I just saw the fat lady. She’s sitting in stony silence, sipping a hot cup of herbal tea. After Thursday night’s 70 th Annual Meeting and Gala, I hope you recognize that your COC is not coming to a close. On the contrary, we are picking up the next piece of music and belting out the chorus. For those who were not able to attend the Gala, let me fill you in on what you missed. Upon entering the Dominique Room, a red carpet paved the way to a grand entrance filled with violin music and vintage pictures of Cullman. As you passed through the double doors leading into the large glass room, Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller From the Chamber President The fat lady hasn’t sung... welcomed you back to an era of days gone by. Our next generation of leaders then ushered you to the black and white clothed tables lavished with roses, silver chargers and recollections of the past, packaged neatly in a clear box. The evening was filled with memories of our roots through a thirty minute video documentary. The timeline stretched from 1943 to the present and included personal interviews with past chamber presidents (chairs). The film was dedicated to our beloved Chester Freeman. We revealed our new chamber logo and talked about the significance of the COC (chamber of commerce) icons and of the railroad within our logo. We unveiled our commemorative art created by Adrian Scott of WSCC. Charlie Nesmith talked about the past year’s trials and triumphs and Melissa Cartee encouraged us with her vision for the next year. The community service awards were given: Billy Coleman for the Chamber Citizenship Award and Randall Shed for the Mayor’s Association Service Award. As we toasted in the new executive year, we were all reminded of how important this organization has been and continues to be in the progress of our community. We invited all of our members to join us in this new era of progress and promised to connect all of them for the continued success and growth of the entire Cullman area. So yes, it’s very evident the fat lady is not even close to warming up. In Cullman will never stop the show. Join us as we begin Scene 71, Act 1. The COC is ready to begin and we are ready for action! fact, I think we should forget her altogether. She has no place in our production. Cullman will never stop the show. Join us as we begin Scene 71, Act 1. The COC is ready to begin and we are ready for action! Leah Bolin Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1104 | Cullman, AL 35056-1104 [email protected]Tel: 256-734-0454 | Fax 256-737-7443 www.cullmanchamber.org www.visitcullman.org In the News... 222 Interchange Hooked 'em: Cullman selected to host the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (With Video) Construction of Interchange at Co Rd 222, one of nine local projects identified by Governor Bentley Read more...CullmanTimes.com Read more...CullmanSense.com
Transcript
I just saw the fat lady. She’s sitting instony silence, sipping a hot cup ofherbal tea. After Thursday night’s 70th
Annual Meeting and Gala, I hope yourecognize that your COC is not comingto a close. On the contrary, we arepicking up the next piece of music andbelting out the chorus.For those who were not able to attendthe Gala, let me fill you in on what youmissed. Upon entering the DominiqueRoom, a red carpet paved the way to agrand entrance filled with violin musicand vintage pictures of Cullman. Asyou passed through the double doorsleading into the large glass room,Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller
From the Chamber President
The fat lady hasn’t sung...
welcomed you back to an era of daysgone by. Our next generation ofleaders then ushered you to the blackand white clothed tables lavishedwith roses, silver chargers andrecollections of the past, packagedneatly in a clear box.The evening was filled with memoriesof our roots through a thirty minutevideo documentary. The timelinestretched from 1943 to the presentand included personal interviewswith past chamber presidents(chairs). The film was dedicated toour beloved Chester Freeman. Werevealed our new chamber logo andtalked about the significance of the
COC (chamber of commerce) iconsand of the railroad within our logo.We unveiled our commemorative artcreated by Adrian Scott of WSCC.Charlie Nesmith talked about the pastyear’s trials and triumphs and MelissaCartee encouraged us with her visionfor the next year. The communityservice awards were given: BillyColeman for the Chamber CitizenshipAward and Randall Shed for theMayor’s Association Service Award.As we toasted in the new executiveyear, we were all reminded of howimportant this organization has beenand continues to be in the progressof our community. We invited all ofour members to join us in this newera of progress and promised toconnect all of them for the continuedsuccess and growth of the entireCullman area.So yes, it’s very evident the fat ladyis not even close to warming up. In
Cullman will never stop the show. Join us as webegin Scene 71, Act 1. The COC is ready to beginand we are ready for action!
fact, I thinkwe shouldforget hera l t o g e t h e r.She has noplace in ourproduction.Cullman willnever stopthe show.Join us as webegin Scene
71, Act 1. The COC is ready to beginand we are ready for action!
