Rising Tide - Fall 2014

Fa l l 2 0 1 4

The Business Journal of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Tuscaloosa’s

Downtown Revival

Revitalizing Downtown to its Former Prominence Plus Chamber@Work, New Members & More!

Published in partnership with

The Tuscaloosa News

Our Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. Teammates: Donald Acker Rex Acker Pam Ajoloko Robert Aldridge Joshua Anders Scott Anders Mack Andrews Paul Arnold Xavier Arrington Junior Atkins Zeke Atmore Gary Averette Chris Bailey Phil Baker Lashanda Banks Reggie Banks Willie Banks Andy Barr Rafael Barrientos Jeffrey Bates Stephen Beard Scott Beavers Kip Benson Conor Bentley Michael Berryhill Blake Bickerstaff Amanda Bircheat Bo Bishop Jim Bloskis Randy Bolton Streamer Boman Sandra Bonner Mary Bridges Jeff Brooks Tony Brothers Rod Brousseau Dustin Brown Fred Brown Kalea Brown Robert Brown Roger Brown Sean Brown Tim Brown Bobby Browning Steven Brownlee Chris Brubeck Michael Buchmann Perry Buford Julie Burch Greg Burnett Tommy Callahan Terry Cannon Blake Cargile Priscilla Carlsen Betty Carroll Stephen Cash Gary Causey Chris Champion Randy Charles Marcus Chestnut David Christian Kurt Clayton Christine Colburn Wesley Collins Chris Conners Billy Cook Jeff Cooley Todd Cooley Michael Corbell Stephen Cory Rick Courtemanche Richard Cox Bobby Creamer

Becky Crim Karac Cummings Keith Dailey Tiffany Dalton Allen Davis Jimmy Davis Laron Davis Michael Davis Scott Davis Marcus DeBoard Dusty Dempsey Bill Dennis Waylon Dickerson Dan Dickinson Casey Dobbs Jonathan Doss Abe Duckett Derek Duffy Christopher Dunn Tony Dunn Michael Durie Kevin Eads Fred Easley Mark Eaton Dr. David Eaton Pam Edwards Ricky Edwards Beth Elkins Wynn Elliott Andrew Ellis Tim Ellis Glenn Elrod Jeremy Fair Jason Farley DJ Faulkner Blake Feltman Brandon Fields Brian Fields Anna Fife Denise Fife Ben Fikes John Fisher John Foster Kelley Franklin Michael Franklin Dustin Franks Jake Franks Ken Free Nathan Freeman Paul Fuller Flavio Garbanzo Blanco William Garner Jeff Garrison Kevin Genery Jacob Gentry Alan Gibson Steven Goins Joe Golden Kendrick Graham Bill Granger Sherita Grant Stabler Gray Daniel Green Scotty Green Todd Green Tony Greenwood Jason Griffin Jason Grizzard April Groeschell Roy Grose John Grubich Jeremy Guin

John Guin Darryl Guy Jason Guyton Bernie Guzewicz Shawn Guzewicz John Hagler Danny Hall Norm Hall Tony Hall Bobby Hamilton Craig Hamner Jack Harding Marvin Harkins Sherrod Harrell Mike Harris Matt Hartley Donna Hayden Jason Hebert Duke Henders Jermaine Herring Larry Hershey Bebo Hicks Marshall Hicks Keith Hill Larry Hill Lamar Holston Lance Homan Chris Hope Ricky House Ken Howard James Hudson Bob Humphrey Michael Hutnak Adrian Jackson Micheal Jackson Tim Jackson Jeff Johnson Linda Johnson Alonzo Jones Ben Jones Michael Jones Russell Jones Tiffany Jones Will Jones Joseph Junkin Tim Junkin Tammy Kelley Curtis Kelly Jeff Kelly Jonathan Kidd Shondel King Vanessa King Joel Kizziah Jonathon Knight Jerry Kornegay Michael Lamb Justen Lambert Matthew Landon Matthew Langham Fred Lanier Eric Larmore Johnny Lay Michael Layden Matt Lee Devin Leger Chad Leonard Jerri Lynn Lett Robby Lett David Lewis William Lockett Roy Loggins Billy Maddox Clint Madison

Bob Marinos Markus Marks Keith Marlar Allen Marlowe Donna Martin Brian Mathews Rocky Mathews Dustin May Kelvin May Michael Mayhall Jared Mays Tank McAteer Kevin McCaleb Jason McCollum Lisa McCollum David McCormick Eric McCroskey Ken McCruter John McCutcheon Billie McDaniel Cody McDaniel Steven McElroy Cameron McFall Dan McGowan Cory McIntosh Matt McKee Hunter McKinley Billy McKnight Steven McKnight Tommy McKnight Steve Meggs Jason Miles Shawn Miles Todd Miles Bryant Miller Craig Miller Jon Miller Mike Miller Robby Miller Robert Miller Danny Milligan Chris Mills Terry Minor Jonathan Mitchell Matt Montgomery Todd Montgomery John Morrison III Curtis Morrow Mike Morrow Ken Morse Michael Murphy Stephen Nelko Clarence Nevels David Nevin Casey Nichols Peyton Nicholson Bobby Noland Janet North Ivy Norwood Brooke Owens Joe Padgett Jerome Page Amanda Pate Brian Pate Jason Pate Jeff Patrick Tim Patterson George Patton Lesia Patton Billy Payne Doug Payne Latori Payne Selaine Pearce

