News
December 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, December 6 at the new Hoover Tactical Firearms in the old Bruno's location at 1561 Montgomery Highway in Hoover, featuring over 52,000 square feet of display space and shooting ranges. Shown cutting the ribbon is President and former Hoover Police Officer Peyton Zarzour, as his daughter-in-law Amy Zarzour holds the bow. Shown to the left of Peyton is his wife Ann. To the right of Amy is Hoover City Council Member Gene Smith, with his wife Pam (between them), Alabama State Representative Paul DeMarco behind them, Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, and Hoover City Council members Jack Wright and Brian Skelton. They are joined by dozens of other friends, family, and Hoover Chamber members and ambassadors. Hoover Tactical Firearms is open seven days per week, and offers the largest indoor firing range in the southeast.
|
|
 A Ribbon Cutting was held December 13, 2011 at the new New Balance store in Inverness at 4618 Highway 280, next to Chick-fil-A. Shown cutting the ribbon is store owner Wesley McCluney, as manager Patrick Connor holds the bow. They are joined by several chamber ambassadors, while the rest of the employees were busy helping customer inside. Wesley said sales are SO good, they are expecting this to be one of the top 10 stores in the USA. Call 991-4446 or contact wesmccluney@newbalanceatlanta.com or go to www.nbbirmingham.com for information.
|
 A Ribbon Cutting was held December 15 at the new Gigi's Cupcakes in Hoover, at 4745 Chace Circle (next to Taziki's). Shown cutting the ribbon is Sara Helms, General Manager, as she is joined by dozens of staff members, special guests - including Miss Hoover 2012, Anna Laura Bryan, helping hold the bow - and Alabama State Representative Paul DeMarco (back Row), and a dozen or so Chamber Ambassadors. They were all treated to free Famous Gigi's Cupcakes! See more at www.gigicopcakesusa.com or 444-4170.
|
 Later on December 15, the date of the December Chamber Luncheon, the new Holiday Inn-Hoover at 2901 John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover held its Ribbon Cutting and Open House. Cutting the ribbon is Neil Thakor as he is surrounded by dozens of staff members, friends and family, guests, and Chamber Ambassadors. They offered a generous spread of incredible appetizers to those that attended as well. This is one of the nicest hotels along the Highway 150/John Hawkins Parkway corridors. See more at www.holidayinn.com/bham-hoover or call 682-2901 for information.
|
November 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, November 8 at the new BumperNets 4 Kids inside the Riverchase Galleria on the 1st Floor, next to Sears. Shown cutting the ribbon is owner Homer Brown, as his Executive Assistant Emily Scott holds the bow. To the right of Homer is Sam Warbington, general manager of the Riverchase Galleria. This makes three different stores inside the Galleria for BumperNets. They are joined by several support staff and Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
|
 A Ribbon Cutting and Open House was held Thursday, November 10 at Therapy South and Sports Medicine in Hoover at 3421 South Shades Crest Road, off Highway 150. Shown cutting the ribbon is owner Ron Richardson, with his wife Nancy, holding the bow. They are joined by dozens of friends, clients, colleagues, and Hoover Chamber ambassadors. Ron can be reached at 987-6501 or rrichardson@therapysouth.net
|
 A Ribbon Cutting was held Tuesday, November 15 at the remodeled Planet Fitness in Hoover at 1839 Montgomery Highway. Shown cutting the ribbon is owner Scott Lyons as General Manager Ashley Wise holds the bow. They are joined by several Hoover Chamber ambassadors and friends. For information on Planet Fitness call 444-2282 or contact Scott at slyons100@yahoo.com or go to www.planetfitness.com. Scott also owns the Planet Fitness in Inverness. Membership Dues are only $10.00 per month, and no "grunting" is allowed!
|
 A Ground-Breaking Ceremony was held was held November 3 at the new location of the Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham with some 150 in attendance, in spite of inclement weather. Shown "breaking ground" for the ceremony following the announcements are, l-r, Tom Hopton (holding an umbrella), Executive Director, Middle Tennessee Center for Independent Living; Dan Kessler, Executive Director, Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham; Graham Sisson, Board President; Claretha Finley, Birmingham Mayor William Bell; Birmingham City Councilor Johnathan Austin; Economic Development Specialist Andrew Mayo from Mayor Bell's Office.
