Rising Tide - Spring 2020

STRONGER TOGETHER

CHAMBER PIVOTS TO COVID-19 PROGRAMMING

MEMBERS SHIFT TO COMMUNITY SUPPORT

SMALL BUSINESS

RELIEF FUND

CHAMBER, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP

UNSUNG HEROES PUBLIC WORKERS KEEP SERVICES RUNNING

TIM HARRISON president

WANDA HANNAH secretary-treasurer

HARRISON CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF FIVE NEW SHAREHOLDERS IN THE FIRM.

LANCE WYATT

vice president

Lance began his career with the firm in 1996. He is married to Julie and has two children, Cade and Cameron.

JOSH JOHNSON

vice president

Josh began his career with the firm in 2005. He is married to Lindsey and has two children, Anna Claire and Lillian.

LEAH CROWE

director of finance & administration

Leah began her career with the firm in 2001. She is married to Josh and has three children, Taylor, Dylan, and Avery.

JASON WILLIAMS

director of project operations

Jason began his career with the firm in 1999. He is married to Amy and has one child, Ella.

ROBBY ROBERTSON

director of field operations

Robby began his career with the firm in 1996. He is married to Candace and has two children, Skylar and Tate.

these outstanding employees have earned their position as shareholders through their commitment to their work product, our clients, and our firm. we appreciate the expertise that these individuals bring to our firm and are very proud of their accomplishments and dedication. we look forward to their continued commitment in providing our clients with the highest quality of professional services.

CHAMBER THINKS OF SOLUTIONS BEFORE PROBLEMS MANIFEST

March 13, 2020 stands out in my mind as the day everything as I knew it changed. I had to hastily make the decision to lock my business’ doors to walk-in traffic, come up with a method to keep my empyees safe -- and all while wondering how bad things would get as a result of COVID-19. During all this chaos, the Chamber leadership was behind the scenes thinking of a solution almost before the problem even manifested.

It is simply unbelievable to me how quickly Chamber leadership was able to formulate and execute relief plans. The Chamber was able to create a partnership able to immediately place dollars in the hands of small businesses through the Small Business Relief Fund. It has been an absolute honor to serve on this committee.

To date, the Small Business Relief Fund has been able to assist more than 120 local small businesses with more than $250,000 in funds – bridge money that can be used as operating expenses until other funding sources can be applied for and secured. This money excludes the $1 million through Restart Tuscaloosa!

Sure, you think of the Chamber for networking, training, leadership and public policy events, and other informative gatherings, and these are all useful – and critical – business tools, but to receive immediate financial help during a crisis is nothing short of AMAZING!!

I am proud to be part of an organization committed to go above and beyond to help not just its members, but the entire community, in a targeted and

Professional staff

JIM PAGE, CCE, IOM

PRESidENT ANd CEO (205) 391-0562

jim@tuscaloosachamber.com

DONNY JONES, IOM

ChiEf OPERATiNg OffiCER (205) 391-0552

donny@tuscaloosachamber.com

BARKLEY GARRETT, CEcD

ViCE PRESidENT, ECONOmiC dEVELOPmENT (205) 391-0329

barkley@tuscaloosachamber.com

6 GIVE BIG. SUPPORT SMALL. MORE WORDS FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

10

ESSENTIAL WORKERS, 4 2 A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP STRONGER TOGETHER

2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair

Bobby Bragg

JamisonMoneyFarmer PC

Chair-Elect

Elizabeth Winter Regions Bank

Immediate Past Chair

Kimberly McMurray Behavioral Health Facility Consulting, LLC

Vice Chair, Airport and Transportation

David Pass

The Sealy Companies

Vice Chair, Communication and Marketing

Chris Gunter

Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi

Vice Chair, Economic Development

Carl Jamison

JamisonMoneyFarmer PC

Vice Chair, Education and Workforce Development

Brad Newman

ZF Chassis Systems, LLC

Vice Chair, Leadership and Community Engagement

Dr. Jacqueline Morgan

The University of Alabama

Vice Chair, Membership and Investor Relations

Michele Coley

AllState Coley Agency

Vice Chair, Public Policy and Advocacy

Matt Feller

BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing

Treasurer

Reed Norris

Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa

Legal Counsel

Kim Ingram

Hayes Ingram, LLC

President and CEO

Jim Page, CCE, IOM

Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Paul Betz, Bobby Bragg, Rick Clementz, Michele Coley, Thomas Dedrick, Heather Dill, Russell DuBose, Amy Echols, Mike Ellis, Matt Fajack, Matt Feller, Jheovanny Gomez, Chris Gunter, Angela Hamiter, Tim Harrison, Carl Jamison, James Leitner, Angela Martin, Scott McClanahan, Gary McGee, Kim McMurray, Dr. Jacqueline Morgan, Jordan Morris, Brad Newman, Gary Nichols, Reed Norris, Whitney Oswalt, Jim Page, Tim Parker III, David Pass, Gary Phillips, Tripp Powell, Jasmine Rainey, David Rains, Nikki Ray, Steven Rumsey, Kelsey Rush, Sontonia Stephens, Elizabeth Winter, Sandra Wolfe, Bill Wright

KIMBERLY ADAMS

diRECTOR Of mEmbERShiP ANd iNVESTOR RELATiONS (205) 391-0327

kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com

NATA’ShA BLACK

PROgRAm mANAgER, WORKfORCE dEVELOPmENT (205) 391-0331

natasha@tuscaloosachamber.com

TARA BULLOCK

COmmUNiCATiONS & mARKETiNg COORdiNATOR, WORKfORCE dEVELOPmENT (205) 391-0559

tara@tuscaloosachamber.com

BRITTANI COLBURN

SENiOR PROgRAm mANAgER, WORKfORCE dEVELOPmENT (205) 391-0334 brittani@tuscaloosachamber.com

