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.jpg) At this joyous time of the year, as we celebrate a most holy season and gather together as families and friends, it's a very good time to renew our spirit and commitments to community and service.
However, while we may be enjoying the blessings and excitement of the Christmas season, there are many that are hurting, in harms way, lonely and without any of the blessings that we enjoy. So, it is essential that our heart s be sensitive to the needs of others and reach out in service.
As we celebrate Christmas and look ahead to an exciting new year, it is only appropriate, and perhaps essential, that we pause and renew our commitments to our community, to our civic leadership roles, and to each other.
In addition, as you look for that perfect gift for those special people in your lives, keep this gift list in mind:
Give the gift of listening to someone who is alone. Just be there and listen.
Give the gift of affection. Be kind and generous with your hugs, kisses and the gentle squeeze of a warm handshake.
Give the gift of a note. A simple and unexpected "thank you" or "I love you" will make such a wonderful, lasting difference.
Give the gift of laughter. Help someone smile and experience the joy of laughing. It might just cheer a lonely heart.
Give the gift of a compliment. A simple, kind word will encourage a heart and let someone know they are special.
Give the gift of a favor. For no reason, surprise someone with a thoughtful and unexpected service.
Give the gift of solitude and meditation to yourself. Sometimes, we need to be alone with God and our thoughts. It can be as refreshing as a Spring rain.
Give the give of prayer. Pray for those on your Christmas list as well as those that need your encouragement. Let them know that they are so special that you talked to God about them.
From all of us at The Chamber, including our families, and from our hearts to yours, Merry Christmas and may God bless you with His joy!
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 Randy Skagen (pictured), Vice President & General Manager of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, has been elected 2009 Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, effective Jan 1, following an organizational meeting of the Board of Directors. Skagen succeeds Dr. Robert Witt, President of The UA.
In addition, Claude Edwards, President & CEO of Bryant Bank, was named Chairman Elect of The Chamber for 2010; Mark Sullivan, President of The Bank of Tuscaloosa, was elected as 2009 Treasurer; and Attorney Ryan deGraffenried, III, was named Legal Counsel. Robert Witt as Immediate Past Chair, and Johnnie Aycock, President of The Chamber, will both serve on the 2009 Executive Committee.
Elected as Division Vice Chairs and members of the Executive Committee for the coming year were: Business Development–Bill Lunsford, President of Bill Lunsford Construction; Governmental Affairs–Lin Moore, Chairman of Pritchett-Moore, Inc. ; Education & Workforce Development–Terry Waters, Western Division Vice President of Alabama Power Company; Community Development–Tracy Waldrop, community volunteer; and Organizational Development–Fitzgerald Washington, General Sales Manager of Buffalo Rock/Pepsi.
Skagen was named General Manager of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa in 2004 following service in similar leadership roles with Nucor since 1991 in Arkansas, South Carolina and North Carolina. He was elected Vice President of Nucor in 2005. A graduate of the Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, he began his career in the steel industry with Algoma Steel Corporation in 1980.
An active community and business leader, Skagen has served in numerous leadership roles with The Chamber and with local, state and national organizations. He has served as The Chamber’s Chairman Elect this past year and as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He is also the President Elect of the Board of Directors of the Association for Iron & Steel Technology Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors of United Way of West Alabama and the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Under his leadership, Nucor was named The Chamber’s Tanner Corporate Service Award recipient in 2006.
“The Chamber is a vital part of the fabric of our community, so it is a special honor to serve as Chair of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,” said Skagen.
“During this time of economic uncertainty, it is important for our Chamber to maintain our influence and leadership in the areas of business development, workforce development and education, cultural development, and governmental and public affairs, while supporting and encouraging our members with value-added services leadership.”
“2008 will certainly be a year to remember in West Alabama,” said Skagen. “It was a year that started off well, but with the undercurrent of a weakening economy, 2009 will now be a challenge for all of us. We need to understand the possible effects on the Tuscaloosa and Northport economies and our members.”
Skagen went on to emphasize, “2009 will be year in which we have to come together as local business leaders to lay out a plan for the future of Tuscaloosa County and the West Alabama region.” For example, The Chamber is currently completing a major strategic planning process, known as Direction 2012, which will outline key strategies and initiatives for the next three years. In addition, in partnership with the University of Alabama’s College of Commerce & Business Administration, The Chamber is being proactive by planning the West Alabama Regional Economic Summit for Jan 28 at the Bryant Conference Center. At this summit, business leaders and policy makers from our community and from across the region will discuss and layout economic challenges and opportunities that will help us not only meet current economic challenges, but emerge even stronger as a community.
“During the coming year,” Skagen said, “it will be important for The Chamber to support retail and commercial expansion in our area for new and existing firms. It is vital to our community to keep sales and tax revenue growing in our area. This increased business is good for all Chamber members because the more people who stay here and shop locally, the more they will frequent other local businesses as well.”
