30 Years of Adopt-A-School

SPRING 2015

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA Published in partnership with The Tuscaloosa News h

Adopt-A-SchoolCONNECTING BUSINESS & EDUCATION

330 YEARS OF ADOPT-A-SCHOOL

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NA5656613 Contents

5 A Word from Our Leadership

8 Adopt-A-School Celebrates 30 Years

13 Chamber@Work

14 Top Volunteers of 2014 Honored

16 Here We Grow Again: Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

17 What our Members are Saying

8 18 Working as One Investors / Comparative Economic Indicators

20 New Members

21 Board of Directors

22 Calendar of Events 14

16 17 FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 3 WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT TUSCALOOSA WITH BUFFALO ROCK'S 20 PLUS YEAR EMPLOYEES. WE WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE.

THE ain MAL & CHARLOTTE dut MOORE CENTER re Caring for Adults with Memory Disorders

943 31st Street East, Tuscaloosa 35405 For information call Vicki Kerr at 752-6840 www.caringdays.org FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Emilee Scheeff Joins Sydney Cook & Associates

ydney Cook & Associates is proud to announce Sthe addition of Emilee Schee to its law arm. Ms Schee ’s practice is concentrated in the areas of corporate law; estate planning; trusts, wills and probate; and tax planning and litigation. Emilee has a B.S. in accounting from The University of Alabama (summa cum laude) and also a J.D. and an L.L.M from The University of Alabama School of Law. “We are very proud to have such an outstanding legal professional join our arm. Emilee has an exceptional academic and legal background and will be an excellent addition to our legal community,” states Sydney Cook.

535 Jack Warner Parkway Northeast, Suite F Kevin Davis Sydney Cook Emilee Schee Steve Wyatt Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 561-5400 www.scookassociates.com Business Estates Tax Real Estate Litigation (No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is

greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.) NA5857201

4 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM PUBLISHED BY A Word from Our Leadership

2201 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 758-7588 www.tuscaloosachamber.com

EDITOR Robin Jenkins

ASSISTANT EDITOR Morgan Nicodemus

BOARD OF ADVISORS Ashley Gill Jheovanny Gomez NORMAN CROW Molly Ingram Jordan Plaster Terri Williams A positive relationship between our business community and our schools is so important in order to have a thriving community. Thirty years ago, the Chamber started our Adopt-A-School program. It has been a model collaboration that has had a tremendously positive impact on our children. Our members are DESIGN meeting needs in our school systems on a daily basis. Please join me in celebrating this great achievement LaShonda Robinson in this month’s Rising Tide.

I am very excited to be the Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors this year. We have a lot of PREPRESS MANAGER positive momentum in this community because of what your Chamber is doing. Please get involved with Chuck Jones us and help us make this another great year for West Alabama.

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Lynnie Guzman (205) 722-0148 Norman Crow ON THE COVER President D.T. & Freight Company, Inc. Job Shadow Day Chairman of the Board of Directors at Chick- l-A Northport The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Druid City Garden Project at University Place Woodland Forrest Elementary AAS NEEDS YOU adoption in 1985 Have you ever wondered about involving your organization as a partner with Read Across America Day at Northington Elementary a public school? Now is the perfect time to nd out more about that possibility! For something so important and so big, AAS for you. Call Loo Whit eld today at 391-0563 or Arcadia Elementary partnerships can be made of acts that cost so little. email [email protected] for more Celebrates AAS Week We need you! Why not consider taking an active information. There’s no obligation and it could be role as an AAS partner? While all schools currently the beginning of a very rewarding experience for have one partner, several schools have requested you as well as providing much-needed assistance additional partners. Whether you prefer an for a public school in Tuscaloosa. elementary, middle or high school, there is a place

Call Loo Whit eld today at 391-0563 or email [email protected] for more information.

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 5 k of Y an or B k Contact Us JIM PAGE, CCE President & CEO (205) 391-0562 [email protected] DONNY JONES, IOM Chief Operating O cer (205) 391-0552 [email protected] Small Business Financing AL SPENCER Vice President, Economic Development and Public Policy • Commercial Real Estate - Term & Construction (205) 391-0329 • Inventory Receivables [email protected] • Buildings Contractor Residential Construction KIMBERLY ADAMS • Land Purchases/Renace Director of Membership and Investor Relations (205) 391-0327 [email protected] TRACY CRUMPTON Director of Finance and Operations (205) 391-0554 [email protected] STACEY GANN Director of Leadership Development and Events Richard Key Jimmy D. Collins (205) 391-0559 Vice President CEO [email protected] LOWANDA JAMES Director of Information Services (205) 758-7588 [email protected] Reach a new audience ROBIN JENKINS Director of Communications and Marketing (205) 391-0561 in your promotional puzzle. [email protected] Target business leaders and individuals JILL MCDONALD who take a strong interest our community. Executive Assistant (205) 391-0555 THE INAUGURAL ISSUE [email protected] ISSUE Advertise in Rising Tide,

SUMMER 2013 FALL 2013 THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OFTHE CHAMBERC OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA a favorite publication among local

