the chamber works for you 1 grow connect€¦ · leadership etowah • student leadership council...

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THE CHAMBER WORKS FOR YOU The Chamber, Gadsden/Etowah County is here to serve our members. Below are just some of the ways our staff is working for your business every day.

GROW • Radio Spotlight • Online Directory Listing • Printed Directory Listing (5,000 annually) • Hot Deal Postings • Free Event & Community Calendar

• Grand Opening, Groundbreaking & Ribbon Cutting

Ceremonies • Free job postings • Brochure Distribution • Business Expo booth discount • Member to Member Deals

CONNECT • Customer Referrals • Networking Events • Special Events • Conferences & Seminars • New member breakfast

• Business After Hours • Business and Gravy • Chamber Councils • Committee Membership • Ambassador Program

ADVOCATE • Representing Etowah County at the regional, state,

and local levels • Advocating for transportation needs • Annual legislative agenda • Quarterly legislative updates

• Access to lawmakers • Annual #ShopSmallEtowah campaign

EDUCATE • Emerging Issues Luncheons • Discovery Café • ChamberU

• Annual Women’s Conference • Small Business Counseling through JSU SBDC • Small Business Boot Camp

LEAD • Leadership Etowah • Student Leadership Council • AIDT Leadership Skills Classes

CHAMBER STAFF

HEATHER BROTHERS NEW, President & CEO, [email protected]

LESLIE STEPHENS, VP of Finance & Administration, [email protected]

KRISTIN BARTON, Development Manager, [email protected]

MIRANDA FAIREL, Marketing & Operations Manager, [email protected]

WILL MACKEY, Program Manager, [email protected]

1 Commerce Square | PO Box 185 | Gadsden, AL www.etowahchamber.org | 256.543.3472

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mailto:[email protected]





http://www.etowahchamber.org/

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RIBBON CUTTING Chamber members who are new businesses or have remodeled, renovated, moved or changed ownership in the last six months are eligible for a ribbon cutting or grand opening ceremony. The Chamber works with the business to assist with publicity for the ribbon cutting ceremony, invitations to Chamber Members, Ambassadors, media, local dignitaries, photography at the event, social media coverage during and after, and provide the business with a ribbon to cut in a color of their choosing.

Contact Will Mackey at 256.543.3472 or [email protected] for more information.

PRESS RELEASE Chamber members who are new businesses are also eligible for a Chamber-written press release distributed to local media. We cannot guarantee coverage by media partners; however by issuing a press release our partners have greater ease in incorporating news about your new business. To take advantage of this opportunity, contact Will Mackey, Program Manager and complete the Press Release Questionnaire.

Contact Will Mackey at 256.543.3472 or [email protected] for more information.

RADIO SPOTLIGHT Every new Chamber member receives a free 10 second radio spotlight on Mix 102.9. Members will be notified of the time frame for their spotlight. Spotlights can be recorded by members or with the assistance of Chamber staff. Spotlights recorded by members must be completed within 30 days; after that time Chamber staff will record the spotlight on the member’s behalf. Radio spotlights are to welcome members to The Chamber. They should not be used for event promotion or special pricing. For questions about the run schedule, please contact Miranda Fairel at [email protected] or at 256-543-3472.

To ensure the spotlight is successful be sure to share: • Who you are • What you do • What sets you apart • Where you are • How to contact you

Some examples of what a spotlight should say: • My name is [Name], with [Company Name]. We offer [explain services or products] at unbeatable prices [share what makes

your business unique]. We are located at [provide location information]. Check us out on Facebook or visit our website at [provide web address].

• [Business Name] is proud new members of the Chamber! We can handle any of your [explain service or product] needs. Come visit us at [provide location information] and check us out on Facebook or visit our website at [provide web address].

• Are you looking for [explain services or products]? Then we have you covered at [Business Name]! We are located at [provide location information]. Check us out on Facebook or visit our website at [provide web address].

