Are you looking for a safe, fun place to take your children trick or treating?
Join the downtown merchants for a night of celebration on Halloween from 5-7 PM. The Chamber is partnering with the Fort Payne Area Merchants Association to create the Halloween Block Party.
Candy and other treats will be given by the participating merchants. Look for the bright orange flyer in the store windows.
Adults will also enjoy the party. Discounts at each store will be available. Door prizes will also be offered.
Ghost stories will be told at the Book Shelf. Enjoy music at Roger’s Pawn and Music shop.
To be eligible for the grand door prizes you must have your ticket marked at each of the participating merchants. The Chamber Board of Directors will be giving out the tickets during the event.
The drawing will be at the WZOB live remote at 6:30 PM. Doris and Jack will enjoy interviewing you on the radio.
The Holiday Open House will be November 4, 5, 6th for Fort Payne Merchants. Enjoy great holiday shopping as well as refreshments. Discounts will also be available during the event.
Please remember to shop locally for all your holiday needs. Every dollar you spend locally turns over three times. Thank you for supporting local merchants.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
It’s time to break the confusion on nutrition
Carol Beddingfield
Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Are you confused and frustrated with all the food pyramids, body mass indexes, good fat-bad fats and food labels?
Well to confuse you even more the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services have now updated their dietary guidelines.
To simplify things for you, these two federal departments have agreed on three basic changes to help you maintain appropriate weight for your age.
• Balancing Calories - Enjoy your food, but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.
• Foods to Increase - Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Foods to Reduce - Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Choose foods with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks
More than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children are now considered to be overweight or obese. This excess weight raises the risk of serious health issues.
Bad eating habits lead to vitamin deficiency. Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D. If you are over 50, consume foods fortified with vitamin B 12 or take dietary supplements.
The lack of exercise continues to be another multiple factor in the war against weight gain. Seek out advice from your physician and then find a qualified instructor at one of Fort Payne's gyms.
I love David's answer when I asked what kind of sandwich would be suitable for my diet. His reply - half a sandwich.
Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Are you confused and frustrated with all the food pyramids, body mass indexes, good fat-bad fats and food labels?
Well to confuse you even more the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services have now updated their dietary guidelines.
To simplify things for you, these two federal departments have agreed on three basic changes to help you maintain appropriate weight for your age.
• Balancing Calories - Enjoy your food, but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.
• Foods to Increase - Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Foods to Reduce - Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Choose foods with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks
More than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children are now considered to be overweight or obese. This excess weight raises the risk of serious health issues.
Bad eating habits lead to vitamin deficiency. Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D. If you are over 50, consume foods fortified with vitamin B 12 or take dietary supplements.
The lack of exercise continues to be another multiple factor in the war against weight gain. Seek out advice from your physician and then find a qualified instructor at one of Fort Payne's gyms.
I love David's answer when I asked what kind of sandwich would be suitable for my diet. His reply - half a sandwich.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
It’s time to celebrate fall by visiting nearby Mentone
The Mentone Colorfest weekend will be Friday through Sunday. This local event continues to grow from its beginning at Brow Park.
I must congratulate Neal Whitt and his committee on creating entertainment for all ages.
The children's festival will be next to the General Store. The trout pond, hamster balls and pony rides are sure to be a huge hit with the children.
More than 80 artists and craftsmen will show and sell their work in the beautiful park overlooking the valley below. I have always found special holiday gifts at the vendors' booths.
A bonfire, dinner and music in the heart of downtown Mentone kicks off the event on Friday evening. International jazz ensemble, Watters Felts Project, will perform at the Mentone Inn pavilion.
Local entertainer Leah Seawright will highlight Saturday night's musical lineup. You can also enjoy dinner and a performance by Nature's Way on the outdoor stage at the Mentone Inn. One World Adventure will provide their famous catfish dinner, beginning at 5 p.m.
Do not miss the Mountain Breeze Equestrian Team on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the vacant lot next to the Mentone Post Office.
The festival is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
We wish our Mentone friends great success with the festival. We all prosper when we support each other. After all, Fort Payne is the gateway to Lookout Mountain.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
I must congratulate Neal Whitt and his committee on creating entertainment for all ages.
