2012 Paddlin 4 Paws Boat Building Class

February 11, 2012
10:00 am	to	12:00 pm
February 13, 2012
6:00 pm	to	8:00 pm

Free Estate Planning Seminar

February 7, 2012
11:00 am	to	1:00 pm
6:30 pm	to	8:30 pm

Position Opening – CCAA Executive Director

Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama

Qualifications and Job Description:  Executive Director 

Qualifications

The Executive Director shall possess a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years experience in chamber or association management.  The Executive Director should possess excellent leadership, strategic planning, external communication skills, self-management capability and event-planning experience.

Job Description

The Executive Director is to professionally manage the day to day operations of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA). These tasks include, but are not limited to:

• All record-keeping, financial management, membership development and all other administrative duties related to association management.
• Overseeing the organization’s website, newsletter, news releases, and all other means of communication necessary to promote the organization, disseminate information, provide a return on investment to the membership and promote professionalism for Chamber executives and their staffs.  For these purposes, the Executive Director must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as be computer-savvy.
• Planning, promotion and management of all CCAA-sponsored events — in conjunction with the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership — that will provide a return on investment to the membership and promote professionalism for Chamber executives and their staffs.
• Serving as the primary liaison between the CCAA and other business-related and professional development organizations, such as the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), U.S. Chamber and similar statewide Chamber associations across the country.
• Representing CCAA at such meetings and events as deemed appropriate by the CCAA Executive Committee.

The Executive Director will be responsible for all of the duties listed above and any other duties as assigned by the CCAA Chair with approval from the CCAA Board of Directors.  The Executive Director will report directly to the CCAA Chair and Executive Committee.

To Apply:  Please send cover letter, resume and references to

Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama
2 N. Jackson Street, 5^th Floor
Montgomery, AL  36104

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 10, 2012.

Clay County E-911 Dispatcher Positions Open

CLAY COUNTY E-911 HAS 2 DISPATCHER POSITIONS OPEN:

SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR:

2 PART-TIME FLOATING POSITIONS

PAY IS BASED ON EXPERIENCE

YOU MAY PICK UP APPLICATIONS

MONDAY – FRIDAY FROM 2-4:00 P.M.

PLEASE BRING YOUR DRIVERS LISCENSE AND SOCIAL SECURITY CARD FOR BACKGROUND CHECK.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 256-396-6911

EOE

Alabama Gives Day

February 2, 2012

   

For Immediate Release:

On Thursday, February 2, 2012 the Leeds Arts Council will participate in Alabama Gives Day. LAC is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit company dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals by promoting the visual and performing arts, as well as literary, social, educational, and cultural activities and events, not only for the citizens of Leeds, Alabama, but also for those of the surrounding area. 

What is Alabama Gives Day?
The Alabama Association of Nonprofits (AAN), in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association, is doing something that’s never before been done in Alabama. They are taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide, connecting new and existing donors with thousands of Alabama nonprofit organizations. Going a step farther than other successful Gives Days that helped only one particular city, Alabama Gives Day takes philanthropy to another level by benefiting nonprofits across the entire state. 

Why set aside Alabama Gives Day?
The LAC wishes to:  

increase the awareness of the arts as a sector that helps make our city, and our state, such a desirable place to live and do business;

connect to potential new individual and corporate donors while giving current donors an opportunity to give again;

provide a safe and easy complimentary online giving platform that donors may use year-round outside of Gives Day; and of course,

raise as much money as possible in 24 hours from individuals

When is Alabama Gives Day?
Alabama Gives Day will take place during a 24-hour period starting at 12:00 a.m. on February 2, 2012. Donations will be accepted online via a centralized and secure site owned by AAN, called Nonprofits Matter.  

At the conclusion of the event, the Nonprofits Matter website will launch a new tool provided by the AAN for nonprofits to use as their online giving portal, allowing them to save hundreds of dollars each year on monthly hosting fees ordinarily charged by PayPal and other merchant credit card processing vendors.

How will I know if my donation actually goes to my nonprofit of choice?
ALL gifts made during the event are donor-determined; that is, the donor selects whom they are giving to from the list of participating organizations. Here’s how: 

Go to “Razoo.com” from your favorite search engine. Click on “Donate,” which will take you to the “Categories.”  Click on the “Arts and Culture” Category.  Type “Leeds Arts Council” in the box and click, “search.”

Enter a donation amount (minimum of $10.00). You will receive a receipt to print out, and will be given a choice of whether or not to repeat your donation.