• NOTE: Provide a means of contact. A phone number can be used in place of either of these.

Contact Kristin Barton at 256.543.3472 or [email protected] for more information.





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PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH THE CHAMBER

THE CHAMBER WEBSITE The Chamber partners with ChamberMaster, the #1 provider of web-based software solutions for Chambers of Commerce. Opportunities exist for your business to attract customers and share information with our community and the world with our website:

www.etowahchamber.org

Every month The Chamber hosts a free program to help members learn to take advantage of the features of their free account. Chamber U is held quarterly on the third Tuesday at noon at The University of Alabama – Gadsden Center. Members can register online or by phone at 256.543.3472.

BASIC DIRECTORY LISTING ................................ FREE • Display company contact information and hours, brief

description, link to website and mapped location.

JOB POSTINGS .................................................................................................................................... FREE

EVENT LISTINGS .................................................................................................................................. FREE

HOT DEALS ......................................................................................................................................... FREE • Coupons or specials for the public

MEMBER TO MEMBER DEALS ................................................................................................................. FREE • The Member-To-Member Discount Program encourages Chamber members and their employees to prefer other Chamber

members when making buying decisions. The Program is a great way to attract customers, build relationships with customers, save money and strengthen our local economy.

• Member-to-Member Guidelines: > Offering member must be in good standing with The Chamber. > The participants must offer an exclusive discount/promotion to Chamber

members, over and above what nonmembers would receive. > The participant can review and revise their offer for the Member-To-

Member Discount Program every six months. > The participants agree to abide by their discount/promotion and fully understand that it is their responsibility to notify

the Chamber of any and all changes or termination immediately. > All member deals must be made valid for a minimum of 90 days. We strongly encourage a one year or six month

commitment. The longer the deal, the more likely you are to incur results for your offer! > The participants agree to educate employees about the Member-To-Member Discount Program.

• Tips for Success: > Educate your employees. Utilize the Program description sheet to inform your employees about The

Program. Place this information in a break room or common area that employees share. > Track your results. If possible, record the number of discounts issued per month to measure the business traffic of

Chamber members and report back to us by email. Chamber staff will also utilize this information each month to monitor the success of the program.


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ENHANCED DIRECTORY LISTING....................................................................................................... $50/YEAR • Display logo, social media links, a

search results logo and priority placement in search results

• Extended ABOUT section to describe your business, description displayed in search results

• Up to 5 bullet points that link to additional websites in the HIGHLIGHTS section

• Photo gallery of your location, events or products, and link to a video in the MEDIA section

• Integration of any news items you post or submit about your business in the NEWS section • Listing in multiple categories online and in the print directory

SPOTLIGHT ADVERTISING .......................................................................................................... $200/MONTH • Premier advertising space on the homepage of www.etowahchamber.org. • 190k+ webpage hits in 2018 • 1200x200 pixels • Ad design assistance available

THE ETOWAH COUNTY CURRENT & BUYERS GUIDE

Circulation: 5,000 copies distributed to local businesses, visitors, and newcomers. Available for free from the Chamber office, hotels, and other locations around the region.

Each year The Chamber produces the Etowah County Current and Buyers’ Guide. The purpose of The Current is to educate and inform Chamber members and the local community about the quality of life, area attractions and services. It includes the Chamber’s Buyers’ Guide, a membership directory providing primary contact information for every Chamber member. Magazine is saddle-stitched. Ad content is due by October 31, 2019.

