By ERIC SYNDER / Guest Columnist

What a year it has already been. We are going into the fourth month and already so much has happened.

My name is Eric Snyder, and I am currently serving as the 2008 President for the Calera Chamber of Commerce. This is my second year serving on the board, and I could not be more honored to represent the chamber as president.

As I am sure you have seen in the past few years, the Calera Chamber has been growing at a rapid speed. The majority of this growth comes from the great support of the businesses we have in Calera and surrounding cities that help make the chamber what it is.

The growth is also because of our dedicated, hard working executive director, Diana Privett, who never passes up an opportunity to meet with new business owners by greeting them with a smile and a welcome package. She also helps by informing them about what the Chamber has to offer.

We of course could not do it without our board of directors who put in numerous amounts of voluntary hours to help serve our members and make all the things we do possible.

This year, we are busy with many things. From our scholarship awards program in May, an Ovarian Cancer Walk/City Fest on Sept. 13, a golf tournament with a silent auction Sept. 22, our third-annual First Responders Picnic in October and then closing out the year with the Calera Christmas parade.

We also host chamber luncheons on the second Tuesday of each month. Every third Tuesday of each month the chamber presents Business after Hours. Each meeting is open to business members and non-members alike. Feel free to join us each month at these meetings. This is a great way to grow your business and be informed about the happenings in Calera.

To stay updated about the Calera Chamber of Commerce and the events that are taking place, or if you would like to volunteer for an event or become a member, please visit our Web site at http://www.calerachamber.org.

You may also call the chamber office and speak to Diana at 205-668-3023.

Eric Snyder is the president of the Calera Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at eric.snyder@aclegg.com