Swift Drug Company - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Swift Drug Company, for being selected as our Chamber Member of the Week!

William P. Swift, III (Buddy), president

Swift Drug Company is a corporation run by president William P. Swift, III (Buddy).  It was started on October 20, 1916 by his great uncle, George A. Swift, and his grandfather, William P. Swift.  His great uncle was a pharmacist that wanted to own his own drug store and his grandfather was a bookkeeper.  Eventually his dad, also a pharmacist, inherited the business.  Buddy Swift then came to work at the family business after college and has been there for 41 years.

If you're looking for a full-service drug store that also delivers, Swift Drug Company is where you need to go.  Not only do they have friendly pharmacists, but they also have a variety of health products, gift items, and even some Selma souvenirs!  All of their Christmas items are 50% off right now, so you better hurry while supplies last.  Also, be on the lookout for their monthly circular that is mailed to everyone in Dallas County because there are some special deals in there.

Buddy Swift has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for many years and has even served on the Chamber Board a few times.  He believes that we need a strong Chamber of Commerce to promote our community.  As a business owner, Mr. Swift says that they always benefit from their membership and it is very affordable.  If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Be sure to visit Swift Drug Company!

Swift Drug Company

217 Broad Street

Selma, Alabama

334-874-4651

Mark's Mart - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Mark's Mart! You are our Chamber Member of the Week!

(L-R) Rodney King, Jacob King, Charlie Argo, and Andrew Slagel

Mark's Mart is a popular business in Selma that is probably most famous for its chicken swirls.  It started as a convenience store in 1978 by Odis and Clara Nell King.  Odis had retired early and wanted to open his own business.  In 1980, they reopened an old country store (its current location) and began selling specialty meats, such as filet mignon for only $2.99.  Their son, Rodney King, joined the business in 1991 and is the current owner of Mark's Mart.

The store has expanded since its early days and now sells a large variety of items such as fine wines, local specialty items, cut to order meats, and more.  They even sell items for a "Meal on the Grill" so you can get an entire meal to cook on the grill in one place - great for tailgating!  Over the last 15 years, Mark's Mart has sold many "Made in Selma" items such as Gantt Candies, Southern Flavor, Lyon Candles, cheese blossoms, and more.

If you're looking for some holiday specials, Mark's Mart will have some unique items for sale on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday just in time for Christmas!  Be sure to go by their store!

Mark's Mart

1022 County Road 44

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-872-3003

www.chickenswirl.com

Mark's Mart has been a Chamber member for about 20 years now because they believe that the Chamber has a positive impact on the community.  Mark's Mart is very community-oriented and they strive to bring specialty items to the community so you don't have to drive hours to get them.  If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, please call 334-875-7241 for more information.  

Recognize this sticker?  Selma participated in the nationwide Small Business Saturday in November that encouraged residents to shop at local small businesses in their community.

Primary Eyecare Center - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Primary Eyecare Center, for being randomly selected as our Chamber Member of the Week!

Primary Eyecare Center is currently owned by Dr. Kristina Lovinggood (pictured left).  She started working there three years ago with Dr. Rick Jackson, who started the business about ten years ago.  After working there for a year, Dr. Lovinggood bought the business from Dr. Jackson and has been the owner for the past two years.

Primary Eyecare Center offers comprehensive eye exams for children and adults, diabetic eye exams, contacts, and glasses.  They also provide treatment of glaucoma, dry eye, and other eye diseases.  If you need new glasses, head over to Primary Eyecare and take advantage of their 30% off of in-stock frames!

Dr. Lovinggood is from Selma and it is evident that she loves her hometown.  She went off to college, but came back because she wanted to provide eye care to her hometown and she has family members that own other businesses in Selma.  She joined the Chamber to be connected with the community and one of her favorite things about the Chamber is that we help people find what they are looking for - such as a new eye doctor when someone moves to Selma.  One of the benefits of being a Chamber member is that your business is featured in our annual Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide, which is how many people learn about the businesses in Selma.

If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, please call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Be sure to visit Primary Eyecare Center!

Primary Eyecare Center

801 Dallas Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-874-7024

Email: kristsum@aol.com

Side Porch Sandwiches - Chamber Member of the Week

Side Porch Sandwiches and Pub is our Chamber Member of the Week! 

