Rising Tide - Winter 2020

WINTER 2020

SUMMER LEARNING

REAPS REWARDS INNOVATIVE PROGRAM

HALTS SUMMER SLIDE

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY OFFICIALS FOCUS ON WAYS TO MOVE REGION FORWARD

WINNERS’ CIRCLE CHAMBER MEMBERS HONORED

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL TOURNEY MEMBERS HIT THE COURSE FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020. As your Chairman, I am proud to serve alongside a dedicated and hardworking Chamber staff, a proactive and engaged board of directors, as well as a talented and diverse membership committed to taking our community to the next level.

Our Chamber had a very successful 2019. We’ve set the bar and then raised it again in workforce development. West Alabama Works is the standard bearer for Alabama’s regional workforce councils and a model for other parts of the country. We have expanded our collaborations and business community engagement with the K-12 systems. Entrepreneurship and innovation in our local economy are turning the corner and beginning to show very promising traction.

Our benchmarking trips are making a significant impact in our community as evidenced by multiple new public art installations and many of the elements of the Elevate Tuscaloosa plan. Other like-minded communities are now visiting us to see what the secret to our success really is, and how they might emulate that back in their cities.

This growth and progress is not possible without you, our members, and your willingness to identify challenges, roll up your sleeves, get involved, and make a positive impact.

At the beginning of every new year, it’s fun to look ahead and think about what we might become. I challenge each of you to plan a course to take advantage of the remarkable opportunities that lie ahead of us. And I would also like to invite you to join us and see how you can get more plugged into our efforts. We’ve got some very big opportunities in 2020 to reshape our community and this Chamber. In partnership with our elected officials, our educational institutions, and our community organizations, we’re committed to taking the entire West Alabama region to the next level.

Before I sign off, I’d like to personally thank outgoing Chair Kimberly McMurray for her great leadership in 2019 and helping set up our Chamber for even more success in the future.

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

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

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

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

CHAMBER @ WORK

EXPERTS ASSESS LABOR FORCE, CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AT CHAMBER IN SESSION: STATE OF THE ECONOMY

Chamber members from a range of industries turned out to hear from economic experts at Chamber in Session: State of the Economy, presented by Raymond James.

The event, held at Embassy Suites November 7, looked at the current health of the local, state, and national economy while providing attendees a future forecast in key areas of growth.

Anoop Mishra, Vice President and Regional Executive, Birmingham Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, provided a Fed perspective on the current economic outlook. While Mishra said there was some uncertainty in the future, and the upcoming election posed a downside risk, he noted unemployment is at a 50-year low, and the consumer is doing well.

“The labor force participation rate has been increasing, which places a downward pressure on the rate,” Mishra said. “People have more take-home pay, hourly wages are going up, and overall compensation rates are going up. People are working more, and making more money.”

Mishra said inflation is at the target rate of two percent, and consumer confidence is strong. While there are no signs of a consumer slowdown, Mishra noted labor availability could be a constraint to growth, and there is some softness in business investment.

Echoing Mishra’s concerns on labor availability was Ahmad Ijaz, Executive Director and Director of Economic Forecasting, Center for Business and Economic Research, The University of Alabama.

PRESENTED BY:

GOLD SPONSORS

Embassy Suites

TABLE SPONSORS

Anoop Mishra, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, gave members a Forecast for 2020.

“Our labor force and population has changed,” Ijaz said. “One problem is our aging workforce.” Ijaz told attendees that between 2000 and 2018, Alabamians under 15 years of age decreased -3.2 percent, while those aged 65 and above increased by nearly 43 percent. The problem will only continue to worsen, said Ijaz, who noted that the projected increase of Alabamians above aged 65 will be 62 percent over the span between 2010 and 2030.

Ijaz told attendees that our region is changing as we move more toward service-based employment.

SILVER SPONSORS

Shelton State Community College

Tuscaloosa County Commission

BRONZE SPONSORS BBVA

The City of Northport

Wells Fargo

Adams Beverages, Alabama ONE, BankFirst, Bryant Bank, Chesapeake Consulting, Inc., City of Northport, Community Service Programs of West Alabama, First South Farm Credit Union , JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., Michael McGuire State Farm Insurance, Regions Bank, SmartBank, Synovus, The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, TTL, Inc., Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, University of Alabama System, West Alabama Regional Commission

New location and new hours to help you

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.

