Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Oak Street Garden Shop Harvest Sale

DON'T MISS OUT! Next Saturday, October 10, our Annual Sale and Harvest Festival at Oak Street Garden Shop

In the Market:
Apples - Honeycrisp, WineSap, Rome, Jonna Gold, Granny Smith, and Golden Crisp. The yellow and zuchinni squash are primo; colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, shelled peas & beans are all beautiful. We have fresh-cut dahlias, heirloom pumpkins, and bittersweet.



In the Nursery:
Fall is in full swing - Pansies and violas have arrived just to prove the point. Here are Billy's suggestions:

It's too early to plant them in the ground, but just fine in containers. Give them at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. Feed when planting, with Osmocote or organic Dynamite (we're trying it out ourselves this year to see how it works) Keep your containers watered. As flowers fade, pluck them off so new ones with follow.

-- Post From iPhone

Exclusive Eyeware Collection at Brombergs & Schaeffer Eye Center


George Jones one of 9 retailers recognized as "Retailers of the Year"!

Mountain Brook Shop Owner is Silver Retailer of the Year

Click here for source article

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Photos from award ceremony provided upon request
BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) today recognized nine outstanding Alabama retailers as “Retailers of the Year.” The presentations were made at The Club in Birmingham during the UAB School of Business’ 2009 Retail Day Luncheon. This marked the 10th presentation of the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999.
snoozies jonesphoto George Jones Jr. , owner and buyer for Snoozy’s Kids Inc., a Mountain Brook store that for 21 years has offered “the most clever playthings for children with uncompromising service,” received the Silver Award in the “Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million” category. Suzan Smith Doidge, executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, nominated Jones for this prestigious award.
“George has been THE biggest cheerleader in our community, and his energy and enthusiasm is infectious!,” Doidge said in her nomination. Jones and Snoozy’s Kids are participating in the Mountain Brook chamber’s 18-month television marketing campaign to promote shopping in and attract more retailers to the state’s most affluent community.

Jones’ interest in fostering the future of retail made an impression on the Retailer of the Year judges.  “Many high schoolers in our community remember not only growing up in the store, but also working their first job at Snoozy’s Kids,” Doidge said in her nomination of Jones. In his entry, Jones said he also periodically speaks to business classes at Mountain Brook High School about the retail process.
While grooming the next generation of retailers is important, Jones said one of the keys to his business’ success is hiring parents with children to fill the 12 part-time jobs in the store. “They relate to our customers needs more readily,” he said.

The whole Jones family has a retailing in their blood. Jones’ father, George Sr., sold sportswear to college bookstores throughout the South. Jones, along with his wife, Virginia, and his parents opened Snoozy’s College Bookstore in 1982, named for his father, who has been known as “Snoozy” since infancy. All four family members are still involved in the daily operation of their businesses.
“The success and longevity of (Jones’) stores is just a by-product of the enthusiasm that he brings to his work every day,” Doidge said. Jones also contributes to such community institutions as the Mountain Brook school system, the Junior League of Birmingham, the Arts Guild, the Ballet Guild, and the Service Guild. Snoozy’s Kids donates childcare items throughout the year to the downtown YWCA for its homeless outreach.

“George Jones Jr. is a retailer of the year EVERY year to his employees and the entire Birmingham area,” said ARA President Rick Brown. Snoozy’s Kids and Snoozy’s College Bookstore have been members of ARA since 1994.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mafiaoza's Italian Street Festival - October 3rd - Pumpkins for Kids!