Side Porch Sandwiches and Pub is owned by Dianne Smitherman (Right) and Tenesa Howell (Left).  Dianne owned Grumbles Alley for years, but then went into business with Matthew Davis to open Side Porch Sandwiches about two years ago.  Last year, however, Matthew had to leave to take another job and that's when Tenesa got involved.    

If you're looking for a simple sandwich restaurant with smaller portions and smaller prices, you should definitely try Side Porch Sandwiches!  Their signature dish is a marinated and grilled chicken breast sandwich, but you can try the marinated chicken on a salad too.  I've heard from tourists that they have some excellent key lime pie as well!

Side Porch Sandwiches and Pub is not only a full-service restaurant, but they also have a separate pub with live entertainment twice a month.  It is the perfect casual atmosphere and family-friendly restaurant.

Dianne had wonderful things to say about the Chamber of Commerce.  She believes that the Chamber is very instrumental in sending business to them.  Merchants and business owners greatly benefit from the Chamber and Tourism departments efforts to bring business through annual events, tour groups, and community referrals.

"The benefits are sometimes intangible, but it is a method of networking with other businesses." - Dianne Smitherman

If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Eat your next meal at Side Porch Sandwiches!

Side Porch Sandwiches

1124 Water Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36703

334-872-8600

Northside Animal Hospital - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Northside Animal Hospital! You are our Chamber Member of the Week!

Northside Animal Hospital is owned by Dr. Mike Wells, whose father started the business in 1942.  You wouldn't know it by how busy Citizens Parkway is now, but 70 years ago people said that no one would drive all the way out there to go to the vet.  It looks like those people were wrong because Northside Animal Hospital is thriving and is surrounded by many successful businesses.

They are a full service animal hospital that offers services such as medicine, surgery, grooming, and air conditioned boarding facilities.  If you have a pet that needs to be groomed for the holidays, you can take them to Northside Animal Hospital.

Dr. Wells's dog about to be groomed

Speaking of holidays... a great gift for your loved one would be to adopt this sweet little dog named MJ that was rescued from the side of the road by Dr. Wells's wife.  He already looks so much healthier after the few weeks he has been cared for at Northside Animal Hospital!

 

MJ when he arrived

Dr. Wells and MJ now

Be sure to visit their Facebook page to see photos of the animals they have cared for recently!

Dr. Wells had great things to say about the Chamber of Commerce!  He believes that "it's important to support the Chamber because the Chamber does a lot to support Selma... anyone that has a business in Selma or Dallas County ought to be a member of the Chamber."  We couldn't agree more!  If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Northside Animal Hospital

2612 Citizens Parkway

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-872-2355

On Time Fashions - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, On Time Fashions, for being selected as our Chamber Member of the Week!

On Time Fashions has been in business for over 35 years now and has provided fashion forward clothing for Selma and Dallas County. The current owner's uncle, Eddie Dabit, started the store and was successful.  As he continued to grow his business, he gave the Selma store to his brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Aida Dabit.  On Time Fashions has four locations - Selma, Alabama; Northport/Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Oxford, Alabama; and Savannah, Georgia.  The Dabit's have four sons and each of them own one of the four stores.  Today their son, Zuhier Dabit (pictured left), operates the Selma store with his wife, Faten, and engages with the customers to accommodate the latest trends. 

From informal wear to formal, the Dabits will make sure you are On Time with the latest fashions.  They have what seems like an endless collection of informal and formal wear for all ages.  The formal wear is perfect for weddings or other events and is available for purchase at a lower price than a rental, plus you get to keep it!  

On Time Fashions also does custom screen printing.

While you're shopping on Black Friday, be sure to stop at On Time Fashions for their Buy One Get One 1/2 off special.  Everything in the store is Buy One Get One 1/2 off!

On Time Fashions is a proud member of the Chamber and has been for many years.  Zuheir Dabit remembers when they held their grand opening and grand re-opening and how the Chamber helped them set up and invite people to come.  

