Rising Tide - Fall 2018

FA L L

2018

Published in partnership with

The Tuscaloosa News

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA

LEXINGTON BENCHMARKING TRIP 2018 Lessons from the Bluegrass State!

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CONTENTS 4

A Word from Our Leadership

COVER STORY

Lexington Benchmarking Trip 6 CHAMBER@Work

Education Summit

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15

New Members

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Next Level Investors/ Comparative Economic Indicators

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Here We Grow Again

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PUBLISHED BY

A Word from Our Leadership BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATIONS

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

I applaud the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce leadership for its vision in organizing trips to other cities in an effort to gain information and ideas about how we can improve the quality of life for the people of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama.

While I was unable to make the trip to Greenville, South Carolina, what I have heard about that trip suggests there are many ideas we can apply here in Tuscaloosa. I am excited about what we learned regarding collaborations between the arts and the business community and understand that we will soon see some of these collaborations in our area.

The trip to Lexington, Kentucky was well planned, informative and fun. The balance between social and information gathering sessions was especially well executed, making it possible for us to learn about things to consider implementing back home while providing us with an opportunity to get to know each other better as well as develop new friendships with other business and civic leaders from our area.

Connect with the Chamber Join us on Facebook Facebook/chambertusc Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/chambertusc

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The successful collaborations between the University of Kentucky and the city/county government in Lexington were especially impressive, and I look forward to being a part of our efforts to build on the great collaborations that exists between The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community.

I am excited about our upcoming trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee and encourage those who are interested in learning more about how we can better work together to improve the quality of life for citizens of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama to join us on this trip.

Dr. Samory Pruitt Vice President for Community Affairs The University of Alabama 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 TARA BULLOCK Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Workforce Development (205) 391-0559 tara@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 ALICIA GREGORY Executive Assistant (205) 391-0561 alicia@tuscaloosachamber.com

Annette Smallwood of Northport talks to Commissioner Stan Acker following the Northport Community Engagement Dinner.

COMMISSIONER ACKER ADDRESSES PACKED HOUSE AT NORTHPORT ENGAGEMENT DINNER Tuscaloosa County Commissioner Stan Acker served as the guest speaker for the summer Northport Engagement Dinner, presented by The Levee Bar and Grill June 26.

Commissioner Acker, whose district encompasses Northport, spoke on a number of topics that impacted Northport, including roads and infrastructure. He also encouraged citizens to get involved, noting that the community needs involved residents to serve on boards and committees as decisionmakers.

Following the dinner, the commissioner took questions ranging from road projects to the new E911 center that is locating in Northport.

LOWANDA JAMES Director of Information Services (205) 758-7588 lowanda@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 CAROLYN TUBBS Director of Education Programs (205) 391-0561 robin@tuscaloosachamber.com AUDREY VAUGHN Rural Outreach Coordinator, Workforce Development (205) 758-7588 KATHERINE WALDON Project Manager, Workforce Development (205) 391-0331 katherine@tuscaloosachamber.com

Northport Community Engagement Dinner attendees enjoyed networking before the evening's event.

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COVER STORY

Chamber Takes 90+ to Lexington for Annual Benchmarking Trip BUSINESS OWNERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS GAIN KNOWLEDGE ON CITY’S SUCCESS STORY More than 90 businessmen and women, elected officials, and community leaders traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, June 15 for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama's annual Benchmarking Trip.

Chosen for its nationally-recognized economic growth, successful public-private partnerships, cultural health, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, Lexington features an urban county form of government, ranks 10th among U.S. cities in college education rate, and is home to a fellow SEC school, the University of Kentucky. The delegation felt Lexington was the perfect delegation for the group's second benchmarking trip.

"New relationships were created, existing relationships were strengthened, and countless one-on-one conversations were had that will pay serious dividends going forward," said Chamber President and CEO Jim Page.

The event kicked off Sunday evening with a reception at Creaux, a New Orleans-inspired cocktail bar in downtown Lexington. During the reception, Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington, gave attendees a "big picture" overview of Lexington; sharing both the history of the city and plans for the future.

Day Two began at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center. A once thriving venue that hosted jazz, soul and R&B legends, the Lyric was closed for 50 years until renovated and reopened in 2010. At the Lyric, Mayor Jim Gray of Lexington-Fayette County highlighted elements of the city's success, placing particular emphasis on the educational institutions in the area, and noting that nearly 40 percent of Lexington's population possesses a college degree. "Higher education has been a big deal for us," he said.

