Tuscaloosa: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow by Beers and Associates

TUSCALOOSA ! Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

! The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Beers and Associates would like to express our gratitude to the following companies and organizations for their leadership in the development of this book.

Top photo by Barry Fikes. Above left photo courtesy Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Above right photo by Alice Wilson.

TUSCALOOSA ! Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow By Donald Brown and Hannah Brown Featuring the photography of Barry Fikes, Porfirio Solorzano, and Alice Wilson Corporate profiles by Olivia Grider, Jim Longton, Bobby Mathews, Kurt Niland and Rachel Beers Ronald P. Beers, Publisher Editor: Wendi Lewis Designer: Kevin Criswell Profile Editor: Emily Roach Assistant Editor: Rachel Beers Staff Photographer: Rebecca Beers Marketing Coordinator: Catherine Goodwin Scanning Technician: Kathryn Buchan

Ronald P. Beers, President Terry A. Beers, Vice President ÂŠ 2010 Beers & Associates, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved Published 2010 First Edition ISBN: 9780979660122 Library of Congress Control Number: 2010904360 Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information herein. However, the authors and Beers & Associates are not responsible for any errors or omissions that might have occurred. Printed in the USA We Love a Parade! YESTERDAY Firemen and children alike rode the shiny, flag-carrying truck in this downtown parade in the nineteen fifties, urging a brighter, cleaner community. The cars of other participants stretched behind them. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service.

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Greensboro, YESTERDAY, TODAY Some buildings look different with modernization, and a tree has grown, but overall this view of Greensboro Avenue in 2010 remains much like the picture made in the 1950s. Some might say that such familiarity indicates too much sameness. Others might see it differently, as a street scene thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pleasant reflection of times not forgotten. Historic photo, this page, courtesy Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. New photo, opposite, by Alice Wilson.

TABLE OF CONTENTS ! Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Part One .................................................................................................................................................................. 10-11 Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow ....................................................................................................................................14 Tomorrow ...................................................................................................................................................................146 Conversation with a Pacesetter .................................................................................................................................. 148 Partners in Progress .................................................................................................................................................... 156 Part Two .................................................................................................................................................................... 157 Corporate Sponsors Index................................................................................................................................... 252-253 Corporate Timeline ............................................................................................................................................ 254-255 Corporate Profile Credits............................................................................................................................................255 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................ 256

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ! Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations that provided information, materials, photos and encouragement to create this book. `

Clark Center and Marina Klaric, W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama Ken Gaddy and Brad Green, Paul W. Bryant Museum, The University of Alabama Northport Heritage Museum Chuck Gerdau, Friends of Historic Northport Susan Haynes and Katherine Mauter, Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society Tuscaloosa City Board of Education Mr. Robert Heath and Mrs. Evelyn King, Stillman College Library Dr. Robert Mellown Dr. Robert Morgan and Mrs. Irma Jean Mason, First African Baptist Church Mrs. Elizabeth Hagler, First Presbyterian Church Emma Jean Melton, MAAM Dr. Mickey Ursic Ms Tilda Mims, Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service Mrs. Lenora McDonald, Tuscaloosa Airport Authority A.J. deMontgris Charles Spurling Pam Penick, Arts Council of Tuscaloosa

Clark Hall, YESTERDAY The University Library ca. 1880 was located on the first floor of Clark Hall. Today, Clark Hall is a symbol of awesome design and materials, embodying terra cotta tiles, stained glass windows, turrets, and pinnacles popular in the Victorian style of the 1880s. Originally, its first floor housed the university library, reading rooms, and a chapel, while the second and third floors contained a large public hall with a balcony. Photo courtesy W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

FOREWORD TUSCALOOSA: YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW

t is with a deep sense of pride and enthusiasm that The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama presents this wonderful gift to the community. Tuscaloosa: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow is a celebration of our history and heritage while reflecting a deep sense of optimism and hope for the future. This beautiful volume completes a trilogy of keepsake books on our beloved community that The Chamber has sponsored and developed over the past few years. Through this very special keepsake, we are proud to share a glimpse into the heart and soul of Tuscaloosa and the spirit of our people. Within these pages, you will gain a new perspective and understanding why our history is so precious and our future so very bright. “In the South,” wrote the novelist Willie Morris, “perhaps more than any other region, we go back to our home in dreams and memories, hoping it remains what it was on a lazy, still summer’s day years ago.” The nostalgia and memories that this book provides does remind us of those special days gone by and the warm, lasting memories of living in a very special place. Yet, as we celebrate our history, we look forward with excitement to the potential and possibilities that are before us as a community. Building on our heritage and standing on the shoulders of those citizens that have gone before us, leaving a legacy of community-building, this should stimulate the spirit and determination to build new dreams and memories for the future. This wonderful look at our past, present and future has been made possible through the generous support of our corporate sponsors, who believe that Tuscaloosa: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow will capture and showcase our very special community – and stimulate the desire to reach new heights of progress and livability. To each of our sponsors, thank you for making such a significant and lasting impact. To our collaborative team of Donald and Hannah Brown, what a joy! You have shared your talents, deep abiding love for the community, and dedication to our heritage as well as your vision for an even greater community. You have indeed captured the rhythms, pulse, memories and magic of the community we lovingly call “T-Town.” You’ve inspired us to not only remember and appreciate our history, but to also reach for new heights of greatness. To our team of talented photographers – Alice Wilson, Barry Fikes and Porfirio Solorzano – a huge thank you for sharing your professional and creative talents and artistic expertise to truly create a visual showcase. Your dedication to providing the highest quality images to produce this one-of-a-kind publication is very much appreciated. In our last Chamber keepsake publication, Jimmy Warren reflected on the fact that “we have all come from various places. We have traveled different paths. We are individuals and families who have always been a part of the Tuscaloosa landscape. We are newcomers who have more recently joined the rich, diverse patchwork and now call Tuscaloosa home.” But we all are reaping the harvest of over 190 years of leadership, citizenship and community today. Tuscaloosa: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow provides a visual time of nostalgia, a time of memories, a time of celebration. It is also a way to express our thankfulness and pay tribute to the many citizens over the past 190 years who have contributed to our community’s development and quality – who have distinguished themselves in the good times and through times of challenge. So, within these pages, we hope you will experience the diverse, rich fabric and healthy pulse of the vibrant, livable place we all call home. And that you will be stimulated to capture the imagination of the possibilities, and hand off an even brighter torch to future generations We all have so much for which to be thankful, so much to celebrate. Enjoy! Johnnie R. Aycock President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

PART

ONE

LEFT: Feeling the Future, YESTERDAY Themselves alone, the ranks of prominent buildings downtown in 1960 reflected ongoing momentum toward the future, and outlying industries such as Gulf States paper, Hunt Oil, Holt Foundry and Goodrich Tire were in themselves bright beacons. A solid work force, the importance of the University of Alabama, and quality leadership walked together into the new decade. The year introduced a memorable decade of fame – Alabama’s three national football championships and Tuscaloosa’s Sesquicentennial celebration, among others – but also a decade that included the so-called “stand in the schoolhouse door” in 1963 at the university. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. FOLLOWING PAGES: Growing and Going / TODAY Perhaps in no era of its nearly two hundred years has Tuscaloosa proper had activity and action to match that of 2010. A riverside amphitheater is in bud on the western edge of downtown. East toward the University of Alabama, a United States federal courthouse is sweeping toward completion. City Hall additions that include a parking deck quicken government’s pulse. Restaurants, night spots and even a sidewalk hot dog vendor give residents and visitors new choices. The developing Riverwalk makes the Black Warrior more pleasurable. In short, seen from our riverboat, busy streets or the air, downtown is a delight! Photo by Richard Todd / Todd Media.

L & N Station, YESTERDAY In the 1850s, Tuscaloosa began trying to get a railroad. It didn’t succeed until 1872, when the Alabama and Chattanooga line extended its track to the town. The A & C became the Alabama Great Southern in 1878, and was the county’s only rail service until the Mobile & Ohio arrived in 1898, running between Columbus, Mississippi and Montgomery, and crossing the Black Warrior River on a 135-foot high trestle. The Louisville & Nashville line was the last to come, in the early 1900s. It ran a twenty-mile branch line to the coal mines in Brookwood, and connected to the large L & N system. An L & N station was erected downtown in 1912, a few miles from the A.G.S. station that had been built in 1911 on the southern edge of the city. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

YESTERDAY THE FURTHER BACKWARD WE LOOK THE FURTHER FORWARD WE CAN SEE.

- WINSTON CHURCHILL

t’s true, we tend to be slightly different over here in west Alabama. How else to explain our 300-pound concrete canoe, which floats. The conglomeration of 92,000 fans who cheer a Crimson Tide spring game. Whatever it is that may haunt the Drish House. Or the business window sign offering shoplifters a free ride in a police car. Our neighbors near and far---in the Black Belt, the picturesque Tennessee Valley, and the mountainous northeast counties---have their ways, too. Yet all of us join and pull together to help friends and strangers alike suffering from the oil disaster of 2010 that ruined their livelihoods and fouled a beautiful sea and coastline. We all despaired. To know this part of Alabama better, look closer. You’ll find us to be family and flag centered, friendly and church-going, loyal to our football, big on the outdoors, and hard workers who enjoy living. It’s the Black Warrior’s fault we’re different. No, take that back. It’s the river’s blessing we’re who we are. Forever, it has fed us, flooded us, relaxed us, renewed us, taunted us to tame it. Our ancestors, their bones long at rest, might have sworn that inky water and not blood coursed through their veins. Hardened them two hundred years ago with the toughness and vision to build something here at the farthest navigable point upriver from Mobile. “This here ain’t the end, it’s a beginning,” they might have said viewing the shoals that stopped further

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L & N Station, TODAY When L & N ended service to Tuscaloosa the station was left as a lonely icon of the past. Still, however, it was a handsome edifice of yellow pressed-brick, marble, and steel that called for further use. Consequently, in recent years the building has had several lives. Photo by Barry Fikes.

navigation. Then they built docks, opened businesses, and carved roads to allow crops and goods from distances away to be brought here and shipped south on flat-bottom boats. So the woods sprouted frontier settlements by the river: Northport and Tuscaloosa primarily, their names acquired early on from the legends and stories about this wilderness and those brave enough to take hold and live here. Tuscaloosa, itself 191 years old; the name is derived from the fabled Indian chief of these parts, Tushka (black) lusa (warrior) who legend says stood seven feet. Settled in 1813, North Port was the town’s first spelling, but boat captains called it Kentuck. Depending on the multiple uses we gain from it and the breathtaking hues of dawn and evening it reflects, this ageless river is why a lot of our neighbors would swap their next-born for what we have. In his book, A River Goes with Heaven, Howell Vines’s eloquence conveys our deepest feelings: “In the presence of the Warrior River, restfulness flows down my marrow, autumnal calm comes over me…The past is close kin to pain, and it is near to happiness.” We’re individualists in other ways, too. Surely you know about the Mississippian Indian civilization and its cluster of thirty-two elaborate earthen mounds, which date back to between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. Moundville Archaelogical Park, just south of us, is the hub of conservation of the mounds, restoration of the powerful village-city, a museum, wooded walking trails, and a Native American Festival every September. Upwards of three thousand Indians populated the village, and perhaps ten thousand more along the adjoining river. A short drive down from Tuscaloosa leads you centuries back in time at a place like no other in Alabama. Our place. In April 1865, thirty-four years after its founding in 1831, Yankee soldiers burned the University of Alabama almost to the ground during an attack on Tuscaloosa. Our outnumbered student militia fought valiantly, but the president’s mansion and three other buildings were about all that survived. The campus destroyed, the invaders then marched thirty miles east to the Tannehill Foundry, which made Confederate munitions. Undaunted, however, we rebuilt and the university reopened in April 1869. Our determination.

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316 Greensboro: Prominent address, YESTERDAY Fireproof, it claimed. Café on premises. Its bus would meet every passenger train. Dominant on the Greensboro hill up from (or down to) the river. And for years a downtown fixture. None other than the imposing Burchfield Hotel, favored in its prime as the commercial men’s choice. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society.

Foster Auditorium, university campus. 3:33 p.m. June 11, 1963. Defiant Governor George C. Wallace stepped aside, ending his infamous “stand in the schoolhouse door” against integration of the University of Alabama. His orchestrated tactics approved by President John F. Kennedy, Wallace wrung out the blistering summer day for all it was worth to his higher political ambition. But at day’s end, James Hood and Vivian Malone became freshmen at Alabama. It was a unique stage in America’s civil rights movement. Our stage. Paul William Bryant would lean against a goal post watching pre-game warm-ups and feel in his bones that his Crimson Tide would win again. And it did—232 times, including six national championships, over the quarter century he coached Alabama, 1957-1982. A rugged individual who once wrestled a bear for a few dollars, he had left the ring with a life-long nickname. Bryant died on January 26, 1983, but he’s still here, still ours: the stadium, his museum, a bank, a boulevard, and, most certainly, the hounds tooth hat. Our legend. We gave rise to three governors—William “Plain Bill” Brandon, elected 1923; Henry Collier, 1849; Lurleen Burns Wallace, elected 1957. Our leadership. Just west of downtown, in a grassy park with a white pavilion, you’ll find imposing stone columns and the foundation of the seat of Alabama government. You’ve found Capitol Park, the throwback to 1826, when the Legislature voted Tuscaloosa Alabama’s state capital. We kept it until 1846, when south Alabama power brokers took it away to Montgomery. Our memory. As the Civil War was erupting, Tuscaloosa gained prominence that in some ways matched the importance of having been the center of state government—Alabama’s first State Hospital for Insane Persons (now Bryce Hospital), which opened here in July 1861. We have a distinguished history of housing and treating the mentally ill. Our legacy. But enough looking back. There’s much more, although you probably understand now why we say with meaning that being different is in our nature. There it is. The truth.

Burchfield Hotel Site, TODAY Proximity to the Black Warrior River, the amphitheater (under construction) and downtown’s entertainment and businesses give the old Burchfield Hotel site’s central location great potential in 2010. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

TODAY The present time has one advantage over every other---it is our own. – CHARLES CALEB COLTON

Lacon (1825)

emember your grandma’s favorite potluck stew? Icebox leftovers its base, but when her mysterious mixture came to the table, she had worked magic. All-America City Tuscaloosa of the first century, third millennium is like that. A determined compilation of industrial expertise, business ventures, cultural riches, nationalities, political strength and education innovations—undergirded with strong local leadership—is enduring turbulent times and producing an economy stronger than many. In spring 2010, despite cutbacks in several sectors, ninety-one percent of our labor pool was working at a potpourri of good jobs small and large. The headliners—University of Alabama, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, DCH Regional Medical Center, city/county schools, Michelin-BFGoodrich tire manufacturing, City of Tuscaloosa, Phifer Wire Products and Jim Walter Resources coal mining—added up to the majority of our 77,600 employed. International places and faces flavor us in ways that few other Alabama counties have achieved: Germany, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Britain and New Zealand. Eighteen businesses/industries, counting Mercedes-Benz. More are expected when the national economy stabilizes. Into the oven go these cultures, colors and customs, stirred in with down-home hospitality and traditions. Out comes twenty-first century Tuscaloosa—toe-tapping bluegrass and high-stepping German polkas; Homecoming and the annual Japanese Sakura Festival of arts and dance, our warm Sister City attachments with Narashino City, Japan, and Schorndorf, Germany; the German Supplementary School and the University of Alabama’s International Trade Center. A university program also allows faculty and students to study in Europe, Asia and Central America in cooperation with fourteen institutions abroad. Southern gentility spiced liberally with worldly ways is what has evolved.

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City Hall Square A downtown focal point, early twentieth century, was City Hall Square at the Sixth Street-Greensboro intersection. City Hall, itself, stood there, also the McLester Hotel, shown here in the background, and the ornate artesian well. Governed then by a mayor-alderman system, Tuscaloosa adopted a City Commission system in 1911. Improvements of that era included the first police force, 1900; paid fire department, 1915; numbered streets and houses, 1906; and traffic lights, 1930. If the reader looks at the McLester Hotel on page 20, in its earliest days, and then on this page, it is easy to see common elements that remained through the years. In the image behind the monument, the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side bay windows are still in place. The hotel later acquired the building to the right of it and incorporated its more uniform, squared appearance which can be clearly seen in the more modern photo below. For a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view of how these buildings were all joined together please see the aerial photo on page 10. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

Photo by Alice Wilson

“Many of our proudest traditions and assets are proving to be significant in our economic prosperity and progress,” is emphasized by Claude Edwards, President of Bryant Bank and 2010 Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “Our work ethic, genuine hospitality, cultural resources and livability are attractive worldwide. It’s amazing how many people come to Tuscaloosa and simply fall in love with our lifestyle and economic opportunities.” That work ethic has weathered good times and bad over several generations. It is rooted deeply in such bellwether names as Central Foundry, Gulf States Paper, McAbee Construction, Kauloosa Lumber, Anders Hardware, and in the close-by coal mines. Today that ethic is represented by a work force of women and men with their own resilience, toughness and open minds to the realities just around the bend of tomorrow. In their own ways they are also good Samaritans. Hard times or not, witness the soup bowl programs of area churches, the always-successful United Way campaign, ministries to help women just freed from prison and persons with addictions—caring citizens sharing their money and time to help others. And there are dozens more strong examples. It’s also in our nature to give quality of life high priority. Feel it, hear it, see it in the amphitheater we’re building downtown by the river, strong churches county wide, Crimson Tide mania, the huge annual festivals at Kentuck, Moundville and Dickens Downtown, the Tuscaloosa Symphony, Theater Tuscaloosa, our paddle wheel Bama Belle river boat, the unique Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art, the historic Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, Battle-Friedman antebellum house and Murphy-Collins African-American Museum, the ongoing town-gown outreach of our academic trio, the University, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College. All together (and much more could be mentioned), they equal still another successful blend of amazing talents, committed volunteers, continuing support, youthful energy and generations of loyalty. Speaking of youthful energy, the concrete canoe, 2010 model, was launched by its makers, civil engineering students at the University, this summer at the national competition of the American Society of Civil Engineers in California. The University was host for the nationals in 2009. Tuscaloosa today: synonym for the kind of life we love, and invite you to share.

