Rising Tide - Winter 2017

WINTER

2018

Published in partnership with

The Tuscaloosa News

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA

WORLDS OF WORK: Putting the WOW in West Alabama’s Future Workforce Mayors, Probate Judge Address State of the Community Diversity Summit Focuses on Connecting to Grow

Contents 4

A Word from Our Leadership

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COVER STORY Putting More WOW in West Alabama’s Future Workforce

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Chamber @ Work

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Here We Grow Again

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Working as One Investors/Comparative Economic Indicators

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New Members

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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

Amy Materson

DESIGN

Kelli Dailey

PREPRESS MANAGER Chuck Jones

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Beau Laird (205) 722-0148

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OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND!

s 2018 Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, I am honored to be a small part of a truly amazing group of people that is changing West Alabama for the better every single day!

Our focus should be to ensure that we have a community and an economy where everyone is needed and everyone is valued. Your Chamber is leading the way to ensure that job is accomplished and that a “Rising Tide” truly does lift all boats. We have made significant progress in recent years, but if there is one thing we can learn from legendary Alabama football coach, Nick Saban, it is that with success comes the danger for complacency and becoming comfortable with the level of success we currently enjoy.

West Alabama has tremendous opportunities awaiting at our doorstep, but we have to raise our game to the “Next Level” if we want to take advantage of those opportunities. That is why it is critical for you to get involved and be a part of this dynamic and responsive organization. It is time

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for us to demand more of our elected officials, our community organizations, and of ourselves.

Working together, as a team, focused on our goals, we can accomplish tremendous things. I am very excited about the remarkable difference you can make in our community through the Chamber when you share your time, your dreams, and your abilities.

Blake A. Madison Attorney and Shareholder Rosen Harwood, P.A. Chairman Board of Directors Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Contact Us JIM PAGE, CCE President & CEO (205) 391-0562 jim@tuscaloosachamber.com DONNY JONES, IOM Chief Operating Officer (205) 391-0552 donny@tuscaloosachamber.com AL SPENCER Vice President, Economic Development and Public Policy (205) 391-0329 al@tuscaloosachamber.com KIMBERLY ADAMS Director of Membership and Investor Relations (205) 391-0327 kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com BRITTANI COLBURN Project Manager, Workforce Development (205) 391-0334 brittani@tuscaloosachamber.com TRACY CRUMPTON Director of Finance and Operations (205) 391-0554 tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com LOWANDA JAMES Director of Information Services (205) 758-7588 lowanda@tuscaloosachamber.com ROBIN JENKINS Director of Education Programs (205) 391-0561 robin@tuscaloosachamber.com AMY MATERSON Director of Communications and Marketing (205) 391-0563 amy@tuscaloosachamber.com JILL MCDONALD Program Manager, Leadership and Community Engagement (205) 391-0555 jill@tuscaloosachamber.com MELISSA MILANO Executive Assistant (205) 391-0559 melissa@tuscaloosachamber.com CAROLYN TUBBS Program Manager, Education and Workforce Development (205) 391-0556 carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com AUDREY VAUGHN Rural Outreach Coordinator, Workforce Development (205) 758-7588

Connect with the Chamber Join us on Facebook Facebook/chambertusc

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/chambertusc

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COVER STORY Putting More WOW in West Alabama’s Future Workforce The overwhelming success of West Alabama Works’ student career expo leads to greater things for 2018 Although we often hear the mantra repeated that the greatest ideas are the simplest ones, that was never the case with Worlds of Work. A massive two-day event involving the commitment of dozens of industries, hundreds of employers and more than a thousand volunteers, the career expo has proven well worth the time and effort, bringing in thousands of students from nine counties to learn about exciting, highpaying, high-demand careers right here in West Alabama.

“Now after our third event, WOW not only created awareness, but also generated excitement about fulfilling career options among students and educators,” says Donny Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “The expo also brings attention to industries that are facing a shortage of skilled workers. These employers face shortages over the next few years due to the retirement of up to 50 percent of their workforce.”

The expectation was always to create a win-win situation – expose students to great career options they may not know exist, and prepare a pipeline of engaged future employees ready to enter as skilled workers age out of the workforce.

However, WOW’s impact has been so successful, the results have created an unprecedented opportunity to positively impact workforce in Alabama. Building on the success of the legacy event, West Alabama Works has launched WOW 2.0, a satellite event, and the Educator Workforce Academy, a program for administrators and central office personnel that will equip them with the tools to assist their students with career choices like never before.

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Expanding Worlds Although high school students and their parents were always invited to participate in Worlds of Work, the primary focus of the event was aimed at eighth graders, who would begin their career path studies the following year. After feedback from high school students who said they felt the event was particularly useful, WOW 2.0 was conceived.

Scheduled to be held February 7 and 8 at Shelton State Community College, WOW 2.0 is a career event specifically for high school juniors and seniors and post-secondary students. The event will have a different feel from Worlds of Work, as the students will be able to meet with representatives from post-secondary schools, and interact with individual employers in a job fair style setting. With a virtually flat unemployment rate hovering at around 3 percent, Tuscaloosa County employers are particularly invested in finding effective ways to attract a solid workforce.

