Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Expansion

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Expansion | News | February 15, 2022

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce their expansion. Additional team members have joined this business organization to enable the chamber of commerce to serve you better.

Annette McGuire-Davis brings her expertise to expand social media services as one of the newest part-time staff members. It is her belief that the City of Leeds is the best community to raise a family. In the past 12 years, Annette has assisted many small business owners launch their company in the Greater Birmingham Area. Through website development, branding, and building a strong social media presence, she has helped business successfully gain the attention of their targeted market audience. She is passionate about marketing, but on the side, she also enjoys using her degree from Auburn University, in elementary education to support our local schools however she can.

Diane Poole brings her expertise in membership and will be working with the business community to help them maximize their membership and corporate sponsorship opportunities. Diane was the Executive Director for the Trussville Chamber of Commerce for eleven years. She has also worked in other management and marketing roles with companies such as the McWane Center, The Arts Council, Inc. in Huntsville as well as working as a community volunteer in different capacities and she has worked as a contractor for local chambers for approximately two years. Professional organizations she has participated with include Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club, Rotary District 6860 Nominating Committee, UAB National Alumni Society and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama where she also served on the board of directors. Diane definitely understands the value of chamber membership and getting the most from that investment.

Anne Glidewell has been a familiar face around the City of Leeds for many years. She joined the part-time chamber staff in 2019 as an administrative assistant. Anne utilizes her many years of banking and chamber of commerce experience and knowledge to assist in the area of bookkeeping, tourism and events, administration and day-to-day operations. She has worked as a chamber volunteer in various positions over the years including service on the chamber board of directors and served as 2006 Chamber President so she is well-equipped to be a helping hand and a great resource for the chamber organization.

Dona Bonnett has also been a familiar face around the city and the chamber since 2013. She joined the chamber as a local business owner to promote her business, adr Business & Marketing Strategies, when she moved back to the greater Leeds area and has continued her chamber involvement through the years. Celebrating 20 years in business, Dona understands the benefit of business networking, building relationships and chamber of commerce affiliation. She does contract work with local businesses and municipalities to communicate their message through web development, Internet marketing and social media, graphics creation, content writing, press releases, photography and video. She worked with the chamber to create and develop the corporate ambassador program in 2013 and has served as an ambassador or on the board of directors since. Dona was the recipient of the 2013 and 2014 Ambassador of the Year Award as well as receiving the 2015 President’s Award. Dona currently serves as the chamber Immediate Past President and her company is a Bronze Corporate Sponsor. Her chamber and community work includes publicity, promotion, website development, photography, video, member support and other business services. She is the Editor of the Everyone Leeds e-publication with www.EveryoneLeeds.com that promotes what’s happening in the great City of Leeds each week and continues to work with community leaders to propel the great message of Leeds, Alabama.

Everyone knows and loves Sandra McGuire, the organization’s Executive Director. Sandra has worked in this capacity for over 16 years. Prior to that time, her experience included business ownership and operation of a dress shop in historic downtown Leeds as well as working as a marketing rep for a property title insurance company. It was during those years that Sandra was involved with the chamber as a volunteer, served on the board of directors and even served as Chamber President. Being a one-girl office for many years at the chamber, she has worn numerous hats. She understands the value of the chamber, networking with other business professionals, the credibility it lends to any chamber member and is ready to help anyone that reaches out to the chamber for assistance. Tourism and events are a big part of chamber work so Sandra definitely knows how to throw a party! The next major event coming up is the Creek Bank Festival and Cruising the Creek Bank Car Show scheduled for Saturday, May 14 with a rain date of May 21. The work of the chamber is continually changing and growing so Sandra welcomes the chamber team to assist in meeting the ever-growing needs of our business community and the City of Leeds.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 non-profit organization that has been “leeding the way” since 1950 providing business and community support and will celebrate its 72nd birthday this year. The chamber is your information bureau, a great business resource, your liaison between city government and the business community. The chamber supports your business, your community and your schools. A Chamber Membership can help you and your business increase visibility and credibility as well as provide an environment for your business to flourish. Membership Includes your business listing on the Chamber website with a link to your business website, invitation to monthly luncheons with worthwhile speakers and networking with other business professionals, ability to publicize your business at monthly luncheons & eblasts, ability to purchase health insurance at group rates through our CCAA partnership, opportunities to sponsor chamber & community events, Chamber Members are recommended first to any new resident or businesses locating to our area, frequent email updates to keep you informed about Chamber and community events and more!

For more information about Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.LeedsAreaChamber.com or contact Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001 / (205) 965-9392 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

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Photo L-R: Diane Poole, Anne Glidewell, Annette McGuire-Davis, Dona Bonnett, Sandra McGuire.