The children's festival will be next to the General Store. The trout pond, hamster balls and pony rides are sure to be a huge hit with the children.
More than 80 artists and craftsmen will show and sell their work in the beautiful park overlooking the valley below. I have always found special holiday gifts at the vendors' booths.
A bonfire, dinner and music in the heart of downtown Mentone kicks off the event on Friday evening. International jazz ensemble, Watters Felts Project, will perform at the Mentone Inn pavilion.
Local entertainer Leah Seawright will highlight Saturday night's musical lineup. You can also enjoy dinner and a performance by Nature's Way on the outdoor stage at the Mentone Inn. One World Adventure will provide their famous catfish dinner, beginning at 5 p.m.
Do not miss the Mountain Breeze Equestrian Team on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the vacant lot next to the Mentone Post Office.
The festival is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
We wish our Mentone friends great success with the festival. We all prosper when we support each other. After all, Fort Payne is the gateway to Lookout Mountain.
Carol Beddingfield is the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Seminar to focus on business with federal government
Business organizations in Jackson and DeKalb counties have announced a one-day seminar titled "Doing Business with the Federal Government and TVA." The event will be Oct. 20 in the Alabama Technology Center on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Small Business Development Office of the University of Alabama at Huntsville will assist in coordinating the event. David Brock with the Small Business Development office at the George C. Marshall NASA Space Flight Center will also present information on the subject.
In the past, speakers have focused on opportunities with NASA and Redstone Arsenal and their contractors. This year, due to the interest in the Bellefonte project, sessions will feature contracting with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Lunch and a special guest speaker will be provided at the noon break. Registration is $50 per person. Due to limited seating, 60 registrations will be accepted. Register today by calling the Fort Payne chamber at 256-845-2741.
Avans Machine and Tool of Hytop will present a session that will describe the steps to successful contracting with the federal government. As a former attendee of this seminar, Avans management was able to obtain contracts with a governmental contractor in Huntsville.
No matter the size of your company, valuable information will be gained through your attendance. The deadline to register is Oct. 18. You can also register by calling the other sponsors of the event: The Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, The Impact Learning Center of Scottsboro, the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson County Economic Development Authority and the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority.
The Small Business Development Office of the University of Alabama at Huntsville will assist in coordinating the event. David Brock with the Small Business Development office at the George C. Marshall NASA Space Flight Center will also present information on the subject.
In the past, speakers have focused on opportunities with NASA and Redstone Arsenal and their contractors. This year, due to the interest in the Bellefonte project, sessions will feature contracting with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Lunch and a special guest speaker will be provided at the noon break. Registration is $50 per person. Due to limited seating, 60 registrations will be accepted. Register today by calling the Fort Payne chamber at 256-845-2741.
Avans Machine and Tool of Hytop will present a session that will describe the steps to successful contracting with the federal government. As a former attendee of this seminar, Avans management was able to obtain contracts with a governmental contractor in Huntsville.
No matter the size of your company, valuable information will be gained through your attendance. The deadline to register is Oct. 18. You can also register by calling the other sponsors of the event: The Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, The Impact Learning Center of Scottsboro, the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson County Economic Development Authority and the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Mayor Bill Jordan
September 28, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
Mayor Bill Jordan was honored by the North Alabama Industrial Development Association with the Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award.
This award was created in 2003 to publicly recognize special groups, people, projects or activities that have positively impacted the North Alabama region both economically and socially over the past year.
Michael D. Roberts served as the assistant director of NAIDA from 1988 until 1994 and as the executive director from 1995 to 2003. He lost his battle with cancer on August 21, 2003. Due to Mr. Roberts’ dedication to the area and his zeal in assisting in the creation of jobs for the people of North Alabama, the NAIDA Board of Directors deemed it appropriate to memorialize him in this way.
The other winners of this prestigious award include Congressman Bud Cramer and Congressman Robert Aderholt.
As I listened to Jimmy Durham, DeKalb County Economic Development Authority Director, present Mayor Jordan’s accomplishments, I realized just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated public official.
