During last fall’s strategic planning process, we gained a renewed perspective of our organization as a whole. Through hours of studying
our current structure, membership numbers, program of work and our overall growth potential, we were able to confirm the Auburn Chamber is a respected and growing organization with a dedicated board and a talented staff who all are committed to both the excellence of our organization and the most effective use of our resources.
The 2015-2017 strategic plan includes six areas of focus, objectives to facilitate each focus, and a plan to prioritize the work based on our resources. With this ambitious scope of work and the size and diversity of the membership we service, it was recommended to the board by our facilitator that we consider adding an additional staff person. It is my pleasure to share with the membership that Anna Hovey has joined the chamber’s staff family as our director of business development and special events.
Anna’s enthusiasm, dedication and love for our community make her the perfect addition to an already grand staff!
Not only have we begun execution of our new strategic plan, we have the introduction of a renewed, polished 2016 membership plan on the horizon. The membership committee has been working diligently for over a year to develop a plan that meets the needs of our changing business community. The plan is in the final stages of being vetted by the committee, board and staff. We owe Bob McFadden special appreciation for championing the committee, and Beth Witten, Tricia Peterson, Joe Lovvorn, Anna Hovey, Christin Bancroft and Martee Moseley for lending us their time and thoughtful input. The support and guidance of this dedicated group of board members has been invaluable. Stay tuned for more details!
As we head into a new season and the home stretch of 2015, let’s all remember how lucky we are to live, work and play in Auburn, Alabama. War Eagle, always and forever!
Auburn AdvAntAgea membership publication of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
sept/oct 2015
Mission stateMent:The Auburn Chamber provides
resources and leadership to strengthen the Auburn business community
and create a thriving business environment.
staff:Lolly Steiner
Jennifer Fincher VP of Communications & Marketing
Stephanie CalhounDirector of Membership Development
Anna HoveyDirector of Business Development &
Special [email protected]
Tangela Todd FrazierBusiness Manager
Halle HaynesResource Specialist
If you would like to submit content for the Auburn Advantage, contact Jennifer Fincher at
(334) 887-7011 or [email protected].
Lolly Steiner
and anna makes six
Lol ly SteinerPresident
It was a beautiful fall day for the Auburn Chamber Golf Classic! Nearly 200 golfers
spent the morning or afternoon with us at the Auburn University Club.
Brandon HugHesRetiredAuburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
McDonALD, BARRAnco AnD HAgen WeALtH MAnAgeMentFinancial PlanningJeff nance350 Leavell circleMontgomery, AL 36117(334) 387-0094www.mbcapitalwealth.com [email protected]
ScHLotzSky’SRestaurantRicky Patel131 n. Dean RoadAuburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
SPoRtSviSionS, USAMarketingdale a. Williams6486 yellow Stone Drivecolumbus, gA 31909(706) 681-5192www.sportsvisionsusa.com [email protected]
cARR, RiggS & ingRAM, LLcAccountantsJonathan knight166 n. gay Street, Suite 5Auburn, AL 36830(334) 271-6678www.cricpa.com [email protected]
keMMeRicH USA LPindustrykatherine Breaux2440 innovation DriveAuburn, AL 36832(334) 321-9391www.kemmerich-usa.com [email protected]
MiRAcLe-eARHearing AidsJennifer Jones1888 ogletree Road, Suite 160Auburn, AL 36830(334) 239-2252www.miracle-ear-auburn.com [email protected]
suMMit grapHicsSignsJulie Barnhill1550 opelika Road, Suite 12Auburn, AL 36830(334) 233-8497www.summitauburn.com [email protected]
tHe SociALApartmentsgary conner211 W. Longleaf DriveAuburn, AL 36832(334) 887-8740www.thesocialauburn.com
JAcoB A. WALkeR iiiJudgeopelika, AL 36801(334) [email protected]
SPoRt StyLeS SALonHair Salonvicki Molnar1465 54th Streetcolumbus, gA 31904(706) [email protected]
WoMen’S LiFe BUSineSS exPoexpoPenny MesserP.o. Box 316Auburn, AL 36831-0316(334) 246-8293www.wlbe.vpweb.com [email protected]
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
&neW MeMBersriBBon cuttings
august 2015
