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Last month, I shared with our membership that change is on the horizon for the heart of our community, Toomer’s Corner. After much consideration and discussion of the potential impact to
our member businesses in the construction area, the Auburn Chamber Board of Directors approved the following resolution. The resolution was presented to the Auburn City Council by Martee Moseley, our board chair, on Tuesday, April 7.
WHEREAS, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, a 900-member strong organization, represents the majority of the businesses in the city of Auburn; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce (the “Board”) recognizes and applauds the investment of public funds in the Toomer’s Corner Intersection Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, the scope of the project is projected to last four months beginning on April 20, 2015, and ending August 17, 2015, (the first day of Auburn University fall semester) and
WHEREAS, the Board commends the efforts of the city of Auburn staff in forming a public relations team and focusing on timely communication with downtown business owners and the public regarding the upcoming Toomer’s Corner Redevelopment Project; and
WHEREAS, the Board commends the dedication of the city of Auburn staff to manage the network of calls and concerns 24 hours/day from businesses located in the project area; and
WHERAS, the period of August 1-17, 2015, is especially critical to the merchants and the rest of the community as students move in and participate in sorority rush, Bid Day, and many other normal campus functions; and
WHEREAS, the Board acknowledges the importance of the downtown merchants’ ability to maintain successful businesses during this process, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the city of Auburn staff create a comprehensive parking plan during the project that would direct patrons and employees to alternate parking options; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Auburn City Council, by its commitment to the allocation of resources and staff time, make every effort to ensure that the Toomer’s Corner Intersection Improvements Project is completed no later than August 7, 2015.
In other Auburn Chamber news, committee meetings are underway and each committee has been challenged with one of the five areas of focus in the chamber’s newly adopted strategic plan. The committees—Education & Workforce Development; City, University & Governmental Affairs; and Economic & Business Development—are building the next step of the process, which is identifying the action steps to support each area of focus. If you are not an active member in any of these committees, please consider getting involved. We need your talent, resources and leadership. The Auburn Chamber’s strategic plan can be found on our website. If you have not already read the plan, please take a minute to review the plan. It’s an important look at who we are and where we’re going.
As the summer begins and construction at the corner commences, please remember that downtown Auburn is open for business!
AUBURN ADVANTAGEa membership publication of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
MARCH/APRIL 2015
MISSION STATEMENT:The Auburn Chamber provides
resources and leadership to strengthen the Auburn business community
and create a thriving business environment.
STAFF:Lolly Steiner
Jennifer Fincher VP of Communications & Marketing
Stephanie CalhounDirector of Membership Development
Tangela Todd FrazierBusiness Manager
Katie CampbellResource Specialist
If you would like to submit content for the Auburn Advantage, contact Jennifer Fincher at
(334) 887-7011 or [email protected].
Lolly Steiner
LENDING SUPPORT
Lol ly SteinerPresident
DON DUFFIELDReal Estate AssociateCentury 21 Koullas Realty890 N. Dean Road, Suite 300Auburn, AL 36830(334) 740-4245www.donduffield.com [email protected]
SHELBY KELLEY, LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPISTMassage TherapyShelby Kelley2160 Moores Mill RoadAuburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
SYNERGY HOME CARE OF EAST ALABAMAHome Health CareLynn Slocum2230 Skyway Drive, Suite 806Opelika, AL 36801(334) 203-1850http://A104/[email protected]
CHRISTOPHER HUGHES, CIRCUIT JUDGEBusiness AssociateChris Hughes2311 Gateway DriveOpelika, AL 36801(334) [email protected]
