Rising Tide - Q2 2022

CHAMPIONS FOR EXCELLENT NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE

JASMINE & RAWLINGS JONES NICU Mom and Patient

Rawlings was born prematurely and spent 11 weeks in the NICU at DCH. Prior to discharge, NICU parents watch the “Just in Time” CPR video instructions and practice with a doll to learn infant CPR. When Rawlings stopped breathing at home, Jasmine knew what to do. She credits DCH for teaching her the skills to save her son’s life.

“They really have become like our family.” – Jasmine Jones

Read Jasmine’s story at dchsystem.com/stories

A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

In April, we concluded two months of The Next Level Series forums with The Next Level Summit, where more than 100 community leaders from the public, private, nonprofit, and educations sectors participated. Both The Next Level Series and The Next Level Summit exceeded every expectation we had in terms of overall community involvement, issue framing and education, and identification of desired outcomes. We are already seeing progress being made on several of the critically important issues that were addressed.

A sincere thank you to The University of Alabama and all of the Summit’s generous sponsors, as well as to the speakers who addressed the group: UA President Stuart Bell, State Finance Director Bill Poole, and Mayor Walt Maddox. Also, huge kudos to the team of moderators who led The Next Level Series and the breakout sessions at the Summit: Tripp Powell, Michele Coley, Judge Rob Robertson, Donny Jones, Dr. Russ Mumper, Dan Blakley, Elizabeth Winter, and Dr. Terri Boman.

We have released an executive summary of the action items that came out of The Summit, and I encourage you to visit WestAlabamaChamber.com to delve into those and discover ways you can be involved in bettering our community.

The Chamber’s monthly Public Affairs Council meetings will serve as a primary venue for ongoing updates from all new committees, task forces, and working groups identified as needed during the Summit. Coordination of stakeholder advocacy for the stated policy positions will also be coordinated through the Public Affairs Council. We strongly encourage anyone interested in any of the primary topics to attend.

The unprecedented gathering of top community leaders and high level of engagement was an ideal launching point for continued multijurisdictional, multisector collaboration on every significant issue our community faces going forward. Let’s use these strengthened relationships and positive momentum to make big things happen for our great community!

Jim Page

JIM M. PAGE, CCE, IOM PRESIDENT AND CEO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA

coVer Photo: aleX houSe

Jim Page, CCe , iom President and CeO (205) 391-0562 jim@westalabamachamber.com

Donny Jones, iom

Chief OPerating OffiCer (205) 391-0552 · donny@westalabamachamber.com

Barkley garrett, CeCD

ViCe President, eCOnOmiC deVelOPment (205) 391-0329 · barkley@westalabamachamber.com

nata’sha BlaCk

mOdern manufaCturing PrOjeCt manager, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment (205) 391-0331 · natasha@westalabamachamber.com

CinDi BraDley

PrOjeCt manager, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment (205) 464-4492 cindi@westalabamachamber.com

Brittani ColBurn

seniOr PrOgram manager, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment (205) 391-0334 · brittani@westalabamachamber.com

lauren Collier

OutreaCh and PrOgram manager, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment (205) 391-0566 · lauren@westalabamachamber.com

traCy CrumPton

direCtOr Of finanCe and OPeratiOns (205) 391-0554 · tracy@westalabamachamber.com

aliCia gregory

direCtOr Of membershiP engagement (205) 391-0561 · alicia@westalabamachamber.com

tammi holley

WOrkfOrCe COOrdinatOr, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment (334) 310-9511 · tammi@westalabamachamber.com

alex house

direCtOr Of COmmuniCatiOns and marketing (205) 391-0563 · alex@westalabamachamber.com

loWanDa James

direCtOr Of infOrmatiOn serViCes (205) 758-7588 · lowanda@westalabamachamber.com

Dianne PiCkren

exeCutiVe assistant tO the President and CeO (205)-391-0563 · dianne@westalabamachamber.com

saBrina thomas

regiOnal WOrkfOrCe COunCil liaisOn, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment alabama dePartment Of COmmerCe (205)-526-6523 · sthomas@aidt.edu

khaDiJah torBert marketing and COmmuniCatiOns COOrdinatOr, WOrkfOrCe deVelOPment (205)-391-0559 · khadijah@westalabamachamber.com

