Rising Tide - Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

CHAMPIONS FOR HEALTH

DCH HEALTH SYSTEM COMBINES SKILL, COMPASSION, AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO NAVIGATE WEST ALABAMIANS THROUGH A CRISIS

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

VAN OUTREACH CHANGES PATH TO WORKFORCE

CHAMBER @ WORK:

MAYORS, PROBATE JUDGE TALK COVID RESPONSE AT STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

DIVERSITY SUMMIT DELVES INTO THE FUTURE OF WORK

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE TACKLES TOUGH TOPICS

Precision machining for aerospace and defense

ARCH – Tuscaloosa offers rewarding job opportunities for engineering and technical mindsets. We’re a progressive employer with multiple state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities serving industry-leading aerospace and defense companies.

• Culture of integrity and performance

• Advanced precision technologies

• Clean work environment YOUR CAREER IS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF!

And what a year this one will be.

I know many of us are glad to have 2020 behind us. I don’t believe any of us could have imagined just 12 months ago that our daily lives would look the way they do now. Businesses continue to adapt. Families are dealing every day with the impacts of COVID-19. And the challenges are not over.

Even so, we are thankful – thankful because we believe brighter days are ahead. And thankful because, here in West Alabama, we have a resource that is fully invested in the success of our community – not only in good times, but also in times of uncertainty. The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is on the front lines for us every day. I am proud of the work the Chamber did in 2020 supporting small businesses. The Small Business Relief Fund was established in partnership with the Community Foundation to help entrepreneurs who were severely impacted by the pandemic, and over the course of several weeks, a committee of chamber membership awarded more than $1.25 million to small businesses in need. The businesses, by the way, included Chamber members and non-members alike. With the City of Tuscaloosa’s funding from Elevate Tuscaloosa, the partnership made a tremendous impact.

That’s the power of partnership. That’s the power of community. That’s what we’ll build on in 2021.

How will we build on it? By staying true to our commitment to serve and innovate on behalf of our communities. We don’t know all that 2021 will bring. But we do know that we’ll stand together as a united business community.

Standing together also means we have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to build on our work to advance racial equity and economic empowerment. In 2020, the Chamber hosted dozens of virtual meetings to facilitate greater awareness and understanding. Through unity and collaboration, Chamber members can create more inclusive growth in Tuscaloosa, Northport and beyond. We must listen more, understand more and do more to ensure we’re creating an environment where all people have the opportunity to prosper.

The Chamber is also moving forward with its plans to move into the longtime Regions Bank facility in downtown Tuscaloosa while we at Regions invest in a brand-new facility next door. This move will provide the space the Chamber needs to take its workforce development initiatives to the next level, with agencies and companies serving all areas of the business spectrum under one roof. This will make our community even more competitive and even better positioned to grow in 2021 and the years to come.

We invite everyone to get involved with the Chamber this year. From networking, to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, to helping build a pipeline of talent for the workforce, to collaborating with government leaders on business opportunities, there is a place for everyone to plug in.

Together, we made a difference in 2020. Together, we’ll do even more in 2021.

All my best,

2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair

Elizabeth Winter

Regions Bank

Chair-Elect

Tripp Powell

Powell Enterprises

Immediate Past Chair

Bobby Bragg

JamisonMoneyFarmer PC

Vice Chair, Communications and Marketing

Kelsey Rush Bryant Bank

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

Michele Coley

Allstate Coley Agency

Vice Chair, Membership and Investor Relations

Jheovanny Gomez

Jalapenos Mexican Grill

Vice Chair, Public Policy and Advocacy

Matt Feller

BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing

Treasurer

Reed Norris

Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa

President and CEO/ Secretary

Jim Page, CCE, IOM Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Legal Counsel

Kim Ingram

Hayes Ingram, LLC

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Paul Betz, Bobby Bragg, Rick Clementz, Michele Coley, Brock Corder, Steven Deal, Thomas Dedrick, Heather Dill, Russell Dubose, Amy Echols, Matt Fajack, Matt Feller, Jheovanny Gomez, Chris Gunter, Angela Hamiter, Tim Harrison, Mildred Black Hooks, Carl Jamison, James Leitner, Angela Martin, Scott McClanahan, Gary McGee, 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

VICE PRESIDENT, mEmbERShIP AND INVESTOR RELATIONS (205) 391-0327

kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com

NATA’ShA BLACK

PROGRAm mANAGER, WORKfORCE DEVELOPmENT (205) 391-0331

natasha@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

CHAMBER AT WORK Chamber in Session

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY FEATURES MAYORS, PROBATE JUDGE

TThe Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama welcomed local officials for the 2020 Chamber in Session: State of the Community, presented by TTL, Inc. on October 15. Matt Feller, Vice Chair for Public Policy for the Chamber’s Board of Directors, moderated the event, which was presented via Remo virtual platform.