Hooked 'em: Cullman selected to host the BassFishing Hall of Fame (With Video)
Construction of Interchange at Co Rd 222, one ofnine local projects identified by Governor Bentley
Read more...CullmanTimes.com
Read more...CullmanSense.com
Page 2 Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce - Eyes of Progress March 2013
Mr. Nathan AndersonCullman City Schools
Ms. Kristen HolmesWallace State Community College
Mr. Randy EarnestChick-fil-A of Cullman
Ms. Susan GuthrieRoyal Technologies, Inc.
Mayor Kenneth NailCity of Hanceville
Mr. Bill MorganThe Cullman Times
Mr. William W. Cooch, P.G.Highland Technical Services, Inc.
Mr. Jeff CurtisCullman Area Career Center
Mr. Tim JohnsonJ2 Technologies, Inc.
Mr. Keith LannGuthrie’s
Mr. Randy MillarComputer Partners, Inc.
Mr. Jeb WilliamsonJeb Williamson CPA, LLC
Mr. Albert von PelserREHAU Automotive, LLC
Mr. Randall SheddCullman County Commission on Aging
Ms. Melody BaschPrestigious Pets
Chamber begins an exciting new year in March 2013| MEET THE NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS |
Tell us about your career andcurrent position:I am the owner of FreedomInsurance Agency. I have been inthe Insurance business for 36years and had my own agency forthe last 18 years.
What is your educationalbackground?I graduated from Vinemont HighSchool. I have attended WallaceState Community College andcompleted numerous insurancecourses.
Introduce us to your family:I am married to Raymond Williams,we just celebrated our 37th
anniversary. We have onedaughter, Kris Todd. She has beenmarried 14 years to Shawn Todd.
Meet Chamber Board Member Gloria WilliamsWhat do I like MOST about livingin the Cullman area?I moved to Cullman when I was 13.My father’s family is from CullmanCounty and I feel a peace in myheart living here. What I love mostabout Cullman is the people- goodpeople- kind, caring, patriotic, andthey know God’s love. This countyis unique because when a needarises friends and neighbors jointogether to meet these needs. Wecare about what happens to oneanother. This is what makes thequality of life in Cullman sowonderful!!
2013-14 Board of Directors
2013-14 Executive CommitteeChamber ChairMs. Melissa CarteeCullman Electric Cooperative
Chair-ElectMr. Jim WeidnerCullman Regional Medical Center
Vice Chair, Business DevelopmentMr. Jason GrimmettDrinkard Development, Inc.
Vice Chair,Community & Workforce DevelopmentMr. Perry ShieldsATN-Cullman/Hanceville
Vice Chair, Finance & AdministrationMr. Jason WhiteThe Final Touch
Vice Chair, Membership & MarketingMs. Gloria WilliamsFreedom Insurance, The Gloria Williams Agency
Vice Chair, Tourism & RecreationMs. Sammie DanfordCullman County Economic Development
Immediate Past ChairMr. Charles NeSmithMerchants Bank of Alabama
Mr. Mike ManningCullman Power Board
Ms. Samantha WayDQ Grill & Chill - Cullman
Hon. Barry WillinghamCullman County RevenueCommissioner
Mr. Jason SpannAmercian Proteins, Inc.
Mr. Ben HarrisonCullman Regional Airport
Ms. Frances CooperThe Community Shopper’sGuide, Inc.
