Rising Tide - Winter 2014

winter 2014-15

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Contents 4

2014 Board of Directors

5 A Word from Our Leadership 8 Who Is The Chamber and What Does It Do, Anyway?

13

Chamber@Work

16 Here We Grow Again: Ribbon Cuttings 18 Working as One Investors / Comparative Economic Indicators 20

New Members

On the Cover: 2014 board of directors Pictured (l-r):

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Dan Blakley Regions Bank Dr. Judy Bonner 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 D. T. & Freight Company, Inc. Ashley Gill Chick-fil-A of Northport Jheovanny Gomez Jalapenos Mexican Grill Lee Henderson Which Wich Jonathan Hood First National Bank of Central Alabama Renwick Jones Alabama Fire College Kim McMurray Ward Scott Architecture

Wilson Moore Pritchett –Moore, Inc. Gary Nichols McAbee Construction, Inc. Gary Phillips Premier Service Company, Inc. Jordan Plaster Merrill Lynch Gene Poole Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers Dr. Samory Pruitt The University of Alabama Tom Scroggins Rosen Harwood, PA Chuck Turner Jackson Security Services Rex Veron Rex Veron Design, LLC Jason Walker Walker Associates, Inc. Terri Williams AT&T Bryan Winter Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC

Not Pictured:

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Jay Evans ROAR, LLC / College Station Properties Cal Holt Knight Sign Industries, Inc. Molly Ingram DCH Health System Felyicia Jerald Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. Blake Madison Rosen Harwood, PA Dean McClure TTL, Inc.

Jim Page Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Ralph Ruggs Tuscaloosa Housing Authority Randy Skagen Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. Luke Standeffer Northport Medical Center Fitzgerald Washington Department of Labor Terry Waters Department of Postsecondary Education

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

Trevor Pruitt

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Ashley Gill Jheovanny Gomez Molly Ingram Jordan Plaster Terri Williams

DESIGN

The Chamber’s Professional staff

LaShonda Robinson

who is the chamber and what does it do, anyway?

PREPRESS MANAGER Chuck Jones

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Chris Powell (205) 722-0148

ON THE COVER

2014 Board of Directors

by Barry Fikes

People often ask, “What is the Chamber?” The formal answer for our Chamber is “a pro-business advocacy organization representing more than 60,000 working men and women in West Alabama.” But, to me, the real answer is “our members.” As with any business, civic, religious or social organization, an entity is no more or no less than the people that comprise its membership. As for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, it is the wonderful diversity of our membership that makes us such a dynamic organization uniquely positioned to foster positive change in this community. On the cover of this issue of Rising Tide, you see members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Not only is this distinguished group of community leaders the governing body of the Chamber, but they represent its great diversity. Age, race, gender, business type and business size are just a few of the factors that differentiate our Board members and the thousands of members of our organization. However, we are united under the common ideal that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

It’s also not uncommon that, when members of the Chamber’s professional staff are routinely requested to speak to groups, they are first asked, “Now what is it that you do, exactly?” That’s not an easy question to answer given the broad nature of our staff’s daily functions. As each issue of this publication illustrates, your professional staff is involved in a myriad of membership and community issues that evolve on an almost daily basis. From small business consultation to ribbon cuttings, from retail recruitment to education policy reform, from leadership development to legislative advocacy, your professional staff works tirelessly every day to support the needs of our members and, in turn, make this community a great place to learn, work and call home.

Pictured above is the Chamber’s professional staff. Thanks for letting us work for you.

Jim M. Page, CCE President and CEO Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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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

Small Business Financing In Tuscaloosa

Al Spencer Vice President, Economic Development and Public Policy (205) 391-0329 al@tuscaloosachamber.com

• Commercial Real Estate - Term & Construction • Inventory Receivables • Buildings Contractor Residential Construction • Land Purchases/Refinace

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

Richard Key Vice President

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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LeNa` Powe Director of Workforce Development (205) 391-0331 lena@tuscaloosachamber.com Carolyn Tubbs Assistant Director of Education and Events (205) 391-0556 carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com

Jimmy D. Collins CEO

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Plus Chamber@Work , New Members & More!