LENA POWE RIVERFRONT VILLAGE Director of Workforce Development THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF THE CHAMBERHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEWESTST ALALABAMA SPRING 2014 business leaders, Chamber (205) 391-0331 The Buussineiness ooff Football THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA members and entrepreneurs. The Effect on Our LoLocalcal [email protected] Economy Revitalizing Shop Busineessss and T-Town New Developments Bring CAROLYN TUBBS LocalLocal New Life to Tuscaloosa gn LauncheEdd toucation CONTACT New CampaignCampai LaunchedMoving toTowards Tomomorrrrooww Promote ShoppingSh opping Local Loc Assistant Director of Education and Events Plus ChamberChamber@Work,@Work, New MembersM & More! Plus Chamber@Work, New Memberrss& MorMoree! (205) 391-0556 Trade or Grade? Programs Boost Local Workforce The Tuscaloosa News [email protected] Plus Chamber@Work, New Members & More! JEANNE WADE Membership Development Specialist (205) 454-1169 [email protected] LOO WHITFIELD Director of Education (205) 391-0563 [email protected] Connect with the Chamber Join us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Call 205.345.0505 [email protected] Facebook/chambertusc twitter.com/chambertusc NA6055335

6 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 7 Adopt-A-School Celebrates 30 Years

Brookwood Middle School students learn about the automotive industry at Mercedes - Benz USI

Adopt-A-School (AAS) is a term that has become totally integrated the rst local pairings in a county-wide project to link schools and into our local educational process and an expected component businesses took place. The organizational committee for the program of every public school in the Tuscaloosa City and County school was led by Chamber head Johnnie Aycock, making the program a systems. The end of the 2014-2015 school year marks the completion Chamber-driven initiative. The Chamber and two local school boards of thirty years of the program, a partnership between education and of education paired speci c schools with businesses in the community. the business and private sectors of Tuscaloosa County. Four charter partnerships were created: Phifer Wire, Inc. / Westlawn Managed and directed by The Chamber of Commerce of West Middle; First National Bank of Tuscaloosa / Woodland Forrest Alabama, organizations of all sizes, often singly, sometimes in pairs Elementary; BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing / Cottondale or trios, work with all 58 schools in the County System and the City Elementary; and Northport Medical Center / Crestmont Elementary. System. These partners include retail businesses, manufacturers, Within a few weeks, two additional partnerships were formed: Alabama civic organizations, utility companies, small businesses, restaurants, Power Company with Oak Hill School, and Shelton State Community real estate companies and nancial institutions. The partners College with Vestavia Elementary. initiate activities that encourage students, enrich their educational experiences and connect the world of work to the educational arena. From that point on, Adopt-A-School sustained continuous and steady growth. By 1989, all schools were adopted. June Hollingsworth was hired to oversee the program as its rst director, a role she held for HOW IT ALL BEGAN seven years before Deloris McMullen took the job. Deloris is well- known for her dedication to the program, which she nurtured for 13 In the fall of 1983, President Reagan launched the National Partners years. Today, the program is steered by Loo Whit eld, who brought a in Education Program by naming that school year National Year of great positive energy to the position of director in 2005, and Carolyn Partnerships in Education to recognize the eorts of the private sector Tubbs, the steadfast assistant director since 2002. and to encourage the creation of new partnerships in education throughout the nation. This sparked the American business community’s Currently 99 organizations serve as partners and all 58 public schools interest in partnerships. It realized that education can improve our have at least one partner. Three of the six partnerships that were formed country’s stature in productivity and technology innovation and that in the fall of 1985 are still partners today: Phifer, Inc. / Westlawn Middle; tomorrow’s workforce is in today’s classroom. BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing / Cottondale Elementary; Alabama Power Company with Oak Hill School. Fourteen partnerships been Our state immediately selected a committee to study public education together 21 years or more and 33 partnerships have remained partners and that committee recommended Adopt-A-School. In the fall of 1985, ten years or more.

8 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM WHAT PARTNERS DO

Contrary to the perception of many, “Adopt-A-School is not a check- “Adopt-A-School is not a check-writing program but writing program but is instead a process in which relationships are is instead a process in which relationships are formed formed through personal interaction and the use of an adopter’s resources to meet the needs of a school,” said Loo Whit eld. through personal interaction and the use of an adopter’s resources to meet the needs of a school.” Each partnership is uniquely designed to bring about positive outcomes for all those involved. Because all adopters are dierent and therefore have dierent resources, each partnership develops its own Loo Whit eld, Director plan of action. There are similarities in most partnerships, although each scenario is carried out in its own unique manner.

Hosting students for job shadow experiences; describing career options FEATURED PARTNERS & ACTIVITIES and correlating school and workforce preparation; granting “wishes” to classroom teachers; providing cultural and art activities; mentoring at- For more than 20 years, BFGoodrich has kept the library open one day a risk students; recognizing students who improve their grades; working week during summer months for six weeks following the May closing of to enhance technology in school classrooms; improving the school its adopted school, Cottondale Elementary. Students reading a dozen environment; demonstrating the importance of community service books or more over the summer get a special T-shirt designed by a through joint projects…these are just a few examples of the many student before summer vacation. The adopter judges a design contest activities through which the adopters positively impact our public and provides the shirts. This is just one of the many great projects this schools through the AAS program. partnership produces.