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McLester Hotel, YESTERDAY Three sisters and a bank formed the McLester Building Company in 1887, naming it for the women’s grandfather and pioneer settler here, Richard McLester. The company bought the vacant northeast corner of Greensboro Avenue and Sixth Street, and there built the McLester Hotel, of thirty-three rooms, each with a fireplace, also a street level saloon. Carrie McLester married Edward Snow, also of a pioneer local family, and by 1907 she and her husband had acquired all stock of the McLester Building Company. The hotel stayed in Snow family ownership from that time forward. The hotel thrived and underwent numerous expansions and improvements, until by 1960 it boasted of 100 rooms, and of being a prime gathering place for many University of Alabama events and area civic clubs.

TOMORROW There can be no progress if people have no faith in tomorrow.

– JOHN F. KENNEDY November 18, 1963

t’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s around the bend for Tuscaloosa tomorrow. The future, that is. Depends on whom you ask. Those who bleed crimson will swear that stadium expansion producing over 101,000 seats in September 2010 won’t be enough to welcome national champion Alabama, which whipped Texas in January to win its thirteenth crown. Visionaries might foresee in their crystal ball an efficient countywide public school system or a long-awaited civil rights tourist trail. The realists among us would partner downtown and the river in planning for sound growth. And most of the rest of us will push or pull—in the wise words of an old friend—according to what hits our hot button. We welcomed 2010 with hot buttons galore, plus federal stimulus money helpful to us and the rest of the region. Sensible priorities and meticulous planning were never more important. Mercedes-Benz’s several thousand team members were building three vehicles in 2009 at its vast facility—the second generation M-Class, R-Class Grand Tourer crossover and GL-Class SUV. Also in 2009, the company completed a $290 million plant expansion for building a fourth, the M-Class 450 Hybrid model, for the 2010 model year.

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McLester Hotel site, TODAY Businesses, restaurants and bars co-exist as good neighbors at Greensboro and Sixth today, plus a developing interest in loft living. Sold in 1961 to the First Federal Savings and Loan Association, the McLester has been gone since 1964, and its long shadow and its legacy of welcoming hospitality seem a fading memory before the plans for a new downtown. But those who would remember know that it was a splendid landmark in its prime, and the community’s belle. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

West to east, Tuscalooosa’s economic news is strong in 2010. Expansion at Hunt Refining Company totals $835 million and 55 more jobs. Faurecia, the world’s fifth-largest automotive supplier, is investing $15 million in a plant where 198 workers will build seats for Mercedes-Benz. And soon after that announcement, Faurecia unfurled plans for a second plant here ($13.5 million, 148 jobs) to serve other auto makers. Plans inch forward for the anticipated east side connector from Interstate 20/59 that should cause north Tuscaloosa to go boom. Plus, the addition of fifth and sixth lanes to I 20/59 across the county is proceeding, but slowly. We’re energized, literally/figuratively, by broad-based area growth that includes the University campus and, downtown, the construction of City Hall additions, a transportation building, and an imposing federal courthouse that promise exciting spinoffs in businesses and housing. And we’re America’s eleventh best small business-friendly city, Forbes Small Business magazine said in fall 2009. Hand-in-glove, again because it’s our nature, is a stout commitment, in Tuscaloosa and Northport especially, to keep and preserve the remaining buildings, houses and sites that so uniquely benchmark our history. Too many of them we have deliberately let be plowed under, built over or forgotten. But not at Moundville, whose museum opened a five million dollar expansion in 2010. The Tuscaloosa Sports Foundation landed a major economic coup in 2009, the state high school football playoffs, which occurred in December at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Tuscaloosa and Auburn will alternate in hosting that championship event. The University, itself a city within the city, topped 28,000 enrollment in fall, 2009. Continuing campus needs then led the Board of Trustees to buy the adjoining Bryce Hospital campus from the state for $77 million (plus

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Parade Passing By, YESTERDAY The flag-decked fire truck, with fire fighters and friends carrying the theme, “Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up,” highlighted this downtown parade in the nineteen fifties, as other participants followed behind. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service.

$10 million for property cleanup and preservation), plus tthe nearby Capstone Village retirement complex. By fall, 2010, the new College of Nursing and Foster Auditorium renovation are scheduled for completion. The Foster plan includes the [Vivian]Malone [James] Hood plaza and the Autherine Lucy Foster clock tower, named for the students who integrated UA in 1963. The third and fourth buildings at the [Richard] Shelby engineering quadrangle are under construction, as well, in 2010. And, in the Fall, a bronze statue will be dedicated to honor Nick Saban as Alabama’s fifth coach to win a national football championship (2009). The scenic River Walk, a three-mile blend of downtown, university and Black Warrior, is a pleasant experience for walkers, joggers, picnickers and those who just want to relax on a bench and soak up the setting. The amphitheater area will give the well-lit, paved walk a proper starting point. Its scheduled opening is early 2011. Across the water, a new Northport is advancing toward reality in the form of more restaurants, shopping, housing and related businesses. Spring, 2010, Friends of Historic Northport unveiled plans for a Van de Graaf Arboretum and Park on 200 acres given it by descendents of the Jemison-Van de Graaff-Rountree family. One focal point will be the original bow string bridge, built over the river in 1882. In another spring event, Northport observed its first Heritage Festival with a day of fun and receiving from the state a historic marker than traces its history from 1813. Ever-growing DCH Regional Medical Center, the dominant health complex in west Alabama, opened its stateof-the-art cancer treatment facility in 2009. The multi-story building offers the personnel and equipment to give

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Parade intersection, TODAY Brick walkways, stately street lights and all-purpose crossings exemplify the downtown makeover in 2010, as does the spacious City Hall addition in the background. The central business district is a proud place, with more improvements on the way. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

greater care and comfort to an increasing patient load. You get the picture. And it’s not a wish list. Fueled by realistic and strong leadership from all sectors, and sound purpose, all this is reality coming around the bend full steam, bringing our tomorrow. Not fully on the drawing board yet, but certainly in the thoughts of many far-sighted citizens looking toward that bend, are work and living enhancements that will attract even more newcomers and cause them happily to stay. Census Bureau figures have 184,035 people living in Tuscaloosa County as of July 2009. That reflects a gain of almost twelve percent since the 2000 Census. “The next twenty years will be exciting for Tuscaloosa and we have great hope, “said Lin Moore, Chairman of Pritchett-Moore, Inc. and 2011 Chairman of The Chamber. “We are moving in such a positive direction with such a laser-like focus on being one of the most livable communities in America; and hopefully, as our community continues to sustain our economic vitality, we will see new investment in cultural and educational opportunities for all of our citizens.” Already gaining attention is another reality chugging this way—the Bi-centennial anniversary of Tuscaloosa’s birth in 1819 as a rough-cut river settlement. And it’s a good bet that as a proper celebration begins to take shape and form, west Alabama residents will be defined, as we always are—as a little different, but salt-of-the-earth folk proud of their yesterdays and eager to shape their tomorrows. !

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RIGHT: Alston Building, YESTERDAY A downtown fixture since its debut in 1907 at Greensboro and Sixth Street, the seven-story Alston Building once was proudly Tuscaloosa’s first “sky scraper,” but also was dubiously hailed as America’s tallest building on an unpaved street. Named after its builder, banker Sam Alston, the structure rose on the site where the burned Courthouse had stood. Yellow bricks imported from Chicago defined the exterior, as did ornate crown molding inside. Every window wore red-white-blue banners for the 1916 Centennial. In its earliest life, this corner also housed a Masonic Hall, and for sixty-two years the Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. TOP: Alston Building, TODAY Still a dominant downtown address, 601 Greensboro Avenue, the Alston Building had major renovations in 1985, and today remains a good business location with its proximity to City Hall and the Courthouse. The members of a business condominium association own the structure. Its occupants include a radio station, law offices, and quarters of association members. Someone identified only as a former professional athlete (raised locally) recognized the Alston’s potential and bought the building in 2009, a decision that shines bright prospects on the future. Tuscaloosa’s long-timers will also remember that this once was the national headquarters of the United Klans of America. Photo by Barry Fikes

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TOP: BAMA Theatre, YESTERDAY The BAMA Theatre, under construction in 1937-38. Photo courtesy of BAMA Theatre. ABOVE: BAMA Theatre, TODAY Its landmark edifice and bold marquee fixtures at University and Greensboro, the BAMA Theatre is a busy place. The spacious interior, deep stage and ample space for receptions help make this one of the most popular venues in west Alabama for concerts, plays, recitals, movies and pageants. Proximity to restaurants and the entertainment district add to its luster. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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Allen & Jemison Building, YESTERDAY William Carlos Jemison by age twenty-seven was an ex-teacher, ex-cotton farmer, new lawyer and experienced businessman who sold coal, wood and lumber at a downtown location. At twenty-nine he was mayor of Tuscaloosa. Then he and Thomas B. Allen became partners in the Allen & Jemison Company, whose properties were five stores along Greensboro Avenue, and by 1899 included perhaps Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest store for hardware, farm equipment and a plethora of other items. In ca. 1903 they replaced their original building with the large, four-story brick structure that for more than a century has been a landmark at 602 Greensboro. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society.

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Spiller Furniture building (Allen & Jemison Building), TODAY This historic building, c. 1903, was owned by neighboring Christ Episcopal Church in 2010. The church and the city of Tuscaloosa entered into a lease agreement, however, whereby the city would try to transform the building into an arts center. Church leaders originally had eyed the site for expansion, if needed. Preservationists and others concerned feared the building would be demolished. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, YESTERDAY Its stately design an imposing addition to downtown, this Courthouse opened in 1908 on Greensboro Avenue, just north of First Baptist Church. On its front lawn was a sculpted boulder in honor of our namesake, Chief Tushkaloosa, given to the community by the Alabama chapter, Colonial Dames of America. The facility would serve the county for fifty-six years. Its predecessor had stood on the corner of Sixth Street and Greensboro. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Courthouse south entrance, YESTERDAY Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society.

Profile in Leadership !

For more than 110 years, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has played an active leadership role in enhancing the economic vitality and stability, business climate and ever-improving livability of Tuscaloosa County. Today, the Chamber is leading the way toward a community that is an ideal place to live, work and raise a family â&#x20AC;Ś a community that cherishes its traditions, takes pride in its spirit and diversity, and has a vision for an even brighter future in the 21st century. Full story page 170.

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Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. TODAY Across Greensboro from the former Courthouse, Governor George C. Wallace dedicated the present Courthouse in May 1964, complete with signs segregating bathrooms and water fountains. Two months later, by federal court order, they were removed. The Courthouse, the ninth in the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, is adjoined on the west side by the county sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offices. Together they create a hub for official and judicial business, and law enforcement that is used by virtually every citizen. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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RIGHT: First Baptist Church. YESTERDAY In January 1818, near the water tower of the Tuskaloosa settlement, the Ebenezer Baptist congregation organized themselves and founded a church. After worshiping there for twelve years, the members in 1830 bought land at Seventh Street and Twenty-fifth Avenue, and there built a new church. Fifty years later, 1884, the members constructed a larger building on the lot where First Baptist is now located. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: First Baptist Church. TODAY First Baptist dedicated its present structure in 1958, and as the twenty-first century unfurls, the church is a powerful downtown anchor, as is the denomination across Tuscaloosa County. Its ministries and various programs include the Soup Bowl, Good Samaritan Clinic, Christian Ministry Center, and six foreign mission trips in 2009. English as a Second Language classes are offered on site, as are Spanish and Chinese worship. In spring 2010, First Baptist reported more than four thousand members and a staff of eleven ministers and other professionals, all led by senior pastor Dr. Gil McKee. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano

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BOTTOM: Reuben Searcy House. YESTERDAY At 810 Greensboro Road, on land that today houses the First United Methodist Church complex, this family home was built by Reuben Searcy, who was the first chairman of the board of the Alabama Insane Hospital, which opened in 1861. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. MIDDLE: First United Methodist Church. YESTERDAY First preaching occurred in a saloon in 1818, as legend has it. A group of Methodist preachers then nurtured this small group of followers in bringing The Word to the frontier village, “Tushkalusa.” A pretty brick church was built in 1834 on land where today’s church stands, and met needs well until substantial growth began in 1915 and has been ongoing ever since in terms of worshipers and facilities. In 1828, the new church received a large copper bell made by Paul Revere, of Massachusetts, and given by two Mobile men. It is the only such bell known to exist in Alabama. Photo courtesy of First United Methodist Church. ABOVE: First United Methodist Church. TODAY Observing its 190th year in 2009, First Church occupies the entire city block on which the original church stood. While its buildings symbolize God’s presence, its vast array of programs begin in both traditional and contemporary worship services and reach across Tuscaloosa County, throughout Alabama and globally. Whether in the person of local Soup Bowl volunteers, disaster relief teams, or missionary groups who work in other parts of America and the world, the ministry and members of First Church — from youth to seniors — are dedicated to serving others. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Searcy House. YESTERDAY Fashionable almost to excess and just a short walk down Greensboro Avenue from the center of downtown was this mansion of banker and businessman George A. Searcy, which he built in 1904. Nearly square in design, its highlights included four fluted Ionic columns, an arched front transom, rooftop and balcony railings, large side porch, and a charming, low front fence that added a classic finishing touch. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. RIGHT: Tuscaloosa County Board of Education. TODAY Still a monument in 1968, but showing its age and decline, the Searcy House was acquired by the county Board of Education and restored as its central office. At one time, the Tuscaloosa Library and the school system both occupied the space, but when the library moved down Greensboro to the Jemison House, the Searcy House became solely school property. Residents who remember its former stateliness were saddened when the four great columns were removed and replaced with thin, less attractive square ones. Two of the original columns, smaller however, can be seen on the side porch. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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LEFT: First Presbyterian Church. YESTERDAY The Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa was organized on May 6, 1820, with eighteen members who worshiped in the New Town courthouse. All original members reportedly were from South Carolina and named their church, “Bethel of Tuscaloosa.” They next met for a short period of time in a house directly north of where the St. John Catholic Church now stands. The main part of the present church building was erected in 1830. Its early ministers included Dr. Charles A. Stillman, who pressed the parent Southern Presbyterian Church to engage in helping educate the Negro. In 1876 the Assembly began Tuscaloosa Institute to train ministers. Dr. Stillman headed the school, which later was named for him, and which became Stillman College. Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church. ABOVE: First Presbyterian Church, TODAY A cornerstone of ministry downtown and beyond, First Presbyterian Church sustains outreach programs that range from the Tuscaloosa Soup Bowl to water purification projects in Kenya. Other significant ministries include establishing University Presbyterian Church, and the mission churches Bethel, Brown Memorial and Southside. The generosity of Tuscaloosa’s Warner family resulted in sanctuary renovations in 1952 and construction of the chapel in 1989. Dr. Charles M. Durham has been pastor since 1989, continuing a line of twentieth century leadership that includes Charles R. McCain, Simril F. Bryant, Warner Hall and Harold Branch. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: Battle-Friedman House, ca. 1934, YESTERDAY The address for the finest houses in young Tuscaloosa steadily became the wide, tree-lined thoroughfare, Greensboro Avenue. Multi-story structures of classical, Italianate and other distinctive designs sprang up on both sides of the straight road, at one end of which was downtown, with the opulent Drish House at the other end on Twenty-third Street. One of the houses there — and none finer — was that of businessman and planter Alfred Battle, who had come here in 1821 from North Carolina. Built in 1835, his Greek Revival mansion, its servants’ quarters, carriage house and landscaped grounds occupied an entire block. In 1875, Bernard Friedman, another businessman, bought the estate, which remained in his family until the death of his son, Hugo Friedman, in 1965. At that time, the property at 1010 Greensboro was given to the City of Tuscaloosa. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress. RIGHT: Battle-Friedman House, TODAY Refurbished and polished, as if expecting visitors, the BattleFriedman House today indeed welcomes a nearly continuous stream of admirers. Residents and visitors alike, of all ages, are drawn to its pillared portico, massive double front doors, floral landscaping, and the interior with elaborate moldings, crystal chandeliers, large parlors, period antiques, and a solid staircase to second floor bedrooms. The house seems in constant use for parties, weddings, receptions, community events, and as a must-see visitor attraction. The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society manages the property, with its office in the old servants’ quarters, and a volunteer board. The TCPS also restored the gardens, which had been laid out before the Civil War. The house is open to the public, unless a private event is scheduled. Docents act as guides. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Greensboro Avenue, YESTERDAY From the river down to southern edge of town, Greensboro Avenue, from the mid-nineteenth century well into the twentieth century, was a grand thoroughfare of businesses and large churches that blended into blocks featuring some of Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest houses. The house in the foreground is the Eddins-Rosenau house, now demolished. Its distinctive median and trees added to its prominence as a beauty mark of the city. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. LEFT: Greensboro Avenue, TODAY Greensboro Avenueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population today reflects the major city in west Alabama: the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, downtown churches, leading businesses, distinctive shops, loft apartments, the Bama Theater, restaurants, the river walk and the A.G.S. (Amtrak) Station. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Foster-Chabannes House, YESTERDAY “1847” is carved into a floor joist, identifying the date of construction of the Foster-Chabannes House, a splendid example of antebellum “cottage” architecture rarely seen this far north in Alabama. It is one of only three historic structures of its time that still stand on Greensboro Avenue (the Jemison-Van de Graaff, and Battle-Friedman mansions being the others). For years following the Civil War, hoof marks of Union soldiers’ horses were imprinted in the porch and hall from the time in 1865 when Tuscaloosa was captured and ransacked by Union forces. In 1897, Judge Henry B. Foster became the fourth owner and lived there until 1901 when he sold it to Julia Morris, the mother of its next owner, her daughter, Julia, who married Norbert Chabannes. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. ABOVE: Sealy-Chabannes House, TODAY The Chabannes family lived in the house until 2003, when they sold it to a neighboring real estate firm. Restored in 2005, today the SealyChabannes House remains at its original location, but is part of the Sealy Realty Company Inc. complex. A covered, glass wall hallway connects the house and the Sealy office, and a Civil War cannon sits on a circular brick mount, pointed at Greensboro Avenue, as if still guarding the road. A cast iron bell, forty inches in diameter, also marks the front yard after being excavated from the side yard where it had lain buried upside down for perhaps a century. A distinguishing feature of the house is its gable roof that slopes in an unbroken plane, front to back, to accommodate a full-length gallery in the main body of the house. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Battle-deGraffenreid House, YESTERDAY Ranked with the finest residences on Greensboro Avenue was the William Battle town house, at the Thirteenth Street corner. The son of Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alfred Battle, who built the neighboring Battle-Friedman House, William Battle was a planter before the Civil War, and a merchant in Mobile afterward. The deGraffenreid family, among others, lived there in later years. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

