Rising Tide - Summer 2014

summer 2014

The Business Journal of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

The Cost of

Doing Nothing The Looming Transportation Crisis Published in partnership with

The Tuscaloosa News

Plus Chamber@Work, New Members & More!

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© 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.

Contents 4 A Word from Our Leadership 6

The Cost of Doing Nothing...

The Looming Transportation Crisis

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

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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

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Ashley Gill Jheovanny Gomez Molly Ingram Jordan Plaster Terri Williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennifer Disalvo Barry Fikes

Dean McClure

TUSCALOOSANS FORM TRANSPORTATION ADVOCACY GROUP DESIGN

LaShonda Robinson

PREPRESS MANAGER Chuck Jones

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Beau Laird (205) 722-0147

CONTRIBUTORS Alyce Spruell Jennifer Disalvo

ON THE COVER

Traffic on McFarland

by Jennifer Disalvo

More than fifty local leaders from throughout Tuscaloosa County have joined together to form the Tuscaloosa Transportation Advocacy Group (TTAG). The group’s purpose is to secure more funding for transportation and infrastructure projects in our area.

Dean McClure has been chosen by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to provide the Chamber’s leadership initiative as part of TTAG. “The Chamber identified the need for a stronger and more unified voice in our area for these projects” states McClure. “With the Chamber’s leadership, discussions began last summer which then blossomed into the formation of this local advocacy group. Working jointly with government and community leadership, we have begun to meet with federal and state leaders to promote our area’s needs.”

“In this era of budget cutbacks on the federal and state level, Tuscaloosa is not only competing for transportation project dollars within our state – we are competing for these dollars nationally. We must work now to ensure that our roads, our bridges and our infrastructure can support the needs of our local healthcare systems.

When we have first responders having to take an alternate route that increases response time to almost an hour because the only direct route to a major neighborhood area of our county is blocked by a single car accident, that is unacceptable. When our community growth is stagnated because our education institutions’ accessibility requirements cannot be met, that harms our families and our children. When we lose opportunities for new business and economic development because of inadequate infrastructure, everyone in Tuscaloosa loses. These four areas- these four core pillars of our county- cannot progress without our government and business leaders speaking with one voice. TTAG provides that unified approach now and for the future.”

McClure adds, “Our goal is to provide information to all aspects of our community about our transportation and infrastructure needs. Without our citizens’ support, these efforts will not be successful.“

Dean McClure President, TTL Chairman, Transportation Committee The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

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Reach a new audience in your promotional puzzle.

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

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

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Kimberly Adams Director of Membership and Investor Relations (205) 391-0327 kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com

(205) 391-0554 tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com

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

Call 205.345.0505

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Tracy Crumpton Director of Finance and Operations

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

Jeanne Wade Membership Development Specialist (205) 454-1169 jeanne@tuscaloosachamber.com

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

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The Cost of

Doing Nothing...

The Looming Transportation Crisis Alabama is facing a serious transportation crisis that nobody is talking about…at least not yet. Our state does not have enough dedicated funds budgeted to even sustain our current road conditions. Failing to act now will have dire consequences that will negatively impact each of us almost immediately: • Increased traffic • Longer commutes • Lost economic development opportunities • Limited access for first responders during catastrophic events • Crumbling, unsafe roads • Expensive wear and tear on our vehicles

What are the needs?

Based on data provided by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) during state budget hearings over the last two fiscal years, over 4000 miles of non-interstate roads in Alabama have not been resurfaced in the last decade because of decreased dollars. This is just one of several areas of current system preservation needs being unmet. Over $9 billion of statewide needs were identified for fiscal year 2013, with a hope of less than a tenth of that being received.

The traditional revenue streams to support these projects have run dry. The last federal fuel tax increase was in 1993. This means we are funding 2014 projects with 1993 dollars; translated, that is more than a 35% drop in dollars available from the primary source of revenue for our county’s transportation needs. Fuel efficiency has also eroded the amount collected from federal and state gasoline taxes annually. The current debate in Congress illustrates the funding issues for the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Bottom line, state and local governments can no longer depend solely on federal dollars to meet their local needs.

How did we get into this mess?

