayne Farms is excited for the opportunity
to expand our business and bring jobs to the local
area. With the rising demand for chicken we have
an opportunity to increase our output,” stated Clint
Rivers, Wayne Farms chief operating officer.
The current Dothan plant consists of a 105,000
square-foot fresh processing facility and employs 356
people from the surrounding area.
Chamber President Matt Parker commented, “We
appreciate the support of our governor, the State of
Alabama Department of Commerce/AIDT, Dothan’s
mayor and city commission, various city departments,
Houston County chairman and commission, the
Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan,
and the Grow Dothan team to support this great
expansion in our community. The additional jobs,
investment and indirect impact this project will bring
to our region is tremendous. We cannot thank Wayne
Farms and their team enough for their investment
and for this great opportunity for our area.”
environment. A stronger business environment that
benefits everyone.
Investing in the Grow Dothan capital campaign
provides the necessary resources for projects like
Wayne Farms to happen, and we thank all our current
investors. If you are not yet an investor, we encourage
you to consider a pledge for the continued efforts to
grow the Wiregrass economy. When it’s all said and done, every Chamber member
benefits, and continues to benefit, from a growing
and thriving economy.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support
makes a difference! No commitment is too small, it’s
through your partnership that helps to make Dothan,
Houston County and the Wiregrass area what it needs
in order to be the perfect place to live, work and play.
Wayne Farms, LLC is the sixth-largest vertically
integrated poultry producer in the U.S. with
annual sales exceeding $1.9 billion. A subsidiary
of Continental Grain Co., Wayne Farms owns and
operates 11 fresh and further-processed facilities
throughout the Southeast, produces more than 2.6
billion pounds of poultry products each year, and
employs more than 8,900 individuals.
Producing products under the brand names of
WAYNE FARMS® fresh chicken; PLATINUM
HARVEST® premium fresh chicken; DUTCH
QUALITY HOUSE® chicken and CHEF’S
CR AFT™ gourmet chicken, Wayne Farms has a
well-known history of delivering exceptional poultry
products to some of the largest industrial, institutional,
and food service companies across America.
Wayne Farms Dothan Facility
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The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce recently
joined nearly 200 state and local chambers in signing
on to a multi-industry letter in support of the U.S.
Senate passing the Federal Permitting Improvement
Act, commonly known as permit streamlining
legislation.
The Federal Permitting Improvement Act of 2015
addresses the problem that far too many shovelready projects face lengthy project delays from the
prolonged federal permitting and approval process.
Permit streamlining helps speed up the permitting
process and lets important projects move forward,
fostering job creation.
The bill is designed to streamline the process of
issuing infrastructure permits in several important
ways:
• Coordinate responsibilities among multiple
agencies to ensure early agency involvement and
compliance with deadlines;
• Provide for concurrent reviews by agencies, rather
than serial reviews;
• Allow state-level environmental reviews to be used
where the state has a review process equivalent to
the federal process;
• Establish a reasonable process for determining
the scope of project alternatives, so that the
environmental review does not devolve into an
endless quest to evaluate infeasible alternatives;
• Create a publicly accessible “dashboard” to track
projects during the permitting review while
imposing agency accountability; and
• Reduce the statute of limitations to challenge
an environmental review under the National
Environmental Policy Act from six years to 150
days.
The Act has since passed by the U.S. Senate
committee by a 12-1 vote. Passage of this bill was
essential to growing the economy. It does not mandate
that any particular project is built, but it does impose
review schedules on federal agencies. When a similar
process was deployed on transportation construction
projects, it cut the time to complete an environmental
review from 73 months to 37 months.
Workforced e v e l opm e nt
Alabama Legislature Moves Community
College From Under State Board Of Education
On May 5, Alabama Senate
Bill 191 was passed into law.
This Act removed the Alabama
Community College system
from under the State Board of
Education and created a Board
of Trustees of the Alabama
Community College System.
Several pertinent excerpts of
the Act follow.
BE IT ENACTED BY
Steve Turkoski,
THE LEGISLATURE OF
Project Manager
ALABAMA: Section 1.
The Legislature finds and
determines all of the following:
(2)Seven members appointed by the Governor so that
one member of the board is a resident of each of
the seven congressional districts in the state as the
districts are constituted on the effective date of this
article. The member appointed by the Governor
pursuant to this subdivision, representing the
congressional district in which the main campus of
Athens State University is located, shall serve as the
member of the Board of Trustees of Athens State
University pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection
(a) of Section 16-47A-4. (1)That it is necessary to the welfare of the state that
it provide workforce development initiatives that are responsive to industry needs from highly specialized
training programs that help prepare entry level
employees to meet growing demands.
(4)One member appointed by the Governor from the
state at large. (2)That the needs of the citizens, businesses, and
industries of the state are best served by a unified
system of institutions and programs delivering
excellence in academic education, adult education,
and workforce development. (3)That a unified system is best supported and
supervised by a board of trustees devoted solely
to providing the best possible facilities, teaching,
and instruction through the Alabama Community
College System.