Beverly Pendley Bryan Pennington Derek Perkins Kevin Perkins Nicole Perrigin Glenda Phillips Hunter Phillips Kevin Phillips Mike Phillips Clint Piepho Luther Pippen April Pitts Terrance Plunkett Mark Plyler Stephen Plyler Latori Poole Clinton Poores Gertrude Pope Susan Porter Scott Posey Jeff Powell Mitchell Prater Anthony Prince Henry Przekora Jeremy Przekora Rob Randolph Randall Reed Rhonda Reed Timothy Rhynes Larry Richardson Bo Richey Stephen Roberts Kip Robertson Marty Robertson Reid Robertson Trey Robertson Brian Robinson Darrell Romine Ron Roset Chris Rubio Mark Rundles James Rutherford Marshall Ryan Tim Salheiser Derrick Sawyer Logan Schoppert Adam Seale Joel Seale Andy Seibert Jeremy Sharp Mark Sherman Lance Shirley Ken Shuman Moose Simmons Tim Sims Lenay Sinnreich James Sizemore Randy Skagen Andy Skelton Cassie Skelton Michael Skinner Steve Smelley Wayne Smelley Alan Smith Buck Smith Grady Smith Renea Smith Rita Smith Stacey Smith Tyler Smith Ashley Smitherman Cody Snipes Jason Sparks

Donnie Spencer Ben Springer Ricky Sprinkle Walter Stallings Hunter Stevens Edward Stewart Randy Stewart Ricky Stewart Rita Stewart Arthur Stokes Ed Streett Chad Strickland Glenn Sullivan Tom Sullivan Jim Sumner Gary Sutton John-David Swiney Justin Swinsick Beau Tate Donald Taylor Joe Taylor Leroy Taylor John Thomas Paul Thurber Steven Tingle Bill Townsend Bill Trawick Lewis Tunnell Ronnie Upchurch Josh Ussery Loyl Utley Donny Venable Greg Vickers Sharon Vickerson Christy Vicknair Blane Vines Jerrell Vinson Zach Wadlington Tyler Waldrop Melissa Walford Jason Walker Jeff Walker Jim Walton Jon Walton Vincent Warren Barry Watkins Emily Watkins Mitch Watkins Phillip Watkins Tyler Watkins Brad Watson Hanky Watson Ronnie Watson Daryle Watts Marty Weaver Candi Webster Jason Westbrook Marcus Whatley John White Sean White Tim White Felix Wilder Manning Williams Robert Williams Kevin Willis Aubrey Wilson Danny Winters David Wright Jim Yerkes Daniel Yu Qiulin Yu Adam Zeleney Mark Zeleney David Zelhart

Contents 5 A Word from Our Leadership 8

Tuscaloosa’s Downtown Revival

10 Alabama Workforce Council Appointees Have Ties to West Alabama & Chamber

12

Chamber@Work

14 Here We Grow Again: Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings 16

Comparative Economic Indicators

18 Membership 101 20

New Members

22

2014 Board of Directors

8

22

Calendar of Events

10

12

14

18

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www.tuscaloosachamber.com

PUBLISHED BY

A Word from Our Leadership

2201 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 758-7588 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

EDITOR

Robin Jenkins

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Ashley Gill Jheovanny Gomez Molly Ingram Jordan Plaster Terri Williams

DESIGN

LaShonda Robinson

PREPRESS MANAGER

Jordan Plaster

Chuck Jones

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Chris Powell (205) 722-0148

ON THE COVER

Downtown Tuscaloosa

by Skip Baumhower, www.baumhower.com

A Period of Renaissance In Downtown Tuscaloosa It has been nothing short of amazing to witness the dramatic transformation of Tuscaloosa’s downtown and riverfront over the past several years. From the rehabilitation of historic buildings to the ongoing construction of new ones, this once quiet and underappreciated part of our community has truly come alive! On any given day, there is a steady flow of foot traffic patronizing downtown shops and restaurants as well as a constant stream of citizens enjoying the beautiful walking trail along the Black Warrior River.

Mayor Walt Maddox and members of the Tuscaloosa City Council, past and present, deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the vision to create a first-class downtown and riverfront. Their bold, collective efforts to invest public dollars in this area have led to millions of private sector investment dollars to follow suit.