Don't miss the Crestline Street Festival on Saturday, October 3rd 3PM to 10PM coordinated by MAFIAoZA's to include pizza, children's activities, music, and fun for the entire family!  Activities will be set up outside the restaurant and into the First Commercial parking lot.  Competitions will include wine relay, meatball & sauce competition, bean bag tournament, guess the number of Red Bulls in a Chevy to win the truck!,  and prizes will be awarded.  Information about wine and Italian food will be available for those that are interested.   Sponsorships and vendor spaces are available.  Contact Mafiaoza's  or Megan at 901 359-900 or email her by clicking here for more information.  Funds raised will benefit the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.  Follow late breaking events on Twitter @MAFIAoZAsFest

Oak Street Garden Shop in Crestline Village plans to have pumpkins for kids along with a booth of fall vegetables at Mafiaoza's Italian Street Festival!  Local restaurants will participate in culinary contests, with lots of activities for kids while parents overlook the festivities from Mafiaoza's patio.  Lots more info to come!  Stay tuned!     Click here for directions to Oak Street, Mafiaoza's  For Meatball & Sauce Contest Rules, click here!  Winner gets television spot!

Monday, September 28, 2009

"READ between the WINES" to support Emmet O'Neal Library

Annual Fall Wine & Food Festival
Friday, October 2, 2009
5:30 – 9:00 p.m.


This year’s sixth annual evening of food and wine
to benefit Emmet O'Neal Library
will be held at the Birmingham Zoo.

$45 for Advance Tickets
$55 for Tickets at the Gate
Tickets available at Western Supermarkets
or at The Emmet O’Neal Library

For more information, please call 879-0459

Scribbler's 20th Anniversary Tuesday, Sept 29th! Come Celebrate!




Friday, September 25, 2009

Pictures of McCormick & Schmick's Business After Hours 2009!

View the slide show in the side bar for pictures of Business After Hours 2009, an annual opportunity for networking among 3 local communities co-hosted by the Chambers of Commerce of Vestavia, Homewood and Mountain Brook.  Thank you to our venue host, McCormick & Schmick's for great food and a terrific location.  And thanks to all those who contributed door prizes, including Mountain Brook Chamber supporters and friends, The Fitness Center owned by Vic & Beth Nigri.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Advertising Rate Card for Mountain Brook Guide sent to Chamber Membership


NEW Mountain Brook Guide publication is underway!  Chamber membership has been emailed a rate card and will be contacted by Alliance Publishing for priority placement.   Remaining space after October 9th will be made available to the public.  Interested in advertising in a long-lasting publication/guide about Mountain Brook with an initial circulation of 40,000?  Contact the Chamber or contact Alliance Publishing for more information.

There are new ideas every day from our active and involved Chamber Board to promote business, our community, and our chamber members.  Want to join our membership?  We'd love to have you!  There is a lot going on in Mountain Brook...  Visit our website to see all our events! Get to know us!  Then we encourage you to join the troops!  A strong organization benefits ALL its members!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Opportunity to Advertise in Guide to Mountain Brook


As part of their new marketing campaign, the Chamber is in the process of developing a new 80-page, perfect-bound "Guide to Mountain Brook", which will include detailed fold-out maps showing the location of merchants in the largest villages as well as tourism information regarding our local community and area attractions. The initial print will be 40,000 copies which will be distributed through our members, as well as through local tourism venues and attractions. We hope to include an online version of the guide on our website, as well as provide brochure-type stand-alone maps that can be used as hand-outs to visitors.

We are extremely excited about the new format of 4.5" x 9" which will fit in a purse, or inside jacket pocket, and which we hope will be a 'keeper' to share with out of town visitors and family for some time. The content and design will be compatible with our new website and overall print campaign.

We feel very strongly about the long-term benefit that this will provide to our merchants and are also excited about the reduced advertising rates and broader distribution that our advertisers will receive! Our publishing partner, Alliance Publishing, will be offering premium advertising space to our chamber GOLD LEVEL members first, on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by our general membership. We hope you will participate! We believe that this guide has been needed in our community for a long time and will be extremely well-received. We want our supporters to be the first to receive this marketing benefit.

