HPH HOMES GIVES HUNTSVILLE HOMEBUYERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO “MAKE IT YOUR OWN”.  Visit the HPH Design Studio to customize your new home at one of our four different communities.  Oakstone, located in the city of Madison, has homes from the $230,000s to $320,000s, all feature-rich and architecturally timeless; The Reserve, located in the city limits of Huntsville, and approximately one mile from Redstone Arsenal, features a full clubhouse and Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, and walking trails, with homes priced from the $200,000s to the $320,000s. Lake Forest offers an array of upscale amenities in a quiet, guarded community just minutes from downtown Huntsville with homes from the $200,000s to the high $300,000s. HPH’s newest community in Huntsville is Magnolia Park, offering affordable luxury in a premier community featuring a private swimming pool and cabana, homes starting from the low $200,000s. For more information please visit our web site www.hphhomes.com

Daniels Photography has a passion for photographing weddings, high school seniors, pets, corporate events, head shots and any other portrait need. We have been in business since 1995 in the Huntsville/Madison County area of North Alabama. Our studio is located on three beautifully landscaped acres. Select from a waterfall, woodland path or a variety of other outdoor and indoor studio settings. Working in a relaxed style, we make your session fun, assuring you receive a candid portrait that delights. Call Pat or Gary Patterson (256) 379-4166 for an appointment. www.photosbydaniels.com/    e-mail: p11643@mchsi.com

G. Boyce Bazzell (Bazz) resident of  Madison was recently appointed Business Associate Licensee for DubLi.com http://dubli.com/8424271. DubLi.com,  established in Europe in 2003 with the aim of becoming one of the major global players in e-commerce. North American Operation started in October 2008. The vision of a global auction house, paired with premium products and clever auction options, has become a reality. Thousands of DubLi users are already searching for their own personal bargains each day. For a 15 minute video, go here: www.videointro.net. With the Auctions Partner program other business partners, clubs, associations and organizations have the possibility, without their own capital and financial risk, to participate in DubLi’s success. Contact Bazz (256) 325-6787   bazz@knology.net


Brian Trefry of Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates Offers Multiple Lines of Insurance to Fit Your Needs. Brian Trefry of Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates is a commercial and personal lines insurance agent that provides insurance products to businesses and individuals throughout Madison County and the Tennessee Valley.  Brian offers a variety of insurance coverages, including Property, Homeowner’s, Renter’s, General Liability, Commercial and Personal Auto. In addition, he provides Workman’s Compensation, Employment Practices Liability, Directors and Officers, Professional Liability, and Bonds.  Brian dedicates his time to making sure his clients have a complete comprehensive insurance package to cover their needs and to educate them on changes in the insurance market.  Some of Brian’s clients includes Defense Contractors, Manufacturing, IT/Engineering, Retail, Nonprofits, Healthcare, Construction, and Restaurants. Please contact Brian for a free consultation at (256) 428-1004 or via e-mail at btrefry@fphins.com.  www.briantrefry.com

The Gulas Group is celebrating their twenty first anniversary by offering those that qualify a $500 coaching and assessment package for free. Learn exactly how you communicate with others and how to adapt your behavioral style accelerate your results. Define what workplace motivators make you passionate about going to work. And let us coach you to extraordinary performance. Offer good till April 30, 2010. Call us at 464-9046 or e-mail us at results@gulasgroup.com to see if you qualify.

In celebration of our 20th Anniversary Closet Orderly, Inc. is offering Roll Back pricing to the 1990’s for builders for a limited time only.  For more information call Closet Orderly today at (256)852-0028 or visit our website at www.closetorderly.com.  For Quality, Service and Dependability call Closet Orderly today. Closet Orderly Inc. 124 Import Cicle NW Huntsville, Al 35806-3918 WWW.closetorderly.com Tel. (256) 852-0028 or  800-852-0028 Fax (256) 852-2028

Are your carpets dirty and the old standard cleaning methods just aren’t doing the job?   Call Southern Tile & Stone Restoration and let us introduce you to the newest technology in carpet cleaning.  We brought you the biggest breakthrough in tile and grout cleaning technology and now we are doing the same with carpet cleaning.  Introducing the Rotovac  PowerWand-Rotary extraction with over 1500 passes per minute.  Call us to schedule a free estimate (256) 424-5943 or e-mail us at matt@tileandstonerestore.com.  www.tileandstonerestore.com. Come see us at the 2010 Building, Home & Remodeling Show at the VBCC, March 5-7th- Booth #47

Focusing on Restorative and Preventive Health Care, Asbury sponsors RESTORE, A Wellbeing Fair. Madison, AL., March 6, 2010, 9:00 a.m – 1:00p.m. – Based on biblical teachings of the need to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit, Asbury is sponsoring RESTORE, a health and wellbeing fair.  Health issues affecting every stage of life will be covered. Local health experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on many topics including stress management, obesity, migraines, Alzheimer’s prevention, depression, and prayer. Health professionals are also offering free classes from 9:00am -1:00 on a wide variety of topics from natural solutions for add/adhd, autism and addiction, to pilates and hormone balance. Limited seating will be available, so please register early to attend this engaging and educational event meant to provide healthful approaches to maintain or gain physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. To make reservations you can go online at www.asburyumc.ws  or call (256) 837-0365.