Almost everywhere you look, you can see examples of how vision, leadership and wise investment can transform a community.

This issue of Rising Tide provides a brief update on many of the exciting residential and commercial projects currently underway in downtown Tuscaloosa. As we “cut ribbons” on these great projects over the next few months, I hope we all take time to reflect on the incredible amount of hard work that has been done to get us to this special point in Tuscaloosa’s proud history.

Enjoy reading,

Jordan Plaster Senior Vice President Merrill Lynch Chairman of the Board of Directors Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

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We Go The Extra Mile

Contact Us Jim Page, CCE President & CEO (205) 391-0562 jim@tuscaloosachamber.com

Donny Jones, IOM Chief Operating Officer (205) 391-0552 donny@tuscaloosachamber.com

Al Spencer Vice President, Economic Development and Public Policy (205) 391-0329 al@tuscaloosachamber.com Kimberly Adams Director of Membership and Investor Relations (205) 391-0327 kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com Tracy Crumpton Director of Finance and Operations (205) 391-0554 tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com

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

LoWanda James Director of Information Services (205) 758-7588 lowanda@tuscaloosachamber.com

Reach a new audience in your promotional puzzle.

Robin Jenkins Director of Communications and Marketing (205) 391-0561 robin@tuscaloosachamber.com

Target business leaders and individuals who take a strong interest our community.

Jill McDonald Executive Assistant (205) 391-0555 jill@tuscaloosachamber.com

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Carolyn Tubbs Assistant Director of Education and Events (205) 391-0556 carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com Jeanne Wade Membership Development Specialist (205) 454-1169 jeanne@tuscaloosachamber.com

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Programs Boost Local

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Plus Chamber@Work , New Members & More!

The Tuscaloosa News

Loo Whitfield Director of Education (205) 391-0563 loo@tuscaloosachamber.com

Connect with the Chamber Join us on Facebook Facebook/chambertusc

6

www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/chambertusc

Call 205.345.0505

advertising@tuscaloosanews.com

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LeNa` Powe Director of Workforce Development (205) 391-0331 lena@tuscaloosachamber.com

The M-Class, GL-Class and C-Class.

Manufactured at MBUSI and growing our local economy.

More than 22,000 direct and indirect jobs $1.5 billion annual economic impact on the region

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Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa’s Downtown Revival Set to Unfold Many communities are engaged in revitalization efforts to renew downtown areas and restore them to their former prominence as a center of community activity. It’s a slow process for some but momentum seems to be on our side in Tuscaloosa.

Downtown is going through a significant period of change. The addition of the city’s amphitheater and River Market led to new restaurants, a brewery and retail stores over the past few years. Large developments, including Riverfront Village, 2700 Capitol Park, the conversion of the PNC Bank building to apartments, Renasant Bank, Embassy Suites, and Hilton’s Home 2 Suites, are now progressing with a collective investment of approximately $130M in construction cost.

Downtown’s success can be attributed to a plan and a commitment by public and private partners. Tuscaloosa City Councilman (District 4) Matt Calderone said, “The city is investing a tremendous amount of

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resources into our thriving downtown to ensure its success. From code, policy and infrastructure improvements, to the creation of a downtown police precinct, and the newly formed Downtown Development Committee, the City of Tuscaloosa is a partner and an advocate for our downtown residents, businesses and visitors. We have every reason to be enthusiastic about our downtown development and I am honored to be a part of the progress.”

There’s a sense of excitement among residents about what the future will bring.

“The city wanted a luxury hotel and it’s going to get one,” said Jon Crisp, general manager of Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa situated at the corner of Greensboro and adjacent to Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

The property is managed by Wilson Hotel Management, LLC, a division of the Kemmons Wilson Companies, LLC, in Memphis.

“Downtown Tuscaloosa is a dramatically different place today than it was a decade ago.

The heart of our city is beating vibrantly once again.”

The 2700 Capitol Park concept is the result of a vision for loft-style, urban living shared by local husband and wife team, Charlie and Sasha Sealy.

The Sealy family owns and manages approximately 3,400 Tuscaloosa apartments and over 8,000 apartments throughout the Southeast.

The couple’s first boutique urban loft development, Belk Hudson Lofts in downtown Huntsville, was completed in October 2012 and named Downtown Development of the Year in January 2014 by Downtown Huntsville Inc. On August 6, Charlie and Sasha opened the doors to 2700 Capitol Park, an urban mixed-use development located on University Blvd., adjacent to historic Capitol Park and overlooking the Tuscaloosa amphitheater. It features 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and 166 loft apartments that are studios. Restaurants and retailers are currently being recruited.

Another mixed-use project nearing completion is Riverfront Village on the former site of Tuscaloosa Chevrolet. It will contain about 95 apartments and, according to the developer, Chance Partners, residents began moving into some units in late August. At press time, negotiations were underway with two restaurants, one of which is new to Alabama. Retailers will be also be recruited to fill the 30,000 square feet of commercial space.