Another tribute to Mayor Jordan is the success of our Boom Days Heritage Celebration. Visitors and citizens were very complimentary of our city’s hospitality and facilities.
The Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament sponsorships were given in honor of the business relationships with Mayor Jordan.
The companies included the following: DC Gas, DeKalb Regional Medical Center, Lambert, Inc., The Constantine Group, Vulcan Materials Company, First Federal Bank, Wills Valley Electric, Inc. MDA Professional Group, Turner Beverage, Days Inn/Hampton Inn; Fort Payne Improvement Authority, and DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris.
Congratulations Mayor Jordan and thank you for your commitment to improve the City of Fort Payne.
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
Mayor Bill Jordan was honored by the North Alabama Industrial Development Association with the Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award.
This award was created in 2003 to publicly recognize special groups, people, projects or activities that have positively impacted the North Alabama region both economically and socially over the past year.
Michael D. Roberts served as the assistant director of NAIDA from 1988 until 1994 and as the executive director from 1995 to 2003. He lost his battle with cancer on August 21, 2003. Due to Mr. Roberts’ dedication to the area and his zeal in assisting in the creation of jobs for the people of North Alabama, the NAIDA Board of Directors deemed it appropriate to memorialize him in this way.
The other winners of this prestigious award include Congressman Bud Cramer and Congressman Robert Aderholt.
As I listened to Jimmy Durham, DeKalb County Economic Development Authority Director, present Mayor Jordan’s accomplishments, I realized just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated public official.
Another tribute to Mayor Jordan is the success of our Boom Days Heritage Celebration. Visitors and citizens were very complimentary of our city’s hospitality and facilities.
The Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament sponsorships were given in honor of the business relationships with Mayor Jordan.
The companies included the following: DC Gas, DeKalb Regional Medical Center, Lambert, Inc., The Constantine Group, Vulcan Materials Company, First Federal Bank, Wills Valley Electric, Inc. MDA Professional Group, Turner Beverage, Days Inn/Hampton Inn; Fort Payne Improvement Authority, and DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris.
Congratulations Mayor Jordan and thank you for your commitment to improve the City of Fort Payne.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
USPS Training
September 21, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
All businesses, large and small, are constantly looking for ways to save money.
On Tuesday, September 27th, the Post Masters of Fort Payne and Centre will present a program on cost savings for businesses. Every Door Direct Mail seminar will be held at the Chamber Office at 11:00 AM.
Direct Mail continues to be one of the most effective ways to reach customers. With this new service, it will be easier and more cost effective for businesses to promote their products to an even larger target.
You can target areas that you to saturate with a mailing. The routes can be chosen by neighborhood, zip code, or city.
Every mailbox along the chosen routes will be delivered by the USPS Letter Carrier with the day’s mail. The cost is as little as 14.2 cents per piece for the postage.
There are 4 easy steps to the process: 1) Apply for a permit through the Post Office; 2) Define who you want to reach; 3) Create your mailpieces; and 4) The Post Office will take it from there.
You will definitely want to attend the seminar for one on one counseling about the new mail service. Mary Jo Crabtree, Fort Payne Post Master and Pricilla Cantrell, Centre Post Master, will be available to answer all questions to get you started.
On September 29th, the Chamber and the Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host a joint meeting to update everyone on workforce training. The event will be held at Northeast Alabama Community College from 1:30 -3:30PM.
Information will be provided by Mary Scott Hunter, District 8 Representative on the Alabama Board of Education. The public is invited to attend.
Call the Chamber at 256-845-2741 for more information on these events.
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
All businesses, large and small, are constantly looking for ways to save money.
On Tuesday, September 27th, the Post Masters of Fort Payne and Centre will present a program on cost savings for businesses. Every Door Direct Mail seminar will be held at the Chamber Office at 11:00 AM.
Direct Mail continues to be one of the most effective ways to reach customers. With this new service, it will be easier and more cost effective for businesses to promote their products to an even larger target.
You can target areas that you to saturate with a mailing. The routes can be chosen by neighborhood, zip code, or city.
