My favorite thing during the summer is to be at the beach or at least to dream that I am at the beach having shrimp.
Today without traveling six hours, I can sit on my own back deck and enjoy fresh gulf bay shrimp. In fact, the steamed shrimp from Off the Boat is the best I have eaten.
When Greg and Kelly Parker built their dream home in Mentone, they often wished they could still enjoy the gulf coast seafood. Friends from Orange Beach encouraged them to make the leap and open a takeout seafood restaurant in Fort Payne.
This month marks the six month anniversary of the opening of Off the Boat. According to Kelly, “This milestone in their lives is the most life changing. The people of this area are happier. The concern for each other is genuine.”
The Parkers certainly reflect the desire to serve others. During the tornado disaster, they provided hot meals for many of the storm victims.
The menu at Off the Boat includes items for everyone. The baked chicken can be ordered even by those who are sensitive to shellfish. Vegetarian plates are also available.
If you have a special recipe, uncooked seafood can be purchased. All the products are wild caught. No pond raised or confined products are sold.
The restaurant is takeout only. The food is prepared after the order is placed. A usual time wait is 30 minutes. The hours of operation are from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
New items are being added at customer request such as lump crabmeat. The restaurant’s specialty is the seafood lasagna.
Sorry Savannah, Georgia, Fort Payne now has the best seafood bisque! Stop by Off the Boat at 1702 Gault Avenue, North, Suite 101 or call your order in at 256-845-4699. Tell Greg and Kelly the Chamber sent you.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund
June 8, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
Are you a small business owner who suffered loss during the storms of April 27th? Do you need financial help immediately?
You could qualify for a loan that could have a turnaround period of about one week.
The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) announced the creation of a small Business Disaster Recovery Fund. The funds will provide small loans with low interest rates to businesses that were damaged in the storms of April 27th.
The purpose of the fund is to make immediate financing for recovery purposes until more permanent financing may be obtained.
These loans will be available in amounts from $5,000 to $25,000. Interest rates of 4% will be fixed for a term of three years.
TARCOG routinely provides financing to small businesses within the service area of DeKalb, Limestone, Jackson, Madison and Marshall Counties. The Revolving Loan Fund has helped many with the start up cost of a company.
Now, these dollars will also help owners with the cost of continuing to operate after experiencing hardship during the recovery efforts.
Serving as Treasurer of TARCOG Board of Directors, I am encouraged to see the business community of our area be a focal point of service. I congratulate the leadership of Director Bob Culver and his staff for their efforts to help small businesses.
IF your business has been damaged and is in need of such a loan, contact Joe Howe at 256-716-2481 or Jeff Pruitt at 256-716-2483.
Also, check with the US Small Business Administration for loans of larger amounts. You must have filed the proper paperwork with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by June 27, 2011 to qualify.
Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit the website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
Are you a small business owner who suffered loss during the storms of April 27th? Do you need financial help immediately?
You could qualify for a loan that could have a turnaround period of about one week.
The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) announced the creation of a small Business Disaster Recovery Fund. The funds will provide small loans with low interest rates to businesses that were damaged in the storms of April 27th.
The purpose of the fund is to make immediate financing for recovery purposes until more permanent financing may be obtained.
These loans will be available in amounts from $5,000 to $25,000. Interest rates of 4% will be fixed for a term of three years.
TARCOG routinely provides financing to small businesses within the service area of DeKalb, Limestone, Jackson, Madison and Marshall Counties. The Revolving Loan Fund has helped many with the start up cost of a company.
Now, these dollars will also help owners with the cost of continuing to operate after experiencing hardship during the recovery efforts.
Serving as Treasurer of TARCOG Board of Directors, I am encouraged to see the business community of our area be a focal point of service. I congratulate the leadership of Director Bob Culver and his staff for their efforts to help small businesses.
IF your business has been damaged and is in need of such a loan, contact Joe Howe at 256-716-2481 or Jeff Pruitt at 256-716-2483.
Also, check with the US Small Business Administration for loans of larger amounts. You must have filed the proper paperwork with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by June 27, 2011 to qualify.
Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit the website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
WZOB and Chamber’s first After Hours Block Party
June 1, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
The Chamber’s first After Hours Block Party was a huge success. The merchants of Glenn Crossing were very appreciative of the Chamber’s efforts to increase the number of customers shopping their stores.
