Community Calendar
Diamond Sponsors
Kim Ingram To Lead The Chamber In 2001
New Book Captures The Magic of Tuscaloosa County
Sam Faucett Honored As Northport Citizen of The Year
2000-2001 Leadership Tuscaloosa Class Announced
Chamber Hosts Auburn Leadership Delegation Prior To Iron Bowl
12 Chamber Directors Elected
What Is The Alabama Institute For Manufacturing Excellence
Chamber Champions Make Significant Impact On Success
SCORE Looking For Few Good Volunteers
Members in the News
Fall Golf & Tennis Tournaments Benefit Adopt-A-School
Dickens Downtown Kicks Off Holiday Season on December 5th
The Pachyderm Trail Begins In T-Town
Member-To-Member Discount Program Coming To Chamber Members
Public Response To Civic Hall of Fame Has Been Overwhelming
Shelton State Implements Work Keys
What is FUTURE PAC
Shadows Arriving in 2001
Why Alabama Needs A New Constitution
The Chamber Offers New Member Benefits Program
Adopt-A-School Needs You!
ViewPoint
Kim Ingram, Partner in the firm of Tanner & Guin has been elected Chair of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for the year 2001, following the organizational meeting of the 2001 Board of Directors. Kim has served as Chair-Elect during the past year. In addition, Dr. Charles Nash, Vice Chancellor For Academic Affairs of The University of Alabama System was elected Chair Elect for the year 2002. Dan Carmichael, President of AmSouth Bank was re-elected Treasurer; and Rusty Gibson, partner in the firm of Phelps, Jenkins, Gibson & Fowler, was selected as Legal Counsel. Jimmy Warren will continue to serve on The Chamber’s Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chair along with Chamber President, Johnnie Aycock.
Elected to serve as members of the 2001 Executive Committee and Division Chairs were: Organizational Development - Dennis Stanard, President of Premier Marketing; Business Development - Roger Edge, District Manager, Alabama Gas Corporation; Governmental Affairs - Eddie Jackson, President, Heritage Health Care Center; Education Development - Gary Phillips, Owner, Premier Service Company; Community Relations - Melissa Mund-Wesley, Marketing Directors, Alabama Orthopedic & Spine Center.
The Board of Directors formally elected the new officers during their organizational meeting on November 10th following recommendations from the Nominating Committee. The new officers assume their positions effective January 1, 2001 and will be formally presented at The Chamber’s annual celebration on January 25, 2001 at the Bryant Center.
Kim Ingram becomes the second woman to serve in The Chamber’s highest volunteer office. She is a practicing attorney and partner in the firm of Tanner & Guin, L.L.C., serving as Manager from 1984 to 2000. A life-long resident of Tuscaloosa County, she is a graduate of Tuscaloosa County public schools and a magna cum laude graduate of The University of Alabama’s College of Commerce and Business Administration and the University’s Law School.
She is a member of the American, Alabama and Tuscaloosa County Bar Associations; and Board of Trustees of the Farrah Law Society, The University of Alabama School of Law. She served as Business Manager of the Alabama Law Review and is the co-author of “How To Administer Estates In Alabama.”
Active in the community, Ms. Ingram is a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she serves as a Sunday School teacher; a past member of the Board of Directors of the Kentuck Association; an active volunteer at Rock Quarry Elementary School; and she has been active with FOCUS, Rotary, and the Inland Press Association. Kim has been an active leader in The Chamber since 1982, serving in numerous capacities including Legal Counsel, Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs, and this past year as Chair Elect, with responsibilities for The Chamber’s Centennial Year program and Future Direction strategic planning initiative. She is a recipient of many honors including The Chamber’s Member of the Year in 1998.
Kim is married to Joe Patton, Sales Manager with the Gulf State Paper Corporation Lumber Division, and they have beautiful, five-year old, twin daughters, Samantha and Natalie, who go to Rock Quarry Elementary School. Dr. Charles Nash, who will serve as Chair in 2002, is Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of The University of Alabama System. As senior academic officer in the system, Dr. Nash serves as chief liaison to academic and planning officials at The University of Alabama, UAB and UAH.
A native of Summit, Mississippi, Dr. Nash is a graduate of Jackson State College, the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Active in the community, he is currently Vice Chairman of The Chamber’s Community Relations Division; Vice Chairman of the United Way Campaign 2000; an Elder at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church; and is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa.
In response to her election, Kim emphasized, “I have had the great pleasure and honor of working with The Chamber for over 18 years and have experienced the excitement of seeing some of the dreams for our community come true. How blessed I have been to be able to live and work in the community where I grew up, to watch how we have progressed economically, culturally and educationally since my childhood. So I am especially gratified and proud to be able to serve our Chamber as Chair in 2001.”
“I was taught early in my first year of law practice by my mentor, Bob Tanner, about the importance of becoming actively involved in the business community, not only for the sake of my business and personal well-being, but more importantly for the sake of my children and their future. Because of Bob’s influence and encouragement, I have been able to participate with hundreds of volunteers in truly improving the quality of life for all and see the fruits of our labor that will benefit my children.”
“As a parent of school-aged children, it is difficult to find the time for civic involvement, but in my heart, I know I must do so for the sake of all of our children”, Kim stated. "I focus my civic attention on The Chamber, because I feel of all the organizations that I have had the pleasure to work with, its mission of fostering economic prosperity and maximizing the quality of life for our community is what civic involvement is all about.”
“The Chamber’s new three-year strategic plan is one of the most ambitious I have seen in many years,” Kim pointed out. “We are sharpening our focus on core issues and core values that benefit our members. We want to provide the leadership, support and service that our members need to build businesses that are successful in this new 21st century environment, and we invite all of our members to get involved.”
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to serve as Chair of The Chamber in the coming year and to continue our efforts to make the next 100 years of The Chamber as success- full as the first 100 years; and to continue to shape a community for the benefit of many generations to come.”
Twelve outstanding business and civic leaders have recently been elected to the Board of Directors of The Chamber following approval by the general membership. The directors take office on January 1, 2001 for three-year terms and will be formally presented at The Chamber’s annual celebration on January 25th.
