Those thinking about using an income tax refund to purchase a new vehicle, ATV or the like might want to wait for the deals at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Spring Dealer Sale-a-bration.”
Chamber director Ashley Eiland said the two-day event, set for 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Fri. and Sat., March 16 and 17, at the Kiwanis Center Fairgrounds, will be similar to advertised credit union sales.
Eiland said Massey Auto-motive and Wiregrass Credit Union approach-ed the Chamber about sponsoring the event.
“They have done this type of sale event at their local dealership but they wanted to see it bigger and better,” she said. “The more dealers, the more people, and the more people, the more everyone will benefit!”
Eiland said she met with the Daleville and Enterprise chambers of commerce and Army Aviaion Credit Union, who have sponsored events like this one for almost 40 years.
“We have created our own animal in the sense that with the Chamber being the sponsor, we can invite multiple leaders as well as dealers other than automobiles,” she said. “This event has the potential of benefiting both businesses in our county as well as consumers. They will find the best financing rates and sale prices all year at this event.
“There will be dealers of motorized vehicles and equipment inside and out of the Kiwanis Center and on the fairgrounds,” she said. “We’re talking about automotives, lawnmowers, tractors, boats, golf carts, personal watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles – you name it.”
Eiland said there will be financing options available on site.
“But please, see your local bank first for pre-approval,” she said. “It will make the day smoother for you if you’re looking to finance something.
“Or, if you like, bring your tax refund money and shop the great rates and deals that will be offered for this weekend only,” she said. “Car dealers will lower their prices and lenders will lower their rates for this event.”
Eiland said a host of dealers – including the county’s three major automotive dealerships – have committed to attend.
“Those at Massey, Andalusia Ford and JM Jackson have said they will have inventory on hand,” she said. “If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, I’d recommend you go check out their lots and be prepared to save March 16 and 17.”
Eiland said dealers interested in participating in the event can contact the chamber at 334-222-2030 or via email at for more information.
The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking input about a possible legislative trip in April.
Anyone interested in participating with the chamber in an organized trip to Montgomery is asked to call 222-2030.
Covington County will face the most potential for severe weather today by late afternoon, said county EMA director Susan Harris.
Weather reports from the National Weather Service show showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of an approaching cold front and move southward through the morning.
“They’re reporting a large chance of isolated thunderstorms, with the possibility of tornados between (this) morning and late afternoon,” Harris said.
Warmer weather is expected, with a high near 70 degrees. There is a 70 percent chance of rain, with wind gusts up to 20 mph.
Harris reminded residents to pay close attention to their all-weather radios for any watches or warnings as a result of the day’s weather.
Soon, local residents will have immediate severe weather information delivered straight to their cell phone or email account.
Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday joined with weather experts and other leaders at the launch of Alabama SAF-T-Net, a new, site-specific weather alerting system that will use email, text messaging and phone calls to warn people of approaching severe weather.
“This is a valuable public service that can help save lives by reaching people in a precise and timely manner,” Bentley said. “By allowing people to receive customized weather warnings for a specific area, we can do an even better job of helping the right people receive the right warnings at the right time.”
Alabama SAF-T-Net is offered to residents throughout the state at no cost. The system was developed by Baron Services Inc., an Alabama-based weather technology company that works closely with the National Weather Service and other agencies to distribute warning information.
The unveiling of SAF-T-Net coincided with the third day of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama. The National Weather Service reminded people that March through May are known as Alabama’s Spring Severe Weather Season, and all people are encouraged to have comprehensive severe weather plans.
Covington County Emergency Management Agency Director Susan Harris said the county has received the necessary equipment to run the program.
“We received the computer and software last week, and we’re working on getting everything installed and online,” Harris said. “This is going to be an outstanding system. The way it looks, we should have things running by the end of March.”
Harris explained the system as a “weather alerts your way” means of getting information.
“The way it works is that each person goes online to register,” she said. “You can designate to get alerts for up to four locations. Then, you say how you want to be notified. This could be via text message or call to one’s cell phone. You can even get email updates or a call to your home phone, if you choose.
“It’s a great way to make sure you’re prepared and warned,” she said. “I’m very excited about it.”
Alabama SAF-T-Net is in line with recommendations from the Tornado Recovery Action Council. One of the recommendations made by TRAC, which was commissioned by Gov. Bentley following the devastating April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak, was a suggestion for “a statewide, integrated severe weather alert system that provides more precise alerts for individuals and businesses than current county-wide warnings.”
“I believe the statewide SAF-T-Net program will complement the existing great work performed by the National Weather Service, our emergency management agencies, and local broadcast meteorologists,” said Ron Gray, executive director of the Tornado Recovery Action Council. “With this program added to our existing system of distributing warnings, the end result will be saving more lives in Alabama.”
Those interested in signing up for SAF-T-Net can visit alabamasaftnet.com.
Everyone has been told to save for a rainy day, but many don’t follow the advice.
This week, residents statewide are asked to become an “Alabama saver” as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and its Alabama Saves Coalition members are preparing for “Alabama Saves Week, Feb. 19 through 26.
The event coincides with the national observance of Ame-rican Saves Week. Extension Consumer Science and Personal Financial Management agents conduct events and activities to encourage financial literacy throughout the year.
Bridget Brannon, the Covington County extension agent, said during the week, there is an expanded effort to increase awareness of the need to save money, reduce debt and build wealth with a primary focus on taking financial action – making commitments to save, invest and build wealth. She said activities are conducted through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, companies, government agencies, educational institutions, religious institutions, community groups and others.
“As families continue to cope with unemployment, tighter credit and strained budgets, financial security is more important than ever,” Brannon said. “Most Alabamians do not have adequate savings to meet major emergencies, much less prepare for retirement.”
She said research shows the typical American household has less than $100,000 in net wealth, including home equity and 401k accumulations, and only about $10,000 in net financial assets. Lower income families have fewer resources, she said.
“This year’s theme is ‘Set a Goal, Make a Plan, Save Automatically,’” Brannon said. “Saving automatically is the best strategy for savers. There are many different ways to save but one of the most effective ways is to save automatically by agreeing in advance to transfer funds regularly from a paycheck or checking to savings or investments.
“Many low-to-moderate income households believe they can’t afford to save,” she said. “While those with modest incomes cannot save as much as the affluent, almost everyone has the ability to build wealth over time. The creation of wealth, not debt over the long term starts with learning to save.”
One in eight Alabama residents in the state does not have a bank account, making Alabama sixth in the nation with the highest number of unbanked citizens.
Brannon said “Alabama Saves” suggests three ways that individuals can begin or improve their savings right away:
• Assess your spending and make sure you are spending less than you earn. Start by looking at how you spend your money. Inventory your spending for one or more months to see where your money is going. You may be surprised to see how buying a daily cup of coffee adds up, or the budget effects of regularly eating out. Once you have a handle on how you are spending, it’s easy to identify areas to cut back.
• Open a saving account or other savings vehicle, and save automatically. Almost all financial institutions allow account holders to set up automatic weekly or monthly funds transfers from checking to savings accounts. This method of saving allows savings to grow.
• Establish an emergency savings fund to cover unexpected expenses. Keeping $500 to $1,000 in an emergency fund helps you pay for unforeseen costs such as car or house repairs or a doctor’s bill for an illness. It allows you to avoid high-cost, short-term loans, which can create a cycle of debt.