December 3, 2018
The official newsletter of the Headland Area Chamber of Commerce
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your Calendar...

Heart of Headland Meeting - December 3
Christmas Parade - December 8
Annual Chamber Banquet - January 17

Heart of Headland Downtown Group meets December 3 at The Party Place
The second Heart of Headland downtown revitalization meeting was held on November 5th. Heart of Headland is working with the Main Street Network, ACE, the City of Headland and AARP in order to to help our community organize for success, increase economic development, encourage business growth, improve the design of our neighborhoods and businesses, and enhance our economic base. As part of this process four teams were established: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Vitality. At the next meeting each team will meet to set some goals and establish a plan of action. If you love Headland and want help our community please plan to attend our next meeting on Monday, December 3, 6 pm at You Never Know's Party Place next to Misty's Salon on the square . Please come if you can and invite others who may be interested in getting involved!     
William J. (Bill) Parker has been chosen Grand Marshal for the 2018 Headland Christmas Parade. This year’s parade theme is “A Southern Christmas” and is set for Saturday, Dec. 8 at 10am. 
The Grand Marshal will lead the parade through the downtown area followed by bands, floats, queens, dignitaries, horses, CornDodgers Farm's candy cannon and Santa Claus. Children can visit with Santa on the front porch of the library immediately following the parade.
Bill Parker has called Headland home since 1970 and for almost 50 years he has been making a difference in Headland, first as a bank president, then later on as Director and President of Headland’s Industrial Development Board. "So many of the positive projects that are now booming in Headland began with Mr. Bill's vision and leadership," Headland Mayor Ray Marler said. "We are all able to see many of the fruits of his years of hard work and dedication. We have been blessed with his bright mind, ability to look forward, tireless energy and his genuine goodness. "
Parker's love of family runs a close race with his love of community.   He has been married for 66 years to the love of his life Nell and mother of his five children. They are Becky and Jim Tucker, Melissa and Steve Roney, Jennifer Espy and the late Mark Espy, Laurie and Mike Cahill, Clark Parker and Alex Johnson, special daughter. He is ‘Papaw’ to his grandchildren, Lydia, Morgan, Emily, Rachael, Andy, William, Caroline, Cameron and ‘Pap’ to his great-grandchildren Hayden, Jacob, Logan, Amelia, Luke, Vivian and Eva.
Bill Parker was Founder and President of Wiregrass Bank and Trust, Headland; served the community as  a p ositive and constant force for economic development in Henry County and the State of Alabama since 1970; s erved long and faithfully in his church, community and state in various roles of responsibility; was s elected as Man of the Year in Headland; i nitiated the Headland Industrial Development Board; helped create and grow the Headland Airport Authority; was instrumental in founding Renaissance Headland revitalization program; paved the way for Henry County Economic Development Authority; he also served on the Southeast Alabama Council for Economic Development, Community Foundation of Southeast Alabama, Southeast Alabama Trails, Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development Council, Wiregrass Forum, and Workforce Advisory Board; and he volunteered his time and attention as a mentor to less privileged children and teens.
The parade line-up will be at Douglas Park starting at 9:00am. The parade route begins at Douglas Park on East Church Street, continues to and around the town square, then south on Main Street to King, Cleveland and Whitten streets, and ends on Mitchell Street at the school parking lot.

CELEBRATIONS!
Halloween Scream
Thousands of pieces of candy were given away at the Halloween Scream On Wednesday, October 30. To The Point Dance Academy competition team performed a "Spooktacular" dance. The floor was then filled by tiny dancing princess’, firemen, ghouls, ghosts and even T-Rex. Thanks to those who gave candy, decorated and dressed in costume to make this occasion such a successful and fun event!
 
M&S Dog Boarding Ribbon Cutting
M&S Dog Boarding celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting Thursday, November 7. Matt & Shana Hamm provide indoor climate controlled kennels for all breads of dogs. They are located at 4530 State Hwy. 134 East, just past the Headland golf course. For more information call 334-648-8917 or 334-797-3786.
 
Small Business Saturday
Thanks to everyone who "Shopped Small" on Small Business Saturday, November 24th. And thanks to the following participating businesses:

Big Mike’s Seafood & More, Bob’s Famous Boiled Peanuts,   Eldorado Steak House, CornDodger’s Farm, Diann’s Florist & Gifts, Headland Ace Hardware, Hometown Food Center, K-Time, Mike’s Pharmacy, Smith’s True Value Hardware, Paper Pushers Printing, Quilted Creations, Simply Perfect Salon, Sun Stop Market, Todd Farms, You Never Know Ceramics, Willy D’s Country Buffet, HNB First Bank and HOPCO/Emu Miracles

Each business donated a $25 gift card to me given away to one lucky participant. For each $10 spent, the shopper's name was entered into the drawing for a $450 gift tree. What a fun way to begin this holiday shopping season! The winner was Merle Guilford of Eufaula. She registered at Todd Farms that Saturday and now she's coming back to shop some more in Headland!
The Headland United Methodist Church Youth Group wrapped presents
for donations.Thanks to all who stopped by!
Its' Beginning to Look
a Lot Like Christmas!
The annual City of Headland Christmas Tree-lighting was held on Tuesday, November 27. Santa hats, gloves, scarves and heavy coats were worn for our first day of REALLY chilly weather this year. The square was filled with the Christmas music of 120 Headland Elementary School kindergarten students, the Headland High School Band, and the Circle City Music Studio voice and piano students.
Headland Elementary School kindergarten carolers
Headland High School Band plays Christmas carols
Circle City Music Studio students sing
Ornaments were hung on the Christmas tree with care.
Headland Area Chamber of Commerce | 334-693-3303