Upcoming Events

May 8
Women In Business Council Night at the Theatre


May 8
QuickBooks Intermediate


May 8
Forerunners Graduation


May 12
Executive Commitee


May 12
Northporth Advisory Council



     
Inside this issue
 
 

Chamber President Reaches 25 Year Milestone

 
  Johnnie Aycock was recently honored at a reception celebrating his 25 years as president of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. To surprise Aycock, the party at the UA's Ferguson Center was promoted as an "after hours" networking event.

Aycock came to Tuscaloosa from the Jackson, Miss. Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 1983. Since then, his vision and leadership have brought about many successful groups, programs and projects in our area, making it a better place to live and do business. And he has big plans for our future. Thanks for all you continue to do, Johnnie! You are much appreciated. (Photos by Barry Fikes.)

Questions and answers below are from a recent interview.

What are some of the programs, projects and initiatives started by The Chamber in the past 25 years?
Our Chamber has been blessed with exceptional, talented leaders over the years that have stimulated many new initiatives to meet needs and create opportunities. Because our Chamber has grown into an effective catalyst for economic and community development, which is part of our mission, there have been numerous programs and projects born at The Chamber during the past 25 years.

Among the diverse initiatives birthed, nurtured and fostered through The Chamber are: The merger of the Tuscaloosa and Northport chambers of commerce to create a unified regional organization; development of Adopt-A-School; establishment of Leadership Tuscaloosa, which has now graduated over 900 citizens; the Sister City Commission and partnership with Narashino City, Japan; formation of the Convention & Visitors Bureau; establishment of the Worthless Check Unit at the District Attorney's office; Crime Stoppers; West Alabama Leadership Prayer Breakfast; Progress Committee; Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame; Northport Advisory Council; Culture Builds; Junior Achievement; Entrepreneur Awards program; initiation and creation of Challenge 21; co-founding Center for Workforce Development at Shelton State Community College; creation of The Literacy Summit and The Literacy Council of West Alabama; development of two "coffee table" books, Tuscaloosa: the Tradition, the Spirit, the Vision and Centennial Progress, Millennial Hopes.

On a statewide basis, The Chamber was the first involved chamber of commerce in Alabama as a charter member of A+ and as charter member of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and created and established the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform.

There have been a multitude of economic and community projects initiated, fostered and led by The Chamber and our many involved members over the years, from the expansion of Bryant-Denny stadium and bringing Crimson Tide football games home to retail development projects, including Mid-Town Village. From small business development and training programs to support of a diverse list of key development initiatives, including downtown revitalization, riverfront development and a variety of economic projects, such as JVC and Mercedes-Benz U. S. International, various commercial, retail and restaurant projects.

What has kept you here?
Miriam and I had thought that we would be in Tuscaloosa only about five years. It's fairly typical for a chamber executive to either move to a larger market and chamber or in some cases, if the politics change, it is sometimes necessary to depart. At the end of our first five years, we looked at each other and posed the question, "Why would we want to ever move?" We love our community. Our family fell in love with it--Great people, a wonderful family environment, very livable, an engaged business community, and very loyal Chamber members. All of this combined with ongoing, dedicated leadership from our officers, directors and professional staff over the years
to provide one of the most exciting, enjoyable and fulfilling professional opportunities anywhere. Miriam and I truly have been blessed to be in Tuscaloosa and sincerely believe we are exactly where God wants us to serve.

What would you like to see happen in the future in our community?
I have to refer to one of my favorite quotes: "Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination, sometimes simply a change of perspective; and suddenly, you can see a whole new horizon of possibilities. The secret is not to ask, 'what it is', but rather ask, 'what it could be'. "

So, I would answer by asking a series of questions: What could our community be in the next five, ten, twenty years? Have we truly tapped our potential? How can we become one of America's most livable, vibrant communities? How can we become more competitive? Can we achieve a new standard of quality equal to or beyond that enjoyed by other areas? Can we develop the range of quality education and economic opportunities needed to move our region forward for all citizens?