“This event will allow connections between industry and potential workers to be made, with the goal of filling the more than 4,000 highgrowth, high-demand jobs available in West Alabama,” Jones says. “We hope by maximizing this event, our industries can find the employees they need, reducing the number of job fairs they must attend.”

WOW 2.0 Wednesday, February 7, 2018 (Post-secondary and High School Seniors) Event time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 8, 2018 - Junior Day (High School Juniors) Event time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:05 p.m.

CATEGORIES: • Agriculture • Construction • Transportation • Energy • Public Safety • Manufacturing/Engineering • Hospitality • Healthcare • Office Administration • Cosmetology • Culinary • Child Development • Education

Educating the Educators Even when facilitating connections between potential employees and employers, properly preparing students for their future careers is the first step. Ensuring the skilled workforce of the future is actually skilled means implementing a dialogue between the region’s employers and those charged with preparing the students for those jobs.

To make sure the area’s educators know exactly what will be expected of the employee once they’re on the job, West Alabama Works has launched the Educator Workforce Academy, a year-long program that enables superintendents, central office staff and principals to undergo a process similar to that of job seekers. The program is a hands-on intensive experience designed to assist educators in implementing knowledge gained into the classroom.

The 2017-18 Educator Workforce Academy kicked off during WOW 2017, and about 90 area superintendents, principals and central office staff members are going through the program, for which they will receive Professional Learning Units.

The educational leaders will spend time with employers to learn what they need, as well as learning what their students will go through, and then will bring that industry back to the classroom.

For more information on Worlds of Work 2018, WOW 2.0 or the Educator Workforce Academy, contact Brittani Colburn at brittani@tuscaloosachamber.com.

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Chamber@WORK

Carl Jamison of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Chairman of the Chamber’s Public Affairs Council, moderated the State of the Community event with Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Northport Mayor Donna Aaron and Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Hardy McCollum.

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State of the Community Welcomes Mayors, Probate Judge

orthport Mayor Donna Aaron, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Probate Judge Hardy McCollum addressed a sold out crowd of Chamber members at Chamber in Session: State of the State, held Aug. 31 at the Bryant Conference Center.

One of the Chamber’s largest public policy events, the guest speakers held a conversational style presentation moderated by Carl Jamison of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, who also serves as the Chairman of the Chamber’s Public Affairs Council.

The public officials discussed a range of topics for the crowd of approximately 500 attendees, including population growth, industrial development efforts, higher education, infrastructure revenue sources and funding for the area’s Park and Recreation Authority.

“A sustainable funding source is the only answer,” Maddox said, and both Aaron and McCollum agreed. “We’ve allowed it to become political, and we’ve got to do better than that,” McCollum said. He predicted the legislature would address the issue.

The group also discussed the relationship between Tuscaloosa, Northport, Tuscaloosa County and the University of Alabama, and

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talked about ways to entice students to remain in the area following graduation.

“The University of Alabama is a special asset,” Aaron said. “We need to make sure students and alumni come back and invest in the city that game them their start.”

Chamber in Session: State of the Community was presented by Walker Associates, Inc. Gold Sponsors: City of Northport, Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ and TekLinks.

Silver Sponsor: Trustmark National Bank. Bronze Sponsors: FASTSIGNS of Tuscaloosa, Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers, Perfect Shine, Inc. Table Sponsors: Alabama Gas Corporation, Alabama One Credit Union, BankFirst, Buffalo Rock Company / Pepsi-Cola, BurkKleinpeter, Inc., Capstone Bank, Express Employment, FNB of Central Alabama JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Neel-Schaffer, Raymond James, Robertson Banking, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, Way, Ray, Shelton & Company.

Special thanks to David Pass, Sealy Furniture Company.

Shane Spiller of Spiller Furniture and Mattress gets ready to hit the course.

Adopt-A-School Golfers Turn Out for a Great Cause

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he Raymond James Team was the overall tourney winner for the second year in a row at the 27th Annual Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament. The team won $500 for their adopted school, Faucett-Vestavia Elementary.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary will receive $500 for having the most golfers (elementary), and Holt High will receive $500 for having the most golfers (secondary). A random drawing was also held including all schools represented and Oak Hill was selected to receive $500.

Additional winning teams / players were: 1st Place Gross Winners - Wes Harbin/Dickey’s BBQ Team 2nd Place Net Winners - Burnum-Hahn Team 2nd Place Gross Winners - Brookwood Oil Field Team 3rd Place Net Winners - Tuscaloosa Radio Team

Robin Jenkins, Director of Education Programs for the Chamber congratulates the winning Raymond James team at the Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament.

3rd Place Gross Winners - Andrew Kniphfer Agency Team The Putting Contest Winner was Jim Essary, who won $500.

The Longest Drive winner, Grant McCabe, won a recliner from Spiller Furniture and Mattress.

The Adopt-A-School program would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations who provided support for the Golf Tournament.

Without their support, this event would not be possible.

