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Fa l l 2 0 1 4
The Business Journal of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
Tuscaloosa’s
Downtown Revival
Revitalizing Downtown
to its Former Prominence
Plus Chamber@Work,
New Members & More!
Published in partnership with
The Tuscaloosa News
Our Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. Teammates:
Donald Acker
Rex Acker
Pam Ajoloko
Robert Aldridge
Joshua Anders
Scott Anders
Mack Andrews
Paul Arnold
Xavier Arrington
Junior Atkins
Zeke Atmore
Gary Averette
Chris Bailey
Phil Baker
Lashanda Banks
Reggie Banks
Willie Banks
Andy Barr
Rafael Barrientos
Jeffrey Bates
Stephen Beard
Scott Beavers
Kip Benson
Conor Bentley
Michael Berryhill
Blake Bickerstaff
Amanda Bircheat
Bo Bishop
Jim Bloskis
Randy Bolton
Streamer Boman
Sandra Bonner
Mary Bridges
Jeff Brooks
Tony Brothers
Rod Brousseau
Dustin Brown
Fred Brown
Kalea Brown
Robert Brown
Roger Brown
Sean Brown
Tim Brown
Bobby Browning
Steven Brownlee
Chris Brubeck
Michael Buchmann
Perry Buford
Julie Burch
Greg Burnett
Tommy Callahan
Terry Cannon
Blake Cargile
Priscilla Carlsen
Betty Carroll
Stephen Cash
Gary Causey
Chris Champion
Randy Charles
Marcus Chestnut
David Christian
Kurt Clayton
Christine Colburn
Wesley Collins
Chris Conners
Billy Cook
Jeff Cooley
Todd Cooley
Michael Corbell
Stephen Cory
Rick Courtemanche
Richard Cox
Bobby Creamer
Becky Crim
Karac Cummings
Keith Dailey
Tiffany Dalton
Allen Davis
Jimmy Davis
Laron Davis
Michael Davis
Scott Davis
Marcus DeBoard
Dusty Dempsey
Bill Dennis
Waylon Dickerson
Dan Dickinson
Casey Dobbs
Jonathan Doss
Abe Duckett
Derek Duffy
Christopher Dunn
Tony Dunn
Michael Durie
Kevin Eads
Fred Easley
Mark Eaton
Dr. David Eaton
Pam Edwards
Ricky Edwards
Beth Elkins
Wynn Elliott
Andrew Ellis
Tim Ellis
Glenn Elrod
Jeremy Fair
Jason Farley
DJ Faulkner
Blake Feltman
Brandon Fields
Brian Fields
Anna Fife
Denise Fife
Ben Fikes
John Fisher
John Foster
Kelley Franklin
Michael Franklin
Dustin Franks
Jake Franks
Ken Free
Nathan Freeman
Paul Fuller
Flavio Garbanzo
Blanco
William Garner
Jeff Garrison
Kevin Genery
Jacob Gentry
Alan Gibson
Steven Goins
Joe Golden
Kendrick Graham
Bill Granger
Sherita Grant
Stabler Gray
Daniel Green
Scotty Green
Todd Green
Tony Greenwood
Jason Griffin
Jason Grizzard
April Groeschell
Roy Grose
John Grubich
Jeremy Guin
John Guin
Darryl Guy
Jason Guyton
Bernie Guzewicz
Shawn Guzewicz
John Hagler
Danny Hall
Norm Hall
Tony Hall
Bobby Hamilton
Craig Hamner
Jack Harding
Marvin Harkins
Sherrod Harrell
Mike Harris
Matt Hartley
Donna Hayden
Jason Hebert
Duke Henders
Jermaine Herring
Larry Hershey
Bebo Hicks
Marshall Hicks
Keith Hill
Larry Hill
Lamar Holston
Lance Homan
Chris Hope
Ricky House
Ken Howard
James Hudson
Bob Humphrey
Michael Hutnak
Adrian Jackson
Micheal Jackson
Tim Jackson
Jeff Johnson
Linda Johnson
Alonzo Jones
Ben Jones
Michael Jones
Russell Jones
Tiffany Jones
Will Jones
Joseph Junkin
Tim Junkin
Tammy Kelley
Curtis Kelly
Jeff Kelly
Jonathan Kidd
Shondel King
Vanessa King
Joel Kizziah
Jonathon Knight
Jerry Kornegay
Michael Lamb
Justen Lambert
Matthew Landon
Matthew Langham
Fred Lanier
Eric Larmore
Johnny Lay
Michael Layden
Matt Lee
Devin Leger
Chad Leonard
Jerri Lynn Lett
Robby Lett
David Lewis
William Lockett
Roy Loggins
Billy Maddox
Clint Madison
Bob Marinos
Markus Marks
Keith Marlar
Allen Marlowe
Donna Martin
Brian Mathews
Rocky Mathews
Dustin May
Kelvin May
Michael Mayhall
Jared Mays
Tank McAteer
Kevin McCaleb
Jason McCollum
Lisa McCollum
David McCormick
Eric McCroskey
Ken McCruter
John McCutcheon
Billie McDaniel
Cody McDaniel
Steven McElroy
Cameron McFall
Dan McGowan
Cory McIntosh
Matt McKee
Hunter McKinley
Billy McKnight
Steven McKnight
Tommy McKnight
Steve Meggs
Jason Miles
Shawn Miles
Todd Miles
Bryant Miller
Craig Miller
Jon Miller
Mike Miller
Robby Miller
Robert Miller
Danny Milligan
Chris Mills
Terry Minor
Jonathan Mitchell
Matt Montgomery
Todd Montgomery
John Morrison III
Curtis Morrow
Mike Morrow
Ken Morse
Michael Murphy
Stephen Nelko
Clarence Nevels
David Nevin
Casey Nichols
Peyton Nicholson
Bobby Noland
Janet North
Ivy Norwood
Brooke Owens
Joe Padgett
Jerome Page
Amanda Pate
Brian Pate
Jason Pate
Jeff Patrick
Tim Patterson
George Patton
Lesia Patton
Billy Payne
Doug Payne
Latori Payne
Selaine Pearce
Beverly Pendley
Bryan Pennington
Derek Perkins
Kevin Perkins
