Rising Tide - Spring 2014

spring 2014

The Business Journal of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Trade or Grade?

Programs Boost Local Workforce

Plus Chamber@Work, New Members & More!

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Contents 4 A Word from Our Leadership 6 Trade or Grade?

Programs Boost Local Workforce 10

Chamber@Work

14 Here We Grow Again: Ribbon Cuttings 16

Comparative Economic Indicators

18 Membership 101 20

New Members

22

Calendar of Events

6

22

2014 Board of Directors

10

14

18

22 Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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PUBLISHED BY

A Word from Our Leadership

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

EDITOR

Robin Jenkins

assistant editor

Ryan Phillips

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Ashley Gill Jheovanny Gomez Molly Ingram Jordan Plaster Terri Williams

Chuck Turner in the lobby of the new Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy

PHOTOGRAPHERS TCTA photo by Chandler Overcash of Ellis Architects, Inc.

West Alabama is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. We have been blessed with a stable economy and steady growth. However, one of the most important issues facing our community in the next few years is the lack of a trained and job-ready work force to fill the growing need.

Mechatronics photo by Porfirio Solorzano of Shelton State Community College

Business and industry experts are predicting a shortage of quality applicants available in the job market.

Several issues contribute to this dynamic – an aging workforce with more trained workers retiring, changing educational and skill set requirements and increased competition for manpower.

DESIGN

In order to remain a viable destination for new business and industry and to promote growth of our existing businesses, we must meet this issue head-on. By being proactive, we can provide the trained workforce business requires and, at the same time, improve the quality of life for the citizens of our region. I am proud to report that leadership at both the state and local level is hard at work to resolve this approaching shortage.

PREPRESS MANAGER

The development of a strong and viable workforce requires the business and education communities to work together as one for the best result.

LaShonda Robinson

Chuck Jones

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Beau Laird (205) 722-0147

ON THE COVER

Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa

by Barry Fikes

Business and industry has to define immediate and future staffing needs-determine what job skills will be needed, estimate the hiring timeline and process, etc.

Education is the other key component. Educators have to be flexible and adapt to changing market conditions. Innovation and cooperation should be the standard. Educators can then direct students on a career path toward jobs they can be proud of.

“Working as One” should be our common goal. When we all come together, the results can be amazing.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Chuck Turner Consultant, Tennis Jackson Electric Co., Inc. and Jackson Security Vice Chair of Workforce Development The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

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www.tuscaloosachamber.com

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Tracy Crumpton Director of Finance and Operations (205) 391-0554 tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com

Mel Espey Membership Development Specialist (205) 758-7588 mel@tuscaloosachamber.com

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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

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

Jill McDonald Executive Assistant

(205) 391-0555 jill@tuscaloosachamber.com

Carolyn Tubbs Assistant Director of Education and Events (205) 391-0556 carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com

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

Connect with the Chamber

Join us on Facebook Facebook/chambertusc Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/chambertusc

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Trade or Grade?

Programs Boost Local Workforce

by Ryan Phillips Mechatronics training program at Shelton State Community College

Mechatronics and Mercedes When visiting West Alabama, clear signs of economic vitality are plentiful and spread across both banks of the Black Warrior River. In Tuscaloosa, new hotels are under construction that will welcome visitors, while a revitalized downtown offers the fare that is sure to keep them coming back. As the Druid City skyline grows upward, the local economy continues to bloom into a well-known hub of thriving business.

mentioned the rapid progression of the Automotive Technician program. After one cycle of training, the program was already paying dividends to students and the company.

“We had the first Automotive Technician program in September of 2012,” he said. “We selected the 19 students that completed this threeterm program to have full-time jobs in Assembly Production. That is a significant impact. When news like that spreads and, we’re invited to schools to speak, we view that as success.”

To ensure that this economic success is extended to the next generation, technical and career programs around the area have partnered with local business in an effort to provide the skills necessary for those involved to immediately join the workforce.

Recruitment is the arm by which these programs reach out to the community, and according to Colburn, this outreach is geared toward a certain demographic with the intended purpose of cultivating an educated workforce.

In January 2012, Mercedes Benz and Shelton State Community College started the first Mechatronics class. This training program, and the Automotive Technician Program are operated as a collaborative effort between Mercedes and the ever-diversifying community college.

