opelika chamber of commerce quarterly news magazine

june 2017

insideribbon cuttings

small business of the quartercalendar of upcoming chamber events

3 Small Business of the Quarter Red Clay Brewing Company

4 Calendar of Events

5 State of the Schools Luncheon

6 Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Representative Speaks at Business Over Breakfast

6 Women’s Business Council Hosts Owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes

7 Leadership Programs

8 20 Under 40

9 Lee County Young Leaders

10 Leadership Lee County

12 Here We Grow Again

15 Business After Hours

BOAR

D OF

DIR

ECTO

RS

Board Member CompanyShey Knight Chair AutosportAl Davis Chair-Elect EAWIN, Region 8Brooke Kastner Vice-Chair Auburn Opelika Marriott at Grand NationalCarlton Hunley, IV Treasurer Lambert Transfer & StorageBill Trant Past Chair Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & CrematoryLes Davis PharmaviteChris Jane Comfort KeepersJeff Jerkins Bubba’s Medicine ShopSheriff Jay Jones Lee County Sheriff ’s DepartmentBill Loosier Edward Jones InvestmentMalcolm Marshall McDonalds RestaurantsBrandon Morgan Southern Union State Community CollegeJerry Ray Southern Insurance ConsultantsTodd Shackett Baxter InternationalJohn Story S & S Termite and Pest ControlRonnie Wilson BancorpSouthJudge Bill English Ex-Officio Lee CountyMayor Gary Fuller Ex-Officio City of OpelikaLori Huguley Ex-Officio City of Opelika, Economic DevelopmentDianne Lowe Ex-Officio Hampton Inn & Suites

STAF

F Pam Powers-Smith PresidentVivian Anthony Administrative AssistantJill Robinson Membership DirectorDinah Motley Business Marketing Director

tabl

eofc

onte

nts

Published for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce by

Opelika-Auburn NewsPublisher: Rex Maynor

Advertising Director: Sheila HaydelLayout by Jessica Henderson

Content Provided by Opelika Chamber of Commerce

“Our Roots Make Us Who We Are” is the slogan found on The Red Clay Brewing Company’s website. The 3 founders of this incredible brewery and taproom, Kerry McGinnis, Stephen Harle and John Corbin, have roots that run deep in Southern Hospitality. They each brought a unique set of skills to the business that has made it so successful. Born and raised in the South, these men know a lot about

playing in the red clay found everywhere in this region. Typically, red clay stains, which usually contains quite a bit of iron, is very difficult to remove from clothes and shoes. These Southern gents wanted to name their unique company something that represented the fun of red clay and how it likes to stay with you, so their brewing company is known as Red Clay.

smallbusinessofthequarter

Red Clay Brewing Company Receives Small Business of the Quarter

Today, Red Clay has eight different homemade brews ranging from stouts to IPAs to cider. The Muskogee word, Opelika, meaning Big Swamp, became an inspiration for one

of their first beers: Big Swamp Stout. Their 3,000 square feet location on North Railroad in Downtown Opelika is a great space for small or large events.

Red Clay Brewing Company704 N. Railroad Ave. • Opelika, AL 36801

334.737.5409www.redclaybrewingcompany.com

Pictured left to right: Benji Williamson, John Corbin, Kerry McGinnis and Craig Collins

4june 2017 - the gauge

chamber4 Chamber Closed for Independence Day

12 Connections Meeting

13 Petra Storage Solutions Ribbon Cutting

17 Chamber Executive Board Meeting

Chamber Board Meeting

19-23 Barbasol PGA Tour Championship

25 TRC Luncheon

26 Plant Manager’s Round Table

community3 Freedom Celebration (City of Opelika)