Clay County Livestock Annual Stock Cow Sale

February 25, 2012
11:00 am	to	1:00 pm

CLAY COUNTY LIVESTOCK ANNUAL STOCK COW SALE
1050 Airport Road Ashland, Alabama
Saturday, Feb. 25th, 2012 at 11:00 AM

***50 Crossbred Cows, most 1/4 to 3/8 ear ..bred cows 3-5 years old
***20 Bred Angus Cows 3-5 years old
***20 Brangus/Angus cross and 3rd calf bred cows
***30 Mixed Breed pairs with big calves
***40-50 Mostly Black bred cows & pairs
***3 Top End Genetics Black Simmental Bulls -Homo Black -Semen Tested. Ready for service -2 years old this spring
***4 High Quality Grey Brahman Bulls -Get the Brahman growth with these bulls -13-15 months old

CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME
For more information call Justin McCollum at 256-618-1282.

Restaurant will be open.

Huntsville’s Space Camp on Hallmark Hall of Fame

January 29, 2012
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

ALABAMA TAKES CENTER STAGE AS HOLLYWOOD HIGHLIGHTS HUNTSVILLE’S SPACE CAMP

SPACE CAMP® and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will be featured in a made-for-TV movie, Sunday Night, January 29^th on ABC at 9/8pm central.  The movie, “A Smile as Big as the Moon,” is a true story based on the novel written by Mike Kersjes.

There are numerous mentions in the movie about Huntsville and traveling to Alabama to attend Space Camp.  The filming in Huntsville was made possible thanks to assistance from the Alabama Film Office and the Alabama Tourism Department. The Space Center extends special appreciation to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, State Tourism Director Lee Sentell and to Kathy Faulk and Tommy Fell in the Alabama Film Office.

Mike Kersjes brought the first group of special needs children to attend Space Camp in 1988.  Kerjses, a coach and special education teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan, helped his students achieve their impossible dream of attending Space Camp at a time when the camp accepted mainly gifted students.  In order to get his students into the camp, Kersjes contacted Dr. Deborah Barnhart, who at the time was Director of Space Camp Operations and is today the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s CEO and Executive Director. 

The Friday night event IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  You can attend the movie premiere in Huntsville for $10.00 inside the Saturn V Hall.  If you’d like to attend, please visit, www.spacecamp.com/smilemovie to reserve a spot for you and your guest(s).

For more info, please contact Tim D. Hall at timh@spacecamp.com or (256) 701-0916.

Lighting Efficiency Grant Available for Small Businesses

Title:  State Energy Program – Small Business Energy-Efficient Lighting Retrofits (Second Round)

Eligible Applicants:  A small business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is one that is independently owned and operated, is organized for profit, and is not dominant in its field. Depending on the industry, size standard eligibility is based on the average number of employees for the preceding twelve months or on sales volume averaged over a three-year period. These size standards can be located at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website at http://www.sba.gov/content/tablesmall-business-size-standards . A list of eligible subsectors is attached for your convenience.

Response Due:  March 2, 2012  5:00 PM CST

Synopsis:  The intent of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient lighting improvements in small businesses located in Alabama. Several changes have been made to the incorporate appropriate immigration requirements for selected proposals, to remove the requirement of benchmarking in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and to shorten the required occupancy period to six months.

The  required attachments can be found on our website at  http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/C7/FormsPubs.

Thank you!

Karl Frost | Energy Division | ADECA
karl.frost@adeca.alabama.gov

Paddlin’ 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races

May 12, 2012

Press Release for 4th Annual Paddlin’ 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races

“We’re gearing up for the 4th annual Paddlin’ 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races on May 12 at Chimney Cove, Wedowee, as a fundraiser for the Randolph County Animal Shelter”, says organizer Patt High.  Last year’s 80 contestants ranged in age from 5 to 76 years old, and they rowed their hearts out for the 1500 spectators who were secretly cheering for them to sink.  Only 7 of the 34 boats sank, including during the finale, the Demolition Derby Race (ie Water NASCAR).  26 teams went home with photo plaque awards and bragging rights for a full year including teams that swam their boat in, and others that sank….so even ‘losers’ were winners !  Make a day of fun and frivolity for the whole family, including inner tube races before the main event, and the music by local favorite, the Lard Bucket Blue Grass Band.

So how do you get involved in these hilarious 200 yard races?  Easy, pick your crew, then attend class: 

First you decide how many of your friends/church youth/Scouts/school friends/social groups will help you build the boat, or if you want to race solo.  Your boat size depends on your crew and what awards and race(s) you are shooting for.  There are 5 races:  heat trials, grudge races, parent-child race, ‘everybody’ race, followed by the ‘D.D.-NASCAR’ race. 