Then, I would add to that list of questions, can The Chamber achieve new levels of productivity, influence and effectiveness? Are we positioned to effectively carry out our mission and impact the public agenda and economic climate of our community?

Overall, the next few years are pivotal and offer many opportunities to move to new levels in economic vitality, educational excellence, cultural enhancement, environmental quality and leadership development. It would be my great hope that we would become one of America's truly creative economies and most livable communities.
 

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Next Mixer is May 20th!

 
 

Our next after hours social will be Tuesday, May 20th from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Tuscaloosa Galleria.  The merchants there plan to host the affair in the courtyard, weather permitting.  Come out and enjoy the weather and fellowship!  More details to come.

 

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Three Chamber Employees Mark 10 Years

 
  Three Chamber staff members marked 10 years with the group this spring: Donny Jones, Executive Vice President; Stacey Gann, Assistant to the President and Manager of Special Events; and Tracy Crumpton, Operations Manager. They were recognized at an event in April and received engraved crystal tokens of appreciation from Chamber president Johnnie Aycock.

Thanks, Donny, Stacey and Tracy, for your service. You each do a tremendous job daily and are truly important community assets!
 

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Women's Division Turns 50

 
  In 1958, a group of women whose husbands were prominent in Tuscaloosa's business community formed the Women's Division of The Chamber with a goal of improving the quality of life in West Alabama. As the group celebrates its 50th anniversary, its goal remains the same. It continues to work cooperatively with The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama in developing projects and activities that benefit our area.

In recent years, since 1999, the group has donated over $56,000 to community projects, such as Adopt-A-School, Arts Council, American Cancer Society, A Women's Place, Baby Talk, Black Warrior River Keepers, Boys and Girls Club, CHOM, Girl Scouts, Good Samaritan Clinic, Gorgas Home, Women Build Habitat for Humanity, Turning Point, Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre, Tuscaloosa City's Pre K Initiative, and Temporary Emergency Services. Largest donations were given to the Tuscaloosa Public Library to renovate the children's area ($15,500) and to Indian Rivers Mental Health Center ($21,000) to provide Christmas to involved families.

The Women's Division is completely self-supporting and financed through membership dues, which are $15 per year, and fundraising projects. It's an active, growing organization that welcomes new members at any time during the year. Join this great group of women today by contacting current president Sherie Giles of CHOM at 205.349.4235 or sherie@chomonline.org. Your ideas and assistance on committees, projects, fundraisers and social events are welcomed and needed!

Photos are from the annual spring Membership Tea on May 6th at the lovely Crowne Point home of Cheri and John Sission, which was well-attended.

 

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Leadership Tuscaloosa Turns 25

 
  Twenty five years ago, 17 people came together as the first class of Leadership Tuscaloosa. Today, the program has more than 900 graduates and still finds fresh ways of involving a diverse group of citizens and addresses timely topics.

In the fall of 1983, Johnnie Aycock had just come to Tuscaloosa from the Jackson, Miss. Chamber of Commerce, which had recently started its own leadership development program. Aycock also looked at a few other programs as guides and turned to Dr. Malcolm Portera and Dr. Barry Mason and the UA's College of Continuing Studies, as The Chamber staff wasn't large enough to run a the program at that time. That partnership with the UA has existed from the beginning and is still strong today.

Each year, 40 people are selected through an interview process. Classes focus on education, business, nonprofit, neighborhood, church, and more. Aycock believes out model to be more grassroots than some others, which typically involve playing the role of CEO. Class members meet for one and two-day sessions over a nine month period, without a lot of outside homework. They discuss, attend presentations, practice problem solving and learn about leadership in the community. Aycock says the program "creates relationships and contributes to civic philanthropy."

The goals of LT are to inform participants about Tuscaloosa's assets, needs and potential; stimulate interest about solving community problems; improve understanding of leadership; and develop relationships among area leaders.

