Saraland Chamber Chat
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Laurel Flowers
Laurel Flowers- State Farm Agent
Episode 10- Saraland City Teacher and Founder of World Changers United Ministry.
RELEASED January 27th, 2022.
Last month I shared my vision for the chamber in 2023 and this month I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am the owner of Laurel Flowers State Farm. I’ve been in the insurance industry since 2008 and had a great role model who showed me the ins and outs of his business. At that time, I was studying at the University of Mobile where I graduated with an MBA and an undergraduate in Mathematics and Business Finance. From there I moved to Nashville, TN to train under a State Farm agent in the agent aspirant program before taking over from a retiring agent in my hometown of Saraland, AL in 2017. Upon returning home I met my now husband Bradley Flowers and have two sweet kids Kleighton (9) and Luke (1). If you see me around, please come speak. I look forward to meeting new people this year and serving as your president.
Callie Hudson
Founder of World Changers United Ministry
Episode 10- Saraland City Teacher and Founder of World Changers United Ministry.
RELEASED December 13th, 2022.
About 2 years ago, God started moving on my heart to start an outreach ministry for teachers. It all started with a desire to encourage and remind teachers of their value and impact on the lives of their students. The Lord showed me that if we can reach Kindergarten through Twelfth grade teacher, we have just reached the next twelve generations for Christ. I set up a meeting with my pastor to share my vision. Without hesitation, Saraland First Assembly of God was on board. The results of this first meeting set into motion many other conversations and meetings to get a team of amazing teachers and leaders, from all denominations, together to host an event especially for teachers. With the help of many community sponsors, the funds were provided to help make this vision come true.
In January 2020, World Changers United hosted the First Annual Night of Refreshing for Teachers. This night was all about making sure teachers were refreshed, laughed, and left knowing their impact on the lives of their students.
Today, World Changers United, continues to increase its vision. As a ministry, our goals now include reminding teachers of their impact on the lives of their students, co-workers, and parents they come in contact with each day. They are valuable!
How do we plan to encourage and reach these teachers throughout the school year? We make sure teachers have a small gift at the beginning of each quarter throughout the school year to remind them that God has called them to this mission field, their classroom and school. Through social media, we send encouraging videos, scriptures, quotes, and prayers. Once a year, we have our big event, A Night of Refreshing for Teachers. Teachers from all over the area will be invited to attend.
Shinekia Dillon
Owner of Touch of Love Healthcare Training School and Touch of Love Sitter Service, LLC.
Episode 9- Registered Nurse and Owner of A Touch of Love Sitter Services, LLC
RELEASED November 21st, 2022
The History of Touch of Love
Welcome to Touch of Love. My name is Shinekia Dillon. I am the Founder and Administrator of Touch of Love Sitter (2017) & Touch of Love Healthcare Training School (2020). I am a Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified CPR Instructor. I am a graduate of Reid State Technical School (2014).
Where it all began:
When I was about 10 years old my mother took in a great aunt and began to care for her. She would have a nurse to come out several times a week to care for some wombs on her legs. She would scream in pain!
One day, I asked the nurse (Jane, I still remember the nurse name) if I could come in the room with and let my aunt hold my hand when you started her womb care. Jane reluctantly replied, “Sure”.
I stood there at the door and patiently waited for her to let me in. Once she opened the door, I went and sat on her bed and told her “You can hold my hand, and squeeze it as hard as you want to. Take the pain out on me”.
From that day forward, a seed was planted. I waited at the door every time Jane came to visit, until years later that aunt passed away.
I was privileged to help take care of my great aunt, great grandmother, and grandmother, all in the same home.
Years later I went to training school and received my CNA license, several years later I went back and obtained my nursing degree and license. The seed began to sprout up and I was in strong pursuit to start my own business.
My aunt allowed me to “touch” (hold) her hand in one of her most vulnerable moments, and that’s where the name Touch of Love comes from.
Touch of Love Sitter has been established, licensed, and insured since August 2017.
I pray that each patient and family that we meet and care for, we leave a lasting touch (impression) that will forever change their life.
After several years of being in business, I saw a great need to hire and retain some great Certified Nursing Assistants, so in April 2020 Touch of Love Healthcare Training School was established and licensed by The Private School Licensure Division of Alabama Community College System and by Alabama Department of Public Health. We will be offering the short term courses that could be completed in 12 months or less. Stay tune for future announcements.
Sean Bryant
VP of Economic Development for the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce
Episode 8- VP of Economic Development for the Saraland Area Chamber Commerce
RELEASED October 4, 2022
Sean Bryant is the VP of Economic Development for the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce. Sean works at Brett/Robinson Real Estate and Development Company in Corporate Business Development. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Mobile, Inc as a Director and is an Advisory Board Member for the University of South Alabama’s Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
In 2002, Sean graduated from the University of South Alabama School of Business with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Sean started his working career with an entry level position at Centralite Systems in Mobile, AL, working with Jim Busby and the former Mayor of Mobile, Mike Dow. He was promoted to many leadership roles in his career there, eventually being promoted to CEO of the company. His many achievements and contributions to our community include participating on the Saraland School System’s text book committee and a parent representative for the school system’s accreditation. In his role as VP of Economic Development with the Saraland Chamber, he’s developed a comprehensive economic development packet that has been a precious tool used by the city and investors to the North Mobile area. He is also on the Steering and Advisory committee for Saraland’s new Sports Complex.