The Tuscaloosa News

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

Connect with the Chamber Join us on Facebook Facebook/chambertusc

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www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/chambertusc

Call 205.345.0505

advertising@tuscaloosanews.com

NA6055335

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

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943 31st Street East, Tuscaloosa 35405 For information call Vicki Kerr at 752-6840 www.caringdays.org Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

7

Who Is The Chamber and What Does It Do, Anyway?

The Chamber is a pro-business advocacy organization representing more than 60,000 working men and women in West Alabama. The member-focused and volunteer-driven group offers avenues for economic development, networking, professional development and community leadership. It’s an influential and respected business organization connecting businesses, training leaders and enhancing the quality of life in West Alabama.

Led by a diverse Board of Directors, the Chamber’s day to day operations are managed by a staff of highly qualified professionals, who are dedicated to helping fulfill its mission and the business plan adopted annually.

Membership translates into value-added benefits and services designed to nurture and keep firms on the cutting edge of business trends and practices. The more involved a member becomes, the greater the return on investment.

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www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Our membership includes local firms, international businesses, homegrown businesses, professionals, education and healthcare. More than 85% of members are small businesses with less than 20 employees.

Training workshops, legislative briefings and a host of networking events provide frequent opportunities for participation throughout the year. We connect members with many opportunities to network, to market themselves and their products or services, and grow their businesses.

Over the years, leaders working through the Chamber have made a significant and lasting impact on many community programs and laid the foundation for the progress we enjoy today. Over a century after its first days as The Commercial Club, today’s Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is still building a community that is constantly improving as an ideal place to live, work, play and raise a family—a community that cherishes its traditions and has a vision for an even brighter future.

A Legacy of Making a Difference Leadership Tuscaloosa & Forerunners

The Chamber’s Leadership Tuscaloosa and Forerunners programs develop strong leaders for our community by increasing knowledge of the area’s economic, social, historical and political issues and needs. It is the intent of Leadership Tuscaloosa to provide a foundation of such knowledge that potential leaders can use to aid their involvement and success in community endeavors. Leadership Tuscaloosa, in its 32nd year of programming, selects 40 participants each year from all sectors of Tuscaloosa County. The Forerunners program, designed for high school juniors, began 23 years ago by the Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association. Patterned after the adult program, selected students learn about the same various aspects of their community on a level meaningful to that demographic.

Adopt-A-School

The 2014-15 school year marks the 30th anniversary of the highlysuccessful Adopt-A-School program. Sponsored by the Chamber, the Tuscaloosa City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County Schools, it has become an integral part of the education that our children enjoy.

Through these partnerships, companies, employees and community volunteers invest their time, talents and resources in our public schools to strengthen, enhance and enrich the quality of education for the students of Tuscaloosa County. Job shadow activities, literacy programs and Junior Achievement are just a few of the many activities in which partnerships participate. Currently, 94 businesses and community organizations serve as adopters in all 58 public schools. The program is one of the best “partners in education” models in the nation.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

The Chamber had a hand in the recruitment of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and negotiating the package of incentives that brought production of C-Class sedans to the state. Recent expansions show that the company’s commitment to the long-term success of the plant here is stronger than ever.

downtown Tuscaloosa called The Edge – Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The facility opened in the fall of 2012 and is temporarily located at 800 22nd Ave. in a Regions Bank annex. It consists of almost 9000 sq. ft. of private office and shared space that is leased to early stage companies and provides a wide menu of services to both tenants and the local business community. The purpose of The Edge is to help West Alabama entrepreneurs succeed and many businesses have already grown from this facility to business spaces of their own. More than $9 million has been secured to construct a state-of-the-art facility on 10th Ave., which will serve as the permanent home of The Edge.