Geri Stone, associate director of the UA's College of Continuing Studies and manager of LT has led the program for 24 years and the LT Steering Committee determines each year's new schedule. "The LT Steering Committee changes every year so that we can keep the program fresh," said Stone.

Aycock says that, while the subject matter changes, the format and planning have stayed pretty much the same. He hopes to make the program even more dynamic, more challenging and cutting-edge in the future.

The 25th LT class celebrated this milestone with a kick-off reception at The Zone in September. They graduate on Tuesday May 14th.

The Chamber will distribute applications for the next LT class in early July. Criteria for selection include "demonstrated leadership skills, active involvement in the community, and a willingness to invest time, effort and energy required by the program. For more info, contact Stone at
gstone@ccs.ua.edu or 205.348.6225.

Members of the 2007-2008 class are (L to R): Row 1 Bob Hanson, Ruth Gaddis, Tina Johnson, Latrelle Bell, LaBridgette Ellis, Chris Hester, Patrick Hamner, Cornelius Joe; Row 2 Tom Scroggins, Lynn Osborn, Suzanne Dowling, Anne Huffaker, Terri May, Coress Brandon, Stacey Jones, Warren Brown; Row 3 Sharon Cosby, Debbie Esslinger, Heather Johnson, Jerry Phillips II, William P. Guerard IV, Gary Mims, Chad Hobbs; Row 4 Stacey Taggart-Cotton, Charlotte Gibson, Amy Eifler, Anthony Winston, Eric D. Owens, Jerrod Franklin; Row 5 Chris Rue, Michelle Robinson, Julie Hollingsworth, Zack Barnes, Gary Minor; Row 6 Heather Leavell, Stephanie Brewer, Michelle O'Neal, Chris Haun, Rob Gutherie; Not pictured is Robert Shaw.

 

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Senator to Headline Chamber in Session

 
  Senator Jeff Sessions will present at the next Chamber in Session, to be held on May 27th at 12:30 PM at Indian Hills Country Club.  The luncheon is also a Rotary event.  To make a reservation (required), call Stacey at 391.0559 or email stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com or register online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com.    

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Senator to Address Northport Advisory Council on Monday

 
  You're invited to the Northport Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, May 12th at 6 PM at Steamers Restaurant. Guest speaker Senator Phil Poole will give updates on current happenings in Montgomery and their effect on Northport and surrounding areas. Dinner will be served at a cost of $18 for members and $25 for non-members. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Tracy Crumpton today at 391.0554 or tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com.
 

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Our Training Series Continues

 
  PowerPoint 2007: Stop Shooting Power PowerPoint Bullets at Your Audience will be presented on May 20th at The Chamber. Two sessions are available: 8 AM to Noon (version 2003) and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM (version 2007). Cost is $90. Are your slides riddled with bullets? How effective is this approach? Learn to design highly interesting slides for your next presentation. Trainer is Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining. Prerequisite: You must know the PowerPoint basics to attend.

Know Your Rights! Sales, Use and Business License Tax will be held on Wednesday, May 21st from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tuscaloosa. Program is designed to educate businesses, their owners, accountants and CPAs on these issues. Speaker will be Blake Madison of Tanner & Guin. Cost is $69.99. Reservations (required) and cancellations must be made by Friday, May 16th. For an extra $10, CPE will be applied for on behalf of CPAs taking the course. Four hours credit is expected. Part II, offered in late summer, is also expected to be four hours credit.

For more info or to make a reservation, contact Tracey Crumpton at 391.0554 or tracy@tuscaloosachamber.com or register online at www.tuscaloosachamber.com.
 

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New Member Orientation to be Held Soon

 
  A new member orientation meeting will be held at The Chamber is May 13th at 4 PM. Meet other new members and The Chamber staff and learn more about our benefits and how to become actively involved in our group and community. Refreshments will be provided. For details, contact Laura at 205.391.0555 or laura@tuscaloosachamber.com.  