Budgeting, debt and diversions…

As stated above, federal and state budgets are unable to sustain current and future infrastructure and transportation needs. ALDOT reports that approximately 20% of funds budgeted for their department’s use in the last several fiscal years have been allocated to other state

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agencies or designated for other purposes. ALDOT states that these diversions have occurred during static funding, further limiting the pool of funds available to address Alabama transportation and infrastructure demands. Bonded debt payments continue for prior projects long completed, further limiting strained state resources.

What are the options?

• Impose a higher fuel tax on federal and/or state level • Implement more toll roads • Rework all existing motor vehicle, gasoline and sales taxes to be completely earmarked and used solely for transportation and infrastructure needs • Charge users fees • Be creative and rework existing revenue to address immediate transportation & infrastructure needs We must identify revenue sources that will not create new unfunded debt obligations. As an example, the Texas Legislature during the 2013 session approved a constitutional amendment allocating one-half of oil and gas severance taxes above a certain level to their State Highway Fund. It is estimated that $1.4 billion annually will be generated for highway construction, which is also estimated to narrow the funding gap to about $4 billion per year. Texas voters will have the chance to consider this legislation in November 2014. Tuscaloosa and Alabama residents may soon be faced with similar decisions if our current and future infrastructure needs are to be met.

What happens if we do nothing?

Easy answer - our area will be limited by deteriorating roadways and inferior access. Our healthcare providers, our first responders and our educational systems will not be able to serve our families’ needs.

McFarland Boulevard will become another Highway 280. The western toll bridge cannot be purchased to allow for growth and development of that area. Highway 69 North and South will continue to become more congested, stagnating growth for Northport, the county and our area as a whole. No Tuscaloosa Eastern Bypass means no access

to areas in need of economic recovery. Without the McWright’s Ferry Road project, first responders and commuters will remain stranded because the single route available is closed due to a wreck or weather.

We must face these issues - now. Where will new revenue sources to support the priority needs for our county be found? Should we advocate that we move away from our reliance on debt financing? Should state general fund transportation budget diversions continue? What are our priorities? Tuscaloosa Transportation Advocacy Group (TTAG) will advocate for our community and provide forums for these discussions.

Together we can create a blueprint for our future that is fair, transparent and will make for a stronger and more vibrant Tuscaloosa County.

Answering every caller with TLC...Since 1955

What is the Tuscaloosa Transportation Advocacy Group?

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 calls (when your lines are all busy or your staff ☎ messages ☎ Overflow 24/7-you choose the hours and days is too busy) ☎ Emergency calls ☎ Order taking answering service (when your phones ☎ Disaster-preparedness ☎ Vacation/temporary coverage, including extended absences are unexpectedly down due to service or disaster issues, such as hurricanes or tornadoes) ☎ Holiday coverage ☎ Dispatch ☎ Appointment scheduling Early morning TTAG informational session in March, 2014

TTAG is comprised of small business owners, healthcare professionals, city and county school educators, local legislators, industry leaders, county commissioners, University of Alabama administrators, Chamber leadership, Congressional delegation representatives and many others.

In sum, TTAG represents the broad spectrum of our community.

When the Chamber first envisioned this group, Jim Page and Donny Jones focused initially on issues related to the Tuscaloosa Eastern Bypass. However, after meeting with our state and federal legislative delegation, everyone realized the opportunity to broaden the scope of this project to a multifaceted emphasis. Other priority projects for our area have been added to the group’s advocacy agenda. These priorities are outlined in the One Voice article included in this publication.

Once assembled, the group expressed a desire to gain knowledge on how projects are proposed, reviewed and funded on the state and federal level. From presentations from ALDOT and others, the group learned about the dramatic decrease in available funding due to decreased gas tax revenues. Members also learned that we have to do more to compete for specific grants and other special program funding.

As an illustration, rough estimates of information gathered from available data suggests Tuscaloosa received only 11% of new construction dollars from the Alabama Department of Transportation from 2008 to present. During the same time period and based on a review of the same rough data, Tuscaloosa received the least amount of funding for transportation maintenance projects. (This data excludes ATRIP awards.) Neither Tuscaloosa County nor the City of Tuscaloosa have received a federal TIGER recovery program grant although over $3 billion in project dollars have been awarded for infrastructure projects since 2009, including grants to other Alabama regions. Our local governmental leadership has submitted requests for funds but to date, have received no awards.

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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TTAG members have begun meetings with transportation agency officials on all levels to express our community’s desire to gain more funding for area projects. Community meetings will also be held over the next months to gather information from Tuscaloosa County residents as well as to provide information to our citizens about TTAG’s efforts.