Our downtown revitalization is creating a new energy and boosting the quality of living for our citizens in more ways than one. Tax dollars spent at these new establishments will better support our schools, parks, infrastructure and more.

Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club

Perhaps the most anticipated part of this project is the 150-seat restaurant and lounge it will house, with private and outdoor dining options, which will be overseen by Christ Hastings. Hastings is the owner and executive chef of the award-winning Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham who won the James Beard Award “Best Chef in the South” in 2012. He already has a name in mind for the restaurant and it is expected to be announced soon with much fanfare.

The hotel is a classic Tuscaloosa building, red brick and limestone. It will have 154 suites and will offer full-service facilities and an upscale feel.

It will also have a large ballroom, valet service and more than enough parking available for guests. The target opening date is January 31.

Crisp says, “When open, residents are invited to come by for a tour because I feel the hotel belongs to the people.”

As for our infrastructure, we’ve outgrown ours. After redevelopment, the area will face a more serious traffic issue. Ten years ago, the Chamber’s Parking Task Force played an integral part in planning for the city’s intermodal unit or parking deck. Tuscaloosa City Councilman (District 2) Harrison Taylor recently said that if more people would use the deck, especially employees of nearby businesses, this would alleviate our traffic problem for a time. “It’s free, new and well-lit. We have to get used to parking in the deck and then walking downtown,” he said.

Most vibrant downtown strategies demand a walkable urban area offering a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options and we certainly are on our way to having just that.

Downtown Tuscaloosa is a dramatically different place today than it was a decade ago. The heart of our city is beating vibrantly once again.

Nearby, Home2 Suites by Hilton is the second hotel going up downtown and a groundbreaking ceremony was held for it on August 5. Located in the 2600 block of University Blvd. and being developed by Texas businessman Michael Harrell, the extended-stay hotel will offer 113 suites, which will be high-tech and stylish for the budget-conscious traveler. The brand is a new one in the Hilton organization, which includes Embassy Suites. It is set to open in April of 2015.

These two hotels will complement each other and help draw travelers to downtown. Crisp estimates that his hotel will put 100-150 people downtown on a nightly basis to eat and shop.

2700 Capitol Park

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9

Alabama Workforce Council Appointees Have Ties to West Alabama & Chamber In July, Gov. Robert Bentley announced 28 appointees to the Alabama Workforce Council, a group that will examine ways to design education programs that match the needs of businesses.

The council will offer advice to the state school board, the chancellor of the state community college system, the superintendent of the state’s education department and the presidents of the state’s four-year colleges and universities.

“The Alabama Workforce Council is a world-class representation of many of the state’s top business and industry leaders and will be vitally important to building and maintaining high-quality partnerships between industry, education and workforce training institutions,” Bentley said in a news release.

MEET DEADLINES DESIGN/BUILD CRAFTSMANSHIP COORDINATION

1120 35th Street • Tuscaloosa, AL • 205.759.5040

10 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Fitzgerald Washington of the Alabama Department of Labor (formerly of Buffalo Rock Co. and Past Chair of the Chamber); Norman Crow of D.T. Freight Co. and the Tuscaloosa City School Board (Chamber Chair-Elect); Philip C. Johnston of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance (Committee Chair for Chamber Affiliate West Alabama Works); and Terry Waters of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development (Past Chair and Interim Executive Director of the Chamber.)

We’re proud to know and work with some of the top business and industry leaders in the state.

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Whatever your requirements, F. L. Crane & Sons has experienced hands and “know how to give you a beautiful and lasting finish.

Among the Alabama Workforce Council appointees with ties to West Alabama and our Chamber are:

3200 Greensboro Ave. 345-9811 www.townsendbmw.com

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley addresses business and industry leaders at the first meeting of the new Alabama Workforce Council at the state Capitol in Montgomery on July 21.

Photo by Governor’s Office, Jamie Martin

Fitzgerald Washington

Norman Crow

Philip Johnston

Terry Waters

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Chamber@Work Chamber Names Director of Workforce Development

600 Attend Job Fair by New Workforce Group

We’re proud of the Job Fair presented on June 14 for Bama Dining and others at the Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy (TCTA).

The goal was to employ about 250 people with Bama Dining, which has grown tremendously along with the UA. Around 600 people came through! The event was part of West Alabama Works, a new workforce development system housed at the Chamber that works with other groups in the community to bring basic skills and literacy training to job candidates to get them hired. West Alabama Works partnered with Alabama’s Ready to Work program, which provides job candidates with entry-level job skills, and PLUS Tuscaloosa, a community-wide effort administered at Shelton State Community College using trained volunteers to teach adults to read. People could also sign up for the GED program at Shelton State. Through meaningful efforts like this, we hope to increase job opportunities for people throughout our region. Photo

by The Tuscaloosa News.

