The Alabama AdvantageTM program, part of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), will host an exhibition at the Alabama State Capitol July 20-24 titled “The Fifth-Annual Living in Alabama Communities.”

Our chamber is excited to showcase our communities of South Shelby County each year at this expo. The expo highlights the quality of life in our area and in communities across the state of Alabama.

This year’s booth theme is “Why Retire and Relocate in Shelby County, Alabama?” With the help of our members, our booth will strive to prove that Shelby County is the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Bill Meadows, program director of the Alabama advantage program, said the top 10 reasons people relocate are: cost of living, affordable housing, low taxes, medical services, proximity to interstates, regional airport and military bases, recreational activities, churches and friendly people — all of which we have in Shelby County.

The state is divided from the mountains to the beaches into five categories; Tennessee Valley, Central Highlands, Plantation Country, Southeast Wiregrass and the Gulf Coast Delta. Shelby County is located in the Central Highlands.

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce is excited to take our “Welcome to Shelby County” folders filled with great information about Shelby County to this year’s expo. There will be displays showcasing many communities from the county including Columbiana, Harpersville, Lay Lake, Chelsea, Mt Laurel, Vincent and surrounding areas.

Following a week-long exhibition by Alabama Communities, on July 24 from 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Doni Ingram with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will host the “Living in Alabama Communities” program in the Alabama Capitol auditorium. All citizens are invited.

For more information, call Bill Meadows at the Alabama AdvantageTM Program at 1-800-235-4757.