(4)That high quality, affordable, local educational
opportunities for students to obtain associate’s
degrees and to prepare for continuing their
education at four-year institutions have been a
hallmark of Alabama’s two-year college system since
its inception, that the board of trustees created by
this act is charged with maintaining and building
upon those options to ensure that a college education
remains affordable for all Alabama families.
§16-60-111.
(a) There is established a Board of Trustees of the
Alabama Community College System. The board
shall be composed of the following members:
(1)The Governor, who shall be ex officio president of
the board.
(3)One ex officio, nonvoting member appointed by the
Governor who is actively serving on the State Board
of Education.
(b)All members appointed by the Governor shall be
free from any contractual, employment, personal,
or familial financial interest in the Alabama
Community College System.
§16-60-116. 14
(a) The Alabama Aviation College, formerly known as
the Alabama Institution of Aviation Technology, is
established as an independent institution within the
Alabama Community College System responsible
for providing aviation education and training
statewide. The Alabama Aviation College shall be
responsible directly to the Chancellor, who shall
provide an annual budget that adequately funds
the statewide mission of the college. The mission
of the college shall include preparing and training
maintenance, service, and new build assembly
technicians for the aviation industry.
Thirty-two high school seniors will enroll in a fouryear university or two-year college this year with help
from the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority and
its 11 members through the 2015 AMEA Scholarship
Program. Each of the 32 scholarship recipients will
receive a $2,500 scholarship for a total of $80,000
awarded in this year’s program.
To be eligible for the AMEA scholarship or
technical school scholarship, a student’s family must
receive electric service from a member’s electric utility
and the student must attend an Alabama college or
university.
“We are very pleased with the response to this
year’s program and we congratulate the winners,”
said Pamela Poole, AMEA Scholarship Program
coordinator. “Through such initiatives as the AMEA
Scholarship Program, AMEA and its members are
helping enrich the lives of students throughout the
state, and the benefits of this program will have a
long, lasting effect.”
This year’s recipients are:
• Kaylee Clark, James Sturdivant and Michelle
Tuggle, Benjamin Russell High School
• Nicholas Kellenberger, Dothan High School
• Henry Morris, Providence Christian School
• Katherine Brayer, William Davis and Cassidy
West, Fairhope High School
• Alysa Gauci and Jewel Wallace, Foley High School
• Kyle Jones, Spanish Fort High School
§16-60-117.
The board may operate technical and workforce
development programs as are necessary and appropriate
to provide a skilled workforce within the state. Such
technical and workforce development programs may
be provided through the facilities and faculties of the
community and technical colleges or may be provided
at other sites and utilizing such other faculty and staff
as are required to satisfy the needs of business and
industry.
• Al’Asia Walker, LaFayette High School
• Benjamin Wilkerson, Chambers Academy
• Laura Floyd and AnQuavis Simpson, Lanett High
School
• Karlee Oliver, Valley High School
• Lacey Folmar, Crenshaw Christian Academy
• Michael Odom and Abbi Sanders, Luverne High
School
Education Committee Recognizes Area Teachers
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week,
May 4-8, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s
Education Committee, Board of Directors and many
volunteers were busy delivering a little over 470 dozen
AMEA Announces
2015 Scholarship
Winners
cookies to area schools by week’s end.
Thank you to the Dothan Technology Center’s
Culinary Department for the delicious cookies.
• Adriane King and Abbey Rowe, Opelika High
School
• Victoria Donaldson, Skylar Fontaine and Joyce
Pleze, Piedmont High School
• Amy Dennis and Philip Tice, Sylacauga High
School
• Monica James and Amber Smith, Booker T.
Washington High School
• Candace Wilson, Lee-Scott Academy
The 2015 AMEA Technical Scholarship winners are:
Hayden Camp (left), Dothan
Education Foundation, delivers
cookies to Principal Johnny
Dixon, Rehobeth Middle School.
Tami Culver (left), Dothan
Education
Foundation,
delivers cookies to Sarah
Owen
at
Slingluff
Elementary School.
Dr. Roy Watford, Education
Committee chairman, delivers
cookies to Summer Lisenby,
special education teacher at
Selma.Elementary School.
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Cliff Mendheim, Prim and
Mendheim, heads out to
deliver cookies to Dothan High
School, Dothan City Schools
Central Office and ARC.
• Bailey Frost, Sylacauga High School
• Danielle Martin, Opelika High School
• Dylan Langley, Emmanuel Christian School
BusinessB r i e fs
Chair’s Message…
Your Chamber Of Commerce
Helping Small Businesses Grow And Expand
“The way a team plays as a
whole determines its success.
You may have the greatest
bunch of individual stars in
the world, but if they don’t
play together, the club won’t be
worth a dime.”