Title Sponsor: Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Eagle Sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, Alabama One Credit Union, Alumni Development & Construction, Bama Concrete, Bearing Service Company, BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing, Bryant Bank, Burnum-Hahm Exterminators, Inc., Complete Pipeline Services & Supply, McAbee Construction, Inc., McGiffert and Associates, LLC, Perfect Shine, Inc., Rumsey Environmental, and The Westervelt Company Luncheon Sponsor: Core Focus Personnel, LLC Awards Sponsor: Rumsey Environmental Putting Contest Sponsor: Alabama Central Credit Union Scorecard Sponsor: Rumsey Environmental and Tuscaloosa Radio Golf Cart Sponsors: Cintas and Joshua J. Swords Attorney at Law Beverage Cart Sponsor: WVUA23 Closest to Pin Sponsors: Adams Heating & Cooling, Walmart Supercenter Skyland and Ward Scott Architecture Donors: Adams Beverages, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Buffalo Rock Company / Pepsi-Cola, Chick-fil-A at Northport and Krispy Kreme Hole Sponsors: ABC Fire & Equipment, Alabama Credit Union, Alabama

One Credit Union, Alabama Public Radio, Alumni Development, Amason & Associates, Inc., Bama Concrete, The Bank of Tuscaloosa division of Synovus Bank, Bearing Service Company, BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing, Bryant Bank, Burnum-Hahn Exterminators, Inc., Campus Collection, Complete Pipeline Services & Supply, Coppertop, Crimson 2 Go, Ellis Architects, Inc., FASTSIGNS of Tuscaloosa, FNB of Central Alabama, Harrison Construction Company, Inc., Heat Pizza Bar, LLC, Hunt Refining Company, Innisfree Irish Pub, McAbee Construction, McGiffert and Associates, LLC, Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Neel Shaffer, Inc., Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc., Perfect Shine, Inc., Phifer, Inc., Rex Veron Designs, LLC, Riverview Dental Designs, Robertson Banking Company, Rumsey Environmental, Sealy Management Company, Inc., Shelton State Community College, Southland International Trucks, Inc., TekLinks, The Westervelt Company, Tiger-Rock Martial Arts Northport, TTL, Inc., Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Tuscaloosa Synovus Mortgage Company, The University of Alabama College of Education, Vero Software, Walker Associates, Inc., Walmart Supercenter, Skyland, Warrior Roofing Manufacturing.

Inc., WVUA 23 Attendees also won some fantastic raffle prizes at the event donated

by Big Spring Entertainment, BF Goodrich Tires, Buffalo Rock/ Pepsi, BURGERFI, Chick-fil-A at Northport, Chick-fil-A Tuscaloosa, Chuck’s Fish, Cypress Inn, Glory Bound Gyro Company, Hunt Refining, Jalapeño’s Mexican Grill, Jim ‘N Nick’s, Nucor Steel, Pat’s Florist and Gourmet Baskets, Philly Boyz Cheesesteaks, River, Texas Roadhouse, Theatre Tuscaloosa, The Blue Plate, The Levee, The Locker Room, The Pants Store, TTL, Inc., Shrimp Basket, Urban Cookhouse and Wing Zone.

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Chamber@WORK MBC Diversity Summit Focuses on “Connecting to Grow”

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he Minority Business Council of West Alabama’s third annual Small Business Diversity Summit, presented by ARD Logistics and Bama at Work, was held September 19 at the Bryant Conference Center and featured the theme, “Connecting to Grow.”

The event included an entrepreneur panel discussion with Erica Grant of Charming Kreations; Rodney Pelt, Sr., of Mind Changers, Inc.; Antonio Minifield of YNOT Images; and Robin Bailey of the Legacy Connection.

The panelists spoke on a wide range of topics including the importance of having a strong support network when developing your own business, having a business plan, and having a passion for your business.

Rodney Pelt, Sr., of Mind Changers, Inc. talks during a panel discussion on entrepreneurship.

The agenda also included workshop sessions on DBE, led by Tanja Bell of the Birmingham Airport Authority; Sources of Business Financing, led by Jarvis Morehead of Renasant Bank; Positively Marketing your Personal Brand with Social Media, led by Maria Sanders Ford of the University of Alabama Student Health Center and Pharmacy; Communicating Across Generations in the Workplace, led by Heather MacLeod of the DCH Employee Assistance Program; and Funding for Contractors, led

by Norman Davis of Trufund Financial.

The lunch program included remarks by Dr. G. Christine Taylor, the Director of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the University of Alabama, and featured a keynote address by Dr. Yvette Rice of LLVE, LLC. Rice is the owner and president of LLVE, LLC, and uses her visionary leadership ability, training expertise, and motivational/inspirational speaking skills to help others realize their true capabilities and maximize their potential. Serving as a leader in the Marketplace, Rice has over thirty (30) years combined experience as an Engineer, Project Leader/Manager and Trainer for the Department of Defense (civilian), the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a government contractor, and multiple Non-Profit Organizations. She has trained both nationally and internationally. Rice presently serves on the Board of Directors for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce in Decatur, Alabama. She is also a certified Trainer, Coach, and Speaker through the John Maxwell Online University Certification Program. Rice is the published author of inspirational life development book, Mountain Moving Made Easy.