In discussing the 21st century knowledge economy, Gray noted university cities such as Lexington and, perhaps, Tuscaloosa, develop

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attributes perfect for that economy, including high rates of education and entrepreneurship, innovation, a focus on arts and culture with a large nonprofit sector. Gray said it was also important to have low crime, unemployment and a low cost of living.

Bill Lear, Chairman Emeritus of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Immediate Past Chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair of Commerce Lexington and a Representative in the Kentucky General Assembly from 1985 to 1994, explained how Lexington had evolved over the years, and how their structure of government had come about.

He discussed the pros and cons of a merged government.

A panel discussion tackled Lexington's "one-stop" economic development, and featured Kevin Atkins, Chief Development Officer for Lexington-Fayette County; Gina Greathouse, Executive Vice President Economic Development for Commerce Lexington; and Eric Hartman, Director of the Lexington Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network.

Dr. Jacqueline Morgan with The University of Alabama and Katy Beth Jackson, Carly Standridge and Audrey Buck with the City of Tuscaloosa at the opening reception.

Tuscaloosa City Councilor Sonya McKinstry and Tuscaloosa City Board of Education Member Erica Grant during the education session. At right Tuscaloosa City Councilor Eddie Pugh.

During a luncheon at the Mane on Main, Tom Harris, Vice President for University Relations, the University of Kentucky, discussed UK's role in economic development in the area, as well as detailing partnerships within the Lexington community.

Afternoon breakout sessions offered a range of critical topics for attendees. During the arts and culture breakout session, LexArts President and CEO Nan Plummer delivered an overview of how the arts community is structured, funded and operated, promoting Lexington’s cultural health. VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer gave tourism breakout attendees a deep dive into Lexington’s experience economy. Jim Duncan with the Lexington-Fayette County Division of Planning gave group members an overview of planning practices, community development tools and tax structure, while Betsy Dexter with Commerce Lexington shared information on how business-education partnerships help to meet the area’s workforce development needs. Attendees interested in entrepreneurship and innovation gathered at the downtown incubator, Awesome Inc, for an overview of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem is promoted and sustained.

Following the breakout sessions, attendees felt their positive attitudes toward West Alabama were strengthened, while also gaining ideas to move forward.

From left, Rodney Pelt, Bobby Buffaloe, Greg Byrne and Jim Page tour visiting team locker room facilities in Rupp Arena.

“There will be lots of follow up from the conversations we had,” said Ron Price, Vice President of Construction and Development, Bill Lunsford Construction.

At the close of Day Two, attendees enjoyed networking, dinner and a private tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Day three of the event concentrated on West Alabama’s need for event space, as attendees toured the Lexington Center and Rupp Arena. Bill Owen, President and CEO of the Lexington Center Corporation, gave a detailed overview of the structure, funding and operations of the public-private partnership that is critical to downtown Lexington’s development and the area’s experience economy.

Greg Byrne, Athletic Director, the University of Alabama, told attendees he had been able to view the athletic program with a fresh set of eyes, and provided an update on potential renovations to Coleman Coliseum.

During a post-event wrap-up session, benchmarking trip attendees discussed how lessons learned in Lexington can be applied in West Alabama, and discussed the need for successful public-private partnerships and a commitment to long-range planning and collaborative efforts.

At the close of the trip, Blake Madison of Rosen Harwood, PA, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber, announced the destination for the 2019 Benchmarking Trip will be Chattanooga, Tennessee, where topics will include downtown redevelopment and riverfront development.

Participants for the 2018 Lexington Benchmarking Trip: Chase Adcox, CBA Properties; Senator Gerald Allen, Alabama State Senate; Tanner Ashcraft, Hamner Real Estate, LLC; Dr. Bill Ashley, Shelton State Community College; Ben Bickerstaff, The University of Alabama; Dan Blakely, Inventure Renewables, Inc.; Janee Bonner; Bobby Bragg, JamisonMoneyFarmer

