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Marvel City Fest a Big Success
Great weather, great food, great attendance, and
great music, what else could you ask for? The first
ever Marvel City Fest was an outstanding success
thanks to so many volunteers and staff. It began with
our Chairman Jon Staggs (Alabama Power) who
spent many hours after work doing the tasks that
meant so much such as arranging for a generator,
hauling tables and chairs, and picking up trash all day.
Committee Chairman Keith Pennington from Medical
West enlisting the help of Medical West Marketing genius Haley Montgomery made a great team as they directed, planned and executed this tremendous event.
Latasha Cook, Jean Brown and Mary Milan of the
Chamber staff spent not only their work hours making
the event successful but gave of their Sunday afternoon to support Bessemer's first festival. Sunny
Lippert, local attorney, and Chairperson of the
Community Building Division at the Chamber showed
her outstanding leadership and involved as many
Chamber volunteers as possible. Thanks to all of
these folks and the many Ambassadors, Board members, and other volunteers that worked tirelessly to
bring us success.
Communication: The Key To Successful Business
October 2008
Bessemer Public Library
Officially Opens
And finally we have a winner! To say the least the new
Bessemer Public library is an up to date, high tech marvel that is the second largest library in Jefferson
County. It is a grand addition to downtown Bessemer
and the business community can be proud of this facility. Several years ago the Chamber board endorsed
the raising of the ad valorem tax to fund education and
the library. This funding has finally come to fruition with
a magnificent edifice. We would encourage all of our
members to take some time to visit and marvel at the
new construction, the more than adequate parking
and the high tech access the library offers. The ribbon
was cut on September 11th, planned to honor the remembrance of the tragic deaths of so many of our fellow Americans in a positive way. And it was a grand
day! All of our City Council members were in attendance: Jesse Matthews (President), Jimmy Stephens
(Pro Tem), Dorothy Davidson, Sarah Belcher, Albert
Soles, Earl Cochran, and Louise Alexander. Mayor
(Article and pictures continued on page 3)
The Chamber cannot forget the sponsors of the Fest
without whose support it would not have been possible.
The presenting sponsors were: First Financial Bank,
Premiere Chevrolet, Medical West, US Pipe, Alabama
Power, WZZK 106.9 The Eagle radio, Western Tribune,
Legacy YMCA, and The Western Star. Participating
vendors included: 205 Rim Shop, Absolutely ‘N
Stitches, Accounting & Business Consultants,
America's First Federal Credit Union, Anytime Fitness,
Apple Valley Gourmet, Beauty Control, Buffalo Rock
(Article and pictures continued on page 5)
Library Director Oscar Smith, Library board members
Dorothy Davidson and LaBrenda Marshall,
and Mayor May officially cut the ribbon.
"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything
goes really good, then you did it. That's all it takes to get people to win football
games for you." Paul W. "Bear" Bryant
Inside
Ambassadors Connie Fuell, Katherine Taylor and Sarah Smith show
Chamber Chairman Jon Staggs they are working hard at Marvel City Fest.
It's Your Business: "Treat People Well-Five Lessons"
Page 2
Community News: Carver Park Receives Pride Award
Page 3
Chamber News: UAB Sarrell Clinic Open House
Page 4
Chamber News: Pictures from Marvel City Fest
Page 5
Business News: Tompkins Photo Studio Opens
Page 6
Business News: Spotlight: Canaan Baptist Church
Page 7
2
From the President
It's Your Business
Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people is a compilation
of short incidents that I found from an unknown author. I
thought these best fit the point I wanted to make this month and
are lessons we all should internalize.
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second
month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until
I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who
cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had
seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, darkhaired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would
count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor.
"In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant.
They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile
and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned
her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain. One night,
at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing
on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing
rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately
needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next
car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard
of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety,
helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address
and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the
man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank
you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night.
The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits.
Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to
my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely, Mrs Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who
serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a
10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A
waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice
cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the
coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By
now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was
growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice
cream," he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and
walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier
and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as
she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the
empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he
couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left
to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he
hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the
huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed
the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything
about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables.
Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After
much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that
the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the
roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our
condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many
years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to
know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a
blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the
situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep
breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as
we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face
grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice,
"Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had
misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to
give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
Most importantly.... "Work like you don't need the money, love
like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching."