Gold Sponsors for the event were Bryant Bank, TekLinks and Stillman College.

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Judy Holland Named Northport Citizen of the Year Ceremony also honored Historian, Business Leader, Public Safety Leader and Educator of the Year Judy Holland, Managing Director of High Socks for Hope, was named Northport Citizen of the Year in a ceremony held Oct. 3 at Five Points Baptist Church.

Holland, who has worked with the non-profit foundation founded by New York Yankees pitcher David Robertson and his wife Erin for more than six years, has spent more than two decades in service to worthy causes in Northport, Tuscaloosa County and beyond.

As a result of her efforts with High Socks for Hope, she and volunteers have aided more than 500 families in crisis due to fires, floods, tornadoes, domestic violence and other devastating events. More than 200 of those she has assisted have been homeless or disabled veterans and their families.

The following Northport leaders were also honored: BUSINESS LEADER Michael Holt, the owner of Tiger Rock Martial Arts, was named Business Leader of the Year.

Heavily involved with the local school system, Holt volunteers his time for “character talks” designed to encourage the students

in each classroom to realize their highest potential in all aspects of their lives. Through his business, Holt is involved in the Adopt-ASchool program as an adopter for Northport Elementary School.

EDUCATION LEADER Rafael Alvarez, a four-time Olympian, two-time Bronze Medalist, SEC Champion and member of the University of Alabama’s Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame during his time at the University, chose to remain in the United States rather than returning to his native Spain, and today serves as a translator and interpreter for Flatwoods Elementary School. A full-time instructor at UA, he also devotes himself to serving families whose native language is not English, assisting parents in how to help their children succeed. In a school in which 40 percent of the children arrive speaking another language, Alvarez allows them to obtain the tools they need to have the opportunities to become contributing members of the community.

HISTORIAN / PIONEER Ruby Battle, the Historian/ Pioneer of the Year, has served the Northport community her entire life with dignity. Now age 98, she has served as an educator and mentor to many. She is a charter member of Friends of

From left, Rafael Alvarez, Education Leader; Michael Holt, Business Leader; Billy Curington, Public Safety Leader; Judy Holland, Citizen of the Year; Ruby Battle, Historian/Pioneer.

Historic Northport, and her contributions helped to establish the Northport Heritage Museum.

Battle’s efforts have added much to the documentation of the history and heritage of Northport.

A teacher for more than 50 years in the Tuscaloosa County School System, she taught more than five generations of students, touching countless lives.

PUBLIC SAFETY LEADER A firefighter for the past 18 years, Billy Curington has served the city well in the capacity of sergeant for the past 12 years. Before becoming a firefighter, he was a paramedic, which is an added benefit to the citizens of Northport. One of the many duties he has taken on is maintaining the department’s equipment, and keeping supplies stocked and organized.

He is proactive, and diligent, and personally purchased both a drone and a GoPro camera for use when the department is in need of digital footage. He is skilled in equipment installation, making consoles for the fire engines and installing equipment on the department’s all-terrain vehicle. He is responsible for ensuring the medical supplies are stocked and

organized. Curington is highly skilled, trained and well equipped to handle an array of issues facing the Fire Department.

The guest speaker for the event, Trudy Cathy White is a native Georgian and the daughter of the late Jeannette and S. Truett Cathy, the founder and chairman emeritus of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Trudy and her husband, John, are co-founders of Lifeshape.

Lifeshape’s mission is to glorify God by breaking the cycle of spiritual poverty, and provides opportunities for the Chick-fil-A family and other marketplace professionals to build relationships and be catalysts for the transformation of leaders around the world. Lifeshape implements more than 50 projects in nearly 30 countries each year.

The Northport Citizen of the Year Dinner is presented by Tuscaloosa Hyundai / Genesis of Tuscaloosa. The Gold Sponsor is the City of Northport. Silver Sponsors for the event are BBVA Compass and Cintas.

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Chamber@WORK Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Honors 2017 Inductees

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he Seventeenth Annual Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held Thursday, October 29 at the Alberta School of Performing Arts.

Each year, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama honors “civic giants” that have made an impact on the quality, livability and economic progress of our community. The Civic Hall of Fame was born during The Chamber’s 100th anniversary year in 2000 and is designed to honor exceptional citizens who have made significant, long-term contributions to the overall development of Tuscaloosa County.

With this class, 108 citizens will have been inducted as members of the Hall of Fame.

Organizations, businesses and individual citizens submitted nominations for the 2017 class.

These were reviewed by a committee and honorees were selected.

Special music for the event was provided by the TASPA Choir, and the presentation of the inductees was by Dr. Barry Mason, Dean Emeritus of the College of Commerce of the University of Alabama, and Dr. E. Roger Sayers, Chair of the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Committee.

The 2017 Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame honorees are: Susan Phifer Cork (1953-) Susan Phifer Cork has long been a leader in Tuscaloosa County, and her list of accomplishments is long and distinguished. Most importantly, Cork’s achievements will have a lasting impact upon the quality of life in West Alabama.