Nicole Perrigin
Glenda Phillips
Hunter Phillips
Kevin Phillips
Mike Phillips
Clint Piepho
Luther Pippen
April Pitts
Terrance Plunkett
Mark Plyler
Stephen Plyler
Latori Poole
Clinton Poores
Gertrude Pope
Susan Porter
Scott Posey
Jeff Powell
Mitchell Prater
Anthony Prince
Henry Przekora
Jeremy Przekora
Rob Randolph
Randall Reed
Rhonda Reed
Timothy Rhynes
Larry Richardson
Bo Richey
Stephen Roberts
Kip Robertson
Marty Robertson
Reid Robertson
Trey Robertson
Brian Robinson
Darrell Romine
Ron Roset
Chris Rubio
Mark Rundles
James Rutherford
Marshall Ryan
Tim Salheiser
Derrick Sawyer
Logan Schoppert
Adam Seale
Joel Seale
Andy Seibert
Jeremy Sharp
Mark Sherman
Lance Shirley
Ken Shuman
Moose Simmons
Tim Sims
Lenay Sinnreich
James Sizemore
Randy Skagen
Andy Skelton
Cassie Skelton
Michael Skinner
Steve Smelley
Wayne Smelley
Alan Smith
Buck Smith
Grady Smith
Renea Smith
Rita Smith
Stacey Smith
Tyler Smith
Ashley Smitherman
Cody Snipes
Jason Sparks
Donnie Spencer
Ben Springer
Ricky Sprinkle
Walter Stallings
Hunter Stevens
Edward Stewart
Randy Stewart
Ricky Stewart
Rita Stewart
Arthur Stokes
Ed Streett
Chad Strickland
Glenn Sullivan
Tom Sullivan
Jim Sumner
Gary Sutton
John-David Swiney
Justin Swinsick
Beau Tate
Donald Taylor
Joe Taylor
Leroy Taylor
John Thomas
Paul Thurber
Steven Tingle
Bill Townsend
Bill Trawick
Lewis Tunnell
Ronnie Upchurch
Josh Ussery
Loyl Utley
Donny Venable
Greg Vickers
Sharon Vickerson
Christy Vicknair
Blane Vines
Jerrell Vinson
Zach Wadlington
Tyler Waldrop
Melissa Walford
Jason Walker
Jeff Walker
Jim Walton
Jon Walton
Vincent Warren
Barry Watkins
Emily Watkins
Mitch Watkins
Phillip Watkins
Tyler Watkins
Brad Watson
Hanky Watson
Ronnie Watson
Daryle Watts
Marty Weaver
Candi Webster
Jason Westbrook
Marcus Whatley
John White
Sean White
Tim White
Felix Wilder
Manning Williams
Robert Williams
Kevin Willis
Aubrey Wilson
Danny Winters
David Wright
Jim Yerkes
Daniel Yu
Qiulin Yu
Adam Zeleney
Mark Zeleney
David Zelhart
Contents
5A Word from Our Leadership
8
Tuscaloosa’s Downtown Revival
10Alabama Workforce Council Appointees Have Ties to
West Alabama & Chamber
12Chamber@Work
14Here We Grow Again: Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings
16
Comparative Economic Indicators
18Membership 101
20
New Members
22
2014 Board of Directors
8
22
Calendar of Events
10
12
14
18
4
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PUBLISHED BY
A Word from Our Leadership
2201 Jack Warner Parkway
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 758-7588
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
EDITOR
Robin Jenkins
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Ashley Gill
Jheovanny Gomez
Molly Ingram
Jordan Plaster
Terri Williams
DESIGN
LaShonda Robinson
PREPRESS MANAGER
Jordan Plaster
Chuck Jones
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE
Chris Powell
(205) 722-0148
ON THE COVER
Downtown Tuscaloosa
by Skip Baumhower,
www.baumhower.com
A Period of Renaissance In Downtown Tuscaloosa
It has been nothing short of amazing to witness the dramatic transformation of Tuscaloosa’s downtown
and riverfront over the past several years. From the rehabilitation of historic buildings to the ongoing
construction of new ones, this once quiet and underappreciated part of our community has truly come
alive! On any given day, there is a steady flow of foot traffic patronizing downtown shops and restaurants
as well as a constant stream of citizens enjoying the beautiful walking trail along the Black Warrior River.
Mayor Walt Maddox and members of the Tuscaloosa City Council, past and present, deserve a tremendous
amount of credit for the vision to create a first-class downtown and riverfront. Their bold, collective efforts
to invest public dollars in this area have led to millions of private sector investment dollars to follow suit.
Almost everywhere you look, you can see examples of how vision, leadership and wise investment can
transform a community.
This issue of Rising Tide provides a brief update on many of the exciting residential and commercial
projects currently underway in downtown Tuscaloosa. As we “cut ribbons” on these great projects over
the next few months, I hope we all take time to reflect on the incredible amount of hard work that has
been done to get us to this special point in Tuscaloosa’s proud history.