Mayor Donna Aaron of the City of Northport, Mayor Walt Maddox of the City of Tuscaloosa, and Probate Judge Rob Robertson of Tuscaloosa County tackled a variety of topics, including an attendee Q&A.

COVID-19 was at the forefront of the discussion. “County government is in a unique situation,” said Robertson. “One of the things we have strived to do was to work together and continue to provide nonstop services throughout this entire ordeal. We’ve had to change how

we’ve had to deliver the services, but we’ve kept functioning and I’m very appreciative of the team.”

Robertson said keeping people safe and working is essential.Maddox said he was proud of the successes, especially keeping COVID-19 patient numbers as low as possible within the DCH System. “The unprecedented cooperation between the university, DCH, and our local governments has meant that we’ve saved a lot of jobs, and we’ve saved a lot of lives,” he said. We wanted to make sure that DCH had the capacity to not only treat coronavirus but also patients with other needs.”

Maddox also thanked Gov. Kay Ivey for her assistance in giving municipalities the ability to take the action they needed to protect their communities.

“ “ The unprecedented cooperation between the university, DCH, and our local governments has meant that we’ve saved a lot of jobs, and we’ve saved a lot of lives.

—Walt Maddox, Mayor of the City of Tuscaloosa

Aaron discussed spending plans for Northport for the one-cent sales tax that would invest the money into enjoyment/recreation, economic, responsible “buckets.” The plan invests the funding into parks, streetscaping, services, and other improvements for the community.

“These include educational opportunities for schools within the city of Northport,” she said. “It gives the schools programs they would not be able to otherwise afford through the county board.”

Maddox provided an Elevate Tuscaloosa update, telling attendees they would be able to track the Elevate timeline and expenses via the website. He also said the city has leveraged Elevate to date for $26 million to improve Tuscaloosa.

He also gave project updates on the Western Riverwalk, Northern Riverwalk, River District Park, and Airport Runway Improvements.

CHAMBER IN SESSION

PRESENTED BY:

CHAMBER AT WORK

“In the end Elevate is going to take our community to the next level. We were blessed to have Elevate during this pandemic,” Maddox said. “With it, we were able to help hundreds of small businesses through Restart Tuscaloosa. We couldn’t have done that without the Chamber, and the Small Business Relief Fund, and I’m really proud of that. I’m proud of that partnership with the Chamber and the Community Foundation.”

All three officials said that the pandemic delivered an opportunity to take a close look at the budgeting process and make adjustments.With respect to the future, opportunity, collaboration, and growth were the goals looking ahead.

“Combining all our opportunities and people working together between workforce, education and local government, you can really get something done,” Robertson said. “I’m positive on our economic development outlook and opportunities. I think we’re about to see some exciting things happening.”

GOLD SPONSORS

Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports

WhiteSky Communications

SILVER SPONSORS

BBVA Frazer Lanier Company

Paragon HM Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley

Tuscaloosa County Commission

Ward Scott Architecture

BRONZE SPONSORS

Community Service Programs of West Alabama

Fast Signs Tuscaloosa

Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers

Simplified Medical Management

Warrior Met Coal

TABLE SPONSORS

Alabama ONE

BankFirst

Buffalo Rock-Pepsi

Building & Earth Sciences, Inc.

Chesapeake Consulting, Inc.

City of Tuscaloosa

District Attorney's Office

JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC

Michael McGuire State Farm Insurance Co.

Raymond James

Synovus

Tuscaloosa City Board of Education

Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Tuscaloosa County Board of Education

University of Alabama System

Way, Ray, Shelton & Company, P.C.

Diversity Summit

TACKLES THE FUTURE OF WORK

The Diverse Business Council of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama held the 6th Annual Diversity Summit October 21, presented by Cadence Bank.

Focusing on the “Future of Work,” this year’s Diversity Summit featured a virtual panel of experts on a range of relevant topics for business and community leaders.

TMildred Black Hooks, Founder of People Optimum Consulting and 2020 Chair of the Diverse Business Council, kicked off the summit with a session on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Hooks noted that by 2050, 50 percent of our country’s population will be African American and people of color, and the call for diversity, equity, and inclusion has never been louder as it relates to the workplace.

“Diversity is bringing together the best and brightest to add value to the work that is being done,” Hooks said. “Working on embracing, capitalizing

on, and optimizing what makes us unique.”

