Our Chamber "Goodwill" Ambassadors
Ambassador of the Quarter
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, others make it happen."
- Anonymous
Member involvement is an important asset to any organization, but the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce thrives on it. The activities planned by the Chamber's staff simply couldn't happen without the cooperation of many volunteers.
Among the volunteer groups assisting with Chamber activities are the Board of Directors, the Economic Development Committee, the SEC Baseball Committee, two golf tournament committees (one to assist with the Regions Charity Classic event and the other to carry out the Chamber's own tournament) and the Lila Parks Scholarship Committee.
But probably the most visible group of volunteers within the Hoover Chamber is our Ambassadors. These individuals represent the Chamber at a variety of functions, including ribbon cuttings, monthly Coffee & Contacts events, and Business After Hours events. Ambassadors also meet and greet the members, newcomers and guests who attend the monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheons.
In return, Chamber Ambassadors experience above-average networking opportunities, maximize their business and social potential and establish their presence in the business and civic realms of Hoover. They also enjoy the added benefits that hands-on involvement brings such as a sense of personal accomplishment and a feeling of ownership in the organization.The only requirements for becoming a Chamber Ambassador are membership in the Chamber and a desire to help make things happen. If you are interested in becoming a Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, contact Bill Powell at (205) 988-5672 or bill@hooverchamber.org.
Ambassadors can download the monthly Ambassador Score Sheet as a .pdf File.
Joe Thomas is Chairman of the Ambassadors committee and is a registered representative with Capstone Financial Group, strategic;in Hoover, Alabama. Capstone Financial Group specializes in three main areas Life insurance, Disability insurance and Group Benefits. Joe works with small to medium sized businesses helping them maximize their benefit dollars while focusing on the individual needs of all the employees. As a disability and benefit specialist, he is equipped to help employees understand their benefits and plan for the future. In 1997, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Prior to his current position he developed and wrote a medical practice management software system with a company in Birmingham. Joe is also an Eagle Scout. He is a life long native of Birmingham and enjoys working with everyday people who want an above average retirement. Joe can be reached at 444-5588 or joe@thecapstoneway.com. His website is http://www.thecapstoneway.com/.
Greg Todd is the Central Alabama Area Sales Manager for Mattress King. With 19 stores and growing, Mattress King is proud to be Alabama's largest family owned quality "Sleep Specialty" chain. Their mission is simple, for their customers to sleep better and save money. To this end, they aim for a relationship with every visitor in their stores offering them information and tips as well as sleep and mattress advice creating what is unique to the industry, a happy satisfied lifelong customer. Greg is a native of Providence, Kentucky, a graduate of Samford University with a degree in Business Administration, and the proud father of three boys. He is an avid golfer and enjoys reading. Greg can be reached at (205) 451-2039, gregtodd@mattressking.net, or on twitter at jgt2911.
Adam Weiger is the Account Executive for Lyons HR (http://www.lyonshr.com/ ) in Birmingham, AL. Lyons HR is a full service Human Resources company. Locally owned and headquartered in Florence, AL., Lyons HR can handle one Human Resource service for you or serve as your full comprehensive Human Resource Department. They will also help achieve bottom line results, freeing you to focus on the strategic issues that drive productivity, employee loyalty and customer satisfaction. Lyons HR is proud to be one of the few company's accredited by the ESAC (Employer Services Assurance Corporation). Adam is a family man, who has a passion for the outdoors whether playing competitive sports or as an avid hunter. He daily operates his life with a heart for others, which also is transpired in his invlovement with his local church. Adam can be reached at (205) 602-0331 or aweiger@lyonshr.com , find him on twitter @adamweiger, Facebook - Adam Weiger, LinkedIn - Adam Weiger, http://www.lyonshr.com/
Dr. Jerry Nesseler, My Chiropractor drjerry@my-chiropractor.net. Dr. Jerry Nesseler has been one of the most active of all Chamber Ambassadors since joining the Hoover Chamber in 2000. Dr. Jerry, as he is well known, is a living example of how Chamber involvement can help anyone grow their business.Dr. Jerry Nesseler practices in Hoover, Alabama and has treated hundreds of patients with injuries to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones as well as the nerves of the spine and extremities. He does work with sports, work-, and auto-related accidents as well. He has been trained to identify the cause of problems and works closely with medical doctors in the area. Dr. Nesseler combines chiropractic, physical therapy, nutrition and acupuncture, and together offers healthy options to give his patients the freedom they need while staying in control of their own health care.