ABOVE: Motel, TODAY As much of Greensboro Avenue changed from stately residential to common commercial, some of its most picturesque housing was lost. This motel stands on the site of the late, great Battle-deGraffenreid townhouse. The legendary grand houses along Greensboro today number only three â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Battle-Friedman, JemisonVan de Graaff, and Foster-Chabannes-Sealy. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, TODAY Robert Jemison Van de Graaff, inventor of the Van de Graaff Generator, lived in the house as a child. Later, it housed the Tuscaloosa Library. Yet, neglect, age and development threatened the mansion’s future in the 1990s, which spurred the formation of a foundation by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County to restore and maintain the house. Repairs were made to stop the decline. Through the work of its volunteer board, city support, and the occasional grant the mansion has gradually regained its dignity, its elegance and its prominence on Greensboro Avenue. Jemison descendants still consider it a home place, and gather there periodically. A historic symbol of Tuscaloosa, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is an inviting visitor attraction and the setting of numerous weddings, receptions, parties and meetings — as fully used today as its original owner had envisioned 150 years earlier. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is housed there, as well. Photo by Barry Fikes. RIGHT: Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, YESTERDAY One of three grand houses that remain on once-fashionable Greensboro Avenue, the town house was designed by Sloane Architects, of Philadelphia, who also designed Tuscaloosa’s Bryce Hospital. State senator Robert Jemison Jr., also a prominent lawyer and industrialist, began the building in 1859. Alabama has no finer example of Italianate architecture than this, which writer Carl Cramer called “a great, blue-gray ghost of a house, dark and rambling.” Although occupied in 1862 by the Jemison family, construction shortages caused by the Civil War kept the mansion from being finished. Perhaps there was — or wasn’t — a tunnel connecting the house to the nearby Black Warrior River, through which slaves escaped and goods arrived for the Confederate cause. But the mythical story enthralls visitors and enlivens the mystique that surrounds this fabled part of our past. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.

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TOP: Strickland House, YESTERDAY Believed to be the oldest wooden structure in Tuscaloosa County, this raised Creole/Greek Revival cottage was built around 1820 for Moses McGuire, the county’s first probate judge. Square nails, wooden pegs and hand-cut timbers (some the length of the house) were used in construction. Originally at the corner of Greensboro Avenue and Fifteenth Street, it remained there for one hundred fifty years and through two owners, First Presbyterian Church and the Milton Strickland family. The Stricklands gave the house to the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society in 1969 for conservation and possible relocation. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

ABOVE: McGuire-Strickland House-Capitol School, TODAY The Strickland House was moved to Capitol Park in the 1970s through the efforts of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and the Tuscaloosa Altrusa Club. For a time, the preservation society’s office was in the house, whose parlor was named the Altrusa Room in thanks to the club’s efforts to raise the money to move and restore it. In 1993 the grand house, located at the western edge of the park, became home to the private Capitol School, pre-school through twelfth grade. Photo by Alice Wilson. BOTTOM RIGHT: McGuire-Strickland House site, TODAY The home’s original site became a Wachovia Bank location. One of the outbuildings of the Strickland House remains adjacent to the bank site, and today is a business. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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Alabama Great Southern Railroad, YESTERDAY Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaders started in1850 trying to bring in a railroad, which they knew would be more flexible, more direct and more frequent than steamboats for a growing industrial economy. They succeeded in 1872, when the Alabama and Chattanooga line came to town. This line, renamed the Alabama Great Southern in 1878, was the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only rail service until 1898, when the Mobile and Ohio (M & O) made Tuscaloosa a stop on its run from Columbus, Mississippi to Montgomery. Meanwhile, the A, G. S. had built a large passenger depot at the southern edge of town, on Greensboro Avenue, complete with covered platform, roomy waiting room and water tower. Photos courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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A. G. S. / Amtrak Station, TODAY The Alabama Great Southern station is a daily stop of the Amtrak passenger liner bound for New Orleans, and the Amtrak train whose route is New Orleans to New York City. AGS planned to improve the depot with needed renovations in 2010. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

Profile in Leadership

Teaching methods at The Capitol School, Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only internationally accredited school, are based on the latest medical and educational research and take full advantage of technology. The school enrolls children ages 2-and-a-half through high school seniors. The juxtaposition of past, present and future is seldom more striking than at The Capitol School. The campus is comprised of three historic buildings adjacent to Capitol Park, has been wireless more than a decade, and the middle and high schools are paperless.Full story page 202.

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ABOVE: Drish House, YESTERDAY None of Tuscaloosa’s historic houses has a more haunting past than the mansion built by the slaves of physician and plantation aristocrat Dr. John Drish in the 1830s. Of Italianate style, its elegance included formal gardens and a lodge house for the slaves who opened and closed the entrance gates on Twenty-third Avenue. Drish owned a cornfield near the house, and refused to let the wife of a Confederate soldier have any of his crop to feed herself and two sons. She took it anyway, bribing a slave sent to stop her with two dollars. Drish also forbade his daughter to marry the man of her desire, and secluded her on the top floor of the mansion to keep them separated, where it is said she went mad. Legend has it that she still haunts the house, moving around with lighted candle crying for her lost love. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Drish House, TODAY The storied Drish House — the last of its brick additions removed in 2010 — looks somewhat similar to the original structure for the first time in many years. The additions symbolized post-Civil War uses of the house that included a school, church, the home of a judge, and even a wrecking company/auto parts business. In 2007 the Southside Baptist Church deeded the house to the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, stipulating that the church’s facilities and the other wing be removed. The house is stabilized and protected, but the lovelorn woman may still haunt the premises. The preservation society held a benefit “Evening with Dr. Drish” there in 2009 to remember the man who himself died there in 1867, falling down the staircase. Photo by Rebecca beers.

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ABOVE: Kennedy-Foster House, YESTERDAY The once splendid Kennedy-Foster House dates from 1870 and was one of the few of the so-called mansion class built in Tuscaloosa during the difficult years of Reconstruction. Located southwest of downtown, it was the most significant example of architecture of an era when money was scarce and such houses were rarely affordable. The original owner was a partner in the Baugh, Kennedy and Company, which began Tuscaloosa Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first large cotton mill in 1871 at Kennedale (now Cottondale), east of town. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society LEFT: Kennedy-Foster House, TODAY Interstate leg 359, leading into downtown Tuscaloosa, passes the Kennedy-Foster House, yet today one would scarcely notice the rundown structure whose lines are still stately, but whose Victorian beauty surrendered to decline long ago. The historic old structure seems entombed by various businesses that populate a neighborhood largely gone commercial. History buffs also might notice that some architectural detail is missing, caused by roofline damage either from storm or fire (date unknown). Photo by Alice Wilson

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LEFT: St. John Catholic Church, YESTERDAY Grand in simplicity, and a testament to those of the faith in young Tuscaloosa, St. John Catholic Church was built in 1845 and took its place among the houses of worship in the frontier town. The quaint building measured just thirty-one feet wide and fifty-five feet long when completed. In 1846, its first baptism was Benjamin Miles, a slave child, age six. The belfry was added in 1888, along with stone front steps, and the interior also was decorated. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

RIGHT: St. John Church, TODAY Visitors today would hardly be able to correctly guess the age of the well-kept church, or that the pews used in services have been in their place since 1888. The elegance of the altar and the beautiful Stations of the Cross placed around the sanctuary provide a peaceful worship setting. One of its first priests, Father Michael Doughtery, is buried near the entrance. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: Fire Brigade, YESTERDAY Tuscaloosa’s fire protection dates to a one-horse fire engine in 1878. In 1916 (pictured), the operation was housed in rented quarters at Seventh Street and Twenty-third Avenue, built by Judge Henry Foster. In this photograph, men and equipment appear polished and decorated as if for a parade. The department moved to a new location in1922 and this historic building was later torn down and is now a parking lot. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. LEFT: Parking lot where the station once stood. TODAY Photo by Porfirio Solorzano. BOTTOM: Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service, TODAY Summer 2009 brought the opening of the model for Alabama fire stations, Tuscaloosa’s new Number One. Located at Fifteenth Street and Greensboro Avenue, its bays alone can park two pumpers, two rescue trucks and a ladder truck. Fire Chief Alan J. Martin sees the facility as a tribute to the city’s two hundred firefighters, who answer some eight thousand calls a year, ninety percent of which require medical assistance. All personnel are trained at First Responder level in emergency medical response, or higher. The firefighters serve from twelve stations across the city, and the department holds a Class C insurance rating. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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Profile in Leadership

Founded in 1992 in Tuscaloosa with just seven employees, Premier Service Company, Inc. today employs more than 150 people, providing electrical and HVAC contracting services, fire and burglar protection systems and customized design/build services for commercial, industrial and residential markets. The company is an approved Energy Star Partner through the Environmental Protection Agency, with a focus on showing that everyone can make a difference in conserving our planet’s energy. Full story page 196.

OPPOSITE: Lovin’ it! Lime Cola, YESTERDAY A short strip of businesses tucked themselves behind the Allen & Jemison building on Seventh Street in the early years of the twentieth century, none more prominent than the Lime Cola Bottling Works —”in bottles 5 cents.” Its products cooled many a sweaty brow during hot weather and refreshed many a picnic, including the “one single order for Riverview Park” of 5,000 pounds of Orange Whistle, crated at curbside for this photograph. Oh, yes, a rail spur for deliveries on the spot served the four businesses there. As adjacent Christ Episcopal Church expanded, it took the building that housed Lime Cola, the adjoining meat market and the unidentified third business. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Lime Cola site, TODAY In 2010, expanded facilities of Christ Episcopal Church occupied the former site of Lime Cola and other businesses. The memory of cold soft drinks and other products made there grew fainter as the ranks of oldtimers thinned. The church also owned the adjoining Spiller building (the former Allen & Jemison building), but had leased it to the city, which was developing plans to establish an arts center there. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE RIGHT & TOP: Christ Episcopal Church, YESTERDAY Nine years after the founding of “Tuskaloosa” in 1819, Alabama’s second oldest Episcopal church, Christ Episcopal, was organized in woods of the town in January 1828 by the missionary society of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The original structure, its designer thought to be State Architect William Nichols, was completed in 1830 on the same land where today’s church stands. Early on, in April 1831, Christ Church was the setting for the charter ceremony of an institution unique to the state, the University of Alabama. By 1880, growth required that the church undergo expansion and remodeling, which has continued periodically into the present day. Photos courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Christ Episcopal Church, TODAY Hallmarks include the worshipful closeness and acoustics of the vaulted sanctuary, the original semi-circular vestibule, a spacious fellowship hall and garden that opened in 2004, and headquarters of the renowned Alabama Boy Choir program. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Sixth Street (Cotton Street), YESTERDAY Of the various nicknames applied to Tuscaloosa in its nearly two centuries (1819), certainly the “greenest,” in modern terms, was “The City of Oaks.” This 1908 view of Cotton (now Sixth) Street, with water oaks aligned in military precision, displays the term vividly. Their planting led by Thomas Maxwell, the trees fronted the well-to-do residences that marked Cotton as a fashionable street next door to downtown. Some of these houses have survived and are used as businesses today. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Sixth Street, TODAY Tree-lined and still with its median, this portion of Sixth Street, looking west, has retained its residential look, and today is home to many small businesses that live in former family dwellings. Just east lies the tempo and traffic of downtown. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

TOP: Murphy-Collins House, YESTERDAY Tuscaloosa’s first black licensed embalmer/mortician and funeral director, Will J. Murphy, built his family a house in 1923. Its materials included bricks, beams and two great sills salvaged from the fire that had destroyed the nearby old state Capitol earlier that year. The street where the two-story bungalow sat was the dividing line between the black and white areas of the west side neighborhood. The house itself depicted the lifestyle of a professional African-American family in the early twentieth century. Murphy died in 1943, and the house stayed in the family for a number of years before being sold to Sylvia Collins. Photo courtesy of Murphy African American Museum. ABOVE: Murphy-Collins House, TODAY In the 1960s the Murphy-Collins House was threatened by urban renewal and redevelopment that were removing structures around it. Then a rental property, it survived for the City of Tuscaloosa to buy it in 1986 as a repository for local black heritage and culture. The house then became the home of the comprehensive, viewer-friendly Murphy African-American Museum. Much of its original content was collected by Ruthie M. Hodge Pitts, who founded “Revealing A Heritage” in 1985 to preserve this important part of Tuscaloosa area history. The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society manages the house, which is operated by a volunteer management committee chaired by Emma Jean Melton. This popular location for tours, family events and receptions offers free admission, but accepts donations. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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LEFT: First African Baptist Church, YESTERDAY First African Baptist Church was organized in 1866 by one hundred forty-four dissenters from another Baptist church. These brethren built the church ca.1866, kilned the bricks and sized the timbers. A downtown fixture at 2621 Stillman Boulevard, First African bears strong likeness to the former Institute Chapel at Tuskegee Institute, which burned in 1957. Photo courtesy of First African Baptist Church

RIGHT: First African Baptist Church, TODAY A dignified presence among downtown churches, First African Baptist is a symbol of the nonviolent activity in the 1960s that Tuscaloosa resisted, but which led to a racially inclusive city. Its members and others who joined them linked arms with the Reverend T.Y. Rogers, a leader under the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., to bring about change similar to that sweeping across the South. Listed in 1988 on the National Register of Historic Places, in 2009 the church had about two hundred fifty members under the leadership of senior pastor Richard L. Morgan. Participation in the Community Soup Bowl sponsored by five downtown churches is a highlight of its outreach programs. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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ABOVE & OPPOSITE TOP: William Cochrane House, Stillman College, YESTERDAY Stillman College, in Tuscaloosa, is a four-year liberal arts institution with a distinguished history of serving African-Americans, in particular. Today’s picturesque campus grew from a twentyacre site west of town that contained an elegant mansion built by William Cochrane. Local Presbyterians, bolstered by support from the Southern Presbyterian Church, had founded an institute in 1876 to train “Negro ministers,” and later named it after the Reverend Charles A. Stillman, head of the school. The Presbyterian constituency bought the Cochrane plantation in 1898 and moved Stillman from temporary quarters in town. Students used the spacious new location to grow their own food, and raised chickens and hogs. Above photo courtesy of Library of Congress. Opposite top photo courtesy of Stillman College.

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ABOVE & OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Stillman College, TODAY The Cochrane mansion is only a memory, having been demolished, but the distinctive, cast-iron capitals of its original six front columns were saved to become a part of The Sheppard Library (pictured opposite bottom) and Stillman history. They are the handiwork of Italian artisans and came to their destination via a long sea journey, then upriver from Mobile to Tuscaloosa. They can be seen at the library on the campus of one hundred-plus acres (pictured above). Primarily a teaching institution, Stillman offers bachelor degrees in nine fields, including biological and biomedical science, business and marketing, computer science, and the visual and performing arts. The college is fully accredited, with most of its nine hundred students living on campus. Its athletic program is affiliated with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Photos by Rebecca Beers.

