Rising Tide - Q3 2022

2022.Q3

CHAMPIONS FOR EXCELLENT CANCER CARE

ELIZABETH BALDO-DOWNS

Breast Cancer Patient

A routine mammogram started a series of events that led Elizabeth to Dr. Crew and nurse Jo at DCH’s Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center. Their kindness and compassion changed her life. Now cancer-free, Elizabeth makes Bags of Hope with beauty items to encourage and support others battling breast cancer.

“Nurse Jo held my hand and cried with me.” – Elizabeth Baldo-Downs

Read Elizabeth’s story at dchsystem.com/stories

A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

PUBLISHED BY

Economic growth in the West Alabama region has been dramatic over the past several decades and has brought unprecedented opportunities. Recent pandemic impacts are evolving rapidly and our workforce has many more employment options than ever before. If we want to attract needed talent, we must provide the job opportunities and lifestyle options that top talent jobseekers value.

2222 9th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 758-7588 westalabamachamber.com

EDITOR

ALEX HOUSE alex@westalabamachamber.com

DESIGN & PREPRESS

Liz young lizyoung@alliancegrp.net

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

TANYA WINSTEAD tanya@westalabamachamber.com

On the cover: 2022.Q3

The Chamber goes All-In on its new, five-year strategic plan

CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER West Alabama Chamber @WestALChamber The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama @WestALChamber

Our Chamber is ready and eager to take the next steps to partner with all stakeholders in our region to boost the career opportunities and quality of life available to make West Alabama a place where people want to live, work and prosper. Chamber leadership’s vision is to embark upon the build-out of the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center and to concentrate on four key programming initiatives going forward: • Lead Business-Driven Workforce and Talent Development • Engage Key Partnerships Focused on Improved Quality of Life In Our Communities • Improve Economic Vitality in Our Region • Drive Public Policy and Advocacy for Stronger Business Growth The timing couldn’t be better! The global pandemic reinforced the importance of working together to handle adversity and make good things happen. In short, we need to be “All In” with our time, our energy, our talents, and our resources to leverage the momentum of the Chamber’s past five-year programming and community building accomplishments, achieve even higher beneficial results and outcomes and bring the Chamber’s vision to fruition.

I have been personally involved in the planning of this vision and I am All In as an “early adopter”—as are many of the members of our Leadership Team whose names you will find displayed throughout this Case Statement. We are confident you will join us and the many other West Alabama business and community leaders who are already on board on this vitally important journey to define our future!

Let’s Be ALL IN Together!

Rising Tide is published by Alliance Publishing, LLC for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

Alliance Publishing, LLC also produces membership directories, retirement and relocation guides, quality of life magazines, visitor and tourism brochures and business marketing materials. © Copyright 2022 Alliance Publishing, LLC All right reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

MICHAEL GOEBEL ALL-IN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR PRESIDENT AND CEO MERCEDES-BENZ U.S. INTERNATIONAL, INC. facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber

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Professional Staff Jim Page, CCE, IOM President and CEO (205) 391-0562 jim@westalabamachamber.com Donny Jones, CCE, 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 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 4 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 6 EVENTS 12 CHAMBER NEWS 16 NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS 17 WORKFORCE 22 HERE WE GROW AGAIN 24 NEXT LEVEL INVESTORS A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

LoWanda James Director of Information Services (205) 758-7588 · lowanda@westalabamachamber.com Tiffany Poe Modern Manufacturing Center of Excellence Project Manager (205) 464-4493 · tiffany@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, 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, Katrina Keefer, 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 U.S. International, Inc. Vice Chair, Leadership and Community Engagement Jordan Morris Ward Scott Morris 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

“West Alabama Bank has come to our rescue more than once.”

- Dr. Ash Sengar , Alabama Cancer Care

wabt.com

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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

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THE CHAMBER GOES ALL IN ON ITS NEW, FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Over the past five years, through the Next Level Initiative, the Chamber made significant strides in all core membership engagement areas. Programming has been expanded through the Diverse Business Council, Non-Profit Council, Women’s Leadership Alliance and Young Tuscaloosa to reach a broader audience and planned community benchmarking trips have lead to the expansion of public art, the creation of the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center and the ambitious Elevate Tuscaloosa plan.

Most importantly, the Chamber has established itself as an effective convener of the community.

The Chamber concluded the Next Level Initiative with the Next Level Summit, an intensive three-day event that allowed for candid, in-depth discussions on the most pressing community issues. These discussions resulted in the creation of proactive action items to address many of the challenges and opportunities identified, and various community stakeholder groups were created to take on the responsibility of completing these action items, including the Chamber through the priorities outlined in this new, five-year ALL IN strategic plan.