Enjoy reading,
Jordan Plaster
Senior Vice President
Merrill Lynch
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
5
We Go
The Extra Mile
Contact Us
Jim Page, CCE
President & CEO
(205) 391-0562
jim@tuscaloosachamber.com
Donny Jones, IOM
Chief Operating Officer
(205) 391-0552
donny@tuscaloosachamber.com
Al Spencer
Vice President, Economic Development and Public Policy
(205) 391-0329
al@tuscaloosachamber.com
Kimberly Adams
Director of Membership and Investor Relations
(205) 391-0327
kimberly@tuscaloosachamber.com
Tracy Crumpton
Director of Finance and Operations
(205) 391-0554
tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com
Stacey Gann
Director of Leadership Development and Events
(205) 391-0559
stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com
LoWanda James
Director of Information Services
(205) 758-7588
lowanda@tuscaloosachamber.com
Reach a new audience
in your promotional puzzle.
Robin Jenkins
Director of Communications and Marketing
(205) 391-0561
robin@tuscaloosachamber.com
Target business leaders and individuals
who take a strong interest our community.
Jill McDonald
Executive Assistant
(205) 391-0555
jill@tuscaloosachamber.com
TH
E IN
AU
G
UR
AL
ISS
UE
S U M M E R 2013
Carolyn Tubbs
Assistant Director of Education and Events
(205) 391-0556
carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com
Jeanne Wade
Membership Development Specialist
(205) 454-1169
jeanne@tuscaloosachamber.com
THE BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER
OF THE C
OF COMMERCE OF
FA L L 2013
WEST ALABAMA
ILLAGE
RIVERFRONT V
S P R I N G 2014
THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF THE CHAMBER
HAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST AL
ALABAMA
The Business
usiness
ss of
Football
ball
ball
The Effect on Our Local
Economy
THE BUSINESS JOURNAL
OF THE CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE OF
WEST ALABAMA
Advertise in Rising Tide,
a favorite publication among local
business leaders, Chamber
members and entrepreneurs.
Revitalizing
own
T-T
Local Education
atio
io
Shop
Business
ess and
CONTACT
New Developments Bring
sa
New Life to Tuscaloo
Launche to
n Launched
New Campaiggn
wards Tomorrow
orrow
Loc
Local Towards
oppingMoving
Promote Shopping
Work,
@Work,
Plus Chamber@
& More!
M
New Members
Plus Chamber@Work,
ber@Work,
New Members
rs & More!
Trade or Grade?
Programs Boost Local
Workforce
Plus Chamber@Work
,
New Members & More!
The Tuscaloosa News
Loo Whitfield
Director of Education
(205) 391-0563
loo@tuscaloosachamber.com
Connect with the Chamber
Join us on Facebook
Facebook/chambertusc
6
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/chambertusc
Call 205.345.0505
advertising@tuscaloosanews.com
NA6055335
LeNa` Powe
Director of Workforce Development
(205) 391-0331
lena@tuscaloosachamber.com
The M-Class, GL-Class and C-Class.
Manufactured at MBUSI and growing our local economy.
More than 22,000 direct and indirect jobs
$1.5 billion annual economic impact on the region
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SEE THE NEW CROP TODAY AT LEIGH AUTOMOTIVE.
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
7
Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa’s Downtown Revival
Set to Unfold
Many communities are engaged in revitalization efforts to renew
downtown areas and restore them to their former prominence as
a center of community activity. It’s a slow process for some but
momentum seems to be on our side in Tuscaloosa.
Downtown is going through a significant period of change. The
addition of the city’s amphitheater and River Market led to new
restaurants, a brewery and retail stores over the past few years. Large
developments, including Riverfront Village, 2700 Capitol Park, the
conversion of the PNC Bank building to apartments, Renasant Bank,
Embassy Suites, and Hilton’s Home 2 Suites, are now progressing with
a collective investment of approximately $130M in construction cost.
Downtown’s success can be attributed to a plan and a commitment
by public and private partners. Tuscaloosa City Councilman (District 4)
Matt Calderone said, “The city is investing a tremendous amount of
8
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
resources into our thriving downtown to ensure its success. From code,
policy and infrastructure improvements, to the creation of a downtown
police precinct, and the newly formed Downtown Development
Committee, the City of Tuscaloosa is a partner and an advocate for our
downtown residents, businesses and visitors. We have every reason to
be enthusiastic about our downtown development and I am honored
to be a part of the progress.”
There’s a sense of excitement among residents about what the future
will bring.
“The city wanted a luxury hotel and it’s going to get one,” said Jon Crisp,
general manager of Embassy Suites Downtown Tuscaloosa situated at
the corner of Greensboro and adjacent to Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
The property is managed by Wilson Hotel Management, LLC, a division
of the Kemmons Wilson Companies, LLC, in Memphis.
“Downtown Tuscaloosa is a dramatically
different place today than it was a decade ago.
The heart of our city is beating vibrantly
once again.”
The 2700 Capitol Park concept is the result of a vision for loft-style, urban
living shared by local husband and wife team, Charlie and Sasha Sealy.
The Sealy family owns and manages approximately 3,400 Tuscaloosa
apartments and over 8,000 apartments throughout the Southeast.
