Rising Tide - 2013 Fall

PUBLISHED BY

2201 Jack Warner Parkway

Tuscaloosa, al 35401 (205) 758-7588

www.tuscaloosachamber.com

EDITOR robin Jenkins

a SSISTan T EDITOR

ryan Phillips

BOaRD OF aDVISORS

ashley Gill

Jheovanny Gomez

molly ingram

fitzgerald Washington

PHOTOGRaPHER

Barry fikes

DESIGn

lashonda robinson

PREPRESS ManaGER

Chuck Jones

aDVERTISInG EXECUTIVE

kimberly Caldow (205) 722-0176

On THE COVER stadium photo by ryan hicks

Word from Our Leadership

economic growth has never been better in Tuscaloosa County and with the kick-off to the college football season finally here, for many fans this time of year could not have arrived sooner. Thousands of fans will descend on the area, sometimes weeks in advance, to cheer for their favorite team, whether it’s the reigning BCs national Champions, the alabama Crimson Tide or the mighty stillman College Tigers. Tuscaloosa and surrounding communities quickly fall under the national media spotlight with the sights, sounds and pageantry of Gameday.

The influx of visitors translates into increased profits for retailers and additional tax revenues for the local economy. hotels and restaurants are the biggest beneficiaries as rooms and restaurant seating are at capacity. The Chamber, Tuscaloosa Tourism and sports Commission and ua act as the area’s one-voice center communicating all things gameday a highly informative fact sheet was developed and is distributed to the public through social media sites and through the other aforementioned agencies. Through this fact sheet, the public can gain useful information on traffic, parking, tailgating at Government Plaza, ua Quad, stillman College and other activities. This collaboration ensures the best possible experience for both visiting and local fans.

also kicking off during this back to school season is the highly successful Chamber of Commerce adopt-a-school program. now in its 29th year, the program allows local businesses to partner with area schools. Participating businesses provide individualized assistance, tailor made for their adopted school.

Throughout Tuscaloosa County, 90 businesses and community organizations currently serve as adopters in 57 public schools. many of these businesses along with their adoptees recently participated in the annual adopta-school Breakfast seminar. The breakfast was highlighted by keynote speaker martin houston, founder of The empowerment Center for leadership & mentoring, who stressed the importance of Working As 1 in Developing Community Champions. These committed partnerships will not only strengthen relationships in our community but also prepare students for the challenges of an ever-changing workforce. a special “thank you” to all our adopters and partners for creating a model that is the envy of many communities.

When you figure the impact of college football on the Tuscaloosa economy and the continuing benefits of the adopt-a-school program, this season is shaping up to be a winning season for the City of Champions and the entire West alabama Community with jobs, revenues and profits rolling us all the way into the win column.

fitzgerald Washington General sales manager, Buffalo rock Company Chairman, Board of Directors

The Chamber of Commerce of West alabama

F IT zGER a LD Wa SHI n GTO n

J IM PaGE, CCE President & CEO (205) 391-0562 jim@tuscaloosachamber.com

D O nnY J O n ES, IOM Chief Operating Officer (205) 391-0552 donny@tuscaloosachamber.com

T R aCY C RUMPTO n Director of Finance and Operations (205) 391-0554 tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com

M EL E SPEY Membership Development Specialist (205) 391-0553 mel@tuscaloosachamber.com

S TaCEY Gann

Director of Leadership Development and Events (205) 391-0559 stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com

LOWan Da Ja MES Director of Information Services (205) 758-7588 lowanda@tuscaloosachamber.com

R OBI n J E nk I n S Director of Communications and Marketing (205) 391-0561 robin@tuscaloosachamber.com

J ILL M C D O na LD Executive assistant (205) 391-0555 jill@tuscaloosachamber.com

Ca ROLYn T UBBS assistant Director of Education and Events (205) 391-0556 carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com

LOO W HITFIELD

Director of Education and Workforce Development (205) 391-0563 loo@tuscaloosachamber.com

Chamber Chairman Fitzgerald Washington of Buffalo Rock/Pepsi Chamber Ambassador Kyle Murphy of Buffalo Rock/Pepsi

Chamber Ambassador Chairman Chris Gunter of Buffalo Rock/Pepsi

The Business of Football

Football season in the south is as much a cultural phenomenon as it is an economic stimulus.