The UPS Store, Burke’s Outlet, Verizon, GNC, Shoe Show, and Hibbett’s Sports provided refreshments and great door prizes.
The WZOB live remote added a fun atmosphere to the event. Doris Hobbs and Jack Martin helped to peak the public’s interest.
Our town is fortunate to have these two individuals helping to promote our area. They both have resumes of hours of volunteer work.
Doris has been the treasurer of the Northeast Alabama Home and Garden Show for the past 28 years.
Jack Martin is part of the country band called Forever Country. He does volunteer work at nursing homes and assisted living programs. His band plays for senior dances.
Doris and Jack are proud to be part of the history of one of DeKalb County’s oldest radio stations. WZOB first came on the air in June of 1950. During the 61 years, the Ted Kirby family has been involved in the station.
Michael and Phyllis Kirby are the present owners. The station has been voted the Best Radio Station in DeKalb County for 17 consecutive years.
The country format strives to serve all of the people of DeKalb County. Swap Shop has put many buyers and sellers together.
Thank you again WZOB for supporting the Chamber’s endeavors to promote and support the local business community. We will “see and hear” you at the next Block Party!
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
The Chamber’s first After Hours Block Party was a huge success. The merchants of Glenn Crossing were very appreciative of the Chamber’s efforts to increase the number of customers shopping their stores.
The UPS Store, Burke’s Outlet, Verizon, GNC, Shoe Show, and Hibbett’s Sports provided refreshments and great door prizes.
The WZOB live remote added a fun atmosphere to the event. Doris Hobbs and Jack Martin helped to peak the public’s interest.
Our town is fortunate to have these two individuals helping to promote our area. They both have resumes of hours of volunteer work.
Doris has been the treasurer of the Northeast Alabama Home and Garden Show for the past 28 years.
Jack Martin is part of the country band called Forever Country. He does volunteer work at nursing homes and assisted living programs. His band plays for senior dances.
Doris and Jack are proud to be part of the history of one of DeKalb County’s oldest radio stations. WZOB first came on the air in June of 1950. During the 61 years, the Ted Kirby family has been involved in the station.
Michael and Phyllis Kirby are the present owners. The station has been voted the Best Radio Station in DeKalb County for 17 consecutive years.
The country format strives to serve all of the people of DeKalb County. Swap Shop has put many buyers and sellers together.
Thank you again WZOB for supporting the Chamber’s endeavors to promote and support the local business community. We will “see and hear” you at the next Block Party!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 25, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
Budget shortfalls have caused many hardships for the DeKalb County Public Library. The library is now closed each Wednesday. The Book Mobile no longer serves the communities in DeKalb County.
According to Elizabeth Tucker, librarian, state budget cuts have created the loss in many of the library services. A library this size usually operates with 8 full time staff. There are 3 full time and one part time positions.
Average visits are around 53,000. The over 80,000 printed materials as well as computer access are valuable to all ages.
The Board of the Mary C. Weatherly Memorial Foundation is seeking the public’s help in solving the budget crisis. A fund raising effort will begin the first of June.
The Foundation has made improvements to the facility. New carpet and the remodeling of the lobby and bathrooms are examples.
The Summer Reading Program, which attracts scores of kids and challenges them to read, is also funded by the Foundation. The cost is $3500 per year.
The Foundation is giving everyone the opportunity to make a tax deductible donation for the benefit of the library.
When you become a Friend of the Library, you also help improve our area’s quality of life. The library is one of the factors that business and industry leaders consider in locating here.
Your gift will not only improve the education of all of our citizens but it will also help in the creation of a more stable financial future.
Call Elizabeth Tucker, 256-845-2671, to volunteer or to become a Friend of the Library.
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
Budget shortfalls have caused many hardships for the DeKalb County Public Library. The library is now closed each Wednesday. The Book Mobile no longer serves the communities in DeKalb County.
According to Elizabeth Tucker, librarian, state budget cuts have created the loss in many of the library services. A library this size usually operates with 8 full time staff. There are 3 full time and one part time positions.
Average visits are around 53,000. The over 80,000 printed materials as well as computer access are valuable to all ages.
The Board of the Mary C. Weatherly Memorial Foundation is seeking the public’s help in solving the budget crisis. A fund raising effort will begin the first of June.