LAUREN COLLIER

PROgRAm mANAgER, WORKfORCE dEVELOPmENT (205) 391-0566 lauren@tuscaloosachamber.com

TRACY CRUMPTON

diRECTOR Of fiNANCE ANd OPERATiONS (205) 391-0554 tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com

ALICIA GREGORY

EXECUTiVE ASSiSTANT TO ThE PRESidENT ANd CEO (205) 391-0561 alicia@tuscaloosachamber.com

TAMMI hOLLEY WORKfORCE COORdiNATOR (334) 310-9511 tammi@tuscaloosachamber.com

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

diRECTOR Of LEAdERShiP ANd COmmUNiTY ENgAgEmENT (205) 391-0555 jill@tuscaloosachamber.com

CAROLYN TUBBS

diRECTOR Of EdUCATiON PROgRAmS (205) 391-0556

carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com

Essential Workers Put in Long Hours Since Stay-at-Home Order

Essential workers are keeping West Alabamians informed, protected, and supplied with what they need each and every day throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

fROm LEfT - Ugochi Iloka is the Tuscaloosa Bureau Reporter with WBRC Fox 6 News. An award-winning journalist, she covers breaking news stories weekday mornings on Good Day Alabama beginning at 4 a.m.

Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty, MD FAAFP, has been on the front lines of COVID-19 testing since the start of the pandemic, offering coronavirus testing at three of his medical facilities - Crimson Urgent Care, First Care, and Crimson Skyland Care. Dr. Peramsetty has also delivered timely accurate, information—well received in a sea of misinformation —via daily Facebook updates.

Carl Murff is the Meat Director for the Piggly Wiggly locations in West Alabama. Part of the Tuscaloosa community for more than 20 years, and Tuscaloosa’s only locally owned and operated grocery store, Piggly Wiggly is known for providing customers with a clean, fully-stocked, and well merchandised store with high quality products and great value. During the coronavirus pandemic, the store decreased the number of customers allowed in the store at one time, and provided customers with information on how to protect themselves.

THE VALUE OF STRONG LEADERSHIP CAN ONLY BE MEASURED UNDER FIRE

The last few weeks have been the most uncertain, uncomfortable, and downright scary times in any of our lifetimes. The business community, particularly small business, continues to scramble and fight its w y through what will come to be its defining moment in the ears to come. Many have contracted, some have pivoted, and some have creatively reimagined their way into a new way to go to market with their products and services. Through all the turmoil, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has provided a beacon for all these businesses through education, advocacy, and financial relief. The leadership team at the Chamber has been working tirelessly – and remotely! – to ensure that its members have the most current and relevant information available.

Within only a couple of days of the onset of this crisis, the first of almost 60 video/teleconference education sessions began, with topics ranging from workplace safety, to unemployment, to federal relief funding, and even mental health and stress management. When changes in policy or circumstance with the crisis have arisen, the Chamber has often reacted within a day, if not within hours, to engage membership and update with the latest directives from federal, state, and local government. One example occurred when Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth’s Emergency Small Business Task Force created a framework for safely reopening the state’s economy. Within 24 hours, the Chamber had developed the first draft of a reopening guide for businesses of all indstry, from manufacturing to tanning salons, and that document has served as a framework on “how it’s done” for numerous communities around the state and across the country. However, perhaps the most valuable of all the Chamber projects has been the creation of the Small Business Relief Fund. With a few motivated leaders from the Chamber and the business community, over $250,000 has been raised from private donors—excluding city funds—to help more than 120 small businesses shoulder the financialburden of the COVID-19 crisis. No amount of education and advocacy can help pay a light bill, but in the most desperate time, the Chamber has found a way to facilitate all of these critical needs.

The value of strong leadership can only be measured under fire. Wh n the COVID-19 crisis arrived in West Alabama, the Chamber immediately answered the bell and has been working non-stop ever since to make sure that all businesses – not just member businesses – are able to adapt, survive, and then continue to thrive once the threat has passed. Through times of both prosperity and crisis, the staff, executies, and board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce remain diligently committed to protecting and growing the business community of West Alabama.

TRIPP POWELL PRESIDENT, POWELL PETROLEUM

MEMBER,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA

No matter what business you’re in, keeping your employees healthy means a healthy bottom line. DCH Occupational Medicine has always had the area’s most comprehensive range of occupational health services and the most experienced physicians. Our new location with easier access and expanded hours will allow us to serve you even better. DCH Occupational Medicine takes care of your employees so you can take care of your bottom line.

GIVE BIG. SUPPORT SMALL.

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND DELIVERS MUCH-NEEDED ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19

A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS.

If you’ve attended a Chamber event in the past decade or so, you’ve probably heard Jim Page, President and CEO, repeat this mantra from time to time. It’s one that members, professional staff, and those who serve on the board of directors believe in their heart of hearts and strive to practice every day.

That’s why when it became apparent that COVID-19 was going to strike directly at the heart of West Alabama’s small business community, the path was clear. A lifeline would be necessary, so the Chamber would have to join forces with its partners to act immediately.

Bobby Bragg, Director of Practice Growth at JamisonMoney

Farmer PC and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, says speed was the primary goal.