By ryan Philli P s

football season in the south is as much a cultural phenomenon as it is an economic stimulus. every fall, football fans make the pilgrimage to tailgating destinations and this influx of people in college towns across america ultimately helps boost local business profits while supporting institutions of higher learning.

according to statistics from Tuscaloosa City hall, the community nets $17 million per home game. With seven home games on the Crimson Tide’s football schedule, the local economy stands to make around $102 million over the course of the fall.

susan West, Ceo of the Tuscaloosa Tourism & sports Commission, said that the positive economic effects are too many to measure.

“The overall economic impact is probably immeasurable as there are so many lag effects, such as recruiting students and visitors having a wonderful experience in Tuscaloosa while they are attending a football game that it compels them to return for a leisure visit”, West said. “however, it is estimated that the economic impact of a typical football weekend is somewhere between $13-20 million. When

you factor in the hotel spending (2 night minimum stays), daily food expenditures, shopping dollars, gasoline purchase, as well as entertainment- the dollars are significant.”

in a city of approximately 90,000, many area businesses have to adjust for the overflow of a population that doubles on fall game days but the business is always welcome. for shops and restaurants downtown, the economic impact spreads from campus, which boosts spending within the local economy.

The Chamber has rallied support for the new downtown tailgating that CBs 42 hosts in Government Plaza, behind City hall, to bring potential customers into the area while helping to ease congestion on the quad.

robin Jenkins, Director of Communications and marketing at The Chamber of Commerce of West alabama, said that in order to meet the demand on game day weekends, several entities in the area work together to properly accommodate the nearly doubled population.

“The Chamber, the university, the City of Tuscaloosa, and TTsC have worked together over the past two years in a new effort to

communicate information more consistently to those in the hospitality industry”, she said. “a newsletter is produced and distributed on Wednesday of each home game week. also, signage is being installed in and around the Downtown intermodal facility to direct fans to the business district downtown.”

Gina Johnson, head of ua Gameday operations, points to the cohesion of the supporting cast that makes football saturday events possible.

“it is overwhelming to those of us who work these special saturdays to see the dedication and the hard work of the city and county agencies”, she said. “They are here before the break of day and stay three to five hours after the game ends, working their posts. for some of us, it can be a 20 hour day. These people are proud of this city and happy to help the area shine for the visitors.”

according to Johnson, numbers play a crucial part in seeing the economic effects of a football weekend.

“for the big games like lsu and Tamu, we estimate that a game brings 250,000 people into the area”, Johnson said. “ on campus,

we will have 30-40,000 outside the stadium after the game starts. That number was closer to 70,000 for lsu in 2011. The first home game of the season is always a very big game. and all the seC games are huge.

With more people filling the ua campus, Johnson explained where the busiest and most crowded areas would be.

“The Quad is certainly the most popular venue for fans to gather. in the past couple of years, more fans have been gathering at the Government Plaza and at the downtown entertainment areas before, during and after the game.”

Johnson also said that new steps would be taken, as in the new signage, to better facilitate visitors to Tuscaloosa who may not be familiar with the city, because after all, the festivities are for them. “ it is important for us to make sure that our fans have a great experience and a safe and enjoyable visit to Tuscaloosa.”

“It is estimated that the economic impact of a typical football weekend is somewhere between $13-20 million.”

Susan West, CEO of the Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission

Page 6 photo: Bama fans watch the 2012 Iron Bowl in Government Plaza.

FirST FriDAyS

Aim to Showcase Downtown

By ryan Philli P s

around downtown Tuscaloosa, the first friday of each month promises to highlight the best of what the city has to offer.

first fridays is a promotion in downtown Tuscaloosa that is a cooperative effort between local galleries, businesses and restaurants along with various city entities. These events aim to encourage citizens and visitors to enjoy Tuscaloosa establishments and the vibrant downtown area while at the same time putting money back into the local economy.

according to kurt key of five Java and the Chamber’s Downtown merchants committee, the event aims for mass appeal and will encompass specific areas of downtown in an effort to build interest and support for community businesses.

