The Chamber is for Everyone, John M. Wilson, Chamber President
It has been a great summer and there have been many exciting things going on within the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. The events in each village are a great way to enjoy the community and bring people into the shopping areas to discover what we have to offer.
The summer events in the villages were kicked in style with the Beach Party Open House in English Village. It was held on a beautiful June day and participants were able to enjoy the art show, live music and bake sale. Shoppers at the event were given the opportunity to win two airline tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Mountain Brook Village hosted its Market Day in July. This event included a waiter\'s race and sidewalk sales. The winner of the waiter\'s race was given a trip for two to Napa Valley, California. We appreciate all who were able to participate. Our professional membership committee worked with Kathy G. and The Birmingham News to host an after hours event known as Park After Dark. We had a great turnout at Park Lane especially considering the rainy weather. Next on the agenda for summer events is Crestline\'s Dawg Daze. Scheduled for August 23rd, this promises to be a good time for the whole family (including the pet). There will be contests and prizes, an art show and a parade and live music. I cannot give enough thanks to Southwest Airlines for their donation of six airline tickets to the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. The tickets were divided as prizes at each of the three big Chamber-sponsored summer village events.
We are very excited about the new commercial development in the city of Mountain Brook. Mountain Brook Plaza has been a great success and enjoys the visibility of Highway 280. As an insider\'s tip, don\'t forget about the cut through road from the Plaza to Mountain Brook Village. In addition, our city is going forward with plans for Overton Village. Landscaping and improved sidewalks and lighting are just part of the eventuality for this area. These improvements along with the completion of the new Publix across the street will be a welcome addition and move towards serving Mountain Brook residents in the Brookwood Forest and Cherokee Bend areas. There are also a few other potential projects on the table that will add to our commercial revenue base. Keep in mind that these shopping areas not only provide convenience and quality for residents but also allow the City of Mountain Brook to compete with surrounding municipalities for the ever-coveted sales tax revenue.
Our membership drive is off and running for the summer. Please help us reach our membership goals by filling out the attached application and send it to us (with your check). We have been able to do an incredible amount of positive activities with the current level of dues paying members; imagine what we can accomplish with additional support. Remember that the Chamber welcomes residents to join our organization and get involved; it\'s not just for business, it is for everyone.
Don\'t forget about Village Gold gift certificates that can be purchased at City Hall or directly through the Chamber. Village Gold can be used in any business in Mountain Brook just like cash. This program has been an unbelievable success and helped us keep our dollars in the city. In addition, the long awaited maps are for sale through the Chamber, at city hall and at various outlets around the city