Is there a specificaccomplishment or project ofwhich you are particularlyproud?I am honored to have been a partof several projects in CullmanCounty of which I am very proud.As far as my accomplishments, Iwould have to say my greatestaccomplishment is my beautifuldaughter. Raymond and I werevery humbled when selected asFarm-City Family. We werespeechless. I have also receivedthe “Emma Marie EddlemanCitizenship Award”, this wastotally shocking. My family is trulyhonored to be a part of CullmanCounty and to help in any way thatwe are lead.
What is the one thing you wouldlike to see accomplished in thecommunity during your term onthe Board of Directors?I would love to see growth in ourmemberships. This will help ourChamber to become stronger andI am hoping thru our actions thatCullman Countians will regain con-fidence in the Chamber.
The Chamber’s Tourism Committeewill host the "Fourth Friday"Luncheon on Friday, March 22, in theAll Steak Restaurant’s BanquetRoom (new location: 323 3rd AvenueS.E., Cullman, AL 35055) The keynotespeaker is Sammy Lee, Bass Hall ofFame. The event is sponsored byAmerican Proteins.Doors open at 11:30 am to allownetworking opportunities before theprogram begins at 11:50 am. Lunch is
March 2013 Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce - Eyes of Progress Page 3
Chamber to host monthly “Fourth Friday”
$10 per person for Chamber membersand $20 for "Future" members.Reservations in advance arerequired. Please REGISTER online atwww.cullmanchamber.org or RSVP bycontacting the Chamber via e-mail [email protected] or bycalling 256-734-0454.
Sammy Lee, of Birmingham, Alabama,is a former touring professional bassfisherman and host of the weekday,syndicated radio/fishing program:“Tight Lines® with Sammy Lee”.Sammy entered his first professionalbass fishing tournament at age 16 andhas since participated in over 400tournaments in more than 20 states.In 1982, Lee was honored by the FrankCarter Company, of Atlanta, Georgia,as “Master Fisherman of the Year”.An award that was chosen from 90promoter fishermen in 10 Southeast-ern states.Sammy Lee, as host of the syndicated“Tight Lines® with Sammy Lee” ra-dio program, provides both the expe-rienced and novice fisherman withwinning methods and hints on an-gling. His down-to-earth approachand easy-going manner have madehis program a favorite amongsportsmen in all 50 states.His topics cover the full range of thesport, from the more technical as-pects, such as the effect of weatheron the day’s catch, to the selectionof tackle and their proper use.Additionally, Lee frequently inter-views other fishing personalities, whospeak from experience on their tech-niques and catches.
Special guest speaker Sammy Lee,Bass Hall of Fame President
Getting to know Sammy LeeGoing beyond the technical, Lee hasinvited country music legend's, in-cluding John Anderson, Ricky VanShelton, Porter Wagoner, Merle Hag-gard, Bobby Bare, Bryan White andRay Price, among others, to talk fish-ing from the point of view of the lay-man who loves the sport.On the air since March 1st, 1984,“Tight Lines® with Sammy Lee” pro-grams are three minutes long and arebroadcast five days each week, onover one hundred participating radiostations and Podcast via 32 differentPodcast sites including iTunes,where “Tight Lines®” is the mostdownloaded ‘Outdoors’ podcast oniTunes.At 6’ 6” and 280 lbs., Sammy Lee is animposing figure as he shares his an-gling knowledge and fish stories atpublic appearances. His personal ap-peal is evident among sportsmen ofall ages, as he speaks and gives fish-ing demonstrations to such variedgroups as: students; civic and ser-vice organizations; youth fishingseminars; military personnel; BoyScouts and those attending boatshows and fishing tournaments. Leetravels 80,000+ miles each year, as alecturing professional angler andcommunicator.