In December 2009, Huntsville-based D&Y expanded its healthcare staffing specialty coverage with the acquisition of Atlanta-based Psychiatrists Only, LLC. Established in 1998, Psychiatrists Only is a physician recruitment firm specializing in locum tenens and permanent placement of psychiatrists nationwide. The company’s success is due to its ability to create desirable matches between healthcare institutions and physicians. Psychiatrists Only and D&Y share the same commitment to outstanding customer service as well as recruitment of the highest-quality physicians. For more information, visit www.dystaffing.com. D&Y, 6767 Old Madison Pike, (256) 551-1070, info@dystaffing.com

Recognizing, honoring and promoting the contributions of women. The Women’s Exchange endeavors to connect women in business and the companies that service them through publications, events and online. It is an advocate for women in business, while also raising the visibility of the diverse achievements and contributions of women. Learn more by visiting www.womens-exchange.com

New!  “Talk Show for Entrepreneurs:” The WBCNA is on the air every Tuesday from 8:00 .m. to 9:00 a.m. on WTKI (1450) in Huntsville and WEKI (1490) in Decatur.  Every week we cover a different topic that would be of interest or benefit to an entrepreneur.  We also profile a small business every week, so please let us know if you are interested. For more information, call (256) 535-2038, e-mail info@wbcna.org or visit our website at www.wbcna.org. We’re conveniently located downtown in the Chamber of Commerce.

Looking for a Career Change? Interested in Real Estate? Come join us at WEICHERT, REALTORS® - The Executive Group any Tuesday at 7:00 PM for Career Night! You’ll receive all the information you need to decide if a career in real estate is right for you. Call us today to reserve your spot at (256) 533-7210.  No experience needed! Career Night is free and there is no obligation. Won’t you join us on Tuesday?  WEICHERT, REALTORS® - The Executive Group is a dedicated full-service real estate company with offices located in Huntsville and Madison, servicing the Northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee areas.

Advanced Federal Receives iso 9001:2008 Certification. Advanced Federal Services Corporation (www.afscorp.com) received ISO 9001:2008 certification effective 29 Jan 2010. The certification assures compliance with standards for a quality management system as established by the International Organization for Standardization, or “ISO.” Organizations must complete a rigorous auditing process by a third-party registrar to attain certification. Advanced Federal has been certified as a provider of Government and commercial contract services in Facilities Operations and Maintenance, Logistics, and Administrative Support Services. Advanced Federal is a Small Disadvantaged Business founded in Madison, AL in 1995. The company operates contracts in six states. 

June Guthier, Social/Business Etiquette Consultant; The global economy has made it so important that one knows social skills, international culture and customs. Professionals need to know how to interact with other citizens outside our country and those of multicultural within the workplace. Businesses need to know that people are not alike all over the world. The more you respect  the cultural of others, the more successful you will be. I offer Social/Business Etiquette and International Etiquette training, for groups, corporate workshops, individual sessions and at universities. I am also available for speaking engagements. June Guthier (256) 259-3706 jworthy@scottsboro.org



Rocket City United (RCU), the area’s nationally recognized leader in men’s minor league soccer, will host a Ribbon Cutting ceremony with the Madison Chamber of Commerce at its new headquarters in the Southern Convention Services (SCS) complex at 10446 County Line Road in Madison, March 4th at 4:00 PM. SCS recently became an ownership stakeholder in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team. www.rocketcityunited.com. RCU Contact: Andy Zorovich 10446 County Line Road Madison, AL 35758 TEL: (256) 655-8556 or az@rocketcityunited.com

Salsa Dancing/Lessons. Salsa is the hottest Latin dance in the world. Learn how to dance Salsa in Huntsville with John “salseroblanko” Morey. He is Huntsville’s very own Salsa Specialist. Salseroblanko brings you the best instruction, dances and other salsa events. Private lessons are also available. Salseroblanko has just established Wednesday Salsa Night at Club Rush every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more details about Salsa and associated salsa events in Huntsville, visit www.salseroblanko.net or e-mail Salseroblanko at salseroblanko@yahoo.com.