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Chamber Perk of the Month

 
  You'll soon receive the Chamber's 2008 Resource Guide & Membership Directory in the mail. A new and improved version, the front section showcases our community's livability while the directory portion lists our area's best businesses. Please note that a supplement has been included listing members that joined after the book print time to date.

We trust it will be a useful and valuable resource for you and your associates, and we encourage you to use it daily and do business with the Chamber members listed. If you need additional copies for your office or home, please call us at The Chamber at 758.7588.

In addition, the community profile section, which we provide to prospects, visitors and newcomers, is available to our members for recruitment and development purposes. Again, please do not hesitate to let us know if you need copies.
 

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New Schools Need Adopters

 
  Seven new schools will welcome students next fall and adopters are needed for several of these schools. Three new schools are scheduled to open in the Tuscaloosa County School System and adopters are needed for two of the schools: Lake View Elementary School and Duncanville Middle School (pictured). Students from Brookwood and Vance Elementary Schools living in the Lake View and Tannehill areas will attend the new Lake View Elementary School. Duncanville Middle School will open to relieve some of the over crowding in Hillcrest Middle School.

Four new schools are scheduled to open in the Tuscaloosa City School System and adopters are needed for two of the schools. The new South Elementary School and the new South Middle School will be housed temporarily in the current Tuscaloosa Middle School building until their new facility near the intersection of Cypress Creek Road and New Judge Factory Road is completed.

We need you! Four of the seven new schools scheduled to open in August of 2008 need adopters. Why 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!

Call Loo Whitfield today at 391-0563 or email loo@tuscaloosachamber.com for more info. 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!
 

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UA Crimson Book for Sale

 
  Stunning photography and notable quotes highlight the pride, tradition and character that distinguish the University of Alabama's academic and athletic programs in a new book, Crimson. It's gorgeous to display and is a great gift idea. Premium editions are available but quantity is limited. We've partnered with the publisher to bring you free shipping (usually $11.95)--Just enter THE CHAMBER in promo box when ordering online. To do so, click here. There's also a link on our website at www.tuscaloosachamber.com and a toll free number, 800.358.0560. A portion of funds generated will go to the UA's Our Students, Our Future program.
 

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Chamber Leaders Make Impact In Montgomery

 
 

A 13-member community leadership delegation was in Montgomery on Thursday, May 1st to promote Tuscaloosa County and The Chamber's 2008 public policy agenda with key state leaders.

Organized by Ryan deGraffenried, III, Co-Chairman of the Public Affairs Council of The Chamber, the delegation met with Governor Bob Riley, Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, and House and
Senate members representing Tuscaloosa County.

Among key issues addressed were budgets for higher education, highway and transportation projects, crime and public safety issues and other legislative and public policy concerns.

In addition to Ryan deGraffenried,III of deGraffenried & Associates,  The Chamber delegation included:  Bryan Winter of Adcox-Lewis-Smyth-Winter and Co-Chair of the Public Affairs Council; Randy Skagen of Nucor and Chairman Elect of The Chamber; William Poole, Attorney;  John Merrill, Tuscaloosa County Schools;  Brock Corder, The Builders Group;  Norman Crow , DT Transportation; Bob Rust, Southland National Insurance Co.; Eric Larmore and Therr Nowlin of Nucor Steel of Tuscaloosa;  Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy; Chief Ken Swindle, Tuscaloosa Police Department; and Chief Robert Green, Northport Police Department.

Chamber President Johnnie Aycock emphasized that "our volunteer led delegation did a great job representing both the public and private sectors.  They made a positive impact on elected leaders in Montgomery.  Their dedicated efforts and willingness to give of their time is very much appreciated, as they raised the visibility of important issues that are important to our community."

The Public Affairs Council is the primary committee of The Chamber's governmental affairs division that works with public and legislative issues at the local, state and federal levels.  The council meets monthly on the 3rd Monday at 4:00 PM at The Chamber. 