Great organizational strides have been made in recent years to place the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama in the top echelon of chambers in the nation. As the Chamber looks to the next five years, it is perfectly positioned to continue making this community an ideal place to do business and call home.

The Chamber is ALL IN.

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LEAD BUSINESS-DRIVEN WORKFORCE AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT VISION: Continue to lead the nationally-recognized, regional workforce system to meet business and industry needs by increasing the labor force participation rate; connecting students to Career Technical Education options, apprenticeships, and jobs; and opening doors of opportunity to individuals normally left behind.

ENGAGE PARTNERSHIPS FOCUSED ON IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITIES VISION: Convene and host a broad coalition of public, private, and nonprofit sector partners to promote community development initiatives, programming, and outreach to make our area more attractive to young professionals, potential and current employees, visitors, and residents.

DRIVE PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY FOR STRONGER BUSINESS CLIMATE VISION: Lead the region in proactive, strategic efforts to draw attention to and influence policy decisions supporting community, economic, and workforce development.

IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF OUR REGION VISION: Partner in all efforts to support existing businesses and industries; strategically recruit and grow a diverse mix of business enterprises that add new jobs to the market; and research and communicate matters of economic importance to the community.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

“Our state has an opportunity to become a national model in terms of strategically building an innovation economy and is presently dedicating time, energy, and resources to accomplish this objective. It is critical that the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama region engage and align in those efforts, and the Chamber is uniquely positioned as a primary convener to bring the business community to the table.”

– BILL POOLE, DIRECTOR OF FIANNCE AND SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE GOVERNOR, OFFICE OF GOVERNOR KAY IVEY

“The Chamber has taken a leading role in recruiting, training, and assisting job seekers throughout West Alabama. Those efforts, coupled with helping new and existing business of all sizes navigate challenges and pursue growth opportunities, has greatly contributed to economic vitality of our entire area.”

– MICHELE COLEY, OWNER/EXCLUSIVE AGENT, ALLSTATE COLEY INSURANCE

“The Chamber serves as the primary convener of public, private, and nonprofit sector leadership in addressing our community’s most important quality of life issues.

I applaud their efforts to constantly benchmark against other successful communities and for being a leading voice in pushing our community to remain a great place to live and work.”

– ELIZABETH WINTER, MARKET EXECUTIVE, REGIONS BANK

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EVENTS

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QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON HELD AT THE TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET On July 21, Chamber members met at the Tuscaloosa River Market for the Quarterly Membership Luncheon, presented by The University of Alabama, where they heard from Robert Pierce II from The University of Alabama, and Shannon Chandler from Shelton State Community College, on best practices for delivering a successful sales pitch.

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Afterwards, members participated in speed networking, where they had two minutes to meet, greet and repeat with other attendees.

GOLD SPONSORS

JR Real Estate and Co. Shelton State Community College

EVENTS

ANNUAL CELEBRATE LOCAL EVENT ATTRACTS PROVIDES EXPOSURE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

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Dozens of popular West Alabama businesses showcased their products and services on June 21 at the Tuscaloosa River Market during Celebrate Local, an annual event designed to feature the best of West Alabama.

Presented by Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, the event was free and open to the public and gave more than 800 attendees the opportunity to shop for clothing, jewelry, gifts, art and more, while sampling food from popular local restaurants.

GOLD SPONSORS

City of Tuscaloosa Premier Service Company, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS

ABZ Rent All, Inc. Bryant Bank Tuscaloosa Hyundai, Inc.

BRONZE SPONSORS Hampton Inn University North River Technology facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber

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A EVENTS

ADOPT-A-SCHOOLS KICKS OFF 38TH YEAR Adopt-A-School (AAS) celebrated the beginning of its 38th year at the annual AAS Kickoff Event on Aug. 2 at the Bryant Conference Center.

Presented by Children and Teen Dental, this event brought together school and business representatives participating in the program, along with other community leaders.

The event included a keynote address by Dr. Karockas Watkins, CEO of Ability Plus and Vision Excellence Company, followed by an in-depth planning session for the school year with over 60 businesses and school coordinators.

The following Adopt-A-School partners were recognized for achieving 20-30 years in the program:

THIRTY-YEARS (1992-2022): • Tuscaloosa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi •

Fraternity Synovus & Verner Elementary School

TWENTY-YEARS (2002-2022) • Hunt Refining Company & Oakdale Elementary • • • •

EVENT SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR Children and Teen Dental

HOST SPONSOR

The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies

SUSTAINERS

CORPORATE SPONSOR Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.

BOARD SPONSORS

Ellis Architects, Inc. Harrison Construction Company, Inc. McAbee, Inc. McGiffert and Associates, LLC Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. Phifer, Inc.