11, 18, 25 Summer Swing Concerts

14 Bottling Plant Event Center: The Velcro Pygmies

18 - 21 Saugahatchee Country Club: Day Camp

22 USA Softball Coming to Auburn

24 Youth For Christ Golf Classic

chamber9 Connections Meeting

14 Executive Board Meeting

15 Young Leaders Board Meeting

15 Ambassadors Meeting

16 Chamber Board Meeting

27 Young Leader Orientation

community1 Summer Swing Concert

3 Opelika City Schools Begin

4 Bottling Plant Event Center: Comedy

Night with James Gregory

5 Auburn University Graduation

5 Swim l Bike l Run Tri for Kids: American

Cancer Society

10 Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee

26 I Run Opelika Health Expo & 5K

29 Youth For Christ Comedy Café

calendarofevents

08 augu

st

july07

the gauge - june 20175

stateoftheschoolsState of the Schools Luncheon

Dr. Mark Neighbors, Superintendent of Opelika City Schools (OCS), addressed Opelika Chamber members and educators at the Chamber’s Annual State of the Schools Luncheon held at Southern Union State Community College.

Opening the event was the award winning Opelika High Theatre Society (OHTS) performing a song from its spring musical “Bye Bye Birdie. Dr. Neighbors said it was hard to follow such a great performance and commended OHTS for not only winning awards at local and state level but also at the regional and national level. He, then, proceeded to talk about the school system’s many achievements, finances, college preparation, accreditation, and plans for the future.

For a school district to earn accreditation, the district must meet the AdvancED Accreditation Standards for Quality School Systems. AdvancED is a group of professionals that set the standard of accrediting around the world. The process takes about a year to complete. OCS scored above average in many categories. The only area they suggested OCS needed a little work on was adding more tiered instruction, which allows teachers to create multiple paths for students to learn concepts. “You don’t just teach

a lesson, but you teach a lesson to different levels of kids,” Dr. Neighbors explained.

Neighbors also talked about the financial aspect of a school system. The school system receives 48 percent of their revenue from the state level and 41 percent from the local level. We are very fortunate here in Opelika to have a thriving community that puts education as a priority. Many school systems do not have this great support or the funding from the community. According to Neighbors, 80 percent of OCS’s budget goes directly for instructional services.

Opelika High School has a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) classes available for students. Opelika Middle School has many Pre—AP classes and even in kindergarten, students are being introduced to career technical programs. It’s hard to keep up the pace with technology, but OCS makes sure it is always up to date. Some of the school system’s technology includes

2,000 chrome books, a virtual reality kit for 30 students in AP French and clear touch pads in the classroom.

“Our focus is truly to educate every child every day,” Neighbors said. “If you look at a child’s kindergarten through 12th grade education, there is a little more than 2,200 days ---so every day matters!”

Dr. Mark Neighbors, Superintendent Opelika City Schools; Pam Powers-Smith, Opelika Chamber President; Shey Knight, Vice-Chair Opelika Chamber of Commerce

6june 2017 - the gaugecham

ber@

wor

k

The purpose of the Women’s Business Council (WBC) is to develop programs that provide opportunities for women to learn and network, as well as share their expertise with each other. Jennifer Cooper, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, fits that mold to a tee. She recently spoke to a group of businesswomen at the Spring WBC Breakfast about how she and her husband got into the entrepreneurial spirit. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Jennifer met her husband Patrick while attending Auburn University. The two married in 2005 and moved to Patrick’s hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama, where Jennifer taught 7th grade life science and Patrick worked for the family business. With the downturn of the economic climate in 2009, the family business closed and the couple found themselves at a crossroads of what to do next and where to live. While attending a wedding in Nashville in 2009, she and Patrick stumbled upon Gigi’s Cupcakes. They both had a very

sweet tooth. It was love at first bite! When business closed, Gigi’s was the first business that came to Jennifer’s mind. When they discussed their plans to move to Auburn and open a Gigi’s Cupcakes to their parents, Patrick and Jennifer’s family thought they were both a little crazy! Thankfully they supported Patrick and Jennifer in their decisions and were a huge help in starting their business. Through a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifices, the Coopers opened their first Gigi’s and was a huge success. Today, they own a total of five Gigi’s Cupcakes in Opelika, Auburn, Montgomery and Prattville in Alabama and one in Columbus, GA.

