Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Christmas Parade

November 4, 2009
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

The holiday season is fast approaching! Plans are being finalized for the Fort Payne Christmas Parade.

The parade and Christmas in the park will be held on December 11th, activities will begin at 4:00 PM with Christmas in the Park sponsored by the City Council. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided.

The parade will begin at 6:00 PM starting at 14th Street, North and ending at 3rd Street, South.

The theme for this year’s parade will be “Christmas in My Town”. The Chamber encourages participation. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in the float competition.

We are proud to announce that PlayCore has been named the Grand Marshall. Their community involvement has definitely improved our city parks as well as provided hours of outdoor activity for our citizens.

The parade also provides the opportunity to showcase your business. Entries will be limited to two vehicles.

All parade entries must be registered at the Chamber Office. Each will be given a vehicle permit.

Registration packages are now available at the Chamber. Working closely with the police department, the Chamber has made safety changes in the line up procedure. An explanation will be in the packages.

Chamber membership can participate at no charge. A $25.00 registration fee will be charged to non members.

Call the Chamber at 845-2741 for more information about the parade.

The Little River Canyon Center will host Canyon Fest on November 7th from 10 AM to 3PM. There will be activities for all ages. Craftsman will be presenting their works as well. The Center is located at 472 AL Hwy 35.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Mentor DeKalb

October 28, 2009
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

Mentor DeKalb is a project of the Partnership for a Drug Free DeKalb. The Partnership was organized in 1999 by Ben Baxley, Cynthia “Pie” Evans, and Gwen Hill.

The motivation of these individuals was their concern for the increase in drug use in our community. Through their efforts a board of directors for the organization was formed and Liz Barrontine was chosen as the executive director.

The Partnership was established to coordinate prevention activities. Mentor DeKalb was created to provide mentors to children or teens that need a caring and supportive person to help guide them to personal success.

Mentor DeKalb is active in every school in DeKalb County. These volunteers form meaningful friendships with students.

A segment of the mentor program is called the Book Buddy. Volunteers read with an elementary student for twenty minutes once a month.

You can choose the school, age level, and time convenient to your schedule. People think that they are so busy that there is no time to volunteer. The Book Buddy program strives to make it convenient, fun, and meaningful.

I want to personally commend Pat Taylor for his dedication to reading to the students. Pat’s eyes light up with laughter when he talks about his experience. According to him, the volunteers gain as much as the students.

Twenty minutes a month can make a lifetime difference in the child.
The slogan of Mentor DeKalb is “Make a difference …Be the difference.” You can’t do it all – but you can do something.

Contact Velma Brown or Nacole Baxley at 997-0000 to learn more about the Book Buddy program or other services of Partnership for a Drug Free DeKalb.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

After Hours

Chamber Chatter

The Chamber After Hours will be held on Thursday, October 15th, at 5:00 PM at the Tanager House, 1714 Smith Gap Road, Fort Payne.

Jerry Ellis and Debi Holmes-Binney welcome everyone to enjoy the amenities of Fort Payne’s European-style provider of luxury events and accommodations.

You will experience a taste of Jerry and Debi’s flair for extraordinary cuisine. Door prizes will include dinner for 6 and a night for two in the Alpine Guest Cottage.

Join us as we celebrate the opening of one of Fort Payne’s most unique new businesses.

The Christmas Parade will be held on December 11th at 6:00 PM. Applications will be available at the Chamber office on November 2nd.
Entry fee discounts are given to all members of the Chamber.

Response to the call for board of directors’ nominations has been great this year. Ballots will be mailed by October 30th. I want to encourage all members to vote.

The board of directors guides the activities of the Chamber. Long range goals that create our five year plan are also established by the board.

The involvement of these community leaders is the key to the success of the Chamber. Together, we can create a difference in our city’s future.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Chamber Chatter

As the weather turns cooler, our thoughts turn to the approaching holiday season. We all make the promise that I will not spend New Year’s Eve asleep on the couch this year!

A new business in town has exactly what you need to make this holiday as well as other celebrations an event to remember.

Debi Holmes-Binney and Jerry Ellis are pleased to present Tanager House, a uniquely upscale European-style provider of luxury events, accommodations, and service.

The Tanager House is modeled after the hosts' intimate familiarity with the Leading Hotels of the World, primarily in Italy.

Unseen from the road, Tanager House is located 2 minutes from the new I-59 interchange and 8 minutes from the airport. Its own 10 groomed acres are surrounded by 170 acres of unspoiled, wooded family land, and offers the ultimate in private settings.

Guests are treated to an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance – perfect for clients wishing to create a superior first impression for visiting executives and consultants over appetizers, catered dinners, or business meetings.