Employment Drug Screening Hours

Monday-Friday, 7 am to 4:30 pm

DCH Occupational Medicine is now located at: 1120 Ruby Tyler Parkway • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

888-977-3319 • dchsystem.com/occmed

CHAMBER @ WORK

FORERUNNERS EXPERIENCE THE SIMULATED SOCIETY

The 2019-20 class of Forerunners, a leadership program for Tuscaloosa area youth, completed SIMSOC, a simulated society program designed to teach various aspects of sociology, political science, and communication skills. Participants deal with issues such as economic inequality, justice, diversity, trust, and power dynamics.

The objective of Forerunners is to help meet the community’s need for informed, responsible, and effective leadership, and the class is made up of 11th grade students from across West Alabama, who are selected through an application and interview process conducted by Leadership Tuscaloosa alumni. Following nine months of leadership development, the Forerunners class will graduate in May 2020.

THIS YEAR’S CLASS MEMBERS ARE: Audrey Boozer, Tuscaloosa Christian; Jesse Brand, Capitol School; JP Brasfield, American Christian; Kayla Brown, Brookwood; Destini Davis, Bryant High; Julia Dominguez, Tuscaloosa County; Ava DuBose, Hillcrest; Caedan Faulkner, Tuscaloosa Christian; Anna Mills Fleenor, Tuscaloosa Academy; Elli Garcia, Hillcrest; Katie Goolsby, Brookwood; Kelly Green, Tuscaloosa County; Jason Hall, Northside; Will Hinds, Tuscaloosa County; Sarah Hinton, Hillcrest; Brandon Hubbard, Tuscaloosa Christian; Caitlin Johnson, Holy Spirit; Evan Jones, Holy Spirit; Tanner Jones, Tuscaloosa County; Kate Kilgore, Northridge; Parker McDaniel, Tuscaloosa County; Jordan McNair, Holy Spirit; Mary Gibbons Miller, Northridge; Patton Miller, Tuscaloosa Academy; Karli Mims, American Christian; Jentzen Moore, Holy Spirit; Rohan Peramsetty, Holy Spirit; Monae Rainer, Bryant High; Natalie Sanders, Tuscaloosa Academy, Madison Scott, Hillcrest; Maria Sealy, Tuscaloosa Academy; Lily Sims, Tuscaloosa County; Tyler Skinner, Tuscaloosa County; Sarah Smalley, Hillcrest; Nadia Smith, Central; Lauren Smith, Tuscaloosa County; Grace Spencer, Tuscaloosa County; Jade Stewart, Holy Spirit; Mickey Suttle, Tuscaloosa County; Jordan Suttles, Hillcrest; Joshua Trimble, Northside; Drew Verzino, Northridge; Zymri Whittington, Tuscaloosa County.

PRESENTED BY:

2019 CIVIC HALL OF FAME CLASS INDUCTED

The 2019 Class of the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame was inducted Thursday, October 24 at a ceremony held at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Established during the Chamber’s 100th anniversary year in 2000, the Civic Hall of Fame honors exceptional citizens who have made significant, long-term contributions to the overall development of Tuscaloosa County.

HONORED IN THIS YEAR’S CLASS WERE:

Benjamin H. Barnes (Unknown-1928), Dr. Peter Bryce (1834-1892), Ellen Peter Bryce (1841-1929), Cynthia W. Burton (1947-present), Robert W. Monfore, Jr. (1946-2018), Robert H. Shaw, Jr. (1938present), Dennis Steverson, Sr. (1958-present), Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson (1966-present)

GOLD SPONSORS

The Award Company of America

McAbee Construction, Inc.

The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences

SILVER SPONSORS

Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers

MEMBERS HIT THE GOLF COURSE TO SUPPORT ADOPT-A-SCHOOL

The Rumsey Environmental team was the overall tourney winner at the 29th Annual Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament. The team won $250 for each of their designated schools, Big Sandy Elementary and Hillcrest High.