CI Concepts helping business to perform better! Experienced Advisors and Specialists for Green & Lean – Energy Systems Analysis and Cost Saving implementation.  Start saving money on your electric bill today. Contact Michael Shelton Ph: (256) 933-0043 E-mail: mshelton@ciconcepts.biz. www.ciconcepts.biz

Wiregrass Hospice provides compassionate care through a team of professional staff members and volunteers. Hospice is a unique approach to care that ensures patients live out their days as fully and as comfortably as possible.  Hospice can be provided in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility. Wiregrass Hospice invites you to join our team by becoming a hospice volunteer. To learn more about volunteering or to receive additional information on Wiregrass Hospice services please call (256) 519-8808 or e-mail Kim at Kimberly.Houser@gentiva.com

Correlated Magnetics Research (CMR) is established to pursue the research & development of Larry Fullerton’s simple and elegant invention that applies signal correlation and coding theory to magnetism. This bold new idea enables precision control of magnetic forces to elevate product performance, empower new product innovation, and drive increased efficiencies across industry and around the world. A technology development and new business incubator, CMR is partnering with government & academic research institutions, commercial products & services organizations, and industrial leaders worldwide in aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, electronics, energy, robotics, security, and transportation sectors. For more information contact: Correlated Magnetics Research LLC 125 Peter Lane New Hope AL 35760 Toll-free 888-820-9990 www.correlatedmagnetics.com or info@correlatedmagnetics.com

Computer Troubleshooters has once again been awarded the “Best Technology Franchise” for 2010 by Franchise Business Review. Based in Decatur Georgia, Computer Troubleshooters is the largest on site computer repair Franchise in the world offering break/fix service along with Managed Services. CT is the ONLY company in the world that offers a “ZERO DOWNTIME GUARANTEE”. You can reach your local Computer Troubleshooter, Jeff Olson, @ (256) 652-6643 or at www.comptroub-hsv.com
 
Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center opens. The Multicultural Association of Scottsboro officially opened the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center on Feb. 1. The museum is located in the Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church at 428 W. Willow Street in Scottsboro. The museum displays many documents and photos that recognize the historical significance of the Scottsboro Boys trial and its effects on civil rights movement in America. The Scottsboro Boys case lead to two groundbreaking rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court that established the right to effective assistance of counsel and equal protection under the law. For more information please see www.jacksoncountychamber.com.

Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. announces accreditation to AS9100! Our commitment to quality is manifest in our Quality Policy that reads: “If the product comes from AOS, you can believe in it.” We now hold accreditation to AS9100 Revision B and to ISO 9001:2008. AOS is a veteran-owned small business that strives to surmount technical challenges in arenas of national importance. Our goal is to give the warfighter or astronaut the means to perform their mission better and at lower personal risk. We develop systems that see, understand, and act; with a focus on practical solutions carried to hardware prototyping. To find out more please visit our web site at www.aos-inc.com

Divine Detail would like to invite you to come to see us at 8350 Madison blvd. We are next to Walmart at the Chevron Station. For Appointments or pick-ups call us at (256) 621-1000.  We have gift ideas and package deals.  10% of all sales are tithed to the Downtown Rescue Mission to help the homeless in the Tennessee Valley. We have a  24-hour guarantee. You can also visit our web site. www.Madrugada321.web.officelive.com 

Lite 96.9, the station with the Valley’s MOST music – not just in the morning, but ALL day long has some great giveaways coming up!  Register at Lexus of Huntsville to win in the 5-4-3-2-1 contest and get up close with Wynton Marsalis coming to the VBC Concert Hall on March 25; listen for details on Girls’ Night Out prize packs and join us for Spring Market on March 26 – 28!   Studio Line: (256) 489-4969; Business Office (256) 885-9797.

Synapse Wireless®, member of UCA®International’s OpenSG and leader in Internet-enabled, wireless energy solutions announced that the Synapse SNAP® network operating system earned a 2009 SmartGrid.TMCnet.com Product of the Year award from Technology Marketing Corporation and Intelligent Communications Partners. “Synapse has proven they are committed to quality and excellence while addressing real needs in the marketplace,” said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC.  “We’re proud to honor their accomplishments in the advancement of smart grid technologies.” “Our SNAP network operating system was designed to meet the challenge of Smart Grid, making applications interoperable, easy, reliable, affordable and secure,” said Wade Patterson, Synapse CEO. 500 Discovery Drive Huntsville, AL 35806 Office (256) 852-7888 x106 Fax (256) 852-7862 www.synapse-wireless.com