|
 The Hoover City Schools Employees of the Year were recognized at the November 17, 2011 Chamber Luncheon, sponsored by Hoar Program Management/Hoar Construction Company. Shown l-r are Hoover Schools Superintendent Andy Craig, Employee of the Year Darlene Sommers of Simmons Middle School, Louise White of the Central Office, and Noel "Butch" Butler of Hoover High School. The were each presented with gift baskets, weekend get-a-ways from Hyatt Place-Hoover, and gift certificates from Shula's in The Wynfrey Hotel.
|
October 2011
 Hoover's Executive Director Allen Pate handles the first shovel full of apple cobbler at the 15th Annual Pig Iron Barbecue, and the 4th Consecutive Pig Iron BBQ held at the Regions Park in Hoover. Hoover City Employees handed out some 3,000 servings of apple cobbler and ice cream to attendees. Shown with Pate are Tommy Daniel, Dee Nance, Erin Colbaugh, and Jennifer Wingate.
|
 Bhate Geotechnical was one of 45 or so sponsors of the Pig Iron BBQ held October 21 at Regions Park for the 4th Year as a fund-raiser for Children's Harbor. This year's event exceeded all expectations, with net proceeds after expenses in excess of $86,000.00, topping last year's record by some $7,000.00. To learn more about the great work of Children's Harbor and how to get involved in next year's Pig Iron Barbecue, visit www.childrensharbor.org.
|
 A Ribbon Cutting was held Tuesday, October 25 at the new Doleys Clinic, at 2270 Valleydale Road, Birmingham 35244 (next to Valleydale Church). Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Daniel Doleys (pronounced Dough-LAYS), as Physical Therapist Maureen Crocker holds the bow. They are joined by their three other doctors, dozens of staff members and Chamber ambassadors. Please visit their website at www.doleysclinic.com.
|
 Adam Weiger of LyonsHR was recognized at the October 20 Hoover Area Chamber Luncheon as the outstanding Ambassador of the Third Quarter for 2011. Adam earned the most points in the Hoover Chamber Ambassador Program during the 3rd Quarter by participating in the most activities for the ambassadors, including ribbon cuttings, Coffee & Contacts, Business after Hours, and networking with new and potential chamber members. Congratulations to Adam!
|
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held October 4, 2011 at the new IBERIA Bank on John Hawkins Parkway, with a wonderful Cajun-Style Grand Opening Celebration under a huge tent. Shown cutting the ribbon is new iBERIA Bank Vice President and Branch Manager Beverly Meadors, with Brand-New Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey holding the bow. They are joined by several other iBERIA Bank executives, guests and Chamber Ambassadors. www.iberiabank.com
|
September 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting was held September 8, 2011 at the new location of Dedicated Personnel in The Centre at Riverchase on Montgomery Highway in Hoover, across from Hoover City Hall. Shown Cutting the Ribbon is Kim Osburn as Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos holds the bow, and Kim's husband, Ken, is on the left of Mayor Petelos. This was Mayor Petelos' last ribbon cutting as Mayor of Hoover before leaving to become County Manager of Jefferson County October 1, 2011.
|
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, September 13 at the new Bedzzz Express Location at 2800 Greystone Commercial Boulevard in the Greystone Area of Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Company President Keith Krininger as Store Manager Phyllis Davenport holds the bow. They are joined by other company personnel and Chamber Ambassadors. Phyllis can be reached at 408-0280 or begs@bedzzzexpress.com. Their website is www.bedzzzexpress.com, with some 19 store in the Birmingham-Hoover Metro Area. We expect to have them as Trustee Members soon!