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School Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. & Brookwood Middle School The Radiology Clinic & Buhl Elementary School Shelton State Community College & Englewood Elementary School Zeta Phi Beta, Graduate Chapter & Westlawn Middle School

GOLD SPONSORS

McGiffert and Associates, Inc., RiverFall Credit Union and Stillman College

FAVOR SPONSOR

Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola

TABLE SPONSORS

SPEAKER SPONSOR

Bryant Bank Tuscaloosa City Board of Education Tuscaloosa County Board of Education

SUPERINTENDENT SPONSOR

MENTOR SPONSORS

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church

Alabama Credit Union PRIDE of Tuscaloosa West Alabama Multiple Listing Service

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

Tuscaloosa Title Company, Inc. Walmart #0715

TEACHER SPONSORS

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa East Red Oak Credit Union Russell S. Lee Floor & Tile West Alabama Pediatrics

Lanier Automotive Northport Auto Supply Parker Towing Company, Inc. Robertson Banking Company StressCrete, Inc.

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

Great Day Tuscaloosa · WJRD 1150AM & 102.1FM/ROCK 106.9/ The Blessing 96.1 · WVUA TV

EVENTS In recognition and appreciation for meeting all criteria established as guidelines for interaction with the AdoptA-School program and the development of an outstanding partnership, the following partnerships achieved the V.I.P. Award (Very Involved Partnership) for the 2021-2022 school year.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alabama ONE & Northport Elementary Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. & Oakdale Elementary Bailey’s Tiger Rock Martial Arts & Big Sandy Elementary Bailey’s Tiger Rock Martial Arts & Taylorville Primary Bryant Bank & The Alberta School of Performing Arts Chick-fil-A Northport & Faucett-Vestavia Elementary Chick-fil-A Northport & Huntington Place Elementary Chick-fil-A Tuscaloosa South & Big Sandy Elementary Chick-fil-A Tuscaloosa South & Taylorville Primary DCH Regional Medical Center & Hillcrest High Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa & Myrtlewood Elementary Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers & Westwood Elementary Jalapeños Mexican Grill & Northport Intermediate The Legacy Connection & Duncanville Middle McAbee, Inc. & Oakdale Elementary Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. & Brookwood Middle Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. & Vance Elementary Milo’s Hamburgers & Hillcrest Middle Northport Medical Center & Flatwoods Elementary Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. & Holt High Phifer Incorporated & Westlawn Middle The Radiology Clinic & Buhl Elementary Raymond James & Associates & Faucett-Vestavia Elementary RiverFall Credit Union & Central High Shelton State Community College & Englewood Elementary Shelton State Community College & Hale County High Shelton State Community College & Hillcrest Middle Shelton State Community College & Tuscaloosa County High Spiller Furniture & Mattress & Crestmont Elementary SSAB Wear Solutions & Sipsey Valley High Thompson Tractor Company & Woodland Forrest Elementary Tiger Rock Martial Arts, Northport & Northport Elementary Triad Property Management & Skyland Elementary Tuscaloosa SAFE Center & Greensboro High Warrior Met Coal & Brookwood High Warrior Met Coal & Brookwood Middle Whatley Health Services & Greensboro High Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Tuscaloosa & Oakdale Elementary ZF Chassis Systems, LLC & Echols Middle ZF Chassis Systems, LLC & Northside High

V I P

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CHAMBER AT WORK EVENTS

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Since the 2021 AAS Kickoff event, twenty-seven new partnerships were formed:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Buhl Elementary School & United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama Central Elementary School & CB&S Bank Davis-Emerson Middle School & Alabama Power Demopolis High School & SouthFresh Feeds Echols Middle School & Edward Jones-Shabaka McKey Eutaw Primary School & Greene County Park and Recreation/ New Generation Outreach Community Center/ Tishabee Nonprofit Organization Greene County Career Center & Cook Unity in the Community/ M&A Auto Diesel/ Mills Pharmacy/ Stillman College Career Center Greene County High School & Cook Unity in the Community/ Freedom Rock Church/ Mills Pharmacy Greensboro High School & Tuscaloosa SAFE Center/ Whatley Health Services Holt Elementary School & TuscaBlue Martin L. King, Jr. Elementary School & Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Maxwell Elementary School & Alabama Credit Union Northside Middle School & Alabama ONE/ SSAB Wear Solutions, LLC Pickens County College & Career Center & Alabama ONE Robert Brown Middle School & City of Eutaw/ Eutaw High Class of 1979 Foundation Skyland Elementary School & JacQuan D. Winters – Pritchett-Moore Real Estate/ Milo’s Hamburgers Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy & Alabama ONE

CHAMBER NEWS

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FORERUNNERS PROGRAM HOLDS GRADUATION CEREMONY The 2021-22 Forerunners class held a graduation ceremony for high school students around Tuscaloosa County who participated in the leadership program.