Retail Recruitment

The Tuscaloosa City Council recently voted unanimously to renew the Chamber’s contract to coordinate retail recruitment for the City, an arrangement put into place in 2012. “The Tuscaloosa retail market has long been underserved and it is finally getting the attention it deserves like never before,” said Chamber President Jim Page. New to the market retail will bring new life to Tuscaloosa over the coming months. Some of these will include stores such as World Market Fresh Market, Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW Shoes, Pet Smart and more.

In the immediate aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado, the Chamber established Give Tuscaloosa and raised over $2.3 million in donations to distribute to area nonprofits working in disaster recovery.

Alabama Football Games

The Chamber was instrumental in bringing Alabama Football games home from Legion Field in Birmingham to Bryant-Denny stadium. In 1995, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the construction of the east upper deck. The expansion was financed by the University, the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport and Tuscaloosa County. The deal was facilitated in part by the Chamber. The localities contributed to construction costs in return for the University pledging to move all Crimson Tide home games to Bryant–Denny and not play any at Legion Field. Today, the average economic impact on our community is $17 million per home game!

Riverfront Development

The City of Tuscaloosa’s riverfront development project was assisted by the Chamber, which, most notably, helped to relocate the Corps of Engineers headquarters located there.

Give Tuscaloosa

In the immediate aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado, the Chamber established Give Tuscaloosa and raised over $2.3 million in donations to distribute to area nonprofits working in disaster recovery. The Chamber also facilitated many meetings for affected business owners to meet with City officials and was heavily involved in the Tuscaloosa Forward recovery plan.

The Edge-Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The Chamber, the City of Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama joined forces to create the community’s first “business incubator” in

Transportation Infrastructure

The Chamber has been directly involved in advocating for improvements to our transportation infrastructure, which will make our community much more accessible and more attractive for economic development.

One notable project is the proposed Eastern Bypass. A project of this magnitude usually takes many years to complete but we look to see a portion of ours, Bryant Bridge to Interstate 20, started and completed in just a few years. This is due, in large part, to the Chamber’s aggressive advocacy efforts.

West Alabama Works

West Alabama Works was formed by the Chamber and the Region 3 Workforce Development Council in 2014. With a mission to promote economic prosperity by providing support services to business, industry and job seekers, it serves as the region’s central hub for workforce development coordination and training. Five industry clusters have been developed to address the needs of individual industry sectors: automotive, health care, construction, manufacturing and professional and business services. Leaders of each sector work together to minimize duplication of services and maximize potential of each provider by communicating key workforce needs in the seven county region through both urban and rural outreach programs. In its first 100 days, WAW facilitated an estimated 800 offers of employment, conducted over 1,700 interviews, hired a full-time director to lead all initiatives and be a central point of contact and provided updates to local and state officials.

Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc

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Changing Lives

Chamber Board member and owner of Jalapenos Mexican Grill, Jheovanny Gomez.

Connecting Businesses and Watching Them Grow The Chamber team has enjoyed watching restaurateur Jheovanny Gomez live the American dream. A native of Colombia, he moved to Tuscaloosa in 1999 to follow his high school sweetheart — now his wife — when her family moved here. Shortly after, in 2001, he opened the first Jalapenos Mexican Grill in Temerson Square. He describes that restaurant as “a little hole in the wall” with just four employees. The restaurant quickly built a loyal following. A few years later, he opened a larger Jalapenos in Northport. In 2007, he closed the original downtown restaurant to open the Jalapenos on Rice Mine Road. A third Jalapenos opened in Cottondale last March. Named “Best Mexican Restaurant”

by Tuscaloosa Magazine, Jalapenos is an area favorite.

“The Chamber of Commerce has been my growing partner since I got involved about five years ago,” said Gomez. “It provides me excellent

10 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

networking opportunities and has helped me open many doors in Tuscaloosa and Northport. Also, when I joined the Chamber, it helped me connect with the community while promoting my business and giving back at the same time. I’ve built great relationships that I am going to treasure forever.”

Chamber COO Donny Jones said, “Jheovanny 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.” Gomez was the Chamber’s Member of the Year for 2013 and was just appointed by Governor Robert Bentley to the newly-formed Alabama Small Business Commission.

