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09-29-08 - Magic in the Moonlight
09-08-08 - Best Minority Business for 2008
08-07-08 - BHS Announces Plans to Build Hospital in Hoover
09-08-08 - Best Minority Business for 2008
08-07-08 - BHS Announces Plans to Build Hospital in Hoover
“Magic in the Moonlight”, the premier gala benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, will be honoring two of our community’s philanthropic leaders. A long time volunteer for the Foundation, Mrs. Amanda Speake Newton will receive the “Sheena Diane Ayers Humanitarian Award”, presented by Diane and Roger Appell and their daughter Shea.
This year also brings the inaugural presentation of “The Magic of Caring Community Leadership Award”, presented to Mr. G. Phillip Pope for his leadership in the Birmingham community and with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of AL in their generous support of so many of our Magic City’s worthy causes, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The October 25th event featured a seated gourmet dinner and full bar, dancing and entertainment by Crystal Clear, live and silent auctions with Rick Journey from Fox 6 News as Emcee and Auctioneer, and the Bid for the Cure. A new addition to the fun was the “Diamond on Ice”, presented by Barton Clay Fine Jewelers. An exquisite loose diamond was hidden “on ice”, and guests had the opportunity to join in the search.
Title sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of AL and Roger and Diane Appell, who also serve as Co-Chairs for the event. Additional committee members include: Lynn Sleeper, Margie Tombrello, Mary Beth Rush, Adam Thomas, Michael Prewitt, Mirella Elliot, Joyce Dabbs, and Carol Lynne Bevis. Black tie is optional and valet parking will be provided at Vestavia Country Club.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization committed to finding new therapies and ultimately a cure for CF, and to improving the lives of those with the disease. For more information or to purchase tickets ($175) or a table ($1,200), please contact Jennifer McEuen at 205-870-8565 or email to jmceuen@cff.org.
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Best Minority Owned Business for 2008
Personnel Staffing has won the Best Minority-Owned Business Award for 2008 26+ employees, named by The Birmingham Business Journal.
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Best Minority Owned Business for 2008
Personnel Staffing has won the Best Minority-Owned Business Award for 2008 26+ employees, named by The Birmingham Business Journal.
The award was presented to Tina Gregerson, Owner/President of Personnel Staffing at the annual Minority-Owned Business Awards dinner at the Harbert Center in Birmingham on August 14, 2008.
"It is an honor to win this award, our success has been the team concept approach to exceed our client's expectations", says Tina.
PSI has five locations in Alabama: Albertville, Anniston, Birmingham, Gadsden and Mobile; as well as an office in Beaumont, Texas. Personnel Staffing is one of Alabama's largest independent staffing services companies.
Contact Sylvia Wright at 613-6963.
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Baptist Health System (BHS) announced today its plans to build a hospital in Hoover, Alabama, the only city in the state with more than 60,000 residents without a hospital. Shane Spees, BHS President and CEO, was joined in making the announcement by Hoover Mayor, Tony Petelos.
“Our health system was formed in 1922 to fill a void in healthcare services. Today, we’re announcing our intentions to fill a void in healthcare services in Hoover, which has matured greatly over the past several years, growing to be the sixth largest city in Alabama,” said Spees. “But access to healthcare in Hoover is essentially the same as when the city was established in 1967. Pending regulatory approval, our intention is to build a much-needed hospital in Hoover.”
Baptist officials will file today with the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) a request for an amendment to the state’s Health Plan which would allow the System to move licensed hospital beds from Princeton Baptist Medical Center to the proposed Hoover Baptist Medical Center. If the amendment is adopted, Baptist officials plan to seek approval to move up to 140 beds, and offer a full complement of clinical services at the new hospital, including a physician-staffed, 24/7 emergency department.
“Access to healthcare is critical. And the City of Hoover, which has experienced explosive growth over the past several years, has great quality of life, great schools, as well as ample business opportunities. But we lack critical access to healthcare,” said Mayor Petelos. “The announcement today means we’re one step closer to meeting that need for our community.”
Within the first six months of taking office in 2004, Mayor Petelos commissioned a study to assess the City of Hoover’s need for a hospital. “The report clearly showed that with our population growth, the need existed. And as we’ve continued to grow, the need is even greater today,” said Petelos.
Said Spees, “This is an exciting time for Baptist Health System with major investments planned at Princeton, a new bed-tower project underway at Shelby, and recently completed projects at Walker and Citizens Baptist Medical Centers. Hoover Baptist is a major growth initiative for our System, and we look forward to working with SHPDA and members of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council through the regulatory process for approval to build Hoover Baptist Medical Center.”