Women’s Business Council HostsOwner of Gigi’s Cupcakes

Pictured: Jennifer Cooper

and parents about the dangers of underage drinking. Public service announcements and presentations at high schools and colleges are being implemented by the staff of the Board. ABC officials said they hope the slogan,” “Under Age – Under Arrest” becomes as familiar as the “Click it or Ticket” program to promote seatbelt use. For information on the ABC Board or the “Underage-Under Arrest” program, please visit abcboard.state.al.us.

Dean Argo, Government Relations Manager for the Alabama Beverage Control Board (ABC) was the guest speaker at the spring Business Over Breakfast on May 16. Argo, with more than 35 years of communications and public relations experience, discussed the creation of the ABC board in 1937 to help control and regulate the manufacture, purchase, bottling, sale, distribution, transportation, handling, advertising, possession, dispensing, and drinking of alcohol. Argo said, “The purpose of the ABC Board is to protect

and support the public’s health, safety, and welfare of the citizens in Alabama.” Alabama is the only Control State that allows privately-run package stores to operate alongside of state-run liquor stores. The ABC has 176 locations in Alabama with an average of $1.33mm per day in sales which adds a lot of money to Alabama’s General Fund budget. The ABC Board has launched a statewide campaign to educate students

Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Representative Speaks at Business Over Breakfast

Pictured (L to R): Bill Trant, Pam Powers-Smith and Dean Argo

the gauge - june 20177

You hear your cell phone signal an incoming text message and you pick it up and begin to type a reply . . . you are not watching the

road . . . your car drifts into the oncoming traffic lane. Are you OK with that? I’ll answer for you: No, you are not.

If you text and drive, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Please just don’t do it. Oh, and that text . . . it can wait.

IT CAN WAIT

1900 FREDERICK ROAD • OPELIKA, AL

(334) 749 -5651WWW.LEECOUNTYSHERIFF.ORG

leadershipprograms

For more information on these great leadershipprograms, please call the Chamber, 334.745.4861.

The saying “knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch” is so true in leadership today. A leader must be persistent, hardworking, determined, yet realize that the grass is greener where you water it –where your heart is. The heart of the Opelika Chamber is in growing our businesses and helping provide a great quality of life in Opelika. One way we do this, is through investing in the future leaders of our community. The Chamber has not one, but 4 leadership programs that provide great knowledge and opportunities for the participants to learn the aspects of city, county and state government, our justice system, economic development, health and safety, human services and so much more.

These 9-month programs begin in September and end in May with graduation. We are very honored to share with you pictures of the 2016-2017 graduating classes.

8june 2017 - the gauge

Auburn | Opelika (334) 887-7022 | www.machenmcchesney.com

Accounting & OutsourcingAudit & AssuranceBusiness AdvisoryBusiness Valuation

Estate & Trust TaxFamily Office & Elder CareIndividual & Business Tax

Industry SpecializationInternational TaxWealth Management

Our professionals have the experience and skill to handle the most complex business issues and strive to Return Value in everything we do.

Maximizing Your Tax Deductions?How can weReturn Value to you?Call us Today!

leadershipprograms

Kristopher Bailey | Wells Fargo BankTyler Chaffee | City of OpelikaTiffany Chandler | Huntingdon CollegeJohn Corbin, Jr. | Red Clay Brewing Co.John Mark Davis | Pinnacle ImportsCarter DeShazo | First Team ConstructionJeri Ann Faircloth | EAMCJeremy Gray | Elevate Your Grind, Inc.Jake Harris | Colorvision Rent to Own & PawnRebekah Martin | Opelika ObserverKerry McGinnis | Red Clay Brewing Co.Chelsea O’Dell | Hilyer & Associates, CPAsAli Rauch | Chicken Salad ChickTodd Rauch | U.S. Army Combat CornholeCorneillus Richardson | Lee County Youth Development CenterKenan Roland | EAMCJonathan Savage | Sage Services, LLCMelissa Todd | Southern UnionMeredith Turner | Allen Orthodontics