Northport Elementary will receive $500 for having the most golfers (elementary), and Northridge Middle will receive $500 for having the most golfers (secondary). A random drawing was also held including all schools represented and Faucett-Vestavia Elementary was selected to receive $500

Additional winning teams / players were:

1ST PLACE GROSS WINNERS

WJRD Team

2ND PLACE NET WINNERS

FNB of Central Alabama Team

2ND PLACE GROSS WINNERS

Cowin Equipment Company Team

3RD PLACE NET WINNERS

Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Team

3RD PLACE GROSS WINNERS

Buffalo Rock/Pepsi-Cola Team

The Longest Drive winner 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:

EAGLE SPONSORS

Alabama ONE

Allstate Sam Phillips Agency

Allstate Steven Fikes Agency

Bama Concrete Products Company, Inc.

BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing

Bryant Bank

Burnum-Hahn Exterminators, Inc.

Complete Pipeline Services & Supply

The Lance Hocutt Financial Group

McAbee Construction, Inc.

ONIN Staffing

Perfect Shine, Inc.

Phifer Incorporated

Rumsey Environmental

Tuscaloosa Chapter of Credit Unions, Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola

LUNCHEON SPONSOR

Core Focus Personnel, LLC

FAVOR SPONSOR

Rumsey Environmental

SCORECARD SPONSORS

Rumsey Environmental

Tuscaloosa Radio

GOLF CART SPONSORS

Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola

Joshua J. Swords Attorney at Law

BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR

Cowin Equipment Company

CLOSEST TO PIN SPONSORS

Adams Heating & Cooling

The Lance Hocutt Financial Group

Walmart #0715

Skyland

Ward Scott Architecture, Inc.

DONORS

Adams Beverages

Bryant Bank

Buffalo Rock Company / Pepsi-Cola

WVUA23

CHAMBER IN SESSION: STATE OF THE COMMUNITY FOCUSES ON THE FUTURE

All three local officials at the 2019 Chamber in Session: State of the Community panel focused on seizing opportunities to move West Alabama forward.

Mayor Donna Aaron of Northport, Mayor Walt Maddox of Tuscaloosa, and Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson used the Aug. 29 event, held at the Bryant Conference Center and presented by TTL, Inc., to discuss how they would proceed with planned projects and improvements.

“If we didn’t want to elevate Tuscaloosa, we’d call it status quo Tuscaloosa,” Maddox said. “We need an economy that can attract people to Tuscaloosa more than just eight times a year for a football game.”

Maddox said advances are already underway; the Elevate Tuscaloosa subcommittees are hard at work and baseline initiatives have begun to take off. “This is driven by all of you, and we hear you loud and clear,” he said. “We couldn’t

have done it without the Chamber’s support.”

Aaron, who is currently in her first term as Northport’s mayor, talked about the city’s recent one-cent sales tax increase. “We’ll use part for recreational and green spaces, and part to renew, recycle, and rejuvenate the community,” Aaron said. “There are older buildings and older parts of town that need an uplift.” Aaron said 10 percent of the funds would be set aside for debt service.

Rob Robertson, who was attending his first Chamber in Session event as probate judge, said his biggest challenge was making the transition into a position held by a 42-year incumbent. “Fortunately, my predecessor left the county in very good shape,” Robertson said. “You’d be a fool to come in and

make radical changes. My first goal was a good transition with good continuity of government.”

Robertson said this is an assessment period for him, and he acknowledges how the community has changed over time. “We have to look at how we work together,” he said. “We are working toward knowledge based economy, and we have a manufacturing sector that is changing.”

“Less than 10 percent of our university graduates stay in the area,” Maddox said, but noted that we are working hard to change that number. “Workforce and education has become a powerhouse with the University of Alabama and Shelton State, with the encouragement of the Chamber.”

PRESENTED BY:

GOLD SPONSORS

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

Raymond James

Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports

SILVER SPONSORS

AT&T

BBVA

City of Northport

The Frazer Lanier Company

Ward Scott Architecture

BRONZE SPONSORS

FASTSIGNS of Tuscaloosa

Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers

Perfect Shine, Inc.