— Babe Ruth
In this final article about
the different components of
the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, I would
like to remind you that the Chamber is focused on
five very specific strategic goals:
1. Grow the economy of the Wiregrass;
Hope Johnson
2. Develop a seamless education and workforce
system;
3. Enhance the Wiregrass region’s quality of life;
4. Foster collaboration and trust between the
Chamber and elected officials through improved
communication; and
5. Grow membership and provide resources necessary
for business people to create, sustain, and expand
regional companies.
The Chamber’s Membership Development
Council and strategic goal number five states “Grow
membership and provide resources necessary for
business people to create, sustain and expand regional
companies.” The Council is chaired by Chamber
board member Lori Wilcoxon, general manager of
the Wiregrass Commons Mall. The Council staff
coordinators are LaRhonda Robinson, director of
membership; Steve Turkoski, project manager; and
Janice Shepard, vice president of administration.
A majority of our local businesses are small, and
many are family-owned and operated. The Wiregrass
region is known for producing great entrepreneurs.
Harvard Business School defines entrepreneurship as
the relentless pursuit of opportunity without regard
for resources currently controlled. That’s where we
come in. The Chamber is your one-stop resource
center for local business success and growth. Let me
share some examples.
Are you new to the community? Do you need to
develop a wider business network? The Chamber’s
Network Exchange, Spotlight on Business and
General Membership events are excellent networking
and learning opportunities.
Need information and support? The Chamber’s
ongoing business seminars and Small Business Toolkit
are excellent sources of information. Our business
counseling, Resource Library, online information
and Revolving Loan Fund are valuable resources. And
finally, but probably most important, our experienced
staff, as well as our volunteer Ambassadors and
WITH STROKE,TIME LOST IS BRAIN LOST.
SAMC is the region’s first hospital
to earn the prestigious Gold Plus
Stroke Award from the American
Heart Association and American
Stroke Association.
SAMC IS THE REGION’S GOLD
STANDARD FOR STROKE CARE.
PROVIDING PATIENTS THE
HIGHEST LEVEL OF ADVANCED
STROKE CARE.
Top 10% in nation for patient safety
From the area’s first responders
to SAMC’s highly trained stroke
team of physicians, nurses and
clinical team members, patients
receive the latest stroke care
available.
This means a coordinated and
quicker response time, which in
turn means less damage caused
by the stroke.
Diplomats, are all here to provide personal assistance
on a daily basis.
Have a story to tell? The Chamber’s Ribbon
Cuttings and monthly Chamber Connections
newsletter are perfect ways to share your story. Need inspiration? No problem. Join us for our
Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held
annually in August. Or meet Mit Kirkland, our 2014
Small Business Person of the Year. You’ll walk away
inspired by these amazing stories. If your business is not currently a member of
the Dothan Area Chamber, we need you. Consider
this an open invitation. The Chamber is very much
an organization based on the principles of creative
cooperation and synergy. Simply put, the whole is
greater than the sum of its parts. For more information, contact the Chamber office
at (334) 792-5138.
Hope Johnson is chair of the Dothan Area Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors, and CEO and chair
of Friend Bank. Dothan Final Stop For
Smithsonian Exhibit
Troy University Dothan’s Library will serve as the
final stop for a traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit
exploring the history of the U.S. workforce, “The Way
We Worked,” from May 19 - June 25.
Part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street
program, “The Way We Worked” explores how work has
become a central element in American culture, and traces
the many changes that have affected the workforce and
work environments over the past 150 years, including
the growth of manufacturing and increasing use of
technology.
Also in conjunction with the exhibit, Troy University
and The Cultural Arts Center will host several free
public events:
• A community quilting bee at the Wiregrass Museum
of Art Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
• A book talk with Dr. Jim Hansen, author of A
Difficult Par: Robert Trent Jones and the Making of
Modern Golf, Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the
Highland Oaks Golf Course;
• A screening of the documentary Quiltmakers of Gee’s
Bend at the Wiregrass Museum of Art Saturday,
June 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;
• A workshop, Local History WORKS!, with “The
Way We Worked” Alabama lead scholar Dr. John
Kvach, Thursday, June 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at the Dothan Campus, and
• A screening and discussion of the film Brother
Joseph and Grotto with director Cliff Vaughan and
producer Carol Anne Vaughn Cross, Sunday, June
14, from 2-4 p.m. at St. Columbia Catholic Church.
1108 Ross Clark Circle
Dothan, Alabama 36301
334-793-8111 samc.org
6
Admission to all events is free and open to the public.
For more information on events, visit http://spectrum.
troy.edu/twww/ or contact Dr. Olliff at (334) 9836556, ext. 1327 or molliff@troy.edu.
BusinessB r i e fs
Upcoming Member Events
Two Great Publications,
One Great Idea!
Poplar Head Farmers Market
Every Saturday June 6 – July 25 • 8 a.m. - noon
Corner of Main and St. Andrews streets. Sponsored by The Downtown
Group of Dothan, this open air market features fresh locally grown
vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, etc. For more information,
contact The Downtown Group at (334) 793-3097 or visit www.
thedowntowngroup.com.