Designed for eleventh grade students in the Tuscaloosa area, Forerunners provides an analysis of major areas of identified community concerns and trains the participants in specific leadership skills, while providing opportunities for decision-making and problem solving through group processes. Each participant must go through a stringent application process to be selected for the program.

GRADUATE MEMBERS FOR 2021-22: Madelyn Barr; Emma Chambless; Kaitlin Christian; Lucy Corder; Stella Grace DeGraffenereid; Olivia Farmer; Jadyn Fording; Isabella Gantt; Millie Gentry; Katherine Gray; Anne Douglas Hamiter; Alex Harbin; Anna Hefelfinger; Logan Hefelfinger; McKinley Hubbard; Mackenzie Hudson; Talia Kee; Willesha Lang; Anna Leach; Riley Leavell; Taliasen Lewis; Alyssa Mack; Sarah May; Sara McMullen; Mindy Mitchell; Sarah Mitchell; Madison Mitchell; Rachell Reed; Trent Roberts; Morgan Taylor; Patton Turnipseed; Brennan Young

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CHAMBER NEWS

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DONNY JONES EARNS ELITE CCE CERTIFICATION

Donny Jones, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Chief Operating Officer and West AlabamaWorks!

Executive Director has been designated as a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant's knowledge of core chamber management areas —management, planning and development, membership, communications and revenue and operations. Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs earned this prestigious recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field and leadership of their chamber to achieve the chamber’s goals.

“We commend their achievement and are very proud to have them join a long tradition of professional excellence,” Matt McCormick, president of the Columbia, MO Chamber of Commerce and CCE Commission chairman said.

Jones is one of eight chamber professionals to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2021. These leaders represent chambers of commerce in seven states, including Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia, as well as the Canadian province Nova Scotia.

“This honor speaks to the exceptional leadership and service of my good friend and colleague. His dedication and servants’ heart are the epitome of what the CCE distinction is all about,” Jim Page, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama President and Chief Executive Officer said. “I am proud of Donny’s accomplishment and look forward to watching his continued success.”

The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. It is recognized as the highest, and most elite, professional designation in the chamber of commerce profession. It’s the only globally recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.

Jones’ accomplishment and hard work have earned him the right to join the elite roster of only 4% of Chamber professionals worldwide who are certified chamber executives.

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CHAMBER NEWS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LAW FOR RESTAURANT INDUSTRY SIGNED INTO LAW THANKS TO CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER, JHEOVANNY GOMEZ

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Alabama recently passed a bill lowering the minimum age of alcohol servers in restaurants to 18, thanks to the Chamber’s Vice Chair of Membership and Investor Relations, Jheovanny Gomez.

Gomez, owner of Jalapenos Mexican Grill, reached out to state representative Kyle South, expressing his struggle retaining his younger employees. Employees who worked for him through high school left for higher paying jobs once they hit 18, unable to be promoted to servers because of the age restriction for serving alcohol.

"In neighborhood restaurants like mine, I rely on 16- to 18-year-olds as hostesses, busboys and dishwashers," Gomez said. "This bill helps me retain workers and deal with workforce shortages."

Rep. South sponsored the workforce development law under House Bill 176, which ultimately passed the house and senate, and signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. The law went into effect on July 1, 2022.

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CHAMBER NEWS AT WORK

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THE 2021-2022 CLASS OF LEADERSHIP TUSCALOOSA GRADUATES 38 LOCAL LEADERS.

West Alabama’s premier leadership program, Leadership Tuscaloosa plays a role in shaping the positive direction of participants who have a desire to make West Alabama a better place to live, work, and play.

Through a series of sessions with community leaders, Leadership Tuscaloosa aims to help meet the community’s need for effective, informed leadership. Program participants are more aware of and sensitive to the wide range of needs and opportunities in the community through shared experiences with a cross section of highly capable fellow citizens.

GRADUATE MEMBERS FOR 2020-21:

Rachel Aaron, JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC; Alyson Baxter, The University of Alabama; Labrisca Blakney, Bryant Bank; Kalissa Bormann, Tuscaloosa's One Place, Inc.; Tamara Croom, Tuscaloosa County EMA; Allison Curington, The University of Alabama; Ciara Daniel, Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa; Margaret Desjarlais, City of Tuscaloosa; Mamadou Diop, Amazon; Steve Diorio, WVUA 23; Joseph Eatmon, Shelton State Community College; Brittany Floyd, Alabama ONE; Eric Gaines, RE101; Kat Gillan, The University of Alabama; Alicia Gregory, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Estella Hare, City of Tuscaloosa; Kim Harwood, Carrie Fitts Real Estate, LLC; Billy Howard, McAbee Construction, Inc.; Allen Johnson, Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola; Loretta Jones, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports; April Jones, Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Jasmine Knox, Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation, Inc.; Jonathan Koh, Shelton State Community College; Courtney LeCroy, LeCroy Richardson, PC; Leah May, E&A Team, Inc; Audrey McShan, Bryce Hospital; Philip Mullin, Gulf Supreme of Central Alabama; Anna Beth Northington, Bama Exterminating; Rohen Porbanderwala, Trademart 1; Andrew Scarbrough, Echols, Taylor & Associates, PC; Darren Segura, AC Hotel Tuscaloosa Downtown; Ruth Simpson, Blue Water Vinyl; Will Sledge, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.; Howard Speights, Howard's Truck & Auto Repair; Tricia Stone, Carrie Fitts Real Estate, LLC; Casey Suchocki, The Builders Group; Alexis Wilson, Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc.; Dominique Yancey

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You’re at Home with Sealy!

Furnished Apartments

+

Corporate Rentals

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NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS 3J'S AND LADY CUSTOM DÈCOR

12111 Sipsey Valley Road S. Buhl, AL 35446 Phone: (205) 299-8433 Danielle Fuller

Retail

5 STAR CUSTOM PORTABLE BUILDINGS

6602 McFarland Blvd Northport, AL 35475 Phone: (205) 737-7540 Mike Woodard

CAPSTONE COIN AND BULLION LLC

80 McFarland Blvd. Suite 10 Northport, AL 35476 Phone: (256) 397-8860 Sherrie Bryant

Retail Services

COLLEGE CITY REALTY

3925 Rice Mine Road NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Phone: (205) 345-2400 David Fuhrman

Storage - Commercial / Mini / Self Retail Rental Properties ABI BREWER FINE ART

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (831) 917-5138 Abigail A Brewer

Artists & Art Instruction ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION

1 Metroplex Dr Suite 230 Birmingham, AL 35209 Phone: (205) 379-8065 Jessica Miller

Non-Profit Organizations ANCHOR TITLE, LLC

2200 University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 393-2160 Katie Hoyt

Real Estate Closing / TitleWork AUSTELL LIGHTING

2604 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 650-9000 Jessica Austell

Retail - Specialty Retailer BANCCARD

409 Stone River Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Phone: (205) 292-4643 Case McNeill

Financial Services

BEYOND THE BREAK DOULA SERVICES

10775 Bent Brook Dr. Vance, AL 35490 Phone: (205) 826-4251 Renee Hood

Services

BLOODHOUND INVESTIGATION LLC

1017 16th Ave N Tuscaloosa , AL 35406 Phone: (205) 394-7352 Jasmine Prewitt

Consultants Attorneys & Legal Services Services BOTTOMS UP DIAPER BANK

PO Box 71883 Tuscaloosa, AL 35407 Phone: (205) 539-2696 Danielle Edison Lee

Non-Profit Organizations Services

CORPAY

5301 Maryland Way Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone: (205) 792-5091 Vivian Tant

Accounting Services

CRIMSON PHOTO BOOTH

4515 27th Street, East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Phone: (205) 886-4656 John McClellan

Video - Multimedia - Production Entertainment / Recreation DELIGHTFUL COOKIES & TREATS, LLC

39641 AL Hwy 69, Suite D Moundville, AL 35474 Phone: (205) 233-1809 Pamela A. Dobbins

Bakeries - Retail

EUTAW HIGH CLASS OF 1979 FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 702 Eutaw, AL 35462 Phone: Marlene Cacapit

Non-Profit Organizations EVERHAYES TWEEN

312 Merchants Walk Suite 4B Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Phone: (205) 269-8043 Hilyre Baker

Clothing - Retail Retail - Boutique Retail - Clothing, Accessories FLEET FEET TUSCALOOSA

2218 University Blvd. Unit B Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (601) 493-6661 Henry Carpenter

Retail - Specialty Retailer

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES AND MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY

3300 McFarland Blvd, Ste E Northport, AL 35476 Phone: (205) 737-7643 Heidi Holliday

Restaurants

MAY THROUGH JULY HOUSE PLANT COLLECTIVE

410 Queen City Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (256) 365-8737 Jessica Watts

Retail - Specialty Retailer HUDDLE HOUSE

10902 Covered Bridge Rd Brookwood, AL 35444 Phone: (205) 507-4160 Michael Hall

Restaurants

IMAKEUPME LLC

609 Nicks Kids Avenue Tuscaloosa , AL 35401 Phone: (205) 886-5865 Singrid Thompson

Services

J & M FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

P.O. Box 102 Gordo, AL 35466 Phone: (205) 242-1996 Keith Sharp

Fire Protection Equipment / Supplies & Services JASON'S DELI

2300 McFarland Blvd. East, Suite 10 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Phone: (205) 752-6192 Christian LeBlanc