President
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
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3
Community News
Carver Park Receives
Bessemer PRIDE Award
Bessemer Public Library
Officially Opens
If you give the job to Dorothy Davidson and
Amos Rembert you have a winning combination. Walking around Carver Park on Saturday,
September 20th, there was found an array of
activity to celebrate the park. The Chamber
Board saw the hard work that went into the
changing of the park especially the contribution in time by The Foundry. Buffalo Rock donated a score board and the manual labor by
many volunteers showed as the neighborhood
took pride in showing it off. It was a grand way
to spend a Saturday and the Chamber was honored to present a Bessemer PRIDE Award to
all those who contributed so much to making
Carver Park a pleasant area for the neighborhood children. Go by and see a positive example of what a neighborhood can do.
May assisted Library Director Oscar Smith and
the library board in cutting the ribbon as State
Representative Priscilla Dunn and Judge Mac
Parsons looked on. School board members
present were: Bessie Pippens, Vera Eades,
Hattie Aikerson, Christine Knight, Renna Soles
Scott, and Darlene Perkins. The Chamber
Ambassadors were working as usual to make
this day especially great for all involved.
(continued from pg 1)
Chamber President Ronnie Acker, Council member Sarah Belcher,
John Vines, Councilman Albert Soles and Councilman
Jimmy Stephens at grand opening of the Bessemer Public Library.
Bessemer City Councilperson Dorothy Davidson
accepts Bessemer PRIDE Award with several volunteers.
Wings & Wheels Soars
Over Bessemer
Fantastic, amazing, and very entertaining was
the weekend of September 20-21st at the
Bessemer Airport. All kinds of planes performed and were on display for the public as
well as some amazing antic automobiles for
the public to view. Skydivers dropped in, aerobatic performance made the crowd stand in
awe, and there were all the aircraft to look at
and touch. The 75th Wings & Wheels Air/Car
Show was a major hit for all involved, organizers, participants and the public. If you missed
it you missed a treat.
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
The TIME is Here.
Register your
Team Today!
Chamber News
4
UAB Sarrell Dental &
Eye Clinic Open House
We do it for the children or so it should be as the
Chamber joined Dr. Micah Blount, City Council
members Dorothy Davidson and Sarah Belcher
along with Mayor Ed May in officially cutting the
ribbon to open the UAB Sarrell Dental and Eye
Clinic on September 15th. This medical center
is geared toattend to thedental and eyecare of local Bessemer children. Located next door to the
Dunbar/Abrams Community Center it provides
the neededmedical care forthose whocannot afford insurance tocover these vital healthcare options.
Ministers Quarterly Meeting
The Bessemer Area Chamber's Ministers Quarterly
Meeting was held on September 9th with Jess
Lanier High School Athletic Director and the Mayor
of Vance, Keith Mahaffey, speaking to the group.
Mayor Mahaffey stressed the importance of the faith
based community and especially the local ministers
working closely with the students at the high school.
This could include their families but also extracurricular activities. He encouraged the ministers to attend the football games and even more to help
Reverend Doug Caddell as team Chaplains. He
would like a different minister each week to pray with
the team and to be on the sidelines to help if a player
is injured or the family needs counsel. The Chamber
has emailed a spread sheet to all ministers with
times and places of all games and would encourage
the local pastors to volunteer for a specific game
contacting Rev. Caddell or the Chamber.
Mayor May, Council members Dorothy Davidson
and Sarah Belcher, help Dr. Blount cut the ribbon.
www.bessemerchamber.com
Some of those attending the quarterly Ministers
meeting at the Chamber to hear Mayor Keith Mahaffey.
Chamber News
MORE Pictures from The Marvel City Fest (con't from pg. 1)
5
Company, Cha Cha's Shaved Ice, Costco, Domino's Pizza, District Judge Norm Winston, Eagle Vision Eye Care,
First Presbyterian Church, Fitness 2000, Full Moon BBQ, G Force Cheer Gym, Gold Canyon Candles, Hospice
Services of Alabama, Independent Demonstrators for Uppercase Living, Lane Bryant & Petite Sophisticate
Outlets, Lawson State Community College, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Maui Wowi, Medi-Spa West, Mega Health & Life,
Rural Metro Ambulance, SAC Beauty Supply, Sam's Club, Second Attic Storage, Sil Pada Designs, Southern
Living At Home, Tattoo Zoo, The Pampered Chef, and UAB Sarrell Dental & Eye Care.
