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By Rachel Martin | Chilton County Chamber of Commerce director

It’s an exciting time for Chilton County and the Chilton Chamber!  With our Annual Awards Banquet wrapping up, the Chamber was honored to recognize some amazing people and businesses.  Community Spirit Award winners included The Merchants Association of Chilton County and Kim Robinson from Clanton,  Hannah Pate and Tiffany Gaines from Jemison, Roman Heard and Sergio Sanchez from Maplesville, Tiffany Hammock and Todd Bowen from Thorsby and Hannah Wilson and Tondia Wilson for Chilton County. Chamber Champion awards were presented to Mark McKinnon and Tim Carter. New Business of the Year Award went to 6th Street Warehouse. Maymay Made It received the Distinguished Business of the Year Award. Distinguished Citizen of the Year Awards went to Mayor Jeff Mims and Clay Carroll.  We also added a new Lifetime Achievement Award this year that was presented to Donny Martin.  We are excited to add Deidra Gadberry and Morgan Eason to our board of directors, and Darren Wilson will step into the role of Chamber Board president, that was previously held by Connie Bainbridge. The Chamber was honored to have Clay Carroll as our special guest for the banquet, and loved being able to celebrate all of our hometown heroes.

If you haven’t been involved in Chamber events in the past, now is the time!  Add that to your list of New Year’s Resolutions and goals, and get involved in your community!  We have so many opportunities coming up!

Ongoing events like the Merchants Association of Chilton County group meetings can help keep you informed and be an asset to your business.  The next meeting is March 1 at 8:30 a.m. at Clanton City Hall.

If you have ever been involved with the Chilton County Leadership Program, watch for an invitation to an alumni breakfast on March 21 at 8:15 a.m. at 6^th Street Warehouse. The Chamber is working together with the Extension Office to get this program started again.

The City of Clanton will be hosting the Second Annual County-wide job fair/hiring event at Jefferson State Community College on March 23.  If you are looking for employees OR looking for a career, this is a great opportunity.

On April 20, the Chilton Chamber and the Catalyst Center are working together to host a Women’s Business Summit from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.  We will hear from a list of speakers, as well as a panel of successful, inspiring women.  This event will be held at the Clanton Performing Arts Center at Jefferson State Community College.  We will have more information on registration for attendees, vendors and sponsors available soon.

And of course, we are already working on 2023 Peach Jam Jubilee.  This will be Saturday, June 24 and is on target to be one of our biggest events yet!  Make plans to come out for a full day of music and fun for the whole family … for free.

As always, we encourage you to shop small, shop local, and be an active member of your community.  Together we can be the change we want to see, and show others why we #ChooseChilton.