July 14, 2011
 

CHAMBER NEWS
 
Meet New City Schools Superintendent
Together with Rotary, the Chamber will host Dr. Paul McKendrick, the new City School Superintendent, at a luncheon at Indian Hills Country Club on July 19 at 11:30am. Members of the Rotary Club do not have to register or make reservations through the Chamber. Individuals who are not members of Rotary must make reservations through the Chamber. Cost is $25/person and reservations must be received by and cannot be refunded/cancelled after July 15. Call 391.0559 or email stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com to register. Non-Chamber members must pay at the Chamber in advance of the meeting.

Note: Congressman Aderholt was set to headline this event but had to cancel since Congress will be in session.
 
BRIC Center Still Open;
SBA Disaster Loan Deadline is Monday
The Business Recovery Information Center (BRIC) links affected businesses with the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center, FEMA, and other resources. Visit the SBA Business Disaster Center located at 800 22nd Ave, behind Regions Bank, in downtown Tuscaloosa, where experts are stationed to expedite assistance. Filing deadline for SBA Disaster Loans is now July 18. Deadline to return economic injury applications is January 30, 2012. FEMA registration deadline is July 17.
 
Grants for Nonprofits Available;
Application at GiveTuscaloosa.com
Local nonprofits certified with (501 C) (3) status that are involved with long-term recovery from the April tornadoes are eligible to apply for money from the Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund. The Grant Application and Qualifications Attachment are available at www.givetuscaloosa.com.
 
Women In Business Council Seeks Noms for Annual Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 5th annual Women In Business Council Awards. Based on predetermined criteria, the following awards will be given at the luncheon: “Bright Future” Award, “Defining Woman of the Year” Award, an Achievement Award, “Roots and Wings” Award and a “Trailblazer” Award. A new award has been added this year to recognize volunteerism. The award will be called the “Spirit of Tuscaloosa” Award. A complete description of each award along with a nomination form is available online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com (see QuickLinks tab on left side of homepage). Submission deadline is July 20. Awards luncheon, presented in part by Holiday Inn Express, will be held in Aug. For more info, contact Stacey Gann at 391.0559 or stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com.
 
Civic Hall of Fame Noms Sought
The Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations for the 2011 class of honorees. Deadline for nominations is Mon, Aug 1. Program is designed to honor exceptional citizens who have made significant, long-term contributions to the overall development of Tuscaloosa County. We are seeking to honor “civic giants” that have made an impact on the quality, livability and economic progress of our community. Any organization, business, or individual citizen is encouraged to submit a nomination.  Nominations must be submitted on the official form available at The Chamber office, located at 2200 University Blvd in downtown Tuscaloosa, and posted on www.tuscaloosachamber.com (see Quicklinks section). If an individual has been nominated in the past, a new and complete nomination form is required. For more info, call The Chamber at 758.7588.
 
Save the Date: Washington Fly In
Our 2011 Washington Fly In will be Oct 12-14. A new, fun and interesting itinerary is being developed. Details are coming soon!
 
Early Bird Registration for AAS Golf Tournament Ends Soon
Early Bird registration forms for the annual Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament are now available at www.tuscaloosachamber.com/aas. The 4-man scramble set for Sept 15 is the annual fundraising event benefitting the AAS program. Ol’ Colony golf complex will host the tournament. All teams will begin play with a shotgun start at 1pm. Early bird registration for $500/team is available now through August 10. After that, the cost will be $600/team. Fee includes greens fee, range balls, cart and lunch. Also, a variety of sponsorships are available for the tourney. See the link above for a sponsor form. For more info, call 391.0563 or email loo@tuscaloosachamber.com.
 
YP(t) Summer Social: Speed Networking
YP(t) is hosting a Speed Networking event at Brown’s Corner on July 28 from 5-7pm. Marlin Caddell, Manager of EMedia Editorial at Randall-Reilly Publishing, will speak. Cost to attend is $15. There will be a cash bar and complimentary snacks. Space is very limited. Reserve a seat by emailing bnixon@tannerguin.com.
 
Chamber Membership Renewal Time
Invoices for our July billing cycle have gone out (we process in Jan & July). If you’re in this cycle, please make sure you renew ASAP! We appreciate you!
 