Carolyn tuBBs

direCtOr Of eduCatiOn PrOgrams (205) 391-0556 · carolyn@westalabamachamber.com

tanya WinsteaD direCtOr Of membershiP and resOurCe deVelOPment (205) 391-0327 · tanya@westalabamachamber.com

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Anwar Aiken, Mary Virginia Best, Paul Betz, Sydney Burns, Rick Clementz, David Coleman, Michele Coley, Brock Corder, Steven Deal, Thomas Dedrick, Heather Dill, David Dubose, Russell Dubose, Amy Echols, Matt Fajack, Matt Feller, Carrie Fitts, Chip Fuqua, Lee Garrison, Jheovanny Gomez, Heyward Gould, Chris Gunter, Tim Harrison, Jennifer Hart, Mildred Black Hooks, Joe Hughes, Carl Jamison, Tony Johnson, Tim Lewis, Gary McGee, Dr. Jacqueline Morgan, Jordan Morris, Whitney Oswalt, Jim Page, Gary Phillips, Tripp Powell, Jasmine Rainey, David Rains, Nikki Ray, Luke Remmert, Llevelyn Rhone, Kelsey Rush, Sontonia Stephens, Elizabeth Winter, Sandra Wolfe

2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair Tripp Powell Powell Enterprises

Chair-Elect

Michele Coley

Allstate Coley Agency

Immediate Past Chair

Elizabeth Winter Regions Bank

Vice Chair, Communications and Marketing

Kelsey Rush

Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports

Vice Chair, Economic Development

Carl Jamison

JamisonMoneyFarmer PC

Vice Chair, Education and Workforce Readiness

Chip Fuqua

Mercedes-Benz International, Inc.

Vice Chair, Leadership and Community Engagement

Jordan Morris

Ward Scott Architecture

Vice Chair, Membership and Investor Relations

Jheovanny Gomez

Jalapenos Mexican Grill

Vice Chair, Public Policy and Advocacy

Matt Feller

BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing

Treasurer

Matt Fajack The University of Alabama

Legal Counsel

Blake Madison

Rosen Harwood

President and CEO/ Secretary

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

“No other bank could take care of us like they did.”

Wayne and Karen Brown, owners Brown’s Collision Center Tuscaloosa

ANNUAL MEETING

CHAMBER HONORS TOP VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL CELEBRATION

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama recognized top volunteers during its 121st annual celebration, presented on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 by The University of Alabama at the Bryant Conference Center.

Michele Coley of Allstate Coley Agency was named the Charles H. Land Member of the Year, the Chamber’s highest honor presented to an individual member. Coley, who serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, has been an active volunteer for the organization, and has been named the 2023 board chair.

A committed community volunteer, Coley is part of several local organizations including serving on the City of Tuscaloosa Elevate Advisory Council, The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies Board of Visitors and is a member of the City of Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustment. She also

serves on the Chamber’s Executive Committee as Vice Chair, Leadership and Community Development and was instrumental in the revitalization of the Diverse Business Council and the Women’s Leadership Alliance.

“Michele Coley is fully dedicated to serving the West Alabama community, and the Chamber is fortunate to have her on our team,” said Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “The work she has done to bring new energy to the Diverse Business Council and Women’s Leadership Alliance is truly making a difference. Her passion for the community is unmatched and she will continue to be an asset to West Alabama.”

PHOTOS BY: SEED CREATIVE

The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Whitni Molden of Hotel Capstone.

The Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award, which recognizes the corporate leadership, philanthropic efforts and community service by a member entity in the West Alabama region, was presented to DCH Health System.

The Chairman’s Leadership Award was presented to Terry Saban. Saban is devoted to serving the West Alabama community through her commitment to initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity, the Nick’s Kids Foundation and, most recently, her partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa to develop the Saban Center, a state-of-the-art, interactive education center for children. Katie King, Director of The Nick's Kids Foundation accepted the award on her behalf.

The H. Pettus Randall Entrepreneurial Rising Star Award was presented to Rebecca Patterson and Taylor Pearce of Gourmade Kitchen

The Non-Profit of the Year Award was presented to the Whatley Health Services

The Chamber also recognized outstanding community leadership with the presentation of two Distinguished Service Awards, which are presented to individuals or organizations for their service and leadership. The awards were presented to Kim Ingram of Hayes Ingram, LLC and Dr. Billy Kirkpatrick of Five Horizons Health Services.