Phifer, Inc. has renewed its commitment to Westlawn Middle School with Re-Adoption Ceremonies over the years. Pictured in 1993 (L to R) are: Tuscaloosa City Councilman Charles Steele, Principal Robert Coats, AAS Director Deloris McMullen, Karen Brooks of Phifer, Inc., and Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Bob Winter.

2014 Cottondale Readathon winners in their T shirts, along with Cindy Montgomery (principal), Linda Rosen (counselor) and Concetta Odongo, Will Myers and Chad Payne from BF Goodrich.

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 9 Around 300 business and school representatives attend the annual Adopt-A-School Breakfast and Workshop that kicks o each school year. The 2014 event was held at University Church of Christ in late July.

For more than 13 years, Thompson Tractor Company has recognized OTHER LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION: a student from each class of its adopted school, Woodland Forrest Elementary School, for leadership qualities each month. Awards are PALS & SUSTAINERS presented in front of families at a school assembly then students get Many organizations make contributions to area schools but are unable a pizza party with the principal. Thompson Tractor also participates to maintain the ongoing relationship of AAS partners. A Partner At in Earth Day festivities by showcasing company procedures for Large (PAL) may choose an ongoing or annual commitment or a one- protecting the environment and a job shadowing event is presented time contribution of personal or material resources to one school, each year. “The AAS program is a wonderful way for Thompson Tractor several schools or to a district-wide eort. Company to give back to the community that we live and work in. For me personally, it’s been very rewarding working with the sta and Many businesses elect to support the program through the Sustainer students of Woodland Forrest Elementary for 13 plus years,” said Buddy Program. These partners provide signi cant nancial support for the Fordham, coordinator for the business. coordination and administration of AAS, making resources available for recruiting and training new adopters and for sustaining existing WHAT COORDINATORS DO partnerships.

An AAS coordinator is the main contact for one part of the partnership and does the following:

• Serves as “captain” of the team. • Establishes the relationship. • Facilitates communication between the school and adopter • Keeps principal/CEO informed of activities • Maintains communications with AAS oce • Organizes meetings, activities and volunteers • Recruits volunteers & delegate responsibilities • Promotes and ensures visibility of partnership activities

• Maintains records & data Krista Poole and Gene Poole assist Westwood Elementary

10 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM REAL IMPACT Since 1992, when records were rst reported, over 26,600 volunteers 2015 Adopt-A-School have reported spending over 210,000 hours in local schools through the AAS program. The combined total of nancial support, in-kind contributions and volunteer hours has resulted in over 6.5 million Sustainers dollars of additional support for public schools. Thanks to the following business & organizations LOOKING AHEAD who provide nancial support for the program. We know Adopt-A-School is here to stay! As we work together to grow our community, our future depends on investing in our children CORPORATE SPONSOR today, preparing them for changes and challenges in their future and empowering them to become productive citizens. It is di cult to THE WESTERVELT COMPANY measure, but not impossible to see, the positive changes which occur when someone cares enough to become personally involved in the educational process of the future generation. BOARD LEVEL SPONSORS Advantage Realty Company Mercedes-Benz U.S. Amason & Associates, Inc. International, Inc. Buddy’s Food Mart Northport Medical Center Ellis Architects, Inc. Planit Solutions, Inc. Harrison Construction Reese Phifer, Jr. Company, Inc. Memorial Foundation Learning Experiences, Inc. Walker Associates, Inc. McAbee Construction, Inc. Ward Scott Architecture, Inc. McGi ert & Associates, LLC SUPERINTENDENT SPONSORS

For many years, the annual AAS Week celebration concluded with a parade in McFarland Mall. Alabama Central Credit Union Pictured in 1998 (left to right) are: John Merrill with Tuscaloosa County Schools, Neel-Scha er & Almon Associates Chamber Chairman Terry Waters and Tuscaloosa Mayor Al DuPont. PRINCIPAL SPONSORS Nick’s Kids Tuscaloosa Title Company Patterson & Comer Wal-Mart Supercenter #715 Sam’s Club #6435 Walter Energy, Inc. The Tuscaloosa News TEACHER SPONSORS Allison Appraisal Service, Inc. Bank First Comcast Woodland Forrest students on Job Shadow Day 2014 at Thompson Tractor TTL, Inc. Riverfall Credit Union Women’s Division of Chamber of Commerce

MENTOR SPONSORS AFFLINK Northport Auto Supply The Builders Group Company, Inc. of West Alabama, LLC Parker Towing Company, Inc. Charter Media Richard Building Company, LLC C&S Fabrication, Inc. Robertson Banking Company Duckworth Morris Southside Davis Tire Insurance & Real Estate StressCrete, Inc. AAS Director Loo Whit eld (right) with her former student, Kristi Dyer, who dropped by Martin Family Eye Care Wal-Mart Northport the Chamber o ce recently to say, “I fondly remember my experience with the Adopt-A- School program as an 8th grader at Eastwood Middle School during the 87-88 academic year. As part of the program, Hunt Re ning hosted an awards ceremony for Honor Roll ADOPTASCHOOL SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS students after every 6 weeks grading period. I distinctly remember the pride and excite- ment that I felt when handed that award certi cate. What meant even more was realizing “Great Day Tuscaloosa” - WJRD 1150 AM/102.1 FM - WVUA TV that there were adults in my community, other than my parents and teachers, that truly Contributor: Sealy Management Company, Inc. cared about my academic success.”