“We spend a lot of our time recruiting at the high school level,” he said. “We talk to local students about the technical program and the opportunities there, but we also try to talk about the opportunities in general that MBUSI has to offer. To the local community, this says that these are technical programs your son or daughter can be a part of.”

Steve Colburn, a human resources specialist for Mercedes-Benz, said that the continuing innovations in technology play a crucial role in determining the skills that will ultimately be needed when the business climate shifts as a result of trends.

“I can think back to when I was in high school, you just did not hear of opportunities like this,” he said. “Many times, when I am at a high school recruiting students and talking about changes, I hold up my cell phone and say, ‘look at the technology and how it has changed this’—the same thing has happened to the automotive industry. We need increased skill level coming in and that is why we have these programs.”

In addition to a successful Mechatronics program, Colburn also

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www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Workforce Development via Chamber Tuscaloosa Chuck Turner, workforce development division chair at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, agreed with the concept of educating students on their options before they graduate high school without possessing the skills necessary to make a comfortable living.

“A lot of parents are stressing to their kids that they need to go to college, and for certain individuals, that is fine, but there are still a lot of high-paying technical jobs that are available,” he said. “Many technical jobs are now paralleling college jobs, and to get students guided in that direction can aid in reducing the drop out rate and do it in such a way that they find a career path where they will be successful.”

Turner then mentioned some of the programs currently operating in conjunction with local businesses that seek to train and educate anyone interested to become part of the workforce.

“There is one program at Brookwood High School where BLG Logistics, a Mercedes partner, has worked with them and provides on-site training,” he said. “Premier Service Company has an awesome training facility and they bring in their own staff or others to train entry level employees in a skill they may be interested in, like plumbing or electrical maintenance. Hunt Refining also has a program where students go to Shelton State for training while working three days a week at Hunt.”

As for challenges, according to Colburn, one area of focus is making sure to educate the surrounding community about the programs.

“I think the biggest challenge is to get the word out about our programs to local students and their parents,” he said. “We started by having it in the newspaper, then it was a matter of trying to get the word out to the surrounding community in the high schools. The challenge is educating the students about these opportunities. Our plan is for these programs to continue every year and we intend on making it happen.”

Turner stressed the importance of an educated workforce, and the opportunities to be had through this interaction with the community.

“One of the things that every economy needs is labor-ready employees,” he said. “So, when companies can train on-site, and train them in the particular way the company does what they do, then that speeds up the process and increases the learning curve.“ State support has also aided in further developing these programs according to Turner, which he then attributed to the growing popularity of other such workforce programs in other states.

Premier Service Co. Training Room

“The state is taking a more active role after a few years of not being active in workforce development” he said. “They are actually wanting a director of workforce development, and have made a push statewide to promote these programs. I think the state realized that other states are being much more proactive and recruiting these types of individuals.

Industries that are looking for places to locate are not just looking for a workforce, they are looking at the quality of the workforce.”

With state support, the path is paved for more involvement by area schools, Turner said, who are preparing students for full-time jobs while still in high school.

“The Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy is set up so that a student can take classes to get a certificate that lets them immediately go to work at one of the businesses in the area. The schools are becoming more involved than they have ever been. What we are trying now is to have a coordinated effort within the community.”

The Chamber plays a pivotal role in local workforce development efforts, according to Turner.

“The Chamber’s goal is to try to pull together some of the fragmented resources we have,” he said. “The state gives some funding, corporations give some funding, there are scholarships that are available and there are different areas where students can get different opportunities. It is really a team effort.”

“In Germany, if you are a student in the high school age-range, you are going to an apprenticeship or four year college,” he said. “You know when you are in high school there, what you are going to do before you leave”.

CC00043290

At Mercedes, Colburn compared the professional American mindset with that of one impactful country from across the pond. For the masses of potential college graduates and high school dropouts with no trade, skill or employment, this concept could prove life-changing.

sheltonstate.edu Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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Local Academy Cultivates Next Generation

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isn’t ’ medication. d

Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy

The educational shift towards high school students learning specific job skills is no longer solely a European concept.

Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy (TCTA), which caters to a student population of approximately 1,500, is one such workforce development outlet that is changing the way local high school students get prepared for life after graduation.