The Radiology Clinic

TABLE SPONSORS

Alabama ONE, Buffalo Rock Company/ Pepsi-Cola, Building & Earth Sciences, Inc., Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., Chesapeake Consulting, Inc., City of Tuscaloosa, FNB of Central Alabama, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC

Summer Learning Reaps Rewards

TUSCALOOSA CITY SCHOOLS ARE WORKING TO REDUCE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP THROUGH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

The concept of “summer slide” has long been a source of concern for educators. While school systems have seemingly always offered summer school programs, research has shown that students are losing an average of one month’s worth of learning during the summer; and the decline is magnified by students affected by poverty. As a result, the summer learning loss in elementary school contributes to a demonstrable achievement gap between students in poverty and those who are not by the time they reach the 9th grade.

Working to Close the Gap

But what to do? Summer programs were already in place; however fewer than 20 percent of students participated in a formal program. In 2017, TCS took an inventory of what was offered by summer program providers in Tuscaloosa, and discovered that more than 170 activities were available to students. After surveying parents, they found there was a demand – nearly three-quarters of TCS families – for a full-day program that delivered academic enrichment, but that it must be affordable.

“ “

THE CHAMBER’S EARLY SUPPORT HELPED OUR PROGRAM GAIN CREDIBILITY IN THE COMMUNITY BY SIGNALING SUMMER LEARNING WAS AN IMPORTANT CAUSE.

So, the system launched Summer Learning, an initiative that not only targeted achievement gaps, but was structured to attract and included to students who needed the program the most. The program learning model is designed to be a full-day voluntary program offered five days per week for five weeks minimum. A class size of 15 or fewer students offers at least three hour of instruction. The program is free or affordable, and transportation and meals are provided.

Bringing in Business

With a program meant to help future generations achieve their fullest potential, others stepped in

to help. Community-based partner programs were formed with SEW, the University of Alabama’s gifted program; I Dream Big; Beulah Baptist Church; the Boys & Girls Club; and the YMCA. These partnerships enabled the program to serve students the Summer Learning initiative might otherwise not have reached.

With respect to the financial elements of the program, the system allocated funds for Summer Learning; however, TCS was also able to attract outside assistance.

The Tuscaloosa City Council approved a 10-year commitment to increase student participating in summer learning.

In the first summer the initiative launched, business and industry recognized the value of the program, and offered support. Upon finding out about Summer Learning, Chamber of Commerce members pledged support and provided funding.

“The Chamber’s early support helped our program gain credibility in the community by signaling summer learning was an important cause,” said Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools.

“Those funds allowed us to serve students who needed additional time to learn and who may not have been able to afford to participate.

—Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools

Three years in, this support, combined with results, paved the way for a dedicated, 10-year funding stream from Mayor Walt Maddox and the City Council, exclusively for summer learning. The local funds for education allow the Tuscaloosa City Schools to accelerate its progress in ways that are not possible without local support.”

David Pass of Miers Pass Philanthropy, who serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, was impressed with the program’s goals and objectives.

“Statistics show that the ‘summer slide’ is real, and I observe it with my own kids as we travel and have a more relaxed schedule during the summer months,” Pass said. “With

more pressure from screens and higher expectations for students, having continuity is important.”

Pass said he felt TCS did a good job balancing learning with fun, and they outlined measurable outcomes they wanted to achieve, and then collected data and reported on those outcomes.

“By any standard, the program is successful, and has a clear path to being even more so,” he said. “I’m pleased the Chamber Board’s support was able to provide the fuel for TCS to do something entrepreneurial like this and that, given the program’s success, it has been picked up for funding through Elevate Tuscaloosa. TCS has delivered with the Summer

Learning program and we are pleased to have been a part of getting it started.”

Elevate Tuscaloosa, in fact, offers a dedicated funding stream for summer learning academies, and will provide $2.5 million over the next decade for students in kindergarten through third grade performing below grade level.

“As the TCS focuses on “each and every student” the ELEVATE funds for summer learning provide a way for this community to accelerate its work in equity by tackling the achievement gap that has for too long existed in our system,” Daria said. “ELEVATE also allows the TCS to provide access to high-quality and rigorous learning experiences at

a high rate and without barriers for

our students.”

The ability to obtain funding is a direct result of the program’s success, as Summer Learning efforts continue to pay off for students. Standardized testing has shown that TCS students who participated in the program have less learning loss than their fellow students who did not participate in Summer Learning.