Chamber members must reserve space before October 9th! We will be contacting you to make sure you've received that opportunity. After that date, we will open the advertising opportunity to the public. Thank you to all our chamber members for your continued support and we hope you will participate!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

What does your Shop Mountain Brook purchase buy?



As a Mountain Brook resident, tax dollars from every purchase you make within the community: 

    *will help pave your streets,
    *will help fund your Police Department,
    *will help improve your schools,
    *and will improve the rating of your Fire Department,
      which in turn
    *will lower your homeowners insurance.

Your purchase in Mountain Brook ensures that convenient services will continue to locate their businesses in the villages near your residence.  And it ensures that local business owners will continue to contribute countless hours, products, and services in promoting their businesses and their location, and as a result, our entire community.

Shop outside of our community, and you send those valuable tax dollars elsewhere!  Remember as we begin shopping for this holiday season that OUR MERCHANTS NEED YOU to keep their businesses and our community strong!  Help us multiply the effect of your purchases tenfold!  Remember that funds from YOUR local purchase may then be spent by the recepient at the local grocery store, local gas stations, or for rent in our area.  Your tax dollars on every purchase can continue to benefit our community even beyond your purchases!

Remember that storefront businesses offer more than just a cheerful face, a tangible product that you can touch and see, and a hand-picked selection of merchandise.  They are the backbone of our business community and they need your support to continue to serve your needs!  When you need something, think hard, and SHOP MOUNTAIN BROOK first!  THANKS!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Christine's to host two great talents at one great event!

October 22nd - 10AM to 5PM "Two Great Talents for one Great Thursday Event" at Christine's in Mountain Brook Village

Introducing Chrissie Schubert and her brand new line of homemade beautifully decorated cookies, called "Homemade Chrissie Schubert's Treats"!  Our favorite Alabama bread baker, Sister Schubert, will be signing her new tabletop cookbook, Cast your Bread upon the Waters, along with her daughter, Chrissie, who will be decorating and sampling her new cookie product.  You won't want to miss it!


Thank you to our Healthcare Panel, sponsors, and participants!

Thank you to our panel of Healthcare CEOs and industry experts including:  
Garry L. Gause, President and CEO of Brookwood Medical Center
Sandra Hullett, M.D., M.P.H., CEO and Medical Director of Jefferson Health System/Cooper Green Hospital
John O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer at St. Vincent's Health System
Bill Heburn, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Medical Center
Kenneth B. Botsford, M.D., Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, HealthSpring of Alabama
Robin Stone, Executive Director Governmental Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Scott Fenn, Chief Integration Officer for Baptist Health System

Thanks also to our moderator - Paul DeMarco, our gold level sponsors including Bryant Bank, Borland Benefield, Regions Bank, Re/Max, and Christian & Small, LLP as well as to our audience participants.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Need Help finding a Babysitter?

Consider attending a Mommy Mixer where prospective babysitters and parents with children can mix and mingle - making sure that they're compatible before exchanging contact information.  Never heard of one -  View details here!  Three events are being organized for the Birmingham area this fall on  9/15, 10/6, and 11/3.  Contact Sara Jane Strickland, City Manager for Mommy Mixer in Birmingham for more information or to participate in the next mixer.

MommyMixer has been featured on GMA, in Parent Magazine, Daily Candy, The Washington Post, and is a partner with Cookie Magazine for all local events.  Visit their website for more information or to register.  November event will be at Swank in Mountain Brook Village!

What is Shop, Save & Share?

This is an easy opportunity for retailers and customers alike to support both local charities and local stores during their holiday shopping.  From Thursday to Sunday, October 22nd to November 1st, customers can use a special credit card purchased from the Junior League of Birmingham for $40 to receive a 20% discount at participating stores.  Participating retailers receive free promotion for this huge shopping event and the support and patronage of not only 2700 league members but also community members who purchase the card.

The community receives the benefit of all this shopping as funds raised support local charities which they receive along with the volunteer hours of league members.  It's a win-win for everyone!