Besides the moon walk and other children centered adventures provided by the Legacy YMCA there was a live performance by Starrz Dance Studio, which was outstanding. Following the dancers was a Salsa workout led by the
YMCA and a one mile America on the Move walk. The highlight of the day was the performance of South Saturn
Delta, a southern rock group, who lit up the crowd and brought rave reviews. Josh Butler and the band brought requests from the attendees to the organizers to have more music next year.
South Saturn
Delta
making music
at the
Marvel City Fest
Keith Pennington,
Chairman of the
Marvel City Fest
Committee,
a job well done!
Board member
Sunny Lippert
poses with
Chamber
Ambassadors l-r,
Lou Hickey,
Kathrine Taylor,
Connie Fuell
and
Staff member
Jean Brown.
Starrz
Dance Studio
students
presented
a marvelous
dance
performance.
Welcome New Members for September
BENJAMIN, JOHN
301 13th Street
Pleasant Grove, AL 35217
Phone: 205.744-0210
*Individual
MORRIS, RITA F.
628 Woodbrook Road
Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone: 205.966.2028
*Individual
Scott, Rosa L.
504 Seventh Avenue N.
Bessemer, AL 35020
*Individual
LEAST OF THESE
Seth Holloway
2004 Granville Road
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615.790.6759
relapse777@aol.com
www.iliamusic.com
*Entertainment
NMI MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC
Winston Ausmer, Lionel Grant
921 Second Avenue N.
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205.296.6050
Fax: 205.940.9669
wausmer@hotmail.com
*Mortgage Financing (Residential)
THE CHILD NURTURING &
DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Willie Davis
7525 Oporto Madrid Blvd. S.
Birmingham, AL 35206
Phone: 205.833.2953
*Day Care
THOMPKINS STUDIOS
Michael Tompkins
1387 Hueytown Road
Hueytown, AL 35023
Phone: 205.497.2774
ctompkins@snapshotart.net
*Photography
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
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6
Business News
Tompkins Studios Opens
Photography Studio
Medical West Foundation
Raises Needed Funds
On Saturday, September 27, 2008, Tompkins Studios in
Hueytown held its dual Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for the
Bessemer and Hueytown Chambers of Commerce. Hueytown
Mayor Delor Baumann and Mike Tompkins were all smiles as
they officially opened the newest business in western Jefferson
County. Making this day possible were Hueytown Chamber
Executive Director Becky Williams and the Chamber's
Ambassadors. The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce was
also there to support Tompkins, one of our newest Chamber
members.
It was a tremendous evening at The Club as Medical
West hosted a live and silent auction to benefit the
Medical West Foundation on Thursday September 25th.
Tim Thornton, Keith Pennington and Haley Montgomery
headed up the program but the staff of the hospital did an
exceptional job of hosting a large crowd of supporters.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Acker, and
Mr. and Mrs. Grover Dunn were seen in the crowd from
the Bessemer Area. Trips, sports packages, art work,
jewelry, dinners, and more were among the outstanding
items that were available for the crowd to compete over.
The live auction was lively as the amounts bid were going
higher. The Undergrounders provided music; there was
complimentary wine and a delicious seated dinner. It was
a very worthwhile event and an enjoyable evening.
Located at 1387 Hueytown Road the new photography studio
can make professional portraits as well as pictures for kids,
sports, seniors, families, weddings and pets. They also make old
time and vintage pictures in period dress and Mike and his staff
can restore your old or historic photos. Mike provides quality portraiture at an affordable price. With a combined 60 years of photography and service, they assure the satisfaction of all customers. Situated in an old home that was built around 1905, each
room is a studio or presentation area.
They also held their Open House, in which was offered free food,
popcorn, cotton candy, and Moonwalk for participants. Touring
the house was a treat but having such gracious and professional
a staff to help was a joy. During the Open House, visitors were offered a tour of the different studios and a glimpse of the many aspects of photography services they offer, which include portraiture for Families, Kids, Pets, Weddings, Church Directories and
dress up Old Time Vintage Photos.
With their mobile studio and processing lab, Tompkins Studios offers Event photos instantly for fundraisers, school, corporate, or
church events. Currently as a fundraiser, they are operating a
Pumpkin Patch, benefiting The Salvation Army in Bessemer. The
"Patch" is open daily from 10 am - dusk and Patch pictures,
pumpkins also, are available starting at $5.