Speaking with One Voice

Business and community leaders engaged in TTAG efforts

Together with members of our legislative delegation, elected leaders for Tuscaloosa County, Northport and the City of Tuscaloosa have joined with business and community leaders to form TTAG. Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox concur with the Chamber’s identified transportation and infrastructure priorities: 1). Tuscaloosa Eastern Bypass 2). Local control of western toll bridge 3). Highway 69 South 4). Highway 69 North 5). McWright’s Ferry Road “We are competing not only with Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery for funding and project priority,“ states Judge Hardy McCollum. “ We are literally competing with every other area in America for new roads and bridges. Vibrant, progressive communities are at the funding table with federal and state transportation agencies--- as a community - presenting a unified, focused approach to push their local priorities. TTAG provides that platform for our community.”

Mayor Bobby Herndon confirms that approach. “We three agree that we must join together to support our agreed upon major projects.

While Northport obviously benefits from the 69North project, it will also benefit from projects like McWright’s Ferry Road being completed as well. “ “If we fail to fund and complete these critical infrastructure projects, it will suffocate the future economic growth in Tuscaloosa County. To that end, it is paramount that we build a coalition of partners who are willing to put the people of Tuscaloosa County first and think beyond election cycles and/or short-term gains,” adds Mayor Maddox.

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Chamber@Work 2014 Montgomery Drive-In A large Chamber delegation visited Montgomery March 19 - March 20 to spend time with our state’s elected leadership, advocate for important issues and network with other local business leaders. Glad to offer our members this opportunity for interaction! A big thanks to our sponsors: Buffalo Rock Co./Pepsi-Cola, D.T. & Freight Co., Inc., Mercedes-Benz, U.S.I., Merrill Lynch and Southland Benefit Solutions.

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Leadership Tuscaloosa Class of 2014 and Chamber Board members

Leadership Tuscaloosa Class of 2014 members

Gov. Robert Bentley with 2014 Chamber Chairman Jordan Plaster

Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey

City of Tuscaloosa officials and Chamber board members

Rep. AJ McCampbell

West Alabama delegation on the steps of the Alabama Capitol Building

Dr. David Bronner, CEO, Retirement Systems of Alabama Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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Leadership Tuscaloosa Holds Community Garage Sale Benefit Chamber in Session: State of the Schools The 2014 class of Leadership Tuscaloosa partnered with the West Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, and the Tuscaloosa YMCA to address springtime cleaning while at the same time providing the hope of a fresh start to thousands of West Alabama’s youth. A community-wide garage sale called Bargains for Books was held on April 19 at the Tuscaloosa YMCA to help promote youth literacy.

Congrats, 2014 Leadership Tuscaloosa Graduates!

The 2014 Class of Leadership Tuscaloosa graduated on May 7 at Cypress Inn Pavilion. Eli Gold, The Voice of the Crimson Tide, was a fun keynote speaker. Graduates are: Garrett Allen, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Gerald Keith Burton, Northport Police Department; Mark Collins, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International; Nathan Dendy, The Advantage Realty Group; Walker Evans, Bank of Tuscaloosa; Forrest Fitts, Fitts Agency, Inc.; Christina Frantom, The University of Alabama; Allison Gary, The University of Alabama; Scott Hickman, Rosen Harwood P.A.; Gene Holcomb, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Service; Tiffiney Jenkins, Tuscaloosa’s One Place; Casey Johnson, The DCH Foundation; Will Kelly, Frontier Enterprises; Walt Larisey, YMCA of Tuscaloosa; Ed Martin, Black Warrior Council, Boy Scouts of America; Kelley Miller, First South Farm Credit, ACA; Michele Minor, Shelton State Community College; Lanier Nail, St. Paul’s Anglican Church; Brooke Nixon, Tanner & Guin, LLC; David Northington, Bama Exterminating; Matt Pavlick, Bryant Bank; Lance Poe, BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing; Julie Ramm, City of Northport; Joseph Rose, City of Northport; Marcel Scheeff, TTL, Inc.; Julie Smith, The Junior League of Tuscaloosa; Zac Snider, The WHMZ Group at Morgan Stanley; Jessica Snyder, Robertson Banking Co.; Lance Stripling, The Westervelt Co.; Patrick Swann, McAbee Construction, Inc.; Elizabeth Swinford, Tuscaloosa County School System; Adam Tipps, Alabama Power Co.; Bill Walker, Regions Bank; Rebecca Young, Owens & Millsaps LLP.