Elected were: Robert Amason, Jr., Amason & Associates; Buzz Barton, Barton’s Nursery & Landscape; Dr. Rose Betz, Eye Care Associates of Northport; Dan Carmichael, AmSouth Bank; Mike Case, Gulf States Paper Corporation; Susan Compton, Compass Bank; Roger Edge, Alabama Gas Corporation; Jim Flemming, The Bank of Tuscaloosa; Dave Rodgers, JVC America; Dennis Stanard, Premier Marketing; Tim Thompson, The Tuscaloosa News; and Charlie Townsend, Townsend Ford.
The Board of Directors of The Chamber consists of 36-members representing a cross-section of Tuscaloosa County’s diverse business community.
Congratulations to these involved business leaders!
FUTURE PAC is the political action committee of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. It has been established to implement, sustain and enhance the business and public affairs objectives of The Chamber, with specific emphasis on impacting Congressional redistricting and legislative reapportionment that will benefit Tuscaloosa County as a whole.
Who Leads & Manages FUTURE PAC?
FUTURE PAC is managed and governed by a Board of Directors composed of business leaders representing a cross-section of Chamber-member firms. The Board has the responsibility for the establishment of policy and guidelines for contributions and for determining which candidates or elected leaders meet the objectives and goals of the organization to qualify for consideration of contributions.
How Can I Contribute To FUTURE PAC?
Members of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama can contribute to FUTURE PAC through voluntary individual gifts, corporate gifts. or through PAC to PAC contributions within the adopted guidelines and policies of the FUTURE PAC Board of Directors. Under Alabama law, there is no limit on individual or PAC contributions. Corporate contributions are limited by Alabama law. Contributions to FUTURE PAC are voluntary and are not tax deductible.
Who Will FUTURE PAC Benefit?
FUTURE PAC will focus on campaigns, candidates and officials that will affect Congressional redistricting and legislative reapportionment that will benefit Tuscaloosa County as a whole.
FUTURE PAC will consider contributions to candidates, as the Board of Directors determines and directs, where support will have an effective impact on Tuscaloosa County’s business, legislative and political leadership. The objective is to invest each dollar wisely and efficiently in order to provide support to individuals who believe in and will work toward a political framework that enhances the leadership of Tuscaloosa County in public policy issues.
FUTURE PAC will also consider support of candidates that believe that economic prosperity and growth begins with a healthy business environment; and that believe public policy must reflect the principles of private enterprise.
How Will FUTURE PAC Support Make An Impact?
Contributors have a right to know their dollars will be spent wisely and prudently. FUTURE PAC support will help heighten the level of professionalism with which individuals endorsed will run campaigns. Through a combination of direct contributions and in kind support that is applicable, financial resources of FUTURE PAC, and the businesses represented, can be maximized and targeted more effectively.
Why Should I Contribute To FUTURE PAC?
Now is the time for the Tuscaloosa County business community to unite and make a significant impact on Congressional redistricting and legislative reapportionment process. Now is the time for our business community to come together to ensure the ”voice of business” is in the Alabama Legislature concerning redistricting legislation. It is timely for businesses to join together, to maximize limited resources, and to focus on efforts that will contribute to unifying and enhancing Tuscaloosa County’s political districts and leadership at state and national levels.
How Will FUTURE PAC Resources Be Used?
FUTURE PAC resources will be targeted at individuals that can have a significant impact on future legislative redistricting initiatives as the Board of Directors determine. Other forms of assistance that will be considered to achieve the organization’s objectives will include direct contributions to selected campaigns and candidates, direct mail, issues and information management, and other assistance as determined by the Board of Directors.
Who Can I Contact About My Contribution Or For More Information?
For further information, contact: Howard Garrison, President; Sammy Watson, Vice President; or Johnnie Aycock, Secretary-Treasurer of FUTURE PAC. Telephone: (205) 391-0559.
How & Where Do I Make My Contribution?
Make your check payable to FUTURE PAC or complete a pledge to be invoiced and send to: FUTURE PAC P.O. Box 20410 Tuscaloosa, AL 35402
February 2, 2001 is still a bit away, but that’s the date designated as the fourth annual
National Groundhog Job Shadow Day. This is an initiative sponsored by national coalition partners America’s Promise, SCHOOLTOWORK Opportunities, Junior Achievement and American Society of Association Executives. On this date, over one million students will “shadow” a workplace mentor in the workplace as he or she goes through a normal day on the job.
What does job shadowing accomplish?
Many Adopt-A-School partnerships have previously provided time and places for students to observe mentors at work, and others have now incorporated this annual event into their plans for this year. Last year approximately 60 students visited the workplaces of their Adopt-A-School partners on Groundhog Job Shadow Day. This was not the only time, however, that shadowing occurred. Because many partnerships implement shadowing as a regular ongoing partnership activity, nearly 300 students in our area had the opportunity to shadow at some point during the 1999-00 school year!
We hope to see this opportunity continue to grow each year. To obtain additional information about hosting students on Groundhog Job Shadow Day, call Deloris McMullen at 391-0563 or log on to www.jobshadow.org
The Country Club of Tuscaloosa was the site of the recent Adopt-A-School Benefit Golf and Tennis Tournament. TCC was bustling on October 19th with forty-four golf teams and thirty-four women’s doubles tennis teams representing a total of thirty-three area public schools. Over fifty volunteers pitched in on tournament day to keep things running smoothly. Two hundred forty-four players along over eighty business donors and sponsors made this event a community experience to benefit the Adopt-A-School Program. Corporate sponsors for the tournament were ALAGASCO, CTX Mortgage Company, Carport Auto Parts, Hulsey & Associates, Jim Myers Drug, and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. Accolades are given to John Sisson of The Carport, golf tournament chair, and Angela Burton with Jamison, Money and Farmer, & Co., P.C., tennis chair.
