Not only did we enjoy beautiful sunshine and unseasonably warm weather today, but today was also the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. One of the things that struck me most was how many of these business people, leaders in our community, that I have personally had contact with over the past few years and how their personal influence and their businesses (be they for profit or non-profit) have had on my life and on my family members lives from the places where we go to eat and play Mellow Mushroom for trivia, Acupulco for great Mexican food and karaoke (with hostess Martha) to people like Pati Tiller with "Kids on the Block", Maggie at the YMCA, Shannon at United Way and Octavia at the Boys and Girls Club to people like Anna-Marie (King) and Allyson (Service Master) from Junior League and all the people I've met through Business After Hours and other functions of the chamber (like Al and Sheridan from Rely Local)...the greatest asset we have in Calhoun County is the PEOPLE! Look around, they are beautiful, wonderful, special talented individuals.
I was fortunate to be able to bring two recent graduates of JSU to this event. Let us continue to encourage the the town and gown connection!
Finally, as part of Leadership Calhoun County I got to be part of an Anniston EMS/Ambulance ride-along. I found the entire staff to be very friendly and willing to discuss the assets and areas for improvement of our area. One cited the small/close knit community as positives, while another talked of the easy access to the interstate as a plus. Some of their individual hopes for the state and area were: a state lottery ("We drive to GA every weekend to get tickets") and a priority for one was increased programs for those with special needs (more specifically those over the age of 21). Their candor and honesty was much appreciated. We are in good hands with Anniston EMS! A special thanks to Robyn, Steve, Jessica, Bayliss and Brandy who let me ride along!
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