Kathleen Hughston, principal at TCTA, said that students at her school are offered a wide range of possibilities through partnerships with major players in the local job market, which include Alabama Power, Nucor Steel and Mercedes-Benz.

“I can think of no other time when we have been able to work so handin-hand with business,” she said. “Our state has even taken the initiative to further these projects. Ultimately, this will help build the workforce we need.”

Since the doors at TCTA opened in August of 2013, the expansive academy has provided a different approach to secondary education, with an emphasis towards on-the-job training and learning an advanced skill set that will make the student immediately employable following graduation.

Hughston also said that as the widespread belief surrounding workforce development changes for the better, support is still needed for both the students and the programs.

“I think when we do not provide the opportunities for these students to learn, then we are setting them up for failure,” she said. “We want them to learn here that, if you are going to go here to work and learn, then you will be held to employment standards like in the outside world.

Except in the real job market, you don’t flunk out—you get fired.”

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www.tuscaloosachamber.com

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Chamber@Work School Counselor and Career Technical Teacher Tours Held

About 60 city and county school counselors attended our event at MBUSI on Nov. 6. VP of Operations Phil Johnston gave an overview of the plant and a peak into future plans. Chamber COO Donny Jones talked briefly about Tuscaloosa’s economy. We also had a panel of four HR Directors to talk to the counselors about their company and hiring expectations, need for workers and the entry level salaries. Afterwards, the counselors were bused to BLG Logistics for a tour.

Also, to mark Career Technical Education Month, area career technical teachers spent the afternoon at Premier Service Company on Feb. 18 where owner Gary Phillips explained the training program he provides for his entry level employees. Bruce Mills, training manager for Hunt Refining, then described the co-op program provided by Hunt for selected Shelton State students. Joe Lampe of BFGoodrich and Joe Patton of Westervelt then joined Phillips and Mills for a panel discussion on skill sets needed and employment opportunities available.

We Go The Extra Mile

City Renews Contract for Economic Development

In January, the Tuscaloosa City Council unanimously approved renewal of our $175,000 contract to handle City Hall’s economic development functions. We’re very proud of the work we accomplished over the past year and are excited to continue it.

Caring Days Adult Day Care

THE MAL & CHARLOTTE MOORE CENTER A day program for adults with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Pick’s, stroke, Huntington, brain tumors, trauma induced, alcoholism related, and other memory disorders.

Spencer

Adams

Chamber Names VP for Economic Development & Public Policy, Director of Membership & Investor Relations

Al Spencer has been named our vice president for economic development and public policy, effective Jan. 27. Spencer manages all our economic development initiatives, including retail recruitment and commercial development. He also coordinates our local, state and federal public policy and advocacy efforts. Spencer brings strong leadership and public service experience to the Chamber. After serving 21 years as an active duty Air Force officer, he spent four years in the private sector with a software development company and most recently served 12 years as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner, where he advised on all major economic development initiatives, including the successful recruitment of Airbus and ThyssenKrupp.

He also coordinated disaster response efforts following Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, as well as the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. He is a graduate of The University of Alabama (BS, Commerce and Business

10 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

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

In addition, Kimberly Adams has been named director of membership and investor relations. Adams is responsible for membership recruitment and retention as well as managing and maintaining relationships with investors. She joined the Chamber on Dec. 23, 2013.

Adams is a seasoned sales professional and proven performer. Prior to joining the Chamber, she worked at The Tuscaloosa News for nine years, where she served as the Retail Advertising and Digital Sales Manager for three years after starting as an account executive. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama (BA, Communications and Information Science) and was awarded The Presidential Award by The New York Times Regional Media Group and selected by the organization to complete a Manager Excellence Program.

We are very excited to have both Al and Kimberly on our staff!

NA5855630

Administration), Webster University (MA, Public Administration) and the Management and Development Program at Harvard Business School. He has received former Vice President Al Gore’s Hammer Award for Reinventing Government and the Air Force Systems Command Personnel Manager of the Year Award, among others.

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Jheovanny Gomez of Jalapenos Named Member of the Year

Jheovanny Gomez, owner of Jalapenos Mexican Grill, was honored as the recipient of the 2013 Charles H. Land Member of the Year at our Annual Meeting & Awards on Jan. 16. His generosity is always quietly on display as he gives of his time, finances and great Mexican food to organizations and good causes throughout our community. He has been one of our most active members over the last few years, which has led to him rising to a key leadership role on our executive committee.

