On behalf of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Donna and I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Under the leadership of President Brian Baine, the Chamber has experienced great success.
The first After Hours Block Party was held this year. Who would have dreamed that the Halloween Block Party would have more than 2000 people in attendance?
We hope the local businesses have benefited from the Chamber’s events. It is the number one goal of the Chamber to support our existing businesses.
The most recent event, the Fort Payne Christmas parade, had the largest attendance ever. I want to personally thank the Fort Payne Police Department for their efforts in protecting the participants as well as insuring the parade flowed smoothly.
It was an honor to have the Fort Payne Boys Soccer Team as the Grand Marshall. They truly represent our city in such a positive manner.
To the 300+ members of the Chamber, thank you for your continued support.
Our marketing contract with the City Council will be expanded in 2012. Our new campaign, “Fort Payne – the Coolest Place in Alabama” will begin in January.
If you have any ideas you would like to share with the Chamber, please contact us at 256-845-2741 or visit our website at www.fortpaynechamber.com.
Still looking for that nativity scene? Check out the Chamber’s window. It has been part of the Christmas spirit of our city for more than 25 years.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
National Influenza Week
Have you had your flu shot? December 4-10 is National Influenza Week.
The purpose of this designated week is to make people aware that flu prevention is possible.
The Center for Disease Control recommends everyone to get the flu shot to prevent spreading the flu.
However, it is especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious complication or because they live with or care for people at high risk.
This group includes children younger than 5; adults 65 years and older; pregnant women; and people with certain medical conditions e.g. asthma, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders.
The flu shot cannot give you the flu. You might have a low grade fever, aches and a little soreness. Contact your doctor if symptoms are more severe.
Your doctor is the best to advise if you should get a vaccine.
What can you do to prevent catching the flu or a cold? Wash your hands thoroughly. Try singing 2 lines of the “Happy Birthday” song for the correct amount of time for washing.
Moderate exercise helps fight cold and flu. Join the Wills Valley Recreation or Fitness First for safe, indoor exercise options.
Flu shots are available at C & H Drugs at 1916 Gault Avenue, North.
The purpose of this designated week is to make people aware that flu prevention is possible.
The Center for Disease Control recommends everyone to get the flu shot to prevent spreading the flu.
However, it is especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious complication or because they live with or care for people at high risk.
This group includes children younger than 5; adults 65 years and older; pregnant women; and people with certain medical conditions e.g. asthma, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders.
The flu shot cannot give you the flu. You might have a low grade fever, aches and a little soreness. Contact your doctor if symptoms are more severe.
Your doctor is the best to advise if you should get a vaccine.
What can you do to prevent catching the flu or a cold? Wash your hands thoroughly. Try singing 2 lines of the “Happy Birthday” song for the correct amount of time for washing.
Moderate exercise helps fight cold and flu. Join the Wills Valley Recreation or Fitness First for safe, indoor exercise options.
Flu shots are available at C & H Drugs at 1916 Gault Avenue, North.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Christmas is in air, Fort Payne is no exception
Christmas is definitely in the air. After the shopping frenzy of Black Friday, everyone's attention turns to enjoying the events of the season.
The story of the first Christmas will be presented at the Tom Bevill Lyceum on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Under the direction of Christina Wise, this live nativity will unfold in song, action and word. Tickets are $5 each and will be available at the door.
The annual Fort Payne Christmas parade will be Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. The parade begins at 18th Street N. and continues to Third Street S.
If you want to enter a float or a vehicle in the parade, you must register by Monday. There is a charge of $25 if you are not a member of the chamber. There is no charge for floats. For more information, call the chamber at 256-845-2741.
We have had several inquires for equestrian teams and horse-drawn wagons to enter the parade. These types of entries would really add to the spirit of the parade.
However, the chamber's insurance carrier will not allow this type of entry. There have been several injuries from animals becoming uncontrollable due to the crowd noise or hit by objects from the crowd.
Horses must be certified in crowd control. Therefore, the exception to this rule is the Sheriff's Mounted Patrol.
Christmas in the Park will begin at 4 p.m. in City Park. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.
The Fort Payne Film Society will present a Christmas movie in the DeKalb Theatre after the parade at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the society's Facebook page.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
The story of the first Christmas will be presented at the Tom Bevill Lyceum on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Under the direction of Christina Wise, this live nativity will unfold in song, action and word. Tickets are $5 each and will be available at the door.
The annual Fort Payne Christmas parade will be Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. The parade begins at 18th Street N. and continues to Third Street S.
If you want to enter a float or a vehicle in the parade, you must register by Monday. There is a charge of $25 if you are not a member of the chamber. There is no charge for floats. For more information, call the chamber at 256-845-2741.
We have had several inquires for equestrian teams and horse-drawn wagons to enter the parade. These types of entries would really add to the spirit of the parade.