NICHOLAS HAYESReal Estate AssociateCentury 21 Koullas Realty890 N. Dean Road, Suite 300Auburn, AL 36830(334) 887-2000www.nickwhayes.com [email protected]
GILPIN GIVHAN, PCAttorneyMitch Boles3595 Grandview Parkway, Suite 400Birmingham, AL 35243(205) [email protected]
CHEEKYRetail StoreTiffany Deal1627 Opelika Road, Suite 30Auburn, AL 36830(912) 871-4466www.goshopcheeky.com [email protected]
HARRIS DOYLE HOMES, INC.ContractorBrooks Harris3108 Blue Lake Drive, Suite 200Birmingham, AL 36830(205) 982-2896www.harrisdoyle.com [email protected]
SECURITY FINANCELoansVicki Blanton555 Opelika Road, Suite 6Auburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
MARCH 2015
ALICE NELSONReal Estate AssociateBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate1810 E. Glenn Avenue, Suite 130Auburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
THE FIFTH QUARTER BAR & GRILLRestaurantLeslie Ellis1660 S. College StreetAuburn, AL 36830www.thefifthquarter1660.com [email protected]
CYBERZONE/BOUNCEZONEEntertainmentSimon Bak107 N. 9th StreetOpelika, AL 36801(334) 734-2222www.cyberzone334.com [email protected]
LENDMARK FINANCIALFinanceShalin Peoples1345 Opelika Road, Suite 6Auburn, AL 36830(334) 246-4072www.lendmarkfinancial.com [email protected]
MCKENZIE COOPERReal Estate AssociateBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate1810 E. Glenn Avenue, Suite 130Auburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
&NEW MEMBERSRIBBON CUTTINGS
FEBRUARY 2015
WELLS PRINTING CO.PrintersKevin Bell6030 Perimeter ParkwayMontgomery, AL 36116(334) 281-3449www.wellsprinting.com [email protected]
EXCLUSIVELY JOCELYN FASHIONRetail StoreJocelyn Harcum1775 Opelika Road, Suite 4Auburn, AL 36830(334) 209-2362www.exclusivelyjocelyn.com [email protected]
THE CHICKEN SALAD CHICK FOUNDATION, INC.OrganizationBarclay Smith724 N. Dean Road, Suite 100Auburn, AL 36830(334) 275-4578www.chickensaladchick.com [email protected]
STARR INSURANCE GROUP, LLCInsuranceWill Starr166 N. Gay Street, Suite 20Auburn, AL 36830(334) [email protected]
THE OWEN CENTEROrganizationGary Spooner670 N. College Street, Suite AAuburn, AL 36830(334) 740-8814www.theowencenter.com [email protected]
BACKBONE CROSSFITHealth & FitnessMike Jones2021 South College Street, Suite FAuburn, AL 36830(334) 750-8652www.backbonecrossfit.com [email protected]
SUSAN WEBBReal Estate AssociateBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate1810 E. Glenn Avenue, Suite 130Auburn, AL 36830(334) 718-9528www.bhhspreferredauburn.com [email protected]
CLEARWATER HOMES, LLCContractorBryan Hartman144 Lee Road 430Smiths, AL 36877(706) [email protected]
THE KOLD KEG, LLCDraft Beer, Retail StoreSkye Thompson1613 S. College StreetAuburn, AL 36832(334) [email protected]
MOORE’S MILL EYECARE, OCOptometrists April Olive2415 Moores Mill Road, Suite 220Auburn, AL 36830(334) 521-7944www.mooresmilleyecare.com [email protected]
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
THE GROUNDS GUYSLandscape Services
(334) 750-3424www.groundsguys.com
CENTRAL ALABAMA MOUNTAIN PEDALERS (CAMP)
Organizationwww.camp-sorba.org
J. SMITH LANIERInsurance
2821 Corporate Park Drive, Opelika (334) 749-3401
www.jsmithlanier.com
AUBURN TANNING AND WELLNESSTanning Salon
1452 Opelika Road, Suite B(334) 209-0630
www.auburntanningandwellness.com
LENDMARK FINANCIAL Finance
1345 Opelika Road, Suite 6 (334) 246-4072
www.lendmarkfinancial.com
NEWK’S EATERY Restaurant
2664 Enterprise Drive, Opelika (334) 749-0011
www.newks.com
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
SYNERGY HOME CARE OF EAST ALABAMAHome Health Care
2230 Skyway Drive, Suite 806, Opelika (334) 203-1850
http://a104/synergyhomecare.com
THE OWEN CENTEROrganization
670 N. College Street, Suite A(334) 740-8814
www.theowencenter.com
>>
#CORNERCONSTRUCTION AUBURN’S MOST ICONIC CORNER IS ABOUT TO BE RENEWED
After the loss of the Auburn Oaks in 2013, Auburn University renovated the campus portion of the Toomer’s Corner intersection in preparation for the planting of the new Auburn Oaks earlier this year. But the renovation isn’t over just because the new trees are in place. On campus, Auburn University will continue to work along South College Street downtown, adding new landscaping and a new path from the Auburn Oaks to Samford Hall. Off campus, even more changes are in the works as the city of Auburn prepares to perform a major reconstruction of the Toomer’s Corner intersection. Designs are in place and the city will soon begin construction on the corner. Work is scheduled to be completed August 17.