"I love the people that work at the Chamber.  They are always looking out for the businesses in town because we need each other; they need us and we need them.  They recommend local businesses when people ask where to go in Selma." - Zuheir Dabit

If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Be sure to visit their store:

On Time Fashions

1120 Alabama Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-874-9997

Hancock's - Chamber Member of the Week

Hancock's Country Barbeque is our new Chamber Member of the Week!

Hancock's is one of Selma's barbeque restaurants and is owned by Mike and Deborah Hancock (pictured left).  It all started when Mike’s dad opened a grocery store and filling station in 1973, then converted it to a hamburger store in 1976.  Mike and Deborah had started a barbeque restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee that operated in 1978 and 1979.  They were able to sell the restaurant in Gatlinburg, move back to Selma, and buy the restaurant from his dad in 1980.  Their family has been in the restaurant business since 1965.  Some of the items throughout the restaurant, such as the ones pictured below, have been in the restaurant since it opened.

They specialize in barbeque and ribs; however, they have other items on the menu such as the double bacon cheeseburger - a customer favorite.  The food is made to order and everyone loves to eat their meal with Hancock's giant glass of sweet tea.  Hancock's also makes their own barbeque sauce from an old family recipe.  It can be purchased anytime at Hancock's or Black Belt Treasures.  If you want to eat at a locally-owned restaurant with devoted employees, Hancock's is the place to go!  

  

Hancock's decided to join the Chamber because they wanted to support the community.  They are some of the best spokespeople for Selma and they recommend membership to anyone that is not a member.  If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Be sure to eat your next meal at Hancock's!

Hancock's Country Barbeque

72 County Road 46

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-872-5541

Selma Public Library - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Selma and Dallas County Public Library!  You are our Chamber Member of the Week!

Becky Nichols (pictured left), Children's Librarian and Director of the Selma and Dallas County Public Library, has worked at the library for more than 36 years.  She is passionate about her job and enthusiastic about the programs and services they provide for the community.  Some of the programs they offer are a GED program, adult programs, children's program, Sensational Selma, and Courtyard Cafe.  To learn more about their programs and services, visit their website here.  

The Selma and Dallas County Public Library is over 100 years old.  It began in 1904 with a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, who wanted to provide libraries to small communities.  The city gave Carnegie the land and Carnegie paid for the building, which was located in the current Centre for Commerce building.  It was not integrated at the time.  In 1976 the library expanded to its current location in the downtown complex and became fully integrated.  Then in 1995, the library expanded again, but this time it more than doubled its size from 10,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet.   

Library before expansion in 1976

Library after expansion in 1995

The next step for the library is working toward going digital.  They received a $28,000 grant to upgrade their server, which will hopefully allow patrons to access materials online.  They plan to have efficient patron use and educational tools that are offered “free to the people” just as Andrew Carnegie wanted.  Their goal is to provide resources for jobs and education.

“Be sure to read to someone today” – Becky Nichols

Selma and Dallas County Public Library

1103 Selma Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36703

334-874-1725

www.selmalibrary.org

“I can’t imagine not supporting the Chamber... We need each other.” - Becky Nichols

If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, please call 334-875-7241 for more information.

Southern Flavor - Chamber Member of the Week

Mr. and Mrs. Ingram

Congratulations, Cahaba Products, Inc. (better known as Southern Flavor), for being selected as Chamber Member of the Week! Those of you that have lived in Selma for a while have probably tried Southern Flavor at least once and then you were hooked.  Southern Flavor was started in 1980 by Leonard Ingram; Suzanne Ingram, his wife; and Fred McCormick, his best friend since high school.  Mr. Ingram had an old family recipe for seasoning that he turned into a new flavor - Southern Flavor.  Mr. McCormick tried the seasoning, liked it, and said they needed to market it.  It started as one flavor and over the last 33 years, it has developed into four different flavors.  The owners manufacture the seasonings themselves and send them all over the world.

The oldest and most popular flavor is the Charbroil seasoning.  It's the flavor that started it all and is the perfect blend of spices and seasonings for practically any dish, especially meats.

About three years after creating the Charbroil seasoning, Ingram and McCormick saw a need for a deer and wild game seasoning.  It is perfect for seasoning and tenderizing deer, small game, beef, pork, poultry, fish and most other foods.

About twenty years ago, the team created a garlic seasoning to add to their Southern Flavor line.  It is made of 70% granulated garlic and other spices and can be used on just about any foods, if you like garlic.