Jennifer Dodd - Marketing and Public Relations Director
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
783-3526-phone - 783-7882-fax
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Birmingham, AL, June 20, 2008 - Two of Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith CPA's were honored at the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountant (ASCPA) Annual Meeting. David Brown, CPA, and senior accountant at Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith, was recognized with a Public Service Award. Through the Young CPA Chapter of the ASCPA, David Brown volunteered at a Mississippi Gulf Coast Service Camp to help over 100 small businesses and non-profits still affected by the damage of Hurricane Katrina. David volunteered one week of his time and CPA services to assist businessmen and women with start-up and formation issues and also led a presentation on "How to Start and Run a Small Business".
David was one of 5 Young CPA's from Alabama that participated in the Service Camp and one of only 2 from Birmingham.
Also recognized at the ASCPA Annual Meeting was John Shank, CPA, and founding shareholder of Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith. John Shank was elected Secretary/Treasurer of the ASCPA.
About Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith, PC
Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith, PC is a local CPA firm located in Birmingham, AL serving closely held businesses in various industries including construction, manufacturing, wholesale & retail distribution, non-profit and financial institutions. We provide the traditional accounting, auditing, and tax services as well as value added services including payroll administration, benefits administration and IT support and consulting. BMSS is the second largest local accounting firm in Birmingham. For more information about Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith visit www.bmss.com.
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BIRMINGHAM, AL (June, 1 2008) Cadence Bank will host Shred Fest Saturday, June 21, 2008, to promote identity theft awareness and to provide a way for Birmingham residents to protect their privacy.
"Identity theft is a growing problem across our community and it affects people and businesses in many different ways," said Jon Farmer, president and CEO of Cadence Bank in Birmingham. "One way Cadence Bank can help thwart identity theft is to give people an easy and effective way to destroy personal and confidential material. All they have to do is bring the material to Shred Fest and it will be destroyed free of charge.íí
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to bring up to five boxes of unwanted paper material such as old credit card statements and receipts, utility bills, outdated bank and brokerage statements, and any old documents containing personal and confidential information to be securely shredded on site at Shred Fest on Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. until noon at Cadence Bankís Hoover Branch at 2755 John Hawkins Parkway. Shred-it will provide complimentary shredding service.
It is not necessary to remove paper clips, staples, or binder clips. The following materials cannot be shredded: CDs, floppy disks, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, magazine, newspapers and cardboard containers.
"We are excited to be hosting Shred Fest to show our commitment to the community and bring this free service to Hoover area residents," Farmer said.
Cadence Bank cares about protecting your identity. For more information about Shred Fest, call Cadence Bank at 205-444-3800.
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Local dealer honored at the 2008 Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Expo in Colorado SpringsBirmingham, Alabama, February 8, 2008- Charlie Conklin and Michael Tortomase of Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing has been named as a recipient of the 2008 President's Award from Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). After an extensive evaluation, dealerships were selected and honored at a ceremony held February 8 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in conjunction with the 40th Annual Indoor Air Expo ? Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Conference. Each year, the President's Award is presented to an elite group of Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers (FAD) who exemplify Carrier's model for operational excellence, business effectiveness and delivering the best in cutting edge technology to consumers.
Charlie Conklin founded sentry in 1987. In 2003 Michael Tortomase came on board to form the plumbing division. Sentry specializes in service and repairs of HVAC plumbing systems. They also specialize in custom energy efficient, environmentally safe HVAC systems for your home, office, or industry.
"This year's recipients achieved their business goals while delivering exceptional customer value and successfully positioning the Carrier brand in their respective markets," said Karie Johnson, manager, Programs and Promotions, Carrier North America. This award presents the opportunity for the recipients to serve as role models, share ìbest practicesî and offer peer mentoring to cultivate excellence across the dealer group.
First Educators Credit Union of Hoover, AL. has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council with a Diamond Award during the councilís 15th annual conference and competition, held in Nashville, Tenn.
This year's awards competition received 1,300 entries, from which judges awarded Diamond Awards and Awards of Merit. The Diamond Award represents the pinnacle of credit union marketing and business development. First Educators Credit Union's "Thank A Teacher" campaign was recognized in the Community / PR Program category.
Steve Nix, President of First Educators Credit Union said, "The Thank A Teacher campaign is an appreciation campaign to salute teachers, administrators, staff and workers for their dedication. It's a way of letting the teachers and educators know that we appreciate everything they do. As a result of this campaign thousands of people responded by writing Thank You notes that were delivered to area schools and classroom teachers by our staff. "
First Educators Credit Union (formally Birmingham Credit Union) serves educators and residents of Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Talladega and Calhoun Counties and was chartered in 1935.
The campaign was created by Attaway Advertising, Inc. of Birmingham and included billboards, radio and television advertising, newspaper and magazine ads, internet and specialty advertising.
Judges evaluated entries based on strategy, design and production, creative concept, copy and communication, and results. A complete list of award winners is available online at www.cunamarketingcouncil.org, by selecting the "2008 Diamond Awards" link, located in the "Events" pull-down menu.
