About the HBA
Vision of the Helena Business Association
Our vision is to provide an environment for Helena businesses where they may network, receive education and become the business advocates with city government
To the extent possible we want to:
To provide a monthly networking opportunity with local business leaders
To provide monthly educational opportunities
To provide feedback to city government on issues that affect Helena businesses
Mission of the Helena Business Association
The mission of the Helena Business Association is three-fold:
Provide educational opportunities for our members
Provide a networking environment for Helena Businesses to share their success, solve problems, and promote their business to the local business climate
Be an advocate for the business and interact with the city government on business related issues
How we accomplish our mission:
Provide Educational Opportunities this is accomplished during our monthly meetings by
Bringing in noted speakers, including business owners outside the city to speak on relevant topics
Conducting training sessions during our monthly meetings
Our email newsletter
Provide A Networking Environment this is accomplished with our monthly meetings where each attendee is given time to introduce themselves and their business. We also allow time at the end of each meeting to meet with and converse with other business leaders.
Become an advocate for local businesses within the city government of Helena. We accomplish this using a member of the board to meet with city leaders as needed. Additionally, the Mayor addresses our members at least twice a year to provide an update on the overall state of the city and on the business climate in Helena.
HBA Board of Directors
Deedra George
President - By George
Deedra George and her husband, Adam, have lived in Helena for 25 years. They started their business, By George, in Helena in 2002. Deedra is a graduate of the University of Montevallo with a degree in Social Sciences.
Daniel Dearing
Secretary - Jane B. Holmes Public Library
A Helena native, Daniel Dearing and his wife, Katherine, have been married since 2007. Mr. Dearing is the Director of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library in Helena. He is a past president and current Board Member of the Kiwanis Club of Helena, serves on the Shelby County Board of Library Directors, and encourages everyone to visit and support the Public Library. Goals as Business Association Secretary include encouraging residents to shop locally and honoring and documenting the history of Helena businesses.
Deidree Jones
Deidree Jones - Jones & Associates, LLC
Deidree Jones is married to Jim Jones and mother to 3 grown children (two boys, one girl). She is also a very proud Nonna of two grandsons and two granddaughters. Deidree owns Jones & Associates, LLC in Helena which she started in 2010. She has a BBA in accounting from the University of Montevallo. Being in the accounting field for over 20 years has given her the knowledge to not only complete accurate tax returns but to specialize in small businesses. Deidree actively pursues educating herself on the ever-changing tax laws as well as understanding the challenges and goals of small businesses. Deidree is a Notary Public, a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, The National Society of Accountants, National Society of Tax Professionals, Helena Business Association, The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She has spent many years on numerous Board of Directors for different non-profit organizations. Deidree enjoys camping, spending time with her grandchildren and the mountains. She loves Helena and encourages everyone that she sees to shop locally.
Amy Guida
Past President - Turf Master
Amy, her husband and two boys live in Helena where they are involved in youth sports and band. Amy works for Turf Master whose comprehensive Lawn Care Program includes fertilization, soil conditioning, pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control.
Amy has served on the HBA board for a few years and has held the positions of Secretary and President.