Our annual State of the Schools event was held on June 17 at Hotel Capstone. It featured a special morning program by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and the luncheon included presentations from Dr. Tommy Bice, Dr. Elizabeth Swinford and Dr. Paul McKendrick.

Chamber in Session events are held throughout the year to for members and prospective members to interact with community, state and national leaders.

Bama Brew & Que Now Part of Alabama BBQ Trail, Registration is Open

Got the best BBQ around? Here’s your chance to prove it! Register for the 2nd Annual Bama Brew & Que in Tuscaloosa, a KCBS Sanctioned Event being held September 12-13. There will be a Professional Division and a Backyard Division. Event is sponsored by Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa or YP(t). A registration form is available on our website. For more info, email bamabrewandque@gmail.com or call 205-633-0236.

YP(t) Coffee & Cards

Our Young Professionals group began an ongoing Coffee & Cards breakfast event recently. One was held in April at Mercedes-Benz U.S.I. and another was held in May at Hotel Capstone. This successful casual networking opportunity is open to area professionals under 40.

Minority Business Council Hosts Events: Build Your Widget & Ocho de Mayo

To mark Financial Literacy month in April, our Minority Business Council, Accion Alabama and Operation HOPE presented a matchmaker workshop entitled Build Your Widget: Manage the Components for a Successful Business. Attendees chose from six classes with topics like how to prepare a business plan, what you need to know about credit, how to market and finance a business, and more. The group also hosted an Ocho de Mayo event at Holy Spirit Church, which was a fun way to network and learn some basic Spanish.

BLACKJACK & BBQ CABARET NIGHT 2014 2 014 Friday August 15th 6-9 pm

Gov. Bentley Visits Chamber on Road to Economic Recovery Tour

We were honored to host Gov. Robert Bentley at the Chamber office on June 6 as part of his Road to Economic Recovery Tour. He addressed several of our small business owners and took questions from the group.

12 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

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Here We Grow Again RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUND BREAKINGS March 2014-May 2014

Easy Money

6718 Highway 69 South • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 409-0370 • www.goeasymoney.com Erika Cichanowicz

Dee’s Cut & Style

Lucca

2111 University Blvd • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 247-4910 Ashley Adams

Avis/Budget Car Rentals

9730 Hwy 69 South, Ste. F • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 764-5004 Daney Devoti

1104 McFarland Blvd. • Northport, AL 35476 (205) 330-0077 • www.avis.com Derek Cassels

Autism Child First, LLC

Tuscaloosa Rehabilitation and Hand Center

525 Energy Center Blvd., Ste. 1605-1606 Northport, AL 35473 (205) 469-9143 • www.autismchildfirst.com Patricia McKNight

P.G.P. Operating, LLC

17300 Brookwood Pkwy. • Vance, AL 35490 (205) 334-3100 • www.pgpoperating.com Terri D. Murrell

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5690 Watermelon Rd., Ste. 100 • Northport, AL 35473 (205) 759-2211 Derek Babin

Brumfield’s

4851 Rice Mine Rd., NE, Ste. 460 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 523-7182 Joel Brumfield

MLK Pre K Classroom

2430 MLK Jr. Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-3619 Janet Sherrod

Arts ‘N Autism, Inc.

2625 8th St. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 247-4990 • www.artsnautism.org Voni Wyatt

Game Day Tents, LLC

1209 James Harrison, Jr. Pkwy. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 752-8199 • www.gamedaytents.com Christopher Strickland

Tuskaloosa Lawn Equipment

1911 24th St. • Northport, AL 35476 (205) 339-3681 • www.tuskaloosalawnequipment.com Russell Latner

Elwood Staffing

3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 8 • Northport, AL 35476 (205) 330-1669 • www.elwoodstaffing.com Randy Miller

The Market House

H20 Salon

Beyond Southern Furnishings

1928 7th St. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 343-1818 Joe & Candi Cameron

651 20th Avenue • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 412-4562 • www.beyondsouthernfurnishings.com Crystal & Travis Buck, Kandie & Ricky Brewer

Karen Hawkins Skin Therapy

1650 Jack Warner Pkwy, Ste. 2 & 3 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 205-799-0929 • www.shopmarkethousestore.com Tammy Underwood Holt

3610 Watermelon Rd., Ste. 106 Northport, AL 35473 (205) 764-1293 • www.karenhawkinsskin.com Karen Hawkins

Sprint Mart (Dutch oil Company)

15th Street Pharmacy

455 15th St., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205)759-4194 • www.sprintmart.com Chris Moore

Jalapenos Mexican Grill Cottondale

4432 Old Birmingham Hwy. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 331-4816 • www.jalapenostuscaloosa.com Jheovanny Gomez

Panda Express

6363 15th St., East • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 343-6888 • www.pandaexpress.com Jason Kiehm

Buckle, Inc.