LeNa` Powe has been named our Director of Workforce Development effective August 15, 2014. Powe will serve as our primary liaison to the Region 3 Workforce Development Council and West Alabama Works, for which the Chamber now serves as both managing and fiscal agent.

She will provide a central point of contact for any private or public entity seeking information and assistance with workforce training in the seven-county region. Powe will be responsible for building alliances and coordinating with local training providers, employment agencies, Chambers of Commerce, IDBs/IDAs, education officials and elected leaders. She brings strong leadership and experience in workforce development, education and public policy. She most recently worked for the Birmingham City Council as a community liaison and external community affairs representative.

Prior to this, she worked for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) as an education and workforce development project manager and more.

We are fortunate to have someone with such an impressive background on the professional staff of the Chamber.

PARCA & Superintendents Give Updates on our Public Schools

Our annual State of the Schools event was held on June 17 at Hotel Capstone and was well-received, as usual. We had a great turnout! The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) provided new data and research regarding the funding and performance of the two school public school systems in Tuscaloosa County. For 25 years, PARCA has been an independent research organization that reports objectively on issues important to improving Alabama’s state and local governments and public schools. The lunch, sponsored by Ellis Architects, included presentations by Dr. Tommy Bice, Dr. Elizabeth Swinford and Dr. Paul McKendrick.

12 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

More Than 300 Attend State of the Community Event

This 12th annual event, sponsored this year by Walker Associates, Inc., was held on Aug. 27 at the Tuscaloosa River Market and more than 300 citizens attended. Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Commission, Mayor Walt Maddox of the City of Tuscaloosa and Mayor Bobby Herndon of the City of Northport gave reports on the progress of our area and status of our local governments.

Junior Achievement Manager Now Housed in Chamber Office

Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County’s Senior Program Manager Carla Harris is now based at the Chamber office where she works in close proximity to our Adopt-A-School directors. JA works to inspire and prepare young people to succeed economically in a global economy.

You can reach her at 205-391-0335 or charris@tcss.net.

Caring Days Adult Day Care

THE MAL & CHARLOTTE MOORE CENTER Open M-F 7:30-5:30 943 31st Street East, Tuscaloosa 35405 For information call Vicki Kerr at 752-6840 www.caringdays.org

Adopt-A-School Kicks Off its 30th Year

Our AAS program is celebrating 30 years! Our program is one of the best in the nation & a true model for others. Billy Canary of the Business Council of Alabama (pictured) spoke to about 300 business people and educators at our annual Breakfast and Seminar on July 29. The school partnerships met at University Church of Christ to plan for the new school year. Learn more at www.tuscaloosachamber.com/aas.

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The Tuscaloosa City Council executed a final agreement with the developer of The Shoppes at Legacy Park on July 29 and new anchor stores were announced including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fresh Market, PetSmart and DSW Shoes. Bed Bath & Beyond and World Market had already been announced for the project planned for the land where part of the former Cedar Crest neighborhood stood, near the intersection of McFarland and 15th St.

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Incentives Approved for Shoppes at Legacy Park, New Anchor Stores Announced

Small Business Financing In Tuscaloosa • Commercial Real Estate - Term & Construction • Inventory Receivables • Buildings Contractor Residential Construction • Land Purchases/Refinace

Transportation Summit Held

Members of our Tuscaloosa Transportation Advocacy Group (TTAG) met with area leaders on Aug. 8 at the River Market to discuss much-needed traffic and infrastructure projects and working together as one voice to make them happen.

Richard Key Vice President

Jimmy D. Collins CEO

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Here We Grow Again RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUND BREAKINGS May 30, 2014 - August 29, 2014

Eagles’ Wings, Inc.

12379 Eagle Wings Dr. • Coker, AL 35452 (205) 345-5484 • www.eagleswingsoftuscaloosa.org Sandra Pike

Alabama Central Credit Union

Salvation Army

1601 University Blvd., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-1600 • www.salvationarmy.org Dean Moretz

American National Insurance

1665 McFarland Blvd., N. • Tuscaloosa , AL 35406 (205) 342-0551 • www.alabamacentral.org Matthew Sandiford

605 28th Ave. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 233-8733 • www.anico.com Brian Darr

Tusk Industrial Supply

Home Instead Senior Care

2036 62nd Ave. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 366-1625 Randy Holcomb 14 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

303 Hargrove Rd., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-0387 • www.homeinstead.com Stephanie Buffaloe

Northport Funeral and Cremation Service

5404 Watermelon Rd., • Northport, AL 35473 (205) 750-3140 • www.northportfuneralservice.com Ricky Sherrod

Easy Money

3032 Tyler Dr. • Northport, AL 35476 (205) 330-0913 • www.goeasymoney.com Erika Cichanowicz

Home2 Suites by Hilton

2600 University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.home2suites.com

Nu Way Vape LLC

3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 10 • Northport, AL 35476 (256) 349-5191• www.nuwayvape.com Rob Roberts

CEU CreditAvailable 6.0 Hours for Nurses

Join Us to Celebrate

5.0 Hours for SocialWorkers

6th Annual Free Community Forum on End-of-Life Issues Friday, Nov. 7th • 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

(Registration begins at 8:00 a.m./Lunch Provided) Northport Civic Center 3500 McFarland Blvd., Northport, AL 35476

Admission is free, but pre-registration

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!