Shaping Our Community’s Future Leaders A 2005 graduate of our Forerunners leadership program for high school juniors, Kendra Key is now a third-year law student at Vanderbilt University. She counts Forerunners as one one of the highlights of her high school career and remembers anxiously awaiting the eleventh grade to join the ranks of Forerunners graduates.

“The things I learned in Forerunners almost ten years ago are still with me today and were certainly a strong foundation for life and leadership.”

Kendra Key, third-year law student at Vanderbilt University

“The program exposed me to many things about the City of Tuscaloosa that I did not know— despite having lived in the city my entire life.

My most memorable session was the SIMSOC experience. SIMSOC, an acronym for simulated society, is an exercise where students are forced to confront the inequalities that exist in society. We were put in preselected socio-economic groups and were tasked with traversing the city for basic services. I was assigned to the highly impoverished group.

When we ate lunch, also by socio-economic status, my lunch was Spam.

Someone in the upper echelon steak-eating group offered us a roll. I remember being frustrated by how difficult it was to get around the city. The city that I love! At every turn, I was met by obstacle after obstacle. This translated into disappointment, frustration and feelings of defeat. It put things into perspective and really made me think. Every person, especially every decision maker, should go through a SIMSOC experience. I left that day wondering how such challenges continue to exist and made a commitment to always be mindful of and to work to eliminate systemic barriers. That is what Forerunners is all about: pushing you in your thinking and challenging young people to lead the change. In addition, Forerunners introduced me to phenomenal students across the city that I would not have met otherwise. They were bright and thoughtful and broadened my point of view. I am so grateful for the experience. The things I learned in Forerunners almost ten years ago are still with me today and were certainly a strong foundation for life and leadership,” said Key.

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Enriching Public Education through Active Business Involvement

Local officials celebrate the opening of the new Brookwood High School with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

In October of 1986, Jim Walter Resources became the Adopt-A-School partner for Brookwood High School. The partnership has continued to grow and flourish ever since.

In 2011, Jim Walter Resources donated 84 acres of land to be used as the location for the new Brookwood High School. At this time, the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education decided it could build a muchneeded new school but needed land. The donation is a true testament to the relationship developed between the school, the community and Jim Walter Resources through Adopt-A-School.

The new school is located on George Richmond Pkwy., which was named in honor of George Richmond, retired CEO and President of JWR. He was instrumental in securing the land for the new school after long-time Brookwood Mayor Alton Hyche approached him for help. It contains state of the art technology in all classrooms, science labs and computer labs, as well as a competitive athletics gym and a physical education gym. According to Principal Laura McBride, the school is designed to hold 1,600 students, providing room for anticipated enrollment growth.

Hyche said, “Without Jim Walter Resources, I don’t think we could have this.”

Anne’s Pretzels, Panda Express and an expanded Chick-Fil-A. Supporting Industry and Job Seekers Auntie Additionally, there were opportunities at the new Presidential Terrace convenience market containing a deli, coffee shop and smoothie concept.

Roberts had only been able to find low-paying, part-time work previously and had not been able to support herself and her child.

Bama Dining hired Roberts as a full-time worker and, for the first time in her life, she had benefits for herself and her child.

Lorraine Roberts enjoying her new career with Bama Dining.

Lorraine Roberts, a single mother of a six year old, was unemployed when she attended the West Alabama Works GED/Job Fair hosted at the Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, June 16, 2014. Along with approximately 600 others, she was vying for one of the 250 new positions created by the opening of new dining facilities on the University of Alabama campus. New facilities include a new two-story Fresh Foods Company, Raising Cane’s Chicken, Wendy’s,

12 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Roberts came in and trained at an existing market and then transferred and began setting up and stocking when the Terrace Market was built.

She is now the smiling face you see when you visit the market. She says that she has learned more in this job than ever before. She loves it, the company and her boss and she plans to make a career with Aramark and train and develop into a future manager with the company.