BUSINESS CARD .................................................................................... $375

QUARTER PAGE ...................................................................................... $600

HALF PAGE ............................................................................................ $900

FULL PAGE ......................................................................................... $1,400

FULL PAGE INSIDE COVER .................................................................... $2,000

OUTSIDE BACK COVER ......................................................................... $2,400


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2019 PROGRAMS SCHEDULE

First Tuesdays, noon

Second Tuesdays, 5:15 – 7:00

Fourth Tuesdays, 7:45 – 9:30

JANUARY 8 NONPROFITS

FEBRUARY 5 SALES & MARKETING

FEBRUARY 12 THE FACTORY

FEBRUARY 26 COLLIER-BUTLER FUNERAL HOME

THURSDAY, MARCH 7* HUMAN RESOURCES

MARCH 12 EXCHANGE BANK

MARCH 26 GADSDEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

APRIL 2 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

APRIL 9 ALABAMA TEACHERS CREDIT UNION

APRIL 23 ADVANCED IMAGING

MAY 7 NONPROFITS

MAY 14 TEAMONE CHEVROLET

MAY 28 MOSQUITO JOE OF NORTHEAST AL

JUNE 4 SALES & MARKETING

JUNE 11 HEALTHCARE REALTY

JUNE 25 OFFICE DEPOT

JULY 2 HUMAN RESOURCES

JULY 9 RIVERVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

JULY 23 FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

AUGUST 6 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

AUGUST 13 ADVANCED IMAGING

AUGUST 27 CAMMIE CUNNINGHAM, REALTOR

SEPTEMBER 3 NONPROFITS

SEPTEMBER 10 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

SEPTEMBER 24

OCTOBER 1 SALES & MARKETING

OCTOBER 8 NORTHEAST ORTHOPEDICS

OCTOBER 22 FOOTE BROS. CARPET ONE

NOVEMBER 5 HUMAN RESOURCES

NOVEMBER 12 GADSDEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

NOVEMBER 26

DECEMBER 3 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

DECEMBER 10 MULTI-SPONSOR EVENT

ALL INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK THE CHAMBER WEBSITE FOR FINAL DETAILS. Chamber U: Quarterly on the Third Tuesday, 9:00, University of Alabama – Gadsden Center Discovery Café: Fourth Friday February - October, 8:30, The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County Chamber Pop-Ups: Quarterly visits across Etowah County Rise & Shine Economic Development Speaker Series: First Friday at 8:30, The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County What Keeps You Up at Night? Small Business Round Table, Quarterly, The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County

Register to attend a program online at www.etowahchamber.org.


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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – MONTHLY PROGRAMS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Average Attendance: 100-200, 300 for December Holiday Event

Business After Hours is a monthly after-hours networking event designed for members to meet and build relationships with businesspeople from small, mid-size and large Etowah County companies and organizations representing a variety of industries. The event is usually hosted at the sponsoring business’ location unless otherwise requested.

SINGLE SPONSOR EVENT (FEBRUARY-NOVEMBER) ................................................................................... $500 • Catering for the event is at the expense of the sponsor. Catering must be provided by a Chamber member. Many sponsors

partner with other member restaurants or caterers to co-sponsor, with the caterer offering the food as their sponsorship. Beer, wine, sodas and water are provided by The Chamber, courtesy of other Chamber member sponsors including but not limited to Supreme Beverage, Back Forty Beer Company, Buffalo Rock, Maraella Winery, Wills Creek Winery, and The Stone Market.

• Sponsor must solicit or contribute 10 door prizes at a minimum of $25 value each and must come from the sponsoring member or from other Chamber members. The Chamber can assist in soliciting some of the door prizes, if needed.

MULTI-SPONSOR HOLIDAY EVENT (DECEMBER) ........................................................................................ $500 • Up to 20 sponsorships are sold at $500 each; this fee covers all event space rental and catering expenses. • Sponsor may decorate a 10x10 booth as they wish. • Sponsor must contribute two door prizes valued at $50 or more and must be from their own business another Chamber

member.

BUSINESS & GRAVY Average Attendance: 30

Business and Gravy is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to showcase their business. The event provides the sponsor with a chance to gain exposure for their products and services while at the same time, expanding client or prospect contacts.