“By working together as Chamber members, we can control how bright our future is once the clouds are gone and the skies are clear,” emphasized Skagen. “And we have an extraordinary leadership team ready and willing to move forward to take on the challenge.”
The 2009 officers and directors take office effective Jan 1 and will be presented at The Chamber’s annual celebration on Jan 15, 2009. |
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Over the past several months, The Chamber’s leadership has been engaged in a strategic planning process, assessing the mission, operations, programs and objectives of the organization as well as looking ahead to the future. Known as Directions 2012, this planning process is essential to sustaining and expanding the impact and effectiveness of The Chamber.
Dr. Barry Mason, Dean of the College of Commerce & Business Administration at The UA, and a Past Chairman of The Chamber, has led a leadership team representing 6 segments of The Chamber. These 6 areas and their respective team leaders are: organizational development–Claude Edwards, Bryant Bank; communications and technology–Jimmy Warren, Totalcom Marketing; economic development–Chip Shields, CPA; community development–Jim Harrison III, Harrison Galleries; education and workforce development–Joseph Brown, Alabama Power Company; and governmental affairs–Lin Moore, Pritchett-Moore, Inc.
 These 6 teams, made up of a cross-section of Chamber members and volunteers, have been working to develop objectives and strategies to guide the organization over the next 3 to 4 years. The working plans were then submitted to a broader leadership team and the board of directors during The Chamber’s leadership planning retreat on Dec 11.
The final strategic plan will then be reviewed and modified as needed for approval by The Chamber’s board of directors at their first meeting in Jan 2009. Once adopted, Directions 2012 will provide a sounding call to action and influence The Chamber’s annual business plan.
Chamber President Johnnie Aycock pointed out that “our marketplace is constantly changing, paradigms are shifting, and economic conditions are dynamic with new demands. These elements create new expectations for proactive, responsive leadership for The Chamber and our members.”
“Thanks to the excellent work and contributions of our Chamber volunteer leadership team, Directions 2012 is designed to enhance and provide bold, creative and engaged leadership to meet a new horizon of possibilities and effectively meet The Chamber’s mission.”
Watch for a complete copy of Directions 2012 on The Chamber’s website soon. |
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Great Turnout for “Wine & Dine”
Hotel Capstone, Bryant Conference Center and the TCVB sponsored a very nice event themed “Wine & Dine” in Nov. About 300 people enjoyed great food, wine and networking. Each attendee was given a bottle of wine for touring the newly-renovated rooms at the Hotel.
Meet Us at The Zone!
Our next after hours mixer—the final one of 2008—will be hosted by the United Way at The Zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium, to celebrate its recent campaign. Join us on Tues, Dec 16 from 5 to 7 pm for great music, food and libations. Plus, we’ll find out how much our community has raised this year to support the United Way of West Alabama’s 26 partner service agencies.
Parking will be available in the lot adjacent to the east side of Bryant Denny Stadium, next to Wallace Wade Ave, as well as in the lot directly across from Wallace Wade Ave. Make plans now to attend and tell a friend! |
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An economic summit focused on Tuscaloosa and West Alabama will be held on Wed, Jan 28, 2009, at Bryant Conference Center.
The free event, co-sponsored by UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and The Chamber, will focus on West Alabama’s business climate in light of national economic trends and forecasts.
“The University of Alabama has a long history of partnering with The Chamber and its members to increase and enhance opportunities that build on the area’s economic strengths,” said UA President Robert Witt, who is the outgoing chairman of the board of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. “This summit will allow us to continue to look at those opportunities, even as we deal with the potential impact of the national financial crisis on our regional economy.”
Gov Bob Riley and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox are scheduled to address the summit at lunch.
Randy Skagen, vice president and general manager at Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, and incoming chairman of the board for the chamber, said, “Economic stability is essential to the success of any community and, while we enjoy a relatively stable economy in West Alabama, it is important that we look for ways to protect and enhance that stability. We have a number of companies in this area that reach outside of West Alabama, and our diverse manufacturing community is impacted by both national and international forces.”
With a slate of top-notch state and regional speakers, and experts in business and economic policy, the summit will look at various segments of the area’s economy, including banking, real estate, the auto industry and the retail sector.
“This summit will take a candid look at area economic conditions, including short- and long-term challenges, and bring together key leaders in the public and private sectors to build economic progress for the future,” said Johnnie Aycock, president of The Chamber.
Speakers set to participate are Malcolm Portera, chancellor of the UA System, who will discuss the present state of the area’s economy; Sam Addy, director of UA’s Center for Business and Economic Research, who will present the outlook for the area; John D. Harrison, superintendent of the Alabama Banking Department; Grayson Glaze, executive director of UA’s Alabama Center for Real Estate; and Bill Taylor, chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. A 30-min panel discussion of the Tuscaloosa-West Alabama retailing community is also scheduled.