Pamela Jones, human resources manager at Bama Dining and an active member of West Alabama Works, said, “When the Chamber was informed of Bama Dining’s employment opportunities, there was an unprecedented gathering of community resources to get the unemployed and underemployed people of West Alabama into these newly-created jobs. I have a huge sense of well-being knowing that we are making a difference in people’s lives and in our community.”

Chamber@Work

Area Golfers Support Adopt-A-School

Thanks to Title Sponsor Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa and Eagle Sponsors Alumni Development, The Shoppes at Legacy Park; BFGoodrich; Brion Hardin Construction Company; Ellis Architects; Harrison Construction Company; Learning Experiences; McGiffert & Associates; Phifer Incorporated; Planit Solutions and Ward Scott Architecture,the 24th Annual Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Benefit Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 11 at Ol’ Colony Golf Course. Forty teams participated representing 20 area public schools. The Ellis Architect team (pictured) had the lowest NET score of the tournament, thus claiming rights for the school they represented, Northridge High, to display the winning trophy at the school until next year. The victory also secured $500 in cash for the school. Playing on the winning team were Kerry Malone, Gib Fox, Brett Wilkin and Jonathan Walker. Prizes were also awarded to other teams playing in the tournament. Oakdale Elementary, Alberta Elementary and Holt High tied for having the most golfers represent their school and each will receive a cash award. Cottondale Elementary will receive a cash award for the random drawing from all schools represented. This annual event provides critical funding for the AAS program.

More than 2000 Attend Automotive Hiring Fair

More than 2000 attended the automotive job fair presented on Sept. 13

by West Alabama Works, a new group affiliated with and supported by the Chamber, and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz US International. We’re proud to report that 1600 interviews were conducted and 590 job offers were made! What a great day for so many! The jobs are in the areas of Production, Service and Material Handling. Many of the jobs are with contractors/service providers for MBUSI. Almost 800 people submitted a fastpass application online, which were processed ahead of time. Others waited in line, first come, first served, for an interview. Transportation was even provided in other counties in the West Alabama region, where needed. This new job fair model West Alabama Works is implementing is changing the way hiring is done in the state of Alabama for the better. This is the 2nd in a series of hiring fairs presented by the group.

The first event employed approximately 250 people with Bama Dining on the spot.

Photo credit: The Tuscaloosa News.

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13

2nd Annual Bama Brew & Que a Success

2014 Civic Hall of Fame Induction Held

The 2nd Annual Bama Brew & Que, held at the Ray Jenkins Arena on Sept. 12-13, was a huge success! The event, which grew from 2013, saw 35 backyard and professional teams from Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Cooking teams donated over 425 pounds of Boston butts to Caring Days Adult Daycare and Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa. Those that visited the festival had the opportunity to taste in exchange for two canned goods to be donated to the charities. Visit the event Facebook page for info on winners. The event was hosted by our YP(t) group in conjunction with the Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission. Mark your calendars for Sept. 11-12, 2015, when Bama Brew & Que will return!

Each year, we honor“civic giants”that have made an impact on the quality, livability and economic progress of our community. Organizations, businesses and individual citizens submitted nominations for the 2014 class. These were reviewed by a committee and honorees were selected.

2014 Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame honorees are: Davis S. “Buddy” Burton, Jr., Charles M. Durham, Carolyn B. Fritz, Lee Allen Hallman, John Woodruff Robinson, M.D., Randy C. Skagen and Charles R. Sittason. The honorees were inducted in downtown Tuscaloosa’s Government Plaza on Sept. 30.

4th Quarter Drive Offers Marketing Opportunities

Chamber in Session: State of the State with Governor Robert Bentley

We launched our inaugural 4th Quarter Drive program with a kick-off lunch on Sept. 17 at The Zone. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Dr. Judy Bonner of The UA and Shane Spiller of Spiller Furniture & Mattress, this volunteer-driven initiative gave all our members the opportunity to market their businesses by purchasing sponsorships of 2015 Chamber events and programs. *We’re missing Loo, Stacey & Kimberly in the photo.

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Gov. Robert Bentley gave us an update on our state on Oct. 6 at Hotel Capstone. The Chamber offers its members the opportunity to interact with local, state and national leaders at these Chamber in Session events throughout the year.