Golf Tournament Results
Over fifty prizes were awarded to golfers in the morning and afternoon flights. The tournament’s trophy and the cash prize were captured for Lloyd Wood Middle School by Alabama Credit Union’s team: Frank Dykes, Jimmy Lankford, Steve Swofford, and Tommy Cobb. Other afternoon flight winners for net and gross scores were: Chris Dobbs, Jeff Gregory, AL Lancaster, Tom Morse; James Cain, Earle Drennen, Joe May, Henry Pruett; Mike Hornsby, Bill Lavender, Ron Price, Murphy Stapleton; Woody Browder, Kevin Holyfield, Bobby Shaw, Shane Spiller; and John Baier, Jack Evans, Mike Verzino, Michael Warr. First place gross and net winners for the morning division were: Nopee Cook, Russell McDonald, Nate Richardson, Don Thomaston; and Bobby Jones, John Sheffield, Pat Coleman, Bruce Wright. Other winning teams for the morning shotgun were Mick Harbin, Rick Harbin, Pete Pettus, Jimmy Walker; Tommy Belk, Mack Ogren, Bob Scroggins, Mike Reilly; Humphrey Lee, David Pinckney, Ronald Range, Tim Shuman; and Wayne Frazier, Roger Haynes, Scott Moore, Tom True. Cash prizes of $500 each were awarded to the following schools that were represented by golfers in the tournament: Lloyd Wood Middle, overall winner; Arcadia Elementary, most golfers in the elementary division; Tuscaloosa County High, most golfers for middle/high school division; Verner Elementary, random drawing from 25 other schools represented in the tournament.
Tennis Tournament Results
Winners in the women’s doubles tennis tournament were Mary Nelson Notaro and Sharon Quimby for Division A; Hallie Lynch and Susan Whitley, Division B; Jamie Dykes and Dawn Fuller, Division C. Runners up in each division were Sara Jane Baxter and Barbara Smith; Carol Jackson and Wendy Goldstein; and Leigh Wright and Beverly May. Verner Elementary received $250 by random draw from the 23 schools with tennis players representing their school.
The 2000-2001 Leadership Tuscaloosa class has been named and has embarked on the nine month leadership development program. Forty outstanding, emerging community leaders were selected following interviews and review of applications by the Leadership Tuscaloosa Steering Committee, which is chaired by Karen Baldwin, Director of External Affairs and Development for the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama. Entering its 18th year, Leadership Tuscaloosa is sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama. To date, 567 citizens have graduated from the program.
The 2000-2001 class includes: Dr. David Anderson, DMD; Susan Banks, ZF Industries; Kim Bannerman, Jamison, Money, Farmer & Company; Rebekah Caldwell Mason, WJRD Channel 7; Virginia Cook, McFadden Company; Rodney Corley, HealthSouth Medical Plaza; Tulane Duke, Tuscaloosa City Schools; and Brad Fisher, DCH Health System. Jeff Gregory, Alabama Gas; Donald Gwinn, Court Care, Inc.; Susan Herndon, University of Alabama; Ken Horst, Tuscaloosa Fire Department; Gayle Howell, Tuscaloosa Housing Authority; Laura Hunter, FOCUS On Senior Citizens; Bobby Ingram, Jessup & Associates; and Sean Johnson, AmSouth Bank. Donald Jones, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Gene Kent, Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority; Greg Kimble, Mercedes-Benz U. S. International; Bonnie LaBresh, The University of Alabama; Greg Long, Alabama Power Company; Bill Lunsford, Bill Lunsford Construction Company; Dean McClure, TTL, Inc.; and Marcelyn Morrow, Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Court. Nancy Pack, Tuscaloosa Public Library; Sam Parks, SouthTrust Bank; Timothy Perkins, Tus- caloosa County Schools; Kim Pierce, The Cassady Company; Richard Powell, City of Northport; Janet Duvall, Junior League of Tuscaloosa; Ronald Range, Shelton State Community College; and Doug Ray, The Tuscaloosa News. Mark Richardson, Gulf States Paper Corporation; Jim Sledge, Rosen, Cook, Sledge, Davis, Cade & Shattuck, P.A.; Barbara Smith, Community Service Programs of West Alabama; Stephen Snow, Phelps, Jenkins, Gibson & Fowler, L. L. P.; Deborah Tucker, Whatley Health Services; Scott Whisenant Morrison & Smith, L.L.P.; Sandra Wolfe, Arts Council of Tuscaloosa; and Jackie Wuska Potts, The University of Alabama.
The new class began its year on September 20th with a full-day orientation and leadership forum which featured as the keynote speaker, former Governor Albert Brewer. The class will meet in monthly sessions through May, 2001, and the program agenda will include personal leadership development as well as issue oriented programs on economic development, education, crime and safety, housing, and a range of other community needs.
The 2000-2001 Leadership Tuscaloosa Steering Committee includes: Karen Baldwin, Chair; Larry O’Neal, Vice Chair, University of Alabama; Jeff Atkins, Duckworth-Morris Acordia; Phillis Belcher, Greene County Industrial Development Board; Ashley Belcher Ferry, Christmas In April; David Ford, Cintas; Stacey Gann, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Carol Gilliland, Jessup & Associates; Tom Harris, The University of Alabama; Allison Hocutt Cypress Inn; Lynn Holmes, Randall Publishing Company; James Lewis, Regions Bank; Jay McCollum, Phifer Wire Products; Rohn Rhodes, Craftex Protective Coatings, Inc.; Leah Ann Sexton, McAbee Construction Company; Eddie Sherwood, Compass Bank; Belinda Singleton, Mercedes-Benz U. S. International; and Geri Stone, University of Alabama.
From dawn’s first light at the Farmer’s Market to dazzling fireworks that emblazon the night sky, the sights and sounds of Tuscaloosa County are captured in a new book published as part of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s year-long centennial anniversary.
“Tuscaloosa: Centennial Memories, Millennial Hopes is unlike any community book you’ve seen”, according to Chamber President Johnnie Aycock. “Tuscaloosa is known worldwide for tremendous creative talent, and we were fortunate to assemble an all-star cast of local writers and photographers who convey their impressions of home in this beautiful new tabletop book. It is a celebration of our heritage and a brilliant snapshot of what our community has to offer.”