1701 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 165 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 562-0280 • www.buckle.com Ashley Blocker

B&H Furnishings

445 15th St., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-3180 • www.dutchpharmacy.net Chris Barwick

2300 McFarland Blvd., E. Ste. F • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 344-6600 • www.bandhfurnishings.com Jeff Hubbard

Southern Ale House, LLC

1530 McFarland Blvd., N. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205)248-7500 • www.southernalehouse.com Justin Holt

El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant

3520 McFarland Blvd., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 409-8585 Vanessa Sanchez

Beans & Cream, Inc.

13536 Hwy 43 N. • Northport, AL 35475 (205) 339-5333 Wes Harbin

Be Well Naturally

353 Bear Creek Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 409-8281 • www.bewellnat.com Shirley Mizell

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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 APRIL 2013 vs APRIL 2014 Business licenses City of Tuscaloosa 2013 115 2014 132 City of Northport 2013 44 2014 51

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY

CEO COUNCIL - $10,000+ ANNUALLY

Value of Building permits

City of Tuscaloosa 2013 $34,448,664 2014 $32,308,577

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; Jalapenos Mexican Grill; Moody Radio South; Parker Towing Co., Inc.; Spiller Furniture & Mattress; Southland Benefit Solutions, LLC; Tennis Jackson Electric Co., Inc.; 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 87,493 2014 87,123

Unemployment rates Tuscaloosa County 2013 5% 2014 5.5%

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; Jessup, Ingram, Burns & Associates, LLP; Kyle Office Solutions; Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC; The Locker Room; Metalsa; Morrison & Smith, LLP; Renasant Bank; Rex Veron Design, LLC; Robertson Banking Co.; Sentell Engineering, Inc.; Tuscaloosa Chevrolet, Inc.

OTHER ANNUAL COMMITMENTS

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

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Average selling Price Tuscaloosa County 2013 2014

$171,578 $179,217

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MANAGEMENT CO., INC.

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Membership 101 More than 85% of members are small businesses with less than 20 employees

What the West Alabama Chamber Means to A Cutting Edge Caterers

Having been in business over 20 years, I have had many experiences with the Chamber. We all know that the Chamber does so much behind the scenes work with legislation that protects the small business owner, but today’s West Alabama Chamber is a new shot of enthusiasm, energy, and fun like we have not seen in a long while. We are looking forward to utilizing all the resources the Chamber offers, in the coming years and enjoying a close relationship with a Chamber that truly cares about its members!

- Kathy Townsend, Owner A Cutting Edge Caterers

For information on joining the Chamber, please contact Kimberly Adams at 205-391-0317 or kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com.

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WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT TUSCALOOSA WITH BUFFALO ROCK'S 20 PLUS YEAR EMPLOYEE'S. WE WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE.

WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT TUSCALOOSA WITH BUFFALO ROCK'S 20 PLUS YEAR EMPLOYEE'S. Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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New Members

March 1, 2014 – May 29, 2014 2700 Capitol Park 2700 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 2700capitolpark.com (205) 752 2700 Lacy Pearson Real Estate / Apartments / Condo

Beans & Cream, Inc. 13536 Hwy 43 N. Northport, AL 35475 (205) 339-5333 Wes Harbin Bakeries - Retail

A Better Service Co., LLC 9020 Sanders Ferry Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 366-9377 Linda Crowder Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating

Berney Office Solutions 2111 Parkway Office Circle, Ste. 150 Birmingham, AL 35244 www.berney.com (205) 663-9991 Matt Fulmer Office Machines / Supplies

A.S.A.P. Bail Bonding Agency, LLC 2514 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.asapbailbondtal.com (205) 764-9541 Amaya White Bail Bond (Main)

Beyond Southern Furnishings 651 20th Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.beyondsouthernfurnishings.com (205) 412-4562 Crystal Buck Furniture Dealers