The couple’s first boutique urban loft development, Belk Hudson Lofts
in downtown Huntsville, was completed in October 2012 and named
Downtown Development of the Year in January 2014 by Downtown
Huntsville Inc. On August 6, Charlie and Sasha opened the doors
to 2700 Capitol Park, an urban mixed-use development located on
University Blvd., adjacent to historic Capitol Park and overlooking the
Tuscaloosa amphitheater. It features 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space
and 166 loft apartments that are studios. Restaurants and retailers are
currently being recruited.
Another mixed-use project nearing completion is Riverfront Village
on the former site of Tuscaloosa Chevrolet. It will contain about
95 apartments and, according to the developer, Chance Partners,
residents began moving into some units in late August. At press time,
negotiations were underway with two restaurants, one of which is new
to Alabama. Retailers will be also be recruited to fill the 30,000 square
feet of commercial space.
Our downtown revitalization is creating a new energy and boosting the
quality of living for our citizens in more ways than one. Tax dollars spent
at these new establishments will better support our schools, parks,
infrastructure and more.
Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club
Perhaps the most anticipated part of this project is the 150-seat
restaurant and lounge it will house, with private and outdoor dining
options, which will be overseen by Christ Hastings. Hastings is the
owner and executive chef of the award-winning Hot & Hot Fish Club
in Birmingham who won the James Beard Award “Best Chef in the
South” in 2012. He already has a name in mind for the restaurant and it
is expected to be announced soon with much fanfare.
The hotel is a classic Tuscaloosa building, red brick and limestone. It will
have 154 suites and will offer full-service facilities and an upscale feel.
It will also have a large ballroom, valet service and more than enough
parking available for guests. The target opening date is January 31.
Crisp says, “When open, residents are invited to come by for a tour
because I feel the hotel belongs to the people.”
As for our infrastructure, we’ve outgrown ours. After redevelopment,
the area will face a more serious traffic issue. Ten years ago, the
Chamber’s Parking Task Force played an integral part in planning for
the city’s intermodal unit or parking deck. Tuscaloosa City Councilman
(District 2) Harrison Taylor recently said that if more people would
use the deck, especially employees of nearby businesses, this would
alleviate our traffic problem for a time. “It’s free, new and well-lit. We
have to get used to parking in the deck and then walking downtown,”
he said.
Most vibrant downtown strategies demand a walkable urban area
offering a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options and
we certainly are on our way to having just that.
Downtown Tuscaloosa is a dramatically different place today than it
was a decade ago. The heart of our city is beating vibrantly once again.
Nearby, Home2 Suites by Hilton is the second hotel going up downtown
and a groundbreaking ceremony was held for it on August 5. Located
in the 2600 block of University Blvd. and being developed by Texas
businessman Michael Harrell, the extended-stay hotel will offer 113
suites, which will be high-tech and stylish for the budget-conscious
traveler. The brand is a new one in the Hilton organization, which
includes Embassy Suites. It is set to open in April of 2015.
These two hotels will complement each other and help draw travelers
to downtown. Crisp estimates that his hotel will put 100-150 people
downtown on a nightly basis to eat and shop.
2700 Capitol Park
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
9
Alabama Workforce Council
Appointees Have Ties to
West Alabama & Chamber
In July, Gov. Robert Bentley announced 28 appointees to the Alabama
Workforce Council, a group that will examine ways to design education
programs that match the needs of businesses.
The council will offer advice to the state school board, the chancellor of
the state community college system, the superintendent of the state’s
education department and the presidents of the state’s four-year
colleges and universities.
“The Alabama Workforce Council is a world-class representation of
many of the state’s top business and industry leaders and will be vitally
important to building and maintaining high-quality partnerships
between industry, education and workforce training institutions,”
Bentley said in a news release.
MEET DEADLINES
DESIGN/BUILD
CRAFTSMANSHIP
COORDINATION
1120 35th Street • Tuscaloosa, AL • 205.759.5040
10
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
Fitzgerald Washington of the Alabama Department of Labor
(formerly of Buffalo Rock Co. and Past Chair of the Chamber); Norman
Crow of D.T. Freight Co. and the Tuscaloosa City School Board (Chamber
Chair-Elect); Philip C. Johnston of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in
Vance (Committee Chair for Chamber Affiliate West Alabama Works);
and Terry Waters of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development
(Past Chair and Interim Executive Director of the Chamber.)
We’re proud to know and work with some of the top business and
industry leaders in the state.
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Whatever your requirements, F. L. Crane &
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Among the Alabama Workforce Council appointees with ties to West
Alabama and our Chamber are:
3200 Greensboro Ave.
345-9811
www.townsendbmw.com
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley addresses business and industry
leaders at the first meeting of the new Alabama Workforce Council
at the state Capitol in Montgomery on July 21.
Photo by Governor’s Office, Jamie Martin
Fitzgerald Washington
Norman Crow
Philip Johnston
Terry Waters
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
11
Chamber@Work
Chamber Names Director
of Workforce Development
600 Attend Job Fair by New Workforce Group
We’re proud of the Job Fair presented on June 14 for Bama Dining
and others at the Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy (TCTA).
The goal was to employ about 250 people with Bama Dining, which
has grown tremendously along with the UA. Around 600 people came
through! The event was part of West Alabama Works, a new workforce
development system housed at the Chamber that works with other
groups in the community to bring basic skills and literacy training to
job candidates to get them hired. West Alabama Works partnered with
Alabama’s Ready to Work program, which provides job candidates
with entry-level job skills, and PLUS Tuscaloosa, a community-wide
effort administered at Shelton State Community College using trained
volunteers to teach adults to read. People could also sign up for the GED
program at Shelton State. Through meaningful efforts like this, we hope
to increase job opportunities for people throughout our region. Photo
by The Tuscaloosa News.