2016-2017 Graduates

On Thursday May 11, 2017, The Opelika Chamber of Com-merce held its graduation for the 2016-2017 class of 20 under 40 sponsored by Baxter. The “20 Under 40”program under the direction of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce is a class comprised of 20 outstanding people under the age of 40 who live in Opelika, love Opelika and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of this city’s future. The class members are encouraged to think outside the box and are challenged to think of ways to make their city better and improve the quality of life.

Photo courtesy of G. Robert Noles

the gauge - june 20179

leadershipprograms

Stop by your local HoneyBaked store to redeem these great offers.Visit MYHONEYBAKEDSTORE.COM/OPELIKA/1525 to order catering online.

Opelika • 1451 Gateway Drive, Suite C • (334) 741-8411

Make every event more delicious.Whether it’s boxed lunches for a business meeting or freshly prepared

sandwich trays for the biggest party on the block, HoneyBaked has a widearray of products that are perfect for your special occasion.

10%

$6.99LUNCHCOMBO

CateringOrder of$100 orMore(BreakfastorLunchCatering)

SKU 719656

Valid through 12/31/16 at HoneyBaked & Café location in Opelika located at 1451Gateway Drive, for Chamber members only. Must present coupon at time of purchaseto receive offer. May not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per personper visit. While supplies last. Not valid for online orders or delivery.

Valid through 12/31/16 at HoneyBaked & Café location in Opelika located at 1451Gateway Drive, for Chamber members only. Must present coupon at time of purchaseto receive offer. May not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per personper visit. While supplies last. Not valid for online orders or delivery.

Sandwich,Chips&Drink

SKU 719657

HoneyBaked invites the Opelika Chamber of Commercemembers to enjoy these special offers!

9/30/17

9/30/17

Saugahatchee Country Club was the setting for the Lee County Young Leaders Graduation Dinner and Commencement on April 25. Twenty-five students from area high schools were exposed to community operations such as health and human services, economic development, local and state government, public safety, education and the judicial system. The students were challenged to become involved in their communities at an early age.

Sydney AlexanderMary Bentley BarfieldTyler BottomleeTiffany BoutdySarah BrownAnnsley CerovskyMichael ClardyMichaela DaileyBrighton GregoryAlexis HuguleyNathan JohnsonAshley KimKalise Love

Jamie LoweLogan MasseyJaqaevius PorterJamias PressleyReid ReddishCatherine RichardsAshlee SandersUnique SimpsonCammy SmithMarissa TanakaAshleigh TorranceCaitlyn Wooten

2016-2017 Graduates

10june 2017 - the gauge

FRINGEOFOPELIKA.COM | FRINGEOPELIKA

PROUDLY SERVING OPEL IKA FOR 12 YEARS

2016

125 S 8TH STREET DOWNTOWN OPELIKA 334.705.6727 • MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 - 7

JULY 2017 FRINGE IS

EXPANDING TO NOW INCLUDE FRINGE KIDS!

leadershipprograms

On May 18, 2017, Leadership Lee County held its 29th Annual Graduation Celebration at the Marriott at Grand National in Opelika. It was a wonderful evening celebrating all the hard work and accomplishments of the Leadership Lee County Class of 2016-2017. This year’s graduating class found a way to harness a diversity of individual skills to work together on a project to serve the community. They created Lee County Connects, a volunteer fair that was a way to connect volunteers and non-profits. The fair, sponsored by the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce and hosted by the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center was held on May 2, with 42 non-profits and approximately 350 potential volunteers in attendance. Congratulations to the LLC Class of 2017!

the gauge - june 201711

METRO CITY BANK

We believe in long-term banking relationships.

We see our customers as friends in the community

and partners in business.