Third through fifth grade participants experienced zero loss in reading, while students who did not attend lost an average of nearly

four months, and they gained one month in math, while nonattendees lost an average of two months. For students in sixth through eighth grade, participants gained one month in reading, while non-attenders lost an incredible nine months in reading, and participants gained 1.5 months in math, while students who did not participate lost an average two months in math.

According to Andrew Maxey, Director of Special Programs for TCS, anyone can be a champion for summer learning, and business and industry can help.

“Champion summer learning,” he says. “Encourage your employees to put their children in a high-quality program, encourage your peers to get involved with this work, and urge community-based programs to work together.”

Maxey notes that helping financially can be affordable as well. While funding a 50-child program would cost approximately $40,000, you can sponsor a single student for the length of a Summer Learning program for just $700, or help with needs such as transportation, enrichment, or volunteerism.

ENCOURAGE YOUR EMPLOYEES TO PUT THEIR CHILDREN IN A HIGH-QUALITY PROGRAM, ENCOURAGE YOUR PEERS TO GET INVOLVED WITH THIS WORK, AND URGE COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS TO WORK TOGETHER.

—Andrew Maxey, Director of Special Programs for Tuscaloosa City Schools

Interested in participating? Contact Andrew Maxey, Director of Special Programs, amaxey@tusc.k12.al.us.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

THREE LOCAL BUSINESSES were honored October 22, as retailers across the state were recognized during Alabama Retail Day. At a ceremony in Birmingham, the Alabama Retail Association named UGO Convenience Delivery as Alabama’s Emerging Retailer of the Year, recognized Anders Hardware as a Centennial Retailer, and named Jennaration Boutique a Customer Choice Award winner.

UGO CONVENIENCE DELIVERY

John “Jay” G. Newman II, CEO, founder and owner of UGO Convenience Delivery in Tuscaloosa, along with chief marketing officer Matt Tietz have been named Alabama’s 2019 Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year. UGO Convenience Delivery was one of 14 retail businesses honored in October as Retailers of the Year.

A New Jersey native, Newman was a University of Alabama student sitting in his fraternity bedroom when he got his idea. “I had a bunch of snacks that my mom sent down as a care package,” he said. “You know word gets around and sure enough, I had a couple of kids come in and say, ‘Hey, do you have any double A batteries for an X-Box controller or ‘Hey, do you have any Gatorade or water?’ ” His next thought was, “Wait, why don’t we have a convenience store that delivers directly to you?”

Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber, nominated UGO for the award. “Rather than simply running the business from his room on campus, Newman sought out

space in The EDGE, the community’s incubator that offered mentoring, counseling, business development and other support services,” Page said. Newman graduated from the incubator in 2016.

To anyone who asks, Newman notes a benefit that distinguishes his business from the rest. “We sell something that other places don’t sell, and that’s time.”

The Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year Award is named in memory of the late Morris “Mickey” Gee, a former Alabama Retail board member and University of Alabama at Birmingham professor. The award is given annually to an innovative and effective Alabama retailer who has been in business for at least two years, but less than five. Gee, who owned the Pants Store for more than 30 years, realized that the first five years are tough, but young businesses can have a huge impact. Newman, Tietz and Ugo Convenience Delivery are the first-ever Emerging Retailer of the Year from Tuscaloosa.

ANDERS HARDWARE CO., INC.

In January 1909, several brothers living in the Northport area came together to open J.H. Anders Mercantile. The store still operates out of the same location on Main Avenue, although the name changed in 1921 to Anders Hardware to reflect a shift from general mercantile to hardware. A second location opened in 2002 in Tuscaloosa. The retailer employs 20 and sells more than 150,000 items for the home or farm.

“This a true family business, so every member of my family has contributed to this over the 110 years,” said Rich Anders, current general manager and the fourth generation to run the business. “I’ve got siblings and they have been in and out of the business over the years, but it just stuck with me. I just really enjoy it, and I still do after all of these years.”

Rich’s great-grandfather and one of the original brothers,

Burwell Lewis Anders, led the company from the 1920s until he passed the reins to son James Burwell Anders. James’s son Richard Rodger Anders Sr., the current owner, grew up in the company then joined full time in 1970 after returning from Vietnam.