The H. Pettus Randall Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to Inge Beeker of Beeker Property Group.

The Diverse Business Council Trailblazer Award was presented to Cassius Lanier, owner of Lanier Automotive and a member of the City of Tuscaloosa City Council

COMMUNITY LEADERS VISIT MONTGOMERY FOR ANNUAL DRIVE-IN

More than 85 Chamber members from a range of industries and occupations traveled to the state capitol Feb. 9 and 10 to meet with elected officials for the annual Montgomery Drive-In.

Tackling a variety of topics, the delegation, which included members of the 2021 Leadership Tuscaloosa class, also attended the Business Council of Alabama’s Legislative Reception, where they networked with officials from across the state.

The event kicked off with a luncheon at the Alabama Activity Center, where Director of Finance and Senior Advisor to the Governor Bill Poole gave a state budget update and an overview of Governor Ivey’s administrative priorities. The group then met at the Alabama Capitol building, where they engaged with their current legislative delegation and met with several lobbyists to discuss the important role they have in the legislative process.

Day two began with an Alabama education update with State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey and a discussion on Alabama’s labor shortage with the Alabama Department of Labor Secretary, Fitzgerald Washington.

After observing the legislature in action in the House and Senate galleries, the two-day event wrapped up with a luncheon featuring Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth at the RSA Plaza Terrace.

THE PROCESS

More than 100 community leaders from the public, private, nonprofit and education sectors convened at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort April 13-15 for The Next Level Summit. This three-day event allowed for candid, in-depth discussions on a variety of pressing community issues. Multiple breakout sessions were held on each of the highlighted topics and the discussions were moderated by the same local leaders who led panel discussions during The Next Level Series, several issuefocused educational forums that preceded the Summit.

These discussions resulted in the creation of proactive action items to address many of the challenges and opportunities identified through both the Series and

Summit. Various local stakeholder groups will take on the responsibility of these action items, including the Chamber through its upcoming five-year strategic plan.

Numerous public policy-related items were also thoroughly considered during the Summit, and the subsequent positions will become priorities of the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda immediately. The Chamber’s Public Affairs Council will serve as a primary venue for ongoing updates from all newly formed committees, task forces, and working groups, and will also coordinate stakeholder advocacy on the identified public policy priorities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Continue to populate and promote the Diverse Business Council’s online Marketplace, housed on the Chamber’s website

Establish mentoring programs for diverse and disadvantaged businesses

Expand participation in Chamber programming for diverse and disadvantaged businesses

Promote diversity in speakers and outreach efforts within schools and community groups

Continue Chamber-led DEI luncheon discussions with leaders from the minority business community, to include Hispanic representation

“ I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and view it as extremely valuable feedback for our community’s leadership and stakeholders. [The Chamber] did an excellent job organizing and coordinating this event.

— WHITNEY OSWALT, ALABAMA ONE

ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

Create an inclusive and collaborative economic development plan that aligns with The University of Alabama’s expertise in four key areas: Mobility, Power, and Transportation; Water Research; Point-of-Need Manufacturing; and Life Science and Health

Establish the Tuscaloosa Innovation District, with the Alabama Mobility and Power (“AMP”) Center as the cornerstone of this effort

Build a cohesive economic development targeting strategy that considers community values and desires; the existing industry base; regional resources and assets; area economic trends; and forecasted industry trends

Explore the development of additional small business incubators and business accelerators

Develop a local Angel Investors Network and/or Venture Capital Network

Promote the development of office space with the amenities business owners will find attractive (Class A office space, wet lab space, nearby coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, etc.)

Develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the retention of college graduates

Advocate for state and local incentives that support the needs of knowledge-based companies

Advocate for state legislation that would make Tax Increment Financing (TIF) more viable for local government

CHAMBER AT WORK NEXT LEVEL SERIES

HEALTHCARE

Encourage the DCH Board and community leaders to explore all options for a new healthcare delivery model, including, but not limited to, a potential merger or affiliation of DCH with a larger healthcare system

Encourage transparency and regular communication by DCH leadership with community stakeholders

INFRASTRUCTURE

Create multijurisdictional working groups to lead infrastructure planning discussions and leverage investment opportunities whenever possible

Advocate for flexibility in planning and zoning for surface transportation projects

