About the Hoover Area Chamber

The Hoover Alabama Chamber of Commerce, its staff, members, officers and board members extend a warm welcome to you. We pride ourselves on being one of the South's fastest growing communities, offering new and progressive opportunities every day. Hoover spans almost 50 square miles of territory, involving much of Jefferson County and Shelby County. We promote a healthy business environment, and feature great restaurants, lodging facilities, sporting events, and vacation areas. Click here to read more.

Our Chamber "Goodwill" Ambassadors

Ambassador of the Quarter

Chamber President Dan Ellis, left, recognized Joe DiBenedetto of American Osment as Ambassador of the Second Quarter at the July Chamber Luncheon.  This award is sponsored by Michael's Steaks and Seafood, and is awarded based primarily on points earned during the quarter. Joe had volunteered as Hole Captain during the Regions Charity Classic Golf Tournament, as well as attended many other Ambassador events.


Ambassadors Make Things Happen for the Hoover Chamber

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, others make it happen."
- Anonymous

Member involvement is an important asset to any organization, but the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce thrives on it. The activities planned by the Chamber's staff simply couldn't happen without the cooperation of many volunteers.

Among the volunteer groups assisting with Chamber activities are the Board of Directors, the Economic Development Committee, the SEC Baseball Committee, two golf tournament committees (one to assist with the Regions Charity Classic event and the other to carry out the Chamber's own tournament) and the Lila Parks Scholarship Committee.

But probably the most visible group of volunteers within the Hoover Chamber is our Ambassadors. These individuals represent the Chamber at a variety of functions, including ribbon cuttings, monthly Coffee & Contacts events, and Business After Hours events. Ambassadors also meet and greet the members, newcomers and guests who attend the monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheons.

In return, Chamber Ambassadors experience above-average networking opportunities, maximize their business and social potential and establish their presence in the business and civic realms of Hoover. They also enjoy the added benefits that hands-on involvement brings such as a sense of personal accomplishment and a feeling of ownership in the organization.The only requirements for becoming a Chamber Ambassador are membership in the Chamber and a desire to help make things happen. If you are interested in becoming a Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, contact Bill Powell at (205) 988-5672 or bill@hooverchamber.org.

Ambassadors can download the monthly Ambassador Score Sheet as a .pdf File. 

 

Joe Thomas is Chairman of the Ambassadors committee and is a registered representative with Capstone Financial Group, LLC in Hoover, Alabama.  Capstone Financial Group specializes in three main areas Life insurance, Disability insurance and Group Benefits. Joe works with small to medium sized businesses helping them maximize their benefit dollars while focusing on the individual needs of all the employees.  As a disability and benefit specialist, he is equipped to help employees understand their benefits and plan for the future.  In 1997, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  Prior to his current position he developed and wrote a medical practice management software system with a company in Birmingham.  Joe is also an Eagle Scout.  He is a life long native of Birmingham and enjoys working with everyday people who want an above average retirement. Joe can be reached at 444-5588 or joe@thecapstoneway.com. His website is http://www.thecapstoneway.com/.  


 

Gloria Anderson Donworth is Vice President Treasury Management Services for Red Mountain Bank. Donworth is a calling officer for Red Mountain Bank's Treasury Management division and is helping to coordinate the bank's sales effort in this department.  Prior to coming to Red Mountain Bank, Donworth served as vice president and banking center manager for Georgian Bank in Atlanta, Ga.The State College, Pa. native is quite active in the Birmingham area. She is a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Board and 2007 Leadership Class, a member of the Hoover High and Spain Park High School advisory boards, and the Shelby County School of Finance and Technology advisory board. She also serves as  a Board of Trustees member to the Hoover Chamber, an ambassador for the Hoover Chamber and the South Shelby Chamber, on the Birmingham Chamber's Executive Women's Roundtable and the Membership Committee for National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).Gloria was recently married to Robert Donworth and lives in Branchville.