Every mailbox along the chosen routes will be delivered by the USPS Letter Carrier with the day’s mail. The cost is as little as 14.2 cents per piece for the postage.
There are 4 easy steps to the process: 1) Apply for a permit through the Post Office; 2) Define who you want to reach; 3) Create your mailpieces; and 4) The Post Office will take it from there.
You will definitely want to attend the seminar for one on one counseling about the new mail service. Mary Jo Crabtree, Fort Payne Post Master and Pricilla Cantrell, Centre Post Master, will be available to answer all questions to get you started.
On September 29th, the Chamber and the Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host a joint meeting to update everyone on workforce training. The event will be held at Northeast Alabama Community College from 1:30 -3:30PM.
Information will be provided by Mary Scott Hunter, District 8 Representative on the Alabama Board of Education. The public is invited to attend.
Call the Chamber at 256-845-2741 for more information on these events.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Boom Days
September 14, 2011
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
The 2011 Boom Days Heritage Celebration officially began last week. The Joe Underwood Gospel Concert continues to amaze me with such great local talent.
If you missed the first event, put your smile and your dancing shoes on because we are just beginning. This year’s musical line-up even surpasses 2010. Cyril Neville, a member of the Neville Brothers, will be the headliner on Saturday, September 17th at the DeKalb Theatre at 8:30 PM.
Live entertainment begins at 10 AM on the City Park Stage and on the Downtown Stage. Gospel, bluegrass, country, contemporary, and rock and roll will be enjoyed on both stages.
Bring the family at 8AM and enjoy the Kiwanis pancakes sponsored by Alaga Syrup. The food vendors have increased with many specialties from snacks to sandwiches.
The DC Gas Barbecue competition will begin at 10 AM in the Alabama Park. Live entertainment will also be available in this park.
A new event, The Wine Tasting, will be held from 1:30-4 PM. For the cost of $10, you can sample wine and fabulous hors d’oeuvres from local vendors.
Gees Bend Quilters will be in the City Park. Stop by to hear them sing favorite gospel hymns while quilting.
The street vendors bring an array of items for you to purchase. Jewelry pieces are a huge hit with the women. However, men could shop early for the holidays.
Downtown merchants have joined in the celebration. Many stores will stay open late and offer great sales.
Frank Roden, fly fishing guide, will teach techniques for the young and old. Look for him next to the children’s activities.
Stop by the Chamber Office or the Times Journal booth to pick up a complete schedule of the festival’s events and locations.
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director
Chamber Chatter
The 2011 Boom Days Heritage Celebration officially began last week. The Joe Underwood Gospel Concert continues to amaze me with such great local talent.
If you missed the first event, put your smile and your dancing shoes on because we are just beginning. This year’s musical line-up even surpasses 2010. Cyril Neville, a member of the Neville Brothers, will be the headliner on Saturday, September 17th at the DeKalb Theatre at 8:30 PM.
Live entertainment begins at 10 AM on the City Park Stage and on the Downtown Stage. Gospel, bluegrass, country, contemporary, and rock and roll will be enjoyed on both stages.
Bring the family at 8AM and enjoy the Kiwanis pancakes sponsored by Alaga Syrup. The food vendors have increased with many specialties from snacks to sandwiches.
The DC Gas Barbecue competition will begin at 10 AM in the Alabama Park. Live entertainment will also be available in this park.
A new event, The Wine Tasting, will be held from 1:30-4 PM. For the cost of $10, you can sample wine and fabulous hors d’oeuvres from local vendors.
Gees Bend Quilters will be in the City Park. Stop by to hear them sing favorite gospel hymns while quilting.
The street vendors bring an array of items for you to purchase. Jewelry pieces are a huge hit with the women. However, men could shop early for the holidays.
Downtown merchants have joined in the celebration. Many stores will stay open late and offer great sales.
Frank Roden, fly fishing guide, will teach techniques for the young and old. Look for him next to the children’s activities.
Stop by the Chamber Office or the Times Journal booth to pick up a complete schedule of the festival’s events and locations.
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