|
 At the annual Alabama Retail Association Banquet, held last month at The Club, some 18 Alabama-based companies were recognized in four different categories as 2011 Retailers of the Year, and four of them are members of the Hoover Chamber. Shown above, and nominated by the Hoover Chamber, from Wrapsody, Inc., are Rick and Sara Brown and Terry Shea, as they are presented the Silver Award for the Sales Category of $1-$5 Million by Jimmy Ray, Chairman of the ARA. Their store is located in the Patton Creek Shopping Center, with another location in Auburn. They were caught off guard, as their employees recruited several nominators without their knowledge.Other Hoover Chamber Members winning awards were Terry Chapman of Business Electronics Corp winning the Gold Award in the $1-$5 Million in Sales; Andy Virciglio of Piggly Wiggly Food Stores winning Bronze in the $5-$20 Million in Sales; and James C. Lee, III of Buffalo Rock in the $20 Million-Plus winning Silver. All these were nominated by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. We expect to have more nominated by the Hoover Area Chamber next year! |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held September 29 at Cartridge World in Pelham at the Cartridge World at 1940 Highway 31 South in the Southgate Village Shopping Center next to Publix. Shown cutting the ribbon is Jack Stevens with Cartridge World, as dozens of staff and ambassadors from both the Greater Shelby County Chamber and Hoover Area Chamber join in the celebration. They can be reached at 7433-2299 or ce@jobtakeoffs.com. www.cartridgeworldusa.com/store792
|
August 2011
 The winners of the 16th Annual Hoover Chamber Golf Tournament, held August 29th at Riverchase Country Club played on one of the Title Sponsor St. Vincent's Health System Teams. Shown l-r are Coach Dave Hobbs, Ben Moody, Lanier Johnson, and BJ Blanchard, with Golf Committee Chairman Joe DiBenedetto of American Osment. Their net score was 54. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held Thursday, August 4 at Chow Town Grill & Buffet at 1668 Montgomery Highway (next to TJ Maxx) in Hoover, after many weeks of anticipation. Shown cutting the ribbon is Yun Da Chen, as Yong Kai "Allen" Chen holds the bow, and Yan Hua Wu (lady in blue skirt and white top) looks on. These three are the partners in Chow Town. Mayor Tony Petelos was also on hand to join the celebration, as were literally dozens of other Chamber Ambassadors and friends. WBRC TV/Fox 6 News also covered the Ribbon Cutting and broadcast it over the evening news. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held July 14 at AIM Mail Center in the Publix Shopping Center off Montgomery Highway at 1960 Braddock Drive, Suite 120. Shown cutting the ribbon is owner-operator Sukumar Krishnan, as his wife Sushma holds the bow. They are joined by Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos (left of Sushma Krishnan) and dozens of Hoover Chamber Ambassadors, business associates, and friends. AIM Mail Center offers many services above and beyond mailing services, including printing, copying, business cards, greeting cards, and other services. |
 The Second Flight Winners of the 16th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament came from the St. Vincent's team of (l-r) Phil Holmes, Danny Santiago and Melanie Dickinson, pictured with Golf Committee Chairman Joe DiBenedetto of American Osment, with a net score of 57! Playing with them, but not shown was Jon Oliver. |
 The Third Flight Winners of the 16th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament came from the Shelby County Reporter Team of (l-r) Matthew Allen, Meagan Mims, and Steven Kilpatrick, pictured with Golf Committee Chairman Joe DiBenedetto of American Osment, with a net score of 62! Playing with them, but not shown was John Moser. |
 The Golf Tournament Raffle raised approximately $24,000.00 this year, due in large part to the great prizes offered by the biggest sponsored. The Grand Prize was donated by The Wynfrey Hotel, with a 2-Night Stay and a $150.00 Gift Card to Shula's Steakhouse, donated by General Manager Andy Peters, shown here in red. Andy is on both the Chamber's Board of Directors and Board of Trustees as a member of the Presidents Circle. The winner of the Grand Prize, holding the Gift Basket from The Wynfrey Hotel was Ed Gallego of Victory Rock, shown with our 2012 Miss Hoover, Anna Laura Bryan, who assisted with the drawing of the raffle tickets. |
July 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held July 7 at Hendrick Buick on Montgomery Highway in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is General Manager Joel Smith, as Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos holds the bow. They are surrounded by dozens of dealer sales, administrative, and maintenance staff and Chamber Ambassadors. Hendrick owns almost 90 automotive dealerships throughout the nation, including the Buick Dealership next door, plus five different NASCAR racing teams. |