Several hundred of the state’s most prominent business leaders gathered in Birmingham in Oct at a similar summit to discuss Alabama’s economy and hear the thoughts of several prominent business leaders and Gov. Bob Riley. The 2008 Economic Summit for Alabama Leaders was sponsored by The UA's Culverhouse College of Commerce and the Business Council of Alabama.
“The Birmingham summit was a history-making event,” said J. Barry Mason, dean of UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. “As the premier business school in the state, we believe it’s important to join The Chamber in bringing West Alabama business leaders together to provide insight on where this area is positioned in these challenging economic times. West Alabama may be in better financial shape than many other areas, but we have to be vigilant. We greatly appreciate the wonderful work The Chamber is doing on the behalf of the business community.”
Reservations can be made by emailing stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com or by calling 758.7588. Deadline is Fri, Jan 23, 2009. |
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Taking a proactive approach to address current economic uncertainties and challenges, The Chamber has led the way in the creation of an economic leadership team for the Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama community. The initial council is made up of key leaders in business and industry, education, health care, real estate and development, and local governments.
According to Chamber President Johnnie Aycock, “The purpose of the council is to provide a strategic, coordinated leadership team to review, monitor and address economic trends and identified needs in the community and to facilitate applicable strategies, policies and actions in the pubic and private sectors. We’re asking the question, how can we move through an economic downturn yet emerge as a stronger, more economically competitive community.”
Initially, 7 objectives have been set to help frame this economic initiative. They include:
· To provide relevant, current and accurate economic analysis and information for the public and private sectors for planning purposes as well as to keep citizens aware of trends, assets and opportunities in the local marketplace.
· To provide appropriate communications strategies that contribute to enhancing consumer confidence as well as expanding and sustaining an informed business community and citizenry.
· To facilitate and encourage effective, adaptable and applicable public policies that sustains stability and growth in the marketplace.
· To provide opportunities to inspire citizens and stimulate participation, investment and local buying in the Tuscaloosa County marketplace.
· To provide appropriate, timely and effective programming that contributes to training, planning and execution of strategies for area businesses as well as the public sector.
· To celebrate successes and leverage our assets to maintain and grow a vibrant economic environment for the future.
· To implement and maintain a high level of engaged leadership, collaboration and cooperation among all sectors of Tuscaloosa County that strategically positions the community for future prosperity and livability.
“As a Chamber, it is important to provide leadership and act as a catalyst to help provide solutions and collaborative efforts for and among the public and private sectors,” said Aycock. “This is a basic principle of The Chamber’s mission to enhance and sustain our area’s economic vitality and livability.” |
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 Ad sales are now underway for our 2009 Community Resource Guide/Business Directory. The last version produced is a much-improved one, and many more groups are using it for recruiting purposes, etc. And, we distribute thousands of these to residents, businesses, visitors and people inquiring about relocation. The 2009 book will be expanded to include more area info highlighted by vivid images, some from our recent area photo contest. Make sure your business has a strong presence in this book! Contact Ginger Nunley at 850.866.3385 or flmaplady@gmail.com to set a brief appt.
 Ad sales are also underway for our 2008 Annual Report, to be distributed at our annual celebration on Jan 15 and then mailed to all members. We’ll no longer do a printed Mid Year Report, so this is the only opportunity for visibility of this kind until next year. The Report will be an improved one, with many visuals in full color, and it'll take on the look of our “Celebrating You” event. Space is limited so contact Laura Farmer at 391.0555 or laura@tuscaloosachamber.com today.
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The Literacy Council of West Alabama's Board of Directors adopted an official 2009 Plan of Action in November. (Click on it to view it).
The Chamber, along with many other community partners, embarked on this initiative in 2008 to address our community’s illiteracy problem. The Literacy Council of West Alabama was set up as a coordination and support agency for all efforts already going on in our area. Counties served in our region are: Tuscaloosa, Hale, Lamar, Greene, Pickens, Fayette, Bibb and Sumpter. For more info, call 758.7588 or visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com/literacy.
Joining in the crusade, a student group at The UA has created the “Literacy is The Edge” (LITE) organization, which is raising awareness on campus with clever ads and recruiting volunteers. Click here to view its Facebook page. |
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Over 100 ladies attended the Women In Business Council's 3rd Annual Sweet Escape on Dec 4. Event was held at the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion, which was decorated beautifully for Christmas. Ladies enjoyed shopping, Peterbrooke chocolate and other goodies, as well as pampering from Chamber member salons. Two $100 gift certificates were given away, as well as many door prizes from local businesses, and a truck full of toys was collected for Toys for Tots! Thanks go out to all the vendors and pampering services. Next year's event has been set for Dec 3rd.