SINGLE SPONSOR EVENT (JANUARY-NOVEMBER) ..................................................................................... $300 • The sponsor must choose their own caterer to provide breakfast for 30 attendees. The selected caterer must be a Chamber

member. Chamber staff can assist in identifying and securing a caterer, if needed. • Hosted at sponsor’s location: The sponsor must provide a meeting space, set-up, and clean-up. • Hosted at The Chamber: The Chamber will provide meeting space, set-up and clean-up for networking activities.

CHAMBER COUNCIL Chamber Councils are monthly roundtable lunch and networking sessions hosted by The Chamber. This event is typically held on the first Tuesday of each month and is intended to provide free professional networking with others with similar job functions in other companies. There are four Council groups organized by job field: Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Finance & Administration, Nonprofit. Each Council meets quarterly to discuss trends in the industry and share insight with one another. Lunch is complimentary, sponsored by Jimmy John's.

COUNCIL SPONSOR (ANNUAL FOR THREE SESSIONS WITH ONE COUNCIL) .................................................... $500



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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – EVENTS In addition to our monthly programs, The Chamber also hosts several special events annually. These are additional opportunities for promotion and recognition of your business, further education on special topics, or a chance to gather with other Chamber members for networking and FUN!

ANNUAL MEETING Average Attendance: 300 individuals among the most influential business owners and representatives of the county, including many state, county and municipal dignitaries

The Annual Meeting is held in January and is a celebration of the prior year’s accomplishments. It includes recognition of the outgoing and incoming Board Members, Ambassadors and award recipients.

PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP .............................................................................................................. $1,000 • Name included in event title and recognition as • Reserved table for eight in premier location. Signage with sponsor’s name on table. • Recognition as premier sponsor on printed program and on-screen. Recognized by emcee during program.

GOLD SPONSORSHIP ........................................................................................................................... $500 • Reserved table for eight in premier location. Signage with sponsor’s name on table. • Recognition as premier sponsor on printed program and on-screen. Recognized by emcee during program.

SILVER SPONSORSHIP ......................................................................................................................... $350 • Reserved table for eight. Signage with sponsor’s name on table. • Recognition as sponsor on printed program and on-screen. Recognized by emcee during program.

SINGLE SEAT ........................................................................................................................................ $35


EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION Average Attendance: 300 individuals from education, local government and businesses.

The Excellence in Education awards luncheon is held in May and recognizes excellent educators, students and community partners. The event also includes the Teacher of the Year awards for all local school districts.

PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP .............................................................................................................. $2,500

PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP .................................................................................................................. $2,000

GOLD SPONSORSHIP ........................................................................................................................ $1,000

SILVER SPONSORSHIP ......................................................................................................................... $500

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP ....................................................................................................................... $250

SINGLE SEAT ........................................................................................................................................ $20

Sponsorship details are available from Chamber staff or Excellence in Education committee members.

Contact Miranda Fairel at 256.543.3472 or [email protected] for more information.



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BUSINESS EXPO Average Attendance: 1,000+ individuals from the general public, Chamber members, local businesses, and national companies. The Business Expo will be held on August 20, 2019 at 210 at the Tracks. This annual event gives everyone in attendance a spectacular chance for networking and building business relationships with owners and representatives from local businesses.

STAGE ............................................................................................................................................ $1,500

END CAP ............................................................................................................................................ $800

PREMIER BOOTH ................................................................................................................................. $450

GENERAL BOOTH ................................................................................................................................. $350

RESTAURANT BOOTH..................................................................................................... $150 + 500 SAMPLES

Booth details and additional items are available from Chamber staff.


ADVANCING WOMEN TO THE TOP CONFERENCE Average Attendance: Over 120 professional women from throughout Etowah County & the surrounding region. The 2019 Conference will be held on September 26, 2019. Attendees will hear from speakers on a variety of professional development topics including mentoring and networking.