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 11 2014-15 Adopt-A-School Adopters

Thanks to each business and organization below for serving as an Adopt-A-School partner with one or more public schools in the Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems Alabama Credit Union Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry Alabama One Credit Union Hunt Re ning Company Rite Aid Customer Support Center Alabama Power Company JamisonMoneyFarmer PC Riverview Orthodontics Almon Associates, Inc. Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ Robertson’s BBQ & Catering Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Jim Walter Resources Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa Ameriprise Financial Jones Heating & Cooling Sam’s Club #6435 ARD Logistics-Alabama, LLC (2 schools) Junior League of Tuscaloosa Sarrell Dental Center (3 schools) Arts & Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Shelton State Community College Bailey’s Tiger-Rock Martial Arts (3 schools) Tusc. Alumni Chapter (3 schools) Bailey’s Tiger-Rock Martial Arts - Northport Kyle O ce Solutions Southland International Trucks, Inc. Bank of Tuscaloosa Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association Spiller Furniture & Mattress BBVA Compass The Legacy Connection SSAB Wear Solutions, LLC BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing McAbee Construction, Inc. (2 schools) Stillman College Black Warrior Methane McAlister’s Deli – 15th Street Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Bryant Bank McAlister’s Deli - McCalla Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. Cadence Bank, N.A McKinney Orthodontics (2 schools) Tracey Sova State Farm Capstone Bank Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. TTL, Inc. Centerstone Inn (2 schools) Tuscaloosa By-Pass, LLC Chick- l-A, Midtown Merrill Lynch Tuscaloosa County Medical Chick- l-A, Northport Moody Radio South Society & Alliance Chick- l-A, Tuscaloosa South (2 schools) Northport Medical Center Tuscaloosa Music Club DCH Credit Union NorthRidge Fitness Tuscaloosa Public Library DCH Regional Medical Center Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. University of Alabama College of Discovering Alabama, O ce Depot #270 Community Health Services UA Museum of Natural History Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. University of Alabama College of Dickey’s Barbecue Northport P.E. LaMoreaux & Associates, Inc. Continuing Studies Downtown Northport Merchants Patton Realty Vulcan Materials Company Association PGP Operating, LLC Wal-Mart Supercenter #715 Embassy Suites Phifer Incorporated Walker Associates, Inc. First Federal Bank PNC Bank Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. FIS Global Premier Service Company Wilson’s Pest Control FNB of Central Alabama The Radiology Clinic (2 schools) Woodforest National Bank General Aviation Center Randall-Reilly Publishing Company Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Geological Survey of Alabama (2 schools) Raymond James Zeta Phi Beta Sorority- Tuscaloosa Harbin & Stough Regency Retirement Village ZF Chassis Systems, LLC Hilton Garden Inn of Tuscaloosa Regions Bank

✭ S in ourH ✭ 6th Annual Family 5K Run/Walk Grand Prix Event Participate in memory/honor of the STAR in your HEART Saturday March 28th • 7am: Registration - 8am: Race Starts $20 Registration Fee • First 150 Registrants get a FREE T-Shirt Live Music by Debbie Bond and the True Dats Visit www.hospiceofwestalabama.com or call 205-523-0101 for more info All proceeds bene ting Hospice of West Alabama NA5857207

12 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM Chamber@Work We Go Hiring Fair Held for Former Cinram Employees A hiring fair was held at PARA’s Belk Center for 100 former employees of The Extra Mile Cinram (formerly JVC) on Jan. 20. Eighteen companies were present to hire and/or provide services and others have requested to look at the database of attendees to possibly hire from it. Special thanks to Shelton State Community College for providing Workforce Development sta , which not only provided Ready to Work and adult education info but also helped with overall event production. The fair was presented by West Alabama Works. West Alabama Works is a 501(c ) 3 organization formed by the Chamber and the Region 3 Workforce Development Council . The Chamber serves as the managing and scal agent and administrative support.

School Counselors Visit Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Area school counselors attended the 8th Annual Adopt-A-School Counselor Industry Tour hosted by Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa in December. The tour and forum, sponsored and organized by Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa and the Adopt-A-School program, allowed over 60 counselors to learn rst-hand about skills needed for our future workforce. Counselors received info on current workforce data, trends and projected needs for the West Alabama area from LeNa Powe, Director of Workforce Development for the Chamber. Counselors then learned about the history of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa and about the work that takes place in the facility. Also, counselors learned of career opportunities at Nucor and about the new Nucor Steel Technical Academy. Following lunch, a tour o ered a view of the processes involved in changing scrap metal to steel coil and plates. The AAS program recognizes the importance of keeping local school counselors and career tech teachers informed and armed with the info necessary to educate our future work force and to guide the students as they develop the skills needed to succeed in an ever-growing and ever-changing technical workplace. We will highlight a di erent local industry each school year. For more info about how your business can participate in future tours, contact Loo Whit eld at 205- 391-0563 or [email protected].