A life-long resident of Tuscaloosa, Cork attended the Tuscaloosa City School system and the University of Alabama. With her family, she is part of the leadership of Phifer, Inc., where she serves a in a key role.

Although she has a busy career working alongside her husband and sisters at Phifer, Cork is committed to an active role in community service, serving as Chairman of the United Way

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of West Alabama Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Christ Episcopal Pre-School, Sustaining Member of Junior League of Tuscaloosa, and on numerous other boards and committees.

She was instrumental in raising funds for and developing the Tuscaloosa Children’s Center, and was part of the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s first Historical Committee, established for the purpose of formulating a restoration and preservation plan for the historic portion of Bryce Hospital.

In 2016, Cork was honored at the annual Community Foundation of West Alabama’s Pillars of the Community event, where she was named a Pillar of the West Alabama Community. Along with her husband, Brad, she was selected as the recipient of the 2015 Family of the Year by the United Way of West Alabama Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

Susan Cork’s devotion to her community has resulted not only in a tremendous financial impact on the community, but has served as an inspiration for her family, friends, and all who know her.

Freeman freely gave of his time and efforts when called upon to do so, and his committee and board of directors volunteerism includes the American Red Cross, Murphy African American Museum, Drug Prevention Task Force Committee, Senior Commissioner of Tuscaloosa Youth Development Council, Advisory Member of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Department-Juvenile Division and more.

Freeman was presented with numerous awards during his lifetime including the SCLC Man of Distinction, State of Alabama Merit on Recreation, Outstanding Service Award for Youth, and the State of Alabama Professional of the Year – Jim Spain Award, among others.

February 20th, 1996 was proclaimed by the City of Tuscaloosa as “A.L. Freeman Day.” Arlington Freeman not only developed and created relationships that enhanced the community’s ownership and involvement in the parks system, but he created a legacy for others to follow.

Freeman’s nephew, William Freeman, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Arlington L. Freeman (1934-2003)

Frank Michael Reilly (1954-)

Born in 1935 in Fayette County, Arlington L. Freeman received his education at the Fayette County Training School, Stillman College and Alabama State University.

By the time Mike Reilly was born in 1954 in Montgomery, his father had been killed in a military airplane crash. The youngest of four children with a working mother, Reilly had ample unsupervised time after school, at night, on weekends and during summer breaks. He spent much of that time at the South YMCA in Montgomery, where he encountered role models and learned the lessons of public service and the value of volunteerism.

A longtime employee of what began as the Tuscaloosa City Recreation Department, Freeman showed a devotion to providing recreational opportunities to all areas of the community, but particularly in the West End of the City. Freeman initiated and guided the development of Palmore Park, a 175-acre development in West Tuscaloosa. He also directed youth programs including play centers, gyms, arts and crafts and games, and sports programs for all ages such as softball, basketball, swimming, track and field, and special tournaments. In 1996, Community Center Park in West End was renamed A.L. Freeman Park.

Reilly has since served on the Tuscaloosa YMCA Board of Directors for decades, working tirelessly to raise funds for the new YMCA building and also serving as the Chairman of the Board. He followed in the footsteps of his mentor, Pettus Randall, III, in investing time and treasure in the Tuscaloosa community. As CEO of Randall-Reilly, he was able to undertake

Susan Phifer Cork

Arlington L. Freeman

capital campaigns such as a new church for St. Francis, raising more than $6.5 million dollars.

Reilly’s interest in aiding children led him to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tuscaloosa, joining with other community leaders in resolving problems and ensuring the organization offers young people a safe place to learn and grow after school and during summer school recess.

In 2011, the Reilly family was named the Alexis de Toqueville Society Family of the Year, due in large part to Reilly’s efforts to recruit new members to the society. Because of the society, more than 7,000 local children are served annually by the United Way’s Success by Six, Jump Start and Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs.

Because of Mike Reilly’s advocacy, many individuals and organizations have been made better. He exemplifies the spirit of citizenship, the essence of leadership and the joy of service.

Betty Shirley (1927-) Betty Bailey Shirley has drawn on her personal experiences to make lasting contributions not only to Tuscaloosa County, but to the entire state of Alabama. In giving of her time, energy and resources, she has greatly improved the lives of others.

As a young adult, Shirley suffered from mental illness and was successfully treated at Bryce Hospital. Following her recovery, she spoke openly about mental illness to civic organizations and churches and became an advocate for mental health treatment and education.

Families in crisis call upon her for information, to be a listening ear, and to provide hope.

In her capacity as a mental health advocate, she has served on the board of Friends of Bryce; as co-chairman of the Hospital Ball of Druid City Hospital to raise money for a mental health wing; was a fundraiser and member of the board of Counseling Ministry

Frank Michael Reilly

Betty Shirley

Professionals; and has a lifetime membership in the Mental Health Association of Tuscaloosa County, among many others.

Shirley was named the Outstanding Member of the Mental Health Association in 1990, was named a President Bush “Point of Light,” and in 2002, the psychiatric clinic at the University of Alabama School of Medicine was named in her honor.