For additional information, contact: Bill Attaway (205) 833-1336 bill@attawayadvertising.com
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The Jefferson County Environmental Services Department, under the direction of the Jefferson County Commission, has the responsibility to collect, transport and treat sanitary sewage in Jefferson County. Jefferson County maintains over 2700 miles of sewer lines throughout the area.
When sewer lines are blocked, wastewater backs up until it overflows from manholes or building plumbing fixtures into storm drains, creeks or buildings. These overflows are referred to as Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). SSOs violate the Clean Water Act and render Jefferson County subject to fines and other legal action. Investigations by Jefferson County Environmental Services Department have shown that grease is the leading cause of dry weather SSOs in the county and many of these dry weather SSOs have
been determined to be caused by Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) from food
service facilities.
When grease is disposed of directly into the sewer system it cools, solidifies and combines with other foreign materials in sewer line. Over a period of time this will restrict the flow through the pipe and in some cases completely block a sewer line.
In 2005 approximately 60% of SSOs were found to be caused by grease from
food service facilities. In response the Jefferson County Commission has implemented the Grease Control Program (GCP). This program is one of many steps taken by Jefferson County to eliminate SSOs and comply with the Clean Water Act and the Consent Decree. The Clean Water Act requires the elimination of all sanitary sewer overflows in our county.
The purpose of this program is to decrease the amount of fat, oil and grease being discharged into the sanitary sewer system and thereby reduce the number of dry
weather SSOs. The Grease Control Program will be evaluated periodically and will be modified as necessary to maximize its effectiveness.
Facts about the Grease Control Program: * In October 2006, the Jefferson County Commission passed the Grease Control Ordinance #1778
* The Grease Control Ordinance covers approximately 3,000 food service facilities that are connected to the sewer
* Jefferson County GCP is a section of the Barton Laboratory Division of the Jefferson County Environmental Services Department
* There are 1671 Food Service Facilities that have filed an application for a GCP permit
* Grease Control Program inspectors began inspections of Food Service Facilities in June 2007
* The number of Food Service Facilities that have been inspected is 1610, as of April 2008
* There are 117 Food Service Facilities that have been determined, through inspection, to be non-compliant
* 16% of the Food Service Facilities in Jefferson County have attended training and information classes
Basic Components of the Grease Control Program:
* All Food Service Facilities are required to file an application for a permit and pay the permit fee
* The program requires a set schedule for the pumping and cleaning of traps and interceptors. Traps must be cleaned every 90 days and interceptors must be cleaned every 14 days
* All Food Service Facilities are required to keep detailed documentation of where and how the grease is being disposed
* Food Service Facilities must develop and implement an employee training program to assure Best Management Practices for proper disposal of grease
* Food Service Facilities are inspected on an annual basis
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by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Birmingham
John H. Sellers (BB) has been a part of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Birmingham (BBBS) program for about two years. John is currently matched with little brother, Donate Parker (LB) , who has been in the program for 5 years.
Though he participates in many community activities, John wanted to give back to the community in a personal way.
John has a go getter attitude, which is something that could benefit our kids. Since his match with Donate in 2006 he has occupied the LB with several community activities from speaking engagements with BBBS to flying to volunteering in the nursing home to feeding the homeless. The BB does fun activities with the LB like football games, baseball games, basketball games, video games, etc. As an effort to connect with his LB the BB purchased his first video game console, which shows great on a 52 inch screen TV. The BB quickly found out the reason for the addiction the youth have to video games. He has also introduced the LB to other activities, like jogging, tennis, walking, and golf.
John is a great supporter of the LB and he encourages the LB academically by rewarding monetarily. The BB has set the LB up with a saving account at a local credit union and he is teaching the LB about finances and saving.
John is extremely supportive of the agency. In the past, he monetarily sponsored his little brother for the Agency Christmas party along with other children. John not only mentors Donate but the entire family. He is a role model for the grandparent through his charity of attempting to secure a Habitat home for her family.
He is an influence on the parent who recently signed her other son up for the program because of the role Mr. Sellers plays in Donates life. John works with the entire family in an effort to help the parents and other children improve their interactions among themselves.
Donate's grandparent said, It has been a blessing that John came into Donate's life as his Big Brother. John and I are striving for the same goals to give Donate's a better future. John has played a big part in Donate's life and I am really supporting John as a Big Brother. Donate and I have been very blessed to have John in our life. The parent commented, It's been a blessing to have John as my son big brother. He really has put a lot of goals into his life. No matter what he had going on, he always been there through anything Donate need him for. He takes time with Donate.