Ad Sales Campaign Currently Underway
You want to reach new residents and the
business community. They want to know how
to find you. The best way to achieve both goals
is to advertise in the Dothan Area Chamber of
Commerce’s 2016 Dothan’s Official Welcome
Guide and the 2016 Membership Directory
& Business Guide.
Music By Moonlight
June 11 & 25 • 7:30 p.m.
Landmark Park. Pack a picnic supper, bring the family and friends and
enjoy an evening of great music under the stars in a relaxed, informal
setting. Free to attend. For more information, call the park at (334)
794-3452 or visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
June 14 • 5-7 p.m.
Landmark Park. It’s a summertime treat for the whole family as
Landmark Park observes National Dairy Month. Activities include cow
milking, butter churning, ice cream making and more. Plus, free single
dip ice cream cones. Admission cost is $5 adults, $3 kids and members
free. For more information, call the park at (334) 794-3452 or visit
www.landmarkparkdothan.com.
The Dothan Area Chamber and Print
Services Inc., the Chamber member
awarded this project, have begun the ad
sales campaign for these 2016 publications.
Chamber members (primary contact and/or
advertising agent) recently began receiving the
Chamber’s project introduction letter, verification form(s)
and a “Reserve Your Space” brochure.
Foster Fest
June 19 • 6 p.m.
Foster Street Downtown Dothan. Hosted by The Downtown Group,
this is a free, pet-friendly event showcasing downtown Dothan, the local
arts, crafts and music scene, downtown businesses and classic cars. For
more information, contact The Downtown Group at (334) 793-3097
or visit www.thedowngroup.com.
Print Services will be contacting members about the
advertising opportunities and has a media kit available online
at www.psiprinter.com.
The Welcome Guide and Membership Directory & Business
Guide will be mailed to Chamber members in late January
2016. 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
to find fellow business members to promote our businessto-business relationships. Don’t miss out on these important
publications! Your company will benefit greatly by reaching
all who look to the Dothan Area Chamber for information
about Dothan businesses in 2016.
Art Attack!
June 22-26 • 9 a.m. - noon
Wiregrass Museum of Art and Conference Center. It’s an art explosion
for ages 9 through 12: campers will get messy with mixed media from
collage to spray paint. They will also learn about the quilts of Gee’s Bend
and get to take a Mural Tour. All new projects; all supplies included.
Cost is members: $95.00; non-members: $105.00. Pre-registration is
required. For more information, call (334)794-3871, ext. 25 or visit
www.wiregrassmuseum.org.
Distribution of the Welcome Guide (10,000) includes
economic development prospects, new residents, prospective
retirees and relocation families requesting information
through the Chamber, 14 Chamber member apartment
complexes for new residents, 20 Chamber member hotels/
motels in-room distribution and the Dothan Utilities and
Wiregrass Electric Authority offices to all new service
customers. Great web exposure is another avenue of
distribution for the 2016 Welcome Guide. The publication
will be on the following websites: The City of Dothan, Houston
County, Dothan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dothan Area
Chamber of Commerce and Print Services Inc.
2-1-1 Presents Sip,
Celebrate And Give
Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1, Southeast will host a seven-year anniversary
celebration and fundraiser Thursday, June 18, from 6-9 p.m. at The Grand on
Foster. Sip, Celebrate and Give will feature live music, a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres.
In addition to a live and silent auction to help raise much needed funds for the
organization, 2-1-1 will also be promoting its 2-1-1 Club. The purpose of the 2-1-1
Club is to get 211 donors to contribute $100 each to Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1
annually.
Tickets for the event are $25 each or two for $40. For tickets or additional
information, contact David Duke at (334) 836-1963 or drop by the 2-1-1 office
located at 545 W. Main St., Suite 313.
A free, easy to remember three-digit telephone number, 2-1-1 provides quick
and easy access to information about health and human services. Information
and referral specialists assess callers’ needs, determine their options and provide
appropriate referrals to programs and services that can help.
Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1 provides this service 24/7 for people needing help
or wanting to give help in seven southeast Alabama counties. The family of services
provided helps restore the health and productivity of individuals, organizations and
workplaces leading to an improved quality of life for our entire community. Get
connected, get answers. For more information, visit www.wiregrass211.com.
For more information about this opportunity, please
contact:
(334) 702-4063
(334) 712-6532 Fax
www.psiprinter.com
7
BusinessB r i e fs
DEF To Host Golf
Tournament
The Dothan Education Foundation
is preparing to host its annual
Morris Slingluff Memorial
Golf Tournament to be
held Monday, June 8, at
the Dothan Country Club.
Through this tournament,
DEF has awarded over $350,000 back to Dothan
City Schools by way of teacher grants. This year, the
organization hopes to reach a goal of $40,000 for the
grant program.
Community and tournament sponsors this year are
Michelin North America - Dothan Team, Slingluff
United Insurance, CapSouth Partners Inc., the Tom
Ziegenfelder Family, as well as numerous golf hole
and team sponsors.