“In mid-March, when the close order happened, there was no Paycheck Protection Plan at that point – only the Economic Injury Disaster Loan,” Bragg said.” “We knew that a lot of our small momand-pop retailers would not make it if they had to wait 45 to 60 days for funds, and we felt we had to step into that gap.”

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

Bragg said the initial discussion took place on March 17th, and by March 20th he, Page, and Barkley Garrett, Vice President for Economic Development for the Chamber, were meeting with

fiancial institutions to determine how to move forward with a fund to aid small businesses.

The Chamber then partnered with the Community Foundation of West Alabama to collect and distribute funds. The organizations had previously teamed up successfully during tornado relief efforts to disburse funding to the community.

With that, the Small Business Relief Fund was born. A partnership between the Chamber and the Community Foundation of West Alabama, the fund is designed to provide immediate relief to local small businesses who could not wait for alternative sources of funding.

With a timeline in place, a committee was formed. Composed of local business leaders capable of evaluating applications competently and quickly, the group began reviewing submissions within days. “We wanted to give some folks a sense of hope instantly,” Bragg said.

Seeing the need, local businesses were ready to participate and began funding the initiative right away. Bryant Bank kicked off dnations to the SBRF with a substantial donation of $50,000; an action the bank felt was a necessary step for them personally as corporate citizens.

“ The hit that our small businesses have taken as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone we know in some way. It’s personal to us at Bryant Bank because Alabama is our home, too,” said Claude Edwards, bank president. “We want Alabamians to experience a

fiancially stable future and live in a thriving community and when difficult times arise, we must put care into action. Donating to the Small Business Relief Fund is just one step we are taking to help our customers and our community members through these unprecedented times and I would encourage others to consider a donation as well.”

THE FUNDING FLOW

In the fist round of funding in March, 18 businesses were awarded $60,000. By mid-April, well over a hundred businesses had been assisted with more $235,000 in funding disbursed throughout West Alabama.

Kathy Townsend, owner of A Cutting Edge Caterers, a catering company based in Moundville and an SBRF recipient, said she was so appreciative of the funding, but unsurprised the organizations stepped up quickly to assist not only their members, but the entire community.

“Jim and his staff ork tirelessly and are so fair minded,” she said. “ The work they do benefits not just their members, but the entire community.”

Award recipients were so thankful to those who contributed to the fund. Riley Voce, co-owner of Northport-based food truck Blenz Bowls said they were extremely thankful for the opportunity. “ The support means a lot to us, and it’s great to know the community backs you,” he said.

THROUGH

RESTART

WE ARE INVESTING $1,000,000 INTO THE CHAMBER’S SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND

RESTART

TUSCALOOSA

No sector has been more hard-hit than our small businesses, who have had to sacrifice so our community could remain safe. Their struggles are our struggles, and together, as a community, we needed to step up.

Mayor Walt Maddox, City of Tuscaloosa

—Mayor Walt Maddox, City of Tuscaloosa

Lynda Kees, a massage therapist based in Tuscaloosa who also received funds through the SBRF, echoed the sentiment. “I am deeply grateful to these organizations for creating and administering this relief fund for local small businesses like myself,” she said. “I would also like to express gratitude to everyone whose generous contributions have made this assistance possible.”

In addition to the many businesses that contributed to the event, local individuals had the opportunity to pitch in through two events hosted by Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports in April and May. The uscaloosa Virtual Music Experience, streamed on Facebook live and featuring popular artists performing a free concert, included a virtual donation jar with proceeds benefiting the Small Business Relief Fund.

“We are so thrilled to be able to work with the Chamber to help lighten the load on our local businesses,” said Don Staley, CEO, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports

Presented by Bryant Bank, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, Pause Boutique, and The Chamber, the two events raised more than $10,000 for the fund.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

As business owners realized they were going to need to prepare for long-term fiancial effects of the pandemic, local offials were already making plans to step to offer more assistance.

Mayor Walt Maddox of the City of Tuscaloosa, seeing the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, presented Restart Tuscaloosa to the Tuscaloosa City Council in April, and the resolution and funding was passed in May. An Elevate Tuscaloosa initiative, Restart Tuscaloosa will invest $15 million in the community, including small businesses. Part of Restart Tuscaloosa includes a $1 million donation to the Small Business Relief Fund.

“Everyone in this community has been doing their part in making sacrifices o protect Tuscaloosa during this pandemic,” Maddox said. “But no sector has been more hard-hit than our small businesses, who have had to sacrifice o our community could remain safe. Their struggles are our struggles, and together, as a community, we needed to step up. The one million dollars

that the City is investing in the Chamber’s Small Business Relief Fund will go a long way for so many small businesses. Though this investment, we hope to reinstate the promises of tomorrow for Tuscaloosa’s small businesses.”

Page said we are fortunate to live in a community with generous individuals, committed corporate citizens, and elected offials ready to step in quickly and take positive action. “Without partners like the Community Foundation of West Alabama, initiatives such as the Small Business Relief Fund would simply not exist. The CFWA has been committed to caring for the citizens of our community for more than two decades, and their support for our small business community is unmatched.”

“We’re not only trying to assist our small business owners – we’re working to secure a strong future for our local economy,” Page said. “Initiatives such as the Small Business Relief fund help keep West Alabamians working.”

STRONGER TOGETHER Chamber Delivers Range of COVID-19 Resources

With a varied membership ranging from restaurant to retail to nonprofits and more, the Chamber delivered a package of programming options during Alabama’s stay-athome order. Whether members were essential workers still heading into the officevery day, or completing tasks from home, they were likely to fid timely, relevant content in the form of conference calls or webinars provided by the Chamber.