The Foundation has made improvements to the facility. New carpet and the remodeling of the lobby and bathrooms are examples.
The Summer Reading Program, which attracts scores of kids and challenges them to read, is also funded by the Foundation. The cost is $3500 per year.
The Foundation is giving everyone the opportunity to make a tax deductible donation for the benefit of the library.
When you become a Friend of the Library, you also help improve our area’s quality of life. The library is one of the factors that business and industry leaders consider in locating here.
Your gift will not only improve the education of all of our citizens but it will also help in the creation of a more stable financial future.
Call Elizabeth Tucker, 256-845-2671, to volunteer or to become a Friend of the Library.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Chamber After Hours Block Party
As you have read, many businesses in our area have stepped up to the challenges that the tornado disaster brought. I want to personally thank each one that has given time, money, and man-hours to help in the cause.
We will all be stronger if we adhere to the Chamber’s logo: “Together We Can”.
To showcase businesses working together, the Chamber has created our first After Hours Block Party.
The merchants of Glenn Crossing will host this fun event on May 19th at 5:00 PM at 1800 Glenn Boulevard.
Usually, the After Hours is held at one business. Our block party will include the following merchants: Los Arcos, the UPS Store, Burke’s Outlet, Verizon, General Nutrition Centers, Shoe Show, and Hibbett Sporting Goods.
May 25, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
A special treat will be the live remote from WZOB. Doris Hobbs and Jack Martin will create a fun atmosphere. You could even be on the radio!
Refreshments, door prizes, and discount coupons will be available. To be eligible for the grand door prize, your ticket must be validated in each store. The winner will be drawn at the WZOB table.
Bobby McKeehan’s mobile snow cone factory will be creating your favorite frozen flavor. The UPS Store will provide tickets for the snow cones.
You can get some great bargains for the upcoming summer months for the kids and other family members.
The Chamber encourages everyone to shop locally. The public is invited. Bring a friend and join us for the Chamber’s First Block Party.
We will all be stronger if we adhere to the Chamber’s logo: “Together We Can”.
To showcase businesses working together, the Chamber has created our first After Hours Block Party.
The merchants of Glenn Crossing will host this fun event on May 19th at 5:00 PM at 1800 Glenn Boulevard.
Usually, the After Hours is held at one business. Our block party will include the following merchants: Los Arcos, the UPS Store, Burke’s Outlet, Verizon, General Nutrition Centers, Shoe Show, and Hibbett Sporting Goods.
May 25, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
A special treat will be the live remote from WZOB. Doris Hobbs and Jack Martin will create a fun atmosphere. You could even be on the radio!
Refreshments, door prizes, and discount coupons will be available. To be eligible for the grand door prize, your ticket must be validated in each store. The winner will be drawn at the WZOB table.
Bobby McKeehan’s mobile snow cone factory will be creating your favorite frozen flavor. The UPS Store will provide tickets for the snow cones.
You can get some great bargains for the upcoming summer months for the kids and other family members.
The Chamber encourages everyone to shop locally. The public is invited. Bring a friend and join us for the Chamber’s First Block Party.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
5/11/2011
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing low interest rate loans to those who were affected by the storm disaster in our area.
Assistance to homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations, and businesses will be available. You must have filed the proper paperwork with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by June 27, 2011 to qualify.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to
$2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses will be available to help meet working capital needs regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Interest rates are as low as 2.563 percent for homeowners and renters; 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.
Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
If you are interested in applying for an SBA loan, your first step is to file with FEMA for disaster assistance. You can call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or file at the FEMA disaster recovery center located in the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. The hours are 7AM - 7PM.
The second step is to contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or fill out an application on line at the SBA secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Please help the Chamber by providing this information to others so that people can start rebuilding their lives. "Together WE Can!"
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing low interest rate loans to those who were affected by the storm disaster in our area.
Assistance to homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations, and businesses will be available. You must have filed the proper paperwork with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by June 27, 2011 to qualify.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to
$2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses will be available to help meet working capital needs regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Interest rates are as low as 2.563 percent for homeowners and renters; 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.
Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
If you are interested in applying for an SBA loan, your first step is to file with FEMA for disaster assistance. You can call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or file at the FEMA disaster recovery center located in the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. The hours are 7AM - 7PM.