Space is limited, Register today!

205-523-0101

is required to receive CEU credit.

Breakfast & Snacks Provided By:

Answering every caller with TLC...Since 1955 We are not just an answering service, but an extension of your business-a responsibility we take very seriously.

Some of our most common services includes: Outsourced Receptionist Service-answering calls and relaying Dispatch ☎ messages ☎ Overflow 24/7-you choose the hours and days calls (when your lines are all busy or your staff is too busy) ☎ Order taking calls ☎ Emergency ☎ answering service (when your phones Vacation/temporary coverage, including extended absences ☎ Disaster-preparedness ☎ are unexpectedly down due to service or disaster issues, such coverage ☎ Holiday as hurricanes or tornadoes) ☎ Appointment scheduling 2810 7th Street • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 (205) 349-2702 Tuscaloosa • (205) 241-5082 Birmingham • (800) 250-5160 Toll Free • (205) 349-4766 Fax info@callerconnection.com wwww.CallerConnection.com

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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

Comparative

Economic Indicators JULY 2013 vs JULY 2014 Business licenses City of Tuscaloosa 2013 204 2014 183 City of Northport 2013 45 2014 ?

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY

CEO COUNCIL - $10,000+ ANNUALLY

Value of Building permits

City of Tuscaloosa 2013 $33,346,953 2014 $35,826,289

Aramark; AT&T; The Bank of Tuscaloosa; Bryant Bank; Expo Displays; Harrison Galleries/HFS Holdings; JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Knight Sign Industries, Inc.; Merrill Lynch; Rumsey Environmental; UA College of Arts & Sciences; Yellow Book USA

PRESIDENT’S FORUM - $7,500+ ANNUALLY UA Culverhouse College of Commerce

INVESTOR LEADERS - $5,000+ ANNUALLY

A&B Electric Co.; Advantage Realty Group, Inc.; Afflink; Alabama Gas Corporation; Alabama Power Co.; BB&T; Cintas; College Station Properties; Ellis Architects, Inc.; Harrison Construction, Inc.; McGiffert & Associates, LLC; Pritchett-Moore Inc.; Sealy Furniture Co.; Thompson Tractor Co., Inc.; TotalCom, Inc.; WAR Construction, Inc.; Ward Scott Architecture; The WHMZ Group at Morgan Stanley

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 Co./Pepsi Cola; Community Service Programs of West Alabama; D.T. & Freight Co.; Eberspaecher North America, Inc.; Fitts Agency; Green Beverage Co.; Harbin & Stough, PC; Jackson Security; Jalapenos Mexican Grill; Moody Radio South; Parker Towing Co., Inc.; Robertson Banking Co.; Spiller Furniture & Mattress; Southland Benefit Solutions, LLC; TTL, Inc.; Tuscaloosa Credit Union; Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit Union; Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., PC; Walker Associates, Inc.; Walter Energy, Inc.; Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

Employed Tuscaloosa County 2013 88,642 2014 88,042

Unemployment rates Tuscaloosa County 2013 6.5% 2014 6.9%

Homes sold Tuscaloosa County 2013 2014

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 Co., Inc.; Hampton Inns of Tuscaloosa; Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers; Kyle Office Solutions; Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC; The Locker Room; Metalsa; Morrison & Smith, LLP; Renasant Bank; Rex Veron Design, LLC; Sentell Engineering, Inc.; Tuscaloosa Chevrolet, Inc.; Willcutt Block

OTHER ANNUAL COMMITMENTS

Gilmore, Poole & Rowley; StressCrete, Inc.; Yeager & Christian, PC

16 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

209 186

Average selling Price Tuscaloosa County 2013 2014

$189,658 $181,483

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

First Friday of the month noon-8 p.m.

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2308 6th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-345-3038 www.as.ua.edu

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Membership 101 Chamber Launching Innovative 4th Quarter Drive Program

The Chamber is officially launching its inaugural 4th Quarter Drive program, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Dr. Judy Bonner of The University of Alabama and Shane Spiller of Spiller Furniture & Mattress. This volunteer-driven initiative will give all our members, for the first time ever, the opportunity to market their businesses by purchasing sponsorships of 2015 Chamber events and programs. This exciting, eight-week effort will kick off on Sept. 17 and will run through mid-Nov., with two simple goals: helping local businesses market products and services while also helping support our mission of providing top-quality events and programs.

sponsorship opportunities available through Chamber events and publications. The volunteers will also seek new members for the Chamber. The 4th Quarter Drive is a great way for member volunteers to meet the region’s top community leaders and business owners while working directly with our most dedicated leadership. Successful volunteers will not only expose their respective companies to new potential customers, but also be rewarded with cash incentives and prizes!