Rodger’s son Rich recalls coming to the store as a child. “My dad would let me push the brooms up and down the aisles. We had a big ole cash register that had a loud bell, and he’d pop that cash register open and take 50 cents out and give it to me. I loved it. I’ve got the retail gene.” As he told the story of his first sales experience, he said, “I set up a little card table in the parking lot, and I sold rocks.” When his first customer purchased a rock for a dollar, he ran into the store to show his dad. “It was just in my blood. Not that my parents raised me to think that this was what I had to do. I went to college, and I have a business degree. It was up to me.”

“ “ THIS IS A TRUE FAMILY BUSINESS, SO EVERY MEMBER OF MY FAMILY HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS OVER THE 110 YEARS.

—Rich Anders

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

JENNARATION BOUTIQUE

Jennaration Boutique, Inc. sells on-trend women’s clothing, shoes and accessories online, at three brick-andmortar stores and through an app. “We opened our very first storefront location five years ago in Tuscaloosa,” said owner Jenna Powell, who initially ran her business out of a spare bedroom closet at her home. “The second storefront (in Northport) came about a year after the first. We most recently opened our third location in Birmingham.” That third store opened in early August.

Jennaration Boutique was recognized as the Alabama Retailer of the Year Customers’ Choice Award winner at the Alabama Retail Day awards luncheon. Among the 49 Alabama Retailer of the Year entries, the boutique chain garnered the most votes cast in an online contest. “We are pretty much known for customer service,” said Powell.

In the contest, customers praised Jennaration for “great quality clothes and jewelry” and “amazing customer service.” One customer wrote, “Jennaration deserves this!! They have the sweetest, hardest working staff, determined to put their customers first, and make us feel like family and friends.” Another said, “I have shopped with

Jennaration since the day they opened, and I have never once been disappointed or upset. They always make sure they are bringing you the latest fashion and at an affordable price!!”

From 2014 to 2017, Powell’s business grew in revenue at a rate of 1,330% and earned a place on Inc. Magazine’s annual 5000 list in 2018. “Jennaration grew pretty fast via social media,” she said. The online portion of its business grew by more than 100 percent from 2017 to 2018 because of social selling. Its boutiques do live sales five days a week via Facebook.

Caitlin Shuttlesworth, a former employee and current customer who nominated Jennaration, said, “I think the world of Jenna. She does a lot for the community, reaching out to people who have gone through hard times. Jenna … pushes through every obstacle to please her customers.”

Powell said, “It means so much … that a previous employee would nominate us. I think that says a lot about Jennaration Boutique.”

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

ALABAMA COURT

REPORTING, INC.

109 Jefferson St., Ste. 8 Huntsville, AL 35801 (205) 379-8775

Britney McComb Legal Services /Services

AMERICAN ESOTERIC

LABORATORIES

2304 McFarland Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 409-8344

Pamela O’Brien Laboratories – Medical

BLUE WATER MARKETING & PROMO

Tuscaloosa, AL (256) 719-9885

Ryan Carter Advertising Specialties

BOWLERO

2001 McFarland Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Victor Morrow (205) 518-7781

Entertainment / Recreation

CABANISS MEDIA

P.O. Box 121 Northport, AL 35476

Laura Cabaniss (205) 292-9381

Marketing Consultants / Advertising Agencies & Consultants

CIVIL AXE THROWING

2310 4th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 201-0299

Scott Brewster Entertainment / Recreation

E320RV, LLC

923 Rice Valley Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 792-4646

Joseph Woolley Rental Service Stores / Supplies

FLAVAZ SEAFOOD & SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT 1500 Dinah Washington Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 826-6054

Ashley Williams Restaurant / Catering

GALLETTES

1021 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 792-3961

Jeff Sirkin Lounges / Nightclubs

GATEWOOD REAL ESTATE

1490 Northbank Pkwy., Ste. 265 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 324-4704

Tracy Gatewood Real Estate/Realty/Realtors

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIE

1701 McFarland Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8219

Christy Tubbs Bakeries – Retail

HOTWORX TUSCALOOSA 1306 University Blvd., Ste. D Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 710-7475

Jenifer Bond Fitness Centers

HUA AGENCY LLC; FARMERS INSURANCE

65201 Hwy. 69 S., St. E Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 764-5080

Kebei Hua Insurance

INLINE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO.