Andrew L. Graffeo, Registered Representative, Securities America My objective is to service and assist each client to achieve their long-term goals. I will always strive to treat the client with respect and integrity, and keep their best interest in mind.Andy Graffeo is a Registered Representative with Securities America, Inc., an SEC registered investment firm.With over twenty-five years experience as a self-employed business owner and tax preparer, Andy has assisted many individuals and small business owners. He is a member of NATP. Andy attended UAB and completed the CFP course study. He holds several certifications including the State of Alabama Life and Health insurance license, the Series 6 Securities License, and the Series 63 State Regulatory license. Andy is active in various civic and professional groups, including the Hoover Chamber where he serves as Ambassador. He is also active at St, Peters Catholic Church where he serves on the board of the Knights of Columbus.Andy is married to Ramona and has two grown children. He enjoys Golf and Tennis, and spends a good bit of his spare time at Smith Lake with his family.
Shannon Tyndall is Executive Director of Corporate Office Centers, located at One Chase Corporate Center, Suite 400 in Hoover, offering corporate office Suites and services. She can be reached at 403-8800.
http://www.corporateofficecenters.com/
Charlie Santiago is the Director of Ticket and Retail Operations for the Birmingham Barons Baseball Team. Charlie has worked for the Barons in various capacities for 3 seasons. He is a Birmingham Native as having lived in multiple locations throughout the metro area for most of his life. He graduated from THE Troy University in December of 2006 with a sport management degree. You can reach Charlie at 205-988-3200 or Charlies@barons.com.
Kai Smith is the owner of the Ktl Smith Group, Inc. d.b.a. Smith agency of Farmers Insurance.Kai provides personal, commercial, and life insurance protection to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. Kai's holistic approach helps her clients determine just the right amount of insurance for their individual needs. In addition to her client work, Kai serves Birmingham and surrounding communities by conducting events for special Farmer's programs like M.I.L.K. and Y.E.S. Through Farmer's M.I.L.K. Program (Managing Information on Lost Kids), parents are provided with fingerprints, digital photos and a Home Organizer CD, giving them a direct link to the AMBER Alert System. Kai is a native of Oakland California, Graduate of Alabama State University, recipient of the United States Bronze Medal Presidential Volunteer Service Award and member of Cambridge Who's Who among women. She resides with her husband and 3 children in Hoover. She can be reached at (205) 989-5857 or by email at ksmith@farmers-smithagency.com.
Amanda Smith is the Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Cahaba Valley Computer Services located on Valleydale Road. Amanda joined Cahaba Valley Computer Services to promote the company's unique IT solutions for small businesses and to enhance business development. Amanda aims to serve our community as a professional resource and volunteer with the area chambers & community organization. Cahaba Valley Computer Services has been a Hoover Area Chamber member for over 9 years. For more information about Cahaba Valley Computer Services, visit http://www.cvcsllc.com/ or contact Amanda at 205-541-7755 or amanda@cvcsllc.com
Angela Finley is the Preferred Travelers Sales Manager for The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. She is a Birmingham native living in Hoover most of her life. Angela has worked for The Wynfrey Hotel since 2005, and has been involved with the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce 2009, serving as a Chamber Ambassador. She resides with her husband and two children in Hoover. The Wynfrey Hotel is located at 1000 Riverchase Galleria, just off I-459 at U.S. Highway 31 and Interstate 65, just south of Birmingham. Angela can be reaced at (205) 987-1600 or angela.finley@wynfreyhotel.com. See more information on The Wynfrey hotel at /hoover/info/hotels/ or http://www.wynfreyhotel.com/
205.444.5782 Direct 205.987.9552 Fax The Wynfrey Hotel 1000 Riverchase Galleria Birmingham, AL 35244
Larry Walck is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Whether you're looking for investment strategies, retirement income, funding for your child's education, or estate or tax planning strategies, we'll work with you on your terms. Larry offers a broad range of financial products and services including mutual funds and certificates, life, disability and long term care insurance, as well as brokerage services and financial planning. He also offers flexibility in the way he works with clients: online, with the help of an advisor, or both.Larry has previous business experience as the Store Manager for JCPenney at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover from 2001 to 2008. He is active in his church, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Hoover Civitan Club. Larry is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Accounting and Finance.Larry can be contacted by telephone: 205-909-3130, email: larry.a.walck@ampf.com, website: www.ameripriseadvisors.com/larry.a.walck, or
LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/pub/larry-walck/10/386/979.
