The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to receive a clean audit for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2020. Local accounting firm Warren Averett conducts a full review of the Chamber’s financials every year, but this is the first full audit in 10 years. The Chamber Board of Directors has recently added an audit requirement every five years, with a full financial review conducted by Warren Averett on the four years between.
Completing such a thorough financial review during a pandemic was challenging. Not only did the Chamber navigate through the COVID shutdown, but also the untimely passing of a key staff member Jackie Moore, and the reduction of two other staff members near and dear to us. During the audit year, the Chamber continued to support the 222 project (Exit 305), produced a Housing Study currently being used by national
and local developers for the builds going on in the Cullman area, held several events such as 2nd Fridays, Community Luncheons, Morning Blends, job fairs and other networking opportunities in support of our local businesses and industries. In 2019 they were recognized as being ranked 4th in the nation for chambers their size by the ACCE.
COC board chairman Kay Shabel said, “We appreciate the hard work from the staff at Warren Averett along with the Chamber’s staff and volunteers. In our continuing effort to be transparent to our community partners and membership, this audit, along with our Form 990, will be posted on our website. During a recent governance training work session with the Alabama State Chamber, the COC was commended on being one of
the only Chamber’s in the state to post this financial information on its website.”
Since the pandemic, the Chamber has been forced to cancel many of its events but is excited about rolling out its 2021 events schedule soon. Shabel said that carrying out events with our current staff will be a challenge and will present more community partnership opportunities for next year.
“We look forward to continuing the work of supporting our member businesses and community as we work together to make Cullman County the best place to live, work, play and worship,” Shabel said.