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PC; Alvin Brewer, City of Tuscaloosa; Audrey Buck, City of Tuscaloosa; Bobby Buffaloe, Home Instead Senior Care; Stephaine Buffaloe, Home Instead Senior Care; Greg Byrne, The University of Alabama; Paul Connolly, TCC Acquisition Partners, LLC; Steve Diorio, WVUA23; David DuBose, Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa; Amy Echols, Kentuck; Mike Ellis, Ellis Architects; Matthew Fajack, The University of Alabama; Erica Grant, Tuscaloosa City Board of Education; Alicia Gregory, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Laura Gregory, Laura K. Gregory, PC; Chris Gunter, Buffalo Rock Company/PepsiCola; Angela Hamiter, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Drew Hamiter; Patrick Hamner, Bryant Bank, Tuscaloosa City Board of Education; Jim Harrison, III, Harrison Galleries; Kaye Harrison; Bruce Higginbotham, City of Northport; Cal Holt, Knight Sign Industries; Dana Holt; Justin Holt, Southern Ale House, Dotson's; Councilor Raeven Howard, City of Tuscaloosa; Bobby Ingram, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Molly Ingram, DCH Health System; Katy Beth Jackson, City of Tuscaloosa; Carla Jones; Donny Jones, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Steve Kellough, Raymond James; Drew Kyle, Kyle Office Solutions; Robert Lanoux, Ward Scott Architecture; James Leitner, The Radiology Clinic; Councilman Jay Logan, City of Northport; Bill Lunsford, Bill Lunsford Construction, Inc.; Cathy Lunsford; Blake Madison, Rosen Harwood, P.A.; Susan Madison; John Malone, iHeartMedia; Jenny Mann, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra; Amy Materson, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Barry May, Alabama Community College System; Jill McDonald, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Councilor Sonya McKinstry, City of Tuscaloosa; Kimberly McMurray, Behavioral Health Facility Consulting, Inc.; Gary Minor, Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority; Dr. Jacqueline Morgan, The University of Alabama; John Murdock, Greek Resource

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Services, Inc., Dr. Charles Nash, The University of Alabama System; Hattie Nash; Councilor Phyllis Odom, City of Tuscaloosa; Jim Page, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; David Pass, Miers Pass Philanthropy; Rodney Pelt, Mind Changers, Inc.; Jordan Plaster, Plaster, Scarvey and Associates of Ameriprise; Lesley Powell; Tripp Powell, Kuykendall & Powell Oil Co.; Jabaree Prewitt, WVUA23; Deborah Price; Ron Price, Bill Lunsford Construction, Inc.; Dr. Samory Pruitt, The University of Alabama; Cherry Pugh; Councilor Eddie Pugh, City of Tuscaloosa; Sandra Ray, The Arts & Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.; Josh Rivers, The University of Alabama; Rob Robertson; Robert Shaw; Hamner Real Estate; Justice Smyth, Alabama Transportation Institute; Al Spencer, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Leanne Spencer; Don Staley, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports; Carly Standridge, City of Tuscaloosa; Rob Steward, Alabama Power

Sen. Gerald Allen with Lesley and Tripp Powell.

Company; Mark Sullivan, Synovus; Mary Mike Sullivan; Dr. Rick Swatloski, The University of Alabama; Brandy Walker; Jason Walker, TTL, Inc.; Glenda Webb, City of Tuscaloosa; Hays Webb, Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office; Bryan Winter, Winter McFarland, LLC; Sandra Wolfe, The Arts & Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. The 2018 Benchmarking Trip was presented by The University of Alabama.

The Platinum Sponsor was TTL, Inc. Gold Sponsors were Plaster, Scarvey and Associates; Bryant Bank; Miers Pass Philanthropy; TekLinks; Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports; and Winter McFarland, Attorneys and Counselors at Law. The Bronze Sponsor was Southland Benefit Solutions.

k r o W @ R E B M A CH

Fall 2018

2018 ADOPT-ASCHOOL KICK-OFF FEATURES PANEL DISCUSSION The 2018 Adopt-A-School Kickoff, presented by Smile Doctors, was held Wednesday, August 1 and featured a panel discussion moderated

by Terri Brewer of WBRC Fox 6.

Featuring panelists Subrina Champion of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., Kimberli Fondren of Vance Elementary School, Heath Hendrix of Onin Staffing and Dr. Clarence Sutton of Central High School, the panel discussed some of the successes their particular partnerships have created for students.

DANIEL BRADSHAW NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER

Awards were also presented during the event.