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ABOVE: State Capitol, YESTERDAY Tuscaloosa was the capital of Alabama from 1826 until 1847, when the political focal point of all state government emanated from the structure designed by William Nichols, who had done the Raleigh, North Carolina state house. Nichols remained in Tuscaloosa to see his architectural prominence grow to include the design of the University of Alabama, today’s University Club, a bank and several mansions. South Alabama legislators removed our political prize, however, voting in 1846 to move the capital to Montgomery, where it has remained ever since. Author Thomas C. McCorvey would write that we were left “a widowed city,” although the empty state house then became home to the Alabama Central Female College. Fire destroyed the capitol building in 1923. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress. ABOVE RIGHT: Capitol Park, TODAY Concerts resound periodically from the picturesque bandstand, visitors make pictures amid the conserved foundation, families enjoy the grassy setting, and at the edge are the historic Old Tavern and the Strickland House (see page 39), both of which were moved there. The tavern structure was built in 1827 and moved to the park area in the 1960s to be saved from demolition. The Strickland House, which was moved there in the 1970s, houses the Capitol School, preschool through grade twelve. Capitol Park is a gathering place and community focal point due in large measure to the interest and support of Tuscaloosa’s prominent Duckworth family. A bronze marker at the eastern boundary recognizes, in particular, the generosity of J. Clemson and Susie B. Duckworth in 1992 to beautify the park and restore a measure of its former prestige. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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RIGHT: The Old Tavern, YESTERDAY Weary from hours in a jostling stagecoach, passengers from Alabama’s Tennessee Valley to points south anticipated stopping at Tuscaloosa’s Old Tavern, which served well starting in 1827. The Huntsville Road led through Tuscaloosa and usually meant an overnight of filling food, relaxing drink and a bed that didn’t bounce. Providing all this and an air of laughter and fellowship, the Old Tavern acquired a name and reputation among travelers and politicians as well. During Tuscaloosa’s time as the state capital, back room politics might have occurred there, and visitors would sleep over. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress. ABOVE: Old Tavern, TODAY Time relegated the storied Old Tavern from a place where business and pleasure co-mingled to a nearly forlorn relic. In 1965 road construction through downtown threatened to destroy it. The crisis helped kindle the formation of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. The owner deeded the tavern to the society for relocation, and the community, particularly the pennies and nickels of school children, provided funds to move it to Capitol Park, at the western edge of downtown. Owned now by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, the tavern and its pioneer-days exhibits are open to the public. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano. BOTTOM: Original location of The Old Tavern, TODAY. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

ABOVE: James H. Fitts house, YESTERDAY Architect William Nichols, who designed Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state Capitol, also designed this bank building in 1828. The structure, which stood on the western part of river hill downtown, later was bought by the entrepreneur James H. Fitts, who in 1865 founded the banking company that bore his name. He and his family lived upstairs in tellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quarters. The bank prospered and in 1902 was made a national bank and its name changed to City National Bank. Over the span of an extraordinary career Fitts led the Alabama Bankers Association, organized an insurance company and cotton mills, and financed the Tuscaloosa Street Car line. In 1887 he formed a real estate company that was largely responsible for development between Queen City Avenue and the University of Alabama. He wrote several books, as well, including History of Banks and Banking in Alabama. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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ABOVE: Snow and Prince mercantile, YESTERDAY Snow and Prince mercantile was the place to come for almost anything you needed in the mid-nineteenth century. A sizable building, it sat at the crest of river hill, at the corner of Greensboro and Broad. It was built and owned by Dr. John Drish, a physician who also had a good business eye. Photo courtesy Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society.

RIGHT: City Fest site, TODAY The prime corner is empty today, occasionally discussed for development, but mainly used for parking, including the motor homes that arrive for Crimson Tide home games. The site also formerly rang with music as the annual City Fest stages were erected there, along with other festival attractions. Photo by Alice Wilson.

OPPOSITE: Site of James A. Fitts House-City Fest site, TODAY Prime space in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, and where much of the former City Fest occurred, a pleasant little park marks its historic importance. The area is still in high regard for development. Here stood the headquarters of J.H. Fitts and Company Bank in 1865, and the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home as well. Shown here from a different angle than the YESTERDAY photo opposite above. His prominence grew from there. Made a national bank and renamed City National in 1902, the bank in 1922 moved one block east on Broad Street into its familiar white marble building. Another new headquarters opened on Ninth Street in 1967, and in 1972 City National joined First Alabama Bancshares, Inc. Change occurred again in 1994 to the present Regions Financial Corporation, at 2222 Ninth Street. The family name remains strong in position and prestige today. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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Profile in Leadership

Established in 1905 as the REO Motor Car Company, in 2004 Nucor came to Tuscaloosa when it purchased the mill built in 1985 by the Tuscaloosa Steel Corporation. Nucor Tuscaloosa employs state-of-the-art technology in the production of a wide range of carbon plate and coil including pressure vessel quality steels, cut to length plate and HSLA (high strength low alloy) steels. Commitment to its customers, its team members, and a commitment to safety are hallmarks of Nucor. Full story page 188.

LEFT: Here Comes the Chief, YESTERDAY In a swishy sedan, the fire chief makes a splash on Broad Street (University Boulevard), as does a new John Wayne movie in this downtown parade in the nineteen fifties. Note the bank employee with the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service. BELOW: Parade site, TODAY The RBC Bank and the landmark corner clock mark the prominent downtown intersection of University Boulevard and Greensboro Avenue. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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Timeless Landmark, YESTERDAY and TODAY Downtown always had the time after 1925, when the eleven-story Merchants Bank and Trust Company building was completed at the crossroads of Broad and Greensboro. The clock became an immediate downtown landmark, and has remained so during turnovers in owners that brought the First National Bank, AmSouth Corporation and RBC Bank to the building. For years, the clock even played various tunes, then fell silent in 1980. Townspeople were glad when it restarted in 1986. But, sadly, it has stopped again and in 2010 stood as a silent sentinel of downtown. Historic photo, above, courtesy of John Earl. Clock today, facing page, by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Mercury statue watches over downtown parade, ca. 1950s, YESTERDAY UAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Million Dollar Band struts its stuff, the highlight of a parade on Broad Street, (University Blvd.) downtown. Note the Duckworth-Morris Insurance building, third from left, especially the little statue at the roof line. That is a reproduction of Mercury, the Roman deity, which J.A. Duckworth and Charles Morris brought to Tuscaloosa when they acquired the building in 1922. The statue remained a fixture of the company through various corporate relocations starting in 1965. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service.

RIGHT: Mercury, eye level, TODAY Mercury, at eye level, greets visitors in the lower entryway of the historic Jemison Van de Graaff mansion, on Greensboro Avenue. It has lived there since the late 1990s, when Johnny Duckworth, its owner, loaned it to the house. The original statue was created by Italian sculptor Giovanni de Bologna in the sixteenth century, and is considered one of the more famous depictions of the Roman messenger of the gods, who always wore winged sandals and a winged hat. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

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University Boulevard, TODAY Ever the busy thoroughfare today, University Boulevard is beautified by trees and a landscaped median. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: First National Bank, YESTERDAY Tuscaloosa in 1871 was strong enough economically to support a second bank, which became its First National Bank. The three-story handsome building faced Broad Street at the corner of Twenty-third Avenue, and customers used a set of steps to reach the entrance, several feet above the sidewalk. Access to the upper floors was by an outside staircase, as the bank had no inside stairs. Covered porches with banisters ran the length of the side of the structure. First National and Merchants Bank & Trust Company merged in 1930 with First National, moving into Merchants’ ten-story headquarters that had opened in 1925 at Broad and Greensboro. Adrian’s Department Store later occupied the original First National building. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: DePalma’s Italian Café, TODAY The good times roll at DePalma’s Italian Café, whose specialties include pizza and a variety of pasta dishes. The restaurant opened in 1995, helping spur a flurry of downtown dining places and, ultimately, the popular Fourth and Twenty-third entertainment district. This has been a storied downtown corner since the First National Bank originally did business there. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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ABOVE: Maxwell and Sons, merchants, YESTERDAY When the boat docked at Tuscaloosa on New Year’s Eve, 1836, this was new ground for one clerk on the vessel, British-born Thomas Maxwell. He had never heard of the place. As a trader, however, he had made money by dealings at the various landings from Mobile north, and decided to stay here and become a merchant. With his ingenuity, and that of his brother, Robert, they founded a store in a cellar at the corner of Broad Street and Twenty-third Avenue. Customers could buy most anything from “cradle to grave,” and camp behind the store if they came from afar. Post-Civil War, Maxwell and Sons remained downtown, while brothers Robert and Richard opened shop in Northport. The family’s prominence grew steadily, and today, a century and a half later, its lineage of importance and influence continues. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, UA. LEFT: Mellow Mushroom corner, TODAY University Boulevard and Twenty-third Avenue is an ever-popular downtown venue, but not for decades has it been shopped for groceries, hardware, clothing and caskets. Today it is a rousing entertainment district of restaurants, bands and bars, one of whose headliners is the Mellow Mushroom, which operates in the old Maxwell and Sons location. Known for its variety of pasta, pizza and live music, the Mushroom lives up to the best memory of long-timers about this corner—it’s a great gathering place. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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OPPOSITE: University Boulevard, YESTERDAY Patriotic Tuscaloosans lined University Boulevard in the spring of 1943 to show support and admiration for the ranks of the Corps of Cadets from the University of Alabama that marched through downtown. Photo courtesy W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: University Boulevard, TODAY Embellished with shrubbery, floral streetscaping, banners and brick walkways, University Boulevard today is the ribbon on a package that presents an expanded city hall (shown), a massive new federal courthouse and amphitheater (both opening 2011), restaurants, entertainment district and the always-busy Bama Theater. Many businesses are following suit by repackaging themselves. The result is a robust downtown with wide appeal: the place to be! Photo by Barry Fikes.

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ABOVE: Shell Station, downtown Tuscaloosa, YESTERDAY Fill ‘er up, full service and regular banter were everyday occurrences at the Shell station at 2101 Broad Street, (University) in the young years of the twentieth century. In those days, a dollar’s worth moved the gas guage needle noticeably. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Downtown cornerstone, TODAY Long-timers who know to look still may be reminded of the Shell Station that was a fixture on this downtown corner of University Boulevard and twenty-first street. It’s been gone for decades, and this space is now occupied by specialty restaurants and other small businesses. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Automotive Attention, YESTERDAY For decades, this corner of University Boulevard, downtown, meant automotive service of all kinds, from fill-up to tune-up. For this was the location of various gas stations, Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Car Center and Norris Radiator. Historic image, top, courtesy Norris Radiator. ABOVE and RIGHT: Innisfree Pub, TODAY Vehicles at 1925 University Boulevard today belong to those who enjoy food, drink and relaxed socializing at the Innisfree Pub, which opened in the converted building in spring, 2008. Center photo courtesy of Innisfree Pub. Photo at right by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Dearing-Bagby House, YESTERDAY James Dearing, a steamboat captain, built a mansion in 1834 on the east edge of Tuscaloosa. Prominent for having piloted the first steamboat from Mobile to Tuscaloosa, Captain Dearing decided to forego a river view. Instead, he angled the structure at the corner of Broad Street and East Margin Avenue (now Queen City) so that from his columned front porch he could look west and see something equally important at the time, the Capitol building that symbolized his town as Alabama’s seat of state government. A captain’s walk atop the house enabled one to see a steamboat’s smoke as it neared Tuscaloosa, coming upriver. In the early Twentieth century, the second governor elected from Tuscaloosa, Arthur P. Bagby, lived in the mansion and it began to be called “the Governor’s mansion.” The Warner family of Tuscaloosa bought the house in 1944 and gave it to the University of Alabama. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: University Club, TODAY Under the auspices of the state’s Capstone of education, the historic mansion acquired its present name, University Club. At first used mainly by faculty for meetings and relaxation, the facility later became a private club whose operations were governed by a volunteer board. Popular for its lunch buffet and a trademark dessert, the Almond Ball, the club was also used heavily as the setting for receptions, wedding parties, and civic meetings. In 2007, however, financial and other issues led its board to make changes. The University again took over the facility and initiated a series of events that in 2010 were re-energizing the ornate structure. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: East Margin (Queen City) Avenue, YESTERDAY Originally named East Margin Avenue, this was a fashionable mile connecting Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broad Street, (University Blvd.) with Fifteenth Street, and a short distance beyond to the railroad. Handsome town houses and thriving oaks that shaded them lined the length of the main thoroughfare. Queen City, strangely, was named for Cincinnati, Ohio, because the railroad from there to New Orleans passed through Tuscaloosa. Fifteenth Street, which bisected Queen City, was to be named Crescent City Street (homage to New Orleans). The columned house in the picture is now the University Club, and those to the north are the Somerville and Harwood houses. Note the trolley tracks. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Queen City Avenue, TODAY Residential and commercial cohabitate on Queen City Avenue today, which makes it a definitive boundary between downtown and the historic districts whose older houses and streets extend toward the University of Alabama. The small, fashionable College Park neighborhood branches off Queen City, as does scenic old Dearing Place. Paul W. Bryant Drive also bisects Queen City to and from the university campus. Annette Shelby Park is at the corner of Queen City and Fifteenth Street, and the avenue continues a short distance to the Alabama Great Southern (AmTrak) railroad station. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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ABOVE: Turner-McAlpin-Fellows House, Tuscaloosa, YESTERDAY Not of its own doing, obviously (but yet in the company of those that retain their particular stains of history), this ornate house was commandeered by Union General John Croxton in April 1865, and for a few forgettable days became his headquarters as his forces burned the University of Alabama and attacked Tuscaloosa. A French Gothic structure, the house was built in 1840 by Joseph Pitman Turner, who put etched glass around the door entrances. In 1903 the McAlpin-Fellows family bought it. Its address is 621 Queen City Avenue. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. OPPOSITE: Turner-McAlpin-Fellows House, TODAY The historic structure looks practically the same today, defined, however, with a brick fence and iron gate. Every spring, its huge pink dogwood tree bursts into bloom, making the yard a showplace as one passes by on Queen City. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

Profile in Leadership

Today, ZF continues to develop innovations of great value on a worldwide scale for the automotive, heavy truck, bus, construction, rail, aviation and marine industries. ZF is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest suppliers of driveline and chassis technology. When one of ZFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest customers, Mercedes-Benz, made the move to Alabama in the mid-1990s, ZF was quick to follow, establishing a plant to provide complete front and rear chassis systems to the M-Class. Full story page 208.

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TOP: Scott-Warner-Denny House, YESTERDAY At Eighth Street and Twentieth Avenue, this is the house built by David Scott, who came to Tuscaloosa in 1822 as a businessman. The Hester family is thought to have lived there during the Civil War. From post-war years into the early twentieth century, three families â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Burwell Boykin Lewis, Dr. George Little and Washington Moody â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are known to have lived there. It is called the Janus House because, like the Roman God, it looks the same front and back. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress. ABOVE: Mildred Warner House / Moody-Warner House, TODAY The Moody family lived in the house from 1919 to 1960. In 1934 it became the first Tuscaloosa home listed in the American Buildings Survey. The David Warner Foundation bought the house in 1976 and restored it as a house museum, naming it for Mildred Westervelt Warner. An unusual feature is its two chimneys, which are built into the uneven walls (unusual in the old South), and not attached to the outside. It is now a private home, but the myth remains that it is haunted. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: Foster-Murfee-Caples House, YESTERDAY Perhaps unique in pre-Civil War Tuscaloosa, this Greek Revival antebellum mansion, c. 1838, was a spectacle of design: two inside chimneys at each end, four roof gables that created a third floor, six paneled “Tuscaloosa” columns, and a long driveway to East Margin Avenue (now Queen City). Two back porches stretched across the first and second floors. The house had weatherboard on three sides, but was plastered in front. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. INSET: Foster-Murfee-Caples House (frontal perspective), YESTERDAY. ABOVE: Foster-Murfee-Caples House, TODAY Queen City Avenue development, the real estate community’s persistence to increase off-campus housing for university students, and conditions at the house itself led to changes on the premises and in the neighborhood. The back porches were removed, the foundation and front porch cemented, and hardwood replaced the wide planks on the third floor. Sub-divided into apartments, the once-grand mansion at 815 Seventh Avenue became the temporary home of student tenants. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Marmaduke Williams House, Tuscaloosa, YESTERDAY One of Tuscaloosa’s oldest structures, at 907 17th Avenue, the Marmaduke Williams House is a striking example of early Federal style architecture, and is among the best of its type left locally. Its name derives from a former owner, who finished second in Alabama’s first governor’s race. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. ABOVE: Marmaduke Williams House, TODAY Steady enrollment growth at the University of Alabama led to the downfall of many old, historic houses near the campus — some razed for the value of the property and others, the once elegant Marmaduke Williams House for example, being subdivided into apartments for students. A serious fire at the house, however, discouraged this trend and left it in deeper decline. The Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County in 1995 bought the house from the brink of demolition, stabilized it, and had all but completed exterior restoration when an arson fire burned much of the interior. The house returned to use as the Red Forge, a video production business. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: Miller-Baugh-Harrison House, YESTERDAY One of Tuscaloosa’s most unusual houses—shaped like a Maltese Cross—was built in the late 1850s just out from town by (it is thought) William Miller, about whom little is known. The Italianate mansion of its day faced west toward East Margin Avenue (now Queen City), featured three entrances, modified Gothic arches and columns, and extensive grounds highlighted by an avenue of oak trees. A cotton mill operator, Richard B. Baugh, bought the house for $23,000 in Confederate money in 1863, but went bankrupt during the Civil War and sold it. Third owner, in 1879, was J. Calhoun Harrison, whose wife, Belle Harrison, was a prominent local poet. The family lived there until 1920. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Miller-Harrison-Laseter House, TODAY In the 1920s, the Harrison’s former house underwent a movement-in-place, being rotated off its foundation to face north onto a new street, Alaca Place, which is said to mean “oak tree.” Fashionable houses were developed over to Queen City Avenue, on what were the grounds of the original house. In later years, until the turn of the Twenty-first century, the Neilsen Laseter family owned the house at 1601 Alaca Place. They were followed by a succession of owners. Passersby can easily see that this singular structure still reflects elegance after more than one hundred fifty years, although a fire has altered its roof line. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

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Stafford School, Stafford Hotel, Stafford Plaza Distinguished by its tower and two dozen or more arched windows, Stafford School became Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first school building in 1885, when the city bought it from Samuel M. Stafford, a University of Alabama professor. Stafford and his wife had operated a school at Ninth Street and Twenty-third Avenue starting in 1859, when they bought a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school that had been on the site since 1830. Stafford remained a city school there until 1954, when it was razed and replaced by the Stafford Hotel. In its day the hotel was a prime site for big banquets, social events, civic club meetings and other important gatherings. Transition occurred again, however; the hotel closed and condominiums were developed there. It also was headquarters for the Bank of Tuscaloosa until 2009, when the bank relocated to a new building on Jack Warner Parkway. Historic photos courtesy Tuscaloosa Board of Education. Current photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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ABOVE: Stafford Magnet School, YESTERDAY Stafford School relocated to new facilities at the corner of Queen City Avenue and Fifteenth Street, just south of downtown. Later it became a Magnet school, but within a few years was declared unneeded by the Board of Education. Photo courtesy Tuscaloosa Board of Education. RIGHT: Annette Shelby Park, TODAY The Park and Recreation Authority demolished the school and constructed in its place the Annette Shelby Park, largely with federal funds secured by U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), also a Tuscaloosa business executive. The city dedicated the park in September 2006. Its user-friendly fountain, walking path, scenic open grounds and easy parking quickly made it one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular parks. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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Tuscaloosa High School, YESTERDAY Well into the twentieth century, this was Tuscaloosa’s white high school, at 1210 Twenty-first Avenue. Completed in the mid-1920s, it replaced the city’s original high school, which had opened in 1912 at nearby Queen City Avenue and Tenth Street (now the location of Alabama Power Company). The Legislature in 1885 established our public school system, which consisted of four schools in 1912. Tuscaloosa’s early history saw the operation of numerous private schools, which marked the town as an important educational center. Today, this pictured building is headquarters of the city Board of Education. A new Central High School, on Fifteenth Street, houses all upper grade high school students. Photo courtesy Tuscaloosa County Board of Education.