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held July 7 at Hendrick Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram on Montgomery Highway in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is General Manager Joel Smith, as Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos holds the bow. They are surrounded by dozens of dealer sales, administrative, and maintenance staff and Chamber Ambassadors. Hendrick owns almost 90 automotive dealerships throughout the nation, including the Buick Dealership next door, plus five different NASCAR racing teams. One of the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. race cars is on display in the showroom! |
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, July 12 at Magic City Chiropractic, at 3049 John Hawkins Parkway in the Sam's Club Plaza in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Scott Albano, as his mother holds the bow. Scott is a former World Middleweight Professional Bench Press Champion, with a bench press of 705 pounds! Call 444-4844 or contact him at dr.scott09@hotmail.com for information. They are joined by his fiancé and grandmother on the front, as well as several friends and Chamber Ambassadors. |
 A Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony was held Wednesday, July 27 at the new St. Vincent's Hoover Family Care Center at 4745 Chace Circle in Hoover (next to Taziki's). Shown cutting the ribbon, left to right, are (L to R) Hoover Chamber President David Bradley; David Cauble, CFO, St. Vincent's Health System; Kirk Allen, Vice President, Corporate Business Development and Physician Recruitment, St. Vincent's Health System; John O'Neil, President and CEO, St. Vincent's Health System; Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos; Dr. Sherri Clark, St. Vincent's Family Care - Hoover; Sister Dinah White, Mission Advisor to the President, St. Vincent's Health System; Nan Priest, Executive VP and Chief Strategy Officer, St. Vincent's Health System; and 2012 Miss Hoover, Anna Laura Bryan. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held July 26 at Tropical Smoothie Café at 3049 John Hawkins Parkway in the Sam's Club Plaza in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Saunders as his wife Julie holds the bow, assisted by Mayor Tony Petelos of Hoover. They are joined by several staff members and Hoover Chamber Ambassadors and friends. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held July 28 at Chace Lake Family Dentistry at 1871 Chace Drive in Hoover (behind Alabama Telco Credit Union & CVS). Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Todd Howell as his wife, Melissa holds the bow. They are joined by several staff members, family, friends, and Chamber Ambassadors, who were all treated to great BBQ! |
 Anna Laura Bryan was crowned Miss Hoover 2012 at the Fifth Annual Miss Hoover Pageant held July 8 at Spain Park High School, winning $4,600.00 in scholarships, including $350.00 for the Talent Award and $250.00 for the Jessica Headley Community Service Award. First Runner-Up was Chandler Champion who also won the Swimsuit Award; Second Runner-up was Jamie Brooks; Third Runner-Up was Meschelle Stringer; while Fourth Runner-Up was Haley Bagwell. Miss Congeniality, selected by the eighteen contestants, was Melissa Jeffcoat. In all, $6,250.00 in scholarship money was awarded. The Title Sponsor was Hendrick Buick/Hendrick Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram. For more information, go to www.misshoover.org |
 Hoover Police Lt. Fred L. "Trey" Bass, also a Lt. Colonel in the Alabama Air National Guard, was selected as the winner of the 2011 Freedom Award and recognized at the July Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. Bass has been a member of the Air Guard for 27 years, joining as an enlisted personnel, and mechanic on the F-4 Jets that flew out of Birmingham, and eventually becoming an officer and navigator on the F-4s. Currently he is a navigator on the refueling jets, and has served in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He has served on countless deployments overseas, as well as had an outstanding service record with the Hoover Police Department. |
June 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting was held Monday, June 13 at 24eFitness in Hoover at 1550-B Montgomery Highway (next to Ellis Piano). Shown cutting the ribbon is Wayne Alford as Kenny Raught holds the bow. They are joined by Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos and Alabama State Representative Jack Williams (to their left) as well as several staff members and Chamber Ambassadors. Great food and smoothies were provided by .... of Tropical Smoothie Cafe on John Hawkins Parkway! |
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, June 16 at the new Mattress King in Vestavia Hills at 1088 Montgomery Highway, in conjunction with the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce. Shown cutting the ribbon is Mattress King Wayne Koswoski with help from his granddaughter, Finley. Also helping out was long-time Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox to their left. Cox was there to sign autographs and pose for photos, to help raise money for the Alabama Tornado Relief Efforts through the Red Cross. They are surrounded by Ambassadors and staff from both the Vestavia Hills and Hoover Chambers and Mattress King staff and employees. |