With nearly 60 conference calls and Zoom webinars completed to date, the Chamber has recorded programming on topics including COVID-19 updates from the DCH Health System; stress management tips; updates from local and state offials such as Mayor Walt Maddox, Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington, State Representative Bill Poole, State Representative Kyle South; Paycheck Protection Program application information; education

updates from our school systems; and so much more.

REACHING THE COMMUNITY

The Chamber and its members also reached out to the community, launching the popular “We Will Get Though Ths Together” video series, which was viewed thousands of times across social media platforms and on WVUA23.

Professional staff lso facilitated focus groups for the city and served on three different statewide task forces.

A WEALTH OF RESOURCES

In addition to the daily content provided via video conferencing and conference calls, the Chamber rolled out a new section of the website, tuscaloosachamber.com, dedicated to providing COVID-19 resources. The section serves as a business toolkit for members, featuring everything from news and updates

to recordings of the Chamber’s coronavirus programming.

Included in the toolkit is a Support Local section, designed to redirect visitors to local small businesses during this challenging time.

The site also hosts information on the Small Business Relief Fund, as well as the application link for the grant fund.

For businesses preparing to reopen, a Return to Work playbook is available for download on the site. The playbook, entitled “Work Hard. Work Smart. Work Safe.” provides information that enables employers to safely serve customers and accommodate employees.

Visit tuscaloosachamber.com/ covid-19-resources/ to view the resources available.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Small Business Supporting Small

LOCAL FIRMS USE E-COMMERCE TO SUPPORT FELLOW BUSINESSES

Small business owners are often recognized for their innovative ideas and ingenuity. That inventive approach to problem solving not only enables them to work through challenging times, it also allows them to come to the aid of their fellow businesses in times of need.

That’s why when small businesses were required to close their doors due to COVID-19 restrictions, two local small businesses independently stepped up with ways for the community to support their favorite businesses,and each put their own spin on the initiative.

JNJ APPAREL’S SUPPORT LOCAL

Specializing in Greek gear, company logo shirts, silk screen printing, and custom business apparel since 2004, brothers Michael and Nick Wright have a team of professional artists who hand-draw original designs for their clients, and a 20,000-squarefoot production facility in Northport to screen print their products. clients, and a 20,000square-foot production facility in Northport to screen print their products.

With orders slowing due to a lack of events and activities in the area, Michael and Nick decided to focus their considerable resources on helping their clients, particularly area bars, who were hit particularly hard by a lengthy stay-at-home closure. They worked with local businesses to design custom, limited edition tees and hoodies unique to each business, then uploaded the designs to their sales platform, jnjmarketplace.com, for preorders for a limited time. JNJ distributes

a generous portion of the revenue from the sale to the business, reserving some for their costs.

The idea turned out to be a great one. A huge hit with business patrons, the shirts allowed them to collect unique souvenirs from their favorite establishments while supporting the businesses at the same time.

To date, the Wrights have been able to return profits of more than $70,000 back to the bars, breweries, and other businesses that participated in the program – primarily businesses that were completely shuttered during the state-ordered stay at home.

SWAG’S SUPPORT SMALL

“I prayed over my business and asked myself, ‘do I go home and take this time to be still?’” Laura Beth Oliver-Agee, the owner of Swag, said she didn’t know what to do as orders started getting canceled one by one. The business, which caters to events such as weddings, proms, parties, and trade shows, relies on in-person experiences to survive.

Laura Beth briefly considered just taking the time to be with her family. In talking with her husband Patrick, though, another idea emerged. She had recently partnered with lifestyle

blogger Landyn Hutchinson of Living with Landyn for a line of Nashville tornado relief t-shirts. Patrick suggested a similar idea for West Alabama.

“He said, ‘Why don’t we do a shirt for all the businesses?’”

Laura Beth designed a Support Small t-shirt, and each business had an individual purchase link, as well as a virtual tip jar. The shirt allowed people to show universal support for small business, while selecting their favorite business to direct a portion of their purchase price to benefit. Each t-shirt sale generates $12 for the small business they choose.

Within weeks, they’d amassed $60,000 in shirt sales, with more coming in every day.

The program has been so successful that businesses in other cities across the state – and even in neighboring states – have joined Lauria Beth’s initiative. Now, she’s considering ways to help non-profits – a Serve Big initiative – while maintaining the Support Small momentum.

For the Agees, shifting momentum while normal operations ceased was a no-brainer. “It was either fiht this, or give in,” she said.

JNJ Apparel customers are able to support their favorite business with a custom designed tee.

The Support Small initiative has raised more than $60,000 for local businesses.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Interdisciplinary by Nature

HOW UA MUSEUMS HAVE UNEARTHED NEW EXPERIENCES

The staff f the University of Alabama Museums know exactly how we feel after several weeks of isolation. We are itching to get our hands dirty, looking to dig up experiences that do not involve dry active yeast or repeating coffee recipes seen everywhere on the internet. What else is out there for kids, parents, educators, or anyone in our community looking for something new?

As it turns out, UA Museums has plenty to offer. While normal programming for all units of UA Museums are cancelled through July 31st, the staff as used this opportunity to expand their virtual educational outreach. “We like to say that our programs are for people aged Pre-K through 99—and beyond!” says Allie Sorlie, Education Outreach Coordinator for the UA Museum of Natural History, “We are designing programs for families, but everyone loves a craft”

All programs through UA Museums are free to the public, and cover topics such as archaeology, gardening, music, animals, and so much more. Larger events such as Museum Expedition and Bama Bug Fest will be offered as three-week virtual events this year. While the experience will be different, staff members look forward to having closer and one-on-one connections with participants who might otherwise be rushed through demonstrations.