Plans include:>>Raising the Toomer’s Corner intersection so that it will be level with the sidewalks to create a larger, level plaza for downtown events; >>expanding the sidewalks on the corners to include new trees and new seating (complete with an outlet for charging phones!); and>>installing pavers to compliment the new look of the campus corner and to allow rainwater to penetrate the road and enter the groundwater.
The construction work will affect virtually everyone in Auburn. If you work, shop, eat, do business or attend worship downtown, the project will affect you. In late spring, the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue will close to traffic for several weeks, perhaps for up to two months. All College Street and Magnolia Avenue traffic will detour around the Toomer’s Corner intersection. However, the city of Auburn has worked to create a plan that will help to mitigate parking difficulties and make it easier to continue to support downtown Auburn businesses.
Street closures, detour routes, available parking areas and more will be posted online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/cornerconstruction with links on the city’s social media channels (#cornerconstruction).
The Auburn Chamber is thrilled about the fresh face of downtown Auburn and the investment the city of Auburn is making in the heart of our community. Please remember that during the entire construction process, downtown Auburn will be open for business! Citizens should feel good about making the extra effort to visit downtown merchants, because that extra effort will support our friends and neighbors. We’ll soon celebrate a beautiful new gathering space for our community. ShopAuburn!
INNER SPARK CREATIVEAdvertising Agency
1735 E. University Drive, Suite 104(334) 826-7502
www.innersparkcreative.com
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
BUSINESSbriefs
CHARTER LAUNCHES SPECTRUM BUSINESS Charter Communications, Inc. recently announced that Charter Business is now Spectrum Business. Spectrum Business leverages an advanced all-digital network to deliver reliable, full featured solutions to businesses of all sizes.
For small and medium sized businesses, Spectrum Business offers fully-loaded internet, voice and TV solutions for less. Spectrum Business Internet, with speeds starting at 60Mbps for $39.99, and Spectrum Business Voice, with unlimited calling and over 30 free calling features starting at $29.99, are available without contracts, taxes and hidden fees.
“Spectrum Business is more than just a new name. Over the past 12 months we have invested in our advanced fiber network, completed our transition to all-digital, and made enhancements to our product suite, including a doubling of entry Internet speeds from 30 to 60Mbps,” said Jonathan Hargis, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Charter Communications.
For larger enterprises, Spectrum Business offers flexible and scalable Ethernet up to 1Gbps and fiber Internet solutions up to 10Gbps on a network designed for mission-critical applications. In addition, Spectrum Business offers robust voice trunking solutions including Primary Rate Interface (PRI) and Session Initiation Protocol Trunking (SIP Trunking), managed services, security and 24/7 dedicated U.S.-based support to ensure a superior customer experience. For carriers, Spectrum Business offers cell backhaul, Ethernet access services, and Point of Presence (POP) connectivity.
“Rebranding as Spectrum Business is a natural evolution for our company as we have elevated our focus on serving large customers with sophisticated communications needs. We are excited about the investments we have made to accelerate the expansion of our fiber network and provide advanced, holistic solutions to enterprise and carrier customers,” said Don Detampel, executive vice president and president of commercial services.
Businesses of all sizes looking to build a customized package of services should visit business.spectrum.com or call 1-888-692-8635 for more information.