He is a shining example of how hard work, perseverance and a can-do attitude can lead to a true American success story. He is pictured with our President and CEO Jim Page.

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The Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award was presented to McAbee Construction for being a model for ethical business practices, commitment to serving others and giving back to our community.

The Chairman’s Leadership Award was presented to Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox for his commitment to continue rebuilding our community bigger and better than it was before the tornado of April 27, 2011 and for his calm and steady leadership of the City of Tuscaloosa in uncertain times.

The Chamber also recognized outstanding community leadership with the presentation of eight Distinguished Service Awards to: Alyce Spruell of Rosen Harwood; Bert Sims of Way of Ray & Shelton; Norman Crow of DT & Freight; Mike Verzino of Two Men and A Truck; Jordan Plaster of Merrill Lynch; Dean McClure of TTL; Kelsey Colgrazier, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission (Ambassador of the Year); Lisa Riley of ACCION; and Barry Fikes of Barry Fikes Photography.

The official transition to the 2014 leadership team was made at the annual celebration. Jordan Plaster of Merrill Lynch is the 2014 Chairman of The Chamber.

Northport Advisory Council Kicks Off 2014

Our Northport Advisory Council met at Mr. Bill’s on Feb. 10. City Council President Jay Logan spoke about the successes of 2013 and addressed the issues facing the city council in the near future. The group meets bimonthly.

Crimson Realty, Crimson is TRADITION in Tuscaloosa Residential and Commercial Real Estate Let us help you secure YOURS! Our Veterans Affairs Committee hosted this inaugural event on Feb. 22 in the Shelton State Atrium. More than fifty Chamber member organizations provided info and discounts to our large population of area veterans. Veteran and spouse job skills info was also accepted and a database will be compiled for interested employers.

12 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

752-1450 2615 6th St., Suite 9 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

NA5155518

Veterans Appreciation & Information Day a Success

YP(t) Speed Networking at Mercedes

The Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa or YP(t) hosted a Speed Networking event on Feb. 27 at the Mercedes-Benz Training Center in Vance, where they were given an exclusive tour after the event.

Ingram Farms

Fruit & Vegetable Market

& “Your” Blue Bell Ice Cream Store 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.

We now have your Blue Bell ice cream store featuring 12 or more flavors of handdipped cones, milkshakes and sundaes.

“See our ad in the Hot and Cool Deals section of Thursday’s paper!”

Sokol Park

1196 Union Chapel Road Turn off Watermelon Rd, Across From Sokol Park

Partnerships celebrated Adopt-A-School Week Feb. 24-28. The purpose was to express appreciation to all partners and to highlight the many projects and activities that are provided to schools through the program.

Partners invest time, talents and resources in classrooms to encourage students and enrich their educational experiences.

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

205-349-4008

Ingram Farms Union Chapel Road

Watermelon Rd

Adopt-A-School Week 2014 Held

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JOBS OF THE FUTURE WILL REQUIRE A BACKGROUND IN COMPUTER SCIENCE.* he Tuscaloosa City Schools is the only T school system in West

Alabama offering Computer Science Principles, a new Advanced Placement course being designed by the College Board, to help students explore the impact and opportunities available in computer science.

Over the next three years, 50 schools in Alabama will be offering the course, which now counts as a math elective for graduation in Alabama.

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TCS students, in partnership with National Science Foundation and The University of Alabama, are learning how to program computers and design Android apps.

TUSCALOOSACITYSCHOOLS.COM *Source: U.S. News Best Jobs of 2014

205.333.6922 • 1.800.971.1155 Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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Here We Grow Again ribbon cuttings November 2013-February 2014

Tinsel Trail

Riverwalk in Tuscaloosa (205) 462-1000 • www.tuscaloosaoneplace.org • Amanda Waller

Bag 101

312 Merchants Walk • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 722-2298 • Geri Nell Hamm

Black Warrior Brewing

2216 University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (760) 284-2834 • www.blackwarriorbrewing.com • Joe Fuller

14 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Rick Rush Gallery

2701 University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 799-0923 • www.rickrushart.com • Don Rush

The T.E.M.P. Gallery

1922 Fifth St. (Georgine Clark Bldg.) • Northport, AL 35476 (205)758-1257 • www.kentuck.org • Amy Echols

The Avenue Pub

405 23rd Ave. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-4900 • www.avepub.com • Craig Williams