“Visitors can expect to have a fun evening with live music and handcrafted goods that are produced by local vendors”, key said. “We are looking to have a variety of people there: young, old, families, single. We want everyone to have a relaxing evening and to enjoy the Downtown area.”

along with support from local business, key pointed to the impact of the Chamber’s involvement, which makes the showcasing event possible.

“The Chamber of Commerce has played a big role in supporting this event,” he said. “i don’t think it could have happened with out them. This event is important for the local economy because it will help expose a large part of our city to people who may not have realized what a great place it is. We are hoping to change the dynamic of Downtown to have more of an open, walk about feel, which someone could experience any afternoon and not just on first fridays.”

“This event is very organic”, he said. “Businesses and merchants throughout the Downtown area have all shown support in one way or another. i hope that in the future their support for first friday’s will increase.”

first friday kicks off on a bigger scale on october 4 and will last from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 6th street, between Greensboro ave and 23rd street. more details will be available as the event develops.

Key also said that business owners in the area are excited about First Fridays and the hope is that the event will generate enough buzz for it to continue its growth. An event naming contest is in the works with The Tuscaloosa News.

Kurt Key of Five Java and the Chamber’s Downtown Merchants committee

Photo by David Smith

When you need a business loan* to help your company expand or take advantage of a new opportunity, you can trust the experts at Bank of Tuscaloosa. As your neighbors in the community, our business lending team is committed to finding the lending solution to meet your unique situation. And we offer the kind of personal service you can only get from a neighborhood bank. So whether you need to finance new equipment, move to a larger space or open a branch office, go to the bank that’s so committed to community, we call it home Neighbor helping neighbor at the Bank of Tuscaloosa.

2200 Jack Warner Parkway on the Riverwalk bankoftuscaloosa.com * Loans

Mark Sullivan Cullen Smith Ben Welch

Chamber@Work

We Moved!

We are proud to announce that the Chamber has moved to a new location at the riverbluff office Park on Jack Warner Parkway, across from The Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza. earlier this year and after decades of renting office space, the 113 year-old Chamber was presented with such a unique opportunity to own its space. With record low-interest rates and a generous in-kind contribution from the seller, we purchased a facility within a professional office complex. The Chamber now has a larger, more contemporary, energy-efficient office while obtaining immediate equity with the new property. The facility gives our members multiple meeting room options, provides much more functional space for the professional staff, and has significantly more parking for members and guests. simply stated, this new facility gives us even more capacity to address the many needs of the business community and to fulfill the goals of our business plan. We invite members to consider using this new facility for important meetings, staff training, or other special events.

Chamber Logo Gets Update

The Chamber’s logo has been updated and has a new look created by The nine. The agency did an outstanding job giving us a clean, modern version that our board approved unanimously.

Fall Training announced

in an effort to provide valuable training for our members from highly qualified professionals at discounted rates, we present the 2013 fall training schedule. financial education for small Businesses, excel, Powerpoint, iPad, Grant Writing, employees, Veterans, social media, healthcare law, and City Contracts/Bids--There’s something for everyone! Get details at www.tuscaloosachamber.com. all classes require reservations and some will fill up quickly. Contact stacey at 205-391-0559 or stacey@ tuscaloosachamber.com to register or get more information.

2013 Class of Civic Hall of Fame Honored

The 2013 Class of the Tuscaloosa County Civic hall of fame was inducted at a ceremony in Government Plaza on september 24, where a lovely monument stands in their honor. inducted were George “norman” Carlson, sylvester Croom, sr., Claude edwards, Walter Jones, Charles nash, Beverly Phifer and Gordon rosen.

Get Your Business on the Map & Resource Guide

We just started production on our 2014 official community street map to be in print and online. and our 2014 Chamber Directory and resource is coming soon. your decision to support these projects by advertising is an absolute networking win for you, our business community and the entire Tuscaloosa area. Call Ginger nunley at Village Profile at 850-866-3385 or flmaplady@gmail.com for info.