 Officials from Windstream Communications presented a $10,000.00 donation to the American Red Cross for the Alabama Tornado Relief Efforts June 1. Shown l-r, are Windstream officials Bill Scott, Operations Manager; Jim Kortum, North Ga./Alabama Vice President-General Manager; Don McCarty, District Sales Manager; Jim Reisweber of the American Red Cross from Washington, D.C.; Tony Thomas, Windstream CFO of Little Rock, AR; Nicholas Thornton, Regional Account Manager Director; and Roland Malke, Account Executive. McCarty, Thornton & Malke are all based locally out of the office now located in Hoover. |
May 2011
 Officials from California Pizza Kitchen presented a check for almost $53,000.00 to the American Red Cross for the Alabama Tornado Relief Efforts as a direct result of promotions and sales for two days that CPK devoted in May for sales of their Summit and Riverchase Galleria locations, and promoted through the Hoover Chamber email Blasts. Shown l-r, unidentified CPK official; Mike Schilleci of the American Red Cross; Esther Graffeo Rosenfield, wife of Rick Rosenfield, co-founder of CPK (she grew up in the Birmingham area and still has family here); and Don Grant, Gift Officer with Mid-AL Region of American Red Cross.Hoover Chamber Members and member Restaurants that donated food for the volunteers at the CompUSA Building include the following: The Whole Scoop; Salvatore's Pizza & Hoover Print Company; Honey Baked Ham; Chick-Fil-A; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Firebirds Wood Fired Grill; Beef O'Grady's; The Egg and I; Precision Home Crafters; Zaxby's; Cassady & Self Glass Company; Coffee-ol-ogy; Jason's Deli; Homewood Suites; California Pizza Kitchen; Jim 'N Nick's; Hoover Church of Christ; Riverchase Baptist Church; Riverchase United Methodist Church; The Wynfrey Hotel (twice!); Gene Smith-Hoover City Councilman; First Educators Credit Union; Mark Berry Chiropractic; J. Alexander's Restaurant; Royal Cup Coffee; Melissa Wertz Photography; Hoover School System; and The Stewart Organization. We're sure there are others that we were not told about, however we were not aware of others at this printing. If your company helped by providing food, goods or services, please let us know by emailing bill@hooverchamber.org and we will list you in the next newsletter. |
Officials from Windstream Communications presented a $10,000.00 donation to the American Red Cross for the Alabama Tornado Relief Efforts June 1. Shown l-r, are Windstream officials Bill Scott, Operations Manager; Jim Kortum, North Ga./Alabama Vice President-General Manager; Don McCarty, District Sales Manager; Jim Reisweber of the American Red Cross from Washington, D.C.; Tony Thomas, Windstream CFO of Little Rock, AR; Nicholas Thornton, Regional Account Manager Director; and Roland Malke, Account Executive. McCarty, Thornton & Malke are all based locally out of the office now located in Hoover. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held May 5, 2011 at the new Batteries Plus in The Grove Shopping Center in Hoover. Shown cutting the Ribbon is Store Manager Tim Massey as Regional Sales Manager Chad Christian holds the bow. They are joined by Regional Manager Ken Burket, staff and several Chamber Ambassador. Batteries Plus now has six stores in our market, and carries a wide array of batteries for everything from out of date watches, cameras, cell phones up to car and truck batteries! www.batteriesplus.com |
 Over 2,500 volunteers, including people from all fifty states, came to Hoover's Red Cross Headquarters to help with the relief efforts following the April 27 tornadoes that took over 250 lives in Alabama. Shown here are some of the volunteers at one of the many pep rallies at the old CompUSA building used as the headquarters building, donated by General Growth Properties (GGP) the operators of the Riverchase Galleria. Hundreds of area companies donated food and merchandise to help the Red Cross and their volunteers while they were here to help. This operation is scheduled to close down June 10, 2011. The paid staff will be heading out to assist on other disasters in other areas of the United States. |
April 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held April 12, 2011 at the new Mattress King location in Hoover at 3260 Galleria Circle, adjacent to FED/EX Kinkos, across the street from Sam's Club. Shown cutting the ribbon is the "Mattress King" himself, Wayne Koswoski, as his wife Kay, and son Joseph (to his left) look on. They are joined by several staff members and Chamber Ambassadors. This is the 20th location for Mattress King, started approximately 25 years ago in Huntsville. |
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held April 19 at Pure Barre 280 in Greystone. Shown cutting the ribbon is partner Lindsay Lancaster, as Deanna Adams holds the bow. They are joined by Amy Tyree and Jodi Bearman on the front row, and Deanna's son, C. J. Adams (center), and several Chamber Ambassadors. Pure Barre is a fitness center offering a new element and style of fitness that has proven to be quite efficient in obtaining maximum fitness. |
 Samantha Hall of Trustway Insurance & Financial Services was recognized at the April 21 Hoover Chamber Luncheon as the Ambassador of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2011 by Chamber President David Bradley (right). She earned over 200 points during the quarter, some 99 points more than the closest one to her, Adam Weiger of Lyons HR. This award was sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, and she earned a $75.00 gift certificate from Outback! She and her husband, David, who is on the Chamber's Board of Trustees, should enjoy a great dinner at Outback soon! |