Debbi and Jerry’s 10 years in Italy as well as travels to 49 states and 6 continents provides them the ideal background for anticipating the needs and comforts of both international and domestic visitors to Tanager House.

In addition, Tanager House is a truly lovely setting for well-dressed weddings, receptions, anniversaries or other social affairs.

When asked why create Tanager House, the noted author Ellis was quick to reply. " I want people to enjoy elegance and the most fun luxuries of life without having to leave Fort Payne."

The Tanager House will host the Chamber After Hours on October 15th at 5:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come for a taste of Europe not only in the appetizers but also in the surroundings and the hospitality.

Check out their website at WWW.tanagerhouse.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Stockdog Trails

September 30, 2009
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

In the early 1800’s most farmers did not have dogs for pets. Every animal had a job or purpose on the farm.

Different breeds were used to help with herding the livestock. Stockdog trails began in Great Britain as a way for shepherds to settle bragging rights over who had the best dog.

Stockdogs are still used on farms today. However, a lot of owners raise them only to compete for titles.

The Sweet Seasons Farm at Valley Head will host a sanctioned stockday trial on October 3rd and 4th beginning at 8:00 AM each day.

Trials such as this one using international rules are now held all over the world. The judge for the Sweet Seasons Farm event will be Michael Schofield from Surrey, Great Britain.

Farm trials are very informal in nature. Richard and Paulette Manning encourage everyone to bring a lawn chair; mingle with the competitors; and ask questions.

The Manning’s farm is a beautiful setting to watch the border collies demonstrate their skills in herding sheep. The winner will compete in the national trials.

An admission fee of $5.00 will be charged by the DeKalb County Animal Adoption Agency. Sweet Seasons Farm is located at 2339 County Road 608, Valley Head.

The award winning VFW Fair is now through October 3rd. Gates open at 5:00 PM daily and at 10:00 AM for kids’ day on Saturday.

The Chamber congratulates Charles Stephens and his hardworking crew for another successful fun-filled fair.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament

September 2, 2009
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter


There are many ways to promote your business in today’s fast pace world. Few, however, provide the opportunity to mix fun and exercise in a beautiful outdoor setting as the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament.

The location will be the recently renovated DeSoto Golf Course. The improved greens and fairways will provide competition for all levels.

The Tournament will be held on September 17th with two starts: 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Cash prizes will be presented to the golfers with the lowest scores, highest scores, and a draw for third place.

Lunch, mulligans, and gift bag will almost equal the registration fee. Proceeds from the tournament will be used for the Chamber’s support of the Fort Payne business community.

I have great memories of learning to play golf at DeSoto. Robert Chisenhall taught Gaynelle Pitts, Pat Tcherneshoff, and me the basic skills of the sport.

However, Robert did not cover trees! Gaynelle has the scar of seven stitches in her upper lip. A large black bird was killed by Pat as her drive tore through a large pine tree. Would that be a birdie?

The deadline for registration is September 8th. Call the Chamber at 845-2741.

I want to thank Greg Conkle, Director of Fort Payne Parks and Recreation, and Brant Middlebrooks, Manager of DeSoto Golf Course, for their help with the tournament.

The Chamber is honored to sponsor the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament. Mayor Bill Jordan is one of the strongest supporters of the efforts of the Chamber. Our appreciation is extended to Mayor Jordan and the City Council for their continued improvements to our city.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Smithsonian Exhibit comes to Fort Payne

August 19, 2009
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director


Chamber Chatter

Every person who is interested in the future growth of the City of Fort Payne should attend the business forum on Tuesday, August 25th at 5:30 PM at the DeKalb Theatre.

Mayor Jordan and the City Council will host the event. Dialogue among our city’s business leaders and the Council will ensure the road to success.

The forum will provide the opportunity to gain input from industry and retail companies. This information will be used in creating a more comprehensive growth plan.

Just a few of the points of interest will include signage, downtown revitalization, the north interchange, retention of existing businesses, and the recruitment of industry.

If you have a question but cannot attend the meeting, please call the Chamber at 845-2741.

The Chamber Business After Hours will be held at Duncan Medical Equipment, 1706 Glenn Boulevard SW, on Thursday, August 20th at 5:00 PM. Join others to showcase your business.

This event provides not only business owners but also the public to learn more about the goods and services offered in Fort Payne.

If you are interested in your company hosting a Chamber Coffee or After Hours, call the Chamber to schedule.

The Smithsonian Exhibit, New Harmonies, will open on August 29th at Hunt Hall. Call the Chamber if you want to serve as a volunteer during the exhibit which will be on display until September 19th.