2013-14 Class of Chamber ambassadors

We have a great new group of Chamber ambassadors, representatives from our member businesses, who help us out at our many events. if interested in joining this fun group, contact lowanda James at 205-7587588 or lowanda@tuscaloosachamber.com. Pictured are: front row: Patricia franks, Jessica West, ashley neal, Jamine James, rachel Jennings, shawna Dyer second row: eric ellis, erin Cannon, olivia Johnston, Jessika White, Jordan morris, robert hollingsworth Third row: Beau laird, Grant Brashier, Curtis Baggett, ray Gowhari, Chris Gunter, logan Tavel not

Pictured: Tamika Bishop, Tabitha Bostick, mike Burnett, kelsey Colglazier, nathan Dendy, steven Deal, Jennifer hayes, sarah halliday, Patrick hargrove, larry hayes, heath hendrix, Wade langer, kimberly mcmurray, Brad Plunkett, amy Price, Gabriella satterberg, Will scroggins, Jared Taylor, Jaela Walker, amanda Waller.

Sessions Praises Tuscaloosa at Chamber in Session Lunch

We hosted u.s. senator Jeff sessions at a lunch for members on august 14 at hotel Capstone. sessions said in a time when so many areas of the state and nation are struggling to get by, it’s inspiring to see Tuscaloosa manage to thrive. sessions said the success was fueled by the ua and driven by the Chamber. The Chamber hosts Chamber in session events every other month.

Business & Education:

Moving Towards Tomorrow

By ryan Philli P s

While talk of educational support becomes a hot-button issue around the country, The Chamber has helped support local schools for years in an effort to increase the quality of education while promoting workforce development around the region.

according to Chuck Turner, Chairman of Workforce Development, The Chamber’s involvement with education through the adopt-a-school Program has played a major role in strengthening the quality of education in the West alabama area.

“adopt-a-school is a vital link between the education system and the business community”, Turner said. “ it gives both an opportunity to interact and become familiar with the needs of each. By partnering, students can get a firsthand connection to the business world well before they enter the job market. it is a tool to educate both sectors.”

along with adopt-a-school, Turner said, The Chamber also works in various other avenues to provide more opportunities for the school children and future workforce of West alabama.

“The Chamber is involved in many areas of the educational process”, Turner said. “We work closely with the university to provided additional educational opportunities for the business and civic community. We work with the school boards, individual schools and other organizations to improve the quality of education in West alabama area. The Chamber was very active in promoting the construction of the new state-of- art Tuscaloosa Technical academy that opened this fall. This is a wonderful tool that we should take full advantage of to give our children a quality education that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Turner also said that the Chamber is able to accomplish such things because of the cooperative effort between an involved business community and the education system.

loo Whitfield, Director of education and Workforce Development for the Chamber of Commerce, pointed to the numbers as proof of the impact made by adopt-a-school.

“since the beginning of the program, over 175 local businesses and organizations have partnered with our public schools”, Whitfield said. “Currently 90 businesses are partnered with 57 public schools for the 2013-14 school year. since we began keeping records in 1992, the business community has reported over 25,500 volunteers, over 202,000 volunteer hours and a total of over 5.2 million dollars in financial contributions, in-kind contributions and volunteer hours of additional support for our public schools.”

“The purpose of the program is to utilize the human resources and talents of the business community to strengthen, enhance and enrich the quality of education in our public schools”, Whitfield said. “The Chamber members provide the business partners that work with each of the schools. The program is flexible and each partnership develops its own goals and activities based on the resources of the business and the needs

of the school. The Chamber staff provides administrative support, help in recruiting partners; direct involvement with planning programs and partnership activities; training and support for representatives from each school and business who work directly with the program.”

Whitfield went on to explain the specific ways in which volunteers interact with students in partner schools.

“more importantly, businesses have provided resources and support that might not be otherwise available for the schools”, Whitfield said. “from volunteers helping kindergartners learn to carry lunch trays to providing job shadow student intern opportunities; from listening to one child read aloud to refurbishing entire classrooms and providing computer labs; from providing incentives for bringing up grades and showing good character to recognizing honor roll students and providing college scholarships, partnerships have provided seemingly small acts of support and larger gestures of goodwill – often touching one child at a time but making a lasting impact on our schools.”