The team of writers, coordinated by Kellee Reinhart, includes: Carolyn Mason; E. Culpepper Clark, Brent Davis, Donald Brown, Brad Fisher, Jimmy Warren and Johnnie Aycock. “From cover to cover, Centennial Memories, Millennial Hopes is packed with wonderful insights, helpful facts, and insider observations on what makes Tuscaloosa County a splendid place to live, work and raise a family,” Kellee Reinhart said. “And it was a dream come true to collaborate with some of our state’s best photographers in telling our stories.”
Barry Fikes served as the coordinating photographer on The Chamber’s new book, working closely with Chip Cooper. Their colorful images of the people and landmarks of Tuscaloosa County reflect the faces, the seasons, and the full range of activities that shape the quality of life in our area year-round.
Published by Community Communications of Montgomery, the 224-page, oversize hardback book is available in local bookstores and at The Chamber office. “For holiday giving, corporate and professional recruitment, tourism, marketing, and many other occasions, this new book is a perfect presentation piece,” said Johnnie Aycock. “What better way to share our community by making this a part of someone’s permanent library?”
The book project was adopted by The Chamber’s Board of Directors as one of the key components of their 100th anniversary year and was sponsored by 42 businesses, corporations and institutions in the area. Profiles of these entities, written by Joe O’Donnell and Lara Warren, appear throughout the book, providing even more information through words and pictures about partners in Tuscaloosa County’s development.
Tuscaloosa: Centennial Memories, Millennial Hopes is on sale now at $49.95. For more information, contact The Chamber at 758-7588.
Now in it’s sixteenth year, Tuscaloosa’s Adopt-A-School program has become an expected part of our community’s educational fabric. We are fortunate to have the active involvement of seventy businesses, industries and organizations that work directly with specific schools as adopters. This includes such groups as retailers, manufacturers, civic organizations, utility companies, small businesses, financial institutions, restaurants, and medical facilities.
Have you ever wondered about involving your business as an adopter for a school? Well, this is the perfect time to find out more about that possibility! Walker Elementary School is currently without an adopter, and we need you! There are also several other schools in both the City and County systems that need a co-adopter to work with the Adopt-A-School partner that is currently with them.
What do adopters do? Adopters initiate activities that encourage students and enrich their educational experiences. While developing strong person-to-person relationships, Adopt-A-School partners engage in a variety of projects in some the following categories:
Academic Enrichment / Career Awareness: Student Incentives / Motivation:
Cultural Enrichment:
develop or sponsor arts festivals; sponsor visits by performing artists; provide scholarships to local cultural eventsImproving School Environment:
donate equipment; assist with landscaping; participate in clean up days or beautification projects at schoolFaculty Support and Recognition:
assist with classes in cafeteria at lunch; host a “Welcome Back” reception for teachers; award mini-grants for teachers or departments; recognize teachers during American Education WeekCommunity Involvement:
recycle phone books, newspaper, cans, soup labels; provide assistance for school in transporting recycled products; assist families in need; supplement clothes closet for school; furnish school suppliesWhy not consider taking an active role as an Adopt-A-School partner? The program is flexible. Each partnership develops its own goals and activities based on the resources of the adopter and the needs of the schools. The possibilities are unlimited! Whether you prefer an elementary, middle or high school, there is a place for you. Call Deloris McMullen today at 391-0563 or email deloris@tuscaloosachamber.com for more information. There’s no obligation, nothing to lose, and it could be the beginning of a very rewarding experience for you and your business as well as providing much-needed assistance for a public school in Tuscaloosa!
The Member Benefit Committee of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is going to offer a new program promoting member-to-member business. The program will offer Chamber members special discounts or opportunities not available to non-members.
The Chamber encourages doing business in West Alabama and supporting member businesses. This program is intended to encourage Chamber members to do business with other Chamber members.
The Member-to-Member Program will be offered through the Chamber website. A member will log onto www.tuscaloosachamber.com
The idea behind the program is simple:
If you would like to participate or want more information, please contact Beakie Powell at The Chamber at 391-0555 or log into The Chamber’s web site at: www.tuscaloosachamber.com
Long-time community and business leader, Sam Faucett, was honored as the 2000 Northport Citizen of the Year at the annual awards dinner on October 17th at the Northport Civic Center. Faucett, retired Chairman and CEO of Tuscaloosa’s Regions Bank, was caught off guard and completely surprised by the honor.
Betty Barnett, chairwoman of the Northport Citizen of the Year Committee stated that “the only surprise should have been how long it took to honor Faucett. This is long overdue because he has done so much for Northport and the entire Tuscaloosa County area.”
Also honored during the annual awards night were five other Northport citizens in various categories including: Education Leader of the Year, Linda Davidson, a teacher at Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School; Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Officer Terry Carroll of the Northport Police Department; Business Leader of the Year, Phillip Hall of Turner & Schoel, Inc. Religious Leader of the Year, Mrs. Bebe Barnett; and Pioneer-Heritage Award, Judy Hayes.
Faucett has been a highly successful banker and civic leader. In addition to serving as Chairman and CEO at Regions Bank in Tuscaloosa, he also served as Regional President of Regions’ Florida, Louisiana and Western Alabama divisions. He also served on the Northport City Council for 12 years and served briefly as Mayor of Northport.
He has held numerous civic leadership roles including Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama in 1988; member of the DCH Health System’s Board of Directors for 25 years; current Vice Chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority; and various other leadership positions throughout the community.
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama joins with citizens of Northport and from throughout Tuscaloosa County in extending our congratulations and appreciation to Sam Faucett. You have made such a lasting impact on our community!
As part of celebrating the return of the annual Auburn-Alabama game to Tuscaloosa, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama hosted a delegation of Auburn community leaders in Tuscaloosa on November 1st. The nine-member delegation was led by Auburn’s Mayor, Bill Hamm, and Auburn Chamber President, Gail Alsobrook.