2104 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 752-5252

Glenn Ford Electric Equipment/Supplies

JOHNSON’S GARDENS, GIFTS & INTERIORS

7170 Bradley Rd.

Duncanville, AL 35456 (205) 553-2695

Teresa Johnson Landscape Design/Build/Retail Garden Center

KNAPP LAW FIRM

1490 Northbank Pkwy. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 441-4824

Donald Knapp Legal Services

MEDCENTER NORTHRIVER

4960 Rice Mine Rd. NE, Ste. 10 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 333-9467

Holly James Health Care Facilities/Physicians – Family Practice

August 1-November 8, 2019

NORTHPORT ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI, INC.

P.O. Box 3027

Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

James Little (256) 454-3079 Non-Profit Organizations

NORTHPORT NUTRITION, LLC

915 B McFarland Blvd.

Northport, AL 35476 (205) 771-0524

Virginia Whitfield Smoothie Bar

PEACH PIT BAR & GRILL

1800 McFarland Blvd. E., Ste. 500

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 792-8790

William Maddox Restaurants

PNC

331 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 421-2409

Wes Mindingall Banks

PWRGOOSE

4509 Valleydale Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 254-0975

Wayne Pullen Technology Solutions and Services

RAISED ON COUNTRY

BURGERS & GRILL

2217 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-5405

Tony Mancuso Restaurant/Catering

RARE TRANSPORTATION

4525 Valleydale Rd.

Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 980-7273

Peyton Reid (205) 980-7273 Transportation

RENEA HENSON –BILLY BOYD REALTY

3811 Palisades Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 534-0508

Renea Henson Real Estate/Realty/Realtors

ROYAL FURNITURE

635 Skyland Blvd., Ste. 125

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 771-6250

Steve Gallegos Furniture Dealers

RSP PERCUSSION

4705 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 5 Northport, AL 35476 (205) 764-9794

Rodney Booth Musical Instruments – Dealers/ Services/Repairs; Music Stores

RUSH HOUR TRANSIT

Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 799-9214

Carlotta Jones Transportation

SESSION BAR

2221 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 454-5061

Hunter Wiggins Lounges/Nightclubs

SIMPLY GWEN DAY SPA

1657 N. McFarland Blvd., Ste. G2C Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 246-5992

Gwen Sheffield Spa – Medical

SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C.

2216 14th St.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 710-6700

Cheryl Oswalt Legal Services

SOKOL PARK CHIROPRACTIC

5690 Watermelon Rd., Ste. 300 Northport, AL 35473 (205) 409-6665

Scott Kennedy Physicians – Chiropractic

STATE FARM INSURANCE

Ryan Whitson Agency 1503 Bridge Ave. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 722-2804

Ryan Whitson Insurance

T.S. POLICE SUPPORT

LEAGUE, INC. 244 Wilson Ave. Eutaw, AL 35462 (205) 887-0591

Billy McFarland Non-Profit Organizations

TBBBOUT/INVOIA

1927 7th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 737-3695

Jason Polancich Financial Services

THE GRAND EVENT DESIGN AND DÉCOR

1057 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 737-3695

Shannel Aiken Events – Design / Rental Services

THE WHIMSY COOKIE COMPANY

305 21st Ave., Ste. C Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 722-2826

Stacy Taylor Bakeries – Retail

TMS COUNSELING, LLC

720 Energy Center Blvd. Northport, AL 35473 (205) 764-0850

Takesha Shannon Counselors – Licensed

T-TOWN TICKETS

1814 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 645-2500

Candice Carden Ticket Sales

TUSCALOOSA ANGELS

P.O. Box 3100 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (615) 598-0468

Kristin Smith Non-Profit Organizations

TUSCALOOSA GYNECOLOGY

657 Helen Keller Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 255-3784

Brenda Stewart Health Care Facilities – Women’s Health

TUSCALOOSA TUMBLEBUS

902 Union Chapel Rd., Ste. 1 Northport, AL 35475 (205) 799-2089

Tami Hunter Child Care & Child Development Centers/Entertainment/Recreation

URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN

4700 Rice Mine Rd. NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 847-2020

Anna Montgomery Physicians – Pediatrics/Health Care Facilities

VINTAGE COTTON

2113 University Blvd., Ste. B Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 737-7125

Tonya Williams Retail – Boutique/Retail –Clothing, Accessories

VOLKERT, INC.