“The Chamber represents over 1100 local businesses and organizations”, Whitfield said. “We are the consumers of the products of our public schools. The schools educate our future workforce – we can’t afford not to be involved in our public school system.”

Our annual Adopt-A-School Breakfast and Seminar to kick off the new school year was held at the University Church of Christ on Aug. 7. Jessica Proctor of Northridge High School, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen, was a special guest. Maxwell Elementary students greeted attendees.

COMING FALL 2014: ALBERTA SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS!

Over the past four years, the system has demonstrated growth in all grade levels in reading and math, according to results of state-mandated tests.* We invite you to review the results for yourself at WWW.TUSCALOOSACITYSCHOOLS.COM

Our business is solving your problems and keeping your home safe and comfor table. That ’s what we’ve been doing since 1992. Many homes we visit have heating and cooling safety issues, significant energy losses, or elec trical problems. Take advantage of this free oppor tunity to check the safety of your home. When a member of our ser vice team knocks on your door, you can count on the technician’s sk ill, confidence and experience.

The Tuscaloosa City Schools is continuing its effort to move students ahead with these innovative programs:

*Alabama Reading and Math Test Plus (ARMT+); Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT); Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE).

Oak H ILL S CHOOL 2501 Hargrove Road, East • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 759-3629

www.tusc.k12.al.us/schools/oakhill/index.html

Dr. linda harper

Ja L a PE n OS COTTO n Da LE five Points in Cottondale (205) 342-3378

Jheovanny Gomez

Un IVERSITY P L aCE E LEME n Ta RY

S CHOOL 3834 21st Street • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-3664 • www.upl.tusc.k12.al.us

Dr. Deron Cameron

aGIO

Dr. Patricia antero

C RIMSO n V ILL aGE 1718 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 507-1100

ramesh Peramsetty

Working as ONe investors

The following will invest annually, over five years, funding the new economic and community development plan for our region! THank YOU!

GaMECHanGERS - $25,000+ annUaLLY

CHaIRMan’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ annUaLLY

CEO COUnCIL - $10,000+ annUaLLY

aramark; aT&T; The Bank of Tuscaloosa; BfGoodrich Tire manufacturing; Bryant Bank; expo Displays; Jamisonmoneyfarmer PC; knight sign industries, inc.; merrill lynch; Phifer inc.; ua College of arts & sciences; yellow Book usa

PRESIDEnT’S FORUM - $7,500+ annUaLLY

harrison Galleries/hfs holdings; ua Culverhouse College of Commerce

InVESTOR LEaDERS - $5,000+ annUaLLY

a&B electric Co.; advantage realty Group, inc.; afflink; alabama Gas Corporation; alabama Power Company; BB&T; Cintas; College station Properties; ellis architects, inc.; harrison Construction, inc.; mcGiffert & associates, llC; Pritchett-moore inc.; rosen harwood, Pa; sealy furniture Company; Thompson Tractor Company, inc.; TotalCom, inc.; War Construction, inc.; The WhmZ Group at morgan stanley; Ward scott architecture

GROWTH PaRTnERS - $2,500+ annUaLLY

advance Disposal; alabama Credit union; alabama one Credit union; almon associates, inc.; BBVa Compass Bank; Blue Cross/Blue shield of alabama; Boone newspapers, inc.; Buffalo rock Company/Pepsi Cola; Community service Programs of West alabama; D.T. & freight Company; eberspaecher north america, inc.; fitts agency; Green Beverage Company; harbin & stough, PC; Jalapenos mexican Grill; moody radio south; Parker Towing Company, inc.; spiller associated furniture stores; southland Benefit solutions, llC; Tennis Jackson electric Co., inc.; TTl, inc.; Tuscaloosa Credit union; Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit union; Way, ray, shelton & Company, PC; Walter energy, inc.; Which Which superior sandwiches

COMMUnITY COLLEaGUES - $1,500+ annUaLLY

Barry fikes Photography; The Builders Group of West alabama, llC; Capstone Bank; Chick-fil-a of northport; Duckworth-morris real estate; first national Bank of Central alabama; first south farm Credit; friday oil Company, inc.; hampton inns of Tuscaloosa; hudson-Poole fine Jewelers; ise innomotive systems u.s., inc.; Jessup, ingram, Burns & associates, llP; kyle office solutions; lewis, smyth, Winter & ford, llC; The locker room; morrison & smith, llP; renasant Bank; rex Veron Design, llC; robertson Banking Company; sentell engineering, inc.; Tuscaloosa Chevrolet, inc.; Walker associates, inc.