A four-person scramble, lunch starts at 11 a.m.
with tee off at noon. The day includes cash prizes for
highest gross and net score, a $10,000 hole-in-one
and a chance to win a set of Michelin tires. The cost is $500 per team or $125 per person. A
hole sponsorship can be secured for $125.
To sign up or for more information, call the
DEF office at (334) 794-6585 or visit www.
dothaneducationfoundation.org.
Tom West Co.
Welcomes New Agent
Tom West Co. is pleased to
announce Anessa Kent has joined
the company as an associate
broker. Kent, a multi-million
dollar producer, has years of
experience and knowledge in real
estate and enjoys working with
sellers and buyers. “We are thrilled to have
Anessa Kent,
Anessa join our team,” said Mark
Associate Broker
Dennis, Tom West Co. managing
broker. As a valuable asset to our
team, she is ready to help market and represent your
interests during the sale or acquisition of your next
home. “
Kent is a native of Opelika and a 1990 graduate of
Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree. She is
also a proud veteran of the Navy. She and her husband,
Greg, have two children and reside in Dothan.
For more information, give Kent a call at (334)
790-7180 or email anessakent@gmail.com. Building
Trust. Selling Homes.
SEACT To Host Summer
Theatre Camps
The Southeast Alabama Community Theatre will
host four Summer Theatre Camps for kids this June
and July. Online registration is now open for the
weeks of June 15, June 22, July 13 and July 20.
The camps are held at The Cultural Arts Center and
registration is required in advance. SEACT Summer
Theatre Camps for Kids offer instruction in staging,
choreography, costumes and performance. Children
ages 5 and older spend the week memorizing lines
and blocking for an open performance on Friday for
friends and family.
Make it a SEACT summer for your children. For
more information, call the SEACT office at (334)
794-0440, email seact@seact.com or visit www.
seact.com.
Noland Hospital Celebrates 11 Years
Since March 26, 2015, Noland Hospital Dothan
has been an integral part of the health care community
for 11 years. The facility, located within Southeast
Alabama Medical Center, is a long-term, acute-care
hospital that specializes in the care of patients that
require an extended hospitalization. Noland Hospital is Dothan’s specialty hospital. The
hospital has a team approach to caring for patients who
are too sick for transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation
or skilled nursing facility. The focus at Noland is on
medical rehabilitation. The hospital stay includes daily physician rounds,
specialized nursing care, advanced respiratory
care, certified wound care management, dietary
management, case management, as well as physical,
occupational and speech therapies. The typical length
of stay averages 25 days. Many patients transfer directly from the Intensive
Care Unit to participate in Nolan’s signature programs:
pulmonary care, wound care or infectious disease
programs. Noland is very proud of its outcomes. This last year, Noland Hospital was awarded the
Clinical Excellence Award among its six LTACH
facilities. Ventilator wean rate was 69 percent, and
approximately 84 percent of its patients discharge to
a less restrictive level of care such as home, skilled
nursing, rehabilitation or assisted living facilities. Noland has served over 2100 patients over the last 11
years. Noland Hospital Dothan invites you to make
plans to come and celebrate with them all their
accomplishments Friday, May 8, from 11 a.m. until 1
p.m. There will be finger foods and tours provided. For more information, contact Wendy Morris, at
(334) 699-4377.
The Art Of Pain Management Art Contest
The Southeast Pain Management Center is
conducting an Art of Pain Management art contest
dedicated to patients who live with chronic pain. In
an effort to educate the public through art and to
recognize the many who suffer with chronic pain,
Southeast Pain Management is now accepting visual art
exhibits from artist-patients dealing with chronic pain.
Patients are asked to use the contest as a vehicle to
express some facet of their pain experience through
visual artwork by submitting art pieces on 8”x10”,
11”x14”, 14”x18” or 16”x20” canvas or paper, utilizing
mediums such as paints, charcoal or pencil.
In addition to the art, submissions should include
the title of each piece and a brief written description of
how each piece of art relates to the patient’s chronic pain.
Berkshire Hathaway
Welcomes New
Team Member
Berkshire Hathaway Home
Services Showcase Properties is
excited to welcome Christine
White to their dynamic team of
real estate professionals.
White has 10 years of real estate
experience which includes seven
years as an REO asset manager.
Christine White,
Her goal is to provide her
Realtor
customers and clients with the
highest quality service with an honest, professional and
enthusiastic manner. With her real estate background,
she will provide a real estate experience that exceeds
expectations.
For more information, contact White at (334) 7927474 or visit www.BHHS-ShowcaseProperties.com.
8
The top 10 entries will be framed and displayed
permanently in the Southeast Pain Management
Center. First place winner will receive an iPad, second
place winner a Visa gift card and third place a restaurant
gift card.
The entry dates are May 6 through Aug. 5,, with
the winner being announced Aug. 11. An Unveiling
Reception will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 5:30 during
September’s Pain Awareness Month.