LeNa` Powe has been named
our Director of Workforce
Development effective August
15, 2014. Powe will serve as our
primary liaison to the Region 3
Workforce Development Council
and West Alabama Works, for
which the Chamber now serves as
both managing and fiscal agent.
She will provide a central point of
contact for any private or public
entity seeking information and
assistance with workforce training
in the seven-county region. Powe
will be responsible for building
alliances and coordinating with
local training providers, employment agencies, Chambers of Commerce,
IDBs/IDAs, education officials and elected leaders. She brings strong
leadership and experience in workforce development, education and
public policy. She most recently worked for the Birmingham City Council
as a community liaison and external community affairs representative.
Prior to this, she worked for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) as
an education and workforce development project manager and more.
We are fortunate to have someone with such an impressive background
on the professional staff of the Chamber.
PARCA & Superintendents Give Updates on our
Public Schools
Our annual State of the Schools event was held on June 17 at Hotel
Capstone and was well-received, as usual. We had a great turnout! The
Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) provided new data
and research regarding the funding and performance of the two school
public school systems in Tuscaloosa County. For 25 years, PARCA has
been an independent research organization that reports objectively on
issues important to improving Alabama’s state and local governments
and public schools. The lunch, sponsored by Ellis Architects, included
presentations by Dr. Tommy Bice, Dr. Elizabeth Swinford and Dr. Paul
McKendrick.
12
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
More Than 300 Attend State of the Community Event
This 12th annual event, sponsored this year by Walker Associates, Inc.,
was held on Aug. 27 at the Tuscaloosa River Market and more than
300 citizens attended. Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Chairman of
the Tuscaloosa County Commission, Mayor Walt Maddox of the City of
Tuscaloosa and Mayor Bobby Herndon of the City of Northport gave
reports on the progress of our area and status of our local governments.
Junior Achievement Manager Now Housed in Chamber Office
Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County’s Senior Program Manager
Carla Harris is now based at the Chamber office where she works in
close proximity to our Adopt-A-School directors. JA works to inspire and
prepare young people to succeed economically in a global economy.
You can reach her at 205-391-0335 or charris@tcss.net.
Caring Days Adult Day Care
THE MAL & CHARLOTTE MOORE CENTER
Open M-F 7:30-5:30
943 31st Street East, Tuscaloosa 35405
For information call Vicki Kerr at 752-6840
www.caringdays.org
Adopt-A-School Kicks Off its 30th Year
Our AAS program is celebrating 30 years! Our program is one of the
best in the nation & a true model for others. Billy Canary of the Business
Council of Alabama (pictured) spoke to about 300 business people and
educators at our annual Breakfast and Seminar on July 29. The school
partnerships met at University Church of Christ to plan for the new
school year. Learn more at www.tuscaloosachamber.com/aas.
B
The Tuscaloosa City Council executed a final agreement with the
developer of The Shoppes at Legacy Park on July 29 and new anchor
stores were announced including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fresh Market,
PetSmart and DSW Shoes. Bed Bath & Beyond and World Market had
already been announced for the project planned for the land where part
of the former Cedar Crest neighborhood stood, near the intersection of
McFarland and 15th St.
rk
k of Yo
n
a
Incentives Approved for Shoppes at Legacy Park,
New Anchor Stores Announced
Small Business Financing
In Tuscaloosa
• Commercial Real Estate - Term & Construction
• Inventory Receivables
• Buildings Contractor Residential Construction
• Land Purchases/Refinace
Transportation Summit Held
Members of our Tuscaloosa Transportation Advocacy Group (TTAG) met
with area leaders on Aug. 8 at the River Market to discuss much-needed
traffic and infrastructure projects and working together as one voice to
make them happen.
Richard Key
Vice President
Jimmy D. Collins
CEO
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
13
Here We Grow Again
RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUND BREAKINGS
May 30, 2014 - August 29, 2014
Eagles’ Wings, Inc.
12379 Eagle Wings Dr. • Coker, AL 35452
(205) 345-5484 • www.eagleswingsoftuscaloosa.org
Sandra Pike
Alabama Central Credit Union
Salvation Army
1601 University Blvd., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
(205) 553-1600 • www.salvationarmy.org
Dean Moretz
American National Insurance
1665 McFarland Blvd., N. • Tuscaloosa , AL 35406
(205) 342-0551 • www.alabamacentral.org
Matthew Sandiford
605 28th Ave. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 233-8733 • www.anico.com
Brian Darr
Tusk Industrial Supply
Home Instead Senior Care
2036 62nd Ave. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 366-1625
Randy Holcomb
14
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
303 Hargrove Rd., E. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 764-0387 • www.homeinstead.com
Stephanie Buffaloe
Northport Funeral and
Cremation Service
5404 Watermelon Rd., • Northport, AL 35473
(205) 750-3140 • www.northportfuneralservice.com
Ricky Sherrod
Easy Money
3032 Tyler Dr. • Northport, AL 35476
(205) 330-0913 • www.goeasymoney.com
Erika Cichanowicz
Home2 Suites by Hilton
2600 University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.home2suites.com
Nu Way Vape LLC
3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 10 • Northport, AL 35476
(256) 349-5191• www.nuwayvape.com
Rob Roberts
CEU CreditAvailable
6.0 Hours for Nurses
Join Us to Celebrate
5.0 Hours for SocialWorkers
6th Annual Free Community Forum on
End-of-Life Issues
Friday, Nov. 7th • 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Registration begins at 8:00 a.m./Lunch Provided)
Northport Civic Center
3500 McFarland Blvd., Northport, AL 35476
Admission is free, but pre-registration
National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!