ALABAMA GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY SIGNS COMMENDATION HONORING OLLI AT AUBURN’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with special activities and events throughout 2015. In recognition of this milestone, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley recently signed a commendation for providing exceptional service to our state’s older adult citizens by providing academic not-for-credit programs for
those 50 years and beyond. Several OLLI leaders visited with Governor Bentley at the State Capitol where he officially signed the commendation.
For more information about OLLI at Auburn, visit www.olliatauburn.org or contact Linda Shook, OLLI at Auburn director, at (334) 844-3105 or [email protected]. OLLI at Auburn offers academic, not-for-credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older. OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University.
LEMONADE SOCIAL NOW TAKING CLIENTS
Lemonade Social, owned by Amy Wadsworth Register, is now open and offering marketing, media and business consulting services to businesses in the Auburn/Opelika area.
With over 15 years of experience in marketing and consulting, Amy Wadsworth Register brings dynamic leadership to her clients’ growth initiatives. Register is a graduate of Auburn University and has worked with Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses. After the birth of her first child in 2010, Amy left the corporate world and started doing freelance and project work. While doing both traditional marketing and real estate marketing/home staging during this time, she fell in love with small businesses and the way they drive the community. An Auburn resident since 2012, Amy hasworked with many local business owners to successfully engage with the Auburn, Opelika and greater Lee Countycommunity.
For more information about Lemonade Social, visit www.lemonadesocial.net, call (404) 933-1174 or email [email protected].
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
LENDMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES CELEBRATES AUBURN BRANCH GRAND OPENINGLendmark Financial, LLC, recently celebrated the opening of its 140th branch, located in Auburn at 1345 Opelika Road. A grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting were held on April 9.
“We are really looking forward to getting to know the community and serving the financial needs of Auburn and the surrounding area,” says Kim Long, assistant vice president for Lendmark.
Founded in 1996, and headquartered in Covington, Georgia, Lendmark Financial Services has been an industry leader in providing personal loans, automobile loans, debt consolidation loans and merchant retail sales financing services. The company has over 130 branch locations.
For more information, contact the corporate office at (678) 625-6591 or visit www.lendmarkfinancial.com.
AUBURN BUSINESS INCUBATOR ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Auburn Research and Technology Foundation (ARTF), a university-affiliated, non-profit corporation is accepting client applications for its full-service, mixed-use business incubator, located in the Auburn Research Park, Suite 303 of Building 570. The Auburn Business Incubator (ABI) is designed to help launch, nurture and accelerate the development of entrepreneurial companies by assisting with the expertise, networks and business services needed for them to become successful.
The application for both the facility-based and virtual-based programs can be found online by visiting www.auburnbusinessincubator.com and clicking the “Apply Here” tab located across the top of the main page. The following are encouraged to apply: a
start-up company; an existing early stage company in a growth phase; or an existing company launching a new business venture.
For more information, please contact Phil Dunlap, assistant director, at (334) 844-7462 or [email protected].
THE REFINERY TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH The Refinery, a store for repurposed and refined used furniture located in Opelika next to Angel’s Antiques, is partnering with the East Alabama Mental Health Center during May to promote awareness for mental health. During the month of May, for every three new children’s books a customer brings in, he or she will receive a 10% discount. And, for each
package of disposable diapers donated, the customer will receive a $15 dollar gift card from The Refinery, good for purchases of $50 or more.
All items brought into The Refinery will be donated to the Family and Children’s Services Center, run by East Alabama Mental Health. This program focuses on outpatient services for parents and children who have a diagnosis of serious mental health illness or serious emotional disturbance. The goal of the center is to assist patients to achieve, maintain, and return to an optimal level of functioning in the community.
For more information on the East Alabama Mental Health Center, visitwww.eastalabamamhc.org.
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011
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BABY-FRIENDLY DESIGNATION BESTOWED ON EAMC
East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) was notified recently by Baby Friendly USA that it has received the prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly designated birth facility. EAMC is only the second hospital in Alabama to receive this designation and only the 241st overall in the United States.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”),
a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. While there are now 241 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States, there are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide.
The Baby-Friendly designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as
demonstrated by quality processes.
The major changes at EAMC included a new global infant feeding policy, targeted staff training for all maternal child staff, nine hours of training for advanced practice staff, and a minimum of three hours of education for physicians. The core team and key staff members attended learning sessions, online meetings and work group meetings to help develop, implement and evaluate change.