Don't forget to buy a card!  Shop local, shop smart, save money, support your community!

Upcoming Events!

Lots of events on the fall chamber agenda including seminars on:

    *financial security 
    *merchant credit card services
    *networking opportunities
    *street festivals
    *fundraising with support of local merchants & community events
    *and even a public hearing on a planned new development! 

We also have a fall calendar of merchant specials, trunk shows, and holiday festivities posted here.  Don't miss anything!  Click on Events for details on these and other upcoming activities!  And check our blog frequently - we'll post late-breaking news and links to related articles here as well.

Mountain Brook receives coveted Blue Ribbon School award!

Mountain Brook's Cherokee Bend is among only 314 schools to receive the coveted Blue Ribbon School award.  Read more about it here!  Congrats to the teachers AND the students!!!

Contact the Chamber to help market your business!

We want to help our merchants!  Contact us to list your event on our website here.  Let us know how to follow you on Twitter by following us at shopmtnbrook so we can help publicize your new products and upcoming events.
Help us to create and support a community of merchants and urge our residents to SHOP LOCAL -SHOP MOUNTAIN BROOK in order to preserve our tax dollars within our community.  Help us to constantly remind our residents to support our local merchants!  We need to all work together to keep our community strong, vibrant, and the wonderful place that we have all chosen to raise our families!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Craving Italian for lunch but don't have time to drive?

Bambinelli's in English Village now delivers pizza and pasta, lunch and dinner. Bob Carlton provides details in his blog... Check out this article!

Feedback on Healthcare Luncheon

Birmingham Business Journal - by Jimmy DeButts

President Barack Obama gave BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama a less than welcomed shout out during a nationally televised address Wednesday, which drew a rebuttal Thursday.
BlueCross Executive Director of Governmental Affairs Robin Stone responded with humor to Obama’s mention of Alabama having one health insurance provider with 90 percent of the market share. Obama used Alabama as an example of the need for greater competition in the insurance industry.
For complete article, click here

Alabama plan defends itself after Obama cites its reach
Friday, September 11, 2009
ANNA VELASCO and MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writers
Whether you go with the 75 percent hunk that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama says it has of the state's private insurance market or the 90 percent figure that President Barack Obama cited Wednesday before Congress, there's no doubt that Blue Cross is Alabama's big dog when it comes to private insurance.
For complete article, click here

Friday, September 4, 2009

Why should you use Social Media to market your store?

Is social media a fad? Or is it the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution?  Don't miss this video!
Click here!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

New Guest to join Healthcare Panel


Scott Fenn
, Chief Integration Officer for Baptist Health System


is joining the Healthcare Luncheon panel at Park Lane on September 10th. For details and to pre-register, please click here. Other panel members include:


Garry L. Gause, President and CEO of Brookwood Medical Center
Sandra Hullett, M.D., M.P.H., CEO and Medical Director of Jefferson Health System/Cooper Green Hospital
John O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer at St. Vincent's Health System
Bill Heburn, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Medical Center
Kenneth B. Botsford, M.D., Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, HealthSpring of Alabama
Robin Stone, Executive Director Governmental Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Are you a Facebook Fan? Share details of our events with your friends!


For all of you Facebook fans, note that we've now added a Facebook icon to all our event pages to allow you to easily share details of an anticipated event with your Facebook friends. Try it! Look for the icon at the bottom of the event page.

Great Blog on Small Biz Survival through Difficult Economic Times

Here are just a few of the great articles listed on the blog entitled, Small Biz Survival, The Rural and Small Town Business Resource:
Shop Local Campaigns for Small Towns
20 Small Business Ideas for Small Towns
Promotion Checklist after your Event
Click here for more information

Twitter Tutorial for New Users

What could the economic impact of The 3/50 Project be on our community?


For more information, please visit their website

Marketing Presentation

Video of Crestline Halloween Parade courtesy of Stephen Wolfe!