Calhoun Community College exemplifies the two-year college mission of commitment to excellence in teaching and service and is the region’s leader in education and workforce development.  As the largest two-year institution in the Alabama Community College System, Calhoun is an open-admission, community-based, state-supported, coeducational, comprehensive community college dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality and accessible education to individuals in its four-county service area. Calhoun offers 49 associate degree programs and 52 career/certificate programs, Calhoun serves over 11,000 students at its 110-acre Decatur campus, its Huntsville/Cummings Research Park site, and at the Limestone Correctional Facility. Terri Hildreth. Public Relations Calhoun Community College Decatur, AL  35609 (256) 306-2560

Celebrate the 2010 Laureates at the North Alabama Business Hall of Fame. We invite you to join Junior Achievement for this black-tie event at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 2nd at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Davidson Center. Plans are underway for an exciting event including an exceptional dinner, great entertainment, and most importantly -- the 2010 Laureate Award Presentation: Mr. Jerald Reed, Amoco/BP Corporation; Mr. Milton Cummings, Teledyne Brown Engineering and namesake of Cummings Research Park; Mr. Larry Capps, U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting the JA office at (256) 533-4661 or visiting the JA web site at www.janaonline.org
 
HEALS on the Green Pro-Am Golf Tournament at The Ledges Pre-Party SUNDAY, APRIL 11 5:00-7:00 pm. Pro-Am Tournament MONDAY, APRIL 12 Shotgun Starts at 8:00am & 1:00pm. A pre-party & Pro-Am golf tournament to support Health Establishments at Local Schools. Upon entering the tournament, players are invited to a kick-off party at The Ledges (additional guests welcome for $50). Live music by Morgan-Mosley and Cristina Lynn. Pre-registration for tournament available.   www.healsinc.org. All teams play with a pro! Players receive a program of special events, breakfast, lunch, and an upscale golf gift. Presented by Steve and April Denney and Dr. Bill and Jean Salter.  

Cabinet NG (CNG), provider of document management and workflow software, is a finalist for a 2010 CODiE Award in the document management solution category by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). This category awards the best software solution for managing the document life cycle, including the processes of retrieving, sharing, tracking, revising, and distributing documents and the information they contain. In addition, CNG launched its own awards program called the “iNGies” -- the company’s first green award to honor SMBs who demonstrate the best use of document management to improve their bottom line and operate their businesses in a more environmentally friendly means. www.cabinetng.com, (256) 258-0460, 9668 Madison Blvd., Suite 100, Madison, Alabama 35758

“Daphne” wine features label by Alabama artist. The just released “Daphne” wine produced at Perdido Vineyards in Perdido, AL features a label designed from an acrylic painting by Daphne artist Faye Earnest.  Works by Earnest have been shown in galleries around the world including World Fine Art in New York, the Mercedes Gallery in Germany, and the OMMA Center for Modern Art in Greece.  She also painted “Clash at the Point”, a sports action acrylic painting of four Polo Players, which is used as a Perdido Vineyards wine label. Most recently, Earnest completed a mural of a wetlands scene with white egrets on the exterior walls of the Frame Corner as part of a project to beautify the City of Daphne. For more information on Perdido Vineyards please see www.perdidovineyards.com for more information on Faye Earnest please see www.fayeearneststudio.com

UNA Film Festival celebrates 25th anniversary of “Back to the Future”. The University of North Alabama’s 2010 George Lindsey Film Festival being held March 4-7 in Florence will host a 25th anniversary “Back to the Future” reunion. Actors Lea Thompson, James Tolkan and Claudia Wells along with screenwriter Bob Gale will be participating in the reunion. The “Back to the Future” celebration will also include public appearances of an exact working replica of the famous DeLorean time machine car, complete with flux capacitor and functional circuit displays. This year the UNA George Lindsey Film Festival is working with several partners to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival is one of the few film festivals hosted by a university. The event was founded in 1998 in part by UNA alumnus and celebrated actor and entertainer George Lindsey. Lindsey is known internationally for his role as the character Goober Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show.” For a complete list of film festival events and ticket information please see www.lindseyfilmfest.com. Alabama Tourism Department www.alabama.travel 1-800-ALABAMA

Events to satisfy every culinary palette during the Year of Small Towns and Downtowns. Families can enjoy a taste of Alabama all year long with food festivals across the state. The BBQ Hog Wild Festival in Mobile and Elberta’s Original German Sausage Festival take place in March. Rainbow City’s Chocolate Festival is held in April, Brewton’s Blueberry Festival in June, Stokin’ the Fire BBQ at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham is in August and the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores takes place in October. The following list includes 30 food festivals that are among the many cuisine-themed events promoted by the Alabama Tourism Department.
 