Susan Bell has been in real estate since 1977, both in commercial and retail property management, and currently in residential sales. Susan is very capable of assisting with purchasing or selling your home, and works mostly by referral. She concentrates her work in Hoover, Helena, McCalla, Alabaster, Vestavia, Homewood and Irondale; however, also works in many other areas. If you need an agent in another city, she can refer you. Susan has been a member of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce since 1993, serving as one of the original Ambassadors. For an honest, hard working and fun agent, call Susan at 586-4255 - RE/MAX Over The Mountain.susan@susanjbell.com

Dr. Jerry Nesseler, My Chiropractor drjerry@my-chiropractor.net.  Dr. Jerry Nesseler has been one of the most active of all Chamber Ambassadors since joining the Hoover Chamber in 2000. Dr. Jerry, as he is well known, is a living example of how Chamber involvement can help anyone grow their business.Dr. Jerry Nesseler practices in Hoover, Alabama and has treated hundreds of patients with injuries to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones as well as the nerves of the spine and extremities. He does work with sports, work-, and auto-related accidents as well. He has been trained to identify the cause of problems and works closely with medical doctors in the area. Dr. Nesseler combines chiropractic, physical therapy, nutrition and acupuncture, and together offers healthy options to give his patients the freedom they need while staying in control of their own health care.

Anna Kathryn Ellis serves as the Director of Business Development for Payroll & Benefit Solutions, a locally owned and operated payroll service provider to small and medium sized businesses.  Prior to joining PBS, Anna Kathryn was an Account Manager for TEKsystems in Atlanta, GA. A native of Tuscaloosa, Anna Kathryn graduated from The University of Alabama Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Financial Planning & Counseling and a Minor in Business Administration.  Anna Kathryn serves on the Hoover Chamber Golf Committee and was a volunteer for the Regions Charity Classic.  Anna Kathryn also serves as an Ambassador to the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce.  Anna Kathryn is a member of Friends of St. Jude, Birmingham Phi Mu Alumnae Association, and attends Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Anna Kathryn can be reached at (205)271-5407 or by email at aellis@pbspay.com.

Andrew L. Graffeo, Registered Representative, Securities America My objective is to service and assist each client to achieve their long-term goals.  I will always strive to treat the client with respect and integrity, and keep their best interest in mind.Andy Graffeo is a Registered Representative with Securities America, Inc., an SEC registered investment firm.With over twenty-five years experience as a self-employed business owner and tax preparer, Andy has assisted many individuals and small business owners.  He is a member of NATP.  Andy attended UAB and completed the CFP course study.   He holds several certifications including the State of Alabama Life and Health insurance license, the Series 6 Securities License, and the Series 63 State Regulatory license. Andy is active in various civic and professional groups, including the Hoover Chamber where he serves as Ambassador.  He is also active at St, Peters Catholic Church where he serves on the board of the Knights of Columbus.Andy is married to Ramona and has two grown children.  He enjoys Golf and Tennis, and spends a good bit of his spare time at Smith Lake with his family.

Shannon Tyndall is Executive Director of Corporate Office Centers, located at One Chase Corporate Center, Suite 400 in Hoover, offering corporate office Suites and services. She can be reached at 403-8800.

mailto:styndall@corpoff.com

http://www.corporateofficecenters.com/

Kyle DeLoach is the owner of The Kyle Group, a business providing individual and group coaching services for professional men and women. A graduate of Coach Training Alliance and Treasurer of the local chapter of International Coach Federation, Kyle believes that coaching is the best process for helping people change their lives. In addition, Kyle is a trained Dialogue facilitator for organizations who seek dynamic, systemic positive change. A member of American Society for Training and Development and Toastmasters International, Kyle focuses on customer skills development and is available as a motivational speaker.Raised in Mobile, AL, Kyle is a long-time resident of Homewood where he and his wife, Suzanne, raised two daughters. They are members of Canterbury UMC, where Kyle performs contemporary Christian music with Canterbury Crossroads. He has worked in a variety of business settings in transportation and logistics. A graduate of Birmingham Southern College and, later receiving a Masters in Counseling from UAB, he discovered his passion for helping people get what they want from life through Life Coaching.Kyle can be reached at 205-870-5650, kdeloach@bellsouth.net or on-line at http://www.kyledeloach.com/ .

Charlie Santiago is the Director of Ticket and Retail Operations for the Birmingham Barons Baseball Team. Charlie has worked for the Barons in various capacities for 3 seasons. He is a Birmingham Native as having lived in multiple locations throughout the metro area for most of his life. He graduated from THE Troy University in December of 2006 with a sport management degree. You can reach Charlie at 205-988-3200 or Charlies@barons.com.

http://www.barons.com/

Kai Smith is the owner of the Ktl Smith Group, Inc. d.b.a. Smith agency of Farmers Insurance.Kai provides personal, commercial, and life insurance protection to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. Kai's holistic approach helps her clients determine just the right amount of insurance for their individual needs.  In addition to her client work, Kai serves Birmingham and surrounding communities by conducting events for special Farmer's programs like M.I.L.K. and Y.E.S.  Through Farmer's M.I.L.K. Program (Managing Information on Lost Kids), parents are provided with fingerprints, digital photos and a Home Organizer CD, giving them a direct link to the AMBER Alert System.  Kai is a native of Oakland California, Graduate of Alabama State University, recipient of the United States Bronze Medal Presidential Volunteer Service Award and member of Cambridge Who's Who among women. She resides with her husband and 3 children in Hoover. She can be reached at (205) 989-5857 or by email at ksmith@farmers-smithagency.com.