OTHER annUaL COMMITMEnTS Gilmore, Poole & rowley; stressCrete, inc.; yeager & Christian, PC

Comparative ECONOMiC iNDiCATOrS

AT TORNEYS AT LAW

Tanner & Guin is committed to providing excellent legal representation to clients. We serve our clients in the areas of finance, bankruptcy, bond law, business acquisitions, taxation, labor and employment, construction law, estate planning, and litigation. We look forward to serving our clients with the integrity on which our reputation has been built.

Tuscaloosa Birmingham Huntsville

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

At The DCH Center for Occupational Health, you have access to the area’s most comprehensive range of business health services from prevention to treatment to follow -up. Our physicians specialize in occupational medicine, and your employees will be seen in the area’s only clinic devoted exclusively to occupational medicine. That means you have a single, expert source of information about your employees’ condition and ability to return to work.

At The DCH Center for Occupational Health, health care for your business is our business.

Membership 101

nOW is the Time to Join the Chamber

The Tuscaloosa metro area is experiencing enormous growth that has ignited the momentum of the economy in our region. Playing together as a team like never before, we are accomplishing wins in economic development. noW is the right time to join the Chamber.

membership with the Chamber is a vital step to growing a successful business in our community, whether you are a small business just taking its first steps, a branch office, or a national retail corporation. Join us as we move forward together towards an ever-brighter and healthy economy.

for more information, please contact mel espey at 205-391-0553 or mel@ tuscaloosachamber.com or stop by the Chamber office at 2201 Jack Warner Parkway in Tuscaloosa.

“even though I am a new business owner, I have witnessed the positive work that the Chamber has been involved in for years. During my banking career, I saw how supportive the Chamber staff is to all its members, providing many networking opportunities and fostering a healthy environment for all businesses.

We are thrilled to be one of the newest members of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and can not wait to get fully involved!”

Laura Aaron, On a Roll at Fifth & Main

Laura Aaron (left) and her sister Nancy Rainer (right) run the all-new On a Roll at Fifth & Main in Historic Downtown Northport.

2013 Board of Directors

Dr. Sam addy Center for Business & research

Dan Blakley regions Bank

Bobby Bragg

Jamisonmoneyfarmer PC

Cynthia Burton Community service Programs of West alabama, inc.

Brock Corder

The Builders Group of West alabama, llC

Mark Crews alabama Power Company

norman Crow D. T. & freight Company, inc.

Jay Evans

roar, llC dba College station Properties

ashley Gill Chick-fil-a of northport

Jheovanny Gomez Jalapenos mexican Grill

Lee Henderson smoothie king

Cal Holt knight sign industries, inc.

Molly Ingram DCh health system

Felyicia Jerald mercedes-Benz u s international, inc.

Renwick Jones stillman College

Robert kuhn, Jr. Capstone Bank

Greg Leikvold BfGoodrich Tire manufacturing

Blake Madison, legal Council rosen harwood, Pa

alice Maxwell advantage realty Group, inc.

Wilson Moore Pritchett-moore, inc.

Gary nichols mcabee Construction, inc.

Jim Page Chamber of Commerce of West alabama

Gary Phillips Premier service Co., inc.

Jordan Plaster merrill lynch

Gene Poole hudson - Poole fine Jewelers

Dr. Samory Pruitt office of Community Development The university of alabama

Ralph Ruggs Tuscaloosa housing authority

Tom Scroggins Tanner Guin & Crowell, llC

Gina Simpson VeloCity Pro Cycle

Bert Sims Way, ray, shelton & Company, P.C. - CPa

Randy Skagen nucor steel Tuscaloosa, inc.

