Pelham Reporter
115 Main St.
Columbiana, AL35051
(205) 669-3131
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The Newspaper
The Community

The Community

Geographic location
Pelham is located in the northwestern portion of Shelby County, adjacent to Helena, Alabaster, Hoover, Indian Springs and Chelsea. Major highways that go through Pelham include Interstate 65, U.S. Highway 31, Alabama Highway 119, County Road 52 and Alabama Highway 261.

Market
The commercial retail market leads a growing market in Pelham, but the city is also home to many industrial businesses in a variety of categories. In recent years, major retailers, hotels and restaurants have opened locations in Pelham, drawing customers from nearly every part of Shelby County. Pelham is also home to the Verizon Wireless Music Center, a venue that attracts many of the biggest musical acts in the country.

Population
2008 Census estimates put Pelham's population at 21,266, an increase of 118% since 1990.

Climate
Pelham experiences a typical Southern climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters.

Major employers
Some of the larger employers in Pelham include the Shelby County School System, Walmart and Oak Mountain State Park, in addition to a host of businesses in Pelham's many industrial parks.

Education
Pelham is served by the Shelby County School System. There is one elementary school, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school. Hope Christian School, a home-based school offering K12, is located in Pelham. Pelham is within 30 minutes of several post-secondary schools, including the University of Montevallo, UAB, Samford University, Jefferson State Community College and Southeastern Bible College.

History
While the city of Pelham was incorporated on July 10, 1964, little was recorded about the city prior to that. The county's first seat and Court House were located at Shelbyville, which was located in present-day Pelham.

Culture
Located in the Birmingham MSA, Pelham residents enjoy a wealth of cultural opportunities in and around Birmingham. Many cultural groups in Birmingham actively reach out to Pelham to offer its residents even more opportunities. Many arts groups call Pelham home as well, including the Stevan Grebel School of Dance. The Verizon Wireless Music Center is located in Pelham and attracts some of the largest musical artists and bands year-round.

Recreation
Pelham offers its residents a robust sports league, and residents enjoy many local parks. The city owns and operates the Pelham Racquet Club, home to many regional and national tennis events; Ballantrae Golf Club, considered by many to be the finest public course in Alabama; and the Pelham Civic Complex, which offers ice skating. The Birmingham YMCA operates a large branch in Pelham, offering a wide range of activities for area families. Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park, is wholly located within the city limits of Pelham.

Area information
Pelham is served by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce:
shelbychamber.org
205.663.4542

The Pelham Industrial Development Board is a good resource for any business looking to locate in Pelham:
pelhamonline.com
205.620.6400

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