9th Annual BBQ Championship Hog Wild Festival, Mar. 12-13, Mobile. Thousands of visitors flock to the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds for this “hog wild” benefit for United Cerebral Palsy. Live music, children’s activities, barrel racing, cooking demonstrations and BBQ. Fri., 3-9:30 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (251) 479-4900. www.bbqmobile.net.
 
The Original German Sausage Festival, Mar. 27, Elberta. Families can enjoy German sausage, a variety of other foods, music, dancing, crafts, children’s rides and games. The festival is also a top 10 tourism event for March. Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (251) 986-5805, http://sausagefest.elbertafire.com.
 
Asian Cultures & Food Spring Festival, Apr. 3, Birmingham. Enjoy a celebration of Asian art and culture with Asian foods, fashion show, kite building, Japanese Bhuto, a Chinese garden, and entertainment. Opening ceremony: 10:30-11 a.m.; festival: 11 a.m-3:30 p.m. (205) 903-5569. www.bhmasianfound.org.
 
12th Annual Saint Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival, Apr. 9-10, Birmingham. Savor homemade Lebanese food, including baked kibbee, rolled grape leaves, spinach pies, grilled lemon chicken, music, dancing and tours of the only Maronite Catholic Church in Alabama. Free. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 251-5057. www.stelias.org.
 
Alabama Chocolate Festival, Apr. 10, Rainbow City. Enjoy musical, arts, crafts, kid’s carnival and delicious chocolate as well as a bake-off and chocolate pudding eating contest. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission charged. (256) 543-3472. www.alabamachocolatefestival.com.
 
22nd Annual Baldwin County Strawberry Festival, Apr. 10-11, Loxley. Savor fresh strawberries and food provided by more than a dozen vendors showcasing their culinary offerings including strawberry shortcake. Children will enjoy the carnival and pony rides while adults will enjoy arts and crafts, a classic car show and live music. Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (251) 550-2003, www.baldwincountystrawberryfestival.org.
 
6th Annual Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival, Apr. 11-11, Moulton. Bring the family for a chicken clucking contest, karaoke, fried chicken feet, egg-eating contests, entertainment, arts and crafts fair and a “Down on the Farm” agricultural expo. Admission charged. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1-800-974-1658, www.alabamachickenandeggfestival.com.
 
18th Annual Faunsdale Crawfish Festival, Apr. 17-18, Faunsdale. Enjoy Cajun-styled crawfish cooked several ways: boiled, fried, etouffee, pistolettes and pies. Also enjoy arts, crafts and music. Intersection of U.S. 80 and Ala. 25. Admission charged.  10 a.m. - midnight. (334) 628-3240.
 
Sucarnochee BBQ and Blues Cook-off, Apr. 17-18,University of West Alabama-Livingston. This is a Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event and Alabama’s Governor’s Cup featuring pro, backyard, kids and sauce competition. Enjoy live blues music Friday evening. Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., judging at noon. (205) 652-3497.
 
Antique and Strawberry Festival, Apr. 30-May 2, Moulton. Savor fresh strawberries and food provided by a dozen vendors showcasing their culinary offerings including strawberry shortcake, pies and fudge. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. www.lawrencealabama.com.
 
Whistlestop Festival and Rocket City BBQ, April 30-May 1, Huntsville. This event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and includes professional and amateur BBQ competitions. National and local country music entertainers perform on stage. Admission charged. Fri., 3-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (256) 564-8100, www.rocketcitybbq.com.
 
Gulf Coast Zydeco Music & Crawfish Festival, May 14-16, Daphne. Enjoy dancing, cajun food, and Zydeco bands. Saturday is “Community Day” featuring a parade. Fri., 6-11:45 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-11:45 p.m.; noon -7 p.m. (251) 626.5300. www.gulfcoastzydecomusicfestival.com.
 
Tri-State BBQ “Smokin’ in the Wiregrass” Festival, May 15-16, Dothan. An Annual Festival where BBQ is king. Schedule includes BBQ cook-off, music, and fun for everyone. www.tristatebbq.com.
 
Catfish Festival, May 15, Scottsboro. A great hometown festival at Jackson County Park includes a catfish tournament for adults, catfish rodeo for children, arts, crafts, car show and free concerts. Admission charged. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (256) 574.1330.
 
Low Country Boil, May 30, Mentone. Bring the family to the Mentone Springs Hotel for a Memorial Day weekend tradition atop Lookout Mountain. Enjoy an array of fresh shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, pork tenderloin, corn souffle, black-eyed pea cakes, and homemade desserts. One seating at 6 p.m., with live entertainment. Seating is limited. (256) 634-4040.
 
Alabama Blueberry Festival, June 19, Brewton. Savor fresh picked blueberries and blueberry ice cream. Also featured are cookbooks, antique car show, motorcycle show, arts, crafts and a children’s area. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (251) 867-3224, www.brewtonchamber.com.
 