She is also involved in the RISE program and Crossing Points, and both programs have grown in funding and support thanks to her efforts.

In her nearly seven decades in Tuscaloosa, Betty Bailey Shirley has dedicated her life to making those around her healthier and happier. She enthusiastically gives of herself and she has made broad and lasting contributions for the good of the community.

Jimmy Warren (1954-) Born in Jasper in 1954, Jimmy Warren moved with his family from the family farm in Walker County to Holt when he was six months old so his father could start a job as a forklift driver at the Central Foundry. His mother quilted and canned vegetables to help support the family.

In school, Warren was a diligent student who was selected at Eastwood Junior High’s most outstanding student when he was in the 9th grade. At Tuscaloosa High School, he was one of the school’s outstanding seniors, and was editor of the Black Warrior. He worked three jobs to pay for college, and graduated magna cum laude.

Warren worked at Creative Displays and TotalCom, and in 1983, bought TotalCom and became its president. In the more than three decades since, TotalCom has grown to be a regional firm and represents clients throughout the Southeast. Through his agency, Warren has donated hundreds of hours of pro bono work to various charitable organizations.

Jimmy Warren

leadership roles, both in a civic capacity and in his industry. He served as president of the Tuscaloosa Advertising Federation and governor of the district, serving on the national board and elected to the Council of Governors. He was inducted into the American Advertising Federation Seventh District’s Hall of Fame and received the Barton Cummings Gold Medal, AAF’s Highest Award.

He is a founding director and serves on the advisory board of the Bank of Tuscaloosa, and served in various roles with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, including being instrumental in the creation of the Civic Hall of Fame. Warren was Member of the Year in 2000 and received the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Warren served on the City of Tuscaloosa’ Planning and Zoning Commission for 16 years and was chair for eight years; serves on the board of the Tuscaloosa Public Library and has served as a board member for PARA and a division chair for United Way, among many other boards. A loyal supporter of the University of Alabama, he is a member of the President’s Cabinet and the Board of Visitors of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. Warren also served as President of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association.

A member of University Church of Christ, Warren has devoted his life to his faith, his family, his profession and his community.

Gold Sponsors for the event were the Award Company of America, McAbee Construction, Inc., and The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences. Silver Sponsor was HudsonPoole Fine Jewelers.

Special thanks to the Alberta School of Performing Arts and Buffalo Rock Company/ Pepsi-Cola.

Additionally, Warren has taken a range of

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Chamber@WORK State of the Economy Ambassadors Enjoy Fall Kicks Off with Appreciation Dinner Economic Development Agreement Community leaders sign document to move area forward

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he 2017 Chamber in Session: State of the Economy, a sold out event held November 1 at Hotel Capstone, kicked off with elected officials and community leaders signing an economic development partnership that will help direct economic and workforce development efforts in the future.

Signed by Mayor Donna Aaron of Northport, Mayor Walt Maddox of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, University of Alabama President Stuart Bell and others, the agreement recognizes a formal partnership to promote business growth, job creation and cultivation of a strong economy.

Following the signing of the agreement, presentations were made by Kathy Deck, Director of Community and Economic Research Partnerships, The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce; Tom Spencer, Senior Research Associate, Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama; and the Honorable Jo Bonner, Vice Chancellor for Economic Development, The University of Alabama System.

At the close of the event, Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber, recognized Dara Longgrear, Executive Director, Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority for his years of service to the community. Longgrear is retiring after 31 years with the TCIDA. Following the event, attendees were invited to view the partnership agreement and also sign the document.

Chamber in Session: State of the Economy was presented by Raymond James. Gold Sponsors: City of Northport and Alumni Development & Construction. Silver Sponsors: TekLinks and Trustmark National Bank. Table Sponsors: BankFirst Financial Services, Bank of Tuscaloosa a Division of Synovus, Bryant Bank, Capstone Bank, Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Doug Hollyhand Realty, Express Employment Professionals, First South Farm Credit, FNB of Central Alabama, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Shelton State Community College.

Bobby Bragg, the Chamber’s Vice Chair for Economic Development, introduces panel members Jo Bonner, Tom Spencer and Kathy Deck.

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Jordan Morris, Principal with Ward Scott Architecture and current chair of the Chamber Ambassadors, congratulates Ambassador of the Quarter Emily Bryant of the Tuscaloosa News.

C

hamber Ambassadors gathered at R. Davidson Chophouse for their Fall Appreciation Dinner November 15, to enjoy great food and celebrate their achievements over the previous quarter.

Members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors joined the Ambassadors to thank them for their great work.

Emily Bryant of the Tuscaloosa News was honored as the Ambassador of the Quarter.

Ambassadors are volunteers from member businesses who perform a range of activities within the Chamber, including welcoming new members to the organization and sharing with them ways to get the most out of their membership through an informal mentor relationship.

Ambassadors serve as greeters at most Chamber events and assist Chamber staff with groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings. The Ambassador experience aids in the development of future Chamber leaders and is an excellent networking experience for participants.