PREMIER SPONSORSHIP ................................................................................................................... $1,000

SPONSORSHIP WITH TABLE FOR 8 ......................................................................................................... $500

SPONSORSHIP NO TABLE ..................................................................................................................... $200

SINGLE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION ....................................................................................................... $50


ETOWAH SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS (ESBYS) Average Attendance: 200 owners and individuals representing small to medium-sized businesses and representatives of larger businesses that provide services to smaller businesses. The ESBYs is a “red carpet” awards luncheon held annually in October to recognize small businesses excelling in their endeavors.

PREMIER SPONSORSHIP ...................................................................................................................... $500 • Reserved table for eight in premier location. Signage with sponsor’s name on table. • Recognition as premier sponsor on printed program and on-screen. Recognized by emcee during program.

SPONSORSHIP.................................................................................................................................... $250 • Reserved table for eight. Signage with sponsor’s name on table. • Recognition as sponsor on printed program and on-screen. Recognized by emcee during program.

TABLE OF 8 ........................................................................................................................................ $160

SINGLE SEAT ........................................................................................................................................ $25





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EDUCATE OUR NEXT LEADERS

LEADERSHIP ETOWAH Leadership Etowah is a program which each year brings together a class of 10 participants for ten one-day retreats. The program objective is to present to the participants a series of issues-oriented forums based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership.

Classes meet monthly excluding July and December.

LEAD SPONSOR ............................................................................................................................... $1,000

CANDIDATE FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................. $500

CANDIDATE SPONSOR ......................................................................................................................... $500

CANDIDATE CO-SPONSOR .................................................................................................................... $250

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Student Leadership Council is a program designed by The Chamber to promote classroom and community leadership among high school students. Student Leadership Council involves approximately 20 students in the 11th grade from all public and private schools throughout the county and all school systems.

The program meets once monthly during the 10 months of the school year at Gadsden State community College.

MENTOR ......................................................................................................................................... $5,000 • Covers the cost of delivering one program/month, including the provision of a lunch for all students, within a year. Ability to

provide program for sponsored month, or to select program to be provided

GUIDE ............................................................................................................................................ $1,000 • Delivers one program/month, including the provision of a lunch for all students, within a year. Ability to provide program for

sponsored month, or to select program to be provided

CONFIDANT ........................................................................................................................................ $500 • Delivers one program/month within a year

COACH .............................................................................................................................................. $100 • Delivers the program to one student for the full year

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES There are many opportunities for members to serve as leaders within The Chamber. Opportunities include serving as mentor for other new members, as an Ambassador, joining an event committee or task force, serving as a board member or even serving as a board officer. To find out more about getting involved with The Chamber, contact a staff member in your area of interest. See page 1 for staff contact information.

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BENEFIT SUMMARY The following are benefits which are INCLUDED in your annual membership dues. It PAYS to be a member! CHAMBER LOBBY DISPLAY Showcase your business brochure/information at the display counter in the Chamber lobby. DIRECTORY LISTING IN CURRENT MAGAZINE Each member business receives an annual subscription and additional lobby copies upon request. Copies are also distributed to newcomers, tourists and other interested individuals throughout the year. RADIO SPOTLIGHT FOR NEW MEMBERS New members are featured on Mix 102.9 along with other new members with a “Welcome to the Chamber” intro. GRAND OPENING CEREMONIES & RIBBON CUTTINGS Chamber Board Members, Ambassadors and local dignitaries receive special invitations to attend. Includes a photo sent to The Messenger Newspaper, as well as a post-event photo album on The Chamber’s Facebook page.

CHAMBER WEBSITE BUSINESS LISTING & BENEFITS Contact information with link to your website and representatives’ email addresses. Also includes the opportunity to post business events, job listings, news releases, coupons and member-to-member discount offerings.

MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS & EDUCATION WORKSHOPS The Chamber hosts monthly events in many formats to help build relationships and make connections in the business community. More information on these events is provided on page 4.

EMERGING ISSUES LUNCHEONS Quarterly Emerging Issues luncheons focus on developing issues that affect local commerce. Lunch is provided. Space is limited. Value includes attendance at all 4 events.

