Johnnie Aycock was recently honored at a reception celebrating his 25 years as president of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. To surprise Aycock, the party at the UA’s Ferguson Center was promoted as an “after hours” networking event.
Aycock came to Tuscaloosa from the Jackson, Miss. Chamber of Commerce in the Spring of 1983. Since then, his vision and leadership have brought about many successful groups, programs and projects in our area—too many to mention—making it a better place to live and do business. And he has big plans for our future. Thanks for all you continue to do, Johnnie! You are much appreciated. (Photo by Barry Fikes.)
Entrepreneurs Honored
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama honored outstanding business and entrepreneurial excellence during the 20th annual Entrepreneurs of the Year awards luncheon held on May 1st at the Four Points by Sheraton. The annual program, sponsored by College Station Properties this year, is designed to spotlight achievements and contributions of area business owners and entrepreneurs to the area’s economic vitality and progress.
Awards were presented in five categories: Pettus Randall Entrepreneur of the Year; the Rising Star Award, designed to recognize new, young organizations; Innovator of the Year; Advocate of the Year; and the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to honor long-term business leadership and service to Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama.
Named as 2008 Pettus Randall Entrepreneurs of the Year were: Paula Quarles of Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling; Alithea Stewart of ACCESS DIGITAL; Renee and George Robertson of Robertson BBQ; and Rebecca Goostree of Anna Kate & Co.
Rising Star awards were presented to: Angela Monk of U.S. Transport; Heather Reier of Peterbrooke Chocolatier; Warner Johnson, Joel Brumfield, and Joe Brown Duckworth of Newk’s; Charles Morgan of Chuck’s Fish; and Noelle Ingram of All Fired Up.
Named as Innovators of the Year were: Terry Wheat of Resource and Financial Management Systems and Christine Cover of Babytalk.
The 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award honored Russell S. Lee of Russell S. Lee Floor & Tile Co. and David M. Jones of Alabama Book Store; while the 2008 Advocate of the Year was presented to Glen Randall of Bryant Bank (pictured).
”This small business recognition program has enjoyed outstanding success over the past nineteen years with exceptional honorees each and every year”, said Patrick Hamner of Bryant Bank, the program committee chair. “The program not only honors individual accomplishments, but highlights the vital role of small business in Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are a major stimulant for job creation and economic growth.”
The 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Committee includes: Chair, Patrick Hamner, Bryant Bank; Janet Moore, Jamison, Money, Farmer & Co., PC; Graham Jones, RBC Centura Bank; Bill Tate, Covenant Consulting; Mary Nell Hallman, Bank of Tuscaloosa; Wade Dailey, Wachovia Bank; Peter Dyson, Compass Bank; Bert Sims, Way, Ray, Shelton, & Co., PC.; Joe May, First National Bank of Central Alabama; Robert Ingram, Jessup, Ingram & Associates, LLP.
“Culture Builds Tuscaloosa County” Initiative
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Chamber Offers Souvenirs, Gifts to Members and the Public
If you’re looking for a souvenir or gift, check out
the T-Town products
The Chamber is now offering its members and the general public. These
attractive products include an umbrella, a six-pack cooler, coffee mug,
tee shirts (in two colors), and a golf shirt.