Tuscaloosa Board of Education, TODAY Federal courts in 1970 ordered the desegregation of the city’s school system. Eight years later Tuscaloosa High School (white) and Druid High (black) merged to form the two-campus Central High School, which taught different grades in different buildings. A new, upper-grades Central was built at Tenth Avenue and Fifteenth Street. Elementary grades were desegregated in 1981. Abandoned, the old Tuscaloosa High site was considered for use as a civic center, but ultimately lay dormant until the city Board of Education moved its operation there in 1997. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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Foster-Glascock House, Tuscaloosa, YESTERDAY The Glascock House, at 1109 Twenty-first Avenue, dates from 1844 when built by Virginia native John Glascock, who had migrated to Tuscaloosa and became a leading merchant and citizen. The front is especially inviting, its six bracketed wooden posts supporting the porch roof, and tear-drop millwork trimming the porch expanse. The house was owned by the same family for more than one hundred fifty years. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society.

Foster-Glascock House, Tuscaloosa, TODAY Boykin Antiques, a familiar business name to longtime Tuscaloosa residents, occupied the house for a number of years. In 2002 the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society bought the structure and took measures to establish protective easements. The TCPS sold the house in 2003 to Tahoe Properties, a consortium of three businessmen, who, assisted by local and state preservation organizations, made renovations in the interior and exterior, notably a new roof and new porch molding and columns as needed. The house then became the office of Gattozzi Valuations, one of the three owners. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Big Gully / Pinehurst neighborhood, YESTERDAY Tuscaloosa proper falls off as it nears the Black Warrior River, which affords many of the houses and businesses on the bluff—such as the Pinehurst neighborhood—a limited view to the north. The topography, however, also produces rain runoff and drainage, which, in the mid-1800s caused a destructive washout called the “big gully” at the eastern edge of downtown. Broad Street, the main east-west road through town, was cut off by the ravine, which was thirty feet wide, fourteen feet deep and two blocks long. Tuscaloosans bridged the gap for passage, but to Mayor William Jemison it was an intolerable embarrassment, so he instructed city engineer Benjamin Hardaway to devise a plan to fill the gully permanently. A massive retaining wall, conduit and fill dirt succeeded in making the street level once again. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. CENTER & ABOVE: Pinehurst and nearby neighborhoods, TODAY Pinehurst and adjoining Guild’s Wood, plus Sherwood, Audubon and other residential streets all grew out of the city’s success in controlling the rush of excess water through the “big gully” and into the river. Wooded now for more than a century, the ditch itself can be seen along the entrance to upscale Pinehurst—the city’s first subdivision—and as one passes the area on University Boulevard. The pleasantness of Guild’s Wood, too, is in part due to nature’s work in softening the hardness of the “big gully.” This area is named for Dr. James Guild, who settled here in 1821. Nearby Jack Warner Parkway parallels the river as a scenic drive. Center photo by Porfirio Solorzano. Above photo by Rebecca Beers.

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TOP: Oliver Thomas Prince House, Tuscaloosa, YESTERDAY Its beauty highlighted by eighteen paneled square columns across the front and along each side, this stately structure was built just before the Civil War, 1858-61, as the home of Oliver Thomas Prince. It was located on the south side of Broad Street, just past the Big Gully approaching the University of Alabama campus, at that time a military institution. A cadet identified as “T. Prince” was one of six persons who, in April 1861 drew up a resolution calling on the university to “suspend College duties” and allow sixty-two cadets to join the Confederate army. The request was refused and the cadets then withdrew their petition. No specific connection was established between “T. Prince” and the house at 1200 Broad Street, so near campus, but the structure, with renovations and other improvements made, maintained its dignity for one hundred years, serving as the University Masonic Club for a time in the early twentieth century. Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society ABOVE: Oliver Thomas Prince House site, TODAY The growth of the University of Alabama, and the corresponding development of University Avenue (as it was then named) caught up with the Prince House in the mid-twentieth century. It was demolished in 1960 to make room for construction of Prince Apartments in a section of bars and other businesses called The Strip. The apartments themselves later were razed and in their place in 2010 stands a gas station/light grocery business, which is a regular student stop. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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Rotunda, YESTERDAY The master design plan for The University of Alabama contained a centerpiece that its architect, William Nichols, named the Rotunda. Grand in scale, circular and with a domed roof, it would rise seventy feet in the center of a huge square of land, be seventy feet in diameter, and be surrounded by a colonnade of twenty-four elegant Ionic columns. Completed in 1831, its main floor contained an auditorium, and its second floor, under the dome, housed the library and natural history collections. Nicholsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall plan developed from his design of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but he expanded it for Alabama. Cedar trees planted in 1837 (removed 1900) formed a picturesque avenue from the Rotunda to the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mansion. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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ABOVE: Rotunda site, Gorgas Library, TODAY There hasn’t been a Rotunda since April 4, 1865, when Union troops burned virtually the entire university. A marker, given by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1914, also honors all UA cadets who served in the Civil War. And memory of the Rotunda’s brief life remains in the form of some 1,200 books saved from its original collection of 7,000. Some have charred edges, probably rescued from the fire caused by explosive torpedos. Others, perhaps, were held in faculty homes (not burned). Legend says that Union commander John Croxton personally saved one book before setting the fire, and chose an 1853 edition of the Koran. There is one other known remnant: a capital that crowned one of the twenty-four Ionic columns that encircled the building. Other surviving capitals were sold to Tuscaloosa residents after the war. Photo by Barry Fikes.

Profile in Leadership

The University of Alabama is the state’s flagship university and a valuable resource for people seeking a better

quality of life. Founded in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the University serves the interests of many stakeholders, including undergraduate students desiring to learn at a major university; graduate students who will conduct scholarly work and research on campus; nontraditional students, such as those who enroll in the University’s distance-education programs; the Tuscaloosa community; businesses; industry; and health care, educational, communication, governmental and legal institutions in the region. Since 2001, U.S. News and World Report has ranked The University of Alabama among the top 50 public universities in the nation. UA’s graduates and students include 15 Rhodes Scholars, 26 Goldwater Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 13 Hollings Scholars, two Javits Fellows, one Udall Scholar and one Portz Scholar. The University’s outstanding student-athletes have earned 13 National Collegiate Athletic Association championships in football and four in gymnastics and 60 Southeastern Conference championships among men’s and women’s teams. Full story page 158.

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TOP: Gorgas House (Hotel), YESTERDAY William Nichols, a native of Bath, England, immigrated to North Carolina in 1800 and spent the next fifty-four years designing buildings and college campuses in the Southeast. His masterworks included the original University of Alabama, whose design, spread over eighty acres, was to be roughly that of a square. One structure within the square was to be a hotel (boarding house), two stories tall, with a large space intended as a students’ dining room. The hotel was the first building erected on the campus (1829), and this early photograph shows its original porch. The ironwork was added later. In 1847 the hotel was converted into a faculty residence and at some point (unknown) acquired a suitable academic name, Steward’s Hall. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Gorgas House, TODAY A professor and his wife lived in Steward’s Hall when Union forces destroyed the campus. The home, however, was not burned in the rampage. Next, it became the president’s house, and forever after the Gorgas House when in 1879 Josiah Gorgas, a former Confederate general and nineteenth university president, moved in with his family. General Gorgas died in 1883, and from 1887 to 1908 the house was the campus post office and a student infirmary. The Gorgas’s son, William Crawford Gorgas, in 1911 declined to become president of the University. Instead, in the U.S. Army, he rose to the rank of general and was also surgeon general of the army, 1915-19. He became world-famous for discovering, while serving in Panama, that mosquitoes were the carriers of yellow fever. The Gorgas House was sesquicentennial headquarters for a yearlong university celebration that began in January 1981. Today it houses historical artifacts and is open to the public by appointment. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: President’s Mansion, YESTERDAY Architect William Nichols planned the University of Alabama campus in 1831, and envisioned a medical college on Main Avenue across from a large quadrangle. Instead, that land became the site of the President’s Mansion, completed in 1841 following plans created by Michael Barry, who was both architect and building superintendent. University president, the Reverend Basil Manly, was the first administrator to live there, but found it difficult to properly furnish a place of such monumental scale. Original plans also included a well and wash house, kitchen and two slave cabins. Contractors using hired laborers and slaves built the mansion (and campus). Union troops burned the campus in April, 1865, and UA president Landon Garland’s wife is credited with saving the mansion. She is said to have fearlessly faced the soldiers who had raided her home, and ordered them to extinguish a fire they had started. They left the mansion otherwise intact. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: President’s Mansion, TODAY In the aftermath of the Civil War, from 1887 into the 1890s, the President’s Mansion received an iron roof cresting and an iron railing on its exterior stairs. In 1908, now sixty-seven years old, the structure was completely remodeled by state architect Frank Lockwood. New floors, new plumbing and wiring, and central heating were installed. The polychromatic exterior was stuccoed and painted white, and a parapet added above the portico (removed in 1920). More renovation occurred in the mid-1990s when, under the auspices of businessman Jack Warner, the dining room was refurnished, other downstairs rooms were refurbished, and a massive urn in a floral setting was placed at the top of the driveway. In 2008 the university upgraded the kitchen. Today, facing Denny Chimes, abloom in spring with radiant red and white azaleas, festive site for game-day parties in the fall, and gathering place for special campus events, the stately mansion remains a mirror in which its visitors can see the beauty of the antebellum South in the midst of a twenty-first century university. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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ABOVE: The Little Round House (Guardhouse), YESTERDAY In 1860, the all-male university established a military system in which all students were commissioned into the Alabama Corps of Cadets in the fall of each school year. The guardhouse was built at the same time as shelter for those who had guard duty, no matter the weather. The University Drummer Corps, comprised of slaves, used the structure until 1865, when the guardhouse was badly damaged by invading Union forces. Repairs were made and the name later changed to the Little Round House. It was used by the University Surgeon, 1871; records and storage, 1888; Jasons headquarters, 1933; and in 1990 was declared a memorial for all campus honor societies. Photo courtesy W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, UA. INSET: Team Captains, YESTERDAY Football, baseball, track and gymnastics all seem to be recognized by these team captains who stood nonchalantly outside the fabled guardhouse in 1898. From left, the students are Frank Shelley White Jr., James Waddell Little, William Thomas White and Vernon Hope. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: The Little Round House (Guardhouse), TODAY Following repairs after the Civil War, the Little Round House was occupied by the University Surgeon, 1871; held stored records beginning in 1888; and in 1933 became headquarters of the Jasons men’s honorary. In 1990 the structure was made a memorial for the university’s honor societies. The adjacent Mound is the site of honoraries’ tappings every spring. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP:Woods Hall, YESTERDAY Soon after the Civil War, the university constructed a huge multistory, all-purpose building to house the president’s office, student dormitories, lecture halls, libraries, a hospital, laboratories, and also a kitchen, bakery and dining room for men only. The first building erected after Union troops burned the campus in 1865, it opened in 1868 as the Centre Building. In 1884 it acquired its present name, Woods Hall, to honor the university’s first president, Alva Woods. Many bricks in the construction were salvaged from burned buildings, but the majority of them were made on site. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Woods Hall, TODAY Embedded in the structural soul of Woods Hall are the antics, stories and rituals of thousands of students who, over more than a century, called it home. In the late 1800s, as the university enforced a harsh military system, Woods Hall’s young men revolted with such fervor that the president and Commandant both resigned. In 1909, the hall was renovated and painted yellow according to the Greater University plan. A decade later it formed an element at what was then the quad. Its snack bar, Little Bohemia, was perfect for girl watching in the 1960s. And Woods was renovated again during David Mathews’ administration, 1969-1980. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano. RIGHT: Cadets pose in front of Woods Hall. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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TOP: Woods Quad, YESTERDAY The gathering place of its day was the quadrangle framed by Woods Hall and Clark Hall. Musings, meetings, music and probably mischiefâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all in the good times of studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;rarely left the quad looking empty. Perhaps this picture was taken during finals week. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Woods Quad,TODAY The compact space today is a beauty mark of frequently changed student sculpture, walks and attractive lighting set amid flowers, lawns and trees. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Clark Hall, YESTERDAY A combination of federal and state funding gave the university footing enough in 1883 to initiate campus expansion. The trustees turned to New Orleans architect William Freret, whose work had led the restoration of Louisiana’s capitol at Baton Rouge. Freret designed three ornate buildings at U.A. – Clark, Manly, and Garland halls. Clark Hall, first built, was named for Willis G. Clark, a university trustee (1876-1898), who was instrumental in getting legislative support for campus expansion. The three buildings completed a courtyard plan conceived originally by James T. Murfee, former university commandant. Each of the buildings was painted yellow in 1913 in keeping with requirements of a Greater University plan. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. TOP RIGHT: Clark Hall library, YESTERDAY Clark Hall housed the university’s library, as shown c. 1915. Books were cataloged by alcove, and two wood stoves heated the room. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Clark Hall, TODAY Today, Clark Hall is still a symbol of awesome design and materials, embodying terra cotta tiles, stained glass windows, turrets, and pinnacles popular in the Victorian style of the 1880s. Originally (accompanying picture), its first floor housed the university library, reading rooms, and a chapel, while the second and third floors contained a large public hall with a balcony. Today, Clark Hall is the administrative home of the College of Arts and Sciences, and houses the Dean’s Office, the Office of Student Services and the Department of Theatre and Dance’s Dance Studio. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Student Athletes, YESTERDAY A quartet of university students poses around a tennis net in a recreation area in front of the Gorgas House, possibly in the late nineteenth century, with Woods Hall and Manly Hall in the background. In its earliest years the quad was well-used for various sports. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.. ABOVE: Capstone Drive, TODAY The main road at the north side of the Quadrangle, Capstone Drive is wide, attractive and passes by Gorgas Library and Garland, Clark and Manly halls. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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ABOVE: Barnard Hall, YESTERDAY Architect A.W. Crossland, of Montgomery, followed up Tuomey Hall by designing its twin, a second academic building, Barnard Hall, built in 1889. Called “the physical laboratory,” it housed the astronomy and engineering departments, and a gymnasium. The building is named for F.A.P. Barnard, professor, scientist and photographer who taught from 1838 to 1854, and established the university’s Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Barnard also designed and oversaw construction of the campus’s astronomical observatory. Gym classes were held at Barnard during the presidency of John W. Abercrombie. The hall was painted yellow by 1914, in keeping with the Greater University building program, which began in 1906 and envisioned a yellow brick university. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Oliver-Barnard Hall, TODAY The historic building acquired a double name in 2000 when renovations ended and it was rededicated as the Oliver-Barnard Hall to honor John T. Oliver Jr., a Jasper, Ala., bank executive and UA trustee, 1971-1999. Oliver’s family and friends had funded the $1 million renovation, which enabled the building to become the first Academic House in the Blount Undergraduate Initiative created in 1999 by Mr. And Mrs. Winton M. Blount, and the Blount Foundation. Oliver-Barnard serves as the site for Initiative seminars, lectures and other gatherings. It also contains a computer lab, study spaces and a common area. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: Tuomey Hall, YESTERDAY In 1888 the university completed its building to house the geological survey and related subjects, naming it for professor Michael Tuomey, who taught there in the 1840s and 1850s, and was Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first State Geologist. In addition to the geological survey office, the facility housed a photographic darkroom, lecture hall and chemical laboratories. Architect for the project was W.A. Crossland, of Montgomery. The building was painted yellow by 1914, in keeping with the Greater University building program, which began in 1906 and envisioned a yellow brick university. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. INSET PHOTO: Students in coat & tie outside Tuomey Hall. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Tuomey Hall, TODAY New life and new purpose met at Tuomey Hall in 2002 when restoration transformed the building into an Academic House in the Blount Undergraduate Initiative. Established in 1999 by businessman-philanthropist Winton M. Blount, his wife, Carolyn, and the Blount Foundation, the program is dedicated to creating an intense learning environment for highly motivated students. The main room on the first floor houses the Danford-Yarbrough Library; other space includes rooms for reading, seminars and computer labs. Tuomey was the second of the Initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two Academic Houses. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: Smith Hall, YESTERDAY The alumni society in the early 1900s formed a Greater University committee to plan a proper course for campus development. Out of its recommendations came Smith Hall, whose cornerstone ceremony in May 1907 marked the beginning of the Greater University program and, ultimately, also the construction of Comer and Morgan halls â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all three of yellow brick and in the colonial style, in keeping with the total campus plan conceived by a New York architectural firm. State Geologist and university professor Eugene Allen Smith led the groundbreaking in May 1908 for the building that would be named in his honor. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. INSET: Smith Hall Interior Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Smith Hall, TODAY State Architect Frank Lockwood, architect for the Greater University buildings, created one of the most distinguished buildings on the university campus; eight massive columns highlight its exterior, and sixteen more huge columns surround an awesome atrium-like interior museum of geological and archaeological collections. Smith Hall also displays mineralogy, botany and zoology collections, and houses a natural sciences library, and biology and geology classrooms. The facility is an unusual, but compatible setting for banquets, receptions and other outside events. It is not to be missed when visiting the campus. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Morgan Hall, YESTERDAY A pleasant walk due west of Smith Hall is its twin (in outward appearance), Morgan Hall. Constructed in 1910-11, as part of the Greater University program of proposed campus development, it was designed by state architect Frank Lockwood to house a large auditorium, faculty offices and classrooms. The two buildings stand virtually eye-to-eye just a short distance apart. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Morgan Hall, TODAY The stage in Morgan Hall was used extensively for university theatre productions until the mid-1950s, when the present Music and Speech building was completed. One name most associated with its auditorium is Marian Galloway, who was director of theater for twenty-five years, 1948-1973. Another is its namesake, John Tyler Morgan, Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. Senator, post Civil War, who pressed Congress for funds in reparation for the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destruction in 1865. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Old Post Office, YESTERDAY It met the need for textbooks, notebooks, other academic supplies, and, as important, food or mail from home. The combined Post Office-supply store and cafeteria debuted in 1925, built with funds raised in the Million Dollar campaign of 1922 during George H. Denny’s presidency. The concrete road in front had been completed about a decade earlier. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: McLure Library, TODAY In 1930, the “super store” and Post Office vacated this building and moved across the street to occupy the new Alabama Union building (now Phifer Hall). The vacated facility was named in 1975 for John R. McLure, Dean of the College of Education from 1942-1959 and houses the education library. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Faculty Housing, YESTERDAY Faculty lived on campus during the nineteenth century; single professors often based in student dormitories and married teachers housed in university-provided residences. This house was built in 1888-1889 and faced Main Avenue (University Boulevard). Doster Hall is on the site today. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE: Doster Hall, (left in photo), TODAY In 1929, a home economics and fine arts building was added to the campus, and named for dean of education James J. Doster. This facility, along with a gymnasium and an education building added in 1930, plus the original Tutwiler Hall, built in 1914, completed the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus envisioned by president George Denny. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Denny Chimes, YESTERDAY Smith Hall, completed in 1910 and visible in the left background, and Denny Chimes, were already landmarks of the university in this 1930s photograph. The idea of a campus chimes tower as a World War 1 memorial originated in 1919, but was shelved. It resurfaced in 1928 when rumors spread that President George Denny was leaving. Abandoning the war memorial theme, students created a Denny Chimes campaign and raised more than $2,000 toward the project. Alumni were not solicited, as they were giving to the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Million Dollar Campaign. But the needed funds were raised and the $37,000 structure, constructed of Alabama limestone and Old Virginia brick from Dennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native state, became a reality, one hundred fifteen feet high. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT and Page 101: Denny Chimes, TODAY George Denny was in his seventeenth year as president when the chimes tower bearing his name was dedicated on May 27, 1929. The elegant shaft contained tubular chimes. In 1944 the chimes were replaced by an electronic system, and in 1966 a carillon and 305 miniature chimes with magnified sound were installed. Alumni funds bought twenty-five bronze bells in 1986. In 2009 a digital system replaced the miniature chimes, and the carillon became mostly a keyboard that played various digitized tunes. Unused any longer were the old paper roll players of music. But carilloneur Garrett Martin, a graduate student, still played the instrument for special events such as memorial services and game days. The walkway at the base contains the names and hand/foot prints of Crimson Tide football captains over the years. The chimes regularly play four times per hour, perhaps the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most familiar and loved sound. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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Denny Chimes, ca. 1943 - Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. Previous Pages: Denny Chimes, Yesterday and Today. Historic photo page 100 courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.. Photo page 101 by Alice Wilson.