2802 University Blvd., Ste. 300 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 764-7593

Russell Ware Engineers – Professional –Consulting

WARRIOR RESTORATION, LLC

1701 Queen City Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 759-1059

Michael Batchelor Fire & Water Restoration/ Home Improvements/Repairs/ Installation

WHOLESALE PRINTING AND AD SPECIALTIES

3218 Main Ave. Northport, AL 35476 (205) 826-3025

Brett Booth Printing Service/Signs/Advertising Specialties

ZEE’S DONER KEBAB

1701 McFarland Blvd. E., Ste. 182

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 534-6570

Yasar Demir Restaurant/Catering

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 | WhiteSky Communications

INVESTOR LEADERS Adams Beverages | Alabama Credit Union | AT&T | Barge Design Solutions, Inc. | Cintas | Coral Industries, Inc. | Industrial Warehous Service Inc. | John Plott Company Inc. | McGiffert and Associates, LLC | Paragon HM Wealth 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 Network | Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama | Buffalo Rock Company/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-fil-A of Northport | Echols, Taylor & Associates, P.C. | Hampton Inn University | Kyle Office Solutions | The Locker Room | Metalsa Tuscaloosa, Inc. | Raymond James | Remmert Company | Renasant Bank | SmartBank | Spiller Furniture & Mattress | TotalCom, Inc. | Winter McFarland

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2/11 — 5 P.M.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE EDGE, PRESENTED BY CAMGIAN MICROSYSTEMS

Don’t miss the best networking West Alabama has to offer! Join us at 5 p.m. for food and fun, and spend time with fellow members. No cost to attend.

2/13—10 A.M.

WEST ALABAMA WORKS ORIENTATION AT THE CHAMBER

Learn about all the resources West Alabama Works offers employers. It’s great for leaders in business and government, nonprofit executives, social services representatives and more.

2/18 11:30 A.M.

QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON AT EMBASSY SUITES

NEW!!! The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama quarterly Membership Luncheons provide an opportunity for the Chamber to share local business insights and for attendees to learn about Chamber updates and upcoming events. These luncheons provide a great opportunity to network and get informed about what your Chamber is doing to move West Alabama forward.

3/3—1 P.M.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING TRAINING AT THE CHAMBER

Susan Fant, Instructor of Marketing and Corporate Director of the Masters of Marketing Program at The University of Alabama, will help you develop a strategy that works best for your marketing goals and is conscious of your time and budget. Using a variety of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, you can create an online presence that tells your business’s story, finds new customers, and interacts with a targeted audience online.

3/5—12 P.M.-7 P.M.

CELEBRATE LOCAL AT THE TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET

Come help us Celebrate Local! Going into its 3rd year, Celebrate Local brings community members and local merchants together for a one-of-a-kind social, shopping and tasting event to highlight the locally owned, independent businesses. Open to the public; no cost to attend.

3/10—5 P.M.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT BANKFIRST

Don’t miss the best networking West Alabama has to offer! Join us at 5 p.m. for food and fun, and spend time with fellow members. No cost to attend.

3/11-3/12

2020 MONTGOMERY DRIVE-IN

The Chamber’s annual trip to the State Capitol promotes the Chamber’s State Legislative Agenda and provides an opportunity to meet with key leaders in state government. Past trips have included tours of the Alabama Legislature. More than 75 local business and elected leaders who participate in this trip find it to be an excellent opportunity to network with other community leaders.

4/7-4/8

WOW 2.0 AT SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Designed for high school juniors and seniors, WOW 2.0 allows young adults to engage with employers and colleges, even interviewing for part-time and full-time jobs. Held at Shelton State Community College, WOW 2.0 continues a student’s future, whether they choose college or career after graduation.

4/14—5 P.M.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE SIDE BY SIDE

Don’t miss the best networking West Alabama has to offer! Join us at 5 p.m. for food and fun, and spend time with fellow members. No cost to attend.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AN EVENT OR TO REGISTER, VISIT: http://tuscaloosachamberal.chambermaster.com/events/