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