By KRISTI SCOZZARO / Guest Columnist

It’s great to be a Helena business and a member of the HBA!

The HBA focuses on Helena’s business success and growth.

At the Tuesday, July 7 HBA meeting Tammy Hogue from Options Financial presented.

She wants Helena businesses to be EMV ready and aware of the Oct. 15 deadline when card processing will change for merchant and consumer.

These changes fundamentally alter how cards are processed, secured and how any risk is transferred.

The HBA will stand with and assist your business as it grows. We are business owners that are vested in our community, and want to ensure needs of the people are met and business is strong!

On Thursday, July 16, the HBA will host a ribbon cutting for yet another business opening their doors to serve.

OnMark Physical Therapy, located at 2600 Highway 58, Suite i will have a Grand Opening at 10 a.m.

All are invited to help welcome and support OnMark Physical Therapy.

The HBA is also proud to sponsor events throughout the community.

The HBA recently hosted Helena’s First Friday with a crowd of 3,000 visitors in Old Town Helena.

The streets of Old Town were red, white and blue with vendors of all flavors.

The evening ended with an amazing display of fireworks presented by FarmerGuard Pest Control and the City of Helena.

The next First Friday event is Aug. 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.! We want to see you there!

This week the HBA is highlighting Helena Vision Care.

A longtime business, Helena Vision Care is there to offer the best in eye care.

Dr. Jamie Reid took over the practice in mid-2013.

Dr. Jamie Reid is a Pelham High School graduate with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama.

She received her Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry.

Helena Vision Care provides full eye and vision care, and accepts emergencies along with scheduled appointments.

Patients come to Helena Vision Care because they know they will receive personal attention and professional care.

Dr. Reid and her team keep patients comfortable and well-informed at all times.

They explain every procedure and answer all questions.

Additionally, they offer financing options and work with insurance providers to ensure excellent vision care for all patients.

Dr. Reid loves this area and desired to stay close. She is a charter member and First VP of the Helena Lions Club.

She is active in the HBA and other aspects of the community.

Dr. Reid gets to know each of her patients on a personal level and this is evident in her support of community activities.

Dr. Reid always has a smile and is happy to see you.

Contact Dr. Reid at Helena Vision Care located at 5358 Hwy. 17, Helena, AL 35080 or by phone at (205) 664-7577, or email at helenavisioincare@gmail.com.

Kristi Scozzaro is the vice president of the Helena Business Association and can be reached at scozzarolaw@gmail.com.