Additionally, from 1993-2001, SammyLee occupied the position of NationalPromotions Director/Freshwater, forRanger Boats of Flippin, AR. In thisposition Lee was responsible foroverseeing budgeting for 18 accountsand a $3.5 million yearly budget. Healso served as the Pro Staff FishingLiaison and Recruiter, involving over700 anglers.He was a liaison with industry manu-facturers; served as a public relationsrepresentative, and handled publicspeaking engagements; Lee was alsoresponsible for employee relationswithin the Promotions Department;Event organization and supervision;Extensively traveled the U.S., coastto coast, 300 days each year, and wasa guest speaker at numerous sportfishing events.Born in Birmingham, Alabama, March6, 1956, Sammy Lee grew up in theheart of bass fishing country. At 14,he and his uncle teamed to win a lo-cal father/son bass tournament onSmith Lake, which influenced him toconsider a career as a professionalangler and communicator.Lee then went on to receive his B.A.degree in Public Relations, from theUniversity of Alabama School ofCommunications, Tuscaloosa, Ala-
bama.Prior to the premier of “Tight Lines®with Sammy Lee”, Lee concurrentlyserved as the Outdoor Angling Edi-tor of The Tuscaloosa News and asthe host of ‘Outdoors with SammyLee’, on Tuscaloosa’s WACT-AM &FM.Among Lee’s many awards andachievements are being elected as thePresident and Founding Board of Di-rector member of the Bass FishingHall of Fame, of Hot Springs, Arkan-sas, where he continues serving.Additionally, Sammy began design-ing and developing apps (geek talkfor applications) for the Apple iPhoneand other smartphones in early 2010.Currently Mr. Lee has three (3) appson the market for anglers...FishMate® and FishMate®Pro forfreshwater anglers and FirstMate®for saltwater fishermen. In addition,he has two (2) apps for hunters,HuntMate® and HuntMate®Pro.Lastly, Mr. Lee created a licensingcompany, Social Fabric LLC, in thesummer of 2011 to license trade-marked phrases and copyrighted im-ages to both fresh and saltwater an-glers, as well as hunters.
Thank you to these businesses for helping to grow the Cullman area
Page 4 Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce - Eyes of Progress March 2013
|RIBBON CUTTINGS AND GROUND BREAKINGS|
Sears Hometown Store1726 Cherokee Ave.SW, Suite A, Cullman
(256) 739-3001
SHOGUN Japanese Sushi & Steak House1702 2nd Ave. SW, Cullman
(256) 739-3001
St. John & Associates, Inc508 7th Ave. SE, Cullman
Common Grounds Coffee Company708 Hwy 31 N, Hanceville
(256) 347-2467
Grand Pointe Pharmacy2045 2nd Ave. NW, Cullman
(256) 737-1330
Montgomery Drive-Inscheduled for March 13The Chamber’s 6th Montgomery Drive-In co-sponsored by the Cullman County IndustrialDevelopment Board and the City of Cullman Industrial Development Board is set forWednesday, March 13. The cost for participants is $50 for Chamber Members ($100 for“Future Members”) which includes transportation (bus) to and from Montgomery andlunch at the Capital City Club.The program will also include presentations from various departmental and agency directorswho will meet with our group and provide an update on their respective programs andactivities. Furthermore, our local Cullman area state legislative delegation has been invitedto join us for lunch that day to provide an overview on legislative issues.Additionally, there will be a BCA Reception on Tuesday, March 12, at the RenaissanceMontgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Although we willnot provide transportation to this event, we hope you will consider attending. Since seatingis limited, please contact the Chamber via e-mail at [email protected] or by calling256-734-0454.
SHOP CULLMAN FIRST!
Historical Documentary DVD
“70 Years of Progress”History of the Cullman area
$20“Eyes of Progress”
Commemorative ArtA dedication to the Cullman area by
local artist Adrian Scott
Get your copy!Due to numerous requests for copies of the Chamber’s “Histori-cal Documentary” and “Commemorative Artwork” presented at
this year’s Annual Meeting and Gala, the Chamber will havethese items for sale at our office for a limited time.