 

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Forerunners Graduation Held

 
  The 2007-2008 Forerunners class graduated today in a formal ceremony at the Four Points Sheraton. Forerunners is a dynamic, personal development program sponsored by The Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association and The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to help the Tuscaloosa County area youth reach their full potential. A division of Leadership Tuscaloosa, the class of is made up of juniors from Tuscaloosa City, County and private schools. They have increased their knowledge about economic, social, historical, and political needs in Tuscaloosa County.

Criteria for selection in the program include involvement in their school and the community, and a willingness to invest the time, effort and energy required by the program. The objective of Forerunners is to help meet the community's need for informed, responsible and effective leadership.

The Forerunners program consists of various one-day sessions over a nine-month period beginning in September. The meetings are monthly in locations around the Tuscaloosa area and each session provided an analysis of major areas of community concerns and trained the participants in specific leadership skills. The Forerunners curriculum committee, made up of graduates of Leadership Tuscaloosa, designed the program. For more info about the program, contact Stacey Gann at 391.0559 or stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com.

Members of the 2007-2008 class are (not in order as pictured): Rebecca Adams, Hillcrest; Hailey-Grace Allen, Bryant; Marisa Ballard, Northside; Carlson Coogler, ACA; Lauren Crain, Bryant; Anna Sara Crowder, Northridge; Christianna Denelsbeck, Holy Spirit; Paul Dykes, Bryant; Vontra Giles, Bryant; Jasmin Hopper, Bryant; Manoj Jagani, Northridge; Victoria Lewis, Hillcrest; John David Lind, Holy Spirit; Garrett McGiffert, Tuscaloosa Academy; Heather Mims, Northside; Rebekah Rhodes, ACA; Akya Rice, Central; Jason Rice, Northside; Josh Robertson, Northside, Adam Seale, ACA; Anna Marie Smith, Northridge; Casey Taylor, Northside; Ariel Tingle, Brookwood; Kweku Ulzen, Northridge, Ciera Wade, Northridge, Kevin White, Bryant; Kacie Wilcox, Hillcrest; David Wilson, Northridge; Aubrey Yeager, Tuscaloosa County.
 

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Women in Business Council Holds Wellness Roundtable

 
  The Chamber's Women in Business Council held a roundtable discussion in April on aging and total body wellness led by Dr. Caroline Day of My Medical Makeover. Day encouraged healthy eating, especially "super foods" with vibrant color, and taking supplements like calcium, omega 3, vitamin B, coenzyme Q 10 and baby aspirin. She also stressed the importance of skincare. Day is an engaging speaker with a website in the works, www.mymedicalmakeover.com. She can be contacted at 205.887.2042.

The Women in Business Council's mission is to support women in business and position its members for personal and economic success by providing opportunities, training, and resources for women in our business community.
 

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Interns: Low Cost, Low Risk, High Return

 
  Some of your temporary staffing needs may be compatible with the UA's academic business internship program. Student interns are expected to train under supervision for a minimum of 10 hours per week and may earn course credit for their work, upon review.

There is no prescribed format to participate. With the educational objective of the internship in mind, you are encouraged to customize the supervised practical experience according to your business needs and the student's career interests and skill development in accounting, finance, management, or marketing.

Simply contact UA business internship coordinator Kristi Wheeler-Griffin at 205.348.4537 or kwheel@cba.ua.edu with information about your company and a description of your anticipated intern projects/job duties, including the hourly wage and weekly work hours proposed. Each semester, she facilitates the interview process between students and internship employers up to four months in advance and continues placement until the start of the internship semester. Upcoming terms are below although alternate internship work periods may work as well.

Summer 2008: June 3-August 6
Fall 2008: August 20-December 5
Spring 2009: January 7-May 1
 

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Bank of Tuscaloosa Celebrates 20th Anniversary

 
  The Bank of Tuscaloosa celebrated its 20th Anniversary in April. Starting as a "de novo" in a market of five banks in 1988 "the Bank of Tuscaloosa was established to offer a different level of personal service to the Tuscaloosa market," stated Jim Flemming, Chairman and CEO of the Bank of Tuscaloosa. "Our vision was to deliver the highest level of service possible to our customers and now twenty years later we have not departed from that vision."