tcU conSULting SeRviceS, LLcconsulting-constructionRobert k. Walker1037 country club Drive, Suite AAuburn, AL 36830(334) 420-1500www.tcuconsulting.com [email protected]
PRo oUtSoURcing, inc.Accounting & Payroll ServicesWayne Ashley5608 Princeton Avenuecolumbus, gA 31904(706) 322-7085www.prooutsourcingus.com [email protected]
eAgLeS ReSeRve APARtMentSApartmentschristina clayton1255 S. college StreetAuburn, AL 36832(334) 826-1202www.eaglesreserveapartments.com [email protected]
eAgLeS SoUtH APARtMentSApartmentskristin Revell1131 S. college StreetAuburn, AL 36832(334) 826-1011www.eaglessouthapartments.com [email protected]
ct autoMotiveAutomobile-Repair and Servicechris taylor982 opelika RoadAuburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
WeBSteR, HenRy, LyonS, BRADWeLL, coHAn & BLAck, P.c.AttorneysMichael cohan822 n. Dean Road, Suite 300Auburn, AL 36830(334) 887-0111www.websterhenry.com [email protected]
septeMBer 2015
grant fountainReal estate Associate1930 Mall Blvd, Suite 100AAuburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
PALoMAR inSURAnceinsuranceclay Milton4525 executive Park DriveMontgomery, AL 36116(334) [email protected]
refresH innovationsconsultingAddie SwinneyP.o. Box 46 Auburn, AL 36831-0046(334) [email protected]
LAWton gRAntHAM, JR Real estate Associatekeller Williams1747 ogletree Road, Suite cAuburn, AL 36830(706) [email protected]
DeLUxe AiRPoRt SHUttLe SeRviceAirport ShuttleJim HoodAuburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
ALice gRAntHAM Real estate Associatekeller Williams1747 ogletree Road, Suite cAuburn, AL 36830 (706) [email protected]
AUBURn SociAL MeDiAMarketingtyler thompsonMarketing216 S. 8th Streetopelika, AL 36801(334) [email protected]
QUALity PRoDUceWholesale ProduceWendell & Dawn Fleming3616 3rd Avenue opelika, AL 36801(334) [email protected]
tHe oveRBy coMPAny/SHReD-A-WAy Document Shreddinggreg Hinson1170 10th Avenue columbus, gA 31901 (Physical)P.o. Box 4258columbus, gA 31914 (Mailing)(706) [email protected]
cHARLeS J. veALe, MD, PcPhysicians & Surgeonsnancy veale2160 Moore’s Mill RoadAuburn, Al 36830(334) 826-1704www.charlesjvealemd.com
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
Tangela Todd Frazier celebrated 20 years with the Auburn Chamber on July 27! Tangela serves
as the business manager.
Halle HaYneS, formerly an intern with the Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Bureau, now serves as the Auburn Chamber’s resource specialist.
anna HoveY recently joined the Auburn Chamber as the director of business development
and special events.
StiFeL, nicoLAUS & coMPAny, inc. Financial Planning
2607 E. Glenn Avenue(334) 539-3508 www.stifel.com
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
vcoMMedical School
910 S. Donahue Drive(334) 844-1782 www.vcom.edu
HeALtHMARketS inSURAnce AgencyInsurance
2436 E. University Drive, Suite 2202 (334) 329-5190
http://agents.healthmarkets.com/alex-umbach
MiRAcLe-eARHearing Aids
1888 Ogletree Road, Suite 160(334) 239-2252
www.miracle-ear-auburn.com
AUBURnBAnkBank
1351 S. Donahue Drive(334) 502-7272
www.auburnbank.com
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
Adams Beverages, Inc.Auburn Training ConnectionBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real EstateCentury 21 Koullas RealtyImprint YourselfKrogerMAX Credit UnionPrewett Insurance Group of AllstateStampVCOM
a l s o s p o n s o r e d b y :
HOlE SPOnSORSPrestige Properties/Dilworth Development
Brandon Hughes for District AttorneyCertaPro Painters
Two Men & A Trucknewk’s Eatery
VerizonStifel
Muncie & Mattson, P.C.Autosport Bodyworks
The Hotel at Auburn UniversityMAX Credit Union
Auburn Electrical Construction Co.Wells Printing Company
HealthMarketsAuburn Reprographics & Supply, Inc.
Berney Office Solutionsnorthwestern Mutual, Julie Melton
Weichert, Realtors - Porter Properties
MORnInG FlIGHT1st Place Gross: Stifel1st Place net: Opelika-Auburn news2nd Place Gross: CSP Technologies2nd Place net: Southern States Bank
AFTERnOOn FlIGHT1st Place Gross: Regions Bank1st Place net: RAPA2nd Place Gross: Kroger of Auburn2nd Place net: Wisdom Firm
YETI HOPPER WInnER: Mike Booker
FAVORITE HOlE SPOnSOR: The Hotel at Auburn University
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
Businessbriefs
MALLoRy StoRey JoinS WALton LAW FiRM
Trip Walton and Walton Law Firm P.C. are proud to announce that attorney Mallory Storey has joined their team.
