host posted on May 03, 2010 10:00
By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
NORTH JEFFERSON — One organization in the area is reaching out to small business owners.
The North Jefferson Business League offers weekly meetings where individuals can hear speakers, network and even promote their own businesses.
The league meets every Wednesday, 8 a.m., at the Gardendale Civic Center.
Meetings include “one-minute commercial” sessions, where those at the meeting take turns promoting sales, initiatives or other good news happening at their business.
There is also a variety of speakers at the meetings who cover topics from personal development to business and community events.
“We’re even focusing an aspect of our development on business ethics and the Christian perspective,” said Dr. Jim Fox, president of the organization.
Fox, owner of Gardendale Chiropractic Center, said the league is interested in helping businesses grow, but he also wants to see individuals develop.
“We cover all the different aspects of a business person’s personal growth as well as business growth,” Fox said. “We’re trying to really create a forward-thinking approach. The business league is trying to be a part of the solution instead of focusing on what we can’t do. Let’s strap on the boots and move forward.”
There are 18 members of the North Jefferson Business League. Fox said he wants to see membership increase.
He invites business owners to the weekly meetings, but he pulls no punches: He said members will invite guests to join the organization.
“Come visit us for a meeting,” he said. “We’ll learn something about you and then invite you to go through the application process.”
The cost to join the league is $100 a year. Newcomers are asked to pay for the first two years up front.
Fox said the league was formerly a part of a larger national organization. Back then, the “dues were extravagant,” Fox said. “Our group didn’t feel that was conducive to their needs.”
The North Jefferson Business League has been independent for four years.
The speakers for this month (and their topics) include:
• May 5: Greg Morris, economic development for the city of Fultondale (the future of Fultondale)
• May 12: Dr. James Fox, Gardendale Chiropractic Center (revisiting your mission statement)
• May 19: Lela Curry, Mary Kay Cosmetics (the importance of skin care)
• May 26: Father Michael Deering, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (sales with Christian ethics)
To learn more, call Fox at 631-2433 or Vice President Curtis Calfee, of Threads of Faith, at 608-3577. The North Jefferson Business League can also be found on Facebook.