2022.Q3
CHAMPIONS FOR EXCELLENT CANCER CARE
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
ELIZABETH BALDO-DOWNS Breast Cancer Patient
A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
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.
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!
MICHAEL GOEBEL ALL-IN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR PRESIDENT AND CEO MERCEDES-BENZ U.S. INTERNATIONAL, INC.
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 1 PUBLISHED BY 2222 9th Street tuScalooSa, al 35401 (205) 758-7588 weStalabamachamber.com 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. eDItor
houSe
& PrePreSS
CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER weSt alabama chamber @weStalchamber the chamber of commerce of
2022.Q3 oN the coVer: The Chamber goes
on its new, five-year strategic plan
aleX
alex@westalabamachamber.com DeSIGN
lIz youNG lizyoung@alliancegrp.net aDVertISING eXecutIVe taNya wINSteaD tanya@westalabamachamber.com
weSt alabama @weStalchamber
All-In
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
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
Professional staff
WORKFORCE HERE WE GROW AGAIN NEXT LEVEL INVESTORS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP EVENTS CHAMBER NEWS NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS 17 22 24 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 1 6 12 16
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
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 3
wabt.com
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
THE CHAMBER GOES ALL IN ON ITS NEW, FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
OOver 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.
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.
4 westalabamachamber.com
“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
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 5
EVENTS
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.
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
6 westalabamachamber.com
O
ANNUAL CELEBRATE LOCAL EVENT ATTRACTS PROVIDES EXPOSURE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
DDozens 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 7
EVENTS
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
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.
TWENTY-YEARS (2002-2022)
• Hunt Refining Company & Oakdale Elementary 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
SPEAKER SPONSOR
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
SUPERINTENDENT SPONSOR
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
FAVOR SPONSOR
Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola
TABLE SPONSORS
Bryant Bank
Tuscaloosa City Board of Education
Tuscaloosa County Board of Education
MENTOR SPONSORS
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
8 westalabamachamber.com
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
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 9
V I P
CHAMBER AT WORK EVENTS
Since the 2021 AAS Kickoff event, twenty-seven new partnerships were formed:
• 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 &
10 westalabamachamber.com
FORERUNNERS PROGRAM HOLDS GRADUATION CEREMONY
TThe 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
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 11 CHAMBER NEWS
DONNY JONES EARNS ELITE CCE CERTIFICATION
DDonny 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.
12 westalabamachamber.com
CHAMBER NEWS
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LAW FOR RESTAURANT INDUSTRY SIGNED INTO LAW THANKS TO CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER, JHEOVANNY GOMEZ
AAlabama 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.
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 13 CHAMBER NEWS
THE 2021-2022 CLASS OF LEADERSHIP TUSCALOOSA GRADUATES 38 LOCAL LEADERS.
WWest 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
14 westalabamachamber.com
CHAMBER AT WORKNEWS
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 15 You’re at Home with Sealy! Furnished Apartments Corporate Rentals +
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
Storage - Commercial / Mini / Self Retail
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 / Title Work
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
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
Rental Properties
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
1357 Investigator Dornell Cousette, Suite A
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 750-0059
Kristen Hollingsworth Employment Contractors / Staffing
MC SOCIAL, LLC
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
401 23rd Ave
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (251) 656-1841
Brooks Beck Restaurants
NORTHPORT
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
13688 Frankie Thomas Trace
Northport, AL 35475
Phone: (205) 342-2690
Michael Tilford
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
PUROCLEAN OF TUSCALOOSA
2215 9th Ave Suite B
Northport, AL 35476
Phone: (205) 994-7227
Darrin Davis Services
SWEET SPOT GOURMET POPCORN AND TREAT SHOP
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
VIVA MEDICARE/VIVA HEALTH
6200 Grand River Blvd East, Suite 442
Leeds, AL 35094
Phone: (205) 552-4601
Kim Booth Insurance
YELLOWHAMMER
ENGINEERING, L.L.C.