“For many years, there was a community exchange prior to the annual Iron Bowl,” stated Chamber President Johnnie Aycock, “and we wanted to re-establish the tradition to commemorate the Iron Bowl coming home to Bryant-Denny Stadium and T-Town. It is our hope that this will become an annual exchange of leaders, ideas and friendship between our two great communities.”
The Auburn delegation was treated to a variety of activities during the visit including a reception at the President’s Mansion, hosted by Dr. Andrew Sorensen, and in coordination with the SGA’s Better Relations Day; a welcome reception at Tuscaloosa’s City Hall hosted by Mayor Al DuPont; a campus tour; a luncheon at North River Yacht Club; and a tour of Bryant- Denny Stadium.
While at City Hall, a challenge was issued and accepted that will resulted in the leaders of the community with the losing team wearing the winning team’s colors on Monday after the Iron Bowl. On Monday, November 20th, Mayor Al DuPont, Chamber Chairman Jimmy Warren, and Johnnie Aycock settled the bet by wearing “orange and blue” in honor of Auburn’s 9-0 win over the Crimson Tide. While Alabama lost the Iron Bowl, Tuscaloosa won!
Almon Associates, Inc.
Robert N. Almon, President of Almon Associates, Inc. has announced that James R. Brown was recently named Vice President of the firm. He is also a Principal and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Brown is a Registered Professional Engineer with over 20 years experience in design, construction and project management of a variety of transportation and civil engineering projects. Mr. Brown has worked on airports, mass transit, major multi-level interchange design, urban streets, rural roads, parking lots and toll roads all over the Midwest and Southeast United States. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University.
Bank of Tuscaloosa
Joseph D. May has been named Vice President, Commercial Loans at The Bank of Tuscaloosa. May has four years banking experience in the Tuscaloosa area. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University. May is a member of the Tuscaloosa Morning Rotary Club, where he serves as Chairperson of Community Service. He is married to the former Olivia Windham. Haston Garrison has been named Commercial Lender. Garrison has three years banking experience in the Birmingham area. He has a master’s degree in Finance from the University of Alabama. He is married to the former Jennifer Stroud of Troy. The Bank of Tuscaloosa was chartered in 1988 and has grown to over $249 Million in assets. In addition to the Main Office downtown in the Stafford Plaza, the Bank has branches in Northport, Alberta, Taylorville, Academy Drive, Cottondale, inside the FoodMax Supercenter on Hwy 82 in Northport, and in Food World on Skyland Boulevard.
DeWitt & Dyer LLC
DeWitt & Dyer L.L.C. of Northport was recently honored as the Results Account Network (RAN) “Client of the Month” for the month of August. They were chosen from among the 1,000 plus members of the network by the Pleasanton, California firm that leads the network.
Ken DeWitt, Ray Dyer and David Barker attended the Baltimore, MD boot Camp in July 1999 and were honored for their innovative accomplishments and implementation of RAS concepts in the past year.
Dewitt, commenting on the honor, said “We are pleased to be recognized for the innovative things we’ve accomplished as a team on behalf of our client business. We are even more proud of the 15 individuals at DeWitt & Dyer who have chosen to dedicate their careers to help our client businesses achieve the business and personal success they deserve. Without their dedication to our clients and our business, this would not have been possible.”
To learn more about Dewitt & Dyer LLC, visit www.dewittdyer.com
Easter Seals of West Alabama
Easter Seals of West Alabama will offer its sixth annual “West Alabama Memories” limited edition holiday collector’s ornament, “ The Mildred Warner House,” by Mike Andrews. The gift-boxed ornaments are only $10.00 each, and all proceeds will help children and adults with disabilities. For more information call Easter Seals West Alabama at 759-1211, ext 230.
Michael A. Ellis Architecture, Inc.
Yolanda A. Crawford and Kim C. Messervy recently joined Ellis Architects, Inc., in Tuscaloosa as design consultants. Tyler Dockery Savage was named interior designer for the firm, after passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam. Savage joined Ellis Architects in 1999 as a design consultant.
Home Builders Association
Sonny Richardson, owner and president of Richardson Home Builders, Inc. of Tuscaloosa has been elected as the 2001 president of the Home Builders Association of Alabama. He was the HBAA Builder of the Year in 1999, and is a past president of the HBA of Tuscaloosa. The HBAA, a trade association of over 8,800 members in 27 local associations statewide, serves as an advocate for Alabama’s housing industry and as a corporate channel through which home builders contribute time, money, and services to local community projects and education initiatives.
PayTrak Payroll Services
PayTrack Payroll Services is pleased to announce that Kisha Johnson has returned to the company as a payroll specialist. She will handle the processing of payrolls and customer service. Johnson brings two years experience in payroll processing to this position.
Premier Marketing
Bari Watson, recent University of Alabama School of Communication’s graduate, has joined the advertising/marketing firm. She will serve as program manager for the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame, a program administered by Premier Marketing. Ms. Watson is a former Miss University of Alabama, Miss Corolla, and was the recipient of Spain Rehabilitation’s Lotus Award for community service.
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Superintendent Louise J. Crawford was selected to participate in the Fulbright Scholars Superintendent’s Program to be held in Germany during October 6-21, 2000. Board of Education member Reverend Richard Adams received Alabama Association of School Boards Master School Board 7 Status. Dr. Linda Beving received the Lawrence L. Malone Award from the University of Montevallo. The award recognizes Dr. Beving for her outstanding record of service to the students, faculty and staff of Central High-East campus and to the citizens of Tuscaloosa. Board of Education member Dr. Milla Boschung was selected by State Department of Education Superintendent Ed Richardson to serve on the Alabama Symposium on Career Technical Education: Teacher Shortage. Dr. Boschung is employed as assistant dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama.
Rosen, Cook, Sledge, Davis, Cade & Shattuck, P.A.
With her passing of the Alabama State Bar, Jane L. Calamusa has joined Rosen, Cook, Sledge, Davis, Cade & Shattuck, P.A. as a new associate.