Ronnie Blakney is the General Manager for South Hall "Drive Inside" Climate Controlled Storage and Realty, a climate controlled storage operation with 3 locations in the Hoover area. South Hall offers the ability to "Drive Inside" the buildings to load and unload out of the weather and in safety. The facilities are climate controlled and offer exterior parking for vehicles of all sizes, with video monitoring. Ronnie is a member of the Building Owners and Managers' Association of Metropolitan Birmingham, previously serving as President, and has been the Association Executive for the last 20 years. He has been involved with different aspects of sports in the area in the past: Mortimer Jordan High School, Athletic Boosters President; Jefferson State Community College, Athletic Boosters President; University of Montevallo Athletics, Baseball Operations. Present activities include: Samford University Athletics, Basketball Scorer's Table Operations and Football Game Day Operations; Birmingham Basketball Officials Association, High School Basketball Official; Gardendale First Baptist, Upward Basketball Director; Birmingham Barons, MLB Advanced Media Staff. He is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling.Ronnie resides in Kimberly, AL with his wife, Diane, who works at Samford University in the Athletic Department for Head Football Coach Pat Sullivan. Their son Zac, is completing his degree at the University of Montevallo, after competing in baseball in college and in the pros. Contact Ronnie for any information, or discounts available, at South Hall "Drive Inside" Climate Controlled Self Storage. He can be reached at 205-981-8705 or ronnie.blakney@southhall.com or visit South Hall "Drive Inside" Climate Controlled Storage at http://www.southhall.com/.
Kim L. Williams - Client Services Leader, IBM Corporation- Kim Williams works in the Global Technology Services Division of IBM Global Services. She has over twenty years of professional working experience in the Information Technology Industry, and has worked for Fortune 500 companies that include IBM Corp and CA, Inc. She has performed in varying roles throughout her career ranging from Project Manager to Director of Customer Operations, and currently fulfills the role of Client Services Leader supporting General Business and Public Sector clients in Alabama and Mississippi. She also serves as the Administrator for The Word Unlimited International Ministries (WUIM), located in Hoover, Alabama. Kim is married to Pastor Horace C. Williams, Senior Pastor of The Word Unlimited International Ministries. She serves on the Board of Ministry, Women's Ministry Leader, and as acting Finance Director at her church. In addition, Kim is on the YMTF Advisory Board at Alabama A&M University, and served two consecutive terms as the Technology Director for Jack and Jill of America Incorporated's Birmingham Chapter. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science Technologies from Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama, a Masters in Business Administration from Regis University, Denver, Colorado, and obtained her Minister's License in 2004. Kim is a longtime tennis player and began playing competitively in college. Currently she plays on the Altadena Valley Country Club 3.5 USTA Tennis League Team. She enjoys helping others through community service activities, traveling, and spending time with her family. Kim and Horace have three wonderful teenage children of whom they are very proud. Their children are currently attending Alabama A&M University (Academic Scholarship), Hoover High School (Pre-IB Program), and Bumpus Middle School.