American National Insurance 605 28th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 233-8733 Brian Darr Insurance

Body Works Salon and Boutique, LLC 513 Queen City Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-2039 Liz Tyler Beck Beauty Salons / Barbers - Nails Massage Tan Spas

Americas Home Place Inc. 1420 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 1-A Northport, AL 35476 www.americashomeplace.com (205) 752-1128 Tim Brasher Contractors - Building Ashok Jagani MD 2702 Hospital Drive, Suite 201 Tuscaloosa, AL 35476 (205) 333-9311 Ashok Jagani Physicians - Allergy / Asthma Avis / Budget Car Rentals 1104 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.avis.com (205) 330-0077 Derek Cassels Automobile - Rental / Sales B & H Furnishings 2300 McFarland Blvd., E. Ste. F Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.bandhfurnishings.com (205) 344-6600 Jeff Hubbard Furniture Dealers Be Well Naturally 353 Bear Creek Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.bewellnat.com (205) 409-8281 Shirley Mizell Spa - Medical (Main)

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Buckle, Inc. 1701 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 165 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.buckle.com (205) 562-0280 Ashley Blocker Retail - Clothing, Accessories Coleman American Moving 2120 Montevallo Road SW Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 942-0009 Brian Jolley Movers - Household / Commercial (Main) David Fernandez, MD 1325 McFarland Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 www.davidfernandezmd.com (205) 330-1500 Angela Fernandez Physicians - Family Practice (Main) Dee's Cut & Style 9730 Hwy 69 South, Ste. F Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 764-5004 Daney Devoti Beauty Salons / Barbers - Nails Massage Tan Spas Dickey's Barbecue Pit 13544 Hwy 43, N. Northport, AL 35475 www.dickey's.com (205) 330-1147 Wes Harbin Restaurants / Catering

Druid City Media 1902 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.druidcitymedia.com (205) 792-1155 Heath Hendrix Publishing / Online Media Druid City Vital Care 1030 Fairfax Park Suite C Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.druidcityvitalcare.com (205) 523-4863 Ryan McFerrin Healthcare Service - Pharmacy (Main) Dutch Oil Company 455 15th St Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.thedutchgroup.net (662) 327-5202 Matt Bogue Convenience Stores / Gas Stations El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant 3520 McFarland Blvd., E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 409-8585 Vanessa Sanchez Restaurants / Catering Elwood Staffing 3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 8 Northport, AL 35476 www.elwoodstaffting.com (205) 330-1669 Randy Miller Employment Contractors / Staffing Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa 2410 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.embassysuites.com (205) 561-2500 Jon Crisp Hotels / Motels / Lodging / Accommodations Frame Up, The 2120 9th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-0321 Joy Sexton Campbell Framers / Art Dealers (Main) Freelend Security & Associates 1610 Queen City Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.freelendsa.com (205) 737-7650 Corey Chapman Security Contractors Gene Marsh 16069 Carmel Bay Dr. Northport, AL 35475 (205) 394-0655 Gene Marsh Individuals

H2O Salon 1928 7th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 343-1818 Joe Cameron Beauty Salons / Barbers Nails Massage Tan Spas (Main)

Northport Funeral & Cremation Service 5404 Watermelon Road Northport, AL 35473 www.northportfcs.com (205) 750-3140 Ricky Sherrod Funeral Homes / Mortuaries / Cemeteries

Hungry Howie's 1105 Southview Ln Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 345-6000 Josh Mroue Restaurants (Main)

Nu-Floors To Go 3621 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.nu-floorsinc.com (205) 343-2200 Jeff Clark Floor Coverings / Carpet / Rug / Tile / Hardwood (Main)

Image Makers 2603 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.imagemakers-salon.com (205) 345-9981 Amy Page Beauty Salons / Barbers Nails Massage Tan Spas (Main)

Organo Gold P.O. Box 1398 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 www.cash4u2.organogold.com (205) 399-4805 Betty Smith Vending / Coffee / Food Services

Iron Tribe 2500 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.irontribefitness.com (205) 601-7800 Kevin Gann Fitness Centers

P.G.P. Operating, LLC 17300 Brookwood Parkway Vance, AL 35490 (205) 554-3100 Terri Murrell Methane Gas Producer

J. Hardy Enterprises 2806 Sunset Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 331-3770 Justin Hardy Entertainment / Services