 As the first of our Triple Ribbon Cuttings of April 28, Genghis Grill at 5730 Chace Circle in Hoover, at the old Chace Lake Country Club location just off Montgomery Highway south of the Riverchase Galleria, held their Ribbon Cutting. Shown cutting the ribbon is Frank Barnard of Atlanta, as Manager Mark Mobley holds the bow. They are joined by dozens of ambassadors who later were treated to a fantastic meal, courtesy of Genghis Grill. |
 The second of the Triple Ribbon Cuttings was next-door neighbor, Precision Dental Implantology & Prostodontics, in Suite 108 at Chace Circle. Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Ben Wadsworth, as his wife holds the bow. They are joined by dozens of chamber ambassadors and friends. |
 The third of the Triple Ribbon Cuttings April 28 was at Red Mango, the great new Yogurt specialty shop in Chace Circle just off Montgomery Highway in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon here is David Hurst, as his wife, Patti Hurst holds the bow. Again, they are joined by dozens of friends and chamber ambassadors. All were treated to their build-your-own delicious yogurt treats after enjoying their Genghis Grill lunch at the first of these three ribbon cuttings. |
March 2011
 A Ribbon Cutting was held March 1 at the Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center at 2010 Patton Chapel Road in Hoover, next to Full Moon BBQ. Shown Cutting the ribbon is Practice Manager Cynthia Anchrum, joined by her staff, several professional friends and business associates and Hoover Area Chamber Ambassadors. |
 Ribbon Cutting Hampton Inn & Suites Eagle Point - Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos, Ambassadors of the Greater Shelby County and Hoover Chambers of Commerce joined Hampton Inn and Suites 280 owner John Hunt in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Hampton Inn & Suites 280 at Eagle Point with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Hampton Inn has 106 rooms that are the most up-to-date in hotel stay. They also offer free wi-fi and a hot breakfast every morning. For more information, please contact General Manager Deanna Jones or any of the staff at (205) 981-0024 or visit their website at http://www.hamptoninn.hilton.com/. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held Sunday, March 27 at Lifeline Children's Services on Rocky Ridge Road in Hoover, just off Lorna. This is a world-wide adoption agency, that helps to place children from all over the world. http://www.lifelineadoption.org/. Shown cutting the ribbon is President Herbert Newell IV, while Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos holds the bow. They are joined by several board members, Hoover City Council members Gene Smith and John Greene, and Alabama State Representative Jack Williams. Several hundred people attended the 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Open House as well. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held March 24 at McAdory Dental just off Exit 1 at I-459. Shown cutting the Ribbon is Dr. Sam Chambers, while Dr. James Hughes holds the bow. They are joined by their staff and several Hoover Chamber ambassadors. |
 A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Saturday Morning at the Opening Day ceremonies of Shades Mountain Baseball Park on Al Seier Road in Hoover, with literally thousands in attendance and dozens of baseball and softball teams participating. Former Auburn standout quarterback Stan White was a guest speaker, with Hoover Executive Director Allen Pate throwing out the first pitch. Shown here are directors of the park cutting the ribbon for the new facilities building, courtesy of the City of Hoover, joined by some of the children benefiting through the park services. For more information, see http://www.shadesmountainpark.org/ |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held March 11 at The Whole Scoop at 3421 South Shades Crest Road in Hoover, just off Highway 150. Shown cutting the ribbon is David Cohen, owner and president, while Mayor Tony Petelos looks on. They are joined by dozens of after school children who were treated to samples of ice cream and several other varieties of their products on a warm Friday afternoon. |
February 2011
 Three of Hoover's Finest were nominated for Police Officer of the Year and presented at the February Chamber Luncheon. Shown l-r are Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, Officer Cyle Cutcliff, 2010 Officer of the Year Chris Hunter, Detective David Holder, and Hoover City Council President Gary Ivey. |
 Three Hoover Firefighters were selected as finalists for the Firefighter of the Year Award and presented at the February Chamber Luncheon. Shown l-r are Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate, Firefighter of the Year for 2010, Jay Purser, Inspector Jerome Munnedyn, Lt. Scott Williamson; and Hoover City Council President Gary Ivey. |
 Rebecca Pelham was recognized at the February Luncheon as the 911 Operator of the Year for 2010 for her outstanding work. Shown left to right are Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, Rebecca Pelham, and Hoover City Council President Gary Ivey. |