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Candlewood Suites hosted an Open House in style on Nov 19. Guests were treated to a spread by Cypress Inn and a 32” plasma TV was given away as a door prize! Tours of the attractive new rooms were given and all attendees were impressed. Address is 651 Skyland Blvd, East in Tuscaloosa (next to Ramada Inn). For more info, contact Paul Junkins at 722.0999. |
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The following joined from Nov 1, 2008 to date.
Schaeffer Eye Center
The Law Office of Ronald L. Davis
JDA Consulting, LLC
T-Town Motorsports
SECURIT/Shred-It
State Farm Agency Recuiter
Kid One Transport
Payson Jewels
Pre-Paid Legal Services |
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Bradford Health Services Open House is Dec 12
Bradford Health Services will host an Open House on Fri, Dec 12 from 11 am to 2 pm, which will include lunch. Please plan to come and RSVP by calling 750.0227.
TA Holiday Activities
Lower School (grades 1-4) Student Council Association students at Tuscaloosa Academy will volunteer as Salvation Army bell ringers in the front and back of the school on Mon, Dec 8 through Fri, Dec 12 during morning and afternoon carpool. Hours are 7:40 am to 8 am and 2:50 pm to 3:05 pm. TA is located at 420 Rice Valley Rd in Tuscaloosa. This project is a way to teach the importance of generosity during the holidays and reinforce the idea of giving rather than receiving. Also, exceptional artwork created by members of TA’s Upper School, is part of an art exhibit at the Tuscaloosa Public Library. Exhibit will be displayed through Dec. For more info, call 758.4462 ext. 507.
Children’s Market at Alabama Museum of Natural History
The Alabama Museum of Natural History at UA will host its annual children’s market Fri, Dec 12 from 4-7 pm in Smith Hall. Event will offer food, fun and entertainment for children of all ages. Cost is $2. For more info, contact Randy Mecredy at 348.2136 or rmecredy@bama.ua.edu.
Tuscaloosa Christmas Afloat is Saturday
Tuscaloosa Christmas Afloat will be held at 5 pm on Sat, Dec 13 on the Black Warrior River, between the two bridges. Fireworks will follow. For more info, call April Stamps at 333.2000.
Theatre Tuscaloosa to Hold Public Reading of Doubt
Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 8 performance production of John Patrick Shanley’s Tony award and Pulitzer prize winning play Doubt: A Parable will open on Feb 20, 2009. In preparation, the staff and Board of Directors is hosting a public reading on Mon, Dec 15, 2009, at 7:30 pm in the Wilson-Carr Rehearsal Hall next to Theatre Tuscaloosa’s Bean-Brown Theatre. If you have questions about content, you should attend the reading. For more info, please call 391.2277 or email tfitch@sheltonstate.edu.
Poetry Out Loud at the Bama
The Dist 3 Regional Finals for the Poetry Out Loud Competition will be held on Dec 16, 2008 at the Bama Theatre. Winners from each participating school will compete for a spot in the State Finals to be held in Montgomery on Feb 28, 2009. Competition will begin at 10 am and is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Alabama State Council on the Arts is also sponsoring an original poetry competition at 1:15pm. Winners from both competitions will be announced at 2 pm. There’s no admission cost. For more info, call 758.5195 x4 or visit www.tuscarts.org.
City Holds Book Fair, Volunteers Needed
The City of Tuscaloosa will host a Scholastic Book Fair Dec 17– 19 in the lobby of City Hall (old building). A portion of proceeds with go directly to the Tuscaloosa Pre-k Initiative. Volunteers are needed to work the sale, please call Heather at 248.5001 if you and/or anyone from your office can work one or more shifts.
PARA Offers Chili & Lights Tour, Breakfast with Santa
PARA’s Chili & Lights Tour is Dec 18 from 6 to 9 pm at the McAbee Center. Make reservations at 562.3230.
PARA’s Breakfast with Santa will be on Sat Dec 20 from 8 to 9:30 am at the McAbee Center. For more info, call 562.3230.
Nancy Taylor Day Spa Announcements
Dr. William J. Hedden, MD will be accepting patients for Dec 20 at Nancy Taylor Skin Therapy & Day Spa. Dr. Hedden is a plastic surgeon in Birmingham dedicated to achieving beautiful, natural looking results for his patients. His formal education and hands-on training are second to none. To book your consultation appt, call 391.4585.
CHOM Plans New Years Eve Party
CHOM will throw a New Year’s Rocking Noon party for kids on Dec 30 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, including activities and favors. Call 349.4235 for more info.
Clara Verner Reschedules Open House
Clara Verner Apartments, located on Jack Warner Pkwy, must reschedule an open house event originally set for this month. A Jan date will be announced soon. Call 759.5781 X 286 for more info. |
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