We have been in a whirlwind of activity, From Ribbon Cuttings for new businesses, to conducting both adult and youth leadership classes, to serving on a 10-county  rural action small business committee, to attending the annual fall meeting of the 5-state El Camino East/West corridor in Vidalia, Louisiana; hosting the 5^th Mockingbird Market, the Annual Monroeville Christmas Parade and the Monroeville Tour of Homes, Attending the Nutcracker Ballet at Nettles Auditorium, The Living Christmas Tree at First Baptist, and participating in Beehive Coffee & Books First Fridays.  There is no lack of things to do around here!

All of this activity is great—It helps to be involved in the community and it takes our minds away, albeit temporarily, on the economy, a topic weighing heavily on everyone’s minds.  There is no doubt that we are in an economic downturn, although some sectors of the economy are brighter than others .  The main topic on everyone’s minds is jobs.  There are some bright spots on the horizon—and there are also challenges.  The important thing to remember is that we are fortunate in having proactive city  and county leaders, such as Judge Norris and Mayor Kennedy, and we are equally blessed in our federal representation with such leaders as Senators Shelby and Sessions, and congressman Jo Bonner. 

With the community in unity, there is abundant opportunity ahead for our city and county.  As George Landegger recently remarked,..”I have personally been through at least 10 economic downturns..” ; Mr. Landegger went on to comment on the financial strength of the Alabama River Companies at this time,  and, thus, the ability of the company to be able to weather this downturn.   We are very hopeful that all of the great minds working on the Alabama River Newsprint crisis will be able to resolve this and put this mill back into full production.  Again, we are very blessed in the leadership at ARN,ARP, and all of our local manufacturing concerns.    

We look forward to getting Georgia pacific back up and running—this great company has been a vital part of Monroe County since 1978.  Our plant Manager, Mike Golden, has literally just finished moving new furniture into his house—we do not want to lose these folks!  Anita Ashworth, Human Resources Manager, is looking for a house in Taylorsville,Mississippi.  WE wish anita the best as she and her family relocate to another Georgia pacific plant.

 In the words of Dr. Thomas Lane Butts:  “We are called to be a caring community.  What touches one of us touches all of us.”

There have been some great events this past year in our economy:  Think about these.  Downtown Monroeville has attracted some new businesses.

 Have you visited Beehive Coffee & Books, under the ownership of Crissy Nettles, and now open Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.?  Beehive is also known for its First Friday events, usually held from 6 – 8 p.m.  Look for these in the days ahead!  Thus far, Beehive has hosted singers from The Mobile Opera, authors, artists, local musicians, etc.  These are great networking events. Bring the family and join in the fun!

 IF you are a treasure hunter—look no more!  Simply visit owner Lynda Spann at Southern Treasures, 133 West Claiborne (just down from Maycomb Mall and across from Central Farm Supply).  This unique shop houses all kinds of goodies, from vintage linens, to lamps and jewelry, gourmet food items, furnishings and accessories, artwork, etc.  Lynda is also an expert at gift baskets, and does several custom baskets for local business and industry, holiday gift baskets, birthday and special occasion items, etc.

If you have not visited the Monroe County Heritage Museum’s Gift Shop in the Old Courthouse in recent months, you need to rediscover this space!  Stephanie Rogers has poured months of work into finding new vendors and new items for the gift shop. Great picks for holiday gift items include books, Rikards Mill Grits and Cornmeal, custom jewelry, pottery and artwork.  Visit today for that perfect gift, you will be amazed!  Or call the museum at 251/575-7433! 

 Speaking of pottery, for local custom designs see Sam Williams, Potter, in his studio next to Monroeville Presbyterian Church Parking Lot.  Sam sells his work at his studio at 173 North Mount Pleasant, and it may also be found in Camden at Black Belt Treasures.  To schedule an appointment with Sam, call him at 251/282-0844—or look him up on the chamber webpage at www.monroecountyal.com (Pottery by Williams). 

Pharr Photography has opened next to Johnson Jewelers.  Local photographer Jennifer Pharr is ready to snap those family portraits.  Visit her shop and view her samples just in time for the holidays, or call her at 251/564-1895.

Elaine’s Antiques continues to be a popular spot for finding just the right piece of furniture for the house.  Now under the ownership of Cynthia Martens (in her other life, a pharmacist at Monroe County Hospital), Elaine’s has become Cecillia ‘Member When Vintage Boutique.  In addition to antiques and home accessories, you will now find a virtual treasure trove of vintage clothing and accessories at this fabulous store, located at 29 Pineville Road. 

If you are looking for home furnishings, visit Hainje’s new store at 1080 South Alabama Avenue, under the management of Andy Rowell.  The store is beautifully done, all construction by Hammer, Inc.

More retail news—Super Walmart will open March 18^th, 2008 with 150,000 square feet at 3371 South Alabama Avenue.  Manager David Moody reports all systems on go to achieve this Grand Opening Date!