Pam Sloan, Education Outreach Coordinator for Discovering Alabama, emphasizes how important it is to provide programs that reach everyone, and to demonstrate activities that can be replicated by educators or families in the future. With a Monday through Friday livestream schedule in which every day has a different theme, there truly is something for everyone.

Moundville Archaeological Park might be a few miles away for many Tuscaloosa residents, but Lindsey Gordon, Education Outreach Coordinator for Moundville says that opportunities to experience and learn the culture of descendent communities are closer than ever: “Our hope is to bring descendent community stories to the forefront, including all tribes we work with at the park,” Gordon adds, “We think of Native Americans as only a part of the past, but they are very much alive today.”

According to UA Museums staff, the biggest discovery of bringing outdoor activities to life during the time of COVID-19 has been the opportunity for interdepartmental collaboration. “Ths has challenged us more than ever before to bring out each other’s strengths,” says Sorlie. “We are constantly evolving our content and changing our platforms to reach a larger audience.” Museum employees have put so much time into educational outreach; however,

when asked who deserves recognition, they give credit to the people who access this information.

When our community visits our museums and parks (virtually or in-person), it builds that connection even more. “We can learn much more about you through your interactions with us,” says Sloan, “Though our interdisciplinary programs learning is more locally relevant. The virtual programs are enriched by resources of Discovering Alabama where viewers can experience the natural wonder and rich cultural diversity of our state.”

All UA Museums programming during COVID-19 can be accessed through their Museums From Your Home tool on their website: museums.ua.edu/ museumsfromyourhome/

—Lauren Collier

Pam Sloan, Education Outreach Coordinator for Discovering Alabama, works to provide educational outreach for everyone.

STRONGER TOGETHER

The Treasure Behind our Trash

THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE CITY OF TUSCALOOSA

Every Monday from 7 am to 7 pm, Tuscaloosa citizens have had the opportunity to bring their recycling to the Environment Center, where they were greeted at their cars by Environment Services staff With recycling collected and sorted by the staff, there was no need to even exit the car. Ths innovative dropoff ervice, which was offered April 20th through May 11th of this year, provided the community a sense of normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stacy Vaughn, Director of Public Services, speaks of the program’s success from the outset. “ That fist Monday, we had around 825 people drop off heir recycling. The next Monday, we had over 700 visitors during the day,” she said. “I was just blown away that so many people were going to stop what they were doing and bring their recycling to us. That was really impressive to me, and it really showed me how much

the recycling program means to a lot of people.”

With this much recycling to process, the city’s strength comes from the Environmental Services workers, whose contribution should not be overlooked in the day-to-day madness COVID-19 brings with it. Garbage services in Tuscaloosa have not stopped, and with more people working from and spending more time at home, the amount of trash that needs to be collected has increased. In addition to this increase, turbulent April weather made crews even busier with tree limbs in roadways and yards. While this essential service is more essential than ever, the Environmental Services staff as worked even harder to get this underappreciated and often dangerous job done. “Our crews get up and do one of the hardest jobs at the city every single day. My priority is making sure that they

return home safely every day in the same condition they were in when they left”

How can we show appreciation as citizens of Tuscaloosa to our environmental service workers?

Give as much room as possible on the roadways when trash and garbage is being collected and have patience to ensure the safety of the crew. When placing trash and/or garbage by the street to be picked up, make sure to follow guidelines listed on the City of Tuscaloosa website. Finally, we can show our appreciation by using the recycling services and letting our city employees know that we are grateful for the hard work they do every day to ensure our health and safety. “I hear that kids will come out by the garbage trucks every week to say ‘hello!’ to the workers and it means so much.” Vaughn says.

City of Tuscaloosa Environmental Educator Todd Hester adds, “I take pride in seeing how the environmental services guys stepped in. We are standing in the sun all day, we see everyone coming through and saying thank you, and I am very proud to be a part of it.”

—Lauren Collier

For more information about trash and garbage guidelines, please visit

www.tuscaloosa.com/garbage-trash.

If you have questions about recycling, please visit www.tuscaloosa.com/recycle.

More than a Hospital

DCH HEALTH SYSTEM SERVES AS INFORMATION, SERVICES HUB

Thoughout the COVID-19 pandemic, DCH Health System has not only been the region’s health care provider, the system has served as the primary center for information for the community.

Since the beginning, DCH’s team has delivered almost daily updates to the citizens of West Alabama, providing much needed information to area residents.

DCH Chief Executive Officer Bryan Kindred and Chief Operating Officer Paul Betz spoke to Chamber members during their Quarterly Membership Luncheon, providing both local infection rates as well as the system’s response. Betz also participated in a number of Chamber webinars designed to keep both members and the public informed.

Additionally, the DCH Foundation has served the entire medical community through the Feeding the Frontlines program. The program allows businesses and members of the community to feed frontline workers from local restaurants.

For more information, visit www.thedchfoundation.org.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Rapid Response in the Black Belt

BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS, AND INDIVIDUALS JOIN FORCES TO PAY IT FORWARD

Thoughout the COVID-19 pandemic, those living in Tuscaloosa and Northport have heard stories on an almost daily basis of businesses stepping forward to assist healthcare providers who have unselfishly made sacrifices to protect our community. If you travel west on Interstate 59/20, you will fid rural business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community members aiding frontline responders throughout the Black Belt.