Advocate for legislation to allow concrete or asphalt mix to reduce the cost of road projects

Extend infrastructure into undeveloped areas prior to the development

Research solutions to eliminate traffic on the roadways, including bus-only lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, high-density mixed-use developments

Explore expansion of intercity public transportation

Continue to aggressively pursue commercial service at the Tuscaloosa National Airport

Advocate for changes in state legislation as needed regarding the use of public money to partner with private company for the expansion of broadband

“

Awesome job - from conception, to planning, to execution. [The Chamber] didn't miss a detail. And the best part is all of the amazing content and ideas contained in the executive summary. These action items are a roadmap for genuine positive change in West Alabama.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

— DAN MCCORMACK, CHESAPEAKE CONSULTING, INC.

Re-establish the Chamber’s Education Policy Council to convene leaders from the education, public, private, and non-profit sectors on education issues

Tap into under-represented volunteer groups to support education initiatives

Develop alliance between public schools and Business Network International (BNI) groups and other business networking groups to assist with and broker resources

Review and enhance the expectations of the Adopt-A-School program

Advocate for increasing millage tax in Tuscaloosa County

Advocated for adding parent liaisons to schools to facilitate needs to the community

Support public investment in first class athletic facilities at local schools

Support and promote participation in the Neighborhood Bridges program

Support increased engagement in and expansion of the Reading Allies program

PUBLIC SAFETY

Create a public safety committee, comprised of public, private, and non-profit sector leaders, to convene on all related public safety issues

Advocate for more mental health beds in our community and support the development of the new Mental Health Crisis Center in Tuscaloosa County

Support early intervention programs in schools and advocate for changes in juvenile sentencing policies

Promote the expansion of Safeguard Tuscaloosa, a business security cameras campaign, throughout Tuscaloosa County

Support the City of Tuscaloosa’s Police and Fire Pension Fund conversion to the Retirement Systems of Alabama

Support a comprehensive review of the funding model for the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s office

QUALITY OF LIFE: CULTURAL ARTS

Advocate for the expansion of Live at the Plaza and combining it with First Friday

Advocate for the installation of string lights on the Art Walk Trail throughout downtown Tuscaloosa

Reactivate the downtown business merchant association, under the leadership of Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, the Chamber, and other key stakeholders

Advocate for the renovation of the Bama Theatre and expanded bus parking

Create a task force to explore development of an arts incubator and arts district (like Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Districts in Huntsville)

Promote private ventures for performance venues

Pursue local government policies of at least 1% of capital budgets dedicated to public art

Create a QR code to promote the Arts Council event and program calendar

Create a dedicated fund for the promotion of the cultural arts

“I’m looking forward to staying actively engaged in these topics and be part of contributing to implementing actionable items to move these topics forward.

— ROLF WRONA, MERCEDES-BENZ U.S INTERNATIONAL

QUALITY OF LIFE: RECREATION

Encourage the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) Governing Board to redefine its mission and develop a master plan, which includes the consolidation of PARA the into three primary areas of focus: Summer Camp/Child Care, Youth Sports, and Programming for Seniors and Fitness

Advocate for the prevention of duplicated services and events in local jurisdictions

Promote the community calendar housed on the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports website

Advocate for expanded recreational use of the Black Warrior River and for expanded promotion of the area as a fishing community

WORKFORCE BARRIERS: CHILDCARE

Create a task force of public, private, education and non-profit leaders to guide childcare expansion efforts

Work with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to develop a program to assist the creation of new “in-home” childcare centers throughout West Alabama

Work with early childhood development programs at Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, and The University of Alabama to develop a toolkit, resource guide, and mentoring programs to support existing childcare centers

Develop a strong connection between local non-profits and in-home centers to support working families

WORKFORCE BARRIERS: HOUSING

Create a task force consisting of developers, government officials, and industry leaders to explore non-jurisdictional projects, incentives, industry partnerships, utility costs, and development costs

Encourage City of Tuscaloosa officials to ensure its Framework plan has the appropriate zoning for “missing middle” housing

Encourage the use of tiered housing developments, a mix of affordable, workforce, and higher-end housing

Promote housing partnerships between industry, the public sector, and private developers

Explore a feeder school project to develop a workforce community, similar to recent workforce housing efforts in Baldwin County

