GET INVOLVED

Each year every member is offered the opportunity to participate in committee work or project activities of the Chamber. This is your invitation to actively participate in the Chamber's 2001-2002 Business Agenda. The following is a brief description of the active committees.

If you are interested in a committee, click on the e-mail of the staff member and let us here from you !!!

AIR SERVICES COMMITTEE
Works to maintain and expand commercial air service and general aviation at Northwest Alabama Regional Airport. Meets the 1st Thursday of each month at the airport.

AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE
Official Chamber representatives of the Chamber Membership, working to create and maintain relationships with Chamber members. Ambassadors assist with ribbon cuttings, grand openings and various Chamber events throughout the year. Make personal contacts with Chamber members during the year.

BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Reviews and monitors monthly income and expenses and oversees the annual audit. Meets one Tuesday a month at 8:00 a.m.

BUSINESS MARKETING AND RECRUITING COMMITTEE
Aggressively markets the Shoals as a prime place for business location. Fosters the growth and development of existing small business. Promotes diversified growth and fosters entrepreneurial development. Meets as needed.

CHOICES COMMITTEE
This network of business people facilitates the CHOICES program in eighth grade classes across the Shoals. CHOICES is a program designed to educate youth about the importance of staying in school and obtaining training beyond high school. Meets as a group once in November. Volunteers work independently November - April, when available, in classrooms across the Shoals.

CRIME STOPPERS    NEW WEBSITE!
Supports area law enforcement by proactively involving business leaders in crime prevention. (A not-for-profit organization funded by private contributions, affiliated with and supported by the Chamber)
Meets one Wednesday each month during lunch.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Coordinates cultural activities including the visual arts, music and film to promote the arts as an economic development tool. Meets as needed.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
This new committee, which is open to members with substantial I.T. experience, will examine I.T. (i.e. WiMax, WiFi) as an economic development tool to advance the Shoals technologically. Meeting schedule TBD.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Coordinates a community awareness and leadership program that serves to provide potential community leaders with increased knowledge, thus enabling them to be more successful in leading the community. Must have completed Leadership Shoals Class to serve on committee. Meets at lunch, once a month during the year.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Monitors state and national issues of importance to the local business community, and works to enhance relations between the community and local, state and national officials. Meets once each month at 8:00 a.m.

LOCAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
Monitors issues of importance to the business community and the Shoals community at large, and works for the betterment of the area. Meets as needed at 7:30 a.m.

MEMBERSHIP SALES COMMITTEE
Works with Membership Sales Coordinator to recruit new Chamber members. Meets monthly.

PORT SERVICES COMMITTEE
Promotes the use of the Florence/Lauderdale Port as a major shipping artery. Meets as needed.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Works to maintain a symbiotic relationship with local media and organize special events such as the annual meeting each March. Meets as needed.

Shoals Chapter of Alabama Jump Start Coalition
Financial education for K-12 students. Volunteers currently work with 12^th grade Economics classes teaching children personal finance skills. The Chamber plans to add programs for other grades in coming years. Volunteers meet occasionally for planning and training, then work independently in classrooms.

SHOALS BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE / Keep the Shoals Beautiful 
This new committee will develop educational material to be distributed through local school systems and media outlets. Members will organize and possibly participate in clean up days along with civic, youth and university organizations.

SHOALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MARKETING COMMITTEE
Coordinates and sponsors the NCAA Division II National Championship Football Game which takes place in the Shoals each December.  It brings the top two teams from Division II together for a GREAT year end battle of the best. Promotes sponsorship, attendance and community support for the game. Meets weekly September through January

TEACHER SUPPLY DEPOT COMMITTEE
Solicits and organizes donations for the Teacher Supply Depot, a store stocked with new and recycled classroom items that opens once per quarter to Shoals area educators. Committee members staff the store on days it is open. Meets as needed.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Coordinates a community awareness leadership training program for high school sophomores and juniors to increase their appreciation of the Shoals area and their potential as future leaders in our community.