Slocomb Tomato Festival, June 19, Slocomb. A family-friendly festival featuring a Ms. Tomato Pageant, parade, music and recipe contest. Free. (334) 886-2334.
 
Chilton County Peach Festival, June 19-26, Clanton. Enjoy various foods made with peaches, barbecue, a cook-off, peach run, pageants and fishing tournaments throughout the week. Free. (205) 755-2400, www.chiltoncountychamber.com.
 
A Taste of Switzerland, Aug. 1, Atalla. Celebrate the Swiss national holiday with a Swiss winemaker. Get a glimpse of Swiss traditions and enjoy food and music from the old country. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission charged. (256) 538-5452, www.willscreekvineyards.com.
 
Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Aug. 21, Russellville. Enjoy fresh watermelon and contests, arts, crafts, 5K run, bike ride, golf, tennis tournament, antique car and truck show, beauty pageant, music, games and food. Fri., 6-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. (256) 332-1760, www.franklincountychamber.org.
 
Annual Stokin’ the Fire BBQ and Music Festival, Aug. 20-21, Birmingham. Join professional barbecuers from around the country at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in downtown Birmingham. Teams compete for a chance to win $20,000 in cash and prizes while local teams compete for bragging’ rights to be the best Q in town. Admission charged. Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (205) 324-1911, www.slossfurnaces.com.
 
Annual Okra Festival, Aug. 28, Burkville. Vendors offer home-grown okra, a variety of other foods, arts, crafts and jazz music. Free. Noon-6 p.m., (334) 652-1206.
 
5th Annual Alabama Butterbean Festival, Sept. 4, Pinson. Butterbeans and a Miss Butterbean Beauty Pageant are the highlights of this festival. More than 200 arts, crafts and food booths complement the event as well as a Tail Waggin’ (dog) Pageant. Free. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. (205) 572-2041. www.butterbeanfestival.com.
 
Sweet Tater Festival, Sept. 5-6, Crane Hill. Families will enjoy plenty of sweet taters, live entertainment, prizes, food, arts and crafts. Admission charged. (256) 747-8635, www.sweettaterfestival.com.
 
Riverfest Barbecue Cook-Off, Sept. 17-18, Decatur. Visitors will be able to eat plenty of barbecue at the Alabama State Barbecue Cook-Off Championship at Ingalls Harbor. The event features barbecue teams from throughout the U.S., live musical entertainment, and more. Fri, noon-10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 800-524-6181.
 
21st Annual Taste of the Bayou, Sept. 25, Bayou La Batre. This seafood tasting event features more than 30 vendors offering succulent dishes prepared by local and professional chefs. Admission charged. 5-8 p.m., (251) 824-4088, www.bayoulabatrechamber.com.
 
National Shrimp Festival, Oct. 7-10, Gulf Shores. Savor fresh gulf seafood at the 38th Annual National Shrimp Festival on the beaches of Gulf Shores. Three-hundred vendors showcase their fine arts and crafts, two musical stages feature major national recording artists as well as local favorites. The four-day event attracts more than 300,000 visitors. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (251) 968-6904, www.nationalsrhimpfestival.com.
 
Evergreen Sausage Festival, Oct. 9, Evergreen. Enjoy locally produced sausage, live entertainment, a pet parade and children’s activities. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., (251) 578-1707. www.evergreenchamberofcommerce.org.
 
66th Annual National Peanut Festival, Oct. 29-Nov. 6, Dothan. The tourism event celebrates the local peanut crop. Livestock exhibits, competitions, recipe contests, carnival rides, food and fun. Admission charged. Check Web site for times. (334) 793-4323, www.nationalpeanutfestival.com.
 
Christmas on the River Barbeque Cook-Off, Nov. 28-Dec. 4, Demopolis. The weeklong festival features Christmas in the Canebrake, the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-off, Alabama By-Choir Concert, day parade, Jingle Bell run, nautical parade and fireworks show. Finale is the first Saturday in December. Free. (334) 289-0270, www.christmasontheriver.com. For information on these and more food festivals listed in the 2010 Alabama Calendar of Events log on to www.alabama.travel.