Art submissions can be dropped off at the Southeast
Pain Management Center located at 208 Haven Drive
in Dothan. All entries will become property of the
Southeast Pain Management Center
For more information, contact Sonya Jordan at (334)
793-8196.
BusinessB r i e fs
Dr. Sasser Announces Retirement
Dr. Jack Sasser, long-time
chief officer/administrator of the
Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center
Inc., has announced his intent to
retire by the end of the 2015. Dr.
Sasser has served as chief officer
of the Dothan non-profit for
the past 19 years. The Board of
Directors is announcing its intent
Dr. Jack Sasser,
to employ a successor to Dr.
President
Sasser in the next few months.
Dr. Sasser, a retired educator for 36 years, became
the administrator, now president, of WRC in 1996.
He has nurtured WRC as a business with a social
purpose, growing a budget of $1.6 million into $10
million annually.
Under his guidance, WRC and the Dothan Rotary
Children’s Foundation raised nearly $1 million
to establish an Endowment Fund for facilities
maintenance, opened a new Work Services Center
raising over $1 million in less than a year for that
project, transformed a former training workshop into
two thriving retail stores, and received two Section
811 grants for housing for individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, during Dr. Sasser’s tenure at WRC,
over 18,000 individuals with disabilities in the
tri-states area have been assisted in overcoming
vocational barriers and securing employment. For its
achievements under Dr. Sasser’s leadership, WRC was
awarded the Alabama Association of Rehabilitation
Facilities Outstanding Facility of the Year Award.
Dr. Sasser’s civic role in the community is
noteworthy. His is a member and past president of the
Dothan Rotary Club, a member of the Dothan Area
Chamber of Commerce and a former board member
for the Community Intensive Treatment Program,
Family Guidance Center and Covenant Hospice.
Additionally, Dr. Sasser is a Rotary Foundation of
Rotary International two-time Paul Harris Fellow,
the 2010 Alabama Association of Rehabilitation
Facilities Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional of
the Year, the Dothan Rotary Club 2011-12 Rotarian
of the Year, and a recipient of the W. Robert Brown
Andalusia High School Outstanding Graduate Award.
In 2014, Dr. Sasser was inducted into the Dothan
Business Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor
recognizes the accomplishments and contributions
of past and present community business leaders, their
dedication and commitment to economic growth,
personal integrity, and a lifetime spent demonstrating
civic leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarianism
toward their fellow citizens.
The 2015-2016 Nominations and Elections
Committee has been appointed to select the slate
of nine candidates that will each serve three-year
terms, replacing the directors currently on the
Chamber Board of Directors whose regular terms
expire this fall. Those on the Nominations and
Elections Committee are:
Chair of the Board
Hope Johnson
Friend Bank
Chairmen-Elect
Forrest Register
Register Realty Co. Inc.
Immediate-Past Chairman
Bob Woodall
Bob Woodall Air Care Systems Inc.
Past Chairman
Mark Saliba
Alfred Saliba Corp.
Dedication Set For
Dothan Leadership Monument
The Dothan Leadership monument, which honors
seven of the city’s past business leaders, will be dedicated
in a brief ceremony Thursday, June 18, at 10 a.m.
The public is invited to attend and pay tribute to
the men from 1964-1968 who helped our city grow
economically: Eustace Bishop Sr., John Conti, Rufus
Davis II, Joseph Donofro, Paul Felts, Harry Hall and
James T. “Red” McGouirk.
Chamber Names
2015-2016
Nominations And
Elections Committee
Located at 126 N. St. Andrews St. by the Dothan
Civic Center, the Dothan Leadership monument was
designed by local architect Andy Gosselin. There will
be a reception with the families of the men on the
monument following the dedication.
For more information, call Kerry Farrell, The Main
Event, at (334) 699-1475.
Past Chairman
Jeff Coleman
Coleman World Group
Past Chairman
Charles Buntin
Tom West Co.
Past Chair
Dr. Linda C. Young
Wallace Community College
Dr. David Arrington
Troy University
Neurosurgery.
Blake Daughtry
The Daughtry Group
Rob Goldsmith
Larry Blumberg and Associates (LBA Hospitality)
Dr. Schmitz is on call for you 24/7.
Kevin Payne
Slingluff United Insurance
Flowers Hospital welcomes Marcus P. Schmitz, M.D.,
to the medical staff. A graduate of the University of
Kentucky College of Medicine, Dr. Schmitz brings
new services to the hospital, and focuses on treating
brain and spine conditions. A board-certified
neurosurgeon, Dr. Schmitz brings more than
20 years of experience to the Wiregrass area.
Dr. Schmitz and his wife have two adult children.
He is now accepting new patients.
Amy Schutz
Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity Inc.
Velma J. Tribue
Velma Tribue State Farm Insurance
Roy Watford
House of Flowers
To schedule an appointment,
call 334-944-7073.