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Denny Chimes, Photo by Alice Wilson.

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Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, YESTERDAY & TODAY President Franklin D. Roosevelt is said to have laughed at the reason the university asked for federal funds to help finance the construction of a campus library. The story goes that in the Depression-stricken 1930s, Chancellor George H. Denny and then-Congressman Claude Pepper of Florida (1921 Alabama graduate) met with the president about the need for a new library. Public Works Administration (PWA) funds can only be used to replace a burned-down building, or a fire hazard structure, said the president. “That’s my case!” replied Denny. “The Yankees burned it down in the Civil War!” Roosevelt reportedly “hollered with laughter,” but refused the request saying that he had just vetoed a similar situation in Missouri. Roosevelt later gave in. In 1939 the library was completed with about forty-five percent of the building’s cost coming from PWA funds. And it is almost exactly where the fabled Rotunda stood, which, indeed, the Yankees did destroy in 1865. YESTERDAY Photo, top, courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. TODAY photo, bottom, by Alice Wilson

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Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library,YESTERDAY & TODAY The largest structure on campus when completed in 1939, the Gorgas Library is a monumental repository of information and material, and is named for the wife of Josiah Gorgas, the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nineteenth president. Both also were university librarians; he after ending his presidency in 1879, then she until dying in 1913. In the 1960s, having outgrown itself, the library received a multi-story addition and was expanded from the back to Capstone Drive, which became the main entrance in the 1970s. The 1990s saw still more expansion, which included moving the William S. Hoole Special Collections Library into the nearby Science Collections building, renamed the Mary Harmon Bryant Hall in 2001. For two decades, 1990-2009, Gorgas has been a work in progress, becoming a state-ofthe-art electronic library to fully serve its users. In addition to Gorgas and Hoole, three other facilities comprise the university libraries: Angelo Bruno Business Library (1994), McLure Education Library (1975), and the Eric and Sarah Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering (1990). YESTERDAY Photo, top, courtesy W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. TODAY Photo, right, by Alice Wilson.

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ABOVE: Campus Crossroads, YESTERDAY Dead of winter, coats, bare trees, typically bustling day on Main Avenue at the Quad and Denny Chimes in the 1940s. But notice that city buses served the campus, and that cars could park alongside the Quad. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Marr’s Spring, YESTERDAY Sunning on the grassy bank, wading at water’s edge, high-diving off the boards, or just soaking up fun on the pier—Marr’s Spring had no campus comparison when summer warmed the University of Alabama. Students flocked daily to the cool pond located on the original land grant made in 1819 to establish the university. The spring is named for William M. Marr, and was the campus’s water supply for more than seventy-five years. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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Campus Crossroads, TODAY Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart-of-campus scene features heavier foot traffic, no parking on either side of University Boulevard and TideRide, the campus-operated bus system that offers students a free ride to class and to their vehicles parked on the outer edges. Most times (football game days the exception), the Quad and Denny Chimes look much the same. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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The Tuscaloosa area is home to Jim Walter Resources, one of the 25 largest coal mining operations in the United States and provider of the best metallurgical coal on the planet. JWRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coal is of such a high quality that it is sold on five continents, even to those countries that have their own coal mine operations. JWR activities include an on-site Training Center, a Central Shop, Central Supply, and a coal seam degasification business, Black Warrior Methane. Full story page 166.

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LEFT: Alabama Insane Hospital, YESTERDAY Depression seized Tuscaloosa when it lost the state government to Montgomery in 1846. But happy days returned when Robert Jemison Jr., a visionary state senator from Tuscaloosa, won a huge political prize for his home countyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the first Alabama Insane Hospital would be built here. An immense project that took almost a decade to complete, it provided jobs for local workers and gave the economy a great boost. Shrewd and powerful, Jemison owned the vast, 4,500-acre Cherokee plantation in Tuscaloosa County, plus coal mines, a foundry and a lumber mill. His connections enabled him to profit from the hospital project. The hospital opened in July 1861, with Dr. Peter Bryce its superintendent. A faithful administrator for thirty-two years, Bryce died in 1892. His name then was added to the facility that today is Bryce Hospital. Photo courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

RIGHT: Bryce Hospital, TODAY Bryce Hospital became part of the University of Alabama in 2010, terms of the purchase agreed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and university trustees. Situated at the northern edge of the campus, the hospital and immediate environs will be important to the university as its expansion continues. The state will build a replacement for Bryce on the campus of nearby Partlow Development Center. Bryce had about three hundred residents at the time of the sale. Photo by Rebecca Beers.

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TOP: Evergreen Cemetery, YESTERDAY The third oldest cemetery in Tuscaloosa, Evergreen contains the remains of numerous women and men important to the development and growth of Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;governors, generals, elected officials and educators, among others. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT: Evergreen Cemetery, TODAY Usually placid except for passing traffic, the Evergreen Cemetery grounds echo at times with the roar from Bryant-Denny Stadium, its neighbor across Bryant Drive. Football season brings hundreds of thousands of fans to the games, and grave sites even catch the spirit, many often decorated with crimson/ white bouquets and streamers. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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ABOVE: William G. Little of Livingston, Ala. (seated at center, holding football), had been introduced to football during his days as a student at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. The untimely death of his brother forced Little to return home to help take care of the rest of his family. He enrolled at the University of Alabama for the fall semester of 1892 and he encouraged his schoolmates into participating in the rugby-like sport called football. Little served as captain of the first Alabama team, which was coached by E.B. Beaumont (standing to the right of Little in suit and bowler). To the left of Little is William Brockman Bankhead, who later became Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Another teammate, Bibb Graves (not pictured), would serve two terms as Alabama governor. Alabama won its first game 56-0 over a Birmingham High School unit on November 11, 1892. Photo courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

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OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Denny Field, 1920s, AND ABOVE: Denny Field as Practice Field, 1940s. A student, William Gray Little, introduced football to the University of Alabama in 1892, and games were played on the Quad until 1914. A more proper space, first named University Field and later Denny Field, was built in 1915 adjacent to the new Little Hall, a gymnasium, both located near the president’s home. The campus’s first home field had sideline space for Model-T headlights to light the play when early fall darkness fell. Students quickly took to the sport and jammed as close to the action as they could get, beginning a tradition that continues today. In 1920 the field was renamed for UA President George Denny, whose administration had begun on January 1, 1912. In Alabama’s fourth season it added the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, at Auburn, to its schedule, the rivals playing in Birmingham for twelve years with API winning seven times and the 1912 game a 6-6 tie. But problems over contract terms and selection of officials stopped the series after 1912 and it was not resumed for forty-one years. OPPOSITE BOTTOM Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. ABOVE Photo courtesy of Paul W. Bryant Museum.

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TOP: 1929, capacity 18,000; west grandstand completed, adding 12,000 seats. MIDDLE: 1936, capacity 24,000; east grandstand completed, adding 6,000 seats. BOTTOM: 1946, capacity 31,000; bleachers built at both end zones, adding 7,000 seats. Photos courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

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1961, capacity 43,000; press box built, west stands enlarged, adding 12,000 seats. Image courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

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ABOVE: 1966, capacity 60,000; both end zones enclosed, addition built to east stands, adding 17,000 seats. Photo courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum. OPPOSITE TOP: Pre-1988 OPPOSITE BOTTOM: 1988, capacity 70,123; west side upper deck completed, adding 10,123 seats. Photos courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

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TOP LEFT: 1998, capacity 83,818; east side upper deck completed, adding 13,695 seats. Photo courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum. BOTTOM LEFT: 2006, capacity 92,138; north end zone addition completed, adding 8,320 seats. Photo courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum. ABOVE: 2010, capacity approximately 101,800; south end zone addition completed, approximately 9,000 seats added. Image courtesy of Davis Architects, Inc.

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First National Champions, 1925. Front row: Rosenfeld, Winslett, Gillis, Jones, Barnes, Enis, T. Brown. Second row: McDonald, Morrison, Perry, Pickhard, Buckler, Hudson, Bowdoin. Third row: Hubert, Vines, M. Brown, Payne, Pepper, Holmes, Camp, Caldwell, Dismukes. Record: 11-0-0 Coach: Wallace Wade. Selectors: Football Annual, Helms. Photo courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

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Thirteenth National Champions, 2009. Photo courtesy of the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

RIGHT: The Heisman in Crimson He was number twenty-two, a sophomore steamroller, crashing over tacklers from thirteen opponents in 2009 to gain 1,658 rushing yards and lead the Alabama Crimson Tide to its thirteenth national championship. He made four All-America teams and two All-SEC teams, but nothing touched the humility and pride shown by Mark Ingram when he became Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Heisman Trophy recipient. With manly tears and prayerful thanks, Ingram accepted the award, for family and teammates, on December 12, 2009 in New York City. Photo courtesy Associated Press (AP).

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Northington Hospital, YESTERDAY A vast complex of more than 2,000 beds, this was Northington Hospital during World War II. Built by the U.S. Army, and named for Birmingham native Colonel Eugene Northington, the facility opened in 1943 to serve thousands of wounded soldiers One congressman called it “Alabama’s most important war-time establishment.” One of the wounded treated there was Alvin P. DuPont, a Marine corpsman and Purple Heart recipient, who remained in Tuscaloosa and became mayor, elected six times, 1981-2006. Tuscaloosa’s growth transformed the site at McFarland Boulevard and Fifteenth Street into prime commercial property, which today houses University Mall, Home Depot, Target, Bruno’s supermarket, the fire college of Shelton State Community College, and two branch banks. Midtown Mall, whose first stores opened in 2007, is across McFarland from this area, and was still being developed in 2010. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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University Mall area, TODAY The 1970s cult film, Smokey and the Bandit, saw part of this area blown up, and Burt Reynolds hurl himself in a Pontiac Trans Am across the Black Warrior River. Quite a claim to fame! Little but memory remains of the Northington complex. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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Nearly 17 years have passed since Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) planted its roots in Alabama and North America as the first Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle plant located outside of Germany. MBUSI has built more than 1 million (and counting) world-class Mercedes-Benz vehicles and is well into the second chapter of its life, creating new products and expanding its impact on Tuscaloosa and Alabama. Full story page 206.

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Lake Tuscaloosa Spillway, YESTERDAY & TODAY Tuscaloosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the 1960s made the need for safe, clean drinking water greater than Lake Nicol and Harris Lake could meet. City leaders looked across the Black Warrior River outward to North River, in northern Tuscaloosa County. In an achievement of visionary plans, the river was tamed to create massive Lake Tuscaloosa, which flooded 5,885 acres and created 177 miles of shoreline. These pictures show construction of the spillway at Rice Mine Road and the completed dam. Dedicated in May 1970, the lake became our chief source of drinking water. Access across the dam opened up the woodlands beyond for many upscale residential developments, and also the North River Yacht Club complex of houses, golf course, country clubs and the Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art. Historic photo courtesy Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. New photo by Richard Todd / Todd Media.

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Profile in Leadership

When Richard Ellis went into real estate in 1974, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was born, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record and UPC codes were used for the first time and in Tuscaloosa. Six years later Richard Ellis, Sr., along with partner, Bill Trick, opened the doors to The Advantage Realty Group and created a local landmark real estate company. Advantage has soared to its current level of success by adhering to its philosophies of the past. “It’s simple, really,” said Richard Ellis, Jr. “We care about the people and the community we serve, and we care about one another.” The Advantage Realty focus is on the community. Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama, was once known as a quaint college town. It’s anything but that today. Adjusting to the growth and needs in the surrounding real estate market is what has kept Advantage at the top in the Tuscaloosa area. Full story page 178.

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ABOVE & TOP OPPOSITE: Moundville Archaeological Park and Museum, YESTERDAY Archaeological investigation has documented that upwards of eleven thousand Native Americans of the Mississippian culture lived on this land from around 1000 AD until 1450 AD. They constructed twenty-eight platform mounds inside a wooden wall and against a bluff of the Black Warrior River. The first evidence of their highly organized civilization was uncovered in 1905-06 in excavations by Clarence B. Moore, who removed many of the artifacts found from the state. Large-scale excavations were begun in 1929 under the auspices of the Alabama Museum of Natural History. This is the second largest site of the Middle Mississippian culture so far found. It is thought that by 1350 this site was being used mainly for political and religious purposes, which led to its decline, and by 1500 most of the entire area was abandoned. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. RIGHT & BOTTOM OPPOSITE: Moundville Archaeological Park and Museum, TODAY Archaeological field research is ongoing at Moundville, which is located just south of Tuscaloosa where Hale County begins. The three hundred twenty acres contain twenty-eight awesome mounds, including a temple mound; a reconstructed village and newly exxpanded museum; camping/picnicking facilities, and nature trails. A National Landmark Site, the park hosts a highly-popular Native American Festival every September, which helps make Moundville one of Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top visitor attractions. Photos by Rebecca Beers.