 Brian Hyatt was recognized as the 2010 Detention Officer of the Year at the February 17 Chamber Luncheon for his outstanding work in dealing with difficult situations in the Hoover City Jail. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis cited him for several situations in which he showed above-and-beyond maturity and dedication in the performance of his duties. Shown left to right are Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, Detention Office Hyatt, and Hoover City Council President Gary Ivey. |
 A Ribbon Cutting was held at the new office of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation off Highway 280 in Inverness February 24, with food donated by Costco and Chick-fil-A. Shown cutting the ribbon is Paul Tombrello, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CFF. He is joined by several other board members, staff members, and several Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. CFF is the leading organization committed to finding new therapies and ultimately a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, and to improving the lives of those with the disease. |
January 2011
 Gus Pasisis, left, of Style Advertising, presented a copy of the new 2011 edition of the Hoover Magazine to Mayor Tony Petelos of the City of Hoover on Monday, January 31, 2011, as new 2011 Hoover Area Chamber President David Bradley and Executive Director Bill Powell look on. Some 10,000 copies of the magazine will be delivered and otherwise distributed to chamber members, area visitors and residents, as well as to advertisers throughout the year. Copies are available at the chamber office at no charge. (Photo by Lori Salter). |
 A ribbon cutting was held January 13 at Trustway Insurance in the Plaza at Riverchase Shopping Center. Shown cutting the ribbon is Samantha Hall as her husband, David is beside her. Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos is holding the bow, as dozens of the agents and Hoover Chamber ambassadors join in the celebration. Trustway offers virtually every type of insurance and investment opportunity. David Hall can be reached at dhall@trustwayinsurance.com or through their website at http://www.trustwayinsurance.com/ |
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held January 18 at the dental office of Drs. Groves and Adams in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Brandy Adams, as Dr. Michelle Groves holds the bow. They are surrounded by their staff, Cheryl Perry, Becky Johns, Becca Howze, Tatum Chand, Deborah Hill, and several Chamber Ambassadors. Following the Ribbon Cutting, the treated everyone in attendance to a luncheon at The Mandarin House Restaurant! |
 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held in January at the new Pacific Rim Sushi and Grill Restaurant on John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover. Shown Cutting the ribbon is the owner, Mr. Hsien Lin, as his wife Jui and Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos hold the bow. Mr. Lin's son and daughter, Sebastian Lin and Kristie Burnett are beside him. They are joined by several Hoover Chamber Ambassadors and guests. They offer a full range of Sushi and grilled entrees and a full liquor bar. They are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Go to http://www.pacificrimsushi.com/ or call 403-8788. |
 Joe Thomas, right, was recognized as both the Ambassador of the 4th Quarter of 2010, and Ambassador of the Year for 2010 by Chamber President Robert Linthout for his outstanding service to the Chamber during the year. Joe chaired the Ambassador Committee for the year, and as such, participated in more events than other ambassadors, collecting more points than anyone else during the year. He is a financial planner/advisor with Capstone Financial Group. He is the father of five children aged five and under, including two sets of twins. |
 Dennis Cameron, right, was recognized as the Board Member of the Year by 2010 Chamber President Robert Linthout at the January Luncheon for his work at the Chamber Board Treasurer the past three years. Dennis has worked with Executive Director Bill Powell to establish budgets and financial goals, make financial reports, and keep track of expenditures for the chamber each month since becoming treasurer. Dennis is also the father of 16-month-old triplets! |
 Joe DiBenedetto, right, was recognized by Chamber President Robert Linthout as the Hoover Area Chamber Member of the Year for his outstanding contributions and volunteer work throughout the year - and past years - as a board member, as a Chamber Ambassador, and as chairman of the chamber golf committee for the past three years. The Golf Committee is the biggest fund-raising event of the chamber, providing funds for our scholarship programs. Joe is the most active of our board members, attending more of the chamber events, including ribbon cuttings, Coffee & Contacts, Business after Hours, Luncheons, and other events, that most all other members. |
 David Bradley, right, 2011 Chamber President, presented outgoing President Robert Linthout his "Gavel Plaque" for the outstanding contributions he has made during the 2010 year as president. In spite of the challenges of the economy during the 2010 year, the Hoover Area Chamber has had a successful year, and one in which the entire board and chamber can share in the success. |