Alabama Credit Union-Indian Hills Branch

1515 McFarland Blvd. N. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 348-5944 • www.alabamacu.com • Christine Johnson

Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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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 DECEMBER 2012 vs DECEMBER 2013 Business licenses City of Tuscaloosa 2013 81 2012 65 City of Northport 2013 17 2012 24

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.; Rumsey Environmental; Harrison Galleries/HFS Holdings; 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 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 Wich Superior Sandwiches

Value of Building permits

City of Tuscaloosa 2013 $24,755,427 2012 $10,110,237

Employed Tuscaloosa County 2013 97,536 2012 95,980

Unemployment rates Tuscaloosa County 2013 5.3% 2012 6.2%

Homes sold Tuscaloosa County 2013 2012

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

16 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

144 120

Average selling Price Tuscaloosa County 2013 2012

$173,671 $206,361

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.

A proud partner in advancing the economic and cultural vitality of our state This is how college is meant to be Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc 17

Membership 101 What you get out of your membership is directly relative to what you put in.

You can’t just be a dues-paying member of the Chamber to reap the full benefits of membership. You must also make an effort and become involved in our activities. Visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com to see a list of our current engagement opportunities like Adopt-A-School,

Military and Veterans Affairs Council, Minority Business Council, E-Cycle Event, Leadership Tuscaloosa, Northport Advisory Council, Young Professionals, Ambassadors, Public Affairs Council and more.

The first seven years I lived in Tuscaloosa, I worked in Birmingham. When I took over the family’s Tuscaloosa-based answering service in 1997, however, I realized how few people I knew in the business community.

One of the first things I did was to join the Chamber. Shortly thereafter, I became an Ambassador. The Ambassador program is a great way to meet other business leaders and learn about their businesses. In addition, my staff and I have taken advantage of the great training programs hosted by the Chamber. Working with the faculty and students of Duncanville Middle School through the Adopt A School program is personally rewarding to all of us at TLC. One of the newest programs we have become involved with, is the Minority Business Council, which has set some lofty goals for the year.

There is something in the Chamber for every business. Any business that does not belong to the Chamber should join and more importantly, be active. To just pay dues and not get involved results in far less than if a business gets involved.

Then, the return on investment becomes clear.

Robin Bailey (center) with her staff outside her Duncanville office

Robin Bailey, The Legacy Connection

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.

NA5655478

visit us at dchsystem.com

Scan for DCH’s website

Scan for DCH’s Facebook

DCH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER | NORTHPORT MEDICAL CENTER | FAYETTE MEDICAL CENTER | PICKENS COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER

18 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

ATTORNEYS 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.

BOUTIQUE LOFTS

Tuscaloosa Amphitheater: in your backyard | Restaurants, Nightlife & Shopping: steps away Capitol Park: out your front door | RiverWalk: 5 minute walk | Bryant Denny Stadium: 1.5 miles DCH hospital: 3 miles | Mercedes Benz Plant: 20 minutes

| 205.752.2700 GET ON THE LIST: 2700capitolpark.com 2700 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

MANAGEMENT CO., INC.

Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

19

New Members November 15, 2013 - February 28, 2014 15th Street Pharmacy 445 15th St., E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-3180 Chris Barwick Drug Stores / Pharmacies Adams Heating and Cooling, Inc. 110 Chorokee Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Contractors - HVAC / www.adamsheatingandcoolinginc.com (205) 339-6540 Richard Adams Air Conditioning / Heating Alabama Goods 1400 A University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.alabamagoods.com (205) 758-0707 Beth Williams Retail Alabama Public Radio P.O. Box 870370 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 www.apr.org (205) 348-6644 Kathy Henslee Radio Stations & Broadcasting Companies Black Warrior Brewing Company 2216 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.blackwarriorbrewing.com (760) 284-2834 Joe Fuller Brewery Blue Plate Restaurant 450 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.blueplaterestaurant.com (205) 462-3626 Chris Brenshaw Restaurants Bradberry Service Company 2412 21st Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 361-4420 Jonathan Bradberry Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating Bravo Baton Company 13852 Burks Parkway Northport, AL 35475 www.bravobaton.com (205) 239-4442 Fallon Evans Service - Baton Bridge - Ellis, LLC P.O. Box 3223 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 454-5225 Eric Ellis Rental Properties Bridge-Ellis Holdings and Developments, LLC P.O. Box 3223 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 454-5225 Eric Ellis Holdings / Developments Brumfield’s 4851 Rice Mine Rd., NE, Ste. 460 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.brumfield’s.net (205) 523-7182 Joel Brumfield Restaurants / Catering (Main)