We Go The Extra Mile

2014 Northport Citizen Award Winners Named

The 39th Annual Northport Citizen of the Year dinner and awards program was held on the evening of Oct. 9 at Five Points Baptist Church to honor those who have contributed to the betterment of Northport during the last year. Keynote speaker was former Governor of Alabama, Jim Folsom, Jr. Jerry Pike was named the 2014 Northport Citizen of the Year. He was honored for his work in founding Eagles’ Wings, a day rehabilitation program for adults with special needs, coaching little league baseball and participating in tornado relief efforts. Pike is also an active member of Northport First United Methodist Church and the Chamber. The following awards were also given (pictured L to R): Julie Taylor Goodwin of Capstone Bank was named Business Leader of the Year; Andrea Hamner, principal at Huntington Place Elementary School,was named Educator of the Year; Robby Davis was named Northport Historian/ Pioneer of the Year; Sheriff Billy Sharp received the Public Safety Leadership Award; and Ben Jameson of Five Points Baptist Church was named Religious Leader of the Year.

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Here We Grow Again RIBBON CUTTINGS September 12 - October 23

Supercuts

2300 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 28 • Northport, AL 35476 (205) 764-1573 • www.supercuts.com Adam Terrell

Arlington Rentals, Inc

101 Hargrove Rd., East • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 722-2048 Benton Chambliss

Tuscaloosa Orthopedic & Joint institute Hotel & Restaurant Supply

3515 Watermelon Rd. • Northport, AL 35473 (205) 722-5591 Dr. Bryan King

200 14th St., Ste. 1 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 409-9370 • www.hnrsupply.com Braxie Williams

Maki Fresh

Hospice of West Alabama-New Wing

1530 McFarland Blvd., Ste. D • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-2555 • www.makifresh.com Seth Stone 16 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

3851 Loop Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 523-0101 • www.hospiceofwestalabama.org Latrelle Porter

Brothers Express Pizza Café, LLC

1800 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 420 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 394-3269 • www.brothersepc.com William “Robbie” Sickler

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1120 35th Street • Tuscaloosa, AL • 205.759.5040

Tuscaloosa Credit Union

2925 Skyland Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 469-0083 • www.tuscaloosacu.com Vikki Kizziah

Edward Jones & Company

3076 Palisades Court, Ste. C • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 556-1214 • www.edwardjones.com Randy Palmer

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS

Serving West Alabama For Over 20 years 3200 Greensboro Ave. 345-9811 www.townsendbmw.com Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc 17

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 October 2013 vs October 2014 Business licenses City of Tuscaloosa 2013 149 2014 100 City of Northport 2013 66 2014 78

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY

Value of Building permits CEO COUNCIL - $10,000+ ANNUALLY

City of Tuscaloosa 2013 $17,874,920 2014 $17,979,275

Aramark; AT&T; The Bank of Tuscaloosa; Bryant Bank; Charter Media; 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 89,655 2014 89,053

Unemployment rates Tuscaloosa County 2013 5.5% 2014 5.3%

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

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137 144

Average selling Price Tuscaloosa County 2013 2014

$174,462 $188,973

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

NA5656421

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

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

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New Members August 23, 2014 - November 6, 2014

9 Round 80 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 9 Northport, AL 35473 (334) 357-0732 Scott Shepherd Fitness / Kickingboxing - Circuit Training

Buddy’s Rib & Steak 2701 Lurleen Wallace Rd. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 339-4885 Phillip Guy Restaurants / Lounge

A & G Testing 2008 Paul W. Bryant Dr. Ste. B Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.drugtestingtuscaloosa.com (205) 764-0611 William McCafferty Employment Screening Drug/DNA/Background

Collateral Benefits Group 1900 Crestwood Blvd., Ste. 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 www.collateralbenefits.com (205) 451-0457 Rick Kesecker Insurance