However, the chamber's insurance carrier will not allow this type of entry. There have been several injuries from animals becoming uncontrollable due to the crowd noise or hit by objects from the crowd.
Horses must be certified in crowd control. Therefore, the exception to this rule is the Sheriff's Mounted Patrol.
Christmas in the Park will begin at 4 p.m. in City Park. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.
The Fort Payne Film Society will present a Christmas movie in the DeKalb Theatre after the parade at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the society's Facebook page.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Make sure to save for Small Business Saturday
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. Supporting them is a great way to help fuel the economy.
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. The second annual Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 26.
Over the past two decades, small businesses have created 65 percent of new jobs. In fact, small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.
The overall message is to take pride in your community by spending locally.
The concept of Small Business Saturday was started by American Express. Being the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the U.S., the company wanted to support owners in growing their companies.
To entice even more shoppers, American Express is providing the card holder a $25 statement credit for shopping on Small Business Saturday.
You will need to register your American Express card and spend at least $25 with one of the registered Fort Payne businesses. All the information is online. Many of our businesses are participating in the event.
To register, visit the Small Business Saturday website or the Small Business Saturday Facebook page.
These sites also have marketing ideas for the small business owners.
Last year's program drove millions of dollars to small businesses across the U.S.
According to Michael H. Shuman, author of the book "Going Local," "Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporation and back into the community where it belongs."
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. The second annual Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 26.
Over the past two decades, small businesses have created 65 percent of new jobs. In fact, small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.
The overall message is to take pride in your community by spending locally.
The concept of Small Business Saturday was started by American Express. Being the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the U.S., the company wanted to support owners in growing their companies.
To entice even more shoppers, American Express is providing the card holder a $25 statement credit for shopping on Small Business Saturday.
You will need to register your American Express card and spend at least $25 with one of the registered Fort Payne businesses. All the information is online. Many of our businesses are participating in the event.
To register, visit the Small Business Saturday website or the Small Business Saturday Facebook page.
These sites also have marketing ideas for the small business owners.
Last year's program drove millions of dollars to small businesses across the U.S.
According to Michael H. Shuman, author of the book "Going Local," "Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporation and back into the community where it belongs."
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Holiday Market is like several shops in 1 spot
I began to panic today when someone said there are only five weeks until Christmas. How can I possibly get gifts for everyone on my list?
Then I remembered - the Holiday Market for Missions. The event, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church, will be Friday and Saturday in the Family Life Center.
This year's theme will be "Joyful Hearts Helping Others." The event is a fundraiser for the mission outreaches of FUMC.
One of the main programs is "Serving Our Savior" (SOS). Food and clothing are provided to those in need.
The chamber has recently become a drop off point for non-perishable food for this program. Join us as we try to make a difference in our community through donations to this food bank.
Hours of the market are Friday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Door prizes will be given away. A free weekend getaway from Chestnut Bay Resort will be part of the drawing. Live music and refreshments will be available.
Holiday Market provides an opportunity for community vendors and community shoppers to come together under one roof and get an early start on their Holiday shopping.
A beautiful Christmas story will be told in dance by the Arise students. This performance alone would be worth your efforts to attend.
I bought so many unique items at last year's market. Items will range from purses to pieces of furniture. Not to mention the sweets that never made it as a gift.
If you have any questions, call Marianne Norris at 256-845-1141 for more information.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Then I remembered - the Holiday Market for Missions. The event, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church, will be Friday and Saturday in the Family Life Center.
This year's theme will be "Joyful Hearts Helping Others." The event is a fundraiser for the mission outreaches of FUMC.
One of the main programs is "Serving Our Savior" (SOS). Food and clothing are provided to those in need.
The chamber has recently become a drop off point for non-perishable food for this program. Join us as we try to make a difference in our community through donations to this food bank.
Hours of the market are Friday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Door prizes will be given away. A free weekend getaway from Chestnut Bay Resort will be part of the drawing. Live music and refreshments will be available.
Holiday Market provides an opportunity for community vendors and community shoppers to come together under one roof and get an early start on their Holiday shopping.
A beautiful Christmas story will be told in dance by the Arise students. This performance alone would be worth your efforts to attend.
I bought so many unique items at last year's market. Items will range from purses to pieces of furniture. Not to mention the sweets that never made it as a gift.
If you have any questions, call Marianne Norris at 256-845-1141 for more information.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Halloween event meets expectations
The positive compliments about the successful Halloween Block Party continue to come from all aspects of our community.
The event was a great example of people working together. It was an honor to partner with the Fort Payne Area Merchants Association.
More than 2,000 people enjoyed trick or treating with the downtown retail shops. The chamber gave 1,200 tickets for the door prize drawings.
The merchants not only gave candy but also the great door prizes. WZOB provided the live remote to entertain the crowd and draw for the prizes.
The Fort Payne Police Department started giving out treats many years ago. They inspired us to carry the idea all through downtown.
