By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to serve on several work groups aimed at strengthening the county’s economy, school systems and quality of life.

During a Jan. 31 Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club lunch, GSCC President and Chief Executive Officer Kirk Mancer said several chamber staff members and volunteers met earlier in the day to set meeting schedules for several work groups.

The work groups were organized to support the chamber’s Shelby One campaign, which is aimed at supporting existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, strengthening career-oriented offerings at the county’s schools and more.

“We wanted to give people a chance to get more involved and have a say in the direction the county is taking,” Mancer said. “If you want to get more involved, we invite everyone to come to the table and have a say-so.”

The work groups include:

-A group aimed at supporting existing businesses and industries, which will also organize an annual industry appreciation event. The group will met the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at various locations.

-A small business work group which will, among other things, organize “Small Business Week” activities in May. The group will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the GSCC office in Pelham.

-A governmental affairs group, which will “serve as the liaison between our elected officials at the local, state and federal levels and (Chamber) membership.” Group meeting dates and times have not yet been set.

-An education work group, which will organize annual career awareness fairs and student and teacher of the year awards. The group will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center in Alabaster.

-A community improvement group, which will work with cities and businesses to promote community beautification projects. Meeting dates have not yet been set.

-A health services work group organized to promote healthy lifestyles. The group will meet the second Friday of each month at Cardiovascular Associates at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

-An ambassador work group, which will help with Chamber events such as ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings and other events. The group will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the GSCC office.

To learn more about the work groups, or to volunteer, call the Chamber at 663-4542.