Restaurants

LABOR FINDERS

NORTHPORT VAULTS & MONUMENTS SALES AND SERVICE

2837 Culver Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 750-3140 Ricky Sherrod

Funeral Homes / Mortuaries / Cemeteries ONE CALL AWAY BAIL BONDS LLC

11548 Andrew Way Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Phone: (205) 886-4363 Tonya Bailey

Bail Bond

PALMER CLOTHING

509 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (970) 376-8522 Chad Cannon

Retail - Boutique Retail - Clothing, Accessories PRIME LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

3046 Dewberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Phone: (205) 246-3344 Mark Collins

Publications

PUCKETT PROPERTIES, LLC

2811 Sunset Dr NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Phone: (205) 657-8563 Debbie Puckett

Real Estate / Realty / Realtors

1357 Investigator Dornell Cousette, Suite A Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 750-0059 Kristen Hollingsworth

PUROCLEAN OF TUSCALOOSA

MC SOCIAL, LLC

SWEET SPOT GOURMET POPCORN AND TREAT SHOP

2215 9th Ave Suite B Northport, AL 35476 Phone: (205) 994-7227 Darrin Davis

Employment Contractors / Staffing Services 12949 Rolling Meadows Cir Northport, AL 35473 Phone: (205) 394-7880 Nikki Taylor

Advertising & Marketing

MICHAEL NOE INSURANCE AGENCY

3920 McFarland Blvd Northport, AL 35476 Phone: (205) 333-7133 Brock Strickland

Insurance

MO'BAY BEIGNET CO TUSCALOOSA LLC

9947 Sunlight Drive Tuscaloosa , AL 35405 Phone: (205) 523-2756 Neumarishel Ingram

Bakeries - Retail

THE ALAMITE, TUSCALOOSA, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL

2321 6th Street Tuscaloosa, Al., AL 35401 Phone: (205) 860-7998 Karen Steiger

Hotels / Motels / Bed & Breakfast / Lodging

401 23rd Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (251) 656-1841 Brooks Beck

VIVA MEDICARE/VIVA HEALTH

NORTHPORT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Insurance

Restaurants

13688 Frankie Thomas Trace Northport, AL 35475 Phone: (205) 342-2690 Michael Tilford

6200 Grand River Blvd East, Suite 442 Leeds, AL 35094 Phone: (205) 552-4601 Kim Booth YELLOWHAMMER ENGINEERING, L.L.C.

2205 4th Street, Ste. 22 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 764-7593 Russell Ware Jr.

Engineers - Professional / Consulting

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WORKFORCE

WEST ALABAMAWORKS! HOSTS REGIONAL BLACK BELT SUMMER HIRING TOUR THROUGHOUT WEST ALABAMA KHADIJAH TORBERT Over 230 individuals have been connected to open positions through career connect from recent hiring events in Greene, Hale, Marengo, Sumter, and Pickens counties over a two-month span. These hiring events reached individuals who were not working or looking for a new career path or trade to become financially stable and career oriented. These targeted hiring events offered job seekers the opportunity to find out more about local and regional companies while making personal connections with prospective employers.

PARTNERS FOR THE BLACK BELT REGIONAL HIRING EVENTS HEALTHCARE

MANUFACTURING

AUTOMOTIVE

GREENE COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEM HALE COUNTY HEALTHCARE AUTHORITY DCH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER WHITFIELD REGIONAL HOSPITAL WEST ALABAMA MENTAL HEALTH

PHIFER WIRE PRYSTUP PECO NAOS FOSTER FARMS WESTERVELT WESTROCK EUTAW CORAL INDUSTRIES GD COPPER PINE HILL, AL

NAOS ARD LOGISTICS

CONSTRUCTION

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYERS

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS

LOVE’S TRUCK STOP CITY OF DEMOPOLIS CITY OF EUTAW DEMOPOLIS FIRE & RESCUE ALABAMA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SONIC

DEMOPOLIS CAREER CENTER ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

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COASTAL INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTORS

We want to help those looking for jobs in the Black Belt. It is

possible to live and work in strong communities. Greene County was the first stop in the Regional Hiring Event Tour with several scheduled to be hosted across our nine-county region.

—CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA COO AND WEST ALABAMAWORKS! EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DONNY JONES

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CHAMBER AT WORK WORKFORCE

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418 CONTINGENT JOB OFFERS GIVEN AT WOW 2.0 KHADIJAH TORBERT

WOW 2.0, an event that targeted high school seniors had tremendous success this year. 27 total companies were in attendance hiring for 978 positions. Out of 12 school systems in the nine county West Alabama Region there were 418 contingent job offers given out to high school seniors.