Leadership Tuscaloosa Seeks Applicants Leadership Tuscaloosa accepts requests for applications all throughout the year. In May, the program will begin sending the applications out for the 2015-2016 class. If you are interested in the program, please contact Stacey Gann at 205-391-0559 or send a request for the application or Our Crasmen focus entirely on the work additional information to [email protected]. Leadership at hand, one detail at a time. is attention Tuscaloosa is a nine month program designed to provide a foundation MANPOWER results in construction that is rendered to of knowledge of Tuscaloosa’s County’s economic, social, historical and perfection, yet accomplished in a minimum political issues and needs while challenging community leaders to use time bracket. And that’s a fact worth such information to aid their involvement and success in moving our MEET DEADLINES considering when deadlines are pending. community forward. Our objective is to meet the community’s need for Whatever your requirements, F. L. Crane & informed, responsible and e ective leadership. The program has proven Sons has experienced hands and “know how to be a unique, meaningful experience for the over 1100 graduates to give you a beautiful and lasting nish. spanning 30+ years. DESIGN/BUILD SERVING WEST ALABAMA CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR OVER 18 YEARS

COORDINATION 1120 35th Street • Tuscaloosa, AL • 205.759.5040 NA0358198

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 13 Top Volunteers of 2014 Honored

Our Annual Meeting and Awards celebration was presented by The University of Alabama Larry Taylor, owner of Moundville Telephone Company, was honored as the 2014 Charles H. Land on Jan. 22 at the Bryant Conference Center. Member of the Year, which is our highest honor to an individual member. He was honored for his workforce development e orts on behalf of the Chamber.

2015 Chamber Chairman Norman Crow of D.T. & Freight Co. receives the gavel Ambassador of the Year Wade Langer of Capstone United Methodist Church from our 2014 Chairman Jordan Plaster of Merrill Lynch

Minority Business Council Trailblazer Award recipients were Hazel B. Upchurch, Chairman’s Leadership Award winner Harrison Taylor, founder of the The Legacy Connection (nephew Tom Bailey accepted), President of the Tuscaloosa City Council and Chief Steve Anderson of the Tuscaloosa Police Department

Joel Lake and Bobby Bragg accepted the Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award Distinguished Service Award winners Dr. Judy Bonner of UA, Shane Spiller of Spiller Furniture on behalf of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC & Mattress, Kimberly McMurray of Ward Scott Architecture, Charles Nash of UA System, Phil Johnston of Mercedes - Benz USI, and Gary Nichols of McAbee Construction

14 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM Peggy and Fitzgerald Washington (center) with Jheovanny and Johana Gomez 2015 Chamber Chairman Norman Crow of DT & Freight Co. with Chamber President Jim Page and 2014 Chairman Jordan Plaster of Merrill Lynch

Joseph Brown and Gary Nichols Lou Drummond, Robert Kuhn and Amy Echols

Alice Maxwell, Mike Reilly, Jimmy Warren and Cathy Tubbs Al Spencer and Jordan Plaster

Kimberly McMurray and Casey and Tom Scroggins Sammy Watson with Verdelle and Harrison Taylor

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 15 Here We Grow Again

RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUNDBREAKINGS PRESIDENTIAL TERRACE BAMA DINING SERVICE/ARAMARK CORP. 654 Abercrombie Lane • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 OCTOBER 24 FEBRUARY 24 (205) 348-6816 • www.bamadining.com AJ DeFalco

TACO MAMA THE TRUNK RYAN POWELL ALLSTATE 2104 A University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 1217 University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa , AL 35401 2415 12th St. • Tuscaloosa , AL 35401 • (205) 530-1981 (205) 266-6108 • www.tacomamaonline.com (205) 345-0407 • www.heybama.com www.agents.allstate.com/ryan-powell-tuscaloosa-al.html Robert Rodriguez Ginny Sain Ryan Powell

SHOPPES AT LEGACY PARK WTI TRANSPORT NEW ORLEANS STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE McFarland Blvd and 13th St. 7300 Commerce Dr. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 824 McFarland Blvd. • Northport, AL 35473 205) 755-1112 (205) 752-1608 (205) 248-7668 Keith Owens Rendy Taylor Mo Ezez

NEELSCHAFFER & ALMON ASSOCIATES, INC. DRUID CITY VITAL CARE MERCEDES BENZ USI VISITOR CENTER 2008 12th St. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 1030 Fairfax Park Suite C • Tuscaloosa , AL 35406 6 Mercedes Dr. • Vance, AL 35490 (205) 349-2100 • www.neel.schaﬀ er.com (205) 523-4863 • www.druidcityvitalcare.com 205-507-2252 • www.mbusi.com/visitor-center Jim Kyzer Ryan McFerrin Contact

GENTLEMAN’S GROOMING HOME FIT CONSULTING, LLC RIVERFALL CREDIT UNIONNORTHPORT 2104 University Blvd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 1919 Oxmoor Rd., #391 • Birmingham, AL 35409 1615 McFarland Blvd. • Northport, AL 35476 (205) 764-5969 (205) 675-7412 • www.HomeFitConsulting.com (205) 759-1505 • www.riverfallcu.com Mary Margaret Philen Cody Robinson Kay Lackey