The Tuscaloosa News
The Tuscaloosa News cordially invites all West Alabama Chamber Members to attend “All About the Internet”, a morning seminar on e-commerce basics and advertising strategies. It will be held at the Bryant Conference Center on Wednesday, December 6, 2000 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
Shelton State Community College
Longtime community leader Larry Mund has been named to a new staff position at Shelton State Community College, effective October 1, 2000. This new part-time position, Director of the Lifetime Learning Institute and Volunteer Services, will involve, among other things, directing the college’s program for people 55 years of age and older, including non credit classes and other special projects. Cordell Wynn, President Emeritus of Stillman College, was recently named special assistant to the president of Shelton State Community College. In the new position, Wynn will be working with Rogers on various projects and initiatives that will enhance Shelton State Community College. Wynn, who served as president of Stillman College for over 15 years, is also Trustee Emeritus of the University of Alabama System; and a Past Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
Smaller Dimensions - The Body Wrap of Tuscaloosa
The staff of Smaller Dimensions - THE Body Wrap of Tuscaloosa, recently attended advancing training classes at the Suddenly Slender headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. Training was completed by Bonnie and Terry Roussell (owners and wrap technicians) along with Paula Lowrey who is also a certified wrap technician at the salon. Smaller Dimensions is committed to excellence and providing each and every client with personalized programs based on his/her needs. Visit the salon to find out why they are THE Body Wrap of Tuscaloosa.
Bill Lunsford Construction/Capstone Real Estate
Bill Lunsford, CEO, has announced that Alan Goode, former University of Alabama Director of Land Management and Real Estate Services, has joined the firm as Associate Broker and Director of Business Development. Alan will oversee the company’s business development and commercial real estate sales efforts in the southeast, concentrating on the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa markets.
Alan is a graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in Minerals Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer as well as a licensed broker. Prior to his eleven years with The University of Alabama, he served as Assistant County Engineer for Tuscaloosa County. Alan is a graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa, and he is married to Susan Skilling Goode and they have two children.
Lunsford commented, “we are very excited about our association with Alan. He brings added experience and knowledge, as well as energy and vision.”
Chamber Members Supporting Character Coalition
Many Chamber members are cooperating with Chamber-member, Al DuPont, Mayor of Tuscaloosa, in the implementation of the Character First program for the community. Among those serving on the Coalition For Character planning committee are: Bryan Kindred; Verta Barr Meherg; Louise Crawford; Jacquline Morgan; Jimmy Warren; Mike Chambers; John Sisson; Doug McElvy, who serves as Chairman; Charles Storey; Schmidt Moore; Dick Johnson; Jeff Brown; and Johnnie Aycock.
In a joint venture with the Tuscaloosa Convention & Visitors Bureau and the West Alabama Arts Council, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is supporting an initiative to establish the T-Town Pachyderm Trail…..and it’s going to be a real attention getter!
Elephant sculptures that are about five feet long and almost 3 feet high are going to be appearing throughout Tuscaloosa over the next few months. This is a similar venture that Chicago and New York City implemented with their display of cows that drew national media attention. New Orleans did a similar program using fish. The first two pachyderms, sponsored by The Chamber and the Convention Bureau, have been painted and were in place for the Alabama-Auburn weekend.
The Convention Bureau’s elephant was painted by the Young West Alabama Artists and overseen by their director, Donna Phossel, with assistance from Jackie Lord, Jane Lancaster, and Anna von deBardeleben. The young artists included Bill and Christine Rodgers, William and Mary Harmon Roundtree, and Tori Marriott. The colorful pachyderm will be on display at the Children’s Hands-On Museum and the Convention Bureau.
The Chamber’s new pachyderm, affectionately named “Bear”, was prepared by Jakie Lored, Jane Lancaster and Al Page. The crimson elephant is outfitted with a hounds tooth blanket on his back and a hounds tooth hat. “Bear” will be on display at The Chamber.
The objective is to eventually have between 100 and 200 pachyderms sponsored and on display throughout T-Town. Once you’ve seen one of the new elephants, there may be a stampede of businesses, groups and individuals wanting their own baby elephants. For more information, contact Robert Ratliff at the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 391-9200 or Beakie Powell at The Chamber at 391-0555.
At the beginning of 2000, The Chamber presented a new, innovative approach to the business community and our members for program support of Chamber initiatives known as Chamber Champions. Designed to provide a basic foundation of funding for approved Chamber programs, Chamber Champions also provided members an opportunity to expand their participation, visibility and impact.
Chamber Champions has worked extremely well during its first year thanks to the positive response and investment of the firms listed below. Without the involvement and support of the Chamber Champions, many of The Chamber’s programs could not have been successful and The Chamber would have to constantly return to members for various program sponsorships.
The objectives of the Chamber Champions sponsorship program are to: 1) provide our members opportunities in advance with a defined set of sponsorship options; 2) provide basic foundation funding for approved Chamber programs without multiple requests for funding from our members; and 3) provide annual program resources with identified dollars in advance.
“The basic purpose of Chamber Champions,” according to Chamber President Johnnie Aycock, “is to eliminate repetitive solicitation of funds from our members, while providing value for investment by our members and foundation funding for approved Chamber programs. It has been highly effective.”
The 2001 Chamber Champions sponsorship program is currently being refined and will be made available to all Chamber members in the next few weeks. Like the inaugural year program, Chamber Champions will provide value for member investment. “It is a proven means to increase a firm’s visibility, generate exposure, and expand the effectiveness of The Chamber and the businesses involved,” Aycock emphasized.
During the current year, there were five levels of program sponsorship available. The following Chamber-member firms were 2000 Chamber Champions and provided essential and effective leadership and investment to create success.
Gold Sponsors
The Bank of Tuscaloosa
Tanner & Guin, L. L. C.
Mercedes-Benz U. S. International, Inc.
DCH Health System
Alabama Power Company
WTUG/WTSK/Tide 101.7/Arrow 100/Radio South
Phelps, Jenkins, Gibson & Fowler
BellSouth & BellSouth Mobility
Silver Sponsors
Harper Chambers Lumber Company
Alabama Gas Corporation
Gulf States Paper Corporation
Motion Video Productions, L. L. C.
Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Bronze Sponsors
Totalcom, Inc.
Welborn Transport
Heritage Health Care Center
Campus Rentals
AmSouth Bank
National Bank of Commerce
Randall Publishing
Alabama Orthopaedic & Spine Center
Riverhill Inc.
The Member Benefit Committee of The Chamber is committed to providing access to quality, affordable benefits to offer our members. The Chamber’s newest member benefit enables employers to expand your benefit package thus meeting the needs of your employees.
The Chamber is now offering a Group Dental Benefit through Southland National Insurance Corporation. This plan was designed specifically for Chamber members and offers flexibility and excellent dental coverage for you and your employees.
Southland National Insurance Corporation has been in business and an active Chamber member in Tuscaloosa since 1969. The company currently administers dental benefits for over 190,000 Alabamians. In addition, Southland National has an outstanding reputation in the dental community.
This new partnership with Chamber-member Southland National Insurance Corporation offers your firm plans with flexibility and excellent dental coverage. For more details, contact Beakie Powell at The Chamber at 391-0555 or Chris Cole at Southland National Insurance at
343-1200.
The Chamber plan offers the following:
A new initiative at State Community College, known as Work Keys, is a significant step forward in developing a world class workforce for West Alabama. The purpose of the new program is to open doors for students who are interested in technical careers as well as improve productivity with better bottom-line results for area firms. The Work Keys program, offered through ACT, Inc., tests skills in problem solving, communications and teamwork while identifying skill levels needed by industry for specific jobs. Work Keys helps people understand how prepared they are for specific jobs and careers in the same way that the ACT college entrance exam helps students determine how ready they may be for academic study.
All of Alabama’s two-year colleges will develop Work Keys programs, however, Shelton State has already been designated one of 12 “Work Keys” service centers in Alabama. As a service center, Shelton will be able to do its own testing and scoring of Work Keys assessments. Today, across America, vast numbers of jobs require higher skill levels than ever before, and employers continue to have a difficult time finding qualified employees. “Work Keys” helps both businesses and educators understand each other’s needs. The truth is the program will ensure students that when they enter the field they choose they will have the foundation to do what needs to be done.
At Shelton State, a small action group, under the direction of Dean of Students, Humphrey Lee, has developed a comprehensive plan for “Work Keys” usage. One of the plan’s first activities is student assessment, which began this fall. All students in Shelton’s technical programs will be tested. The test results of the Shelton students will be compared to national occupational profiles developed by ACT.
According to Johnny Parker, Shelton’s ACT certified job profiler, the U. S. economy is running at breakneck speed competing globally. “The major thrust now in business is to assess and certify competencies. Students must have certified competencies to successfully enter the workforce. These competency-based skills certificates communicate what people know and can do. Work Keys serves as a common language and scale for both business and education.”
Skills areas students are tested in include: applied math, reading for information, writing, listening, teamwork, location of information, observation, and applied technology. Working with counselors, students compare their own skill levels with those needed for specific occu- pations, allowing students to identify areas of needed improvement.
Also scheduled to begin soon is job profiling, a segment of the program in which the college works closely with business and industry. A job profile, developed by companies who plan to use Work Keys for hiring and promotion, sets specific skill levels for specific jobs. The Work Keys assessment can then be compared to job requirements. At this point, Shelton State student profiles will be compared with the skill levels of particular jobs.
At the next step, Shelton students will receive targeted instruction based on their indivi- dual assessment results. Students will receive instruction in two ways, either by text-based booklets or through computer-based interactive instruction. After completion of instruction, students will again be tested to determine improvement. The final phase of Shelton’s Work Keys plan deals with the sales and marketing of the program to business and industry through the Center For Advanced Productivity.
“Shelton State is taking an aggressive and essential leadership role for our region,” stated Chamber President Johnnie Aycock. “Work Keys is an important ingredient in the workforce development recipe and can have a significant impact on expanding a skilled, productive workforce for our growing economic base. This can and will have regional impact.”
Chamber-member firms are encouraged to contact Johnny Parker at Shelton State Community College at 391-2379 for more information about Work Keys.
Alabama’s restrictive 1901 Constitution………….
Find out more. Go to www.constitutionalreform.org
The mission of the new Alabama Institute For Manufacturing Excellence at The University of Alabama is to provide manufacturing research, technology development and assistance, and technology transfer to industries to enhance economic development and competitiveness.
The vision of AIME is to become the flagship university-based resource center for support of manufacturing needs in Alabama, enabling industrial partners to maintain world-class manu- facturing status, governmental partners to multiply the effectiveness of research and develop- ment dollars, and faculty and students to enhance their manufacturing interests.
The objectives of AIME include:
Under the leadership of former Congressman Tom Bevill, the University of Alabama received a $9.1 million grant from the U. S. Department of Energy in 1996 to build a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to improving manufacturing processes and training graduates who will be involved in manufacturing. Construction of the 55,000 square foot AIME facility is completed.
Plans call for several research and development centers and technology deployment centers, which will employ experts from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Commerce and Business Administration, Engineering, and Continuing Studies.
The Alabama Institute For Manufacturing Excellence is an exceptional resource for
your manufacturing firm. For more information, contact Dr. John Scott, Executive Coordinator,
Telephone (205) 348-3500 or email JSCOTT@AIME.UA.EDU
“Tuscaloosa County citizens have responded in an overwhelming fashion to the call from The Chamber for nominations to the new Civic Hall of Fame,” according to Dick Johnson of BellSouth and Chairman of the planning committee. “We’re very excited about the response and the potential of our new venture to recognize citizens that have made a significant impact on our community over the last 100-plus years.”
“The response has been so great”, emphasized Johnson, “that we have decided to hold the first induction ceremony in the Spring of 2001 instead of our original date in November of this year. We want to ensure that the selection process is thorough and implemented with the highest standards and that the first induction ceremony is conducted at as high a level of quality as possible.”