4300 West Main Street, Suite 21
Dothan, AL 36305
Member of the Medical Staff at Flowers Hospital
83730_FLOW_Schmitz_6_0625x5_1325c.indd 1
Marcus P. Schmitz, M.D.
9
4/3/15 3:28 PM
As specified in the By-Laws, this committee
is made up of the chairman, chairman-elect, the
past five chairmen and seven Chamber members
representing business classification codes. The
immediate past chairman serves as the chairman of
the committee.
Members of the Dothan Area Chamber of
Commerce wishing to recommend someone as a
Board Member must do so by 5 p.m. June 12. Names
should be submitted to Bob Woodall, chairman,
Nominations and Elections Committee, Dothan
Area Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 638,
Dothan, AL 36302. All names should be submitted
in written form, with the recommendation signed
by the individual member making the nomination.
smallb u s i n e s s development
And The 2015 Finalists Are …
Small Business Person Of The Year
Donald Bolden,
CapSouth Partners Inc.
Donald Bolden is
a lifelong resident of
Dothan,
graduating
from
Dothan
High
School in 1968 and
attending
Wallace
Community College. He
entered the life insurance
business following the
death of his father, Paul
L. Bolden, in 1973. In 1976, he led the group that
founded Canaan Industries, a local farm equipment
manufacturing and distribution business.
Canaan was sold in 1993 and Bolden resumed
his career in investments and insurance. In
2001, he established CapSouth Partners Inc., a
comprehensive investment and wealth management
firm where he serves as president and senior wealth
advisor. CapSouth has expanded over the years and
has offices in Alabama and Georgia.
Valuing community involvement, Bolden is a
staunch advocate for the arts though his support
of organizations such as Patti Rutland Jazz and
Southeast Alabama Community Theatre. He was
named by SEACT as The Arts 2010 Business
Person of the Year. As one of the original board
members of the Wiregrass Hope Group, he served
for 26 years, many of those as president. He was
an organizing member of the Dothan Tennis
Association and was influential in the development
of the Westgate Tennis Center. Bolden was the catalyst behind what we now
know as the Wiregrass Economic Forum – an
annual event recognizing and celebrating the
contributions of businesses to the Wiregrass
economy. This event brings approximately 350
people together each year to recognize companies
that are making an impact in our area, and has
featured such speakers as Jimmy Rane, Dr. David
Bronner and Mayor Mike Schmitz.
Bolden and his wife Sally have been married
for over 40 years and have three children and five
grandchildren. They are organizing members of
Wiregrass Church. Scott Faulk,
SERVPRO of Dothan
Scott Faulk is the
owner and operator of
SERVPRO of Dothan
and
SERVPRO
of
Coffee, Dale, Geneva
and Henry counties. He
is a longtime resident
of the Wiregrass and
attended Dothan City
Schools. Faulk earned a bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering from Auburn University and worked
in civil engineering design and construction for 18
years. In 2012, he and his wife Daphne realized
their dream of owning their own business when
they purchased SERVPRO in Dothan.
Faulk is a member of The Dothan-Houston
County Rotary Club and First United Methodist
Church where he serves on the Lay Leadership
Committee.
SERVPRO is a proud supporter of The Child
Advocacy Center, Kiwanis Club of Dothan,
Dothan City Schools, Providence Christian
School, Northside Methodist Academy, Houston
Academy, Association of the United States
Army, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce,
Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, Exchange
Center For Child Abuse Prevention, Wiregrass
Rehabilitation Center Inc., Dothan Education
Foundation, Dothan Rescue Mission, American
Cancer Society and United Way.
SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration from damage caused by fire
and water in both residential and commercial
structures.
Faulk and his wife Daphne have been married
for 21 years and have two children – Lawson and
Claire. Daphne is vice president of finance with
Oncology Supply Inc. and has been with the
company for 15 years. Scott and Daphne are both
graduates of Northview High School.
10
Carthel “Dutch”
Holland,
Harley-Davidson of
Dothan
Carthel
“Dutch”
Holland is the proud
owner of the Harley –
Davidson of Dothan
store, a family-owned
business
that
was
established in 1972.
Born and raised in
Slocomb, Alabama, as a youth, Holland helped
his father on the farm. In 1951, he enlisted in the
U.S. Army until he returned back to Dothan in
the mid-1950s.
Holland started working for Loftin’s Transfer
and Storage Co. where he took a Dale Carnegie
course which gave him the nickname “Dutch”
which he uses to this day. He also met his wife
Sara while working for Loftins and the couple
married April 1, 1956.
Holland left Loftin’s to become the unit
administrator for the National Guard post in
Slocomb where he spent a total of 34 years.
Holland had always been interested in
motorcycles and in 1968, he wrote a letter to
the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. about opening
a dealership in Dothan. It took three years, but
the Motor Co. awarded Holland the franchise in
1972. Holland, his wife and their son Bill were the
main employees at the time and have grown the
dealership from the small shop next to a clothing
store to the dealership we see today.