United Way of Madison County and Partners Offer Free Tax Preparation and Filing through C.A.S.H. Program. United Way of Madison County in partnership with AARP and Impact Alabama continues our third year of the CASH, Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope, program. CASH offers free tax preparation services to families with household incomes less than $49,000.  CASH was formed to help these families in several ways.  First, free tax preparation saves each family an average of $200 in fees.  Second, many families do not know they are eligible for tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.  Third, the CASH program helps families receive their refunds fast so that refund anticipation loans with high interest rates can be avoided. The CASH program is implemented by volunteers and supervised by United Way of Madison County staff. Volunteers attended in depth training on tax preparation processes. CASH Hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Wednesday 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Call – 1-888-99-TAX-AL (1-888-998-2925) for an appointment. Contact: Cindy Wester, (256) 536-0745 ext. 113

Fees & Burgess, P.C., received an invitation to the 2010 IPC APEX EXPO in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be featured speakers during both the EMS Leadership Training, held on April 9, 2010, and the IPC EMS Program Manager Training and Certification, held on April 10, 2010.  Fees & Burgess, P.C., also recently received an invitation to present its seminar, Logistically Speaking: Using Delivery Terms to Allocate Supply Chain Risks, on April 28, 2010, and as part of the 2010 ISM 95th Annual International Supply Management Conference in San Diego, California.  FEES & BURGESS, P.C. 213 Green Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801. Telephone Number: (256) 536-0095 Facsimile Number: (256) 536-4440 E-mail Address: jfees@feesburgess.com

Most renters don’t realize landlord’s insurance covers only the building & not tenants’ possessions. For about the price of a dinner out per month, you can protect all of your valuables. Renters insurance protects personal belongings from fire, theft, vandalism, & water. Coverage is available to cover the renter if a guest is injured while in the apartment or if the policyholder or family member causes damage to another property. Renters insurance also covers reasonable increases in certain living expenses necessary to maintain your normal standard of living, for up to 12 months, if a covered loss makes your residence uninhabitable. Call Brewer & Associates today for assistance. www.allstateagencies.com/RossBrewer or  rossbrewer@allstate.com. 1334 Washington Street Huntsville, AL  35801 PH (256) 533-1200 / FAX (256) 533-4546 • 2246 Winchester Road #303 Huntsville, AL  35811 PH (256) 858-6000 / FAX 859-4941 • 12090 County Line Rd Suite M Madison, AL  35756 PH (256) 258-1000 / FAX 464-9850

Southern Convention Services, Inc. Promotes Lisa Travillian to Marketing Manager. Southern Convention Services (SCS) is pleased to announce the promotion of Lisa Travillian to Marketing Manager. Ms. Travillian has been with the Madison based design and fabrication company since 2008, previously serving as Customer Account Coordinator. Ms. Travillian’s responsibilities will shift from customer coordination of trade show requirements, to the identification, development and evaluation of overall corporate marketing strategy. Her responsibilities will encompass a coordinated marketing effort for SCS Exhibits, Imagine Media, Southern Convention Services (event production), Rocket City United, and ShoreQuest. Ms. Travillian holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of North Alabama and has a diverse employment history, including work in graphic design and six years service with the United States Coast Guard.

Refreshments for the Heart. New Poetry Book Enlightens Readers. HARVEST, AL – Vanessa A. Jackson Austin refreshes readers’ hearts and minds in her second book of 52 poems plus 31 quotes, Refreshments for the Heart:God’s Treasure Chest. Through her poetry, Austin expresses how loving and kind-hearted God is. And that God assures us a lifetime of His faithfulness and His goodness. Austin owns and manages CABBIT Designs in Harvest, Alabama, where she presently lives.  She holds a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Management from Jacksonville State University, a B.A. in Accounting from Athens State University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Education from Alabama A&M University. Austin’s oldest son, Cedric, and her husband, Frederick, illustrated the covers of her book. 

For interview requests, contact: CABBIT Designs, Tel: (256) 852-6195/(256) 468-2032 or E-mail: cabbitdesigns@knology.net

Did you know there are 14 “for-profit” hospice providers in our community? The quality of care and services available differ widely among agencies and many people are unaware of the options available for in-home healthcare. Hospice Family Care is the only not-for-profit hospice provider in Madison County and has been serving the community since 1979. The agency provides advanced, in-home healthcare to terminally-ill patients, as well as emotional and spiritual support for caregivers and families.  Services are available for patients in private residences, as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  We also offer comprehensive grief and bereavement services for both children and adults. For more information, please contact the HFC Public Relations Director at (256) 650-1212 or visit www.hospicefamilycare.org.