Michele Coley, Agency Owner, the Allstate Coley Agency, and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, discussed Strategy in the workplace. “Culture is very important when you’re being strategic,” Coley said. “You have to be able to think and see beyond.”

Describing herself as a “classic micromanager,” Coley explained that the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to see her staff working remotely and provided the ability to take the next step forward, and she now has employees working in other cities. Coley said it is important to think about your competition, technology, and shifts in culture. “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready,” she explained.

Tim Lewis, President & CEO, TALA Professional Services, discussed Innovation with summit attendees, and explained that

GOLD SPONSORS

Bryant Bank

Home Instead Senior Care

Stillman College

Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors

Whitesky Communications, LLC

SPEAKER SPONSOR

Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola

thinking and acting differently is something we all must do every day.

“We may be successful in what we’re doing now, but we need to be thinking about what’s around the corner,” he said. “Old ways won’t open new doors.”

Lewis recommended looking at the services you are currently offering and make adjustments, whether they are incremental or disruptive changes.

Tripp Powell, Owner, Powell Enterprises, and a Chamber Board member, discussed Collaboration, particularly in respect to team environments.

“Ask what you can learn from other team members,” he recommended. “How is their background different from yours.”

Powell said that for him, being too comfortable was a problem, and getting out of your comfort zone is the key to success.

TABLE SPONSORS

Allstate Coley Agency

TTL, Inc.

Tuscaloosa Orthopedic & Joint Institute

The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences

VENDORS

BankFirst

Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation

The Legacy Connection

Renasant Bank

CHAMBER AT WORK

A Cooperative Effort

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNS HOW LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TACKLES HUMAN TRAFFICKING

TThe Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Alliance welcomed Lt. Darren Beams, Commander of the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, as guest speaker for the group’s November 5 Lunch and Learn, presented by the Radiology Clinic

Lt. Beams has been working with the task force for three years, taking a proactive, victim-centered approach with the team, which includes five full-time and 25 part-time officers.

“The task force has been successful,” Beams says. “It is made up of Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport Police Department, and the University of Alabama Police Department.”

The task force works in cooperation with a number of law enforcement agencies and organizations, including the Attorney General’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, ALEA, Homeland Security, and the FBI.

Beams says that while labor trafficking does exist, the task force concentrates on what they see primarily – sex trafficking. Induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or if the victim is not yet 19 years of age, Beams says compelling someone to engage in a commercial sex act is an enterprise that is surrounded by misconception and myths. While

trafficking can originate from foreign sources, most trafficking is what he calls “home grown.” Stemming the flow of sex trafficking, which Beams says is growing, is important, because the life span of a sex trafficking victim is just seven years.

Rescuing trafficking victims is challenging because they do not always see themselves as victims. Beams cautions that the majority of

victims his team sees are already in some type of physical or psychological distress, and traffickers use grooming techniques such as targeting, tricks, and traumatizing victims to gain and retain control over their victims. Once traffickers have control, the cycle is difficult to break.

“In the three years we’ve been in operation, we’ve rescued 31 victims,” Beams says. “None of the 31 have

come back to testify against their trafficker.” Beams did note that in seven operations conducted during the same period, the task force arrested 250 males attempting to solicit commercial sex.

In response to a question about Facebook posts being shared, Beams said its unlikely sex traffickers are trolling WalMart or similar locations and following victims in a “snatchand-grab” effort. After interviewing traffickers, he’s determined that not only do they know major retailers have extremely good camera systems, they also rarely target victims with families interested in raising an alarm.

“Traffickers want victims who will not be missed,” he said. “They do not want attention raised, so they often target runaways and those already in distress. They are not looking for victims whose families will cause trouble.”

Beams suggested the best way for parents to protect their children is to monitor their devices, particularly social media platforms, online gaming chat rooms and texting apps.

Contact Lt. Beams or the task force at (205) 248-4750 for more information.

KIMBERLY ADAMS LEADS MEMBERSHIP AND INVESTOR RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

TThe Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama announces the promotion of Kimberly Adams to Vice President for Membership and Investor Relations. Adams has served as Director of Membership and Investor Relations since 2013. In that role, she leads all membership recruitment activities for the Chamber and manages the organization’s resource development efforts, including the Next Level Initiative capital campaign and 4th Quarter Drive sponsorship campaign.

“Kimberly has done an exceptional job guiding the Chamber’s membership and investor relations efforts the past several years,” said Jim Page, Chamber

President and CEO. “The significant growth we’ve experienced in both membership and member engagement reflects the leadership she has brought to her position. Kimberly has earned the respect of our volunteer leaders, her coworkers and Chamber members throughout the community. In this elevated role, she will also be more involved with strategic planning and organizational development as a member of the Chamber’s executive leadership team.”