High school seniors were able to speak with not only industry-professionals, but also post-secondary schools, in a job fair setting. They engaged with employers and colleges in seeking part-time, full-time, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities.

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“We’re making sure they are positively placed after their diploma, whether that’s directly into a college or directly into a career. [For WOW 2.0] - it’s all about careers,” Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools said.

It’s a great environment it’s multiple jobs for everyone there is always something for someone it’s not just a

specific type of job like automotive or trucking.

There is something for you here.

– GREENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR (HALE COUNTY)

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Everyone is very friendly and there are multiple job

opportunities. It’s a really good way to further your career as a person and to find out who you are, what you believe in, and what you want to do with your life.

– NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR (TUSCALOOSA CITY)

We express gratitude and appreciation to each company in attendance who dedicated their time and resources to take part in WOW 2.0. Those companies consist of: ABH Enterprises/Mid States, Alabama Department of Corrections, Ard Logistics, Bama Dining, BF Goodrich, Brose Tuscaloosa Inc., Buffalo Rock Company, Coral Industries, DCH Health System, Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa, Foster Poultry Farms, Lear Corporation, Holiday Inn Express University / Candlewood Suites, IAC Group, K & A Builders, Inc, Martinrea Tuscaloosa, Peco Foods, Inc, Premier Service Company, Schnellecke Logistics Alabama, SMP Automotive Systems of Alabama, Inc., SSAB Wear Solutions, Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, The Ōnin Group-MBUSI, The Onin Group-Phifer, Warrior Met Coal, WestRock Eutaw, and ZF Chassis Systems.

“A lot of students don’t know what we do so we get to tell them a little about what we do,” Pamela Jones, Senior Human Resources Manager at Bama Dining said. “We have a lot of entry level positions, and we can work with all schedules. My story to the students is come out and work for us now and save up some money before graduation.”

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Following WOW 2.0, West AlabamaWorks! honored those students who have entered an apprenticeship or earned a full-time job through WOW 2.0. West Alabama Regional Signing Day took place at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy at 5:30pm on April 26, 2022.

“Having companies come out to events like WOW 2.0 help us, as a community, keep individuals in surrounding counties and Tuscaloosa stay here, work here and thrive here,” said Tusamba Carter, DCH Health Systems.

“

Honestly this was fun. Some

companies I have never seen before

and the opportunities that I get here

is phenomenal and I love that I came.

I also applied to some of the colleges

that I didn’t get a chance to do so this is awesome event, I love it.

-BIBB COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR (BIBB COUNTY)

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I.G.N.I.T.E STUDENT PORTAL DESIGNED TO HELP LOCAL EMPLOYERS FILL POSITIONS KHADIJAH TORBERT West Alabama employers looking for students to fill their open positions now have a centralized location to do so, and it’s all online. The Tuscaloosa County Commission and West AlabamaWorks! have partnered to launch I.G.N.I.T.E Student Jobs - a student employment jobs portal. Employers will be able to hire the manpower required to handle their workforce needs by utilizing and employing the skill sets of students ages 14-18.

“We believe it’s going to create new opportunities: one for students to get out and find work, internships or co-op opportunities in the workforce, but also allow our employers to get young and energetic employees,” Probate Judge and Chairman of the Tuscaloosa County

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Commission, Rob Robertson said. “I think they need that, and we’ve missed some of these opportunities over the last year or two due to the pandemic. So, we are looking forward to a very positive launch and see where this thing goes.”

Every student employment position on the portal will offer a high-impact and transformative workintegrated learning experience that prepares students for meaningful, passionate, and productive careers.

“We’re very excited about I.G.N.I.T.E. Student Jobs opportunities and what it is going to mean to our students here in West Alabama,” West AlabamaWorks!

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Executive Director and Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama COO, Donny Jones said. “It’s going to connect our students with employers and those opportunities during the summer to go full-time or part-time and then do co-ops during the school year. We are really excited about the opportunity to take our world-class Career Connect system and implement it with our students and our schools.”

I.G.N.I.T.E. represents a set of character qualities that students have in the workplace that make individuals good at their job. The character traits, “Having Integrity, expressing Gratitude, to Never give up, showcasing Initiative, keeping the habit of Timeliness, and having

Enthusiasm on the job,” can be applied in life as students’ progress into adulthood.

“It's innovative. We were not able to find a whole lot of other examples like this around the nation. I think it is going to be another interesting and productive innovation from Tuscaloosa County,” Robertson said.

The portal is available on the Tuscaloosa County website at Tuscco.com and West AlabamaWorks! at WestAlabamaWorks.com or by visiting WAWStudentJobs.com.