WORKFORCE BARRIERS: TRANSPORTATION

Create a multijurisdictional task force to explore all public transportation expansion options

Create a true Tuscaloosa County Transit Authority with funding added from Tuscaloosa County and Northport, to allow for more routes to business and industry throughout the county

Review the creation of a West Alabama Transit Authority with the West Alabama Regional Commission utilizing Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program funding for workforce transportation

Revisit the City of Tuscaloosa’s Elevate Transportation Plan to focus on routes and times that better align with workforce shifts in the manufacturing community

Develop a metro and regional business plan for workforce transportation, in partnership with local government and The University of Alabama

“What I was most impressed by was the way that the Chamber structured this summit to create action items from each conversation and assign responsible groups to ensure that the outcome of these conversation was not just talk, but real change.”

— MAYOR WALT MADDOX, CITY OF TUSCALOOSA “

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

22ND DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA, AMERICAN LEGION

11672 Elam Dr

Northport, AL 35475

Phone: (205) 394-0359

Linda Lee Non-Profit Organizations

2ND & CHARLES

2360 McFarland Boulevard East

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404

Phone: (205) 561-0779

Billie Morse Book Sellers

4-ES- ELOGENE'S EXQUISITE ELEGANCE WITH EXCELLENCE

11 Lakeshore Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 792-9997 Non-Profit Organizations

ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF NONPROFITS

P.O. Box 293932

Birmingham, AL 35209

Phone: (205) 726-4712

Danielle Dunbar Non-Profit Organizations

ALABAMA GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

1140 Veterans Memorial Pkwy

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 323-6331

Katie Hannah Non-Profit Organizations

ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD

1720 W.L. Dickinson Drive

Montgomery, AL 36109

Phone: (334) 273-3544

Stephen Morris Government

ANGEL FOOD AND CAKES

729 Shadyhill Road

Tuscaloosa , Alabama 35406

Phone: (205) 534-9226

Angel Hill Caterers

ASI STAFF, INC

4000 Eagle Point Corporate Dr

Birmingham, AL 34242

Jason Manning

Phone: 877-90-STAFF

Employment Contractors / Staffing

AWW SHUCKS LLC

3439 Lorna Lane

Hoover, AL 35216

Phone: (205) 200-2591

Phillip Powell Food Trucks

BAMA WASTE LLC

9100 Energy Lane

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 878-4848

John Lancaster Waste Reduction / Disposal / Recycle Trucking - Hauling/Off Loading

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP

1001 Mimosa Park Road

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 752-5857

Shannon Strickland Health Care Services - Substance Abuse

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, LLC

919 High Field Road

Tuscaloosa , Alabama 35405

Phone: (442) 259-1971

LaShonda Foster Clothing - Retail

BOBAMANIA

1914 University Blvd

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (828) 989-6799

Shannon Grady Restaurants

BUILDING BRIDGES INSTITUTE FOR RACIAL RECONCILIATION

2822 Fosters Ferry Road

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 553-3076

Carol Caffee Non-Profit Organizations

C&C LOGISTICS LLC

3611 Rice Mine Rd NE, Lot 55

Tuscaloosa, Al 35406

Phone: (205) 887-9191

Chereigna Hughes Trucking Companies

CDS FITNESS LLC

5479 Skyland Blvd E, Suite 9

Cottondale, AL 35453

Phone: (205) 887-1217

Corace Stewart Fitness Centers

CELEBRITY TRESSES LLC

12314 Huntington Village Drive

Northport, AL 35475

Phone: (205) 399-9611

Beverly Hood

Hair Salons/ Barber Shops

Retail Services

CHRIS MILLER - MILLER REALTYEXP REALTY

2924 Robinwood Lane

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 657-5903

Chris Miller

Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

COMCAST BUSINESS

6200 The Corners Parkway

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Phone: (256) 924-4424

Darren Sanders

Telecommunications & Phone Systems

COMFORT INN & SUITES

2285 Jack Warner Parkway

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 614-9600

Brenda Wallace

Hotels / Motels / Bed & Breakfast / Lodging

CRAWFORD SQUARE REAL ESTATE ADVISORS

2700 2nd Ave S Suite 200

Birmingham , AL 35233

Phone: (205) 381-1121

Hollyann Luker

Real Estate Management

DECEMBER THROUGH APRIL

DOS AMIGOS MEXICAN GRILL

13580 Hwy 69 North

Northport, AL 35475

Phone: (205) 737-7344

Lauren Lashley Restaurants

DRUID CITY PROPERTIES, LLC

1901 8th Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 409-3260

Amber Walker

Rental Properties

EH GROUP INC.