Sean grew up in Mobile before moving to Satsuma in high school and has been a resident of Saraland for many years. He married his high school sweetheart, Claudette and together they have 3 amazing children who are his pride and joy. Sean enjoys hunting and fishing as well as spending time with his family and friends.
Kelly DeFord
Southern Insurance Professionals Inc. Agent
Episode 7- An Interview with Southern Insurance Professionals Inc. Agent- Kelly DeFord
RELEASED SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Kelly was born in Mobile, Alabama. Kelly has been married to her husband
Shannon, for nearly 35 years. They have two daughters, Kasey and Karson and 2 grandchildren, Harper, and Hayden. Kelly loves that her grandchildren live so close to her and she enjoys getting to spend time with them. She is also passionate about travel and SEC Football.
Kelly began her insurance career in 1997 as a Customer Service Representative where she was awarded many times, but her most prestigious award as a CSR was for writing the Most Auto Insurance in the State of Alabama. In 2008 she became an Agent and over the next 10 years was awarded as a Top Producer 9 times. Since our company launched in 2020, Kelly has been recognized with our carriers, as a Silver Producer for Homeowners Insurance in our Coastal Area, and she was recognized as a top Bond Producer with Nationwide. Kelly continues to excel in the Bond Market for Southern Insurance Professionals.
Over the years Kelly has worked with several community projects such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Bowl a Thon, Special Needs Assistance Program, Camp Fundraising Program, Bringing Up Down Syndrome – Buddy Walk and the Autism Awareness Program. She feels the best way to be involved with now all of these organizations and remain civic minded is by volunteering her time to the Saraland Lions Club. She feels being a mentor to the local Leo Clubs is a great way to be a positive influence to the next generation. Kelly is also an Ambassador for the Saraland Chamber of Commerce where she enjoys assisting the Jr Ambassador Program in helping them achieve their goals for shaping their careers and future.
Chris Andrews
Owner of Bienville Bites Food Tours
Episode 6- An Interview with Owner of Bienville Bites Food Tour Chris Andrews
RELEASED AUGUST 1, 2022
Chris Andrews is the founder and CEO of Bienville Bites Food Tour in Mobile, Alabama and Taste of Fairhope in Fairhope, Alabama. Chris was born in Mobile, Alabama and a graduate of Satsuma High School. In 2017, Chris combined his passion for food and history when he launched the first and only food tour in Mobile. Since then, Bienville Bites has been named the “Best Food Tour in Alabama” and has been consistently awarded the “Certificate of Excellence” by TripAdvisor which is given to the top 10% of attractions worldwide based on excellent five-star reviews. In the fall of 2020, Chris and his wife Laney launched the Taste of Fairhope tour giving people an opportunity to connect through food and drink on both sides of Mobile Bay. Chris is passionate about connecting people to the city through food and drink while giving them experiences and stories to share with others. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Laney and three children, Audrey, Sawyer, and Carson.
Captain Clayton Horton
City of Saraland Fire Inspector
Episode 5- An Interview with City of Saraland Fire Inspector Captain Clayton Horton
RELEASED JULY 5, 2022
On this episode we sit down with the City of Saraland’s Fire Inspector Captain Clayton Horton. During our time with him we discuss how he became a fire-fighter, his job as the Fire Inspector, and the importance of a Business Continuity Plan.
Josh West
Founder and President of Saraland Soccer Academy
Episode 4- An Interview with Citizen of the Year Josh West
RELEASED MAY 31, 2022
Danielle Dials
Owner of Danielle Renée Beauté
Episode 3- An Interview with Danielle Dials
RELEASED MAY 01, 2022
Natalie Moye
Saraland City Councilwoman
Episode 2 - An Interview with Saraland City Councilwoman Natalie Moye
RELEASED APR 01, 2022
In this episode we sit down with City Councilwoman Natalie Moye to discuss current topics.
We learn about her family, college and career, and what interested her into running for City Council.
Councilwoman Moye also shares what’s happening right now in Saraland, and what our future looks like as a growing city.
Ben Smith
President / GM of S & M Transportation
Episode 1 - An Interview With Chamber President Ben Smith
RELEASED MAR 07, 2022
Episode 1 – An Interview With Chamber President Ben Smith
On this month’s episode we sit down with the President of the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce Ben Smith.
Topics discussed are:
Ben’s upbringing in Tennessee
His love for sports… and coaching
His commitment to family
The business opportunity that brought him to Saraland
Challenges his business has faced through Covid… and high gas prices
The importance he places on serving
Why making an impact matters
The question that drives his tenure as Chamber president
The three initiatives he’s already implemented
His five year vision for the Chamber.