Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1029341
surround the lake, but the retired executives, the CEOs or the vice presidents who have contacts that we're able to lean on." Collari said a group within the organization includes retired or semi-retired former executives who live on the lake and offer advice on starting, scaling or expanding businesses. "We utilize those folks with our entrepreneurs to help them grow their business as well," he said. Since the Innovation Center opened, seven plus the chamber companies have located within the facility and four spots remain. ose companies range from professional services firms to the local Servpro operator. e businesses have created 50 jobs. "It's been a pretty solid success for our community, for new business, for entrepreneurs as well as for our existing chamber members who are also allowed access to this facility," Collari said. "So, overall, a big win for Alex City." In addition to the eight full-time tenants, the Innovation Center has 40 individuals and businesses signed up for co-working space within the facility. Chamber members love using the space for meetings, events and the holiday party this past year. For a flat monthly fee, tenants get access to the center's receptionists, the information technology within the facility, utilities other than a telephone land- line, security, cleaning and free coffee. In addition to Lake Martin, Collari said the small- town atmosphere of Alexander City is paying off for the entrepreneurs in the Innovation Center. "With the amount of traffic that comes in here from members to business leaders to city officials, they're able to make relationships, make contacts," he said. "ey know they're supported." Other than the coffee, which can be a big expense for caffeine-fueled entrepreneurs, Collari said he wouldn't change a thing. "Overall, it's probably exceeded our expectations," Collari said. " It's been a pretty solid success for our community, for new business, for entrepreneurs as well as for our existing chamber members who are also allowed access to this facility," Collari said. "So, overall, a big win for Alex City. " – Ed Collari, president and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. 30 | 2018 Vol: 3