Finally, about ten years ago, the Cajun (Hot) seasoning was created.  The flavor was adapted from the Southern Flavor formula and has a little "kick" to it for those that like it hot.

You can purchase any of these products on their website at www.southernflavor.com or in many local grocery stores, Walmart, Publix, Piggly Wiggly, and Winn Dixie.  Mark's Mart also carries Southern Flavor and many other "Made in Selma" products.  The seasonings come in a 3 ounce bottle, a 15 ounce bottle, and for restaurants that use Southern Flavor, it can be purchased in a 50 pound box!

If you've ever wondered about the colonial style home on the Southern Flavor label, it is Mr. Ingram's drawing of his and Suzy's home that they have lived in for over 43 years!  

Have you ever found yourself saying, "I need to get some more of that Southern Flavor. My kids stole mine!"?  Well, the easiest way to solve that problem is to buy them Southern Flavor as a gift.  You can get the 3 ounce orders or the 15 ounce orders of mixed amounts and flavors from their website.

Be sure to get your Southern Flavor before your next meal!

Cahaba Products, Inc.

555 Gary Avenue

P.O. Box 691

Selma, Alabama 36701

(888) S FLAVOR

(888) 735-2867

www.SOUTHERNFLAVOR.com

Mr. Ingram believes you should be a member of the Chamber because it brings industry into the area and is good for the economy.  If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, please call 334-875-7241 for more information.

One Way Bookstore - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, One Way Books, Gifts & Engraving, for being selected as our Chamber Member of the Week!

Have you ever wondered where you could purchase Bibles, devotionals, books, or Sunday School curriculum in Selma?  One Way is the place to go!  They also sell plaques, trophies, gifts, and can personalize just about anything with their engraving expertise.

One Way is a bookstore that has been in Selma for over 30 years and is the oldest independent Christian bookstore in Alabama.  It was originally located in downtown Selma but later moved to its current location across from Selma High School.  Gary Courtney (pictured below), owner of One Way Bookstore, just bought the business in April of this year.  He was telling a friend about how we needed a Christian bookstore in Selma and his friend told him that One Way was for sale!  Mr. Courtney bought the business and said it was like God was telling him, "I've got you right where I want you."

One Way Bookstore has a little bit of everything.  Bibles, devotionals, plaques, trophies, jewelry, books, book marks, decorations, music, movies... everything you would find at a Christian bookstore chain and more!  Why travel all the way to Montgomery or Prattville when you can get everything you need for your church, school, Bible study, and gifts here in Selma?  Think of how much money you can save by shopping in your hometown.

Mr. Courtney currently supplies 50-60 churches with Sunday School curriculum and said, "I would love to service the churches in Selma."  He also supplies many of the trophies and plaques given for schools, churches, and other organizations in Selma.  

Be sure to visit Mr. Courtney at One Way Bookstore for your next purchase!

  One Way Books, Gifts & Engraving

2185 Broad Street

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-875-9492

www.onewaychristianbookstore.com

Did we mention they have a jewelry sale right now? 50% off Halle Joy jewelry!

For information about becoming a Chamber member, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 334-875-7241.

The Flower Basket - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations to The Flower Basket! They are the newest Chamber Member of the Week!

The Flower Basket is owned by Vicky Wilkerson and has been in existence since 1978.  Her mother was working at another flower shop at the time and her insurance agent called her one day to tell her that The Flower Basket was for sale.  She bought the business and it has been blooming ever since.

They sell a variety of items such as live flowers, green plants, wreaths, baskets, and gift items.  They also make all types of floral arrangements for homecoming dances, weddings, and funerals.  Basically, if you have a floral need, they can help you!  Or if you're looking for some Alabama or Auburn ornaments, they have some at The Flower Basket!

One of Vicky Wilkerson's favorite things about the Chamber of Commerce is our monthly newsletter.  It is one of the many ways we keep our members in the loop about upcoming events and what is happening in our community.  To become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-872-7241.

Be sure to visit Vicky at The Flower Basket

2710 Citizens Parkway

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-872-2204

www.theselmaflowerbasket.com

theselmaflowerbasket@gmail.com