We’re happy to announce the 4th Quarter Drive leadership team (left to right): Dr. Judy Bonner, Co-Chair , The University of Alabama; Shane Spiller, Co-Chair, Spiller Furniture & Mattress; Gene Poole, Vice Chair, Hudson Poole; Jim Rainey, Vice Chair, The Tuscaloosa News; Tim Rosson, Vice Chair, BBVA Compass; Mark Sullivan, Vice Chair, Bank of Tuscaloosa; Durell Young, Vice Chair, Lamar Advertising.

Approximately 20 teams of volunteers will be created, under the leadership of our Vice Chairs, which will market more than 500

If interested in participating, please contact Kimberly Adams at 205-391-0327.

Stay tuned for future announcements and for ways your business can get involved and take advantage of the opportunities to grow and promote your business!

18 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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New Members may 30, 2014 – august 22, 2014 Acro Electrical Contractors, Inc. 1607 Crescent Ridge Road N.E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 556-4544 Tom Burnette Contractors - Electrical Arby’s 5032 Oscar Baxter Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.arbys.com (205) 344-5701 Edward Hooks Restaurants (Main) Big Sandy Elementary School 11950 Upper Hull Road Moundville, AL 35474 www.tcss.net (205) 342-2840 Glynis Rhodes Schools-Public - Tuscaloosa County Lady In Lace 410 Queen City Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 349-5223 Betty Quarles Bridal Shops (Main) Brothers Express Pizza Cafe, LLC 1800 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 420 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.brothersepc.com (205) 394-3269 William “Robbie” Sickler Restaurants (Main), Restaurants / Catering Cabiness Paint & Flooring 701 21st Avenue Tuscaloosa, ALm35401 www.cottagesupplycompany.com (205) 345-6080 Lani George Paint Dealers (Main), Floor Coverings / Carpet / Rug / Tile / Hardwood Cort Furniture 131 West Oxmoor Road, Ste. 139 Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 588-0469 Marcie Corser Furniture Dealers (Main) Dickey’s Tuscaloosa 1800 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 524 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.dickeys.com (205) 758-1133 Drew Spadoni Restaurants

20 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Dog - Gone Fancy 4419 Hwy 43 N., Ste. 2 Northport, AL 35473 www.dog-gonefancy.com (205) 333-3630 Suzette Holden Pet Grooming/Boarding Gigi’s Cupcakes 1800 McFarland Blvd., #434 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.gigiscupcakeusa.com (205) 343-0311 Michael Mendoza Restaurants Home Instead Senior Care 303 Hargrove East Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.homeinstead.com/746 (205) 764-0387 Stephaine Buffaloe Senior Home Care Hotel & Restaurant Supply 200 14th St., Ste. 1 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.hnrsupply.com (205) 409-9370 Braxie Williams Retail - Restaurant Supplies J & J Wood Flooring 2745 Southside Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 jandjflooring.net (205) 345-1144 Janet Shirley Contractors - Floor Laying / Refinish / Resurface John Hubbard Flooring, Inc. 5959 Old Montgomery Hwy. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 345-8254 Elvis Hubbard Floor Coverings / Carpet / Rug / Tile / Hardwood Krush Boutique 3617 - A Watermelon Rd. Northport, AL 35473 (205) 469-9963 Valerie Wright Retail - Clothing, Accessories Liberty National Life Insurance Clint McLain Agency 1841 2nd Ave., Ste. 218 Jasper, AL 35501 www.libertynational-mclain.com (205) 387-0531 Clint McLain Insurance

MetLife Auto and Home 3536 Vann Road Suite A-6 Birmingham, AL 35235 (205) 440-7910 Chris Greene Insurance (Main)

The Bike Shop 2422 6th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 331-4629 Patrick Brown Bicycle Repair & Sales

Mountain & Mountain 2618 7th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.mountainandmountain.com (205) 349-1740 Clint Mountain Attorneys - Lawyers / Law

Traffic Ads P.O. Box 2833 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 495-0043 Sam Estes Advertising - Mobile Billboard

Nu Way Vape LLC 3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 10 Northport, AL 35476 www.nuwayvape.com (256) 349-5191 Rob Roberts Electronic Cigarettes & Accessories Randy Smalley Floor and Tile 2716 Lurleen Wallace Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 (205) 758-4040 Randy Smalley Floor Coverings / Carpet / Rug / Tile / Hardwood (Main) Saga Resource Partners 221 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-1979 Debbie St John Oils - Industrial / Lubricating / Petroleum Sims & Neff, LLC 2909 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.simsandneff.com (205) 752-9333 Jason Neff Attorneys - Lawyers / Law (Main) Southeast Design and Build, LLC 432 65th St., Ste. A Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.southeastdesignbuild.com (205) 345-1784 Jason Robertson Contractors - General Sweet Home Food Bar 2218-A University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-9346 Deb Rubino Restaurants