Prior to joining the Chamber, Adams served as Retail Advertising and Digital Sales Manager for The Tuscaloosa News. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama.

Page Appointed to International Association Board

ACCE SERVES 9,000 CHAMBER PROFESSIONALS

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has appointed Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, to serve on the board of directors. ACCE is an Alexandria, Virginia-based association of more than 9,000 professionals who work for and with over 1,300 chambers of commerce throughout North America. Page was appointed by incoming ACCE Chairman Jay Byers, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

T Chamber Names New Vice President

“We are pleased to welcome Jim to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, President and CEO of ACCE. “He joins the organization’s volunteer leadership

at a time when the role of chambers of commerce has never been more critical. In these unprecedented times, Jim’s expertise will help our volunteer leadership address today’s most pressing challenges, reimagine chambers and shape the future of our work.”

Page has served as President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama since 2012 and has worked in the chamber industry since 2002. A former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, Page currently sits on the board of directors of the Business Council of Alabama, which serves as the state chamber of commerce.

Members of ACCE’s board of directors represent more than 50 organizations, including many of the world’s largest and most influential regional chambers of commerce.

DCH Health System

CHAMPIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH

DCH Regional Medical Center

I“I’m just going for a short spin on the bike,” George Laird said to his wife, Brenda.

“OK, please be careful,” she responded.

The accident occurred less than an hour later when truck started to make a left turn but stopped when it saw the approaching motorcycle. “The bike went down, as did the rider… the love of my life,” Brenda Laird said.

Just two weeks prior, they had celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. They had been high school sweethearts who had dated for six years before marrying.

George was taken to DCH with broken bones and lacerations that made his pain nearly unbearable. His family’s pain was compounded when they found out they could not be by his side.

“COVID drew its ugly curtain, and I was not allowed to be with my beloved at his most painful time,” Laird said.

Laird did not give up. She wrote cards and letters encouraging George to fight hard, but she was struggling with the situation as well.

“It was at this time that our angel of mercy entered our lives … Hanh Ngo, George’s case manager, phoned me,” Laird said. “Her soft voice touch(ed) my heart with words of encouragement and love.”

George had lost his glasses in the accident, so Hanh read the cards and letters to him and reported back to Laird that George had listened to every word. Hanh also arranged phone conversations between the two.

“Of all the things we have had to manage during this pandemic, restricting visitation has been one of the

hardest for both the families and our staff,” Bryan Kindred, President and CEO of the DCH Health System, said. “Family members are often a tremendous aid in the care and recovery of our patients. At times is has been a frustrating process for everyone involved, but we have worked hard to find ways to maintain that support and connectivity.”

Laird related that Hanh provided regular updates and called, “not only to bring me word of George, but to check on ME! I could hear in her voice that HER heart was broken, that she felt so deeply, for what George was going through.”

After several days, George’s condition took a turn for the worse, and his family was able to be present for his final moments. “Hanh continued to reach out to me … texting, cards, music … anything to help me through this,” Laird said. “To say that she went above and beyond her duties would be a gross understatement. To her, we were family.”

While Hanh’s efforts for the Laird family were exceptional, they have not been uncommon at DCH Health System during this unusual year.

“

Of all the things we have had to manage during this pandemic, restricting visitation has been one of the hardest for both the families and our staff.

—Bryan Kindred, President and CEO of the DCH Health System

“

Brenda Laird and Hanh Ngo

George and Brenda Laird

“

Adversity changes us, it exposes our weaknesses. If we are flexible, those weaknesses can become new strengths. If we are wise, those strengths can be used to better serve the community.

—Bryan Kindred, President and CEO of the DCH Health System

“Our fiscal year starts October 1, and on that day in 2019 we were hit with a ransomware attack,” Kindred said. “Just as we were feeling somewhat recovered from that, COVID-19 started to surface. DCH team has come together to overcome every imaginable obstacle. I have seen compassion, ingenuity and tenacity.”

DCH normally has about a dozen negative pressure isolation rooms (the room’s airflow is independent of the main hospital’s airflow). When the DCH COVID Response Team identified the need to expand that capacity to safely isolate and care for suspected or positive COVID-19 patients, they turned to Facilities Engineering.

Before long, the team had a solution. They reached out to their vendor partners and ordered about 80 portable HEPA filtration systems that are normally used for construction. While they waited for the air scrubbers to arrive, they removed windows and in their place installed exhaust ducts. In all, they converted about 45 rooms and have the materials to expand to nearly double that if needed.