Thirty-year award recipients were the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and Westwood Elementary; DCH Regional Medical Center and Hillcrest High; and Nucor Steel of Tuscaloosa, Inc. Twenty-year award recipients were Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. and Vance Elementary.

Decade of Excellence awards were presented to Alabama Credit Union; Alabama One Credit Union and Northport Elementary; The Legacy Connection and Duncanville Middle; SmartBank and Northridge High; and Tiger Rock Martial Arts, Northport and Northport Elementary.

Congratulations to Daniel Bradshaw, the Chamber's Ambassador of the Quarter!

Daniel is employed by the Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors.

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.

CHAMBER@Work

2018 DIVERSITY SUMMIT FEATURES COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS The Minority Business Council of West Alabama’s fourth annual Small Business Diversity Summit was held Tuesday, June 5 at the Bryant Conference Center and centered around the theme “Courageous Conversations.”

“MBC is a program of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama that focuses on fostering the growth and competitiveness of minority and women-owned businesses by providing networking and business educational opportunities,” says Carolyn Tubbs, Director of Education Programs for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

“The Diversity Summit is a great way to offer several of these opportunities at one time, as well as, an opportunity to make a real connection with other businesses, or organizations that can truly help with expanding a business.”

This year’s summit was structured upon issues related to both women and minority-owned businesses and offered a variety of educational and networking opportunities. The keynote speaker was Chapelle Davis, vice president, chief diversity officer, and director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion. She also serves as an executive sponsor for the Women Inspiring Success and Empowerment employee resource network. Davis spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion in her own career as well as what she’s learned about diversity, equity and inclusion from other people and their career fields.

Presenting sponsors were ARD Logistics-Alabama, LLC, and The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies – Bama At Work. Gold sponsors included Bryant Bank, Stillman College, and TekLinks.

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“MBC is a program of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama that focuses on fostering the growth and competitiveness of minority and women-owned businesses by providing networking and business educational opportunities…”

The 2018 vendors for this event are Alabama One Credit Union, Allstate Coley Agency, ARD Logistics-Alabama, Cadence B a n k , Ce nt a u r B u i l d i n g Ser vices, DCH Employee Assistance Program, FNB of Central Alabama, The Legacy Connection, LiftFund, Renasant Bank, Trustmark Bank, TuscaBlue, The University of West Alabama, DBE Supportive Services, and Woodforest National Bank.

CHAMBER@Work

EDUCATION SUMMIT TACKLES SCHOOL SAFETY School safety was the featured topic at the 2018 Education Summit, held June 21 at Hotel Capstone.

Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and Dr. Walter Davie, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa County Schools, were joined by Sheriff Ron Abernathy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Chief Steve Anderson of the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Chief Gerald Burton of the Northport Police Department for a panel discussion.

The panelists talked about the various ways the departments worked in conjunction to keep students and faculty safe, and the challenges posed by the different facilities. All of the law enforcement agencies stressed every situation was investigated fully, and that cooperation and communication between the schools and the agencies was a priority.

The 2018 Education Summit was presented by Ellis Architects.

Silver Sponsors were Boostr Digital Displays, The Bryant Conference Center, Hotel Capstone and TekLinks.

The Bronze Sponsor was RiverFall Credit Union.

Table Sponsors were Alabama One Credit Union; Barnett Jones Wilson, LLC; Bryant Bank; Community Service Programs of West Alabama; JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Neel-Schaffer, Inc.; Shelton State Community College; Tuscaloosa City Board of Education; Tuscaloosa County Board of Education; Walker Associates, Inc./ TTL, Inc.

The Chamber’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Blake Madison of Rosen Harwood, PA (third from left), introduces the Education Summit panel, including Dr. Mike Daria, Dr. Walter Davie, Chief Gerald Burton, Chief Steve Anderson and Sheriff Ron Abernathy.

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CHAMBER@Work

TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT FEATURES UPDATES; FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

Northport City Administrator Bruce Higginbotham addresses a sold-out crowd.

Officials from the City of Northport, City of Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Transportation spoke to a sold out crowd at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama's annual Transportation Summit July 26, focusing not only on current projects, but also on future technology.

Northport City Administrator Bruce Higginbotham discussed road improvements impacting Union Chapel Road and Highway 69; projects that are expected to improve traffic flow through realignment and turn lanes.

"These projects will not only improve traffic flow in the City of Northport, it will improve the quality of life for our citizens," Higginbotham said. "It's not just vehicular traffic, but pedestrians as well.

