|
| |
|
|
| |
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.
Today, this group is made of women from diverse backgrounds and professions, some retirees and stay at home moms. It’s open to everyone, not just the business community.
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.
This special issue of Perspectives is dedicated to these women. |
|
|
Top
|
| |
|
|
| |
The annual meeting of the Women’s Division of the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce was held in the rose Room of the Hotel Stafford on November 24, 1958.
Mrs. Alden Snow, President, presided and called on all officers and Committee Chairman for annual reports.
The reports included varied activities performed by the many committees during the year, including assisting with conventions, conducting tours of the city, and teas for school teachers.
The outstanding achievement of the Women’s Division for the year was the beginning of the Foreign Student Program.
The report of the nominating committee was read and accepted. The following officers and Executive Board were elected for 1959: President, Mrs. Harry Pritchett; Vice President, Mrs. George Wright; Secretary, Mrs. Marvin Copeland, Jr.; Treasurer, Mrs. Mrs. Henry Herrod; Executive Board, Mrs. Kenneth Coons, Mrs. Sam Faucett, Mrs. Wilson Beauchamp, Mrs. Joe Duckworth, Mrs. Alden Snow.
Mrs. Snow turned the meeting over to the new president, who announced her commitees would be assigned later. A rising vote of thanks was given to Mrs. Snow for her successful year as the first President of the Women’s Division.
The meeting was adjourned and coffee was served to the members.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances S. Copeland, Secretary |
|
|
Top
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Women’s Division held its annual fundraising luncheon on Oct 8 at Indian Hills Country Club. Keynote speaker was Dr. Doug Phillips, Alabama’s premiere naturalist and host of the public TV program “Discovering Alabama.”
The group socialized and celebrated its 50th year of giving support to various non-profit organizations. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit community groups.
Pictured is Michelle Goodbread of Regions Bank with the beach cruiser bike provided by Regions as a door prize. Also pictured is 2008 president Sherie Giles with Shana Milligan (president elect) in the background.
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
|
|
| |
Current member (and Chamber Education Division Manager) Loo Whitfield said, “The Women’s Division is, and has always been, very pure in giving back [to the community], since there is no overhead.” The Women's Division is completely self-supporting and financed through membership dues, which are $15 per year, and fundraising projects.
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. |
|
|
Top
|
| |
|
|
| |
Tuscaloosa Public Library Director, Dr. Nancy Pack said “The WD donations have been a Godsend.” In 2000-2001, the WD provided much-needed funds to furnish the administrative offices of the Library. Each year since then, the WD has provided funds for other things there, like supporting the summer reading program, purchasing books, and improving the children’s area.
Rachel Allgood, a manager at Indian Rivers Mental Health Center said, “Through the hard work of members of the Chamber’s Women’s Division during their Christmas in July Program, the financial hardships of some of the families with whom we work are minimized. Indian Rivers Mental Health Center greatly appreciates the continued support of this project, the emotional and monetary investments, as well as the dedication of members to increase the awareness of mental health issues in children.” |
|
|
Top
|
| |
|
|
| |
This is 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!
|
|
|
Top
|
 |