“

“Creating the flexibility to quickly convert regular rooms into negative isolation rooms is a good example of how every department has been using its talents and resources to find solutions,” Paul Betz, chief operating officer, said. “The DCH Foundation has coordinated mask contributions, marketing has produced daily updates, HR has been recruiting more people and purchasing has made sure we have the supplies we need. From the bedside to facility entry points, we have come together. I could not be more proud of this team and grateful to the community for all that has been accomplished.”

Like every other business, DCH hopes to soon return to normal. Yet, so much has been learned that what used to be normal will likely not be anything like the new normal.

During the pandemic DCH brought in an intensivist program to better manage some of its sickest patients. That program has been successful and will continue, as will others.

“There is so much we have learned and may consider going forward such as new ways of screening visitors, better information flow to the community, making access to patient records easier and maintaining a high level of flexibility in physical patient care delivery resources,” Betz said.

“Adversity changes us, it exposes our weaknesses,” Kindred said. “If we are flexible, those weaknesses can become new strengths. If we are wise, those strengths can be used to better serve the community. At DCH, we are working hard to learn from the challenges we have faced to better become the health care champions our community needs.”

BUFFALO ROCK

Jeff Oswalt (left), facility manager, and Jason Abernathy (right), engineering compliance manager, stand with one of the portable HEPA filtration systems their team has been using to make negative pressure isolation rooms as needed.

WINNERS CIRCLE

Best of the Best

WEST ALABAMA BUSINESSES TAKE TOP HONORS AT SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

TThe Small Business Awards of Alabama, presented by The Partnership of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and the Business Council of Alabama, recognized West Alabama businesses at the annual Small Business Awards, held virtually Friday, December 4, 2020.

Achieving top honors was Chuck’s Fish/Five, recognized as the Small Business of the Year in the largest category the competition honors – businesses with 51 to 100 employees. Based on a variety of civic and professional standards, the partnership recognizes the best in Alabama small business.

Well known for delivering top-notch dining experiences with excellent food, stellar service, and great atmospheres, the sister restaurants owned by Charles Morgan III also support the community. Through American Lunch, a mobile soup kitchen operated several times a week, the restaurants provide access to a free healthy meal to anyone who needs one with no questions asked. Chuck’s also brings the community together through their annual Thanksgiving Feast, held at no cost but raising donations for Habitat for Humanity at the event.

In the 11 to 50 employee category, JNJ Apparel was honored with a second-place finish. The firm, which produces and sells Greek gear, company logo shirts, silk screen printing and custom business apparel, not only delivers fresh, original designs hand-drawn by a team of professional artists backed up by relationship-driven personal service, they also are passionate about the community they serve.

Not only do JNJ Apparel owners Michael and Nick Wright support numerous non-profit organizations, they also support those closest to their heart – their customers. JNJ converted their online platform, JNJ Marketplace, to assist small businesses hit hardest by the mandatory shutdown. Developed to sell collegiate products such as t-shirts to businesses and other groups, Michael and Nick quickly reconfigured the platform with a

“

This competition represents the best of the best from across the state, and we are fortunate to have companies like these serving our community.

Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber

“

“Shop Local” campaign with the goal of providing emergency funding to local businesses through donating a portion of the sale of each shirt back to the small business. Many of the businesses who participated in the online platform were bars, who were greatly appreciative of the revenue stream.

In addition to Chuck’s Fish/Five and JNJ Apparel, two finalists were also named from the West Alabama area. Eat My Beats was recognized as a finalist in the 1 to 10 employee category, and Session Bar was named a finalist in the Emerging Retailer category.

“We were thrilled to see businesses from West Alabama honored at the Small Business Awards this year,” says Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber. “This competition represents the best of the best from across the state, and we are fortunate to have companies like these serving our community.”

On the Road Again

HOW VAN OUTREACH IS CHANGING THE PATH TO WORKFORCE

If there is one thing the West Alabama Works team knows well, it is early morning road trips, hiring events that extend well into late evening, and the importance of grassroots outreach.

On a cool November morning as the sun rises over the trees in rural Alabama, the West Alabama Works (WAW) team drives through the fog to set up the mobile unit bright and early for the communities they serve. By the time businesses are open, laptops are set up and ready for attendees to register for Career Connect, a platform that connects individuals looking for training, resources, and employers looking to hire qualified people. One by one people walk up to talk to the team, and the conversations begin to flow. The application takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the registrants’ work experience. “I have really enjoyed going out in the Black Belt communities and interacting with individuals looking for work,” says Tammi Holley, Workforce Coordinator, West

Alabama Works and Black Belt Workforce Center. “In this day and time, folks just want to work and be able to provide for their household. Most people in the community have been applying for work, but do not hear anything back from the employers. In most cases they need just a little motivation.”