Abana Realty Celebrates
First Anniversary
Celebrating their first anniversary Abana Realty hosted an
open house on September 12th as well wishers, Chamber
members, and customers came by to show their support to
Katherine Taylor and her staff for their success. Katherine
has been a tremendous Chamber Ambassador and she has
worked hard to make the local Abana Realty office a success.
If you ever need to sell or buy a house or real estate give
Abana a call and you will find a professional realtor and staff
to help you.
With the holiday season fast approaching, Tompkins Studios is already offering Holiday portraits featuring a snowy chapel scene
on one of their 10 ft. x 30 ft. backdrops. In another room, their
Christmas Tree and fireplace have been decorated, just waiting
for Santa to make his appearance on upcoming dates yet to be
announced.
Tompkins Studios offers you choices, convenience, and quality at
affordable prices. Visit or call 497-2774 for more information and
upcoming events. Tompkins Studios - where their image is you!
Abana's Katherine Taylor welcomes
well wishers to anniversary
Mike Tompkins receives certificate from Chamber President
Ronnie Acker welcoming Tompkins Studios as a Chamber member.
Business News
7
Spotlight on Business: Canaan Baptist Church
NOTE TO MEMBERS: This monthly article presents the thoughts and suggestions of members of the Chamber about business related topics. For the next few
months we will be highlighting some of our area's churches that contribute so
much to the area and to our business community.
Canaan Baptist Church, located at 824 Fifteenth Street North in Bessemer was listed in the National
Registry of Historic Places in 2005 because of its impact on the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham
area during 1954-1974. Reverend Doug Caddell and the membership continue a rich tradition of worship and civic responsibility by living their lives in a Christian manner. Services include a rich blend of
Southern Christian hymns, bible reading and preaching from Pastor Caddell.
Riding down Ninth Avenue (old Tuscaloosa Hwy/Bessemer Super Hwy) Canaan Baptist is located to the
left on the corner of Fifteenth Street. Canaan has been a mainstay of the area for decades and their support of the Chamber and other civic groups is exemplary.
Reverend Caddell is a retired Jefferson County School System employee who taught career tech
classes at McAdory High School. His son Matt was a wide receiver on the football team at the University
of Alabama. The entire Caddell family is a true example of achievement, dedication and humility in all
they do.
Calendar of Events October 2008
BESSEMER AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jon Staggs
Chairman of the Board
Alabama Power
Kenneth Gulley
Past Chairman
Lawson State Community College
Deborah Horn
Chairman Elect
Bessemer Board of Education
Joni Holt
Treasurer & Chairperson of Finance
Holt Insurance
Doug Caddell, Canaan Baptist Church
David Darby, BankTrust
Randy Donaldson, Alabama Gas Company
CeCe Doss, Wilson Pallet & Packaging
Arthur Green, JeffCo District Attorney, Bess. Div.
Howard Johnson Jr., Johnson Funeral Home
Sunny Lippert, Attorney
Ross Mitchell, Baptist Health System
Tom Nicholson, US Pipe & Foundry Co.
Keith Pennington, Medical West
Allen Rice, ITT Technical Institute
Steve Self, Buffalo Rock Company
Hank Tyler, Henry H. Tyler Enterprises
Thelma Vanderburg, First American Bank
Nelda Weaver, Weaver Land & Realty, Inc.
October 6
October 7
October 9
October 9
October 14
October 21
October 21
October 23
November 18
City Wide Prayer Breakfast
7:30 A.M.
Chamber
Ambassadors Meeting
8:15 A.M.
Chamber
Central AL Chambers
Noon B'ham Chamber
Business After Hours
5-7:00 P.M.
Hall of History
BPW Fall Fashion Show
6:30 P.M. WaterMark Place
Executive Committee Meeting
11:30 A.M.
Chamber
Board of Director's Meeting
Noon
Chamber
Golf FORE Progress Tournament
Noon
Bent Brook
Chamber 2009 Planning Session
TBA
TBA
Golf FORE Progress
October 23rd
The TIME is Here.
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Team Today!
email
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or location, send your
email address to us at:
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or fax it to 425-4979.
www.bessemerchamber.com
BESSEMER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 648
Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0648
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Phone: 205-425-3253 Fax: 425-4979
Toll Free: 1-888-4BESSEMER (Toll Free)
www.bessemerchamber.com
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
YOUR CHAMBER STAFF
Ronnie Acker, President
LaTasha Cook, Vice President
Mary Milan, Administrative Specialist
Jean Brown, Accounting Specialist
Celebrating
86 Years of Service
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