Tusk Industrial Supply 2036 62nd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 366-1625 Randy Holcomb Retail - Industrial Supplies & Safety (Main) UA - Athletics, Marketing Box 870339 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 www.rolltide.com (205) 348-6179 Ryan Majercik Athletics / Entertainment West Alabama Postal Express, Inc. 14525 Lawton Rd. Cottondale, AL 35453 (205) 454-2596 Leigh Anne Lennox Trucking Companies Whitworth Real Estate, LLC 1448 22nd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.whitworthre.com (205) 556-2242 Michael Whitworth Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

Visit the Lake Tuscaloosa Branch for full-service banking on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. til 12:00 p.m.

Now you can meet with your banker, open a new account, access your safe deposit box –- and more!

Stop by to learn more about our financial products and services. For a complete list of hours and locations, please visit our website.

Lake Tuscaloosa Branch 4901 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

bankoftuscaloosa.com 205-345-6021

Saturday Banking at the Lake Tuscaloosa Branch

Bank of Tuscaloosa is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under multiple trade names across the Southeast. Divisions of Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

For 90 years your friends and neighbors at DCH have been providing the best in health care right here at home. Now DCH is literally as close as your desktop, laptop or mobile device. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for health news, health tips, local health events and more.

For up-to-date information about our services and health care topics, sign up for our eNewsletter at our web site dchsystem.com.

DCH Health System. Caring. For life.

Scan for DCH’s website

Scan for DCH’s Facebook

DCH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER | NORTHPORT MEDICAL CENTER | FAYETTE MEDICAL CENTER | PICKENS COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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visit us at dchsystem.com

21

2014 Board of Directors Dan Blakley

Wilson Moore

Dr. Judy Bonner

Gary Nichols

Regions Bank

The University of Alabama

Bobby Bragg

JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC

Cynthia Burton

Community Service Programs of West Alabama

Brock Corder

The Builders Group of West Alabama, LLC

Mark Crews

Alabama Power Company

Norman Crow

(Chair Elect) D. T. & Freight Company, Inc.

Jay Evans

Pritchett –Moore, Inc. McAbee Construction, Inc.

Jim Page

(President and CEO) Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Premier Service Co., Inc. (Chair) Merrill Lynch

Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers The University of Alabama

Tom Scroggins

Lee Henderson Which Wich

Cal Holt

Knight Sign Industries, Inc.

Jonathan Hood

First National Bank of Central Alabama

Molly Ingram

DCH Health System

Felyicia Jerald

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.

Renwick Jones

Alabama Fire College

Luke Standeffer

Chamber in Session: State of the State with Gov. Robert Bentley at Hotel Capstone (11:30a.m.) Cost is $25/person and reserved tables of 10 are available. Call 205-391.0559 to register and get details.

9

Northport Citizen Awards Dinner at Five Points Baptist Church (7p.m.) Former Gov. Jim Folsom, Jr. is the guest speaker. Cost is $25/person and reserved tables of 8 are available. To register or get details, call 205-391-0559.

14

Chamber Connects Mixer at Hilton Garden Inn (5-7p.m.)

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Intermediate Excel Training at the Chamber (Time, cost and details TBA) Call 205-391-0559 to register.

Northport Medical Center

Chuck Turner

Tennis Jackson Co., Inc./Jackson Security Services

Rex Veron

Rex Veron Design, LLC

Jason Walker

Walker Associates, Inc.

Fitzgerald Washington

(Past Chair) Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi Cola

Terry Waters

Dean McClure

Terri Williams

TTL, Inc.

AT&T Alabama

Kim McMurray

Bryan Winter

22 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

6

Randy Skagen

Department of Postsecondary Education

Ward Scott Architecture

The Power Duo: Facebook and Instagram Marketing Training at the Chamber (9a.m. - 4:40p.m.) Sign up for this one-day class with Donna Gilliland, MOSTraining, Inc. and learn about new marketing strategies for Instagram and Facebook. Cost is $140/person. Call 205-391-0559 to register and get details.

Tanner & Guin, LLC

Blake Madison

Rosen Harwood, PA

2

Tuscaloosa Housing Authority

Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.

Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC

Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Government Plaza (3p.m.) No charge to attend. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to 205-391-0556.

October

Dr. Samory Pruitt

Ashley Gill

Jalapenos Mexican Grill

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Gene Poole

Ralph Ruggs

Jheovanny Gomez

SEPTEMBER

Jordan Plaster

ROAR, LLC/College Station Properties Chick-fil-A of Northport

Calendar of Events

Gary Phillips

November 11

Chamber Connects Mixer at Bryant Conference Center/Hotel Capstone

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