20 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Candace Medlock 8400 Lake Sherwood Circle Northport, AL 35473 www.mrstuscaloosacounty.com (205) 246-5337 Candace Medlock Individuals

Mr. Bill’s Kountry Kookin 2715 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.mrbills.com (205) 333-9312 Michael Parrish Restaurants / Catering

Spaces Management 1800 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 341 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.spacesmanagement.com (205) 750-2260 Andy Turner Real Estate Management

CertaPro Painters of Tuscaloosa and Northport 9455 Crete Circle Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.tuscaloosa.certapro.com (205) 737-5773 Robert Brooks Contractors - Painting

Norris Limb and Brace 1020 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 (205) 333-1020 Josh Norris Orthotics / Prosthetics - Medical

Spiffy’s Car Wash 4220 McFarland Blvd., East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 345-9274 Daniel McCullum Automotive Detailing & Customizing (Main), Car Wash

Chick-fil-A at Midtown Village 2014 McFarland Blvd., E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.facebook.com/chickfilatuscaloosa (205) 752-9999 Meredith Wilson Restaurants / Catering Core Focus Pesonnel, LLC 5299 Southland Circle Bessemer, AL 35022 www.cfpersonnel.com (205) 826-7359 CJ Richardson Employment Contractors / Staffing Eatmybeats, Inc. 4755 Jug Factory Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.eatmybeats.com (205) 758-9119 Nikki Ray Music Stores Energy Technical Services, LLC 14176 Hwy 69 North Northport, AL 35475 www.energytechsvc.com (205) 330-7994 Lennette West Environmental / Ecological Services Farris Real Estate & Development, LLC 2301 Veterans Memorial Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.farrisrealestate.com (205) 292-2668 Matt Farris Real Estate / Realtors / Construction Inventure Renewables, Inc. 1616 25th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Research - Biofuels / Industrial Byproduct (205) 764-1963 John Brown www.inventurechem.com Killion Restaurants, Inc. 3510 Loop Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.killionrestaurants.com/kozys (205) 556-4112 Tim Killion Restaurants / Lounge (Main) L P Services, LLC P.O. Box 122 Coaling, AL 35449 www.lpservicesllc.com (205) 614-3275 Larry Thomas Employment Contractors / Staffing

North River Therapy 400 McFarland Blvd., Ste. F Northport, AL 35475 (205) 333-5351 Jennifer Miller Health Care Services - Physical Therapy OnTrack Accounting 800 22nd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.ontrackaccounting.net (205) 566-0075 DeAnn Allen Amason Accounting Services Pride Staff 80 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 3 Northport, AL 35476 www.pridestaff.com (205) 440-3729 Chris Tillery Employment Contractors / Staffing Randy Hamner Construction Co., Inc. 11201 House Bend Rd. Northport, AL 35475 www.hamnerconstruction.com (205) 339-2194 Randy Hamner Construction / Site Preparation / Developement Realty Executives 2201 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 758-1040 Kathy Czukor Real Estate / Realty / Realtors (Main) Rick Rush Gallery/JIREH 2701 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 799-0923 Don Rush Art Gallery Robert W. Ennis 2400 Saint James Landing Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 366-9050 Robert Ennis Individuals Salon Central, LLC P.O. Box 886 Northport, AL 35476 www.saloncentral.org (205) 737-3799 Johnny Weatherspoon Beauty Salons / Barbers Nails Massage Tan Spas Southern Bath & Kitchen 5051 Jug Factory Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 342-9405 Sandra Harpole Wholesalers / Distributors