MASSAGED LIFE & WELLNESS ACADEMY MCCRACKEN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC RIVERFALL CREDIT UNIONTUSCALOOSA 3518 Loop Rd. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 6521 Hwy 69 South, Ste. N. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 5461 Kauloosa Ave. • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 248-7416 (205) 345-5035 • www.mccrackenfamilychiropractic.com (205) 759-1505 • www.riverfallcu.com Rahe McCandless Rachel Steiner Je Cole

16 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM What Our Members Are Saying

“Matt and I can’t believe that we didn’t take advantage of the membership sooner. Over the last 16 years, we have continued to grow in the community with sound and video installations, Answering every caller withTLC...Since 1955 productions, retail sales and birthday parties. It has been with the help of the Chamber that we continue to thrive in our small We are not just an answering service, but an extension of business with their monthly mixers, education and opportunities your business-a responsibility like the Annual Meeting to provide lighting and video. Matt and I we take very seriously. look forward to many years of value that the Chamber provides.” Some of our most common services includes: ☎ Outsourced Receptionist Service-answering calls and relaying ☎ Dispatch messages 24/7-you choose the hours and days ☎ Overow calls (when your lines are all busy or your staff is too busy) ☎ Emergency calls ☎ Order taking ☎ Disaster-preparedness answering service (when your phones ☎ Vacation/temporary coverage, including extended absences are unexpectedly down due to service or disaster issues, such ☎ Holiday coverage - Nikki and Matt Ray, EatMyBeats, Inc. as hurricanes or tornadoes) ☎ Appointment scheduling 2810 7th Street • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 755 Jug Factory Road • www.EatMyBeats.com (205) 349-2702 Tuscaloosa • (205) 241-5082 Birmingham • (800) 250-5160 Toll Free • (205) 349-4766 Fax www.facebook.com/EatMyBeats [email protected] wwww.CallerConnection.com

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 17 Working as ONE Investors Comparative The following will invest annually, over ve years, funding the new economic and community development plan for our region! THANK YOU! ECONOMIC INDICATORS DECEMBER 2013 vs DECEMBER 2014 GAMECHANGERS - $25,000+ ANNUALLY

BUSINESS LICENSES City of Tuscaloosa 2013 81 2014 56 City of Northport 2013 17 2014 12

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE - $15,000+ ANNUALLY VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS City of Tuscaloosa CEO COUNCIL - $10,000+ ANNUALLY 2013 $24,755,427 Aramark; AT&T; The Bank of Tuscaloosa; Bryant Bank; Charter Media; Expo 2014 $15,907,250 Displays; Harrison Galleries/HFS Holdings; JamisonMoneyFarmer PC; Knight Sign Industries, Inc.; Merrill Lynch; Rumsey Properties; Shelton State Community College; UA College of Arts & Sciences; Yellow Book USA

PRESIDENT’S FORUM - $7,500+ ANNUALLY UA Culverhouse College of Commerce EMPLOYED Tuscaloosa County INVESTOR LEADERS - $5,000+ ANNUALLY 2013 87,626 A&B Electric Co.; Advantage Realty Group, Inc.; A ink; Alabama 2014 88,915 Gas Corporation; Alabama Power Co.; BB&T; Cintas; College Station Properties; Ellis Architects, Inc.; Harrison Construction, Inc.; McGi ert & 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 UNEMPLOYMENT RATES GROWTH PARTNERS - $2,500+ ANNUALLY Tuscaloosa County Advance Disposal; Alabama Credit Union; Alabama One Credit Union; 2013 5.1% Almon Associates, Inc.; BBVA Compass Bank; Blue Cross/Blue Shield 2014 4.6% of Alabama; Boone Newspapers, Inc.; Bu alo 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; Jalapenos Mexican Grill; Moody Radio South; Parker Towing Co., Inc.; Robertson Banking Co.; Spiller Furniture & Mattress; Southland Bene t Solutions, LLC; TTL, Inc.; Tuscaloosa Credit Union; HOMES SOLD Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit Union; Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., PC; Walker Tuscaloosa County Associates, Inc.; Walter Energy, Inc.; Which Wich Superior Sandwiches 2013 144 COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES - $1,500+ ANNUALLY 2014 156 Barry Fikes Photography; The Builders Group of West Alabama, LLC; Capstone Bank; Chick- l-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 O ce Solutions; Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC; The Locker Room; AVERAGE SELLING PRICE Metalsa; Morrison & Smith, LLP; Renasant Bank; Rex Veron Design, LLC; Sentell Engineering, Inc.; Tuscaloosa Chevrolet, Inc.; Willcutt Block Tuscaloosa County 2013 $173, 671 OTHER ANNUAL COMMITMENTS 2014 $190,293 Gilmore, Poole & Rowley; StressCrete, Inc.; Yeager & Christian, PC