In neighboring Greene County, virtually every type of fist responder has been provided for in some way, by someone. Melanie Skidmore, the owner of Roebuck Landing Grill and Grocery, donated lunches for the Greene County Sheriff ’s Department, Eutaw Police Department, and Greene County EMS. Greene County Hospital received hazmat suits and face masks from David Pigg of Eutaw Custom Cabinets & Construction

The Greene County Health System was fortunate enough to receive

donations from vendors and individuals across the state. According to Marcia Pugh, CEO and Administrator, they received a range of supplies and services from Greene County E-911; Greene County Alumni Chapter Delta/ Sigma Thta; Rural Alabama Prevention Center; Roderick Williams, Founder of ARAPAgainst Racism Aggression and Poverty; Hayley Odom, Radiology Department, GCHS; Dr. Salahuddin Farooqui, Chief of Staff, GCHS; and Brian Mast, Black Belt Museum, The niversity of West Alabama

“COVID-19 has been a devastating blow to all of us, with rural communities having been hit the hardest,” Pugh said. “Greene County Hospital and the Greene County Physician’s Clinic have suffered great fiancial losses. As rural health facilities, we were already fiancially struggling due to the over one million dollars in uncompensated care provided every year. The donations have allowed us to have the necessary personal protective equipment to keep our

healthcare team safe as well as our patients. We wish to give a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have so graciously donated to our facilities.”

Pugh said that the 46th CERFP Infection Control Team of the Alabama National Guard, under the command of Col. Chris Coshatt, had donated sanitization services to the hospital, the nursing home, and the physician’s clinic buildings.

Individuals and charitable organizations also stepped up to assist. The ext Level Leaders, a charitable organization associated with River’s Edge Bingo, distributed $15,000 to 150 community members to assist with fiancial hardships, while Broader Horizons-Brighter Futures and Panola Outreach assembled care packages for elderly individuals throughout the county. In Demopolis, businesses and churches provided meals to hospitals and nursing homes, while in Sumter County, Panola Outreach president Lovie Parks

has been providing food, household supplies, and clothing to individuals in need in Panola, Epes, Geiger, Emelle, and York, in partnership with Zion Valley Missionary Baptist Church.

Thoughout the Black Belt region, businesses, organizations, and individuals have dedicated their time, fiancial contributions, and personal efforts to making sure members of the community have the necessities they need daily. They have made sure their neighbors are safe and cared for and made a lasting difference in their lives.

“ “

—Tammi Holley

Throughout the Black Belt region, businesses, organizations, and individuals have dedicated their time, financial contributions, and personal efforts to making sure members of the community have the necessities they need daily.

—Marcia Pugh, CEO and Administrator, GCHS

STRONGER TOGETHER

Mercedes-Benz US International

SOLVING PROBLEMS IS THE NORM

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International is known for solving problems. From creating an original production system using American, Japanese, and German automotive best practices to producing over 300,000 units annually, there is little the company hasn’t overcome. COVID-19 brought a new challenge: sewing.

“ These are a bunch of automotive guys. It took us about 35 minutes to learn how to thread the machine,” said MBUSI Engineering and Assembly Planning and Production System Manager Bob Gambrell.

“We were not prepared to sew, but we became a sewing group.” Gambrell’s Continuous Improvement (CI) Team led the charge.

MBUSI quickly assessed how they could help the West Alabama community when the Coronavirus pandemic struck. They delivered excess supplies to DCH Health System. They used their supply chain connections to help hospitals obtain personal protective equipment (PPE). They hosted blood drives. They soon learned about the need for masks for healthcare workers from DCH

Health System, and the Mercedes Sewing Team was born.

“Our DNA is continuous improvement. We are part of this community, and we want to help,” said MBUSI President Michael Goebel. Thanks to the CI Team, six sewing machines and surgical material from DCH, the group has donated over 2,000 masks to DCH Health System and UAB Hospital. The high-grade masks can be used up to 25 times.

Mercedes was not the only West Alabama industry who added mask making to their portfolio.

Phifer, Inc. found themselves pivoting their product offerings during COVID-19. Phifer Inc. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Edwards explained that prior to the pandemic, most surgical and face masks were manufactured in China. As PPE demand continued to increase, American manufacturers re-entered the mask market.

“Phifer began receiving inquires, and we also began reaching out to manufacturers to gauge whether we should enter this market. We began offering aluminum, round wire in the sizes and diameters needed for the nose piece in masks. Within a month of the outbreak, our engineers here at Phifer had implemented

manufacturing techniques to flatten the aluminum wire,” Edwards said. Phifer plans to continue making round wire for face masks, with plans to increase manufacturing staff siz. While many industries pivoted in what they produced, others found creative ways to recruit employees. With increased demand for groceries and cleaning products, Piggly Wiggly needed more team members. They turned to the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for help.

“I was aware of the Chamber’s work with workforce development and had been on the sidelines,” said Piggly Wiggly’s Jay Welborn. “Quite honestly, I felt like that program was always geared to specialty, trade,

skill-type jobs. I reached out to Donny and Jim and asked, ‘How would we fit in this?’”

Welborn partnered with West Alabama Works, the Chamber’s award-winning workforce development organization. West Alabama Works helps employers recruit and West Alabamians fid jobs.