Alabama Department of Labor 649 Monroe Street Montgomery, AL 36131 (334) 242-8078 Fitzgerald Washington Services Arlington Rentals, Inc. 101 Hargrove Rd., East Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.bentonwchambliss5.wix. com/arlington-rv-park (205) 722-2048 Benton Chambliss Recreational Vehicle Park Band of Brothers Brewing Company, LLC 1605 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 266-5137 Jeremy Donald Brewery Bank First 2205-C 7th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Tim Henderson Banks

Davis Dental of Tuscaloosa 1771 Commons North Loop Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.ddental.com (205) 523-0446 Patrick Davis Dentists Dunkin Donuts 3615 McFarland Blvd., E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 633-2822 Sajid Jalali Restaurants Easy Money 3032 Tyler Dr. Northport, AL 35476 www.goeasymoney.com (205) 330-0913 Erika Cichanowicz Payday Loans Edward Jones & Company 3076 Palisades Court, Ste. C Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 556-1214 Randy Palmer Financial Services

Bear Creek Family Practice 7005 6th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 345-4862 Fawad Aryanpure Physicians - Family Practice

Edward Jones Investments 312 Merchants Walk, Suite 2A Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.edwardjones.com (205) 759-3023 Brett Laney Investment Management (Main)

Beavers Drafting 2121 8th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-0131 Mal Beavers Drafting Services (Main)

ERC Construction, LLC 2919 8th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 469-8080 Brian Forrest Construction

20 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

Eye Care Associates 911 Hargrove Road East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.webeca.com (205) 507-7810 Jimmie Corley Optometrists (Main) FASTSIGNS of Tuscaloosa 1766 McFarland Blvd., N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.fastsigns.com/2032 (205) 758-7446 Milton Chancellor Visual Communications

Jolly Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. P.O. Box 411 Northport, AL 35476 www.jollyheatingandair.com (205) 333-8275 Tyler Jolly Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating (Main) K & A Builders 2420 12th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 349-3126 Scott Anderson Construction (Main)

First Transit 451 Campus Dr., E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 348-6013 Amanda Suddath Transportation

Lakeside Dental 4851 Rice Mine Rd., NE., Ste. 540 Tuscaloosa,AL 35406 www.lakesidedentalsmiles.com (205) 343-9393 Jim Sandras Dentists

Gentlemen’s Grooming 2104 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-5969 Mary Margaret Philen Beauty Salons / Barbers Nails Massage Tan Spas

Maki Fresh 1530 McFarland Blvd., Ste. D Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.makifresh.com (205) 759-2555 Seth Stone Restaurants, Restaurants / Catering

Hers Real Estate, LLC 114 Peyton Lane Moundville, AL 35474 (205) 233-1276 Shelley Andoe Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

Mark A. Woods, M.D. 1761 Commons N. Loop #7106 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 454-1483 Mark Woods Physicians - Family Practice (Main)

Home Fit Consulting, LLC 1919 Oxmoor Rd., #391 Birmingham, AL 35409 www.HomeFitConsulting.com (205) 675-7412 Cody Robinson Fitness / Personal Trainer

Massaged Life & Wellness Academy 3518 Loop Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.mlwacademy.com (205) 248-7416 Rahe McCandless Wellness - Academy

JNJ Apparel, LLC 1419 22nd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.jnjapparel.net (205) 752-7740 Nick Wright Retail - Clothing, Accessories

Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. 1629 McFarland Blvd., N., Ste. 402 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.maynardcooper.com (205) 488-3638 Kim Ingram Attorneys - Lawyers / Law

Michael H. Echols & Associates, PC 1629 McFarland Blvd., N. Ste. 401 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 343-2810 Josh Taylor Accountants - Certified Public / CPA

Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.sitartuscaloosa.com (205) 345-1419 Raji Singh Restaurants

Tuscaloosa Civil Air Patrol 3109 Paddle Creek Lane Northport, AL 35473 (205) 333-2608 Mike Carr Non-profit / Cadet Programs Emergency Services

Michael McGuire-State Farm Insurance Co. 302 Merchants Walk, Ste. 200 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 752-8500 Michael McGuire Insurance