618 19th Ave.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (817) 999-1441

Virginia Andrews

Engineers - Professional / Consulting

EXTRAVAGANT GLITZ

2692 23rd Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 535-6891

Emma Richardson-Williams

Retail

Retail - Boutique

FARMERS INSURANCE- ELIZABETH

POWELL & ASSOC. LLC

1649 McFarland Blvd N Ste 403

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 650-6945

Elizabeth Powell Insurance

FLAVAZ SEAFOOD AND SOULFOOD RESTAURANT

1701 McFarland Blvd East, Suite 182

Tuscaloosa , Al 35404

Phone: (205) 826-6054

ASHLEY Williams Restaurants

FRESENIUS KIDNEY CARE

914 Doctor Edward Hilliard Dr.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35410

Phone: 1-205-440-7728

David Gandy

Health Care Services - Outpatient

GAZELLE PRODUCTIONS

4029 Greensboro Ave Ste A

Tuscaloosa , Al 35405

Phone: (205) 306-5505

Dorcas Britford Photographers

GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL

1500 Commerce Drive

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (321) 297-5537

LaTonya Burnley

Manufacturing & Production

HARLESS AND COMPANY, LLC

1070 22nd Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 710-5009

Jeffery Harless Contractors - General

HOMERN

4326 Kennesaw Drive

Birmingham, AL 35213

Phone: (205) 789-7780

Julianne Walker

Health Care Services - Nursing

HP CLEANING SERVICE

3410 1st Court

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 657-3767

Howard Pickens

Janitorial Services

INLINE ELECTRIC SUPPLY

2104 Greensboro Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 752-5252

Billy Watson Electric Equipment / Supplies

IZZY BOXING GYM

400 McFarland Blvd. Suites

C1&C2

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 242-1400

Izzy Luna Fitness Centers

JAMES WILLIAMS

5228 1st Ct.

JacQuail Robinson

Stephanie Horton Advertising & Marketing

Emily Burriss Retail - Specialty Retailer

OR (205) 886-0058

Bethany Raygoza Engineers - Professional / Consulting

METRO DINER

McFarland Blvd East #404 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Phone: (205) 464-9428

Alexandria Pitts Restaurants

Jennifer Talton Services

NORTHPORT LIONS CLUB

P.O. Box 178

Northport, AL 35476

Phone: (205) 242-1879

Phillip Lee Non-Profit Organizations

NORTHRIVER LAWN SERVICE LLC

5318 Rice Mine Road NE

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 535-5290

Jason Barksdale

Landscape / Lawn Care

OCTAVIA NEAL, REALTORCARRIE FITTS REAL ESTATE

2111 14th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35402

Phone: (205) 356-0312

Octavia Neal

Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

PERCEPTION COUNSELING SERVICES

2824 7th Street

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (205) 723-2389

Jennifer Vanhorn Counselors

PIZZA HUT #039001

1875 McFarland Blvd. N Ste 150

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 579-1706

Michael Quinn Restaurants

POPPIN' SISTERS POPCORN & TREATS, LLC

P.O. Box 2371

Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

Phone: (205) 792-7105

Marleshia Hall Bakeries - Retail

RED RHINO OFFICE SUPPLIES

850 Union Chapel Road East Northport, AL 35473

Phone: (205) 764-0653

Frankie Mann

Office Supplies / Machines / Service

RODEWAY INN TUSCALOOSA

NEAR UNIVERSITY

4300 SKYLAND BLVD E

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama 35405

Phone: (205) 556-5696

Rita Patel

Hotels / Motels / Bed & Breakfast / Lodging

ROYAL DYNASTY FITNESS GYM

1000 Union Chapel Rd E 24

Northport, Alabama 35473

Phone: (205) 657-6678

Leonard Williams, Jr Fitness Centers

RTR PRO ENTERTAINMENT

6115 Cottonwood Place

Cottondale, AL 35453

Phone: (205) 826-9477

Daniel Barnett

Entertainment / Recreation Music Instruction / Instruments"