Space is limited, Register today!
205-523-0101
is required to receive CEU credit.
Breakfast & Snacks Provided By:
Answering every caller with TLC...Since 1955
We are not just an answering
service, but an extension of
your business-a responsibility
we take very seriously.
Some of our most common services includes:
Outsourced Receptionist Service-answering calls and relaying
Dispatch
☎ messages
☎ Overflow
24/7-you choose the hours and days
calls (when your lines are all busy or your staff is too busy)
☎ Order taking
calls
☎ Emergency
☎
answering service (when your phones
Vacation/temporary coverage, including extended absences
☎ Disaster-preparedness
☎
are unexpectedly down due to service or disaster issues, such
coverage
☎ Holiday
as hurricanes or tornadoes)
☎ Appointment scheduling
2810 7th Street • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
(205) 349-2702 Tuscaloosa • (205) 241-5082 Birmingham • (800) 250-5160 Toll Free • (205) 349-4766 Fax
info@callerconnection.com wwww.CallerConnection.com
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
15
Working as One Investors
The following will invest annually, over five years,
funding the new economic and community
development plan for our region! THANK YOU!
GAMECHANGERS - $25,000+ ANNUALLY
Comparative
Economic Indicators
JULY 2013 vs JULY 2014
Business licenses
City of Tuscaloosa
2013
204
2014
183
City of Northport
2013
45
2014
?
Value of
Building permits
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY
City of Tuscaloosa
2013
$33,346,953
2014
$35,826,289
CEO COUNCIL - $10,000+ ANNUALLY
Aramark; AT&T; The Bank of Tuscaloosa; Bryant Bank; Expo Displays;
Harrison Galleries/HFS Holdings; JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Knight Sign
Industries, Inc.; Merrill Lynch; Rumsey Environmental; UA College of Arts
& Sciences; Yellow Book USA
Employed
PRESIDENT’S FORUM - $7,500+ ANNUALLY
Tuscaloosa County
2013
88,642
2014
88,042
UA Culverhouse College of Commerce
INVESTOR LEADERS - $5,000+ ANNUALLY
A&B Electric Co.; Advantage Realty Group, Inc.; Afflink; Alabama
Gas Corporation; Alabama Power Co.; BB&T; Cintas; College Station
Properties; Ellis Architects, Inc.; Harrison Construction, Inc.; McGiffert
& Associates, LLC; Pritchett-Moore Inc.; Sealy Furniture Co.; Thompson
Tractor Co., Inc.; TotalCom, Inc.; WAR Construction, Inc.; Ward Scott
Architecture; The WHMZ Group at Morgan Stanley
GROWTH PARTNERS - $2,500+ ANNUALLY
Advance Disposal; Alabama Credit Union; Alabama One Credit Union;
Almon Associates, Inc.; BBVA Compass Bank; Blue Cross/Blue Shield
of Alabama; Boone Newspapers, Inc.; Buffalo Rock Co./Pepsi Cola;
Community Service Programs of West Alabama; D.T. & Freight Co.;
Eberspaecher North America, Inc.; Fitts Agency; Green Beverage
Co.; Harbin & Stough, PC; Jackson Security; Jalapenos Mexican Grill;
Moody Radio South; Parker Towing Co., Inc.; Robertson Banking Co.;
Spiller Furniture & Mattress; Southland Benefit Solutions, LLC; TTL, Inc.;
Tuscaloosa Credit Union; Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit Union; Way, Ray,
Shelton & Co., PC; Walker Associates, Inc.; Walter Energy, Inc.; Which
Wich Superior Sandwiches
Unemployment rates
Tuscaloosa County
2013
6.5%
2014
6.9%
Homes sold
Tuscaloosa County
2013
2014
COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES - $1,500+ ANNUALLY
Barry Fikes Photography; The Builders Group of West Alabama, LLC;
Capstone Bank; Chick-fil-A of Northport; Duckworth-Morris Real Estate;
First National Bank of Central Alabama; First South Farm Credit; Friday
Oil Co., Inc.; Hampton Inns of Tuscaloosa; Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers;
Kyle Office Solutions; Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC; The Locker Room;
Metalsa; Morrison & Smith, LLP; Renasant Bank; Rex Veron Design, LLC;
Sentell Engineering, Inc.; Tuscaloosa Chevrolet, Inc.; Willcutt Block
OTHER ANNUAL COMMITMENTS
Gilmore, Poole & Rowley; StressCrete, Inc.; Yeager & Christian, PC
16
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
209
186
Average selling Price
Tuscaloosa County
2013
2014
$189,658
$181,483
2308 6th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
205-345-3038
www.as.ua.edu
NA5656147
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
First Friday of the month noon-8 p.m.
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
17
Membership 101
Chamber Launching Innovative 4th Quarter Drive Program
The Chamber is officially launching its inaugural 4th Quarter
Drive program, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Dr. Judy
Bonner of The University of Alabama and Shane Spiller of Spiller
Furniture & Mattress. This volunteer-driven initiative will give all
our members, for the first time ever, the opportunity to market
their businesses by purchasing sponsorships of 2015 Chamber
events and programs. This exciting, eight-week effort will kick
off on Sept. 17 and will run through mid-Nov., with two simple
goals: helping local businesses market products and services
while also helping support our mission of providing top-quality
events and programs.
sponsorship opportunities available through Chamber events
and publications. The volunteers will also seek new members for
the Chamber. The 4th Quarter Drive is a great way for member
volunteers to meet the region’s top community leaders and
business owners while working directly with our most dedicated
leadership. Successful volunteers will not only expose their
respective companies to new potential customers, but also be
rewarded with cash incentives and prizes!