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CRIMSON ALL OVER

Here We GROW Again RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUNDBREAKINGS | SEPTEMBER 9-DECEMBER 18

CAPSTONE KIDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

4320 Watermelon Rd. Northport, AL 35473 (205) 710-5555 Michael Oliver

DOTSON’S BURGER SPOT

2322 4th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 248-2493 Justin Holt

ALL IN ADVENTURES

1800 McFarland Blvd., Suite 302 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (662) 316-4247 Jonathan Peek

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WHITAKER FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

204 McFarland Circle N Tuscaloosa, AL 35406-1800 (205) 462-3745 Kathy Chappell

ANCHORED CHIROPRACTIC

917 McFarland Boulevard Northport, AL 35476 205-523-4651 Blake Baggett

AJIAN SUSHI

1914 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 331-4245 Pete Zimmer

Here We GROW Again RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUNDBREAKINGS | SEPTEMBER 9-DECEMBER 18

CENTRAL MESA

519 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 523-7738 Craig Williams

PHILLY BOYZ CHEESESTEAKS

1306 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-1004 Matt Tanner

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

608 James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 759-1268 Carol Ann Gray

ESCAPE TUSCALOOSA

1663 McFarland Blvd. N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 248-2115 Darlene Ellis

BEACON PLACE

4400 Beacon Place Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 343-1700 Greg Wood

THE NOOK

2820 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-9407 David Summerville

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NORTHPORT COMMUNITY FINANCE

#80 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 5 Northport, AL 35476 (205) 764-5944 Regina Watts

LA COCINA

3520 McFarland Blvd. East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 561-6851 Alex Sanchez

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP? Contact Kimberly Adams at (205) 391-0327

SLEEP OUTFITTERS NORTHPORT

2601 McFarland Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 614-3902 Frederick Molden

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2018 Calendar of Events | WINTER JANUARY 19 ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS CELEBRATION The Bryant Conference Center | 5 p.m.

Presented by

JANUARY 23 LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS & SKILLS TRAINING The Chamber | 8:30 a.m.

Presented by

JANUARY 30 BREAKFAST & BIZ UPerk | 7 a.m.

Presented by

U PERK

FEBRUARY 7-8 WOW 2.0 Shelton State Community College

Presented by

FEBRUARY 7-8 MONTGOMERY DRIVE-IN

Presented by

FEBRUARY 13 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Trustmark Bank | 5 p.m.

Presented by

FEBRUARY 21 STRATEGIC PLANNING TRAINING The Chamber | 8:30 p.m.

Presented by

MARCH 20 COMMUNICATION TRAINING The Chamber | 1p.m.

Presented by

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Next Level Investors GAMECHANGERS - $25,000+ ANNUALLY

Comparative

ECONOMIC INDICATORS OCTOBER 2016 VS OCTOBER 2017 BUSINESS LICENSES

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY

CEO COUNCIL

Alabama One Credit Union; The Bank of Tuscaloosa division of Synovus; BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing/Michelin; Cardiology Consultants; Harrison Construction, Inc.; Hunt Refining; JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Knight Sign Industries, Inc.; Miers Pass Philanthropy; Rosen Harwood, Attorneys at Law; Shelton State Community College; The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences

City of Tuscaloosa 2016 188 2017 168 City of Northport 2016 23 2017 28

VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS

City of Tuscaloosa 2016 $44,061,399 2017 $24,633,184

INVESTOR LEADERS

Adams Beverages; Alabama Credit Union; AT&T; Cintas; Coca-Cola Bottling Company; Coral Industries; Industrial Warehouse Services; McGiffert & Associates; Parker Towing; Pritchett-Moore, Inc.; Spire Energy; Thompson Tractor; The University of Alabama System; Walker & Associates; The WHMZ Group at Morgan Stanley; ZF Chassis Systems

GROWTH PARTNERS

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama; Boone Newspapers; Buffalo Rock / Pepsi Cola; The Builders Group of West Alabama; Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc.; Community Service Programs of West Alabama; D.T. & Freight Co., Inc.; Ellis Architects, Inc.; Fitts Agency; Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill; Lance Hocutt Financial Group; Lear; The Legacy Connection; Mercedes of Tuscaloosa; Neel-Schaffer, Inc.; Northport Auto Supply; The Radiology Clinic; Robertson Bank; TTL, Inc.; Ward Scott Architecture; Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., PC

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES Tuscaloosa County 2016 5.3% 2017 3.1%

HOMES SOLD Tuscaloosa County 2016 2017

170 195

COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES

ARD Logistics; Bama Concrete; BBVA Compass; Cadence Bank; Capstone Bank; Chick-fil-A of Northport; FNB of Central Alabama; Hampton Inn; Kyle Office Solutions; The Locker Room; Metalsa; Raymond James & Associates; Remmert & Co.; Renasant Bank; Spiller Furniture & Mattress; TotalCom, Inc.; Winter McFarland, LLC

