August 11, 2021
Jim Evancho
If you’ve ever driven down Quintard, you may have seen the large building with the digital sign out front, but did you know how integral the work done in that building is to Calhoun County? That building is the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center, and they’re working harder than ever to help our small businesses recover from the pandemic and to regain stability after the 2020 government mandated shutdown. Today, we’ll be covering their services and resources for the business community, as well as the public at large.
According to Kim Boyd, Director of Membership and Investor Relations, “Some of our local businesses struggled if they were not deemed ‘essential.’ So we tried helping those businesses by keeping up to date resources available on our website and calling our members to ask what resources they needed.” Now that Alabama has opened back up, it is the Chamber’s mission to help businesses get back on a successful track. During the month of August, the Chamber of Commerce is charging forward with a membership drive and to make sure the community knows what services they offer. All it takes to be a member of the Chamber is for you to own a business that operates in Calhoun County. Don’t own a business? Don’t worry, the Chamber also offers services to the community as a whole, such as guides for local attractions and experiences only Calhoun County can offer.
Some of the benefits that a business enjoys by being a member include free seminars & workshops, networking, having a business advocate on their side, business referrals, health benefit plans through Iron ReHealth, a 20% corporate tuition scholarship with JSU, and much more. Boyd also explained that the Chamber of Commerce is very active in the political world to ensure businesses are represented when decision makers are discussing legislation affecting Calhoun County. She went on to say that they have established strong communications with people on the Federal, State, and Local levels and try to stay abreast of any upcoming legislation or changes that may affect local businesses.
Mrs. Boyd also stated that “the number one reason to join is to network.” Networking with other business and representatives is an invaluable commodity that any business owner can have. It is the open exchange of information that enables businesses to grow and maintain a solid foundation. The Chamber sees themselves as, “a group of business people who work to help other businesses.” The Chamber’s mission is to promote and sustain the economic growth of the Calhoun County Region, resulting in a community that is a dynamic place to work, visit, and live.
Ashlee Jones, Communications Director, also said that the Chamber is partners with the Small Business Development Center at JSU. If an upcoming entrepreneur has an idea for a new business, the Chamber will help to see if it is a viable idea and make sure that all the steps to starting a small business are successfully followed.
The Chamber is not solely focused on business; they also enjoy putting on fun events for the community. Examples of some of these community events are the annual Business Awards that feature a live comedian and the upcoming Member Appreciation Chili Cook Off in November. They also host the annual Business Expo, which is a trade show that is open to the public for the community to see what different businesses are available within the county.
Got a project and need a professional? The Chamber has you covered. If a resident needs a specific type of work done, especially within a certain budget, the Chamber’s website is a good place to start. Visit the Request for Quotes page of calhounchamber.com and enter all the specific information for the task you need completed. Once submitted, all Chamber members relevant to your project category will be contacted (construction, accounting, etc.) If a member feels they may be able to assist, they’ll contact you directly with a quote so work can begin that much sooner.
The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce is a 501(C)(6) and is not a part of any governmental agency. By being independent, they are able to better represent our small business community and its individual needs. Currently they have 975 members, but are looking to start growing again now that the COVID restrictions have been lifted. Joining the Chamber only costs a small business $260 per year and can be paid in one payment or can be made through monthly payments of $22. Got questions? Feel free to reach out to Kim Boyd at (256) 237-3536 or visit their office located at 1330 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201.
