By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly membership meeting at Columbiana United Methodist Church on Jan.  5.

The luncheon was sponsored by Alagasco, and attendees enjoyed catering by Bernie’s on Main Street.

Superintendent of Education Randy Fuller honored the Shelby County Board of Education for its work in the community.

“They take servant leadership to a new level. They’re out visiting because they want to know what Shelby County citizens want in their schools,” Fuller said.

Fuller also said he has seen a lot of boards, and, in his opinion, this one truly cares about the community.

Greg Canfield, director of the Alabama Development Office, was the keynote speaker for the luncheon and spoke about the state’s success in international trade and its potential for growth.

“As a country boy, I would have never dreamed that we would be a major player in international trade, but we are,” Canfield said.

Alabama exports to 1,980 different destinations including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China and Germany. The state is also currently the fifth largest producer of automobiles made in the United States. Canfield said that within three years Alabama will move up to become the third largest producer in the U.S.

“I am rewarded and challenged by my position as director,” Canfield said.