AVERAGE SELLING PRICE Tuscaloosa County 2016 2017

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$199,292 $198,812

NEW MEMBERS| SEPT 9-DEC 18 1ST Franklin Financial Corp 1911 Skyland Blvd E Ste B-3 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 556-8141 Sheryl Dykes Alabama One Agency Insurance Services 1215 Veterans Memorial Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 342-0112 Martin Houston All In Adventures 1800 McFarland Blvd., Suite 302 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (662) 316-4247 Jonathan Peek

Bryce Hospital 1651 Ruby Tyler Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 507-8300 Shelia Penn

Dotson's Burger Spot 2322 4th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 248-2493 Justin Holt

Lampadas 2320 6th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 343-1511 Kellyn Lee

Roly Poly Tuscaloosa 2310 4th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 248-7776 Raji Singh

SouthMark Design 2012 8th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 349-4495 Scott Smith

Building & Earth Sciences, Inc. 1490 Northbank Parkway Suite 254 Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 205-836-6300 Robert Adams

Druid Capital Partners 500 Main Avenue Suite 201 Northport, AL 35476 (205) 349-4464

Lyft Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 322-5646 Ashley Foster

Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa P.O. Box 2403 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 348-1151 Patricia Powe

Susan Duckworth Randall, Keller Williams 13529 Sharpes Lakes Road Northport, AL 35473 (205) 799-6296 Susan Randall

SheSpeaks, Inc. 2300 15th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 233-2076 Veronica Giles

The Clothes Bin 21 Windsor Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 556-0177 Elizabeth Hall

Showcase Homes (256) 749-2559 Kelly Waldrop

The Next Best Thing 1533 Heritage Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 764-0777 Alex Wright

Cartography Consulting 2330 University Blvd.

Suite 301 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-650-9622 Cooper Shattuck

B-Squared Consultants 3421 Willow Ridge Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 256-310-3263 Ben Bickerstaff

Christy's Ladies' Apparel and Gift Boutique 315 Main Avenue Northport, AL 35476 (205) 330-1722 Christy White

Belt & Bruner, P.C. 121 Coosa St Ste 230 Montgomery, AL 361042506 (334) 513-1841 Katie Backovski

Crimson Capitol Group 535 Jack Warner Parkway, Suite L-1 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 394-7105 Brett LaFerrera

Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama 2720 6th Street #100 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 758-5734 Danielle McInerney

Dataperk 2515 6th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-879-4600 Cliff Marian

Blo Go Blow Dry Bar & Salon 2370 Jack Warner Parkway, Suite A106 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Lee Garrison Broadway Pizza Hwy. 43 4550 Station Way Northport, AL 35473 (205) 330-6969 Eric Wyatt

Direct Auto & Life Insurance 3615 McFarland Blvd. E Suite 105 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 650-3255 Cindy Hartwig Disabled American Veterans 448 65th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 247-4862 William George

Martin Holt Escape Tuscaloosa 1663 McFarland Blvd. N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 248-2115 Darlene Ellis Etiquette Manor Alabama, LLC 2123 9th Street Suite 203 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (305) 469-7822 Robin Wells Gulf Supreme of Central Alabama 2712 Southside Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 251-8010 Jim North H&R Block McFarland Plaza, 2600 McFarland Blvd E SP L2 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 260-0793 Lisa Chambers Hoffmann Group USA 202 N. Seven Oaks Drive Knoxville, TN 37922 (844) 448-7725 Colleen Kukla

Magical Moments Formal Attire 2415 13th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 752-7161 Glenda Daffron Moe's 69S 6571 Hwy 69 S, Suite A Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 233-1396 Laura Moss Netcinity 48 Meadowlawn Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 246-2323 Willie Kimbrough Northport Community Finance #80 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 5 Northport, AL 35476 (205) 764-5944 Regina Watts Pinnacle Physician Group 2700 Hospital Drive Northport, AL 35476 (205) 344-9019 Charles Abney

KC3 Kreations LLC (205) 765-8919 Andi Phillips

Powell Insurance Group 1641 W. McFarland Blvd., Suite A-3 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 342-3221 Ryan Powell

Lake Tuscaloosa Texaco 15007 Hwy 43 Northport, AL 35475 (205) 333-1534 Anwar Ali

Richlyn Farms 11310 House Bend Road Northport, AL 35475 (205) 792-8037 Lynn Kincaid

Sledge Landscaping 5102 Greenview Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Marcus Sledge Sleep Outfitters Northport 2601 McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 (205) 614-3902 Frederick Molden Sleep Outfitters Tuscaloosa 1413 McFarland Blvd. East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 344-6125 Ashlee Wagner Smokey Ridge Floral and Events 15680 Smokey Ridge Road Knoxsville, AL 35469 (205) 391-8773 Carrie Dailey Southern Shirt Company 3711 Palisades Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 764-6842 Valerie Starks

The Nook 2820 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-9407 David Summerville Varicosity Vein Center 1649 McFarland Boulevard North #201 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 592-1800 Robbie Higgins Wilhagan's Grille & Taproom 2209 4th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 366-0913 Robert Wildman WinTek Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 657-2867 Brian Winters XpressMart 3735 McFarland Blvd East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 454-6497 Todd Turner

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