Luke Standeffer northport medical Center

Mark Sullivan Bank of Tuscaloosa

Chuck Turner Tennis Jackson electric Co., inc. / Jackson security services

Rex Veron rex Veron Design, llC

Jason Walker Walker associates, inc.

Fitzgerald Washington, Chairman Buffalo rock Company/ Pepsi-Cola

Terry Waters alabama Power Company (retired)

Terri Williams aT&T

Bryan Winter lewis, smyth, Winter & ford, llC

aC qUa LITY S ERVICE

11374 apple Valley rd. mcCalla, al 35111

www.acqualityservices.com (205) 239-0406

andy Campbell

Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating

aDVan TaGE PaYROLL S ERVICES

3125 independence Dr., ste. 101 Birmingham, al 35209

www.advantageal.com (205) 870-0605

Jeanneshearer

Accounting Services - Payroll & Payroll Tax

aL a Ba Ma S OUTHER n Ra ILROa D

1208 Ty rogers Jr. ave.

Tuscaloosa, al 35401 (205) 758-0441

anwar aiken

Railroads

aRBYS

211 university Blvd., e

Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.arbys.com (205) 345-1916

a.D. farooqui

Restaurants / Catering

B ELL aGIO n a IL S Pa, LLC

1650 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.tuscanypodiatryandspa.net (205) 758-3070

Patricia antero

Beauty Salons / Barbers - Nails Massage Tan Spas

C HIC k- FIL - a @ T USC a LOOS a S OUTH 4900 old Greensboro rd. Tuscaloosa, al 35405

www.chick-fil-a.com/tuscaloosasouth (205) 247-9980

William Boulware

Restaurants / Catering

C HILD F IRST school - autism Preschool education

Patricia mcknight

C I C I’S P I zza 929 mcfarland Blvd. northport, al 35476 (205) 333-3920

scott mills

Restaurants / Catering

CORDER R E a L E STaTE 3802 Trevor s. Phillips ave. Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.corderhomes.com (205) 750-2485

melinda Corder Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

D. C. S CIE n TIFIC P EST CO n TROL 1714 Greensboro ave.

Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.dcspestcontrol.com (205) 758-9029

michael Walsh

Pest Control Services / Supplies

New Members

E FFIE’S

404 Queen City avenue Tuscaloosa, al 35402

www.effiesinc.com (205) 345-1814

Terry Davis Clothing - Retail

F U n DI n G S OLUTIO n S, In C P.o. Box 90727

austin, TX 78709-0727

www.funsol.com (512) 382-7270

Thomas mucks Consultants

In GR a M Fa RMS F RUIT & V EGETa BLE Ma R k ET 1635 n. mcfarland Blvd. Tuscaloosa, al 35406

www.johneingramfarms.com (205) 799-5273

John ingram Farms Market

In TELLIGE n T Pa R k I n G S YSTEMS 1400 52nd st., north Birmingham, al 35212

www.intelligentparkingsystems.com (205) 991-6900

kevin Clark Services

J & L S IG n S & S Ta MPS

3100 9th Ct., ste. 84 Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.jlsignandstamps.com/www.oescollc.com (205) 764-0653

frankie mann, iii Trophies / Awards / Rubber Stamps (Main)

J UST R IGHT H E aTI n G a n D COOLI n G, LLC 20071 nellie Dr. mcCalla, al 35111 (205) 239-7612

suresh singh

Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating

LOC a L CaTCH Ba R & G RILL 2321 university Blvd. Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.localcatchttown.com (205) 331-4496

adam yellin Restaurants

M C L ELL an D aRCHITECTURE

2316 university Blvd, ste. 200 Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.mclellandarchitecture.com (205) 792-3936

Jonathan mclelland Architects

On a ROLL aT F IFTH & Ma I n 433 main ave. northport, al 35476

www.onarollnorthport.com (205) 247-7773

laura aaron Restaurants (Main)

