By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Photos by EAN, Lucretia Cauthen Realty and Michael Gay.
There was a “sold out” packed house at the Lanark NaturePlex on Thursday afternoon, as the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce held their 2021 annual meeting.
The Millbrook Chamber of Commerce is a group of community leaders working together to promote Millbrook area businesses within the community. Their annual meeting gives them the opportunity to induct new board members, officers and present awards to deserving businesses across the Millbrook area.
New Board President is Penny Nicholls; Yvette Roberson is the new Vice President; Scott Lee is new Treasurer.
This year, four new individuals were selected to serve on the Board of Directors:
Marjorie Bowden: Retired DoD Civilian and owner of M-L-B Enterprises
Erika Guthrie: Owner of Shop Edge Boutique in Millbrook
DJ Taylor: Practice Administrator for River Region Vision Source in Millbrook and Greenville
Jamal Thomas: Publisher and CEO of Gumptown Magazine
“Our Board of Director members have a vision, and I’m very, very proud to be a part of it. This really is a new day – we’re starting a new chapter, and we’re writing it together. I’m excited to be working along side of them,” said Brenda Dennis, Executive Director for the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon also marked her 77th day in her new position.
When serving on the Millbrook Board of Directors, each individual serves a three-year term. This year, three prominent Millbrook citizens were recognized for their time on the board over the past years, and honored for so graciously helping make Millbrook flourish in the best way possible. Outgoing board members are as follows:
Rev. Brannon Bowman with Millbrook Presbyterian Church
Dr. Bryan Holman at River Region Vision Source
Eric Smith, Co-Owner of “The Wash” Carwashes
Jamie Brown, who has served the past year as President, announced the outgoing members. Brown is extremely active in the community, and also serves as Vice-President of Relationship Development for Max Credit Union.
She was surprised and presented with a $700 check that will help fund the MAX4Kids Foundation, which helps to secure scholarships and donates to non-profit organizations in the region that directly impact the lives of children.
“The MAX4Kids Foundation is very near and dear to my heart. It’s really all about the kids. Since the foundation was founded in 2001, we have given $1.4 Million to children’s charities and high school scholarships. We couldn’t do any of it without the efforts of our community,” Brown said.
Millbrook Mayor Mayor Al Kelley spoke about the relationship that he’s had with the chamber of commerce, including Dennis, who took over as director in early April 2021.
“Brenda’s doing a tremendous job, and I can already see the difference. It’s great to have a partner in the chamber, and the City wants to work very closely with them,” Kelley said.
The 2021 Small Business Awards followed Kelley’s comments. Those winners can be viewed below:
Emerging Small Business: Kingdom Dough
Opening in September 2020, Kingdom Dough in Millbrook has a wide variety of sweets and breakfast foods from cupcakes and donuts to biscuits and kolaches. Jeremey and Kimberly Powers are husband wife, and owner and operators.
Small Business: Lucretia Cauthen Realty
Lucretia Cauthen Realty is a full-service real estate firm with small town roots in Central Alabama.
“I’d like for my team, family, my friends at Lucretia Cauthen Reality to know that we couldn’t have done this without you. Me and my husband love this area – it’s our home. I’ve been here my entire lifetime and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We love our community, and our doors are always open,” Cauthen said.
Medium Business: AirNow Home Services
AirNow is a full-service air conditioning and heating contractor located in Millbrook. AirNow Cooling & Heating services and installs complete heating and air conditioning systems. In addition to scheduled service checks, repairing of existing equipment, and installation of new equipment, they can help you find ways to reduce your energy bills through a thorough cost-benefits analysis. Owner Jamie Merritt accepted the award, saying he deeply appreciates the support his business has received.
Large Business: Publications Press
Publications Press is the premier custom print provider for the Millbrook area and beyond. Their team has years of experience working with clients to design, produce and install a wide variety of excellent print products. Harvey Starling accepted the award.
After the conclusion of the awards, Brown took the podium one last time as President, before handing the gavel to new President Penny Nichols.
Brown said in the last year, the chamber has been able to remain active – participating in 13 ribbon cuttings and welcoming in 28 new members.
“As I reflect on the last 12 months, I have seen God’s hand in every decision, every event, every meeting, and every aspect of my time as Board President. I humbly thank you for allowing me to serve you, our board, and our community,” Brown said.
After Brown ceremonially handed the gavel over the Nichols in the most emphatic way possible, the new President spoke to the audience.
“I would like to thank all the out-going board members. I’ve enjoyed working with you all,” Nichols said. “I promise I will do my best to serve the community and the chamber as well. We’ve gotten a lot done over the past year and we look to continue that productivity moving forward.”
The delicious meal was provided by Front Porch Grill of Millbrook. Dessert was courtesy of Clay McConnel and a crew from Alabama Power. The Stanhope Elmore High JROTC posted the colors and band members provided musical entertainment prior to the official start.
“(The Chamber) knocked it out of the park with this annual luncheon,” Millbrook Council President Michael Gay said. “Good things are happening, and we are proud to have the Chamber as our cheerleader!”