"Our initial ad campaign was "Expect a Difference" which captured the essence of our mission," continued Flemming. "We believe our growth and success over the past 20 years are because we have delivered on that anticipation of a different kind of banking relationship. We were strongly committed to Tuscaloosa County when we started and have not wavered in that commitment. We have been able to deliver on our promise to the community because of an outstanding local board of directors which has remained mostly intact since our beginning and excellent employees who strive every day to deliver our brand promise to our customers and the community."

As measured by total deposits, the Bank of Tuscaloosa has grown to be the second largest bank in the market among twenty banks. With seven locations and a complete line of financial products and services the bank has grown to $475 million in total assets and 90 employees.

Opening in the Stafford Plaza, formerly the Stafford Hotel, the bank has remained in its initial downtown location adding incremental space through the years. Now the Bank of Tuscaloosa has a new main office under construction still in downtown on Jack Warner Parkway on the banks of the Black Warrior River. The new building is a joint venture with the accounting firm of Jamison, Money Farmer & Co. and the law firm of Rosen Harwood, P.A. The project will result in the first large LEED certified building in Tuscaloosa County, and one of the first ten in the State of Alabama. It will serve as the home office for each of the three firms involved with the project and will also house the corporate offices of Hunt Refining Company
.

To celebrate the bank's 20th anniversary and in appreciation of the community's support, the bank employees were involved in 20 Acts of Kindness within the community during the month of April to express the bank's appreciation to the Tuscaloosa community for its support during the past 20 years.
 

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Habitat Dedicates Home

 
 

The 39th Habitat house built in Tuscaloosa was dedicated on April 21st. The Wallers, a mother, father and two children, are the proud homeowners. The home was sponsored by the Coalbed Methane Association of Alabama and supported by the City of Tuscaloosa, the 2008 Women Build Project and The Tuscaloosa Morning Rotary Club, in partnership with many community volunteers and supporters. State Rep. Gerald Allen, Mayor Walt Maddox and Councilman Harrison Taylor were on hand to assist the family in cutting the ribbon for their home. The Wallers have since moved into their new home on 21st Street in Tuscaloosa and are enjoying a new chapter in their lives as homeowners!

For more info or to get involved in Habitat, contact Susan Bishop at 205.349.4620 X 6 or sbishop@hfhtuscaloosa.org.

 

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DownTime Announces Grand Opening

 
  Tuscaloosa residents now have a new source for computer help in town! DownTime Business and Computer Solutions, LLC held its grand opening April 28th in Northport.

The new store will offer computer services including (but not limited to) computer installation and repair, web design, networking, wireless services, and telephone/television cable installation. In addition to these hardware based services, DownTime also offers computer classes and resume building workshops for all ages.

"I feel we have a new approach to this industry that will really surprise the customer," said owner Shane Weaver. Most everyone else charges an hourly rate so you aren't always sure how much you'll have to pay to get your computer back. At DownTime, the services are on a flat rate scale. You know exactly what it costs right up front.

The office is located in Northport, just off McFarland next to the new Taco Casa, beside Northcreek Plaza. Store hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. however weekend and after-hours service is available.

Shane is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has over 14 years IT experience, nine of them in Tuscaloosa. For more info, call 419.8205 or visit www.dtbcs.com.
 

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PostNet "Ultimate Business Center" Opens

 
  A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at PostNet on May 6th. The store is located at 4851 Rice Mine Rd. NE Unit 550 in Tuscaloosa (in plaza with Publix). PostNet is a full service, diversified business center that has over 900 locations worldwide. It offers digital services such as graphic design, computer time rental, scanning services and has the ability to receive and output files in a variety of formats. They also offer print and copy services, complete business printing services, document finishing services and much more. PostNet's pack and ship services include UPS VoterVoice