Whenever Big Brother Big Sister has an outing John and Donate are there. To me, that shows Donate that there is a big brother that will love him and be there for him. Even when Donate has extra curricular activities at school, John is there to support and encourage him. He helps Donate with his book report and other academic work and I can't thank him enough for that. The best thing Donate like being with his big brother is when they went to camp and there was nobody big brother there but his and he loved that. John financially sponsored the LB at summer camp and the BB even came along as a chaperone. He is very supportive of the agency and participates in over 80% of outing activities sponsored by the agency.
John has been instrumental in securing UAB football tickets, basketball camps, and Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University series. Furthermore, John has volunteered at speaking engagements to sign up potential volunteers and he includes his little brother.
Each activity that the BB spends with his LB is a learning opportunity and a chance to make a difference in the way the LB thinks and perceives the world. The influence that the BB has on the LB and his family is enormous and the LB has already showed signs of developing strong leadership skills along with positive decision making skills.
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Mary Milton, a real estate sales associate with RE/MAX Advantage Central in Hoover, received the Distinguished Service Award from the RE/MAX Dixie Region. The award was presented on February 8, 2008, during the RE/MAX Dixie Region Alabama Success Celebration at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Nearly 500 RE/MAX sales associates were in attendance at the awards luncheon.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes the efforts of Milton for her loyal and dedicated service to better the RE/MAX organization, the real estate industry and the larger community.
Milton, who joined RE/MAX in 1991, has achieved the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and consistently earns honors in the RE/MAX 100% and Platinum Clubs. She is a lifetime member of the Birmingham Club of Excellence and recipient of the Birmingham Association of REALTORSÆ Vulcan Award and "REALTOR of the Year" Award. She is an active member of her church and area Chambers of Commerce.
"I couldn't have achieved this honor without the support of RE/MAX Advantage. Our outstanding agents are some of the most devoted community leaders and committed professionals in the industry," says Milton. She can be reached at 823-2022 or by email at maryremax@aol.com.
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As 2007 came to a close, Mikos/Kampakis Insurance Services, Inc completed its 40th year in Hoover! Ed Mikos moved to Hoover in 1961 from Weirton, West Virginia as a manager for the Prudential Insurance Company, and in October of 1967 decided to go into to business for himself as Mikos Insurance Agency. His first client was Torrencie Bailey, who is still a client today. Many of you know her as the cashier at Green Valley Drug Store. Ed was very active in Hoover and the community as the President of the Hoover Lions Club, charter member of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce and President of the Chamber in 1979, and President of the Certified Life Underwriters and the Birmingham Aero club.
Originally located next to the old Western Supermarket, Mikos Insurance Agency then moved to a house on Rocky Ridge Road in 1980. Later that year, Dan Mikos gave up being an Air Force fighter pilot to come into the business with his father. In 1987 they built a new office building on their existing site.
Dan was also active in the community serving as President of the Hoover Sertoma Club, Hoover Chamber of Commerce in 1985, Birmingham Independent Agents, and Alabama Youth Soccer Association. Dan flew F4 Phantoms with the Alabama Air National Guard until 1994 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1999, Sergie Kampakis joined the firm and it was renamed Mikos/Kampakis Insurance Services, Inc. Ed Mikos retired in 2002 at 77 years old when his grandson Greg became a third generation member of the firm. Michael Mikos, another grandson, joined the firm in 2003.
In 2007, Mikos/Kampakis was named one of the prestigious “Best Practices Agencies” in America. This is one of 190 agencies chosen out of over 25,000 independent agencies in the country.
Mikos/Kampakis has 16 employees and writes commercial, personal, life, and group insurance products. They can be reached at (205) 822-7413.
(Hoover, AL) – Cell Phones for Soldiers and the Pak Mail Center located at 3435 S. Shades Crest Rd are calling on all Americans to support the 150,000 brave men and women serving overseas by donating their unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers recycles the phones and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards sent to soldiers to help keep troops connected with their families. The goal is to collect 50,000 cell phones through partnerships with companies like Pak Mail that have multiple drop off locations.
“For the loved ones of soldiers serving abroad, Memorial Day is much more than a long holiday weekend,” says Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. “We’re asking Americans to make a small contribution of support by donating their unused cell phones, providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas.”
Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at the Pak Mail on 3435 S. Shades Crest Rd. “We’re proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers, and participate in a worthy program like Cell Phones for Soldiers,” says Pak Mail owner, Jeremy Brittain.
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generous support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones,” says the teens’ father, Bob Bergquist. “However, the need for support keeps growing as more soldiers are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty.”
Through increased fundraising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis.
The phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad. Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in over 40 countries around the world. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, including:
· Gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards
· Copper wiring from phone chargers
· Nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs
· Plastic from phone cases and accessories
Founded in 1984, Pak Mail is a premier specialty packaging, shipping and business support franchise with more than 400 centers in North America and 60 international locations in six countries. For information call Pak Mail at 205-988-9494. For additional information regarding the Cell Phones for Soldiers program, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com .