Speaking of Hammer, Inc. you will see the results of their work in the community when you visit International Sign & Design in the Monroeville Industrial Park.   The company purchased the city’s second speculative building (the first is owned by Warrior Tractor & Equipment Company) of 30,000 square feet in 2005 and has already doubled its square footage, adding another 30,000 square feet with approximately 100 employees today.  Owner Eric Sekeres and wife, Pam, are spending holidays in their newly renovated Monroeville home, which they moved into in March, 2008.  Pam volunteers her time at the chamber office and has assisted with completely revamping the chamber’s accounting system.  They are regulars at Beehive’s First Fridays, and have also supported the Thursday events at Monroe County Heritage Museums.  We cannot say enough about their wonderful and supportive presence in our community!   And we welcome their employees!

If you know of anyone looking for enhanced manufacturing space—look no further!  The city has another 30,000 square foot speculative building, financed through Alabama Power, available for sale in the Monroeville Industrial Park!  In addition, one of the finest industrial buildings in Alabama is being offered for sale by B. C. Hornady and Bob Sawyer, thus the name, the Hornady Sawyer Building.  It is 225,000 square feet, ideal for manufacturing, and has housed such diverse enterprises as manufacturing operations for Arvin Industries, Acorn Industries, Medline Industries, as well as warehousing for Alabama River Pulp, Gerber, Standard Furniture, and others.  The building has been completely reworked by Sawyer and Hornady—and it is the finest of its kind in the state!  Hornady has run national advertising in such newspapers as “The Wall Street Journal” and other business publications.    Hornady and Sawyer are personally contacting prospects for this excellent manufacturing facility.  If you have a prospect, please contact them.  “Our goal is to put people to work and create some jobs,” says B. C. Hornady.  With Monroeville’s close proximity to the Port of Mobile, the possibilities for prospects are endless.

New meeting space is available at 413 Claiborne Place, a newly renovated facility owned and operated by Wesley Dozier, a Thomasville resident.  You may recognize this as the old Monroeville Optometric Clinic.  Dr. Roy Adams and several of his former staff members and family members were also on hand for the ribbon-cutting/open house.  The ribbon-cutting for this new venture was held on Tuesday, December 16^th, and included Wesley Dozier, and several family members and friends.    The renovation was done by Monroeville’s Floors to Go.  For rental information, contact Wesley Dozier at 334/636-9426, or view the membership listing through the Monroeville chamber webpage, www.monroecountyal.com, Claiborne Place. 

 Health Care News:   If you are having trouble sleeping, fret no more!  All you need is a referral to Monroe County Hospital’s New Sleep Clinic, titled “Monroe County Sleep Solutions”.  The purpose of the clinic is to diagnose different types of sleep disorders, from narcolepsy to obstructive sleep apnea.  According to Jerry Sailors, Director of Cardio Pulmonary Services at Monroe County Hospital, “ visiting the sleep clinic should be a hotel-type experience.”  The clinic is slated to open during the first quarter of 2009.  To visit the sleep clinic, you will need a physician referral.  For further information, please contact Jerry Sailors, Monroe County Hospital, at 251/743-7374.   

Doctors Clinic, with Drs. Eddins and Boroughs, is building a new facility at 75 Highway 136 West  Highway 136 at Ollie, and expects to open its doors the first of February, 2009.   The building is a project of Hammer, Inc. 

Monroeville Area YMCA has a new director, former Program Director Ricky Powell is now Director, with the departure of former Director Rob Kirkland to the Birmingham area.  Ricky reports that the YMCA is waiving its $ 50 joining fee for YMCA membership now through January 31^st, 2009.  Membership rates are:  Student - $ 20; Adult - $ 30; Family - $38.  This is a great deal.  Make your New Year’s resolution to be healthy in the New Year—and join the Monroeville Area YMCA today!

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Friday, January 9^th:  Job Fair, Monroeville Water Tower Conference Center, 10am – 4pm, Contact Coastal Gateway EDA for further information, 251/248-3143.

Monday, January 26^th:  Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening at B,D& S, Monroeville, 220 East Claiborne Street, Monroeville.   Contact owner Al Brewton for further information, 251/743-2327.

Saturday, January 31^st, Monroeville:  Noon – 1pm:  Annual Constituent Meeting with U. S. Senator Richard Shelby, Place TBA,

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 251/743-2879.

Thursday, February 5^th:  6 – 9pm, Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner Meeting with Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, Keynote Speaker

at the  Monroeville Community House. $25/per person includes reception, dinner, business exhibits; silent auction.Business Exhibits are $ 35

per exhibit, first come, first served. Contact chamber office for tickets, 251/743-2879.

Saturday, February 7^th, Seventh Genealogy Workshop, 9am – 3pm, Monroe County Heritage Museums, 251/575-7433.

Thursday, February 12^th & Friday, February 13^th:   Monroeville, Annual meeting of the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association.    

Thursday, February 19^th, Heart to Heart Health Fair, Monroeville Community House.  Contact Kim Sheffield, Monroe County Hospital

Saturday, February 21^st:  Heritage Arts Festival on the Square, downtown Monroeville

Friday, February 27^th, “To Kill A Mockingbird” Tickets go on sale, contact Monroe County Heritage Museums at 251/743-2879.

Please remember to vote for the chamber’s new Board of Directors.  Ballots are in the mail. Chamber President for 2009 is Bryan

Jones, (Crowne); Retiring President is Jim Rowell (Rowell Rentals). 

To schedule an event on the Chamber’s Community Calendar, please log on to www.monroecountyal.com, and “Submit Event.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All from the Chamber Officers, Directors & Staff!