Pat Lozito is the local business developer for COMFORCE Corporation, and has been with the company since 1999, supporting the Information Technology, Government, Engineering, and Call Center staffing needs of many Fortune clients. COMFORCE is a recognized leader in the contingent staffing, consulting and financial outsourcing industries in the U.S. and has a fifty-year history as one of the most diversified and innovative human resource solutions providers.  As a highly-respected business development manager and detail oriented contract administrator, his territory includes all of Alabama. Pat is also the national account manager supporting several large out-of-state companies.  Pat still has many of the same clients after years of ups and downs of the economy - the difference is his integrity and commitment to his partners.  Pat has volunteered with the Hoover Chamber for several years at the Regions Charity Classic, serves on the Chamber Golf Committee and now volunteers as an Ambassador.  He graduated in 1995 with a BA degree and is currently pursuing an MBA from the University of Phoenix Online.  He can be reached at plozito@comforce.com or (205) 567-7272.http://www.comforce.com/ or www.linkedin.com/in/patlozito

E. Gordon Huffman, Business Development Manager - Snelling Staffing Services. Gordon joined Snelling Staffing Services of Birmingham, Alabama in 2008. He is an energetic marketing professional with proven success in staffing, business development & sales, marketing and business management. He has worked successfully for large corporations, small businesses and even a start-up company. He has eleven years experience in all aspects of staffing and helps his clients with clerical, administrative, and light industrial staffing solutions. He holds an MBA from Auburn University.Gordon Huffman Snelling Staffing Services 1 Independence Plaza, Suite 702 Birmingham, Alabama 35209 Phone: 205-879-9950

gordon@snellingbham.com

http://www.snellingbham.com/

Mark Durham is the Director of Catering for McAlister's Deli in the Birmingham area, with his home store being in Hoover.  He is originally from Memphis, by way of Baton Rouge.  He is a 1978 graduate of LSU, with a BS in Business Marketing.  His hobbies are College Football, NASCAR, golf and baseball.  He is married to Diane, and together they have eight children and three granddaughters, with a grandson due in the summer of 2010.McAlister's offers a solution for all catering needs, no matter how big or small.  Their motto is - We Deliver Greatness.  Mark can be contacted at (205) 422-7374 or the direct catering line is (205) 617-3354 (DELI).mailto:markdurham@ngcinc.net

Independently Owned and Operated by New Gourmet Deli, LLC

Joe Thomas is Chairman of the Ambassadors committee and is a registered representative with Capstone Financial Group, LLC in Hoover, Alabama.  Capstone Financial Group specializes in three main areas Life insurance, Disability insurance and Group Benefits. Joe works with small to medium sized businesses helping them maximize their benefit dollars while focusing on the individual needs of all the employees.  As a disability and benefit specialist, he is equipped to help employees understand their benefits and plan for the future.  In 1997, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  Prior to his current position he developed and wrote a medical practice management software system with a company in Birmingham.  Joe is also an Eagle Scout.  He is a life long native of Birmingham and enjoys working with everyday people who want an above average retirement. Joe can be reached at 444-5588 or joe@thecapstoneway.com. His website is http://www.thecapstoneway.com/.  

Dick Clark has been in Hoover since 1996. He has five boys, three of which are Eagle Scouts. As General Manager of AmeriCare he wants to help you take care of that loved one. At AmeriCare the mission statement says a lot - "Our mission is to honor God in all that we do, to serve our clients, our employees and their families with the highest quality of care, a positive attitude, respect and enthusiasm."  The services offered are personal care (companionship services), housekeeping services, cooking services, transportation services and minor home repair and minor plumbing services.  It only takes a phone call to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your unique service needs. ALL caregivers are bonded and insured and have had a background check run on them.  Using AmeriCare to care for a loved one takes the stress out of the situation and gets them the best care possible. Contact Dick at (205) 427-7200 or email dick.clark.7@gmail.com. Check out the web site at http://www.americareofalabama.com/.