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One river, three unrelated Kings, ten bridges—Going on two centuries now, crossing the Black Warrior River has symbolized opportunity and obstacle, progress and problems. But with motivation and money Tuscaloosans have championed the challenge. Ten times. No fewer than that, in the following numerical order (sometimes building new structures on existing old piers). OPPOSITE TOP: 1834 — Wooden covered bridge designed and built by Seth King with Robert Jemison providing some of the money and lumber. Image courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. 1852—wooden covered bridge, builder unknown, burned when the Yankees invaded Tuscaloosa, 1865. No image exists. 1872—wooden covered bridge, built by ex-slave Horace King. This was the first bridge built by the community rather than by investors. No image exists. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: 1882—steel “bowstring” bridge, featuring tubular arches, built by City of Tuscaloosa, contractor, Zenas King of Cleveland, Ohio. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. TOP and RIGHT: 1896—steel truss bridge, builder unknown. Top photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. Right photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport.

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OPPOSITE: 1923 — The Waddell Lift Bridge, YESTERDAY Many older Tuscaloosans will remember traveling this bridge. In the foreground construction crews begin pouring the piers for the Hugh Thomas Bridge. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. ABOVE: 1958 — Hugh Thomas Bridge TODAY 1958 - Hugh Thomas Bridge constructed; road bridge site moved downriver for the first time. Completion followed by demolition of Waddell lift bridge. On the right side of the photo can be seen the construciton of the new amphitheatre. Photo by Richard Todd / Todd Media

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Profile in Leadership !

At a meeting in 1987, a group of Tuscaloosa businessmen outlined their vision for a new bank. The bank would provide the best customer service, offer employees a first-rate workplace and be the finest corporate citizen in town. Two decades later, Bank of Tuscaloosa is the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest in market share, operates five branches in addition to the main office and has a legal lending limit of nearly $9.5 million per borrower. Bank of Tuscaloosa employees have headed or been involved in virtually every community organization in town. Full story page 192.

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RIGHT: 1897—First railroad bridge, YESTERDAY The 1897 railroad bridge was similar to the steel truss road bridge, which crossed at the site of today’s railroad bridge. Photo courtesy of W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. OPPOSITE: The replacement railroad bridge, YESTERDAY A replacement railroad bridge was built on the present site at a date undetermined. The Waddell Lift Bridge can be seen in the distance. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. TOP: 1956 — Third and current, replacement railroad bridge, TODAY The 1956 bridge crossed on the same site. The Waddell Lift Bridge has been replaced by the Hugh Thomas Bridge. Photo by Richard Todd / Todd Media.

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LEFT: Train spotters, YESTERDAY The Mobile and Ohio Railroad arrived in Tuscaloosa County in 1897, running between Columbus, Mississippi, and Montgomery. Stopping in Northport, the afternoon train then chugged across the Black Warrior River on the bridge the railroad erected in 1896, called at Tuscaloosa and headed south. The M & O station master and a handyman posed for this picture in 1902. The little depot also served as a Western Union telegraph and cable office. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. BELOW: Trains still run, TODAY Fire destroyed the M & O Depot in 1927. Rail service eventually ended, but the thrill of riding the rails thrives at the replacement depot in the sights and sounds of miniature passenger and freight trains. The network of track and settings was formed by the Black Warrior Model Railway Club. The display opened in 1995 and welcomes visitors to its operating hours, nine a.m. to noon every Saturday. The trains run at 725 Twenty-fifth Avenue, Northport. Photo by Porfirio Solorzano.

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TOP: Wilson-Clements House, Northport, 1837, YESTERDAY Said to contain bricks made by slaves, the house was built in 1837 for the Benjamin Wilson family on their eight-acre farm. A one-story structure, with chimneys that are flush with the exterior walls, it is still on its original location, at 1802 20th Avenue. Alonzo Clements, a prominent Tuscaloosa County politician, bought the house in 1910, and it remained in that family for the remainder of the twentieth century. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. RIGHT: Wilson-Clements House, Northport, TODAY In 1984 the historic Wilson-Clements House was restored by Woodrow W. Clements, a grandson of Alonzo Clements. Woodrow Clements had grown up there, went to work for the Dr. Pepper Corporation and rose in position until in 1974 he became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Pepper. Friends of Historic Northport owned the house in 2010. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Northport Female Academy, YESTERDAY Girls of grammar school age attended school in this building, which stood for about seventy-five years on Academy Hill near Watermelon Road. The private school was founded in 1835 by Charles Snow and Robert Cook, among others. Its lone teacher was said to be Miss Vina McGee. In later years the building became the home of a certain Dr. Nagler. Fire destroyed the structure around the turn of the twentieth century. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. RIGHT: Academy Site, TODAY A pleasant, shaded neighborhood that includes Park Street (shown) occupies the site of the once-prominent Northport Female Academy. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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ABOVE RIGHT and OPPOSITE TOP: Northport, Main Avenue, YESTERDAY Northernmost point for boats carrying goods up the Black Warrior River, North Port (one of its early names) was a natural site for the area’s main port. Incorporated in 1871, it was a young town with swagger when these Main Street photographs were taken of the popular, all-purpose White’s General Store (southeast corner of the main crossroads), and (in 1885) of Josh’s Bar, a place of some repute. Posing for posterity was Ezekiel Joshua Palmer, dark suit under the whiskey sign, who owned the saloon. The carriage held his son, one-year-old Richard Terrell Palmer. The other three characters are unidentified. The oversized sign extending over the plank walkway and into the dirt street boldly summoned one and all to enjoy a stopover, short or long. Other businesses on Main included a grocer, drug store, jeweler, and a big cotton warehouse. Photos courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. ABOVE LEFT and OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Northport, Main Street, TODAY No one can say exactly where it was, as fire later destroyed its whole block, but as Northport blossomed and grew, some say Josh’s place may have been near the spot occupied for decades now by the storied Anders Hardware, which opened in 1909. Anders remained an anchor of Main Street in 2010, along with Kentuck’s offices, City Cafe, Adams Antiques complex, Faucett’s clothing store, an authentic five-and-dime store and the historic house, Shirley Place, built in 1838. This was the home of Marvin Harper, perhaps the most prominent historian in Tuscaloosa County, who died in April 2009 at age eighty-nine. Just off Main are river-view restaurants, other businesses, and developing plans for residences and a hotel. Above left photo by Barry Fikes. Opposite bottom photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Shirley Place, built in 1838, was the home of Marvin Harper, perhaps the most prominent historian in Tuscaloosa County, who died in April 2009 at age eighty-nine. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. ABOVE LEFT: 1916 Centennial Parade. Miss Pearl Maxwell at the wheel. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. ABOVE RIGHT: Northportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Automobile. W. S. Persinger at the wheel. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport.

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TOP: Northport’s downtown, YESTERDAY Scruffy perhaps, busy nonetheless, this was Main Street Northport in the long ago. Of the most familiar names prominent in the photograph – gasoline, soft drink, motor oil – none are there today. But one, Faucett, has survived and thrived as a Northport mainstay. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. ABOVE: Downtown Northport, TODAY Faucett’s Clothing, the city’s leading apparel business, is still in the same location as shown above, and the bustling street is brightened with an original five-and-dime, cool antiques, picturesque galleries, good dining and other shops just a little different. Landscaping and attractive lighting enhance the pleasant setting, which calls one to come back. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP LEFT: Northport Baptist Church, YESTERDAY In its earliest years, the settlement across the river from Tuscaloosa was called North Tuscaloosa. Not unusual, then, for the little Baptist Church formed in 1838 by thirty-one residents to be named North Tuscaloosa Baptist. In 1854, however, it established its own identity as Northport Baptist, then built a wooden church on its present site in 1858. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. BOTTOM LEFT: Northport Baptist Church, TODAY Northport’s largest church occupied its present facility in 1923, adding an education annex in 1969. Located at 1004 Main Avenue, the church had 1,800 members in 2010, led by senior pastor Dr. John A. Nixon. Photo by Alice Wilson. OPPOSITE TOP: In north Tuscaloosa County, off Flatwoods Road, this was the cooling-off place called Swift’s Creek back in the old days before municipal pools, backyard beaches and inflatables for sunbathing. Was there skinny-dipping? Who’s to say? Who’s to know? Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Northport tornado, 1932, YESTERDAY The wind was up, the air too warm and you could feel a storm brewing in the west. It is doubtful, however, that anyone thought it would be so vicious and destructive as the tornado that snaked down from the dark wall cloud that afternoon, March 21, 1932 and ripped into Northport. On the ground for twenty miles, the storm killed thirty-eight people, wrecked ninety-eight houses, destroyed two hundred fifty other buildings and made 2,000 people homeless. Near this scene of devastation lies riverfront land that was thought to have been a fierce battleground. Rival Indian tribes, Creeks and Choctaws, battled each other on this ground for hunting dominance along the Black Warrior River some 200 years ago. Two days of fighting left a heavy toll of dead, whose remains are thought to be buried somewhere on the site that stirred controversy in 2009 when development was proposed along the river. Friends of Historic Northport, in the interest of preservation, asked the City of Northport, which owns the sixteen acres in question, to conduct a historical review before anything is built or placed there. No burials were found. Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, U.A.

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TOP: FHN Maxwell-Hamner House, Northport, 1890, YESTERDAY In 2010, the Maxwell-Hamner house was in its one hundred twentieth year, having been built in 1890 by Richard Maxwell for his daughter Clara. She then married Charles Richard Hamner, also in 1890, and it became their home. Later, the William Black family bought the house; still later, Rogers Anders Sr., Mickey Smith and Steve Allen bought it as joint owners and began restoration. A classical and beautiful Queen Anne structure, it remains at 315 Main Avenue. The identity of the persons in the photograph, and its date, are unknown. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. RIGHT: Maxwell-Hamner House, TODAY The William Parker family bought the Maxwell-Hamner House in 1988, and continued the restoration begun by its previous owners. The Gingerbread Corner Gift Shop occupied part of the building in 2000, and some of its other space was being used as law offices. In 2010, Northport Antiques had its shop in the house. Photo by Alice Wilson.

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TOP: Rampaging river, YESTERDAY Often acting possessed, the Black Warrior River seems to live by its own timetable, changing almost within hours from scenic smoothness to rising danger when nature descends upon it. A system of elaborate locks and dams keeps its periodic rampages mostly downstream from Tuscaloosa. But this undated picture of Main Avenue (looking east) in Northport is evidence enough that the levee now in place along the low, northern side was badly needed. Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic Northport. LEFT: Waters tamed, TODAY Northportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last major flood occurred in 1961 and predates the construction of a flood control levee in 1998. Thus, downtown businesses and residential areas are safe havens today for delicious eating, Alabamamade crafts and art, quality antiques, an original five-and-dime store, comfortable living, and two sensational seasonal surprises â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the internationally acclaimed Kentuck arts festival in October, and the annual Dickens Downtown, a picture-book event that heralds the season with recollections of Christmases past. Photo by Barry Fikes.

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TOP: The Airport, YESTERDAY War raged in Europe in 1941 as classes of “very apprehensive British boys” — quoting one of their own — began arriving in Alabama to be taught to fly by American officers and airmen. Pupils and teachers worked together steadily for ten-week increments, then were replaced by another group. Each class of 120 cadets was divided and trained at Tuscaloosa’s Van de Graaff Airport, Maxwell Field in Montgomery and Gunter Field at Selma. Cadet Captain Weighill of class 42E wrote of the flying instructors, “no praise is too high for them. The destiny of our beloved England lies in their ability to make good pilots of us.” The men of 42E spent Christmas 1941 in Tuscaloosa, staying with local families. The Tuscaloosa Airport was a sprawling complex at the time (and in its present location), with barracks, hangers, administration building and a fleet of fighter planes. Frenchmen also underwent flight training here. The program went full speed for nearly three years before ending in mid-1943. Photo courtesy Tuscaloosa Airport Authority. ABOVE and OPPOSITE: The Airport, TODAY Tuscaloosa celebrated its first commercial air service in 1947 when Republic Airline began one flight daily to Memphis, and within a few years added two more. The city then planned for an even brighter future by constructing a new terminal building in the early 1970s, which would accommodate three airlines. Quality commercial service continued for three decades, then diminished due to changes in the airline industry, and in 1997 ended altogether. An American Eagle flight was the last one. Private aviation, however, keeps the airport busy and has stimulated improvements in the runway and control facilities. In 2010, the city had plans to once again pursue commercial traffic, and if successful to upgrade other parts of the complex. A collaboration between Northport and Tuscaloosa brought the famed Blue Angels flying team to perform in April 2009, as the centerpiece for a weekend air show. Above photo by Barry Fikes. Opposite photo by Rebecca Beers.

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TOMORROW “Tuscaloosa is well on its way to become one of the most livable communities in America.” With this accolade by the national leadership organization, Partners for Livable Communities, the city launched 2010 from one of its most prestigious milestones – recognition as an innovator and for finding unique solutions to opportunities and challenges. Partners CEO Robert McNulty presented its Entrepreneurial American Community Award to a group of local leaders at a gala ceremony in Washington, D.C., in December 2009. He saluted the city’s leadership for “focusing their energy and resources on livability, economic vitality, enrichment of human, natural and cultural resources, creating a positive climate for business and investing in the future.” City Council member Cynthia Almond accepted the dignified, inscribed desktop memento on behalf

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Showplace to Debut in 2011 Construction moved toward completion in 2010 on west Alabama’s premier entertainment venue, a seventeen million dollar amphitheater, which will occupy virtually the same site as Stallworth Lake. Planned opening is early 2011. The facility is to have 6,500 seats and twenty-two boxes, each of four-to-six seats, plus a VIP club and parking. Red Mountain Entertainment will operate the venue under contract with the city. Davis Architects of Birmingham designed the amphitheater. Image courtesy of Davis Architects, Inc.

of a small delegation that included Mayor Walt Maddox and Johnnie Aycock, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. In response Almond praised a partnership composed of the City, Chamber, University of Alabama, Northport, Tuscaloosa County and The Alabama State Council of the Arts. That partnership created a “Culture Builds” initiative that complements economic growth and embraces a long-term strategic plan for regional development. Specific projects underway in 2010 include a federal courthouse, amphitheater by the Black Warrior River, offices of the Tourism and Sports Commission, a new farmer’s market and completion of the picturesque River Walk. The university also administers its own multi-arts program, “Creative Campus.” Another initiative, Culture Fest,” strives to take the arts into all neighborhoods and to create new cultural venues that will add to the array of art collections, music, theater, crafts and dance already in place. “Because of our cooperation, vision and determination, our community is becoming an exciting cultural destination that translates into a sustainable, competitive economy and an even more livable community,” Almond said. “We are seeing the results of our collaborative effort.” Maddox noted Tuscaloosa’s “commitment to create venues and opportunities that allow our citizens to experience music, theater and arts in a moving and meaningful way.” Aycock acknowledged the award as a building block for the area’s “exciting new era of economic competitiveness, regional cooperation, cultural awareness and livability. Our diversity, cultural infrastructure and public-private partnerships are helping translate the vision of one of the nation’s most livable communities into reality.” Partners for Livable Communities is a nonprofit based in Washington. Its mission is to improve quality of life locally, nationally and internationally by promoting livability, economic development and social equity. !

