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Tallapoosa and Chambers Counties Hold AERN Ribbon Cuttings
Two new AERN centers held ribbon cuttings in east Alabama in June, bringing the total number of counties in the network to 14.
The first dedication took place on June 16, at the chamber of commerce office in Alexander City, in Tallapoosa County. Among the local business officials and city officials attending the ceremony were Mr. Lorenzo Grant, city councilman; Mr. Glenn Thomas, city council president; Alexander City mayor Ms. Barbara Young; Mr. Brian Bice, chamber chairman; Ms. Sheri Rollins and Ms. Cheryl Cunningham of Representative Mike Rogers' offices in Anniston and Opelika, respectively; and Mr. Marvin Wagoner, chamber president/CEO.
Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President Marvin Waggoner described the event as "one more step" in the chamber's efforts to develop local business. Mayor Barbara Young said, "We're delighted that this effort has been initiated."
The second dedication was held in Lanett, in Chambers County. Officials attending the ceremony included two members of the area's state legislative delegation, Rep. DuWayne Bridges and Rep. Richard Laird; Ms. Sheri Rollins, district director of Congressman Mike Rogers's office; Mr. Oscar Crawley, mayor of Lanett; Mr. Joel Holley, Lanett city manager; Mr. Tim Bryan, Valley city administrator, and members of the Chambers County Industrial Development Authority. The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Mike Densmore, who is a board member of the Greater Valley Chamber and the pastor of Fairfax United Methodist Church.
"People wanting to start their own business or industrial operation are often overwhelmed by all the questions and issues that have to be resolved before startup," said Jody Elmore, president of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (GVACC). In the past, she said, all her office could do was refer them to Auburn University. "Now," she said, "we have excellent resources right here."
Both centers now have resources for entrepreneurs within easy driving distances. The resources include a computer, printer, software, business reference books, and connections to the Internet.
The resources are available without charge. All a person needs to do to gain access to them is to call in or come by for an appointment during business hours. At both centers, staff members are available to help users locate materials. Grants to The University of Alabama from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Portable Assistance program provided funds to open the centers, said Annette Watters, AERN co-director.
"The installation of this resource center is truly a milestone in the Valley Area Chamber's development," Chamber director Ms. Elinor Crowder said. "We are so grateful for the grant and for the guidance of the AERN team."
Ms. Annette Watters and Mr. Paavo Hanninen, AERN co-directors, attended both open houses and gave welcoming remarks at both locations. "Small business ownership is the backbone of the U.S. economy," Watters said. "It is an honor for the University to be able to play a small role in the business progress of these two counties."
"We like our chances in Alexander City and Lanett," Hanninen said. "They are vibrant cities."
(Some of the material in this story was taken from accounts in the Alexander City Outlook and from the public relations office at GVACC. Used with permission.)