Higginbotham credited the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission for providing funding for Northport projects. Higginbotham also addressed downtown Northport, saying the city has applied for grant funding for a Main Avenue Streetscape project to address needed riverfront development.

"This should have been done a long time ago," he said. "It's the highest priority. This is the most underutilized part of the city."

Jarrod Milligan, Deputy Executive Director for Infrastructure and Public Services for the City

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of Tuscaloosa, gave attendees an overview of the IPS department. The largest department in the city, Milligan said the department is committed to working together to do more with less.

Milligan touched on the progress of several projects, including the James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway Phase II project, and 10th Avenue improvements, which are expected to begin July 31 with resurfacing, lighting, extended sidewalks and storm drainage improvements.

Project lists can be found on the City's website.

The summit closed with Nick Crane from the Alabama Department of Transportation and Dr. Alex Hainen from the University of Alabama College of Engineering, who spoke on connected technology, and how the future of the region will be affected by public-private partnerships, information and data, and multidiscipline collaborations.

Angela Hamiter and Rachel Taylor of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC attend the 2018 Transportation Summit.

The 2018 Transportation Summit was presented by Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc. Gold Sponsors were Hunt Refining Company, McGiffert and Associates, LLC; Southland International Trucks, Inc., TTL, Inc., and WTI Transport, Inc. Table Sponsors were JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Rumsey Environmental and The University of Alabama.

Dr. Alex Hainen of The University of Alabama talks with Ryan Stallings of Alabama One Credit Union.

CHAMBER@Work

PAGE NAMED STATEWIDE CHAMBER PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama named Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the 2018 Chamber Professional of the Year.

The award, presented at the CCAA Summer Conference in Point Clear, Alabama, recognizes the exemplary performance and leadership of an Alabama chamber professional to his or her local chamber and professional achievements of the candidate.

“Jim is to be commended for receiving the 2018 CCAA Chamber Professional of the Year Award,” said Heather Brothers New, President of The Chamber, Gadsden and Etowah County, and the 2018 Chairwoman of the CCAA Board of Directors. “He most certainly represents the highest standards in our profession.”

Jeremy L. Arthur, President and CEO of the CCAA, said Page is a true chamber professional. “Jim’s nomination alone is a true testament

that highlights why the panel of judges selected him as this year’s recipient. His service to his local chamber, and our state organization, is proof that he is among the best of the best.”

Criteria evaluated included experience, training and education, service to CCAA and other professional organizations, service to chamber colleagues, ethical conduct in dealing with others, a highly developed sense of professionalism, leadership, and an abiding desire to advance the profession of chamber management.

Non-professional criteria evaluated included: non-chamber related community participation, civic participation, and religious, charitable and educational related activities. An out-of-state panel of chamber executives served as the review panel and award selection committee.

“Jim Page is the consummate professional and I am so pleased that The Chamber of

Chamber President and CEO Jim Page Commerce Association of Alabama is recognizing Jim’s leadership and his exemplary work," said Blake Madison, shareholder with Rosen Harwood and Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Jim has helped lead our Chamber to attain a level of relevance and involvement in the growth of our region never before seen. His dedication to making our community and state a better place is evident in all that he does.”

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NEW Members

May 19-August 30

TOMMY BEASLEY CONSTRUCTION 17060 Highway 69 N. Northport AL 35475 (205) 330-9944 Thomas Beasley MCMILLAN TRUCKING COMPANY 380 Ingate Road Centreville AL 35042 (205) 926-9956 Mike McMillan ENERGY TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLC 14176 Highway 69 N. Northport AL 35475 (205)330-7994 Mike Williams DRUID CITY SCHOOL OF BALLET 2502 7th Street Tuscaloosa AL 35401 (205) 872-7782 Amy Ahmed BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF WEST ALABAMA 2201 Positive Place Tuscaloosa AL 35404 (205) 553-3879 Kim Turner

ARCHIBALD AND WOODROW'S BBQ 1211 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Northport AL 35476 (205) 826-0288 Woodrow Washington III CHILDREN AND TEEN DENTAL 221 Rice Mine Road NE, Ste. A Tuscaloosa AL 35406 (205) 758-3341 Teresa Cooper

SOUTHEAST MORTGAGE OF GEORGIA, INC. 1635 N. McFarland Blvd.