The first class of inductees to the Civic Hall of Fame is expected to include fifteen honorees. The review process is moving forward currently with a special review committee for the selection of the initial inductees. “We are heartened by the fact that the people of Tuscaloosa County see this new Civic Hall of Fame as a worthwhile endeavor. We are beginning something very special and new, and we are learning as we go. One of the things we’ve learned is that a project like the Civic Hall of Fame takes a great deal of time to set up properly.”
Johnson praises the work of the Hall of Fame Steering Committee that has spent many hours of volunteer time to move the project forward. Members of the committee include: Jerry Belk; Nancy Williams; Bob Hagler; Tommy Todd; Lyda Black; Angela Fulmer; Tommy Hester; Jarrel Reed; Farley Poelnitz; Cordell Wynn; Hattie Nash; Judy Miller; Mary Ann Phelps; Charles Land; and Johnnie Aycock
The Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame was conceived as part of The Chamber’s 100th anniversary year and will become a permanent, annual function of The Chamber.
The local chapter of the Service Corps Of Retired Executives, better known as SCORE, is actively seeking men and women with business experience to become SCORE member counselors. SCORE is the premier business counseling service in the nation today.
For more than 35 years, SCORE’s 11,500 retired and working business professionals have volunteered to help a new generation of small business owners start and grow their companies. As a resource partner with the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE operates in cooperation with SBA to provide business owners and prospective owners with information vital to their success, including counseling on financial options, business planning, marketing strategies, product development, and many other critical issues.
Who Are SCORE Volunteers?
Most SCORE volunteers are retired business owners or managers, though some members are still active in their business or profession. SCORE volunteers are members of 338 local chapters offering assistance in almost 800 locations throughout the United States. They work in or near their home communities to provide management counseling and training to first-time entrepreneurs and current business owners.
Every effort is made to match a client’s needs with a counselor who is experienced in a comparable line of business. All individual and team SCORE counseling is FREE. There may be a nominal fee for workshops and seminars.
Best of all, SCORE members volunteer because they have enjoyed successful careers in business and want to give something back to their communities. They give of their time and expertise so that more small businesses will succeed.
The Tuscaloosa area SCORE chapter operates out of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. According to Chamber President Johnnie Aycock, “SCORE volunteers have become an essential member of the area’s business development team. These dedicated volunteers provide an invaluable resource for local firms and make a significant contribution to the positive business environment in our community.”
If you have business background and are interested in becoming a SCORE member, or if you just want some additional information about SCORE, call The Chamber at 758-7588.
SCORE needs you! Volunteer today!
The streets and shops of historic Downtown Northport will once again come alive with Victorian music, art, theatre, and children's activities at this year's Dickens Downtown on Tuesday evening, December 5th from 5:00 PM until 9:00PM. In its tenth year, Dickens Downtown promises traditional fun for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the holidays with music from Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra performers as well as other musical groups from around the area. Other holiday activities include a visit from Father Christmas; wagon rides; and characters from the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.
The shops and galleries of Downtown Northport will be open and decorated for the holidays, and merchants will be in traditional Victorian costume. Costume guides are located at Downtown Northport shops for those who would like to dress in costume for the occasion.
All events at Dickens Downtown are free, with the exception of a nominal fee for photos with Father Christmas and the tour of the Shirley Place. Support for Dickens Downtown comes from the Tuscaloosa Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation, the Kentuck Association,and the Downtown Northport Merchants Association.
Make plans to enjoy Dickens Downtown on December 5th in Downtown Northport.
Chattanooga and Clarksville, Tennessee; Columbus and Savannah, Georgia; Little Rock; Portland, Oregon; Hartford, Connecticut; and San Antonio, Texas. What do these communities, as well as many others, have in common?
Each of these communities, just like ours, is strategically located on a major river. Each of these communities have made major strides in the enhancement of their riverfronts for parks, "greenways", recreation, tourism, and economic development.
Tuscaloosa and Northport can learn from other successful communities as we move forward with plans for riverfront enhancements? We have and exciting opportunity if we will all work together with a bold common vision.
What have we learned from other communities? What best practices can be applied to our community's riverfront?
While there are many interesting ideas and projects that have been discovered, there are several common threads that have been identified that should be applied locally. These include consistency, commitment, comprehensive approach, cooperation, quality, and public leadership.
In all of these successful riverfront communities, there has been a continuity of purpose and a consistent commitment to implement their plans. In addition, there has been a commitment to quality and comprehensive planning ensuring that the public and private sectors work together, compliment the whole, and provide balance between economic and environmental elements.
In each of these communities, there has been a commitment to and consistent application of plans to ensure safety, security and a clean, well-maintained riverfront that is inviting for families, tourists, commercial activity and investment. In every case the riverfront has become a centerpiece of economic and recreational activity as well as a showcase for the community.
In virtually every community that we've looked at, a river walk has been the first, physical improvement project. With development of a quality river walk, there is solid and overwhelming evidence that dividends flow back from public investment in riverfront improvements.
In each of these successful ventures, there has been an environment of cooperation between public and private sectors, between multiple governmental units, and among private and public land owners. There has been coordination along with a commitment to work in partnership for the common good.
Let's not limit ourselves...let's not create any obstacles for the future. Let's move forward. A broad-based plan for riverfront enhancement should encompass both sides of the Black Warrior River between Oliver and Holt locks.
It is essential that a coordinated, quality enhancement initiative and "greenway" be implemented in partnership between Tuscaloosa and Northport. Each community can and should compliment the other. Duplication of effort should be avoided.
Let's make sure we have reasonable zoning in place that clearly defines a balance of commercial development with family-oriented leisure, recreational and park development and environmental stewardship. Short and long term objectives and plans should be developed, but more importantly, should be implemented in a reasonable, set time period.
We need a comprehensive plan for riverfront enhancement with a total commitment to stick to an effort to implement planned improvements. The Riverfront Committee should be applauded for helping paint a vision of the possibilities for our community and the public sector needs to lead the way.
Yes, there are some challenges that must be faced to achieve riverfront improvement for the benefit of the total metro area. Working together, a quality and balanced riverfront enhancement plan can become reality. It just takes leadership.