Holland also began the Wiregrass Chapter of
the Harley Owners Group in 1986 and can still
be seen out riding with the group. The dealership,
and the Harley Owners Group, support many
local charities in the Wiregrass by holding poker
runs and taking donations for organizations like
the Southern Alabama Regional Council on
Aging, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special
Olympics, Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy
Center and Wiregrass Children’s Home.
smallb u s i n e s s development
Small Business Week Events
yourc ha m b e r
Did You Receive Your Verification Form?
In preparation for the upcoming production of the Dothan Area Chamber of
Commerce’s 2016 Membership Directory and Business Guide, Chamber members
were sent their membership verification form May 1.
If you have not already received your Verification form through the mail, please
contact LaRhonda Robinson, director of membership, at (334) 792-5138 or
e-mail lrobinson@dothan.com.
The deadline for submission is Monday, July 6, 2015.
Mark Your Calendar For These
Small Business Seminars
ADA: How Does Your Business
Measure Up?
Dothan Area Chamber
June 11 • 11:30 a.m.
Wiregrass area small businesses are seeing an increase in threatening letters
from the ADA Group. These letters are real threats typically directed at an
unknown general counsel for your company. The details of the lawsuit describe
alleged violations of the accessibly laws and threaten litigation in federal court
concerning access for disabled individuals.
Last year, the Auburn-Opelika area small businesses received 90+
potential letters stating various potential ADA violations from a variety of
sources including the ADA Group (www.oanow.com/news/auburn/
article_4e70d0b6-063c-11e4-b82f-0017a43b2370.html). These letters
should be taken seriously and legal consultation is highly recommended. Join the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Attorney Bricker
Daughtry, shareholder with Carr Allison Law Firm’s Birmingham office, for
this important seminar titled ADA: How Does Your Business Measure Up?
Thursday, June 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber facility.
You will hear first-hand how you can make sure your business is in compliance
with ADA regulations and defend against the ADA Group’s allegations.
Pre-registration is required by noon Tuesday, June 10. The cost to attend
is $10, which includes a boxed lunch. To pre-register, please contact Susan
Tatom at (334) 792-5138.
9
Five Things Business Owners Need To
Know About Bank Financing
Dothan Area Chamber
June 18 • 11:30 a.m.
Getting and keeping a successful borrowing relationship with a bank can be
a key component to business success. Whether your business is seeking bank
financing or already has it, you need to be “in the know” on the “dos” and
“dont’s” of earning and keeping the capital flowing into your business.
Join the Dothan Area Chamber and Lunelle Siegel, senior vice president
at BBVA Compass Commercial Billing Service, for the seminar Five Things
Business Owners Need To Know About Bank Financing Thursday, June 18, at
11:30 a.m. at the Chamber facility.
In the aftermath of the great recession, some takeaways surfaced for business
owners confronting declining sales and the fight for profitability. These hardlearned lessons and other ingredients for success in getting what you want
from the bank will be the topic of this insightful program.
Pre-registration is required by noon Tuesday, June 16. The cost to attend
is $10, which includes a boxed lunch. To pre-register, please contact Susan
Tatom at (334) 792-5138.
11
th e
shaping
s h apin g
ch alle n g e
th e
meeting
me e tin g
Person Of The Year Finalists Named
SMALL BUSINESS
future
Dothan Area
Chamber of Commerce
Dedication Set For
Leadership Monument
Dr. Sasser Announces
Retirement
Noland Celebrates
11 Years
Tom West Co.
Welcomes New Agent
Dothan Final Stop For
Smithsonian Exhibit
Alabama Legislative
Moves Community
College From Under
State Board Of
Education
Wayne Farms
Announces
Expansions
This
issue:
June 2015
Chamber Announces
Finalists
Connections
ConNections
r
e
b
m
a
h
C
Connections
ConNections
C
h
a
m
b
e
r
A Publication of the
Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce
June 2015
Vol. 42, No. 9 (USPS 700-660)
© Copyright 2015
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.
ECONOM ICIN D IC AT O RS
Labor Force for the Dothan MSA for March:
62,598 in 2014; 62,108 in 2015
57,965 in 2014; 58,471 in 2015 Employed
Unemployment for the Dothan MSA for March:
7.4% in 2013; 5.9% in 2014
Residential Building Permits for the City of Dothan for March:
21 issued ($5.12 million) in 2014; 22 issued ($4.92 million) in 2015
Home Sales in Dothan for March:
91 sold in 2014; 109 sold in 2015
Enplanements for Dothan Regional Airport for March:
4,968 in 2014; 3,731 in 2015
Houston County & Dothan Sales and Use Tax Collections ($) for March:
$1,375,072 in 2014; $1,451,462 in 2015 (County)
$4,528,400 in 2014; $4,057,544 in 2015 (City)
Editor's Note: Sources for this information vary; call the Chamber for details.
Data as of 5/11/15. Visit www.dothan.com for the most current information.