Daniel Barnett

SAYCHEESE SELFIE MUSEUM

1701 McFarland Blvd E

Tuscaloosa, AL 35444

Phone: (205) 902-2521

Damario Ford Services - Scales / Sales / Retail Photographers

SELF IT UP, LLC

2402 Stardust Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 246-0229

Tamika Malveo

Video - Multimedia - Production

Entertainment / Recreation

SENATOR TOMMY TUBERVILLE'S

OFFICE

3000 Riverchase Galleria

Suite 915

Hoover, AL 35244

Phone: (202) 941-0983

Mike Raita

SOUTHERN ROOFING AND RENOVATIONS

980 31st Avenue

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (205) 722-2294

Chris Useo

Contractors - Roofing

STYLE CONNECTION

UNLIMITED LLC

3888 Greensboro Ave.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 758-6004

Johnny Weatherspoon

Hair Salons/ Barber Shops

TAYLOR HARDIN SECURE

MEDICAL FACILITY

1301 Jack Warner Pkwy NE

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 462-4506

Kimberly McAlpine Mental Health Services

THE JOINT CHIROPRACTICTUSCALOOSA

1320 McFarland Blvd E.,

Suite 225

Tuscaloosa , AL 35401

Phone: (205) 660-2700

Bryan McDonald Physicians - Chiropractic

THE LINK

COWORK COMMUNITY

6110 Watermelon Rd, Ste 150

Northport, AL 35473

Phone: (205) 561-2225

Briana Varner Non-Profit Organizations

TNT'S CONSTRUCTION LLC

210 15th Street East Apt 28

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Phone: (205) 239-4539

Thomas Todd Contractors - General

TRACY DENT FOUNDATION

15769 Thomas Chapel Road

Cottondale, ALABAMA 35453

Phone: (205) 246-5655

Tracy Dent-Rivers Non-Profit Organizations

TRUELOVES WAY, LLC

2105 Inverness Parkway

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 886-7331

Daniel Truelove Publishing

TURBO COFFEE ROASTERS

2010 8th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 860-5117

Carley Gelb Restaurants

TUSCALOOSA EAR NOSE & THROAT CENTER/FYZICAL

1300 McFarland Blvd NE

Ste 150

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Phone: (205) 758-9041

Amy Rogers Health Care Services - General

TUSCALOOSA EDUCATION

FOUNDATION- NEIGHBORHOOD BRIDGES

2720 6th Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 792-0077

Terri Boman Non-Profit Organizations

VISIONS REALTY CO, LLC

3816 Palisades Dr Ste A

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 393-8620

Makeia Wynn Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

WEST ALABAMA CHAMBER AND WEST ALABAMAWORKS! PARTNER WITH ACCE TO WELCOME COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION TO LEARN BEST PRACTICES

What can Ohio, Texas or even Montana learn from the state of Alabama? When it comes to workforce innovation, the resounding answer is quite a lot.

"We wanted to find out who in the country is doing it better than everyone,” Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shane Etzwiler said.

Thanks to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), multiple groups have and will “touch down” in Title town for the West Alabama Workforce Innovations Tour to look at the West

AlabamaWorks! and Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s workforce system. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and West AlabamaWorks!, the tour groups experience our economic, education and workforce development strategies, as well as the partnerships that have transformed us into a nationally recognized workforce champion and a vital aspect of being named the 2021 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber of the Year.

The first tour group came March 10-11, 2022 from Great Falls, Montana with over 25 guests made up of Montana legislators, educators, city and government officials, as well as the President and CEO of Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and his team.

“It is something to hear it, but it is something entirely different to see it in action,” Wendy McKamey, House of Representatives District 19, Montana said.

KHADIJAH TORBERT

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and West AlabamaWorks! continue to welcome groups across the nation to visit our community and have now hosted four additional groups.

During the two-day tour of West Alabama, guests were able to get a first-hand look at West AlabamaWorks!’s partnerships with education by visiting the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy to see how career pathway opportunities and curriculum are right at the hands of students daily, the success of Modern Manufacturing by visiting the Brookwood Career Tech Annex and touring the logistics and manufacturing programs there, as well as hear from Alabama Department of Labor Secretary, Fitzgerald Washington about ways to align workforce regions to facilitate better distribution of the states workforce resources.

"Seeing [West Alabama’s] model will help us go back to Montana and actually do those innovative expansion things,” Tammie Hickey, Director of College Readiness Center, Montana, said.