Ste. 503 Tuscaloosa AL 35406 (800) 344-8788 Dusty Lee

ERNEST & HADLEY BOOKSELLERS 1928 7th Street Tuscaloosa AL 35401 (205) 632 5331 Easty Lambert-Brown

MURPHY USA 2401 McFarland Blvd.

East Tuscaloosa AL 35405 (870) 814-8653 Marketa Johnson

HIGH SOCKS FOR HOPE INC. 3617 McFarland Blvd.

Northport AL 35476 (205) 454-8434 Judy Holland

WORLD OF BEER TUSCALOOSA JONES ACCOUNTING 2701 University Blvd.

SERVICES SOLUTIONS Tuscaloosa AL 35401 (205) 614-4406 (251) 442-5683 Yolanda Jones Daniel Eggers

MURPHY USA NORTHPORT 5700 McFarland Blvd.

Northport AL 35476 (205) 339-3876 Marketa Johnson

OVERFLOW EXPRESS WASH 90 Skyland Blvd. East Tuscaloosa AL 35405 (205) 248-2991 Hugh Overmyer

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA Office of Student Media 414 Campus Drive East Tuscaloosa AL 35487 (205) 348-8034 Julie Salter

SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 8132 Old Federal Rd. Montgomery AL 36117 THE LIVE LIKE LIBBY- WHATABURGER #2 GOURMADE KITCHEN, SPRINT BY ABSOLUTE (256) 710-1318 Maudie Bedford WIRELESS 1301 McFarland Blvd. E. LLC LOVE LIKE LIBBY Tuscaloosa AL 35404 1875 McFarland Blvd. N. 3615 McFarland Blvd.

THE UPS STORE #2777 FOUNDATION TUSCALOOSA E. #104 (210) 476-6000 Tuscaloosa AL 35406 1105 Southview Lane 1486 County Rd 21 PRIMARY CARE Tuscaloosa AL 35405 Shannan Anderson (205) 826-3160 Ste. 103 Gordo AL 35466 100 Towncenter Blvd., (205) 752-8257 Taylor Pearce Tuscaloosa AL 35405 (205)292-2121 Suite 300 Jason Hollingsworth HEALING (205) 345 -5345 Laurel Campbell Tuscaloosa AL 35406 COMMUNITIES 3D DANCE Chris Van Dyke SCHOOLYARD ROOTS (205) 710-3838 FOUNDATION, INC. 4029 Greensboro Ave. THE UNIVERSITY OF Melanie Tyler P.O. Box 2374 Unit B ALABAMA MENTOR ALABAMA SCHOOL OF Tuscaloosa AL 35401 Tuscaloosa AL 35401 (205) 246-1656 Tuscaloosa AL 35405 631 Beacon Parkway SOCIAL WORK THE KRYSTAL (205) 523-5450 Krystle White (205) 860-5964 West, Ste. 114 670 Judy Bonner Drive COMPANY Stephanie Reinhart Kristen Brister Birmingham AL 35209 Tuscaloosa AL 35401 3710 McFarland Blvd TUSCALOOSA (205) 945-4810 x 2522 (205) 348-7027 Tuscaloosa AL 35405 CHAPTER OF CREDIT SUNLAND LOGISTICS REDSHIFT Staci Mitchell Amanda Dobbins 130 Inverness Plaza,Ste (559) 283-5981 UNIONS SOLUTIONS Nicole Echelard CRUNCH FITNESS A YOU-NIQUE TOUCH 1215 Veterans Memorial 10400 Technology Drive 340 Birmingham AL 35242 Pkwy.

Cottondale AL 35453 3325 McFarland Blvd.

Tuscaloosa AL 35401 (205) 747-3100 Tuscaloosa AL 35404 (205) 210-4340 Tuscaloosa AL 35405 (205) 886-4604 Glenn Lewis (205) 342-0118 Deaushay Watts (205) 737-0738 Mary Thomas Tanya Winstead Charlie Gresham

Fall OCTOBER 4

Presented by

NOVEMBER 1 QUICKBOOKS FOR THE INTERMEDIATE The Chamber | 4 p.m.

OCTOBER 9

SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE FNB of Central Alabama | 11:30 a.m.

OCTOBER 11-12

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 8

WORLDS OF WORK Shelton State Community College

CHAMBER IN SESSION: STATE OF THE ECONOMY Embassy Suites | 7:30 a.m.