After graduating
from Auburn High School, Mallory followed the family tradition of attending Auburn University. During college, Mallory worked at a local law firm where she was inspired to pursue a career in civil litigation.
Mallory graduated from Auburn University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and continued to work as a certified paralegal. She then attended Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law where she was the two-time chairperson of Jones Law Republicans and a member of the Jones Law Public Interest Foundation, Women’s Legal Society and Christian Legal Society. During her first summer of law school, Mallory served as a law clerk at Walton Law Firm where she learned more about the specialized
practice area of automobile and trucking law in personal injury litigation. For the remaining two years of law school, Mallory had the opportunity to serve as a law clerk at Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles P.C. Mallory served as law clerk to Larry Golston, principal in the fraud division and specialist in whistleblower litigation, fraud, employment law and business litigation.
In 2015, Mallory received her J.D. from Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law and was admitted to practice by the Alabama State Bar Association. Mallory joined Walton Law Firm as an associate in August 2015 and practices in the area of personal injury litigation. Mallory is a member of the Young Lawyers Section of the Alabama State Bar, Montgomery County Bar Association and Lee County Bar Association.
tHe foresite group naMed a 2015 BeSt FiRM to WoRk FoR
Front Row: Rebecca Duffield, Joseph McKinnon, Brandon McKissick, Andy Young, Ben Verar
Back Row: Wes Thrash, Jon Davis, Zach Robinson, Jimmy Rape, Parker Ross, Russ Lassiter
The Foresite Group was recently named a 2015 Best Firm to Work For by ZweigWhite. Foresite Group placed 23rd in the Multidiscipline Category and 34th in the Civil Engineering Category. The Best Firms to Work For award recognizes firms based on workplace practices, employee benefits, employee retention rates and more. Foresite Group is a multi-disciplinary firm specializing in civil
engineering, graphic design, landscape architecture, structural engineering, telecommunications and transportation services.
coURtyARD By MARRiott oPenS in auBurn
The new Courtyard by Marriott, located on West Pace Boulevard off of Interstate 85’s exit 51 in Auburn, celebrated their grand opening on October 22. The four-story, 62,920-square-foot hotel features 111 guest rooms, a bistro, an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa, and fitness center and guest laundry facilities. It will also offer 1,600 square-feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 80 people.
The Courtyard by Marriott, which will be Auburn’s first Marriott hotel, broke ground in Sept. 2014 and is owned by RAM Auburn Hospitality LLC.
The Auburn hotel will show off Courtyard’s newest prototype in innovative lobby and room design, with energy-efficient rooms and an open lobby space that caters to the business travel with media pods, Wi-Fi and various seating zones.
The hotel is also equipped with electrical outlets throughout and features a business library with computer terminals and a printer and separate computer station dedicated toward printing airline boarding passes and checking flight information.
The hotel employs about 30 people and is currently taking reservations for guests. Call (334) 502-0111 for reservation information.
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
2821 Corporate Park Dr • Opelika, AL 36801 • 800-266-4521 • www.jsmithlanier.com
J. Smith Lanier & Co. – an employee-owned insurance
broker agency – has risen to the challenge of providing
exceptional value, absolute integrity, and excellence
since 1868. When it comes to protecting your business
and personal assets, you need the size, strength and
experience of one of the South’s largest privately held
insurance brokers.
Call Today! 334-749-3401
Insuring People and Business Since 1868
Leadership Lee County Class of 2016 Front row: eddie orantes, kelly Bridges, amelia Blessing, marlena Gillis, John mcdonald seCond row: Christina mcdanielthird row: Lindsey Lanier, steven mills, ashley smith, margaret arnold, ashley stewart, Barbara howardFourth row: tina evans, illya Lawrence, morris howard, shelley murray, karyl GardnerFiFth row: Greg Boyd, Ben Gay, katherine askew, Laura Baileysixth row: Crystal Lynch, Cheryl Van tuyl, Luke madsen, Cydney mathewsBaCk row: Jessica samuel, elliott macisaac
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
HOLIDAY AUBURN CHRISTMAS PARADEThe entire community is invited to celebrate the season with the Auburn Chamber Christmas Parade on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m. in downtown Auburn. The parade, sponsored by Thames Orthodontics, will include Aubie, Santa, Christmas characters, live music and lots of other Christmas favorites! Applications will be available the first week of November.