2205 4th Street, Ste. 22
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 764-7593
Russell Ware Jr. Engineers - Professional / Consulting
16 westalabamachamber.com
WEST ALABAMAWORKS! HOSTS REGIONAL BLACK BELT SUMMER HIRING TOUR THROUGHOUT WEST ALABAMA
OOver 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.
KHADIJAH
TORBERT
PARTNERS FOR THE BLACK BELT REGIONAL HIRING EVENTS
HEALTHCARE
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
“
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.
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 17
“
MANUFACTURING AUTOMOTIVE
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYERS ADDITIONAL PARTNERS COASTAL INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTORS 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
CONSTRUCTION
COMMERCE
WEST ALABAMA COO AND WEST ALABAMAWORKS! EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DONNY JONES
WORKFORCE —CHAMBER OF
OF
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.
“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)
18 westalabamachamber.com
CHAMBER AT WORK
W
WORKFORCE “ “
“
“ “
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.”
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)
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 19
“ “
I.G.N.I.T.E STUDENT PORTAL DESIGNED TO HELP LOCAL EMPLOYERS FILL POSITIONS
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
WKHADIJAH TORBERT
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!
20 westalabamachamber.com
T
CHAMBER AT WORK WORKFORCE
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
TThe 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.
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
career simulations in skilled trades, manufacturing, automotive, public safety, hospitality, warehouse and storage.
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 21
Abigail A Brewer
Woodard
Renee Hood
Chereigna Hughes
Hannah Reilly
David Gandy GRAPHIC
LaTonya Burnley
Hilyre Baker
Heidi Holliday
22 westalabamachamber.com
STAR CUSTOM PORTABLE BUILDINGS
Northport,
5
6602 McFarland Blvd
AL 35475 Phone: (205) 737-7540
Tuscaloosa,
Mike
C&C LOGISTICS, LLC 3611 Rice Mine Rd NE, Lot 55
AL 35406 Phone: (205) 887-9191
BREWER FINE ART Tuscaloosa,
ABI
AL 35401 Phone: (831) 917-5138
D.R. HORTON, INC. 2188 Parkway Lake Drive Hoover, AL 35244
(205)
Phone:
822-1611
BEYOND THE BREAK DOULA 10775 Bent Brook Dr. Vance,
35490
AL
Phone: (205) 826-4251
EVERHAYES TWEEN TO TEEN BOUTIQUE 312 Merchants Walk Suite 4B Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
(205) 269-8043
Phone:
KINDEY CARE 914 Doctor Edward Hilliard Dr. Tuscaloosa,
FRESENIUS
AL 35410 Phone: (205) 440-7728
PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL 1500 Commerce Drive Tuscaloosa, Al 35401
Phone: (205) 535-3942
AMERICAN COOKIES AND MARBLE SLAB 3300 McFarland Blvd Ste E Northport, AL 35476
(205)
GREAT
Phone:
737-7643
HERE WE GROW
RIBBON CUTTINGS AND GROUNDBREAKINGS MAY THROUGH JULY
AGAIN
HOUSE PLANT COLLECTIVE 410 Queen City Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
MACARONI KID 5207 Candlewood Drive Northport, AL 35473
Phone: (205) 789-7780
Eliza Maxwell
MO'BAY BEIGNET CO
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
Phone: (256) 365-8737
Jessica Watts
NORTHPORT VAULTS AND MONUMENT SALES AND SERVICE 2837 Culver Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 750-3140
Ricky Sherrod
Phone: (205) 758-6004
Johnny Weatherspoon
Phone: (903) 215-0431
Stephanie Horton
SEED CREATIVE
402 20th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 886-1591
George Edmondson
TOWNPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT TUSCALOOSA
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Phone: (205) 462-8800
Haley McBride
facebook.com/westalchamber | twitter.com/westalchamber 23
homeRN 4326 Kennesaw Drive Birmingham, AL 35213
STYLE CONNECTION 3888 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
2816 McFarland Blvd. East
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
24 westalabamachamber.com
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
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 Visit aei.culverhouse.ua.edu to see how the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute and The EDGE are providing opportunities for entrepreneurs across West Alabama.
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.
groups