Superior Plumbing 11933 Grandview Dr. Northport, AL 35475 www.superiorplumbingtuscaloosa.com (205) 333-2707 Todd Davis Plumbing - Service & Repair Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.tacomamaonline.com (205) 266-6108 Robert Rodriguez Restaurants / Catering The Avenue Pub 405 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.avepub.com (205) 759-4900 Craig Williams Restaurants The Orange Crate 501 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.orangecratefurniture.com (205) 349-2815 Sherry Lockhart Furniture Dealers The Southern Diningroom & Grill 4251 Courtney Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.thersoutherndiningroom.com (205) 331-4043 Christy Workman Restaurants Tuscaloosa Tennis Association P.O. Box 3192 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 www.tuscaloosatennis.com (205) 752-1002 Alan Cunningham Non-Profit Organizations (Main) University of Alabama Office of Student Media Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 www.cw.ua.edu (205) 348-7845 Brian Giles Newspaper / Radio Uptown Art 2008 Paul W. Bryant Dr., Ste. A Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.uptownart.com (205) 239-1285 Kelly Magadan Art Studio / Instruction

© 2014 Alabama Power Company

Every day thousands of men and women omen come together t th to t bring bri b you the wonder that is electricity, affordably and reliably, and with a belief that, in the right hands, this energy can do a whole lot more than make the lights come on. It can make an entire state shine.

2014 Board of Directors Dan Blakley

Wilson Moore

Dr. Judy Bonner

Gary Nichols

Regions Bank

Calendar of Events april

1

Microsoft Excel 2010 Class: Intermediate (9a.m.-4p.m.)*

2

Leadership Class # 2: Principles of Peak Performers (11a.m.-1p.m.) *

4

Microsoft Word 2010 Class for Power Users ( 9a.m.-4p.m.) *

4

Downtown T-Town First Friday (5:30-9:30p.m.)

8

Customer Service & First Impressions Training (7:30 – 9a.m.) *

8

Chamber Connects at Buffalo Wild Wings (5-7p.m.)

14 Northport Advisory Council at Mr. Bill’s (6p.m.)

16

Microsoft Excel 2010 Class: Advanced (9a.m.-4p.m.) *

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

McAbee Construction, Inc.

Jim Page

(President and CEO) Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Gary Phillips

Premier Service Co., Inc.

Jordan Plaster

(Chair) Merrill Lynch

Gene Poole

Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers

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

Dr. Samory Pruitt

Jay Evans

Ralph Ruggs

The University of Alabama

ROAR, LLC/College Station Properties

Tuscaloosa Housing Authority

Ashley Gill

Tanner & Guin, LLC

Chick-fil-A of Northport

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Leadership Class # 3: The Core (11a.m.-1p.m.) *

Jheovanny Gomez

17

Minority Business Council Match-Maker Workshop (5:30-7:30p.m.)

Lee Henderson

18

Sales: So You Got a “No” (8:30a.m.-10:30a.m.) *

Cal Holt

25

PowerPoint 2010 Class: Refresher PLUS (9a.m.-4p.m.) *

Jonathan Hood

30

Leadership Class # 4: Difficult People (11a.m.-1p.m.) *

may

Pritchett –Moore, Inc.

Jalapenos Mexican Grill Which Wich

Knight Sign Industries, Inc. First National Bank of Central Alabama

Molly Ingram

DCH Health System

Tom Scroggins Gina Simpson

Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission

Randy Skagen

Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.

Luke Standeffer

Northport Medical Center

Chuck Turner

Tennis Jackson Co., Inc./Jackson Security Services

Rex Veron

Rex Veron Design, LLC

Jason Walker

TBA

Leadership Tuscaloosa Graduation Luncheon

2

Downtown T-Town First Friday (5-7p.m.)

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.

13

Chamber Connects at Jim ‘N Nick’s (5-7p.m.)

Renwick Jones

15

Leadership Class #5: The DNA of Empowered Leaders (11a.m.-1p.m.) *

Blake Madison

Leadership Class #6: The Winning Gameplan (11a.m.-1p.m.) *

Rosen Harwood, PA

Department of Postsecondary Education

Dean McClure

Terri Williams

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*All training classes are held at the Chamber.

Get details on all events by visiting our online calendar at www.tuscaloosachamber.com.

22 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Felyicia Jerald

Consultant

TTL, Inc.

Kim McMurray

Ward Scott Architecture

Walker Associates, Inc.

Fitzgerald Washington

(Past Chair) Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi Cola

Terry Waters

AT&T Alabama

Bryan Winter

Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC

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