SANTA IN DOWNTOWN AUBURNSanta will be visiting downtown Auburn on Dec. 12 and 13.
HOLIDAY ART SALE The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Recreation will host the annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and Harris Center. This festive and unique shopping experience features local artists selling creative, handmade works. Admission is FREE and open to the public.
LOVELIEST VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES AND BUILDINGS The Auburn Preservation League (APL) will host the 9th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1-4 p.m. Tickets for the tour are $20 and will be available at The Flower Store, AuburnBank, Wrapsody, Blooming Colors, Marquirette’s Jewelry, Flowersmith’s, Auburn Hardware and the Auburn Chamber. Tickets will also be available at each home on the days of the tour. For more information about the tour, visit www.auburnpreservationleague.org.
Leadership Lee County is a program sponsored by the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce. It seeks out, honors, educates, challenges and develops a select group of Lee County citizens who have the potential to provide the leadership needed to solve problems of community and statewide significance. Participants are selected on the basis of ability, demonstrated interest in the community, and potential for responsible and effective leadership.
The program commences each September with a retreat focused on individual development and team-building skills and continues with monthly day-long seminars focusing on professional development,
community awareness and leadership. Each class member will be part of a community service project to benefit the communities of Lee County.
For more information on the Leadership Lee County program, future classes and sponsorship opportunities, contact Anna Hovey at (334) 887-7011 or [email protected]. Visit www.leadershipleecounty.com for details.
Tickets are $15. Please call (334) 887-7011 or email [email protected] for tickets or more information.
october 28 i 5:30 pm-8:30 pmtechnology Park south
SPONSORED BY:Alabama Gas Corporation I Alabama Power I Bailey-Harris Construction Company City of Auburn IDB I Special Arrangements Beverage sponsor: TherapySouth
h a p p e n i n g s
tHAnk yoU FoR reinvesting august/septeMBer
Adamson Construction Group
Advanced Graphics, LLC
Alabama Contract Sales
Amedisys Home Health
American Family Care
Amsterdam Cafe
Ronnie & Rosemary Anders
The Aquarium at Auburn High
Auburn Art
Auburn Arts Association
Auburn Behavioral Health, LLC
Auburn Dental Spa
Auburn Finance Dept., City of
Auburn Heritage Association
Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel at Grand National
Auburn Veterinary Hospital
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Preferred Real Estate
Boosters Inc
Beverlye Brady & Associates, Attorneys at Law
Brumfield Electrical & Communications, Inc.
CertaPro Painters
Dean & Barrett, Attorneys
Debra Cannon (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate)
Frances Pick Dillard
Dixie Electric Company, Inc.
Thomas F. Dyas, Jr.
East Alabama Ear, Nose & Throat P.C.
East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry
Edgar Hughston Builder, Inc.
Edward Jones Investments - Donaldson
Edward Jones Investments - Green
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Environmental & Recycling Solutions
Express Employment Professionals
Farmers Insurance Group/Tim Jones
Fimiani Development Corp.
First Realty Property Management
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Flowers Insurance Agency
Four Corners Ministries
Four Seasons Federal Credit Union
The Frazier Lanier Company
Friendly Home Rentals, LLC
Fun Carts of Opelika, Inc.
The Garden District - Auburn Ltd.
Hairology Salon and Spa
Hometown Lenders
The Hughston Clinic, P.C.
Initial Outfitters, Inc.
J & M Bookstore
Jos. A. Bank
Kelly Services, Inc.
Kinnucan’s
Knight Real Estate & Appraisal Company
Lee County Association of Realtors
The Locker Room of Auburn
Luxury Nail Spa
Max Fitness / American Club Systems
Moore’s Mill Animal Hospital
Mugshots Grill and Bar - Auburn
Oral & Facial Surgery of East Alabama
P.A.C.E
Peaches’ n Clean / A+ Carpet Care
Primary Medicine Associates, LLC
Publix
Pursell Farms
Quality Inn
Ready Mix USA
Renasant Bank
Mary Bishop Roberson
Royal Cup Coffee
RTR Communication
The Salvation Army
Samford & Denson, LLP
Eden Scott & Associates, PC
Sensigreen LLC
State Farm Insurance - Clowdus
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
Swanson Diamond Center, Inc.
The Event Group
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thompson Supply
Three Sixty {real estate}
Tiger Rags
Tigertown Veterinary Hospital
Venditori’s
Verizon Wireless
Vision World
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011