MEMBERS IN MOTION
 
Recovery Tools & Training Workshop Tomorrow
Church World Service will present a day-long workshop on July 15 giving an overview of long-term disaster recovery and sharing lessons learned and best practices gathered from decades of experience in large and small disasters. Community leaders, faith based groups, social service organizations and anyone dedicated to helping rebuild homes and lives are encouraged to attend. Location is First United Methodist Church, 800 Greensboro Ave in Tuscaloosa. There is no cost for training, lunch or materials. (Event is partly funded by FEMA.) Interested parties should register at www.cwserp.org.
 
Ribbon Cutting at World Cellular/Verizon Wireless
Event will be held on July 15 at 10am at 6322 Hwy 69 S in Tuscaloosa (top of hill beside Express Oil and across from Tera Lane). Come by and meet Grant Berryhill. Refreshments will be provided.
 
Housing Expo for Tornado Survivors on Saturday
Tornado survivors can get answers on how to plan and accomplish permanent housing goals at a Housing and Recovery Expo at Central High School on Saturday, July 16 from 12:30 to 5pm. Many Alabamians recovering from spring storms are receiving federal housing assistance. By law, this is temporary. The expo is designed to help survivors return to permanent housing. The State of Alabama Housing Task Force, working with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, is presenting it. Event will also include participation from community businesses, voluntary organizations, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other agencies. Attendees may also expect assistance regarding banking, crisis counseling, foreclosures; fraud counseling; insurance concerns; legal aid; and rebuilding. Call 205.280.2275 for more info.
 
a la cARTe at Kentuck on Saturday
Kentuck’s next a la cARTe brings more local handmade art and an interactive kid’s area to the Courtyard of Wonders and Clay Place on Sat, July 16 from 10am to 2pm.  In the Annex, the exhibit "April 2011: Turmoil and Transcendence" will be open from 10am-4:30pm.
 
“Heroes in the Storm” Tickets Still Available
You’re invited to honor the heroes from April 27 and the weeks that followed at an event on Fri, July 15 at 6:30pm at the North Zone at Bryant Denny Stadium to include music, comedy, magic, items up for bid, fantastic food and so much more! All proceeds will benefit Temporary Emergency Services and will be earmarked for storm victim aid. Get your tickets today! Individual tickets are $100/ea (includes dinner). For more info, call 205.464.2009.
 
“The Drowsy Chaperone” Opens Tomorrow
Theatre Tuscaloosa will present the musical comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone,” in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Campus July 15-24.
Canned goods for the West Alabama Food Bank will be collected for those affected by the tornado.  Patrons bringing canned goods to the ticket office will get $1 off per ticket per canned good item donated (limit $1 discount per ticket).
Shows will be at 7:30pm Thurs-Sat and at 2pm on Wed and Sun. All proceeds of a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal on Thurs, July 14, at 7:30pm will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tickets for regular shows are $22 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatretusc.com or by phone at 205.391.2277.
 
Community Meeting on Tuscaloosa Rebuilding Plan Set
Mayor Maddox will host a community meeting on Sat, July 23 at the Central High School gym to present the Tuscaloosa Forward rebuilding plan proposal. Citizens will have the opportunity to provide comments/concerns before plan is implemented. This is a come-and-go event from noon to 5pm. Maps and diagrams will showcase the vision. Staff and members from the Tuscaloosa Forward Task Force will be available to answer questions/provide further explanation. In order to assist those impacted by the storm, transportation will be provided. Shuttle buses will begin running at noon at these locations: Former Locklear Dodge Site (3200 10th Ave), Leland Shopping Center (intersection of 10th St E and 26th Ave E and University Place Elem School (2000 1st Ave). For more info, visit www.tuscaloosaforward.com.
 
UA to Hold OLLI Fundraising Gala
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The UA will host a Fundraising Gala on Wed, July 27 at the Bryant Conference Center. Event will be held at 6pm in Sellers Auditorium. Tickets are $15/ea and event is open to the public. All proceeds will go toward the OLLI program with a portion for scholarships for those impacted by the April 27 tornado/other natural disaster. Event will feature hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and a silent auction. For more info, call 348.3002.
 