We’re happy to announce the 4th Quarter Drive leadership team
(left to right):
Dr. Judy Bonner, Co-Chair , The University of Alabama;
Shane Spiller, Co-Chair, Spiller Furniture & Mattress; Gene
Poole, Vice Chair, Hudson Poole; Jim Rainey, Vice Chair, The
Tuscaloosa News; Tim Rosson, Vice Chair, BBVA Compass;
Mark Sullivan, Vice Chair, Bank of Tuscaloosa; Durell Young,
Vice Chair, Lamar Advertising.
Approximately 20 teams of volunteers will be created, under the
leadership of our Vice Chairs, which will market more than 500
If interested in participating, please contact Kimberly Adams at 205-391-0327.
Stay tuned for future announcements and for ways your business can get involved
and take advantage of the opportunities to grow and promote your business!
18
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
19
New Members
may 30, 2014 – august 22, 2014
Acro Electrical Contractors, Inc.
1607 Crescent Ridge Road N.E.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
(205) 556-4544
Tom Burnette
Contractors - Electrical
Arby’s
5032 Oscar Baxter Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
www.arbys.com
(205) 344-5701
Edward Hooks
Restaurants (Main)
Big Sandy Elementary School
11950 Upper Hull Road
Moundville, AL 35474
www.tcss.net
(205) 342-2840
Glynis Rhodes
Schools-Public - Tuscaloosa County
Lady In Lace
410 Queen City Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 349-5223
Betty Quarles
Bridal Shops (Main)
Brothers Express Pizza Cafe, LLC
1800 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 420
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
www.brothersepc.com
(205) 394-3269
William “Robbie” Sickler
Restaurants (Main), Restaurants /
Catering
Cabiness Paint & Flooring
701 21st Avenue
Tuscaloosa, ALm35401
www.cottagesupplycompany.com
(205) 345-6080
Lani George
Paint Dealers (Main), Floor Coverings /
Carpet / Rug / Tile / Hardwood
Cort Furniture
131 West Oxmoor Road, Ste. 139
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 588-0469
Marcie Corser
Furniture Dealers (Main)
Dickey’s Tuscaloosa
1800 McFarland Blvd., E., Ste. 524
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
www.dickeys.com
(205) 758-1133
Drew Spadoni
Restaurants
20
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
Dog - Gone Fancy
4419 Hwy 43 N., Ste. 2
Northport, AL 35473
www.dog-gonefancy.com
(205) 333-3630
Suzette Holden
Pet Grooming/Boarding
Gigi’s Cupcakes
1800 McFarland Blvd., #434
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.gigiscupcakeusa.com
(205) 343-0311
Michael Mendoza
Restaurants
Home Instead Senior Care
303 Hargrove East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.homeinstead.com/746
(205) 764-0387
StephaineBuffaloe
Senior Home Care
Hotel & Restaurant Supply
200 14th St., Ste. 1
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.hnrsupply.com
(205) 409-9370
Braxie Williams
Retail - Restaurant Supplies
J & J Wood Flooring
2745 Southside Dr.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
jandjflooring.net
(205) 345-1144
Janet Shirley
Contractors - Floor Laying /
Refinish / Resurface
John Hubbard Flooring, Inc.
5959 Old Montgomery Hwy.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
(205) 345-8254
Elvis Hubbard
Floor Coverings / Carpet / Rug /
Tile / Hardwood
Krush Boutique
3617 - A Watermelon Rd.
Northport, AL 35473
(205) 469-9963
Valerie Wright
Retail - Clothing, Accessories
Liberty National Life Insurance
Clint McLain Agency
1841 2nd Ave., Ste. 218
Jasper, AL 35501
www.libertynational-mclain.com
(205) 387-0531
Clint McLain
Insurance
MetLife Auto and Home
3536 Vann Road Suite A-6
Birmingham, AL 35235
(205) 440-7910
Chris Greene
Insurance (Main)
The Bike Shop
2422 6th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 331-4629
Patrick Brown
Bicycle Repair & Sales
Mountain & Mountain
2618 7th St.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.mountainandmountain.com
(205) 349-1740
Clint Mountain
Attorneys - Lawyers / Law
Traffic Ads
P.O. Box 2833
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
(205) 495-0043
Sam Estes
Advertising - Mobile Billboard
Nu Way Vape LLC
3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 10
Northport, AL 35476
www.nuwayvape.com
(256) 349-5191
Rob Roberts
Electronic Cigarettes & Accessories
Randy Smalley Floor and Tile
2716 Lurleen Wallace Blvd.
Northport, AL 35476
(205) 758-4040
Randy Smalley
Floor Coverings / Carpet / Rug /
Tile / Hardwood (Main)
Saga Resource Partners
221 Greensboro Ave.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 764-1979
Debbie St John
Oils - Industrial / Lubricating /
Petroleum
Sims & Neff, LLC
2909 7th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.simsandneff.com
(205) 752-9333
Jason Neff
Attorneys - Lawyers / Law (Main)
Southeast Design and Build, LLC
432 65th St., Ste. A
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
www.southeastdesignbuild.com
(205) 345-1784
Jason Robertson
Contractors - General
Sweet Home Food Bar
2218-A University Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 764-9346
Deb Rubino
Restaurants
Tusk Industrial Supply
2036 62nd Ave.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 366-1625
Randy Holcomb
Retail - Industrial Supplies & Safety
(Main)
UA - Athletics, Marketing
Box 870339
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
www.rolltide.com
(205) 348-6179
Ryan Majercik
Athletics / Entertainment
West Alabama Postal Express, Inc.