Serendipity Needleworks 412 Queen City Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.serendipityneedleworks.com (205) 758-0108 Ellen Johnson Retail - Needlework

Tuscaloosa Credit Union 2925 Skyland Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 469-0083 Vikki Kizziah Credit Unions

Skip Baumhower’s Photography 2428 6th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 (205) 752-6230 Skip Baumhower Photographers

Tuscaloosa Newborn Medicine 1364 Downing Ridge Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 752-9739 Guillermo Godoy Physician - Perinatal Medicine (Main)

Mitt Lary Family Practice 4815 Rose Blvd Northport, AL 35476 (205) 722-0650 Malika Aryanpure Physicians - Family Practice (Main) Northwestern Mutual 1300 McFarland Blvd., NE Ste. 300 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 www.douglashallmark.com (205) 409-0313 D. Trent Hallmark Financial Planners / Consultants Olive Tree 2228 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.olivetreeantique.com (205) 758-7424 Christopher Roycroft Antiques - Dealers (Main) Page One SEO 1620 Planation Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.impageone.com (205) 394-9954 Adam Lewis Web Design / Ad Specialities Patterson & Comer 303 Main Ave., Ste. A Northport, AL35476 www.pattersoncomerlawfirm.com (205) 759-3939 Mike Comer Attorneys-Lawyers/Law Prestige Pools, Inc. 233 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 www.prestige-pools.com (205) 366-1700 Neil Baxter Swimming Pool Contractors / Dealers / Supplies

Summit Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. 3401 Greensboro Ave., #5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.summitcleaningandrestoration.com

(205) 310-5757 Andy Abston Janitorial / Cleaning / Water - Fire Restoration Supercuts 2300 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 28 Northport, AL 35467 (205) 764-1573 Adam Terrell Beauty Salons / Barbers - Nails Massage Tan Spas Supreme Electrical LLC P.O. Box 158 Cottondale, AL 35453 www.supremeelectrical-llc.com (205) 393-6329 Darrious Armstead Contractors - Electrical (Main) Tall Pines Golf Club @ Woodland Forrest 5604 Woodland Forrest Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 www.dprice@wfcc.net (205) 556-1232 Newell Allen Golf Courses - Public / Private Trunk, The 1217 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.heybama.com (205) 345-0407 Ginny Sain Retail (Main)

Tuscaloosa Orthopedic & Joint Institute 3515 Watermelon Rd. Northport, AL 35473 (205) 722-5591 Bryan King Physicians - Orthopaedic Tuskaloosa Forestry Services, LLC 1101 Greensboro Ave., Ste. 317 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 www.tfs1.com (205) 345-0000 Grant Lovinggood Forestry Management UA - College of Community Health Sciences Box 870326 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 www.cchs.ua.edu (205) 348-3079 Leslie Zganjar Education - Administration (Main)

UA - College of Human Environmental Sciences Box 870158 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (205) 348-1276 Milla Boschung Education Uniquely Different, LLC 1002 McFarland Blvd., Ste. G Northport, AL 35476 (205) 492-9671 Samantha Baer Associations / Professional Organizations Valic Financial 535 Jack Warner Parkway NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.valic.com (205) 394-7105 Jessica Laferrera Financial Services Vowell’s Cash Saver #28 4200 McFarland Blvd Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 759-8810 Ronald Eatmon Grocery Stores Vowell’s Fresh Market #29 4440 University Blvd., E Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 www.vowellsmarketplace.com (205) 562-7945 Mike Honeycutt Grocery Stores Vowell’s Fresh Market #30 641 Bear Creek Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 349-3067 Lisa Conway Grocery Stores Warrior Ranch Training Center 15540 Waldenpond Rd. Brookwood, AL 35444 www.warriorranchtrainingcenter.com (609) 284-3994 Henry Malinverni Firing Range

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There’s something different about the way everyone interacts with and cares for one another in our community, and you’ll find that same way of doing things at The Bank of Tuscaloosa. Turn to us today for all of the products and services you need to meet your financial goals. You need a bank for life. That’s The Bank of Tuscaloosa.

The 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 are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

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