Show and Sell Home Staging. The softening Real Estate market is increasing homeowner demands for ways to help with the sale of their homes. Home Staging has become one such tool.  By properly cleaning, de-cluttering and preparing a house before it is listed on the market, homeowners have a better chance of selling their home at or above list price. Show and Sell Home Staging is providing sellers with the knowledge and tools needed to showcase their homes for that quick sale. Spring is just around the corner, so to have your home ASP® Staged - please contact Gwynne Ebert at (256) 325-4263 or visit our web site at www.ShowandSellHomeStaging.com

The Alabama Reel Medic. Whether you are a recreational angler or a full time tournament angler, you will find that cleaning, tuning, and lubrication are key to your fishing reel’s peak performance. Without maintenance, a layer of old grease and dirt will build up on the inside of your reel and cause rust which will damage your reel. David Giudice, at The Alabama Reel Medic services include reel cleaning, repair, tuning, and upgrades. It is my sincere pleasure in being a part of you catching that lunker of a life time or getting that valuable tournament win. E-MAIL: David@Alabamareelmedic.com www.AlabamaReelMedic.com

Republican Women of Madison. 223 Sherry Lynn Place, Harvest, AL  35749, 256-721-9989. Our meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at the Holiday Inn on Madison Blvd. The social begins at 11:00 a.m. and the meeting/lunch begins at 11:30. For luncheon reservations for the RWM meetings ($11, including tax and tip), please call Marge at (256) 830-6621 or e-mail her at margekunhart@knology.net . For additional information on our club, please visit our web site at www.republicanwomenofmadison.org  and on Facebook. Our March 17 speakers are State Treasurer Kay Ivey, candidate for Alabama governor, and Stephen Evans, candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission, Place 1. Our April 21 speaker is State Senator Hank Erwin, candidate for Alabama Lt. Governor.

Hiley Mazda Volkswagen Audi of Huntsville would like to invite you to visit us at 6561 University Dr , Huntsville, AL 35806 to enjoy our wide selection of high quality new and pre-owned vehicles.  It’s an exciting time for Mazda!!  The dynamic Mazda 3 was just awarded Car and Drivers Top Ten Best Cars and ALG’s best resale value for any car in its class….33 mpg and 5 star safety…many Mazda models with special lease programs & 0 % financing. Volkswagen’s Spring Event is in full swing so don’t miss out on a large selection of new VW inventory and take advantage of financing as low as 0%! Out of this world lease offers are available with little or nothing down, we have a program for everyone.  Come in and test drive the 2009 World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Golf, and you’ll be a believer too.  Experience Audi’s exciting lineup and take advantage of special lease deals and COMPLIMENTARY Audi Care free maintenance, only offered by Audi Huntsville. Contact Info: Hiley Family Dealerships (Audi, Volkswagen, Mazda) Matt Meyer, Managing Partner (256) 881-1881, 6561 University Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35806 www.vwaudihuntsville.com ;  www.hileymazdahuntsville.com

DeepTarget Announces Two New Partnerships with Insurance Trust and How2Marketing Advice.com. DeepTarget Inc. (www.deeptarget.com/) announced that Insurance Trust (www.insurancetrust.us/) and How2MarketingAdvice.com (www.how2marketingadvice.com/) will immediately begin reselling DeepTarget products with a separate focus on market segments, specifically on Northeastern Credit Unions and e-Marketing respectively. Insurance Trust, founded in 1963 by Maine Credit Unions, provides insurance solutions for members and serves sixty-two credit unions in Maine.  Birmingham-based How2MarketingAdvice.com , their primary focus is on inbound marketing strategy, using social media other online/digital content toward a goal of getting found by consumers in any stage of buying. Flagship products include DeepTarget OLB (Online Banking - www.deeptarget.com/OLB.aspx) and DeepTarget E-mail (www.deeptarget.com/email.aspx).

Church-wide Rummage Sale -- Bake Sale -- Craft Sale! Who: Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church. When: Thursday, March 18 Pre-Sale, 6 to 8 p.m./$2 admission. Friday, March 19, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 280 Ford Chapel Drive, Harvest, AL 35749. A limited menu for breakfast and lunch will be available for sale on Friday & Saturday. For more information, contact (256) 722-0605.

Fuel For Life. ONE SAMPLE AND YOU WILL KNOW WE ARE ONTO SOMETHING BIG!!! This is a blend of all natural ingredients designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals and feel incredible while you do it. A powerful blend of herbal ingredients, vitamins and minerals that control your appetite, increase your energy and create a euphoric feeling of excitement and positive mental energy! Many people feel listless, tired, are “stressed out”, and agree there is not enough time in the day to complete what needs to be done, let alone find the time to prepare the nutritious meals that a healthy diet requires. Or they just grab fast food because they’re too hungry to cook. This solves both of those problems. This increases your energy and helps you to be more alert and active in your life. Lack of energy is one of the major reasons we don’t exercise enough. The basics of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is to not only eat less, but move more. This provides the added boost to get you through your day, with enough energy left to do the extras, such as exercise, that makes us feel our best, and the natural energy lifts your mood so that, even if you diet, you feel amazing! This is an all natural solution to add vitality and FUEL 4 LIFE!Call TODAY for Your FREE Sample! Wendy Dayton at (256) 541-7430

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