14525 Lawton Rd.
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 454-2596
Leigh Anne Lennox
Trucking Companies
Whitworth Real Estate, LLC
1448 22nd Ave.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.whitworthre.com
(205) 556-2242
Michael Whitworth
Real Estate / Realty / Realtors
Visit the Lake Tuscaloosa
Branch for full-service
banking on Saturdays from
9:00 a.m. til 12:00 p.m.
Now you can meet with your banker, open a new
account, access your safe deposit box –- and more!
Stop by to learn more about our financial products and
services. For a complete list of hours and locations,
please visit our website.
Lake Tuscaloosa Branch
4901 Rice Mine Rd NE
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
bankoftuscaloosa.com
205-345-6021
Saturday Banking
at the Lake
Tuscaloosa Branch
Bank of Tuscaloosa is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank,
Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under
multiple trade names across the Southeast. Divisions of
Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The
FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of
one insured bank.
For 90 years your friends and neighbors at DCH have been providing
the best in health care right here at home. Now DCH is literally as close as
your desktop, laptop or mobile device. Join us on Facebook, Twitter
and YouTube for health news, health tips, local health events and more.
For up-to-date information about our services and health care topics,
sign up for our eNewsletter at our web site dchsystem.com.
DCH Health System. Caring. For life.
Scan for DCH’s website
Scan for DCH’s Facebook
DCH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER | NORTHPORT MEDICAL CENTER | FAYETTE MEDICAL CENTER | PICKENS COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
Facebook.com/chambertusc | twitter.com/chambertusc
NA1157084
visit us at dchsystem.com
21
2014 Board of Directors
Dan Blakley
Wilson Moore
Dr. Judy Bonner
Gary Nichols
Regions Bank
The University of Alabama
Bobby Bragg
JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC
Cynthia Burton
Community Service Programs
of West Alabama
Brock Corder
The Builders Group
of West Alabama, LLC
Mark Crews
Alabama Power Company
Norman Crow
(Chair Elect)
D. T. & Freight Company, Inc.
Jay Evans
Pritchett –Moore, Inc.
McAbee Construction, Inc.
Jim Page
(President and CEO)
Chamber of Commerce
of West Alabama
Premier Service Co., Inc.
(Chair)
Merrill Lynch
Gene Poole
Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers
2
The Power Duo: Facebook and Instagram
Marketing Training at the Chamber
(9a.m. - 4:40p.m.) Sign up for this one-day class
with Donna Gilliland, MOSTraining, Inc. and learn
about new marketing strategies for Instagram and
Facebook. Cost is $140/person. Call 205-391-0559
to register and get details.
6
Chamber in Session: State of the State
with Gov. Robert Bentley at Hotel Capstone
(11:30a.m.) Cost is $25/person and reserved tables
of 10 are available. Call 205-391.0559 to register
and get details.
9
Northport Citizen Awards Dinner
at Five Points Baptist Church (7p.m.) Former Gov. Jim Folsom, Jr. is the guest
speaker. Cost is $25/person and reserved tables
of 8 are available. To register or get details,
call 205-391-0559.
Fitzgerald Washington
14
Chamber Connects Mixer
at Hilton Garden Inn
(5-7p.m.)
Terry Waters
21
Intermediate Excel Training at the Chamber
(Time, cost and details TBA)
Call 205-391-0559 to register.
Tom Scroggins
Lee Henderson
Which Wich
Cal Holt
Knight Sign Industries, Inc.
Jonathan Hood
First National Bank
of Central Alabama
Molly Ingram
DCH Health System
Felyicia Jerald
Mercedes-Benz U.S.
International, Inc.
Renwick Jones
Alabama Fire College
Tuscaloosa Housing Authority
Tanner & Guin, LLC
Randy Skagen
Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.
Luke Standeffer
Northport Medical Center
Chuck Turner
Tennis Jackson Co., Inc./Jackson
Security Services
Rex Veron
Rex Veron Design, LLC
Jason Walker
Walker Associates, Inc.
(Past Chair)
Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi Cola
Blake Madison
Department of
Postsecondary Education
Dean McClure
Terri Williams
Rosen Harwood, PA
TTL, Inc.
AT&T Alabama
Kim McMurray
Bryan Winter
Ward Scott Architecture
22
www.tuscaloosachamber.com
Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony at Government Plaza
(3p.m.) No charge to attend. Light refreshments
will be served. RSVP to 205-391-0556.
October
The University of Alabama
Ashley Gill
Jalapenos Mexican Grill
30
Dr. Samory Pruitt
Ralph Ruggs
Jheovanny Gomez
SEPTEMBER
Jordan Plaster
ROAR, LLC/College Station
Properties
Chick-fil-A of Northport
Calendar of Events
Gary Phillips
Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC
November
11
Chamber Connects Mixer at Bryant Conference Center/Hotel Capstone
The New Sprinter
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Cargo Vans | Crew Vans | Passenger Vans | Cab Chassis | Minibus
Starting At:
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35,920
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2500 Cargo Van 144", Low Roof, 4-Cylinder
3200 Skyland Blvd., E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
205-556-1111
leighautomotive.com
* Excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep fee.
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