Throughout the spring and summer months of 2020, West Alabama Works held hiring events virtually through online platforms that reached almost 500 individuals. The big industries in West Alabama include automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare. The need for skilled workers during COVID-19 continues to rise. By late fall, it was time to get back on the road and hold events in-person, with procedures that follow the ADPH and CDC guidelines. Hand sanitizer and masks are always provided, and all events are located outside with at least 6 feet of space between each person. For Workforce Development Outreach and Program Manager Lauren Collier, the switch

back to in-person events is a welcome change. “I love these events because it gives us a chance to talk to people one on one about their needs,” Collier says. We can look at data all day. We know the big problems we face in this COVID-19 world. Nothing replaces being able to affect change one person at a time. If I can help one person accomplish something in their lives to make things easier for them and their families, I know we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. We do not get record numbers at these events, but we do show the community that we are here to help always, not just one time. West Alabama is our home, and wherever the need is we will be.”

In only a month’s time, the West Alabama Works team visited all nine counties in Region 3 of the Alabama Regional Workforce Council. The van tour was split into two parts — the first events were held October 6th through 16th throughout Greene, Sumter, Hale, Marengo, and Tuscaloosa counties. The team hit the road again November 5th through 13th with stops in Pickens, Lamar, Bibb, and Fayette counties.

The van unit sets up shop outside of local businesses, churches, libraries, and similar locations. “Wherever traffic is busy and there are people that can see us, that

is where we want to be,” says Collier. “So many of our attendees are people who see the van and our signs and decide to drop by and say hello. More often than not, they also know someone who is looking for a job, and they send more people our way.” The in-person events also allow for partnerships with service providers such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Alabama Career Centers, and PRIDE of Tuscaloosa.

In the uncertain times of COVID-19, the West Alabama Works team is proud to be able to bring their mobile unit into the community to connect job seekers and eliminate their barriers to employment. Sometimes people already have employment but are looking to find more stability or go back to school. People who attend these events are very appreciative of the time the team takes to get to know them and their job interests. “It means a lot that you’ve come all the way to Sumter County,” says one attendee, “a lot of organizations will come through, promise certain things, and we never hear from them again.” The outreach team believes that no matter the number of people at each event if we helped one person connect the dots to employment, they have made an impact.

E. Barden Smedberg I.K.

Vannessa Martinez

Dustin Spruill

Jamie Lake

Melinda Mason

J. Reed

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some grand openings/ribbon cuttings were held prior to Alabama’s COVID-19 Stay at Home/Safer at Home health order, and do not include masks or other face coverings.

NEW

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CLEANING SERVICE, LLC

2012 Laurel Lake Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 764-2432

Lewis Anderson - Onwer Pressure Wash / Deck & Fence Restoration Services

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS

STORE #5156

3504 McFarland Blvd. E.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 553-5582

Brian Hrivnak - Manager Automobile Parts / Supplies / Automotive Services

Retail - Specialty Retailer

AIRPROS, LLC

3500 Northbrook Dr. #A

Northport, AL 35473

Phone: (205) 792-4852

Derrick Connell Contractors - HVAC / Air Conditioning / Heating

ALABAMA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

1932 County Road 5

Akron, AL 35441

Phone: (205) 492-0066

Lakeitha BensonUniserv Director Associations / Professional Organizations

ALABAMA ONE FOUNDATION

1215 Veterans Memorial Parkway

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 342-0152

Jacquie Johnson Non-Profit Organizations

ALLEGRA FAMILY CLINIC

1116 Mitt Lary Road Northport, AL 35475

Phone: (205) 556-5634

Lori JonesDirector of Operations Health Care Facilities Physicians - Family Practice