Samantha Hall - the Director of Operations and Co-Founder of Trustway in Hoover. Samantha brings Trustway the expertise and insight needed to successfully manage the firm's operations. Samantha is responsible for marketing, public relations, coordinating public and private speaking events as well as coordinating client events. In addition, her responsibilities include overseeing many of the firms day to day operations. Samantha is an active member of the community. She is an Ambassador for the Hoover Area Chamber, a member of the Events Planning Team at Church of the Highlands and a regular contributor and speaker at St. Vincent's East Bariatric Support Groups. samantha@adefiniteplan.com http://www.adefiniteplan.com/
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Trisston Wright Burrows - is the Public Relations Manager at Moore Coal Company, Inc. Moore Coal Company, Inc is a locally owned commercial waste removal and recycling business located in Bessemer, AL. and has been in operation since 1929. In 2000, Trisston graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a degree in Marketing at the top of her class in the School of Business and with honors -- Summa Cum Laude and winning the Chancellor's Scholar Award. Trisston was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America/Alabama in 2005. This has been a dream come true and has given her extensive opportunities to travel, advocating, educating and promoting the abilities of people with disabilities. Another came true in 2008, when Trisston married the love of her life, Brian Burrows. Trisston and Brian reside in Hoover, AL. For more info, visit http://www.moorecoal.net/ or contact Trisston at twburrows@moorecoal.com.
Robert Mathews - is the owner of Prestige Floor Care LLC (www.pfccleaning/com). He has been in business since 2007, with experience in the industry since 1999. Robert specializes in the commercial floor care business. He is originally from Columbus, OH and moved to the Birmingham area in 2002, for an opportunity with another floor care company. He was given the opportunity to open his own business along with Scott Johnson. Has has been married since 2010, and has a young daughter. He also volunteers his time as a baseball coach for the Calera High School Eagles. Robert can be reached at (205) 383-5387 or by email at rmathews@pfccleaning.com.
Suzanne Banks-Russell—Suzanne is an account executive at WIAT-TV CBS42. Suzanne helps companies of all sizes market their products and services with commercial advertising schedules on CBS42 and online advertising campaigns on http://www.cbs42.com/. She helps businesses find affordable advertising solutions to effectively reach their target markets. CBS42’s local news and top-rated network programming provide strong advertising vehicles. SEC Football, NFL Football, PGA Golf, US Open Tennis, NCAA Basketball and AHSAA championship football and basketball offer many opportunities for businesses to capture the passion and power of sports to help tell their stories. With years of experience in radio and cable advertising sales, Suzanne has a broad base of expertise to put to work for your business. Suzanne is member of the Chamber Board of Trustees and is active on the golf tournament committee. Suzanne lives with her family in North Shelby County and enjoys competing in flyball (a crazy dog relay sport) and playing golf (although not very well). She would love to hear from you and can be reached at (205) 488-4103 or srussell@cbs42.com .
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Ambassadors are requested to send their e-mail address, short bios and photograph.
More Ambassadors
- Andy Tatum, ADP Payroll Services - andrew_tatum@adp.com
- Cortney Hicks, Stanley Steemer - cortneyhicks@steemer.com
- Jermaine Wade, Costco - jdwade73@yahoo.com
- Jill Barcroft Fleck, Valpak - jill_barcroft@valpak.com
- Joe DiBenedetto, American Osment - joe.dibenedetto@americanosment.com
- Mike Gaines, INKS 2 YOU - mike@inks2you.com
- Ryan Blackenburg, CB&S Bank - ryan.blackenburg@cbsbank.net
- Greg Todd, Mattress King - http://www.mattressking.net/
- Michael Ashmore, Stellar Staffing - http://www.stellarstaffingllc.com/
- Jason Miodrag, Wide Open Signs - http://www.wideopensigns.com/
- Janet Hartman, Residence Inn - www.marriott.com/bhmrh
- Angela Harry, Magic City Chiropractic
- Brian Baulch, Brighthouse Network - http://www.brighthouse.com/
- Heather Britt, Beyound Wellness - http://www.beyoundwellnesstoday.com/
- Jerome Morgan, Oncort - http://www.oncort.com/
- Patty George, AdTrav - http://www.adtrav.com/
- Stephanie Green, Highlands Digital Media - http://www.highlandsdigitalmedia.com/
- Steve Kilpatrick, Shelby County Reporter - http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/
- Tim Christian, Beyound Network Services - http://www.beyoundnetworkservices.com/
For information on becoming an Ambassador for the Hoover Chamber of Commerce, please contact Bill Powell at 988-5672 or bill@hooverchamber.org