The second step is to contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or fill out an application on line at the SBA secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Please help the Chamber by providing this information to others so that people can start rebuilding their lives. "Together WE Can!"
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sweet Seasons Farm
May 4, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
The Sweet Seasons Farm invites everyone to the third annual Art at the Barn on May 7th from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Farm is located at 2339 County Road 608, Valley Head, Alabama.
This spring art sale will feature works by over 60 regional artist and artisans.
Some of the types of art will include pottery, antiques, handmade jewelry, blown glass, forged metal, paintings, and garden accents. Delicious baked goods along with food vendors will also be offered.
Donations will be accepted for the tornado victims at the event. All the artists have agreed to participate in the fund raising efforts.
Entertainment by various musical groups will be provided throughout the day. Demonstrations will include sheep herding, yarn spinning, iron forging, and hypertufa creations.
The Shabby Sheep Barn will be stocked full of antiques and other fun finds. The Sweet Seasons Farm Event Barn LLC will be housing a lot of the artists. This new facility is available for hosting such events as parties, weddings, receptions, etc.
Justin Manning has created his own line of products which are also available at the Barn. His hypertufa creations look like aged concrete. These products are made of peat moss, perlite, cement, and reinforced with chopped fiber. This combination makes the containers lightweight and porous.
Justin not only teaches hypertufa classes, but he advises people who are interested in concrete stains, dyes, or sealers. He produces concrete table tops, sinks, accessories, and statuary repairs. My favorite is his reproduction of an old grist wheel.
The art show is located on one of Alabama’s oldest and largest sheep farms. Paulette and Richard Manning have taken run-down acres and created 175 acres of beautiful as well as environmental friendly farm land.
I congratulate the Manning family on the creation of the fastest growing event in our area. This is a great opportunity to get that extra special Mother’s Day gift.
Visit the Chamber’s website for a link to these two Chamber members’ web pages- Art at the Barn and Creo Concrete. View the various artists on Paulette Manning’s facebook page.
To get to the Sweet Seasons Farm, travel north on US Hwy 11 toward Hammondville. Turn left onto County Road 608 (just past the Hammondville city limits sign). Go 3.2 miles to Sweet Seasons Farm on the left.
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
The Sweet Seasons Farm invites everyone to the third annual Art at the Barn on May 7th from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Farm is located at 2339 County Road 608, Valley Head, Alabama.
This spring art sale will feature works by over 60 regional artist and artisans.
Some of the types of art will include pottery, antiques, handmade jewelry, blown glass, forged metal, paintings, and garden accents. Delicious baked goods along with food vendors will also be offered.
Donations will be accepted for the tornado victims at the event. All the artists have agreed to participate in the fund raising efforts.
Entertainment by various musical groups will be provided throughout the day. Demonstrations will include sheep herding, yarn spinning, iron forging, and hypertufa creations.
The Shabby Sheep Barn will be stocked full of antiques and other fun finds. The Sweet Seasons Farm Event Barn LLC will be housing a lot of the artists. This new facility is available for hosting such events as parties, weddings, receptions, etc.
Justin Manning has created his own line of products which are also available at the Barn. His hypertufa creations look like aged concrete. These products are made of peat moss, perlite, cement, and reinforced with chopped fiber. This combination makes the containers lightweight and porous.
Justin not only teaches hypertufa classes, but he advises people who are interested in concrete stains, dyes, or sealers. He produces concrete table tops, sinks, accessories, and statuary repairs. My favorite is his reproduction of an old grist wheel.
The art show is located on one of Alabama’s oldest and largest sheep farms. Paulette and Richard Manning have taken run-down acres and created 175 acres of beautiful as well as environmental friendly farm land.
I congratulate the Manning family on the creation of the fastest growing event in our area. This is a great opportunity to get that extra special Mother’s Day gift.
Visit the Chamber’s website for a link to these two Chamber members’ web pages- Art at the Barn and Creo Concrete. View the various artists on Paulette Manning’s facebook page.
To get to the Sweet Seasons Farm, travel north on US Hwy 11 toward Hammondville. Turn left onto County Road 608 (just past the Hammondville city limits sign). Go 3.2 miles to Sweet Seasons Farm on the left.
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