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Alfa Insurance Ezell’s Express Tuscaloosa 1, LLC J. Marland Hayes, LLC Our Town America 1211 Lurleen B. Wallace Boulevard 220 15th St., East 505 Energy Center Blvd., Ste. 604 1501 Dearing Place Northport, AL 35476 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Northport, AL 35473 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 758-3595 www.ezells-express.com (205) 764-9179 www.ourtownamerica.com Joseph McCurnin (205) 568-5033 Denise Hayes (205) 469-7822 Insurance (Main) Agnew Hall Attorneys - Lawyers / Law Robin Wells Restaurants Advertising - Direct Mail Bolta US, Inc. Jac Mac Tire Co., Inc. P.O. Box 719 Fayette Fabrications, LLP P.O. Box 2432 Premier National Bene ts / Northport, AL 35476 904 2nd Ave., SE Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 LifeLock Bene t Solutions www.bolta.com Fayette, AL 35555 (205) 752-3501 5401 College Blvd., Ste. 214 (205) 764-5766 www.fayettefabrication.com Mackie Deason Leawood, KS 66211 Russell Martin (205) 442-7011 Tire Dealers / Repair (Main) (800) 365 8208 Automobile Parts / Supplies / Mark McClanahan Craig Gordon Automotive Services Steel Erector/Fabrication Jennaration Boutique Insurance 9730 Hwy 69 South Roly Poly Rolled Sandwiches C - Mart Chervon FDRC, INC. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 2310 4th Street 2800 McFarland Blvd. (Federal Disaster Recovery Corp) www.jennarationboutique.com Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Tuscaloosa, AL 35476 423 Skyland Blvd., Ste. A-4 (205) 657-8232 (205) 366-1222 (205) 331-4737 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Jenna Powell John Long Roshan Patel www.fdrc.us Retail - Boutique Restaurants (Main) Convenience Stores / Gas Stations (855) 573-0007 Shannon Keith Joanne M. Jannik, P.C. Ryan Powell Allstate Agency Campus Properties, LLC Construction - Site Preparation / P.O. Box 20086 2415 12th St. 1410 University Blvd., Ste. 1 Erosion Control Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 247-4848 www.agents.allstate.com/ryan-pow- www.uacampusproperties.com Glory Bound Gyro Co. Joanne Jannik ell-tuscaloosa-al.html (205) 345-8861 2325 University Blvd. Attorneys - Lawyers / Law (205) 530-1981 Kelly Kilgore Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ryan Powell Rental Properties gloryboundgyroco.com Koll Kay and Company Insurance (205) 349-0505 2020 Hackberry Lane Centaur Building Services, Inc. Nick Chichester Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 S. Scott Hickman, 240 Oxmoor Rd. Restaurants www.kollkayandcompany.com Attorney at Law, LLC Homewood, AL 35209 (205) 765-4164 2600 7th St. www.centaurservices.com Gradescape, Inc. Ashley Quarles Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (334) 538-1088 12837 Martin Rd., Spur Events Management (205) 248-2616 Lisa McCain Northport, AL 35402 Scott Hickman Janitorial / Cleaning / (205) 349-3992 Matt Clinton Designs Attorneys - Lawyers / Law Water - Fire Restoration Thomas Lightsey 730 21st. Ave. Salon Mia Bella Landscape / Lawn Care / Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 232-B McFarland Blvd. N. CivilWorx Construction, LLC Maintenance www.mattclintondesigns.com Northport, AL 35476 5950 University Blvd., E. (205) 464-0488 www.salonmiabellasmb.com Cottondale, AL 35453 H & R Block Matthew Clinton (205) 345-0222 (205) 792-9479 305 21st St. Retail - Events / Weddings/ Interiors Mindy Hammond Matt Caddis Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Beauty Salons / Barbers - Construction - Utility / www.hrblock.com Matt Hood Nails Massage Tan Spas Excavation / Heavy Civil (205) 758-3296 500 Snows Mill Ave., Apt. 107 Lacey Weber Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 The Church of Tuscaloosa Crimson Village Tax Preparation (205) 861-7070 6120 Watermelon Rd. 1718 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy Matt Hood Tuscaloosa, AL 35473 Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Handyman Connection Individuals www.churchattuscaloosa.com (205) 507-1211 of Tuscaloosa (205) 759-8050 LeAnn Crisp 2123 9th St., Ste. 204 McCracken Family Chiropractic Tina Miller Health Care Facilities Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 6521 Hwy 69 South, Ste. N. Churches www.tuscaloosa.handyman Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 D R Horton connection.com www.mccrackenfamilychiropractic.com The Reserve At NorthRiver 9467 Creek Circle (205) 650-3100 (205) 345-5035 1761 Commons North Loop Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Home Improvements / Rachel Steiner Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (952) 484-444 Repairs / Installation Physicians - Chiropractic www.reserveatnorthriver.com Michelle Murphy (205) 247-9800 Real Estate / Realty / Realtors HomeTown Lenders New Orleans Steak Carolyn Wright 2918 7th St. & Seafood House Real Estate / Apartments / Condo Event Operations Group Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 824 McFarland Blvd. The Scotts Company 535 Jack Warner Pkwy NE Ste. E-2 www.2059899799.com Northport, AL 35473 10638 Mount Moriah Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 999-8217 (205) 248-7668 Vance, AL 35490 (800) 925-7549 Scott Moulton Mo Ezez (205) 556-9771 Mike Jones Mortgage Companies Restaurants John Bickett Events Management Lawn & Garden Soil & Fertilizer Products

