About: Areas of Focus

Public Safety Officer of the Quarter/Year Awards
The Chamber recognizes the hard work and dedication of the Saraland Police and Fire Department officers by selecting one to honor each quarter. During the Chamber's Annual Installation Banquet held in December, the Police and Fire Officers of the Year are commended and recognized.

Saraland Citizen of the Year
Each year the committee selects an outstanding Saraland resident as the Chamber's nomination for Citizen of the Year. The Saraland Civic Forum is the organization that presents this extremely worthwhile and very deserved award.

Christmas Parade Float
Saraland plays host to the largest annual Christmas Parade in Mobile County. Many area clubs, businesses and groups sponsor floats in addition to the Chamber.

Small Business Workshops and Seminars
Each year the Chamber hosts workshops and seminars designed to provide it's membership with relevant business information. The Chamber has hosted Small Business Administration workshops conducted by SBA staff.

Conventions and Trade Shows
The Vice President and members of the committee represent the Saraland area by participating in trade shows, conventions and other venues to promote new industry and commercial development. Their efforts are coordinated with those of the staff of the City of Saraland and the Industrial Board.

Housing Development
Committee members work closely with local realtors and commercial developers in establishing new residential areas.

Business Development
The committee also focuses on actively pursuing new business to locate in Saraland and coordinates its efforts with the Chamber Board of Directors and the staff of the City of Saraland.

Environmental Issues
Understanding that protection of the environment is vital, committee members monitor and evaluate programs, regulations and laws pertaining to the environment which impact the Saraland area and report their findings to the Chamber Board of Directors.

Meet the Candidates Forum
Prior to elections, the Chamber hosts a public forum where candidates are invited to share their views and vision for the office they seek. The forums are held in the Saraland Civic Center. The Chamber sponsors this event to provide a venue for the candidates to discuss issues which may potentially impact Chamber members and residents of the Saraland area.

Communication Liaison
Develops communication channels between the Chamber and state, county and city officials to further promote the Saraland area and report Chamber activities. The committee works to facilitate communication between these entities and to provide information for the benefit of Chamber members and the residents of the Saraland area.

City Council Meetings
Representatives attend the monthly City Council meetings to report activities of the Chamber to the Council and Mayor.

Membership Recognition Program
The Chamber recognizes outstanding businesses for their accomplishments. The Chamber will select the "Small Business of the Year" and make an award presentation to the recipient at the Annual Installation Banquet. The Board of Directors will determine the selection criteria for eligibility. Businesses will also be highlighted in the monthly Chamber newsletter, Insight. Member business highlighted in the monthly Chamber newsletter will be determined by participation in Business After Hours and/or other Chamber sponsored activities.

Annual Membership Drive
The committee coordinates and facilitates annual recruitment of new members to the Chamber by developing new and innovative ways to achieve this goal. Attention is also focused on the retention of existing members by promoting the benefits of Chamber affiliation. Annual membership renewal is recognized by presentation of the renewal certificate at each of the monthly membership meetings and by inclusion in the Chamber newsletter.

Business After Hours
Member businesses sponsor these events which offer opportunities for existing and potential members to network and to promote their products and services in a casual and relaxing atmosphere.

Diplomat Team
The Diplomats are the Chamber's volunteers and a special group of individuals which support Chamber activities by attending ribbon cuttings, grand opening ceremonies, Business After Hours, Morning Marketing, and other events. Representatives also promote the Chamber by acquiring new members, inviting new members to Chamber functions and making Goodwill Calls. Each month a Diplomat is selected and recognized as Diplomat of the Month based on accumulation of points for participation in Chamber activities. The Diplomat of the Year is awarded to the Diplomat with the highest points and is announced at the Annual Installation Banquet.

New Member Orientation
The Chamber will begin hosting an orientation for new members where representatives from each of the Chamber's areas of focus will provide information about the benefits of membership. Most importantly, the information shared will serve to promote rapport and is designed to encourage participation in Chamber activities. The Board officers and a representative from each committee will share information about their roles and the work that is done through the committee process. This orientation enables new members to fully benefit from their investment in their community through their Chamber membership.

Morning Marketing Meetings
Provides member businesses and individuals who are represented the opportunity to promote their products and services through a "two minute commercial." These meetings provide an additional way for members to network if attendance at Business After Hours is not convenient. Member businesses sponsor the meetings and are allowed a "five minute commercial" plus use of the head table to display products, brochures and other materials.

North Mobile Business Directory
A comprehensive listing of all businesses, both Chamber members and non-members, in the North Mobile area. All businesses are listed by category and Chamber members are additionally highlighted. This resource provides a value-added service for members and is provided to individuals, businesses and industries interested in locating in the Saraland area.

Monthly Membership Meetings
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and are sponsored by a Chamber member. An opportunity for members and potential members to network, hear informative speakers and enjoy lunch at no cost.

Annual Installation Banquet
Serves as the time of year to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chamber, install officers and directors for the next year and provides an opportunity to recognize recipients of the Chamber's annual awards. The program includes dinner and door prizes sponsored by Chamber members.

Media Relations
Works closely with all Chamber committees to promote and market Chamber activities primarily through local print media. Articles pertaining to Chamber activities are sought in the Citronelle Call News and the Points North section of the Mobile Resister.

Insight Newsletter
This monthly publication is developed by Chamber staff and the Public Relations committee and is mailed to over 1,200 businesses. Provides timely business information, a calendar of civic as well as Chamber events and serves to promote member businesses.

Welcome Center Information
Member businesses of the Chamber provide brochures and other literature for display in the Welcome Center office. Requested literature is also included in welcome packets mailed to potential businesses and individuals considering locating in the Saraland area.

Marketing and Promotion
An annual Public Relations/Marketing Plan is developed to promote Chamber benefits, services and activities. Also includes a proactive and aggressive plan for promotion of the Saraland area.

Annual Report
Provides information on events, activities and services of the Chamber. Serves as a record for funding and utilization of Chamber resources.

Fund Raising Activities
Develops annual goals based on the budget approved by the Chamber Board of Directors to provide the resources for products, services and activities. A Resource Development Campaign is held each year.

City Map
This publication is produced to provide up to date information and is included in welcome packets for those interested in the North Mobile area. To provide the most current information possible, the map is updated and printed bi-annually.

Saraland Harvest Festival
This annual event, held at WalMart Supercenter, is sponsored by the Chamber and member businesses to provide the community with family fun and entertainment. Activities include a cheerleading competition, presentations by local dance companies, spin art, dunking and jumping booths, in addition to lots of great food. This event also provides financial resources for other Chamber activities.

Audit
Appointees by the President of the Board of Directors serve to provide an accounting of the financial reports for the previous fiscal year. This information is presented to the Board at the regular February Board meeting.

Finance
Develops the Chamber's annual budget which is presented to the Board of Directors for approval in January.

Nominating
Handles the important task of nominating individuals for election as Directors and Officers who are then voted on during the October general membership meeting.

Programming
Responsible for coordination of Monthly Membership meetings and the Annual Installation Banquet including securing sponsorship for these events.