Chamber holds eighth annual Business Outlook Conference, provides update on Shelby Forward Campaign – Shelby County Reporter


Chamber Holds 8th Annual Business Outlook Conference to Provide Update on Shelby Forward Campaign

Released at 10:49 am on Thursday, January 26, 2023

Lizzie Bowen | Staff Writer

Shelby County – The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce held its 8th Annual Business Perspectives Conference at the Pelham Civic Complex on Wednesday, January 25th.

The conference was organized by the University of Montevallo and Stevens College of Business, with special guest speaker Amy Mellon, current Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Montevallo, Stevens College of Business.

A panel met at 8:30 am where representatives from five different businesses working within the Shelby County community discussed an update on the current business environment in the county.

Amy Sturdivant attended on behalf of 58 INC. to discuss technology changes and how staying up to date with changes can help your business move forward.

“I’d like to outline a little bit about the trends we’re hearing and how they’re shaping up in Shelby County,” Sturdivant said. “The first thing we cannot ignore is technology. It plays a huge role in our global business, whether we provide services or products. and ask yourself how it affects you.”

Sturdivant explained the “talent challenge” and the importance of asking what it takes to recruit and retain employees for your business. Sturdivant said there are lessons to be learned from the pandemic informing supply chains.

“Go up to that high level and think about what you can change,” Sturdivant said. “It could be people, process, or product. Over the last year, we’ve seen companies reinvesting in existing plans. and have more automated machinery.”

Sturdivant said the 2022 Shelby County Master Plan is in draft and has blueprints that are expected to be approved soon.

“[It]will give a clear picture of where Shelby County is headed and what kind of development, growth and programs we will see going forward,” Sturdivant said. Because with that comes a lot of great quality development.”

Sturdivant said the Chamber of Commerce “is working to develop outstanding talent and tap into local workforce groups.” These groups work to help companies find and train talent and make an impact in the workforce.

“Know that we have connections with these regional partners and that we can rely on the Chamber of Commerce to make those things happen,” Sturdivant said. “Its focus is innovation and recreation and talent. Shelby County is known for that. But we also continue to build on all of the county’s assets and characteristics that make it a truly unique place in the Southeast and nationally. I have.”

Associate Broker and Arc Realty Partner Mechelle Sippial was in attendance to discuss the current state of the housing market and real estate. Sippail spoke about the growth of real estate companies over the past few years.

“During the pandemic, we[real estate agents]were seen as essential jobs,” Shippeil said. “The last two and a half years have been a roller coaster. In 2019 he had over 5,000 agents. There was

The total number of homes sold in Shelby County in 2022 was 4,428. The average number of days a home spent on the market was 14. The average selling price was $402,388. The highest selling price for a home in Shelby County was $2.6 million.

Christine Sizemore, a certified coach and consultant, was in attendance to discuss the Forward Shelby County Initiative. Sizemore will partner with the Chamber of Commerce to advance the initiative. The campaign is his three-year strategic plan based on the Chamber’s latest plan, Shelby One Next Level. The campaign ran from He 2018 to He 2022.

Shelby One Next Level includes expansion programs in the areas of business development and support, community and workforce development, government relations, and working with 58 INC., the county’s Shelby County economic development corporation. I was.

“We are pleased to partner with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce to provide quarterly leadership and management training to leaders and emerging leaders,” said Sizemore.

2022 Chamber of Commerce:

– Acquired 135 new investors.

– Coordinated four public affairs programs with an average attendance of 105 people.

– The Shelby County All Star Awards program selected 27 nominees in three categories for tourism and recreation.

– Facilitated the quarterly Shelby County Association of Mayors meetings.

– Organized the first annual Discover Shelby Fest in partnership with Shelby County and the Shelby County Arts Council.

– Shared the “Communication Matters” program with 1,030 11th grade students in Shelby County.

For more information about the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, visit Shelbychamber.org.



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