West Alabama Works’ JOBNOW Text System allows individuals to text JOBNOW to 205-448-1573 to receive immediate information on openings in West Alabama. They began offering the service during COVID-19 to help those out of work fid opportunities as quickly as possible. Piggly Wiggly joined the system as a hiring employer,

STRONGER TOGETHER

and West Alabama Works’ staff directed interested applicants to Piggly Wiggly. Welborn said the program helped his stores continue to hire and recruit amid a crisis. Though recruiting new employees during COVID-19 is difficult, maintaining current employees’ morale – especially when you can’t see them face-to-face – is another hurdle. Mercedes found that offering involvement opportunities, whether they were sewing masks, delivering computers to area schools, or donating blood, helped them feel more connected. They said that communication was and continues to be the most crucial factor in keeping employees engaged.

“We felt like the plant was taking care of us, which allows us to take care of the community,” Gambrell said. In addition to sewing masks, the CI team also developed intubation boxes for DCH and UAB. Intubation is a medical procedure involving the insertion of a tube into the body, and it is a high-risk procedure due to a doctor’s proximity to the patient’s mouth. The team used a public design and met with DCH doctors and staff o create custom-fit boxes. Gambrell said that before he could exit DCH after delivering the fist box, it had already been sanitized and was in use.

MBUSI said that their response could not have been possible

without their strong relationships with community partners.

“We were very fortunate to have the Chamber of Commerce supporting all of our businesses during this time. Providing information and access was key,” said MBUSI General Counsel Rick Clementz

Flexibility, partnerships and the ability to solve problems allowed West Alabama industries to not just survive, but thrive, during an unprecedented global pandemic.

“ The American spirit of can-do attitude is in this German plant. We’re not this big box on the side of the highway. We’re part of this community, and we’re supporting this community,” Gambrell said.

—Tara Bullock

STRONGER TOGETHER “

“ Our DNA is continuous improvement. We are part of this community, and we want to help.

– MBUSI President Michael Goebel

MBUSI President Michael Goebel pitches in with COVID-19 relief at the plant.

LEADING THE WAY

NEXT LEVEL INITIATIVE INVESTORS

GAME CHANGERS

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

CEO COUNCIL BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing | Cardiology Consultants, P.C. | Harrison Construction Company, Inc. | Hunt Refining Company | JamisonMoneyFarmer PC | Knight Sign Industries, Inc. | Miers Pass Philanthropy | Shelton State Community College | Synovus | The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences

INVESTOR LEADERS Adams Beverages | Alabama Credit Union | AT&T | Barge Design Solutions, Inc. | Cintas | Industrial Warehous Service Inc. | John Plott Company Inc. | McGiffert and Associates, LLC | Paragon HM ealth Management | Parker Towing Company | Spire, Inc. | The Westervelt Company | Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. | TTL, Inc. | Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company | University of Alabama System | ZF Chassis Systems, LLC

GROWTH PARTNERS BelFlex Staffing Neork | Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama | Buffalo Rock Compay/Pepsi-Cola | Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc. | Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. | DT Freight, LLC | Ellis Architects, Inc. | Fitts Agency | Harrison Galleries, LLC | Hotel Indigo| Jalapenos Mexican Grill | Lear Corporation | Mercedes of Tuscaloosa |Neel-Schaffer, Inc. | Northport Auto Supply Co., Inc. | Plaster, Scarvey & Shumaker of Ameriprise Financial | The Radiology Clinic | Robertson Banking Company | The Builders Group of West Alabama, LLC | The Lance Hocutt Financial Group | The Legacy Connection (TLC) | Ward Scott Architecture | Way, Ray, Shelton & Company, PC-CPA

COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES ARD Logistics-Alabama, LLC | Bama Concrete Products Co., Inc. | BankFirst | BBVA | Cadence Bank, N.A. | Chick-filA of Northport | Echols, Taylor & Associates, P.C. | Hampton Inn University | Kyle Office Solution | The Locker Room | Metalsa Tuscaloosa, Inc. | Raymond James | Remmert Company | Renasant Bank | SmartBank | Spiller Furniture & Mattress | TotalCom, Inc. | Winter McFarland

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

ALAN SMITH AGENCY LLC

2415 12th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 530-1381

Alan Smith Insurance/Financial Service

ALABAMA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

2505 43rd Ave North Northport, AL 35476 (334) 530-9598

Clay Strickland Non-Profit Organizations

ALPHA LIT

2116 Main Street Brent, AL 35034 (205) 331-6548

Chris Freeman Events - Design / Rental Serv Fabricated Metal Products

B.A.M.A. MILL SERVICES, INC.

9100 Energy Lane Northport, AL 35476 (205) 242-8100

Phillip Lesley Services Industrial Plant Maintenance

BLUE WATER VINYL

2805 McFarland Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 860-5196

Ruth Simpson Retail - Clothing, Accessories Retail - Specialty Retailer

BRANDON SCHAUBALICE MAXWELL RE TEAM

1490 Northbank Parkway, Suite 180 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (904) 322-3208

Brandon Schaub Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

CASUAL CLASS BAR SERVICES

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 248-8386

Lauren Shoemaker Services Caterers

CATCH A TASTE Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 292-5115

D.J. Grant Food Trucks Caterers

CHASE BANK 302 Merchant Walk, Suite250 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (619) 710-9770

Duschka Pinedo Financial Services

COMMITTED PERSONNEL

429 Skyland Blvd., Suite B8 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 282-2262

Charlotte Bren Employment Contractors / Staffi

CONTROL CLIMATE HEATING & COOLING Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 734-3195

Davy Bishop Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating

CORNERSTONE MINISTRIES, INC 610 Brooksdale Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-4892

Freddie Washington Churches

CRIMSON RESTORATION SERVICES LLC 1105 Southview Lane Suite 265 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 393-1611

Robert Jones Fire & Water Restoration

DERMATOLOGY CARE OF ALABAMA 4960 Rice Mine Road NE Suite 40 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-1519