Panda Express 6363 15th St., East Tuscaloosa, AL 3540 www.pandaexpress.com (205) 343-6888 Jason Kiehm Restaurants / Catering

Karen Hawkins Skin Therapy 3610 Watermelon Rd., Ste. 106 Northport, AL 35473 www.karenhawkinsskin.com (205) 764-1293 Karen Hawkins Spa - Medical

Sew Delightful 1875 McFarland Blvd., N., Ste. 200 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 752-1700 Kathy Raisani Sewing

KDM Service 3721 11th Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 kdmservicecorp.com (205) 758-2703 Crissi Waters Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning /Heating

Southern Ale House, LLC 1530 McFarland Blvd., N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.southernalehouse.com (205) 248-7500 Justin Holt Restaurants / Catering

Lyons HR 2506 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.lyonshr.com (205) 391-9784 Employment Contractors / Staffing (Main)

Spencer Management, LLC 2626 7th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.spencermanagement.org (205) 575-2192 Oscar Fortson Contractor - Demolition / Excavating

MetLife Premier Client Group 9110 Skyview Dr. Cottondale, AL 35453 www.pitmanfinancialpartners.com (205) 933-0871 John Akacki Financial Services

TekLinks 201 Summit Parkway Birmingham, AL 35209 www.teklinks.com (205) 314-6600 A J Nicholson Technology Solutions and Services

Mr. Pool, LLC 875 N. Eastern Blvd.

Montgomery, AL 36117 www.mrpoolal.com (334) 271-7665 Chris Pierce Swimming Pool Contractors / Dealers/ Supplies

The Market House 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy, Ste. 2 & 3 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.shopmarkethousestore.com (205) 799-0929 Tammy Underwood Holt Gift Shop / Boutique

The Que 5675 Hwy 43 North Northport, AL 35473 www.eattheque.com (205) 330-8888 Eakin Reich Restaurants / Catering Tuskaloosa Lawn Equipment 1911 24th St. Northport, AL 35476 www.tuskaloosalawnequipment.com (205) 339-3681 Russell Latner Lawn Equipment U.S. Lawns of Tuscaloosa 3116 25th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.uslawns.com (205) 621-2884 Patsy Gay Lawn Care / Maintenance Varnon Engineering, LLC P.O. Box 1379 Northport, AL 35476 (205) 242-3813 Douglas Varnon Engineers - Professional - Civil Willcutt Block & Supply P.O. Box 40809 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.willcuttblock.com (205) 553-5860 Dustin Spruill Building Materials / Building Supply Companies (Main) Wireless Advantage Communications Verizon Wireless 14 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.waciwireless.com (334) 470-8777 Hayden Camp Wireless Communication You Curious P.O. Box 1398 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 233-7000 Vicky Parker Retail - Clothing, Accessories Zentek Group P.O. Box 665 Cottondale, AL 35453 www.zentekgroup.com (205) 737-0009 Logan Bibby Services

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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

Calendar of Events july 18 29

Chamber Connects Mixer at Brumfield’s (5-7p.m.)

Adopt-A-School Breakfast (7:30a.m.)

august 12 27

Chamber Connects Mixer at Bryant Museum (5-7p.m.)

State of the Community at Indian Hills Country Club (12p.m.)

september 12-13 Bama Brew & Que 24-26 Washington Fly-In 30

Civic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (3p.m., Government Plaza)

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

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

Dr. Samory Pruitt

The University of Alabama

ROAR, LLC/College Station Properties

Ralph Ruggs

Ashley Gill

Tom Scroggins

Chick-fil-A of Northport

Jheovanny Gomez

Jalapenos Mexican Grill

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

Tuscaloosa Housing Authority Tanner & Guin, LLC

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

Walker Associates, Inc.

Fitzgerald Washington

(Past Chair) Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi Cola

Terry Waters

Blake Madison

Department of Postsecondary Education

Dean McClure

Terri Williams

TTL, Inc.

AT&T Alabama

Kim McMurray

Bryan Winter

Rosen Harwood, PA

Ward Scott Architecture

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Pritchett –Moore, Inc.

Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC

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

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

Manufactured at MBUSI and growing our local economy.

Manufactured at MBUSI and growing our local economy.

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

SEE THE NEW CROP TODAY AT LEIGH AUTOMOTIVE.

NA5155693

SEE THE NEW CROP TODAY AT LEIGH AUTOMOTIVE.

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