ALLUMS WELSCH, PC

1490 Northbank Pkwy, Suite 216

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 426-7080

S. Scott AllumsBankruptcy Attorney

Attorneys - Lawyers / Law

ART GARAGE

2422 6th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 523-5506

Joanna Lemmon - Owner

Art Studio / Instruction

Art Design / Artist / Print Art

ASPEN DENTAL

904 Veterans Memorial Parkway

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 535-3205

Denise Yousef

Dentists

Dental Service for Children

BRIDGE BUILDER

FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION

3601 Stillman Blvd Box 4841

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (205) 331-0087

Gregory Eubanks

Non-Profit Organizations

CAKEFFECT

1800 McFarland Blvd., Suite 434

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 803-5669

Komeh Davis - Owner

Bakeries - Retail Caterers

CENDY LEWAY BEAUTY

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 861-7440

Tiffany Flowers-Hurst

Retail - Boutique

Beauty Salons / Barbers - Nails

Massage Tan Spas

CORE SPACES

319 Grace Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (773) 969-5740

Jonathan Kubow

Rental Properties

Real Estate / Apartments / Condo

CRADDOCK HOLDINGS, LLC

2627 10th Avenue #102

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 523-4744

Aaron Craddock

Marketing Consultants

Advertising Agencies & Consultants

DANCERS 4 LIFE STUDIO

3518 Loop Road #4

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 394-8518

Tiffany King - Owner

Dancing Instruction

DRUID CITY PRIDE

PO BOX 21004

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35402

Phone: (205) 454-2180

Russell Howard - President Non-Profit Organizations

E&A TEAM, INC

100 Towncenter Blvd., Suite 300

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

Phone: (205) 722-9323

Mark English - President Consultants

FAT HEADZ BARBER SHOP

2516 Paul W Bryant Dr.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 752-6922

Jay Graham - Owner

Beauty Salons / Barbers - Nails

Massage Tan Spas

FAVE HOT SAUCE LLC

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (310) 743-5950

Dantrel Robinson

Retail - Specialty Retailer

FIVE STAR TAX & CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES

429 Skyland Blvd., Suite B4

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 792-5424

Pamela McCoy-Knox - Owner/ Manager

Financial Services

Tax Preparation

GILLIS JEWELERS

1351 McFarland Blvd. NE #104

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 343-7466

John Gillis - Owner

Jewelers / Jewelry Repair / Jewelry Design / Gifts

GOOSEHEAD INSURANCEKYLE MCADAMS AGENCY

2919 8th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 614-4286

Kyle McAdams - Owner Insurance

HARRIS FIRM LLC

2805 7th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 409-0098

Ariel JonesDigital Marketing Manager

Attorneys - Lawyers / Law

HASTY HAULING & MOVING COMPANY LLC

3316 2nd Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 826-4058

William Sterling

Movers - Household / Commercial

Trucking - Hauling/Off Loading

HI TITLE, LLC

600 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd., S

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 710-4239

Marland Hayes - Owner

Financial Services

HIEN ATKINS

825 Hillcrest Road

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 887-1854

Hien Atkins - Owner Cosmetics

Spa - Medical

HIS HAND RENOVATION, LLC

2215 9th Avenue, Unit A

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 219-8480

Heather Pena

Home Improvements / Repairs / Installation

HOMEVESTORS

1655 N. McFarland Blvd., Ste. 102

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 737-9234

Kevin Weslock

Real Estate / Realtors / Construction

Real Estate Developers

INTEGRITY PRO SERVICES, LLC

3401 35th CT E

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 882-6277

Trent Thompson - Owner Landscape / Lawn Care / Maintenance

IVORY DYNASTY BY COLLODGE

221 Greensboro Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (614) 634-1327

E. Barden Smedberg - Owner Hotels / Motels / Lodging / Accommodations

JACQUAN D. WINTERS, REALTOR - CARRIE FITTS

REAL ESTATE

2021 8th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 826-9740

JacQuan Winters - Realtor

Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

JOLLY HEARTH & PATIO

1801 64th Street

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 333-8275

Megan Jolly Retail

Retail - Specialty Retailer

JPMORGAN CHASE

3424 Peachtree Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: (404) 926-2531

Veronica Rabadan Financial Services

JUST LOVE COFFEE CAFE

2531 University Boulevard #100

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (615) 861-0842

Alex Roberts - Store Owner/GM Restaurants

KRAFT-ISH BY MAW

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 393-1153

Markedia Wells - Owner Retail - Boutique

LANCE HOLLOWAY PRODUCTIONS, LLC

Northport, AL 35475

Phone: (205) 242-9263

Lance Holloway - Owner Video - Multimedia - Production Photographers

MIDSTATES PETROLEUM COMPANY, LLC

1603 17th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 695-0018

Mac Myers

Oil / Gas - Wholesale Supply / Service Transportation

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)TUSCALOOSA

2700 Hospital Drive

Northport, AL 35475

Phone: 1-248-460-3113

Melissa Milano - Volunteer Non-Profit Organizations Mental Health Services

PINNACLE RENEWABLE ENERGY

6777 Highway 17 South

Aliceville , AL 35442