EAMC also revamped the delivery of care to new families. This included the “Golden Hour” after birth where mother and baby are “skin-to-skin,” modification of visiting hours (quiet time for moms and babies each afternoon from 2-4 p.m.), pediatricians rounding in the room, caring for moms and babies together, and expanding community education for new moms during the prenatal time.
THANK YOU FOR REINVESTING MARCH/APRIL1716AARPABS Business Systems of Montgomery, Inc.Airport Motors, Inc.Alabama Occupational MedicineAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Center, Ltd.Arby’sAsheton Lakes at NorthlakesAuburn Apartment FinderAuburn Audio VisualAuburn Cardiovascular, P.C.Auburn FurnitureAuburn Lasik & Eye InstituteAuburn Training ConnectionAuburn United Methodist ChurchAuburn University ClubThe Barbecue HouseBasden EyeCareBay Limousine ServiceBBVA CompassBedell Village ApartmentsNancy Carlton Bendinger (Three Sixty {real estate} )Benefit Compensation GroupBeverly Jennings (First Realty)Blue Cross & Blue Shield of AlabamaBuilding & EarthByerly & Associates, CPACalhoun ConstructionCannon Carpet OneCarrie Davis (Three Sixty {real estate} )Century 21 Koullas RealtyChicken Salad ChickChick-fil-A (Tiger Town)Mary Cho RealtyCoach Pat Dye’s Quail Hollow Gardens & Crooked Oaks Hunting PreserveColdwell Banker A&W Real EstateD & J Enterprises, Inc.Selena W. DanielDavis, Bingham & Hudson, P.C.Dixie Electric CooperativeDonald H. Allen Development, Inc.The Drug StoreDunkin’ Donuts
Shane Michael Dunn (Prestige Properties)Ashley Smith Durham (Prestige Properties)Bill Dyas (First Realty)East Alabama Electric, Inc.East Alabama Society for Human Resource ManagementEcological InsulationElegant Bridal BoutiqueEllis-Harper AdvertisingEmployment ResourcesColvin Evans Construction, LLCCathy Fincher (Weichert, Realtors - Porter Properties)First Financial GroupGeotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc.Gloria Gittings (Weichert, Realtors - Porter Properties)Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc.Growing Room AuburnForrest Watson Hamrick (Overton Real Estate)Jean Hanson (First Realty)HeritageBank of the SouthHolland HomesInsurance Solutions GroupInterlinc Mortgage Services, Inc.Dr. Kevin L. JacksonJim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-QJule Collins Smith Museum of Fine ArtKeith Hamrick (Overton Commercial Real Estate)LaMar Financial Services/Raymond JamesLee County CommissionLee County Humane SocietyLee County Republican PartyLogan Square ApartmentsMarquirette’s Exquisite JewelryMary Kay Cosmetics - Stephanie Love NewmanMcAlister’s Gourmet DeliMedi-Weightloss Clinics of AuburnMicrotel Inn & Suites - Auburn
Moore’s Mill ClubMountain High OutfittersMt. Moriah Missionary Baptist ChurchNational VillageNiffer’s PlaceNikki - America Fuel Systems, LLC.Carol Nolan (First Realty)O’Brien DentalOliver HenryPhillips Family DentistryPinedale Enterprises, LLCPNC BankProof of the PuddingPublic Relations Council of Alabama, East Alabama ChapterPublixSeohan Auto USASerendipity of AuburnSimply Southern Restaurant GroupSleep Inn & SuitesKatherine Lipscomb Smith (First Realty)Southern Development Council, Inc.Stacy Norman ArchitectsJohn P. StanleySun Self StorageSundilla Acoustic Concert SeriesTigertown Veterinary HospitalTrustmarkWells Fargo Home MortgageWeston Solutions, Inc.Willie’s Wings & Stuff, LLCWoodmen of the WorldZoes Kitchen
714 East Glenn Avenue I P.O. Box 1370 I Auburn, AL 36830 I www.auburnchamber.com I (334) 887-7011