On E DaY LLC

1330 hargrove rd. Tuscaloosa, al 35401 (205) 792-2741

Jake french Lounges / Nightclubs

R HODES & R HODES Fa MILY D E n TISTRY 7402 hwy 69 south, ste. h Tuscaloosa, al 35405

www.rhodesfamilydental.com (205) 344-9220

melinda rhodes, DDs Dentists

S na P F IT n ESS

7402 hwy 69 s., ste. e-f

Tuscaloosa, al 35405

www.snapfitness.com/taylorville-al (205) 331-4772

mitch mcDonald Fitness / Personal Trainer

S OUTH Ma R k aDVERTISI n G an D D ESIG n 2012 8th street

Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.scottmarkdesign.com (205) 349-4495

scott smith Graphic Design / Printing / Promotional Products

S Ta R R ESTaUR an T, LLC 2520 stillman Blvd. Tuscaloosa, al 35401 (205) 221-4747

sam hakani Restaurants

S ULLIVan CO n TR aCTI n G, In C. 6750 5th st. northport, al 35476 (205) 333-9646

Tim sullivan Oil / Gas - Pipeline Construction

TOWER LOan

P.o. Box 352 northport, al 35473 (205) 330-0135

Dana harris Financial Services

T USC a LOOS a D RUG COMPanY 1236 mcfarland Blvd., ne Tuscaloosa, al 35406

www.tuscaloosadrugcompany.com (205) 469-9669

Brian sweatt Drug Stores / Pharmacies

W ILLI a M S HELL 3713 shoreview Dr. Tuscaloosa, al 35405 individuals (205) 292-4640

William shell Individuals

W I n GS OF G R aCE 107 18th st. Tuscaloosa, al 35401

www.flbc.us (205) 759-1039

Terri hibbard Churches

Ingram Far ms Fr uit & Vegetable Market

The Ingram Farms Fruit and Vegetable Market at 1196 Union Chapel Road (Near Sokol Park) offers a mixture of locally grown vegetables and “Quality” Produce. Our produce is acquired from local growers and quality suppliers, including vegtables grown on our farm along the Tuscaloosa/Pickens County Line. All items are delivered daily and/or weekly to insure premium quality and freshness. Quality and customer satisfaction is guaranteed by John E. Ingram. John, a local practicing CPA, grew up on a truck farm in pike county. His family has operated a full size grocery store known as, Ingram Curb Market, located in Troy, AL since 1959.

I have always enjoyed working with produce and providing customer service.

Ingram Farms provides a way for me to teach my grandchildren, student employees and other employees the techniques of growing, harvesting, packaging and marketing fruits and vegetables. Hopefully, they will also learn the importance of a good work ethic, accountability, customer service, and how to run a business.

We continue to expand the variety of items offered, and change and rearrange the layout of the market to provide exciting displays and ease of shopping for our customers.

In early August, we opend “Your” Blue Bell Ice Cream store featuring hand dipped cones.

“See our add in the farm and garden section Friday’s Tuscaloosa News Paper.”

1196 Union Chapel Road

Turn on Union Chapel Rd, Across From Sokol Park

Open Monday through Thursday 7am-6pm Friday and Saturday 8am - 8pm Sunday 10pm-8pm

Chapel Road

OCTOBEr 8 Chamber Connects after Hours Mixer - Tin Top

see the new location of Tin Top on 4th street in Downtown Tuscaloosa’s Temerson square at our mixer on october 8. Join us for networking, fine food and libations from 5-7pm. Prospective members are welcome!

2013 Washington Fly In Features Senators

Marco Rubio & Mitch McConnell

9-11 our annual visit to Washington, DC is set for Wed., oct. 9 –fri., oct. 11. highlights will be a breakfast with sen. marco rubio (r-fl) and a luncheon with sen. mitch mcConnell(rky ), senate minority leader. This trip will give you the opportunity to spend valuable time with our Congressional delegation, hear from other prominent national leaders and network with other Chamber members during our Thursday night dinner cruise on the Potomac. our host hotel will be the beautiful hyatt regency on Capitol hill. for registration info visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com or contact stacey at 205-391-0559 or stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com.

Chamber Connects after Hours Mixer

Bryant Conference Center/Hotel Capstone

The Bryant Conference Center (BCC) and hotel Capstone will host our mixer on november 12 at BCC, 240 Bryant Drive in Tuscaloosa. This holiday affair is always a treat. Join us from 5-7pm. Prospective members are always welcome!