Rhonda Pyatt, Rhonda Pyatt Photography

rhondapyatt@charter.net

http://www.rhondapyatt.com/

Angela Finley has been with the Wynfrey Hotel for 4 years as the Administration ServicesManager. She joins the Sales Team as the PTP Manager. She looks forward to meeting each and everyone of you. Angela Finley, PTP Sales Manager

205-444-5782
205.987.9552 Fax
The Wynfrey Hotel 1000 Riverchase Galleria Birmingham, AL 35244

Larry Walck is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Whether you're looking for investment strategies, retirement income, funding for your child's education, or estate or tax planning strategies, we'll work with you on your terms. Larry offers a broad range of financial products and services including mutual funds and certificates, life, disability and long term care insurance, as well as brokerage services and financial planning. He also offers flexibility in the way he works with clients: online, with the help of an advisor, or both.Larry has previous business experience as the Store Manager for JCPenney at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover from 2001 to 2008.  He is active in his church, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Hoover Civitan Club.  Larry is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Accounting and Finance.Larry can be contacted by telephone: 205-909-3130, email:  larry.a.walck@ampf.com, website:  www.ameripriseadvisors.com/larry.a.walck, or
LinkedIn!  www.linkedin.com/pub/larry-walck/10/386/979.

Ronnie Blakney is the General Manager for South Hall "Drive Inside" Climate Controlled Storage and Realty, a climate controlled storage operation with 3 locations in the Hoover area.   South Hall offers the ability to "Drive Inside" the buildings to load and unload out of the weather and in safety.   The facilities are climate controlled and offer exterior parking for vehicles of all sizes, with video monitoring.  Ronnie is a member of the Building Owners and Managers' Association of Metropolitan Birmingham, previously serving as President, and has been the Association Executive for the last 20 years.   He has been involved with different aspects of sports in the area in the past:  Mortimer Jordan High School, Athletic Boosters President; Jefferson State Community College, Athletic Boosters President; University of Montevallo Athletics, Baseball Operations.  Present activities include: Samford University Athletics, Basketball Scorer's Table Operations and Football Game Day Operations; Birmingham Basketball Officials Association, High School Basketball Official; Gardendale First Baptist, Upward Basketball Director; Birmingham Barons, MLB Advanced Media Staff.  He is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling.Ronnie resides in Kimberly, AL with his wife, Diane, who works at Samford University in the Athletic Department for Head Football Coach Pat Sullivan.   Their son Zac, is completing his degree at the University of Montevallo, after competing in baseball in college and in the pros.  Contact Ronnie for any information, or discounts available, at South Hall "Drive Inside" Climate Controlled Self Storage.  He can be reached at 205-981-8705 or ronnie.blakney@southhall.com or visit South Hall "Drive Inside" Climate Controlled Storage at http://www.southhall.com/.

Kim L. Williams, Information Technology Professional. Kim Williams serves as the Administrator for The Word Unlimited International Ministries (WUIM), located in Hoover, Alabama. By trade, she has over twenty years of professional working experience in the Information Technology Industry, and has worked for Fortune 500 companies that include IBM Corp and CA, Inc. She has performed in varying roles throughout her career ranging from Project Manager to Director of Customer Operations, and most recently as an Integrated Technology Services Manager supporting Cross Industry companies. She is currently an IT sales professional and has worked in direct and/or sales support roles for the past twelve years.Kim is married to Pastor Horace C. Williams, Senior Pastor of The Word Unlimited International Ministries. She is on the Board of Ministry, Womens Ministry Leader, and acting Finance Director at her church. In addition, Kim is on the YMTF Advisory Board at Alabama A&M University, and is the Technology Director for the Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated.  She holds a B.S. in Computer Science Technologies from Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama, and a Masters in Business Administration from Regis University, Denver, Colorado.  She obtained her Ministers License in 2004.Kim is a longtime tennis player and began playing competitively in college. Currently she plays on the Altadena Valley Country Club 3.5 Teams USTA Spring Tennis League. She enjoys helping others through community service activities, traveling, and spending time with her family. Kim and Horace have three wonderful teenage children who are currently attending Hoover High, Hoover High School Freshman Center, and Bumpus Middle School.kimwill3@bellsouth.net http://www.wuim.org/

Ambassadors are requested to send their e-mail address, short bios and photograph. 

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For information on becoming an Ambassador for the Hoover Chamber of Commerce, please contact Bill Powell at 988-5672 or bill@hooverchamber.org

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