Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Ed Chadwick, Chadwick Plumbing Services

Perseverance is a trait that I admire in many people. Accomplished goals obtained by this trait create very successful people.

Ed Chadwick, Chadwick Plumbing Services, recruited my help about a year ago to help him find the owner of a 1978 Emma Sansom High School class ring. Ed had found the ring about 12 years ago while doing work at Camp Comer.

I made several contacts with the school as well as classmates during that time. But to no avail did the owner come forward.

Things changed for Ed a few weeks ago. L. Max Hammonds called to reclaim his ring.

As was the tradition, Max had given his ring to a girl who lost it at band camp after being thrown in the lake at Camp Comer.

Max never expected to see the ring again, and most likely would not have if not for Ed’s persistence. He was also surprised that Ed had not sold the ring given the current economy.

After meeting Ed, Max understood why he kept it. “That speaks volume for the kind of man he is. A lot of people would not even have tried to find the owner. I found my ring and I gained a friend.”

The Chamber is truly honored to have Ed Chadwick and his company as part of our membership. His dedication is exemplified in operating an honest, trustworthy, and reputable business in Fort Payne.

Thank you Ed for another reason to be proud we are all part of the Fort Payne family!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Weight vs. Brain

July 13, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

“Buy American” was once the slogan for all of us. However, it is a challenge to find these products. World trade is driven by the people’s demand.

China has even been introduced to the American fast food. These two cultures have been combined in the take out industry. Fried chicken as well as hamburgers can be purchased with traditional Chinese sides.

However, the Chinese clientele of these restaurants shown on TV have the same weight issues as the United States.

What will be the prevalent health problems of the world population in 2020? Most will be related to obesity. Not only will the physical health be affected but also the cognitive abilities.

Obesity affects a number of metabolic pathways, including those that keep brain cells nourished with oxygen and other nutrients.

In a recent study, findings confirm the growing body of evidence linking obesity to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease dementia, and stroke.

The study involved 150 obese participants. Twelve weeks after having bariatric surgery, the recall and attention tests improved tremendously.

Researchers are eager to see if the same cognitive benefits occur in people who shed weight through exercise without surgery.

If you need help to improve your memory through weight loss, contact the Wills Valley Recreation Center to enroll in various programs. DeKalb Regional Medical Center offers a wide range of help from nutrition consultation to workouts in the Fitness First Program.

Be sure to get a complete physical before enrolling in a new exercise program. Evidence proves that a healthy weight is good for the both the body and mind.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Bellefonte Nuclear Plant

July 6, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

The Bellefonte Nuclear Plant was the host site for the quarterly meeting of the Tri-State Regional Workforce Alliance meeting on June 3rd.

Mr. Ray Hruby and his staff provided an update on the completion of the plant. The cost to bring the plant on line would be significantly less than for TVA to develop a new site.

Any components that do not measure up to modern standards will be replaced. Control systems will be updated to digital and the control room will be the most advanced in the nation.

The successful restoration of Browns Ferry Unit 1 and Watts Bar Unit 1 will guide TVA in the modernization of Bellefonte to ensure safe and economical operation.

Nuclear energy is more cost efficient. Sixty-seven percent of the cost is fixed now. The clean air emission is ranked at 0%. TVA can provide lower rates and high reliability while providing public protection.

The effect that the completion of Bellefonte will have on our community will not only be seen in the power production but also in the workforce.

Three thousand well paying jobs will be created through this project. 800 of these will be permanent.

Positions will range from engineers, welders, pipe fitters, boiler makers, to general labor.

TVA has experienced a turnover of ½ of its employees in the last five years due to retirement. 25 new engineers per year will be needed to fill the required positions.

In the next 4 years 1/3 of the workforce will retire. Our young trained generation will be running the Bellefonte facility.

Training programs for these positions are available at Northeast Alabama Community College. Contact Mike Kennamer or any of the Workforce Development staff at 256-638-4418.