20 WWW.TUSCALOOSACHAMBER.COM The Tower / Arlington Properties UA Marketing Department 2330 University Blvd. 361 Stadium Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 105 Alston Hall www.liveatthetower.net Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 2015 Board of Directors (205) 720-0070 (205) 348-2826 Kara Harton Glover David Mothersbaugh Real Estate / Apartments / Condo Marketing Consultants Dan Blakley Dr. Peter Millet Regions Bank Stillman College The True Vine Foundation Vance Tire & Alignment, LLC 280 Vineyard Lane 17270 Hwy 11 N. Dr. Judy Bonner Eutaw, AL 35462 Vance, AL 35490 Wilson Moore The University of Alabama Facility Rental (Main), (205) 553-0755 Pritchett –Moore, Inc. www.truevinefoundation.com Kitty Waldrop (205) 372-3230 Tire Dealers / Repair Bobby Bragg Colin McRae JamisonMoneyFarmer PC Jim Page Non-pro t / Facility Rental Waste Management - Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce 3150 35th Street Tuscaloosa Human Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Cynthia Burton of West Alabama Resource Professionals www.wm.com Community Service Programs P.O. Box 20297 (205) 345-0112 of West Alabama Gary Phillips Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 Timothy Stepter Premier Service Co., Inc. www.thrp.shrm.org Waste Reduction / Disposal (Main) Brock Corder (205) 750-5143 The Builders Group of West Lori Royer William Blakeney Jordan Plaster Associations / Professional Building Company, Inc. Alabama, LLC Organizations (Main) 3519 Greensboro Ave. Merrill Lynch Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Norman Crow UA - O ce of Student (205) 345-8880 D. T. & Freight Company, Inc. Employment William Blakeney Gene Poole 173 Rose Admin. Bldg. Contractors - Building Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Mike Ellis www. nanciala airs.ua.edu/hr/ Wilson’s Pest Control Ellis Architects, Inc. student-employment 11605 Elbert Taylor Loop Dr. Samory Pruitt (205) 348-4354 Coker, AL 35452 Jay Evans The University of Alabama Austin Fann www.wilsonspestcontrol.net (205) 348-8850 (205) 339-3175 ROAR, LLC/ Employment Opportunities Wilson Gammill College Station Properties Mike Reilly for UA Students Pest Control Services / Supplies Randall-Reilly UA Intercollegiate Athletics Ashley Gill Chick- l-A of Northport Tim Rosson BBVA Compass Bank Jheovanny Gomez Jalapenos Mexican Grill Ralph Ruggs Lee Henderson Tuscaloosa Housing Authority Which Wich Tom Scroggins Jason Ho Rosen Harwood, PA Mercedes-Benz USI Randy Skagen Cal Holt Knight Sign Industries, Inc. Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.

Jonathan Hood Chuck Turner FNB of Central Alabama Jackson Security Company

Molly Ingram Rex Veron DCH Health System Rex Veron Design, LLC Blake Madison Rosen Harwood, PA Jason Walker Walker Associates, Inc. SALES • SERVICE • PARTS Dr. Andrea May eld Shelton State Terry Waters Serving West Alabama For Over 20 years Community College Terri Williams Dean McClure 3200 Greensboro Ave. TTL, Inc. AT&T 345-9811 Kim McMurray Bryan Winter www.townsendbmw.com Ward Scott Architecture Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, LLC

FACEBOOK.COM/CHAMBERTUSC | TWITTER.COM/CHAMBERTUSC 21 2015 Calendar of Events

March 31 May 6 Washington Update with US Senator Unleash the Power of Your iPad Richard Shelby, presented by Crimson 11am, $50/person, lunch included Village at Embassy Suites, 7:30am May 12 April 7 Business After Hours Mixer Microsoft Intermediate Excel, 9am at NorthRiver Yacht Club, 5pm

Business After Hours Mixer May 14 at Spiller Furniture & Mattress, 5pm Leadership Tuscaloosa Graduation presented by UA System Military and Veterans Appreciation Event presented by Warrior Ranch at UA Ferguson Center, 7pm June 9 April 9 Business After Hours Mixer Microsoft Outlook: Time Saving Features at Tuscaloosa Orthopedic 11am, $50/person, lunch included & Joint Institute, 5pm April 14 & 15 Montgomery Drive-In June 16 presented by Shelton State Chamber in Session: Education Summit presented by Ellis Architects, Inc., April 28 Hotel Capstone, 9am Breakfast & Biz, Chick- l-A Northport

There’s something different about the way everyone interacts with and cares for one another in our community, and you’ll find that same way of doing things at The Bank of Tuscaloosa. Turn to us today for all of the products and services you need to meet your financial goals. You need a bank for life. That’s The Bank of Tuscaloosa.

The 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 are not separately FDIC-insured banks.The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

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* Excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep fee. ARE YOU CONNECTED? The Tuscaloosa News keeps the community connected with news and information about West Alabama. We have also been helping local businesses connect with their clients when, where, and how they want to be connected to for more than 100 years.

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