DISCOUNTS, DISCOUNTS AND MORE DISCOUNTS Members receive discounts toward Constant Contact email marketing, other members’ services and products and leadership training opportunities.

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM The Chamber Ambassadors makes visits, phone calls, referrals and extend information to members throughout the year.

REFERRALS Every day The Chamber provides referrals for products and services.

ADVOCACY The Chamber serves on multiple regional planning and development councils. The Chamber hosts legislative forums that connect businesses directly with elected officials on the city, county, state and national level.

SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELING Offered through Jacksonville State University Small Business Development Center, individuals may receive free counseling to enhance or start a new business.

AND MORE The Chamber works hard to identify additional benefits as needs arise. Membership forums allow direct flow of information from members to the President, and when possible, new ideas are cultivated into new programs or needed changes.

The total estimated value of your Chamber Membership is over $3,510! Membership not only matters, it pays!

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NEW MEMBER NEXT STEPS

REVIEW YOUR NEW MEMBER WELCOME PACKET. To make the most of your membership with The Chamber, you have to know about all of the benefits! Read through the packet and keep it handy for reference during your first year.

RECORD YOUR FREE RADIO SPOTLIGHT. Every new Chamber member receives a free 10 second radio spotlight on Mix 102.9. Spotlights can be recorded by members or with the assistance of Chamber staff. See page 2 for details & sample scripts.

GET SOCIAL WITH THE CHAMBER! The Chamber likes to promote member businesses through social media. Make sure you follow us on Facebook (@etowahchamber), Instagram (@etowahchamber), and Twitter (@etowahchamber), so that you are informed about Chamber events and so that we can share, repost, and like your events and posts.

CHECK YOUR EMAILS. Make sure you get all the invites, news and resources that go out to chamber members through email, make sure yours is right! Verify your email with us or through your chamber web account.

POST THAT DECAL! You should receive your membership decal in the mail within a week of joining. Make sure to post it in your window or door. Call The Chamber for your digital decal for your website, too!

BROCHURE DISPLAY. Bring by a brochure, flyer or business card for display in The Chamber lobby. Members of the public stop by frequently for referrals. Make sure your contact information is available for them.

SCHEDULE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING. If your business is newly opened, recently remodeled or relocated, or has change ownership within the last six months, you’re eligible for a Ribbon Cutting. See page 2 for details.

ATTEND THE NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST. Each year, The Chamber hosts a breakfast to welcome new members, teach them how to get the most out of their membership, and introduce lots of resources to help you and your business.

SPRUCE UP YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING. The Chamber website is a major source of referrals. Your directory listing is the key to catching the attention of website visitors. Make sure your listing is complete and accurate. Log in to your Chamber account to adjust it. See pages 3-4 for details.

REGISTER FOR CHAMBER U. If getting your directory listing in good shape feels overwhelming, get help from professionals. Attend a ChamberU class (held quarterly) to learn how to manage your Chamber account and all the benefits that come with it.

POST AN EVENT ON THE CALENDAR. Chamber members can post events on our calendar for FREE. Once approved, your event will post on The Chamber website and Facebook page.

OFFER A DISCOUNT OR DEAL. Member to Member discounts and Hot Deals are free benefits of your Chamber account, too. Log in and add a discount for other members or a hot deal for the general public. Both types of deals can bring in extra business for your company!

ATTEND A NETWORKING EVENT. The Chamber hosts a variety of networking and educational programs each month. These are great ways to meet other members or to gain some new skills. See page 5 for a tentative schedule of 2019 programs.

JOIN A COMMITTEE. Enjoying your Chamber membership? Getting more involved can grow your network. Start by joining one of our committees. Contact a staff member for more information.

CALL US! Have questions? We have answers! Contact us at 256.543.3472 or [email protected].


the chamber works for you 1 grow connect€¦ · leadership etowah • student leadership council...

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