Phone: 205-373-9065

Hunter Winborne Forestry Management

POSH OCCASIONS BY SHERIAH

N/A

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 393-8101

Sheriah GibsonOwner/Planner/Designer

Retail - Events / Weddings/ Interiors

REGGAE FLAVA

2322 4th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (202) 615-4328

Romeo Tomlinson - Owner Restaurant / Catering Food Trucks

RIGHT TRACK MEDICAL GROUP

657 Helen Keller Blvd

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404

Phone: (662) 234-7601

Tammy England - Practice Administrator Mental Health Services

ROCK MORTGAGE

312 Merchants Walk, Suite 7

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 345-4464

Hayley Sansing Mortgage Companies

ROEBUCK LANDING

GRILL & GROCERY

19 Roebuck Landing Road

Akron, AL 35441

Phone: (205) 372-2016

Melanie Moss - Owner Convenience Stores / Gas Stations Restaurants

SAGE JUICE BAR & SPEAKEASY

2324 4th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (315) 313-3342

Ken Cupp Restaurants

Smoothie Bar

SANICO

10449 Technology Drive

Cottondale, Alabama 35453

Phone: (205) 534-9898

John Sandras - Owner

Uniform / Linen Services

SEVEN OAKS FARM

11360 Seven Oaks Farm Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 292-9201

Beth Dunn - Owner Facility Rental

SHINE FACIAL BAR & SKIN HEALTH STUDIO

4690 Rice Mine Road, Suite 30

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 759-1519

Rebekah Mason Spa - Medical

SOUTHERN BLOOD SERVICES, INC.

1406 McFarland Blvd. N., Suite 1A

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone:

Capriccia Carney - Manager Blood Service Provider Health Care Facilities

SUPER SPORTS SPORTING GOODS

5310 Old Montgomery Hwy, Unit 1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405-4904

Phone: (205) 758-9555

Randy TunnellOwner/Operator

Retail - Specialty Retailer

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER

700 Towncenter Blvd Suite 1

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 345-7676

Kim Vann - Center Director Educational Consultants

TANKR

1603 17th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 469-8354

Jackson Carpenter - Owner Services

Delivery / Shipping Services

THE BOOZER AGENCY

35 University Circle

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 535-0172

Kyle O'Dell - Agency Development Manager Insurance

THE WINE MARKET

515 Greensboro Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 764-1408

Craig Williams - Owner Restaurants / Lounge Wines and Gifts

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT TUSCALOOSA UNIVERSITY

2816 McFarland Blvd. East

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405

Phone: (205) 462-8800

Chris PereiraGeneral Manager

Hotels / Motels / Lodging / Accommodations

TRIPLE M TRAVEL

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (256) 810-0705

Stephani Mitchell Travel Agencies

TUSCALOOSA ASPHALT & CHIP SEAL SERVICES LLC

Northport, AL 35475

Phone: (205) 283-4968

Leslie Welch

Asphalt & Asphalt Products

TUSCALOOSA BRIDAL DIRECTORY / TUSCALOOSA APARTMENT GUIDE

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 873-1203

Beth Andrews - Owner Publications Publishing / Online Media

TUSCALOOSA PATCH

134 W, 29th Street

New York, NY 10001

Phone: (205) 361-7714

Ryan Phillips - Community Publisher Publishing / Online Media

VITAL - SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK - UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Little Hall670 Judy Bonner Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 348-4416

David Albright - Prof.&Hill

Crest Fdn Endow.Chair inMH RES/Vital PI Education - Wellness

WEST ALABAMA

WOMEN'S CENTER

535 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, Ste I

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 556-2026

Chad Jackson - Office Manager Health Care Facilities - Women's Health

WYN FORTENBERRY - BLUE CREEK REALTY

803 Main Avenue

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 454-2253

Wyn Fortenberry - Realtor

Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

YELLOWHAMMER FUND

2223 8th St

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 582-4950

Amanda Reyes - Executive Director Non-Profit Organizations

YOUR VIRTUAL ASSIST, LLC

1130 University Blvd., Suite B9 #425

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 210-8018

Donna Lyttle - Owner Business Development Consultants

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. | Shelton State Community College | Synovus | The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences

INVESTOR LEADERS Alabama Credit Union | AT&T | Barge Design Solutions, Inc. | Cintas | Industrial Warehouse Services Inc. | John Plott Company Inc. | McGiffert and Associates, LLC | Paragon HM Wealth Management | Parker Towing Company | Pritchett-Moore, Inc. | Spire, Inc. | The Onin Group | The Westervelt Company | Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. | TTL, Inc. | Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company | ZF Chassis Systems, LLC

GROWTH PARTNERS Adams Beverages | 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 | Lance Hocutt Financial Group | Lear Corporation | Northport Auto Supply | Plaster, Scarvey & Shumaker of Ameriprise Financial | Robertson Banking Company | The Builders Group of West Alabama | The Legacy Connection (TLC) | The Radiology Clinic | University of Alabama System | 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

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