Second, attend a free February boat builder’s class to learn how to build a ‘floater’.  Two previously raced boats will be on display while 3 experienced builders demonstrate techniques, and offer ‘hands on’ assistance for your boat.  Print materials are available at the Shelter and these two classes: 

A)  Saturday, 2/11:  10am to noon at the old Kiwanis Building at Kids Town Park in Roanoke, at Kiwanis Drive and Highland Avenue. 
B)  Monday, 2/13:  6-8pm, at the Lineville Elementary School auditorium at 88584 Hwy 9, in Lineville.

To get the most out of the class, High suggests you bring basic supplies, as a box cutting knife, and a ruler and marking pens.  All paid entries are eligible to receive a new sheet of cardboard 11′ x 5.5′, free, either at class or in Wedowee.  You will need truck tie-down’s for transport.  Paid entries also receive 10% off builder’s supplies at participating retailers. 

Your boat entry fee covers your race crew for up to 5 races.  Non profit groups and individual/friend’s boats pay a $25 entry fee.  A business boat entry fee is $50 (has their business name on the hull).  If a business ‘adopts’ a crew to build their entry, the business pays the boat entry fee of $50, plus $50 for the crew building expenses as caulking, KILZ and paint.

At www.highairs.com you can view prior race videos/photos, as well as download “How to Build a Killer Boat and Race It”, “Adopt a Boat” and Race Entry forms, as well as boat design diagrams.  Patt High, volunteer organizer for RCAS, can be reached at  256 363-1056 or highairs@gmail.com.  She is the go to person for the print program booklet, t-shirts ads, shoreline flag ads, and vendor booths. 

“Pirates, don’t miss the boat!”, says High.  “Our Dirt-Y GIRLZ boat has raced 9 times and is coming back !  Are you man/woman enough to go oar to oar with our crew of 4 seniors with an average age of 60+ ?  Or are you a shoreline sissy snail?  Show me what you got !!”

Thank you.

Patt High
Wild Woman
Volunteer fundraiser for the Randolph County Animal Shelter

Alabama Tourism Launches “The Year of Alabama Food” Website

This is GREAT NEWS for Alabama and Clay County.

Clay County has two restaurants listed on the Year of Alabama Food website and brochure. High Points Coffee and Books and Red’s Catfish Cabin.  Please read more below:

Alabama Tourism Launches “The Year of Alabama Food” Website
Restaurants, Chefs, Dishes and Trails

Montgomery, Ala.

“Baked Grits” at Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, “Chicken with White Sauce” at Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur, “Fried Chicken” at Martin’s in Montgomery, “ribs and white bread” at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa are some of the dishes shown in photographs on the food website.  The dishes are listed in the updated version of the “100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die” brochure which will be available for download via the website at the end of January.

“The new website is top-notch and we are sure it will be a great experience for those seeking the great culinary dishes our state has to offer,” said Lee Sentell, tourism director. “We think it offers something for every taste whether it’s fine dining, a meat and three buffet, or BBQ. It’s also a great way for folks to search the 300 plus food events happening in 2012.”

Alabama’s top restaurants can be explored from its small towns to its biggest cities. Visitors to the site can find a restaurant among the more than 250 listings by city or they can search by cuisine type. The site also introduces some of Alabama’s top chefs. The bios and stories include Wesley Tru in Mobile, Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings of Birmingham, and James Boyce of Huntsville.

For fresh produce a search feature on the site allows visitors to search for Famers Markets across the state from Pepper Place in Birmingham, to Mobile’s Market on the Square and Madison’s City Farmers Market. A click on the map will help locate more than 130 markets across 67 counties.

For travelers wanting to take in the sites and great food the website offers five culinary trails from each region of the state. The Coastal Cuisine trail offers fresh Gulf Coast seafood while the Heartland Trails takes travelers from historic restaurants to college towns with down home cooking and BBQ. The Lower Alabama trail offers a variety of eats in the Mobile area, the Magic City Trail offers everything from meat and threes to fine dining in Birmingham, and the North Alabama trail takes diners through Huntsville and the Shoals will offerings from a Harvey Milkshake to BBQ and steak.

Tourism will officially kick off The Year of Alabama Food, on Friday, January 27 during the FoodBlogSouth event in Birmingham. The event is a conference for food writers, bloggers and photographers.

Tourism will also unveil a thirty second television commercial during the media event and will provide a sneak peek at the new “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” brochure.

For more information about the Year of Alabama Food visit www.yearofalabamafood.com.

Contact: Edith Parten
PR/Media Relations Director
Alabama Tourism Department
334.242.4537
Edith.parten@tourism.alabama.gov
Twitter: @ALTourist

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