East Alabama Branch | 334-741-13001805 Gateway Drive | Opelika, AL

Montgomery Branch2779 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL

Tel: 334-260-4926 | Fax: 334-260-8869

SBA Preferred LenderSBA & Commercial Loans:

770-455-4985Residential Mortgage Loans:

(NMLS#874399)334-741-1300

HM Park (NMLS# 1188596)

To see all of our branch locations go tometrocitybank.com

Ausu Anaraki | Auburn UniversityChandler Barrett | United Way of Lee County, Inc.Matt Battles | City of Opelika Parks & RecreationChuck Beams | EAMCJeremy Bennett | Alabama PowerWendy Birmingham | Lee County Youth Development CenterCat Bobo | Auburn Opelika Tourism BureauSusan Bolt | Paragon IndustrialRod Cater | Alabama PowerStephanie Froehlich | Junior League of Lee CountyMary Goodson | MAX Credit UnionAshley Harvill | Daly Hotel ManagementPatrick Harvill | Lee County CommissionDavid Heisler | National Payment Solutions, LLCNicole Hester | Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Co.Vicki Hudson | Lee County Justice CenterJeff Johnson | Auburn City SchoolsJessica King | Auburn Alumni AssociationRodney King | Dixie ElectricNathan Kling | Teksystems Global ServicesLindsay Manley | City of AuburnJustin Murphy | PublixTemika Nelson | EAMCLeah O’Gwynn | Auburn University DevelopmentJustin Quinn | Sensigreen Heating and AirCharlie Saliba | Auburn University ITJeff Schwieker | The Hotel at Auburn UniversityElizabeth Snider | Auburn University Student AffairsLaura Taber | Machen McChesney, LLPCatherine Thompson | Auburn University Development

2016-2017 Graduates

12june 2017 - the gaugehere

weg

row

agai

nAnytime Fitness Center2701 Frederick Road, Suite # 206, Opelika334.749.6464www.anytimefitness.com

Azalea & Dogwood Trail2nd Avenue & 8th Street, Opelika334.749.4970www.keepopelikabeautiful.com

Bridgeway Diagnostic1910 East Samford, Auburn334.539.5700www.2bridgeway.com

City Electric Supply Ribbon Cutting3762 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika334.203.7100www.cityelectricsupply.com

Collaboration Station216 S. 8th Street, Opelika334.203.0000www.collaborationstation.xyz

the gauge - june 201713

ribboncuttings

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers1801 Capps Landing, Opelika785.404.2201www.freddysusa.com

Gigi’s Cupcakes3794 Pepperell Parkway, Suite G, Opelika334.275.4331www.gigiscupcakesusa.com

HomeLink Realty2178 Moores Mill Road, Auburn334.329.5055www.thehomelink.com

James Carroll Dentistry2680 Corporate Park Drive, Opelika334.887.6721

Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy601 S. 7th Street, Opelika334.740.0716www.leecountyautism.com

14june 2017 - the gauge

ribboncuttings

Louie’s Chicken Fingers1479 Fox Run Parkway, Opelika334.745.0050

Premier OBGYN2412 Village Professional Drive S., Opelika334.705.2901www.thepremierobgyn.com

R & T Dollar1467 Fox Run Parkway, Opelika334.704.4919

Simply Sleep Mattress Center2701 Frederick Road, Suite #105, Opelika334.203.1201www.simplysleepmattresscenter.com

Summer VillageAzalea Place - Camellia Place - Magnolia Place1601 Professional Parkway, Auburn334.501.0904www.mysummervillage.com

Vision World3794 Pepperell Parkway, Suite F, Opelika334.759.7170www.visionworldinc.com

the gauge - june 201715

businessafterhours

ABOUT PHARMAVITE

Saugahatchee Country ClubMarch 14

Storybook FarmApril 11

La CantinaMay 16

16june 2017 - the gauge

“HOME IS THE NICEST

WORD THERE IS”

- LAURA INGALLS -WILDER

find your new home in EAST ALABAMA

- every friday in the opelika-auburn news -