Rebekah Mason Physicians - Dermatology

EDWARD JONES & COMPANY 3076 Palisades Court, SuiteC Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 556-1214

Randy Palmer Investment Management

EMBELLISHED, LLC 1000 Union Chapel Road East Suite #17 Northport, AL 35473 (817) 592-5464

Janet Sherrod Retail

EXIT CAPSTONE REALTY 1800 McFarland Blvd. N Suite 300 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (334) 313-5444

DiDi Henry Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

FIFTH AND HANDLE 13568 Hwy 69 N Northport, AL 35475 (205) 409-6990

Brijesh Darji Liquor Stores

GENERAL SAFETY CONSULTING LLC

P.O. Box 442 Cottondale, AL 35475 (205) 567-1133

Scott Sassaman Consultants

GRO MARKETING 1490 Northbank Parkway Suite 206 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 469-6089

Matt Pavlick Advertising Agencies & Consultants Marketing Consultants

HEALING THE WORLD WITH THE WORD MINISTRIES 13698 Beech Street Northport, AL 35475 (205) 393-5638

Lizzie Williams Non-Profit Organizations

November 9, 2019—May 12, 2020

HUB ON CAMPUS

TUSCALOOSA

521 Red Drew Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 210-4373

Katrina Crowly Real Estate / Apartments / Condo

HUMPHRIES HEATING & COOLING, LLC

Northport, AL 35473 (205) 535-4422

Brad and Jennifer Humphries Air Conditioning & Heating –Wholesale

JACKIE OF ALL TRADES

251 Rice Mine Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 342-9989

Christine Hunt Furniture Dealers / Interior Design Retail

LATASHA THOMASPOWERHOUSE REALTY

4244 McFarland Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 462-3040

Latasha Thomas Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

LOGO STATION

2122 University Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 764-5369

Nagman Ahmed Printing Service / Signs / Advertising Specialties RetailClothing, Accessories

NO LIMITS FITNESS CENTER

1650 Jack Warner Parkway Suite 1009 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 233-1276

Shelley Andoe Fitness Centers

NOCTURNAL TAVERN

2209 4th Street, Unit 11 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 737-2457

Scott Harless Lounges / Nightclubs

NORTHPORT LIONS CLUB

P.O. Box 178 Northport, AL 35476 (205) 242-1879

Phillip Lee Non-Profit Organizations

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 1393 McFarland Blvd East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 539-1630

Melinda Mason Bakeries - Retail

PALMER CLOTHING

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (970) 376-8522

Chad Cannon Retail - Boutique Retail - Clothing, Accessories

PAUL ADAMS ALLSTATE AGENCY

4930 Rice Mine Road NE Suite 103 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 331-4894

Paul Adams Insurance

PORTER-HIGGINBOTHAM

ENGINEERING, INC. 2715 7th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 344-1265

Bruce Higginbotham Engineers - Professional - Civil

PRIDE COURT

APARTMENTS TUSCALOOSA 521 Red Drew Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 210-4373

Katrina Crowly

Real Estate / Apartments / Condo

QUALITY INN 4541 Jug Factory Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 759-9878

Mona Patel

Hotels / Motels / Lodging / Accommodations

RE101 4710 Jug Factory Lane

Tuscaloosa, AL 3405 (205) 535-5363

J. Reed

Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

RJ YOUNG 211 Frankfurt Circle Birmingham, AL 35211 (800) 347-1955

Tom Sommerville Technology Solutions and Services Storage / Data Management

ROYAL FINE CLEANERS 4851 Rice Mine Road NE

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 391-0034

Kim Vardaman Boxing Gym

RYAN LAW, LLC 1629 McFarland Blvd. N. Suite 402

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 469-2800

Dave Ryan Attorneys - Lawyers / Law

SERVICE LOAN & TAX 18 McFarland Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 561-6248

Amy Smith Financial Services

Tax Preparation

SPIFFY’S CAR WASH 4220 McFarland Blvd. E Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 345-9274

Daniel McCullum

Automotive Detailing & Customizing

STATE ON CAMPUS

TUSCALOOSA 1101 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 210-4396

Katrina Crowley

Real Estate / Apartments / Condo

SYNTERRA CORPORATION 4720 University Blvd. E. Suite D Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-5057

Karen Karen Engineers - ProfessionalConsulting

THE BEAR TRAP 1137 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-2766

Daniel McCullum Lounges / Nightclubs

THE WARR GROUP MORGAN STANLEY 1470 Northbank Pkwy. Suite 280 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 344-8481

Michael Warr Financial Planners / Consultants

TIMBER & HEW HOME RESTORATION, LLC Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 344-0517

Cory Daniel Home Improvements / Repairs / Installation

TOP SHELF TAVERN 407 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Daniel McCullum Lounges / Nightclubs

T TOWN CRAB 3520 McFarland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 764-1333

Weiwei Huang Restaurants

TUSCALOOSA TRACTOR, INC. 3921 Skyland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 553-8573

Robin Jarvis Retail

TWELVE25 1225 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 872-1225

Jay Jarrett Restaurants / Events Space Restaurants / Lounge

UTILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

6317 Oleander Drive, Suite C Wilmington, NC 28403 (205) 438-1000

Ron Adams Services Utility Companies

WINGATE BY WYNDHAM

4918 Skyland Blvd. E Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 553-5400

Paula Sledge Hotels / Motels / Lodging / Accommodations

YELLOWHAMMER FUND 2223 8th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 582-4950

Amanda Reyes Non-Profit Organization