WEST ALABAMA CHAMBER AND WEST ALABAMA COMPANIES

CONDUCTED ONSITE INTERVIEWS AT URGENT HIRING FAIR

DDue to an unexpected industry closure in Fayette County on Wednesday, March 16, West AlabamaWorks! along with several Fayette-based businesses representing many industry sectors put together an urgent hiring event for Fayette County residents on Friday, March 18 to assist the 90 employees displaced.

“Situations like these are when we as an organization can help to fill a need even at a moment’s notice,” said Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama COO and West Alabama Works Executive Director Donny Jones. "Through this event local job seekers were able to attend and explore available career pathways and be connected to education and training opportunities in their community.”

The following companies participated and conducted onsite interviews at the hiring event: Tiffin Homes, King Kutter, Clayton Supply, NW AL Mental Health, Showa Gloves, Root Mart, Dal Tile, Interfor, Phifer Inc, and Max Homes.

“Being a new Mayor, it is not something I prepared for,” said Northam. “If we tried to do that alone it would not have been as successful. I can’t express enough gratitude for the help and guidance of West AlabamaWorks! We got folks employed quickly with little down time after the closure,” Rod Northam, City of Fayette mayor said.

KHADIJAH TORBERT

TIMELINE

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT:

The workforce team went into planning and action mode calling the Fayette Plant Manager, Mayor of Fayette, the Alabama Career Center, and the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, which covers Fayette, Lamar, and Marion counties. After those conversations, an outreach event was immediately planned for Friday, March 18 at the Fayette Civic Center.

Local companies were contacted to see if they would be able to perform on-site interviews in the Fayette community on short notice and sent those who could attend the West AlabamaWorks! outreach process to prep for Friday’s urgent hiring event.

An automated call was sent to Fayette School Systems letting parents know that the event would be taking place. Flyers were sent to the Fayette Community for distribution the day of the closure. A press release went out to regional media partners and the event was publicized on West AlabamaWorks! social media platforms.

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT:

The West AlabamaWorks! team created and gathered signage for the event, charged and prepped laptops for the attendees to register for Career Connect on site. QR codes were set-up for the hiring event that allowed attendees to scan and pre-register their information using Career Connect right on their phones.

DAY OF THE EVENT:

The West AlabamaWorks! team continued to push social media posts with live updates of the event. 65 individuals attended the event. All participants were captured in Career Connect and anyone who did not get a job offer that day is receiving additional job opportunities through that system.

“ “

Once we received the call that West AlabamaWorks! would help put together a hiring event, the ball rolled quickly. The day of the event I was in awe of the process of residents being pointed to a job that fit them and leaving with a career.

— MAYOR ROD NORTHAM, CITY OF FAYETTE

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND GROUNDBREAKINGS

2ND & CHARLES

2360 McFarland Boulevard East

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 561-0779

Billie Morse

ALEXANDRA'S

700 Towncenter Blvd Suite 1

Tuscaloosa, Al 35406

Phone: (251) 564-4173

Dana Plott

BOBAMANIA

1914 University Blvd

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (828) 989-6799

Shannon Grady

ALABAMA GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

1140 Veterans Memorial Pkwy

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Phone: (205) 323-6331

Katie Hannah

AMERICA'S CAR-MART OF TUSCALOOSA

6210 University Blvd E

Cottondale, AL 35453

Phone: (205) 507-7875

Brittani Brooks

BUILDING BRIDGES INSTITUTE FOR RACIAL RECONCILIATION

2822 Fosters Ferry Road

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Phone: (205) 553-3076

Carol Caffee

ALABAMA ONE - LAKE VIEW BRANCH

22170 AL-216

McCalla, AL 35111

Phone: (205) 759-1595

Whitney Oswalt

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP

1001 Mimosa Park Road

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Phone: (205) 752-5857

Shannon Strickland

CDS FITNESS

5479 Skyland Blvd E, Suite 9

Cottondale, AL 35453

Phone: (205) 887-1217

Corace Stewart

Lee Thompson

Brad Hayes

Damario Ford

Phone: (205) 660-2700

Bryan McDonald

Briana Varner SAYCHEESE

George Edmondson

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

HELPING STARTUPS AND ESTABLISHED FIRMS GROW