US Rep. Gary Palmer to address September chamber luncheon

Second-term U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer, R–Hoover, will be the featured speaker at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, Sept. 21. The luncheon, sponsored by Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road.

Palmer is in his second term representing Trussville in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He said he enjoys visiting Trussville, where his family, friends and former University of Alabama football teammates reside. He last spoke at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce in August 2015.

“I always enjoy these events. These are the people who are vested in the community. A lot of them are business owners and are serving their community in some capacity,” Palmer said. “I always enjoy going back and hearing what is on their mind and being part of a normal environment.”

Palmer added that he appreciates the opportunity to share what has been going on in Washington since the 115th Congress began earlier this year. He plans to speak about his work on the budget committee, provide an update on tax reform efforts and share about the military. 

Another topic that may come up is the shooting at a Republican Congressional softball practice earlier this year. Palmer was a witness to the attack and injured his hamstring while seeking cover. 

During his tenure in the U.S. House, Palmer has sponsored 13 pieces of legislation and co-sponsored nearly 180 of them. He sits on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he chairs the subcommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs. He also serves on the House Committee on the Budget and House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Before winning election in 2014 to replace retired Rep. Spencer Bachus, Palmer served 24 years as president of the Alabama Policy Institute. 

Palmer grew up in Hackleburg, and now resides in Hoover. He walked on as a football player under Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama and earned a B.S. in Operations Management. He and his wife, Ann, have three children. 

Each month, the chamber luncheon begins with a 30-minute network development time, during which members and guests can network and exchange business cards with the estimated 80-100 individuals expected to attend. After lunch, the Chamber will honor its monthly Customer Service Award winners. Door prizes will also be given away.  

To register, visit trussvillechamber.com or contact June Mathews by phone at 655-7535 or email at june.mathews@trussvillechamber.com. 

Cost for the luncheon is $17 (cash, debit or check) or $17.68 if paying by credit card (includes a 4 percent processing fee). Online registration is closed at midnight on Monday, Sept. 18, but the Chamber office will accept registration by phone until noon Tuesday, Sept. 19. All non-members must pay in advance. 

Also this month, the Chamber will host a three-hour hands-on “Social Refresher” training course for small businesses on the use of Instagram, Facebook and mobile video marketing. The course will be offered Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Trussville Civic Center. Cost is $30 for chamber members, $35 for non-members.