WEST ALABAMAWORKS! TEAM PARTNERS WITH THE BLACK BELT SCHOLARS SUMMER STEM CAMP PROVIDING VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS TAMMI HOLLEY

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The Black Belt Scholars Summer STEM Camp started as a pilot program in 2021 sponsored by Senator Bobby Singleton to engage students in intensive science, technology, engineering and math, as well as financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

career simulations in skilled trades, manufacturing, automotive, public safety, hospitality, warehouse and storage.

The West AlabamaWorks! team had the opportunity to work with 140 middle and high schoolers from Hale, Greene, Sumter and Tuscaloosa Counties.

Seventh and eighth grade students were exposed to West AlabamaWorks! virtual Worlds of Work platform, sharing information and career pathways across the region. This platform provides information on each cluster represented in the region as well as employers and education associated with the clusters.

High school students were given the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets that provide hands-on facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber

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HERE WE GROW AGAIN

5 STAR CUSTOM PORTABLE BUILDINGS

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND GROUNDBREAKINGS MAY THROUGH JULY

6602 McFarland Blvd Northport, AL 35475 Phone: (205) 737-7540 Mike Woodard

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (831) 917-5138 Abigail A Brewer

ABI BREWER FINE ART

BEYOND THE BREAK DOULA

C&C LOGISTICS, LLC

D.R. HORTON, INC.

EVERHAYES TWEEN TO TEEN BOUTIQUE

FRESENIUS KINDEY CARE

GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES AND MARBLE SLAB

3611 Rice Mine Rd NE, Lot 55 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Phone: (205) 887-9191 Chereigna Hughes

914 Doctor Edward Hilliard Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35410 Phone: (205) 440-7728 David Gandy

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2188 Parkway Lake Drive Hoover, AL 35244 Phone: (205) 822-1611 Hannah Reilly

1500 Commerce Drive Tuscaloosa, Al 35401 Phone: (205) 535-3942 LaTonya Burnley

10775 Bent Brook Dr. Vance, AL 35490 Phone: (205) 826-4251 Renee Hood

312 Merchants Walk Suite 4B Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Phone: (205) 269-8043 Hilyre Baker

3300 McFarland Blvd Ste E Northport, AL 35476 Phone: (205) 737-7643 Heidi Holliday

homeRN

HOUSE PLANT COLLECTIVE

MACARONI KID

MO'BAY BEIGNET CO

NORTHPORT VAULTS AND MONUMENT SALES AND SERVICE

SEED CREATIVE

STYLE CONNECTION

TOWNPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT TUSCALOOSA

4326 Kennesaw Drive Birmingham, AL 35213 Phone: (205) 789-7780 Eliza Maxwell

401 23rd Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (251) 656-1841 Brooks Beck

SELF IT UP, LLC

2402 Stardust Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Phone: (205) 246-0229 Tamika Malveo

410 Queen City Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (256) 365-8737 Jessica Watts

2837 Culver Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 750-3140 Ricky Sherrod

3888 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Phone: (205) 758-6004 Johnny Weatherspoon

5207 Candlewood Drive Northport, AL 35473 Phone: (903) 215-0431 Stephanie Horton

402 20th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 886-1591 George Edmondson

2816 McFarland Blvd. East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Phone: (205) 462-8800 Haley McBride

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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 Philantropy | Rosen Harwood | 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 | CSpire | John Plott Company Inc. | McGiffert and Associates, LLC | Paragon HM Wealth Management | Parker Towing Company | Pritchett-Moore, Inc. | Spire, Inc. | The Westervelt Company | Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. | Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors | Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company | ZF Chassis Systems, LLC

GROWTH PARTNERS Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama |

Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola | 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 | 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 | Thompson Engineering | University of Alabama System | Ward Scott Morris Architecture | Way, Ray, Shelton & Company, PC-CPA

COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES ARD Logistics-Alabama, LLC |

Bama Concrete Products Co., Inc. | BankFirst | Cadence Bank, N.A. | Chick-fil-A of Northport | Echols, Taylor & Associates, P.C. | 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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HELPING STARTUPS AND ESTABLISHED FIRMS GROW The Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute is housed at The EDGE, Tuscaloosa’s home for start-ups, where it hosts programming and events designed for entrepreneurs and innovators. The EDGE provides amenities such as collaborative workspaces, conference rooms, and shared and private offices for startups and new businesses alike.

Visit aei.culverhouse.ua.edu to see how the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute and The EDGE are providing opportunities for entrepreneurs across West Alabama.

The EDGE is a partnership with The University of Alabama, the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Tuscaloosa. Resources from all three groups come together to grow a vibrant ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal enterprise.

2627 10th Avenue Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 205-348-3343 the-edge.ua.edu