By MOLLIE BROWN / Community Columnist

The Calera Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to uniting business members to promote prosperity and a quality lifestyle in Shelby County.

The chamber works as a catalyst for business growth by referring its members, advertising for them and hosting networking meetings.

Members are welcomed into the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Some businesses celebrate a grand opening, while others are expanding or relocating. The most valuable membership benefit is the luncheon meetings held the second Tuesday of every month at Timberline Golf Club. Here members share experience and insights on business issues.

The chamber hosts fundraising events for their scholarship program, recognizes community pride with the “Yard of the Month” award, spotlights businesses with “Business Beautification” or “Outstanding Storefront” awards and hosts the annual Christmas parade in conjunction with the City of Calera.

The upcoming 10th Annual Golf Tournament to be held Oct. 8 at Timberline Golf Club is the chamber’s biggest event. Executive Director Gail Blankenship said she expects equal or greater success to prior years.

“I feel this year’s tournament will be our best ever. We’re offering early registration sponsorships to make it affordable for all businesses to participate,” she said.

Before June 30, a hole sponsorship is $80 ($20 savings), team and hole sponsor is $450 ($50 savings) and range sponsor $225 ($25 savings). Information about other early sponsorship and membership is on their website Calerachamber.org. There is no early registration savings on the individual or team sponsorship­ — $100/per individual or $400/per team.

Speaking of another venture, Blankenship said the chamber looks forward to moving into their new office space at the Alabama Firefighters Museum and Education Center.

“The fire museum is working very hard on the plans and we are visiting other museums to find out what they’d have done differently. We don’t want to repeat those mistakes. The City of Calera, Shelby County and chamber are looking forward to the museum being a great success.”

The Calera Chamber of Commerce is committed to its members, community and surrounding neighbors. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – noon, office phone 668-3023.

 

Mollie Brown can be reached at dmjhb1@bellsouth.net.