A big thanks to Chief Randy Bynum and his crew to insure the safety of all the participants during the event.
The purpose of the ticket to be eligible for the door prizes is to get potential customers inside the stores. I heard so many say that they would be back to shop with the merchants.
I know of no other town our size where you can buy artwork from a vendor that has been featured at the Smithsonian to a 14-year-old girl who is just beginning her career.
These artists are Cal Breed at Katherine's Framing and Jonnie at the Green Egg.
The Holiday Market will return to the First Methodist Church Family Life Center on Nov. 18-19.
Christmas Parade entry forms are available at the chamber office. The deadline to register is Dec. 5.
There is a charge of $25 per vehicle if you are not a member of the chamber. That is another good reason to join the chamber.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
The event was a great example of people working together. It was an honor to partner with the Fort Payne Area Merchants Association.
More than 2,000 people enjoyed trick or treating with the downtown retail shops. The chamber gave 1,200 tickets for the door prize drawings.
The merchants not only gave candy but also the great door prizes. WZOB provided the live remote to entertain the crowd and draw for the prizes.
The Fort Payne Police Department started giving out treats many years ago. They inspired us to carry the idea all through downtown.
A big thanks to Chief Randy Bynum and his crew to insure the safety of all the participants during the event.
The purpose of the ticket to be eligible for the door prizes is to get potential customers inside the stores. I heard so many say that they would be back to shop with the merchants.
I know of no other town our size where you can buy artwork from a vendor that has been featured at the Smithsonian to a 14-year-old girl who is just beginning her career.
These artists are Cal Breed at Katherine's Framing and Jonnie at the Green Egg.
The Holiday Market will return to the First Methodist Church Family Life Center on Nov. 18-19.
Christmas Parade entry forms are available at the chamber office. The deadline to register is Dec. 5.
There is a charge of $25 per vehicle if you are not a member of the chamber. That is another good reason to join the chamber.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Devan Lowe Celebrates 50 Years
I am ashamed to admit the fact that I love cars. I remember as a small child envying my older siblings because they could drive.
My brother always had the "coolest" cars. Watching him race at Green Valley Drag Strip was a huge thrill for me. He even let me work on the cars with him.
Having grown up in Attalla, we knew that great car deals came from Wayne Lowe. His sons, Devan, Rex, and Larry have carried on the tradition throughout their careers.
Devan Lowe celebrates his 50th anniversary in the car dealership business. He started to work for Cliff West Motors in Fort Payne in 1961. A partnership with the company began in 1968.
From that beginning, Devan has owned dealerships in Rome, Ga., Gadsden, and Rainbow City.
In recognition of his success, Time Magazine honored Devan with the Dealer Award of the Year.
Whether you are purchasing a new vehicle or having your car serviced, the main goal of the employees of Devan Lowe, Inc. is the help you and get you back on the road quickly. They treat their customers like family.
The 75 employees have been trained and certified in their job duties. Service technicians have the knowledge and expertise to perform repair and maintenance on the entire computer driven mechanics of the new vehicles.
Devan Lowe, Inc. takes great pride in the number of second and third generation customers that they serve. The Fort Payne dealerships include Devan Lowe Chrysler, Inc. and Lowe Buick, Pontiac GMC, Inc.
Call 256-845-0922 to schedule an appointment or drop by 1107 Gault Ave., S.
I congratulate Devan on his 50th anniversary. You have grown up strong because of your sturdy roots planted in Attalla.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
My brother always had the "coolest" cars. Watching him race at Green Valley Drag Strip was a huge thrill for me. He even let me work on the cars with him.
Having grown up in Attalla, we knew that great car deals came from Wayne Lowe. His sons, Devan, Rex, and Larry have carried on the tradition throughout their careers.
Devan Lowe celebrates his 50th anniversary in the car dealership business. He started to work for Cliff West Motors in Fort Payne in 1961. A partnership with the company began in 1968.
From that beginning, Devan has owned dealerships in Rome, Ga., Gadsden, and Rainbow City.
In recognition of his success, Time Magazine honored Devan with the Dealer Award of the Year.
Whether you are purchasing a new vehicle or having your car serviced, the main goal of the employees of Devan Lowe, Inc. is the help you and get you back on the road quickly. They treat their customers like family.
The 75 employees have been trained and certified in their job duties. Service technicians have the knowledge and expertise to perform repair and maintenance on the entire computer driven mechanics of the new vehicles.
Devan Lowe, Inc. takes great pride in the number of second and third generation customers that they serve. The Fort Payne dealerships include Devan Lowe Chrysler, Inc. and Lowe Buick, Pontiac GMC, Inc.
Call 256-845-0922 to schedule an appointment or drop by 1107 Gault Ave., S.
I congratulate Devan on his 50th anniversary. You have grown up strong because of your sturdy roots planted in Attalla.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
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