Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce

Member Spotlight: Lightwire Solutions This quarter, we’re excited to highlight Lightwire Solutions, a trusted managed services provider offering expert help desk support, technology consulting, cybersecurity, network management, and business continuity/disaster recovery solutions. Hear from Managing Partner Daniel Starr and two of his dedicated team members about how they’re helping businesses stay secure and run smoothly. Go to https://bit.ly/4fM2EUC to find out more about the incredible work Lightwire Solutions is doing!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Our office will close today at 1 p.m. and we will reopen on Monday, December 2. As you take advantage of the local holiday sales, don’t forget to save your receipts to enter our Shop Small, Shop Local Giveaway. The receipt box will be outside the Chamber on Monday!

Give the gift of local this holiday season and enter our Shop Small, Shop Local Gift Card Giveaway for a chance to win one of twenty $100 gift cards to a Chamber member business!

??Attention Job Seekers! Join us on Wednesday, December 4 for our Hiring Event where you will be able to connect with 20+ employers, explore a wide range of job openings and take the next step in your career. ???When: Wednesday, December 4th ?Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ??Where: Fort Decatur Rec Center ??Register online before the event to get your career search jumpstarted at https://lnkd.in/d_fkK5pr

Yesterday’s Breakfast & Biz event brought together local professionals for an interactive session led by Jillian Miles Massey of Horizon Point Consulting, Inc. Attendees explored how to apply coaching techniques to inspire creativity and effective problem-solving. They also learned ways to encourage team members to think outside the box and approach challenges from fresh perspectives. Additionally, Jillian shared insights on using design thinking to foster collaboration and innovation within teams. The Chamber's Breakfast & Biz professional development training and networking session provides ongoing support for our local business partners. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union and to our host sponsor The Magnolia Room.

Congratulations to our very own Crystal Brown, President & CEO of your Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, on being awarded the prestigious Jamie Wallace Award at The Partnership of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) annual meeting in Birmingham yesterday! Named in honor of long-time chamber professional Jamie Wallace, this award honors chamber professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and dedication to their profession. In presenting the award l, Jeremy Arthur, 2021 Jamie Wallace Award recipient, said of Crystal, “Having been nominated by multiple people, descriptive words from the nomination forms include proven leader, extensive experience, skilled at developing people and partnerships, always thoroughly prepared, reliable and consistently delivers excellence. I’ve seen all of these in this person myself.” We are proud to work alongside such a dedicated and impactful leader. In addition, Leissa Hill, our Vice President of Finance and Operations and CFO, was recognized for beginning her second year on the Alabama Chambers Board of Directors.

Join us in celebrating Parker Real Estate! Today in Birmingham, the Business Council of Alabama and Alabama Chambers recognized this outstanding Decatur company as one of 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year Awards in the 11-50 Employees Category. These awards honor exceptional small businesses making an impact across the state. We’re proud of Parker Real Estate’s well-deserved recognition and the strength of our local business community. Congratulations to Jeff Parker and the entire Parker Real Estate team!

2024 Workforce NOW Summit Recap: This morning at Calhoun Community College, business and industry leaders and employees gathered for insights into workforce development strategies. Keynote Speaker: Michael Bridier, Project Manager for the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, shared how apprenticeships can help businesses recruit, train and retain employees. His focus on expanding registered apprenticeships into non-traditional occupations and leveraging Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) incentives inspired actionable takeaways for employers. Breakout Sessions included Modern Manufacturing with Billy Troutman, North AlabamaWorks and Childcare in the Workforce with Tony Dillon, TOOTRis, a national childcare company. Thank you to our silver sponsor Ascend Performance Materials for supporting this impactful event!

Yesterday, 10th and 11th graders in our Edge Student Leadership class experienced Law and Order Day! Starting with presentations from local judges and officials at the Morgan County Courthouse, students learned about the judicial and criminal justice systems firsthand. After a tour of the Morgan County Jail, the class took part in a mock trial experience, a favorite part of the day! Under the guidance of Morgan County District Judge Shelly Waters, students played roles as judges, jury members, attorneys, witnesses and the accused, gaining an authentic view of courtroom procedures. Thank you to Morgan County District Judge Shelly Waters for leading the mock trial, our presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur and gold sponsors Hubbard & Drake General - Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Joe Wheeler EMC and the Morgan County Commission. #EdgeLeadership #FutureLeaders

Today we celebrated the grand opening of The Owl Café and Roastery inside Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company in downtown Decatur! The café offers a delicious variety of coffee options including espresso, flavored lattes, cappuccinos and nitro cold brew. With beans roasted daily in small batches, they ensure high-quality, fresh coffee available by the cup or by the pound for home brewing. Stop by starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.