Southern Regional Conference for Institutes for Learning in Retirement
The UA is pleased to announce Southern Regional Conference for Institutes for Learning in Retirement planned for July 27-29 at the Bryant Conference Center. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is hosting.  Conference is an opportunity for Lifelong Learning Institutes to come together, share information and learn about new and innovative ideas.  Topics normally covered range from Curriculum to Socials to Hot Topics to Research in Aging. For more info, call 348.3002 or visit website http://training.ua.edu//SRILRC/.
 
Jones & Wynette Tribute to Benefit Storm Relief
Dr. Shane Collins of 92.5 FM Clear Channel Radio in Panama City (formerly of Tuscaloosa) and Margo Anderson will be performing “Golden Ring—Tribute to George Jones and Tammy Wynette” at the Bama Theatre on July 30, 2011 at 7pm as a benefit concert for tornado victims in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas.  There will be a silent auction for a special guitar crafted for the occasion with a tornado on it.  All proceeds after expenses will be given to tornado relief.  Tickets are on sale now at www.brownpapertickets.com, and they will also be available at the box office on the day of the show from 9am until show time.
 
Boston Butt Sale Benefits Focus on Senior Citizens
Focus on Senior Citizens’ Boston Butt sale is going on now. Proceeds will assist in providing transportation to medical appts, supportive services and activities. Tickets are available through July 21. Cooked Boston Butts will be ready for pick up on Fri, July 22 from 9am to 1pm. Price is $25/ea. Call 758.3393 X27 for more info.
 
School Supply Drive Location in Mall Needs Volunteers
A space near center court in University Mall, between Gymboree and Life Uniform, is currently serving as the main collection point for a school supply drive to get students in our area the tools they need for the upcoming school year. Drive will run through July 22. Hours are Mon-Fri from 10am-6pm and Sun 1-5pm.Volunteers are needed. Call 759.3518 (for City Schools) or 342.2743 (for Co Schools) to get more info.
 
Half-Off a Service This Month at Salon Serenity
Salon Serenity, a beautiful salon located across from the NorthRiver Publix shopping center, is offering half-off a hair service of choice this month for first-time clients. Call 462.3192 for an appointment with talented owner Ashley Martin or one of her staff. It’s a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon stocked with luxurious but affordable products. Address is 4930 Rice Mine Rd, NE in Tuscaloosa.
 
Local AT&T Rep Calls on Businesses
Local AT&T rep Andie Sanford provides one-on-one contact for any business, large or small, with an AT&T acct to manage discounts, activations, upgrades, phone/accessory purchases, customer service issues, and much more. She’s mobile and visits customers rather than them coming into a store. Also, money spent with Andie stays in the Tuscaloosa community, since she’s a local dealer. She’s based at Cellular Solutions/AT&T Mobility, located at 2300 McFarland Blvd, Ste 11, in Northport. Number there is 339.1880 and her cell is 331.3885.
 
Help Vote Tuscaloosa Tea Town USA
Voting for Tea Town USA has begun!  McAllister’s winner of Tea Town will receive $15,000 to donate to a charity of choice. The Tuscaloosa McAllister’s has chosen team Up Tuscaloosa, a rebuilding effort. Visit www.teatownusa.com to vote and pass the word! Call 205-765-7787 for more info.
 
Kentuck Offers Workshops to Kids, Adults
Kentuck is offering pottery and jewelry-making classes, among others, to kids and adults alike this summer.  For a complete list of classes and prices, visit www.kentuck.org/workshops.html. Call 758.1257 to register.
 
PLEASE REMEMBER…
 
Use Our Online Community Calendar
Please do check out all the features on our online calendar at www.tuscaloosachamber.com.  See what’s going on in the area and utilize the upload feature to add your own listing.
 
Share Member News
All employees and associates of Chamber-member firms are members, too. So, please simply hit the forward button to share this issue with all team members in your business/organization. Thanks a lot!
 
If you would like info about your events, programs or business news included in The Chamber’s “Member News”, send details to us at The Chamber, P. O. Box 20410, Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 or FAX to 391.0565. Better yet, email them to robin@tuscaloosachamber.com.