OCTOBER 17

NOVEMBER 13

RECRUITING, INTERVIEWING, ONBOARDING, & RETAINING EMPLOYEES JamisonMoneyFarmer Training Room | 1 p.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Alabama One Credit Union | 5 p.m.

OCTOBER 30

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Synovus Plaza | 5 p.m.

Former Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza

BREAKFAST & BIZ Hotel Indigo | 7 a.m.

NORTHPORT VISION CENTER, LLC 5710 McFarland Blvd.

Northport AL 35476 (205) 333-7859 Riley Austin TUSCALOOSA CHARTER BUS COMPANY DOWNTOWN Tuscaloosa AL 35401 (205) 610-8663 Hala Faruqi

2018 Calendar of Events

2018 NORTHPORT CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON Five Points Baptist Church | 11:30 a.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Home 2 Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa | 5 p.m.

RING LIGHT PHOTOS 225 Oxmoor Cir., Suite 804 Homewood AL 35209 (205) 678-0845 Danny Brewer

DECEMBER 11

Presented by

Comparative

ECONOMIC INDICATORS JUNE 2017 VS JUNE 2018

GAMECHANGERS - $25,000+ ANNUALLY

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY

VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS

City of Tuscaloosa 2017 $13,850,181 2018 $23,347,069

HOMES SOLD Tuscaloosa County 2017 2018

280 320

CEO COUNCIL – $10,000

Alabama One Credit Union | Belflex Staffing Network | BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing/Michelin | Cardiology Consultants | Harrison Construction, Inc. | Hunt Refining | JamisonMoneyFarmer PC | Knight The 2018 Graduates of the Forerunners program.

Sign Industries, Inc. | Miers Pass Philanthropy | Rosen Harwood, Attorneys at Law | Shelton State Community College | Synovus | The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences

INVESTOR LEADERS – $5,000

Adams Beverages | Alabama Credit Union | AT&T | Cintas | Coca-Cola Bottling Company | Coral Industries | Industrial Warehouse Services | John Plott Co., Inc. | McGiffert & Associates | Parker Towing | PritchettMoore, Inc. | Spire Energy | Thompson Tractor | TTL, Inc. | The University of Alabama System | The Westervelt Company | The WHMZ Group at Morgan Stanley | ZF Chassis Systems

GROWTH PARTNERS – $2,500

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 | DT Freight Co., Inc. | Ellis Architects, Inc. | Fitts Agency | Harrison Galleries | 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 Banking Company | Ward Scott Architecture | Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., PC

COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES – $1,500

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

16 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES Tuscaloosa County 2017 5.2% 2018 5.0%

EMPLOYED Tuscaloosa County 2017 94,053 2018 94,532

AVERAGE SELLING PRICE Tuscaloosa County 2017 2018

$261,665 $233,943

IN A G A W O R G E W E R HE March 5-May 18

RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUNDBREAKINGS

NORTHRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

3811 Northridge Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-3578 | Principal Lynda Ingram

DRUID CITY SCHOOL OF BALLET

2502 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 872-7782 | Amy Ahmed

RECESS4ROVER

(205) 886-5702 | David & Tina Miller

OVERFLOW EXPRESS WASH

90 Skyland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 248-2991 | Hugh Overmyer

OAKDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

5001 25th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-3626 | Lucille Prewitt

MURPHY USA EXPRESS

2401 McFarland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (870) 814-8653 | Marketa Johnson

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC

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ONIN STAFFING

1110 15th St. Ste. 1 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 342-0616 | Heath Hendrix

3D DANCE

4029 Greensboro Ave., Unit B Tuscaloosa 35404 (205) 860-5964 | Kristen Brister

HASSON COMMUNITY CENTER

1513 12th St. Northport, AL 35473 Woodrow Washington

WHATABURGER

1301 McFarland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 759-2879 | John Martinez

18 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM

ARCADIA ELEMENTARY

315 McFarland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 759-3567 | Judy Hajek

ST. THOMAS

922 23rd Ave. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 554-1792 | Clay Hudson

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

4115 Courtney Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 750-8389 | Kenneth Smoot

MATHNASIUM OF TUSCALOOSA

1800 McFarland Blvd. E. Ste. 303 Tuscaloosa, 35404 (205) 764-1901 | Genelle Pernia

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC

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