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CONVERSATION with a PACESETTER

s President of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for more than a quarter century, Johnnie Aycock understands the community with the insight of one who has seen it soar, stumble, and now stretch to its goals for the future. Here is a conversation about all that and more with Donald Brown, this book’s author. Q. Is this a particularly important period in Tuscaloosa’s history? If so, why? A. I tend to think that this is an unusually special time. It’s a transition period for our community in terms of leadership, economic competitiveness and reaching new levels of livability.

in terms of economic vitality, educational excellence, cultural and livability kinds of issues. So this may be as important a juncture as any we have ever experienced. But we have to recognize the opportunity in front of us. Q. What would you say are the most important assets we have to help us pull out of this situation? And, on the reverse side the biggest challenges we’ve got to confront? A. The first thing you always look at is leadership. I think we’ve really got an interesting alignment of stars going on. Real talent and visionary leaders in key positions. Progressive mayors and city councils in Tuscaloosa and Northport. Unbelievably

If you look at the past twenty-five progressive and bold leadership at the or so years, the last pivotal moment University of Alabama and at Shelton was the ’78-to-’83 period. That’s the State. Business leadership is solid. time that Tuscaloosa experienced In terms of the current and coming the loss of Gulf States, the foundry, generation, we’ve got some bright new Reichold [chemicals], and we were professionals stepping forward, so I’m Johnnie Aycock is pictured in 1983, in the doldrums. It was 18 percent excited about that. We basically have when he became President of the Chamber. unemployment. The university and good infrastructure, especially our lake, the community didn’t work together which is huge asset taken for granted. as they do now. So [newspaper We’ve got tremendous cultural assets, publisher] Charlie Land took the leadership and moved which we need to leverage more effectively for economic us past that. Following the Rochester experiment advantage. I’m not just talking about the arts; I’m with the university, the city [and] the Chamber, JVC talking about overall livability factors. Our town-gown came to town 1985 and our economy turned around. relationship probably has never been stronger and is From ’85 until actually 2008, we hadn’t experienced ingrained in the whole fabric of the community. any economic downturn, [or] anything but growth, We have a growing manufacturing community, with development, progress on several fronts; Mercedes an obvious emphasis on the automotive sector, which obviously being the star of the economic prizes. We really were in a comfortable box and many felt we were insulated as a community from economic recession. However, we learned a lesson. This is the fifth recession since ’83, but we felt this slowdown, and hopefully have learned a lesson. Now we’ve got to ask the question, how do we transition to a more competitive position, to a more progressive position, to a stronger position once the economy changes? So this is as critical a time as any others and a wonderful opportunity at the same time. The transition and leadership, and how we translate challenge into opportunity, is going to be unbelievably important

has contributed in a major way to our economic gains but also must be understood in terms of changing economic factors, such as our current slowdown. But the question is how do we build off success and head in new directions? What are our targets in terms of the manufacturing community? I hope we broaden our scope and diversity in terms of industrial development and economic strategies. Q. Do you see these liabilities being addressed, as a community we look forward into the next twenty years? A. Yes. There is a growing awareness of the importance of regional economic development and

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partnerships, on development of regional workforce capacity and educational quality. We’re beginning to address literacy, workplace skills, graduation rates — all of which are related directly to our economic progress. There is growing encouragement to more effectively align economic and livability strategies in the public, private, education and non-profit sectors, which is essential for future progress. In other words, do we have a common vision and common goals for moving our community

Johnnie Aycock, 2010

years, as I was starting to consider offers from other places, we asked the question, ‘why would we want to live anywhere else?’ We made a decision then, if they would have us, we wanted to stay. There were some very specific reasons. It’s a great place for family. And I don’t know how you could live anywhere else once you’ve lived in a university community. The quality and extra amenities that come with it, whether it’s athletics, cultural, or the educational environment; whatever it is, there’s just

to new levels of prosperity and quality? That can be done, but it all comes back to leadership. You’ve got to keep building and fostering visionary leadership, stimulating a collaborative approach to problem solving and taking advantage of new opportunities, and move away from fragmentation and our little boxes. We don’t need to be afraid to dream a little bigger and step outside of our own self-interest. Specifically, we need to be recruiting retail more effectively and developing sites. Over the next 12 – 24 months, I believe you’ll see major changes in our retail and hospitality offerings. However, when it comes right down to it, if we’re not taking care of our children and young people in terms of educational quality, it will affect our workforce and skills capacity,

something special. It’s like jazz, you can’t explain it but you know it when you hear it. There’s an environment that’s really conducive to quality living. We have great people engaged in the community. Normally you start by telling folks that we’re the home of the University of Alabama. I don’t care what anybody says, if the university weren’t here, Tuscaloosa would be just a name on an interstate. The university is still our largest economic engine, bar none. The university gives us a cutting edge, competitive advantage. Then you add the international flavor, which has obviously put a stamp on us, you have a recipe for a unique, livable place to call home. I often talk about the livability of the community. It’s a great, livable place. One of our goals should

our competitive advantage, our economic climate and livability. To me, that’s at the heart of everything! And yes, we can address ‘em all.

always be to consistently be rated in the top 10 livable communities in America. And be cited for that. Educational excellence. Safe, secure, low crime. Affordable housing at all levels. Access to services no matter what socioeconomic group you’re in. Address poverty, homelessness, literacy, all the really tough ones. We have the potential to be one of the most livable communities in America. We ought to be going after it aggressively. So I talk about livability, economic opportunity, the entrepreneurial climate (really good here). I don’t have to live here. All of us have the ability to live

Q. Over your long tenure as chamber executive, you’ve introduced Tuscaloosa to a lot of different constituents. What would you say to somebody today who didn’t know anything about us? A. I tend to use my own personal experience. When we came to Tuscaloosa, it was our thought pattern to be here maybe five years, perhaps moving on to a larger metro chamber. However, after five

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A majestic United States Federal Building was under construction in downtown Tuscaloosa in 2010, with completion scheduled in 2011. Image courtesy of Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge Architects.

anywhere we want to. I think about this often: this new generation, they make their decisions differently than you and I did. We looked at where the job was and that’s where we went no matter where it was. Today’s generation looks at where they want to live and grow. They’ll find the career opportunity. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the quality and livability that when our students graduate they don’t want to leave, they want to stay here? Q. You recently announced your retirement as President of the Chamber Situated at the bottom of river hill, by the Black Warrior River, this building will house the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission, formed in 2010 through the merger of the of Commerce. What is next for you? Convention and Visitors Bureau and the area’s sports commission. Image courtesy of Ellis How would you like to be involved in Architects. Tuscaloosa’s future? A. While I’ve invested 28 years in my community, and loved every moment of it, there are so many opportunities and interests on my personal agenda that I would like to address in the coming years. So, I’ve decided it’s time to turn

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over the leadership reigns of a great local chamber to a new, fresh leadership team. And I fully expect the next administration to move our organization to even higher heights of performance, influence and impact. And I’ll be disappointed if that doesn’t happen! Thankfully, the relationships, skills, passion and interests that I’ve been blessed with over the years will give me an opportunity to still be involved at local, state and national levels, working in economic development, organizational and community strategic A new Farmer’s Market location will be under the same roof development, and legislative affairs and issues with the tourism and sports commission, at the other end of the building. The market will move from its longtime nearby place on management. I’m also looking forward to pursuing river hill. Image courtesy of Ellis Architects. some of my interests in leadership training, teaching, and writing. A friend of mine in Washington recently asked me, now that I’ve announced plans to retire, would that allow me to pull more for my alma mater, Auburn. I turned to him with a simple two word answer – Roll Tide!

Calculations of DCH cite the need for three hundred more patient beds by 2020. A six-story West Tower will be the first step. Containing 215,000 square feet and 108 beds, the facility will have private patient rooms on three floors, diagnostic and treatment rooms on two floors, and one floor of logistical support. Image courtesy of WSV Architects.

Gaining approval from the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council in 2010, developer Bill Lunsford moved toward construction of RiverWalk Plaza on the south bank of the Black Warrior River, in close proximity to the public library and Guildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood neighborhood. Plans call for four stories containing river-view condominiums and retail businesses. Image courtesy of WSV Architects.

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The Tuscaloosa area annually honors a group of its distinguished leaders in the professions, business, industry and civic life, inducting them into the West Alabama Civic Hall of Fame. The rendering shown is proposed to permanently recognize all members named as of 2010, and those who will follow. A building site had yet to be chosen in mid-2010. Image courtesy of WSV Architects.

Bryant-Denny Stadium, the University of Alabama, TODAY A south end zone addition, in the foreground of this image, was dedicated in summer 2010. This expansion increased seating capacity at Bryant-Denny Stadium from 92,000 to approximately 101,000. The university now has the fourth largest stadium in America, and the largest in the Southeastern Conference. Image courtesy of Davis Architects, Inc.

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Partners In Progress ! The following pages include a look at the corporations, businesses, professional groups, community service organizations and churches that have made this book possible. Their individual chronicles of yesterday, today and tomorrow are arranged according to the date they were first established in Tuscaloosa County. Advantage Realty Group – 1980 (pp. 210-211) AFFLINK – 1998 (pp. 242-243) Alabama Power – 1923 (p. 180) Anders Hardware – 1909 (p. 175) Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating & Cooling – 1920 (p. 178) BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing – 1945 (pp. 184-185) Cardiology Consultants, P.C. – 1981 (pp. 212-213) Community Service Programs of West Alabama – 1967 (p. 197) Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church – 1993 (p. 232) DCH Health System – 1916 (pp. 176-177) Emergi-Care Clinic, P.C. – 1983 (p. 216) Fitts Industries – 1947 (pp. 188-189) Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa (formerly Hardin’s Bakery Co.) – 1900 (pp. 168-169) Forest Manor – 1975 (p. 204) Gilda’s Salon & Day Spa – 1987 (p. 225) Gulf Coast Energy – 2007 (pp. 248-249) Harrison Construction Company – 1996 (p. 237) Central Drug Co. / Harco / Harrison Galleries – 2004 (pp. 246-247) Hunt Refining – 1946 (p. 190) ISE Innomotive Systems – 2002 (p. 245) JamisonMoneyFarmer P.C. – 1920 (p. 179) Jim Walter Resources – 1969 (pp. 198-199) JVC America, Inc – 1986 (p. 222) Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. – 1966 (p. 196) McAbee Construction, Inc. – 1962 (pp. 194-195) Mercedes Benz U.S. International – 1996 (pp. 238-239) Morrison & Smith, LLP – 1951 (p. 193) Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. – 1985 (pp. 220-221) Panamerican Consultants – 1989 (p. 227) Parker Towing – 1940 (pp.182-183)

Picture This – 1970 (p. 200) Pine Valley Retirement Community – 1986 (p. 223) Planit Solutions – 1993 (p. 233) Premier Service Company, Inc. -1992 (pp. 228-231) Price Construction – 1981 (p. 214) Prince Glover Law -1979 (pp. 206-207) Russell S. Lee Flooring America – 1950 (p. 192) Sentell Engineering – 1981 (p. 215) Shelton State Community College – 1979 (pp. 208-209) Stillman College – 1876 (pp. 162-163) Bank of Tuscaloosa – 1988 (pp. 224-225) The Capitol School – 1993 (pp.234-235) The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama – 1902 (pp. 170-173) The Reserve at North River – 19?? (pp. 250-251) The University of Alabama – 1831 (pp. 158-159) The College of Arts & Sciences at The University of Alabama – 1831 (pp. 160-161) The College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama – 1983 (p. 217) The University of Alabama Libraries – 1945 (pp. 186-187) The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences –1974 (pp. 202-203) Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority – 1973 (p. 201) Tuscaloosa MedCenter – 2001 (p. 244) Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel – 1929 (p. 181) Tuscaloosa Title Company – 1896 (p. 167) Ward Scott Veron Architects, Inc. – 1983 (p. 219) Warrior Asphalt – 1949 (p. 191) Whatley Health Services – 1977 (p. 205) YMCA – 1886 (pp. 164-165) ZF Lemforder, Tuscaloosa – 1997 (pp. 240-241)

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PART TWO

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The University of Alabama

he University of Alabama is the state’s flagship university and a valuable resource for people seeking a better quality of life. Founded in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, the University serves the interests of many stakeholders, including undergraduate students desiring to learn at a major university; graduate students who will conduct scholarly work and research on campus; nontraditional students, such as those who enroll in the University’s distance-education programs; the Tuscaloosa community; businesses; industry; and health care, educational, communication, governmental and legal institutions in the region. The instructional units are the College of Arts and Sciences, the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, the College of Communication and Information Sciences, the College of Community Health Sciences, the College of Continuing Studies, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, Honors College, the College of Human Environmental Sciences, the School of Law, the Capstone College of Nursing and the School of Social Work. UA offers 80 undergraduate degree programs, 69 master’s degree programs, six educational specialist degree programs, 57 doctoral programs and one law degree program.

Student-centered The University of Alabama had a record-high enrollment of 28,807 students in fall 2009, drawn from all 50 states and 72 countries. The 2009 freshman class of 5,207 students was the largest in UA history and included 103 National Merit Scholars, making the University 10th among more than 600 public universities nationwide in the enrollment of National

Merit Scholars for 2009-10 and 24th among more than 2,400 universities when both public and private institutions are included. The University leads the nation in the number of students named to USA Today’s All-USA College Academic Teams. One in five freshmen is enrolled in Honors College, which offers the best and brightest students an array of enriched curricular opportunities. To be accepted into Honors College as entering freshmen, students must score in the 95th percentile or higher on a Since 2001, U.S. News and ABOVE: The University of Alabama seal dates from before the college admission test. In World Report has ranked University offered its first class. This bronze version is located addition to an outstanding The University of Alabama on campus between Alumni Hall and the Bryant Conference Center. core curriculum, the among the top 50 public University offers extensive universities in the nation. international study opportunities, internship programs The publication has also given high national rankings and cooperative education placement. And the Center to the following UA programs: undergraduate business, for Ethics & Social Responsibility helps prepare graduate business, undergraduate accountancy, students to serve as effective, engaged and ethical graduate advertising, graduate telecommunication, citizens, making the values and skills of citizenship a graduate social work and law. The Washington, D.C.hallmark of a UA education. based Center for College Affordability and Productivity UA’s graduates and students include 15 Rhodes ranked UA No. 7 among public universities in 2008.

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ABOVE: Lakeside Residential Community is one of several new student-living options on the UA campus.

Scholars, 30 Goldwater Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 19 Hollings Scholars, two Javits Fellows, one Udall Scholar and one Portz Scholar. The University’s outstanding student-athletes have earned 13 National Collegiate Athletic Association championships in football and four in gymnastics and more than 60 Southeastern Conference championships among men’s and women’s teams. Every UA athletic team has met the NCAA satisfactory academic progress standard.

Research-driven The University of Alabama’s research efforts make a hands-on difference in the lives of the people we serve. At the University, both undergraduate and graduate students work alongside world-class faculty exploring new technologies, making scientific discoveries and solving complex problems. Much of the research is interdisciplinary and concentrated in centers across campus. For example, the Aging Infrastructure Systems Center of Excellence works to extend the life of the nation’s multiple aging infrastructures; the Alabama Industrial Assessment Center assists small- to medium-sized manufacturing industries in Alabama with energy conservation, waste reduction and productivity increases; the Alabama Productivity Center works to improve Alabama companies’ quality, productivity and competitiveness;

and the Center for Mental Health and Aging works to improve quality of life for older adults. From improving energy efficiency and harnessing energy to halting the progression of Parkinson’s disease, research teams of faculty and students are leading the way in knowledge creation and discovery.

Community-oriented The University has a significant impact on the state of Alabama, returning $4 for every $1 invested in the University. Each year, The University of Alabama contributes $1.9 billion to the state’s economy. Beyond the economic, UA impacts the state of Alabama and the nation through its wide variety of outreach programs. For instance, the Center for Community-Based Partnerships connects faculty, staff, students and community partners in researchbased projects designed to solve chronic problems identified by communities.

Mission-focused For almost 180 years, The University of Alabama has excelled in teaching, research and service. We will continue to recruit outstanding faculty members, invest in academic programs, increase research and develop the community service programs that are integral to the University’s mission. !

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THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

or the first 80 years of The University of Alabama’s history, the University and its College of Arts and Sciences were one in the same. In 1911, The University of Alabama’s College of Commerce and Business Administration was created, expanding the University’s curriculum for the first time beyond traditional liberal arts disciplines. Today, the College of Arts and Sciences remains the academic heart of The University of Alabama. It plays a central role in the education of all 23,700 of the University’s undergraduates by providing foundation courses in the sciences and mathematics, humanities and social sciences, and the fine and performing arts on which all University divisions rely. The College is one of the oldest and largest liberal arts colleges in Alabama, and offers the state’s most comprehensive liberal arts program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Its chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1851, the twelfth chapter

ABOVE: Photograph of Clark Hall dated Nov. 23, 1925. TOP: Clark Hall today is the administrative home of the College of Arts and Sciences.

in the nation to be established and the oldest chapter in the Deep South. The nation’s first pre-med honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta, was also established here. Many of the classrooms and administrative offices of the College are located in buildings on the University’s 12-acre historic campus, which is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The administrative home of the College is in Clark Hall in what used to be the central administrative office for the entire post-Civil War University. Ground was broken for Clark Hall in 1884, but work progressed slowly because the building was being constructed on the site of the old Lyceum dorm that was razed during the Civil War. The building was finished in 1886. The University’s library was housed in Clark Hall until 1925. Directly behind Clark Hall is Woods Quad and Woods Hall. Woods Hall was constructed between 1867 and 1868 and was named after UA’s first president, Alva Woods, in 1884. The architect intended the upper floor to be a hospital for wounded cadets, but it was instead made into a dorm. Woods Hall is now home to the College’s department of art and art history. Adjacent to Woods Hall is Manly Hall, which once housed the University President’s Office. The building was painted yellow at the time, as were all of the Victorian-style buildings, in an attempt to make the campus look more uniform. Today, the College is the largest of the University’s 12 divisions with approximately 7,700 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students. The College employs 411 tenure-track faculty and about 250 support staff. It has an annual budget of roughly $70 million and occupies more than 25 campus buildings. The College has endowed chairs in chemistry, physics,

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geological sciences, religious studies, theatre, creative writing, music, and psychology; and one endowed professorship, in biological sciences. The College consists of 23 academic departments or schools: American studies, anthropology, art and art history, biological sciences, chemistry, communicative disorders, criminal justice, English, geography, geological sciences, history, mathematics, modern languages and classics, music, new college, philosophy, physics and astronomy, political science, psychology, religious studies, theatre and dance, and gender and race studies. The College includes 14 doctoral programs and 29 master’s programs. While home to beautiful historic architecture and long traditions, the College of Arts and Sciences houses teaching and research programs that are at the cutting edge of technological and educational innovations. In 2008 it generated nearly $18.5 million in contract and grant funding, with awards primarily for research contributing more than $12.5 million of this total. In the fall of 2009, the College opened the doors to a new Science and Engineering Complex. The 212,000-squarefoot structure houses 40 research labs, 47 support rooms, 25 teaching labs and offices for 65 faculty and more than 150 post doctoral staff, support staff and graduate students. Located on the corner of Hackberry Lane and Campus Drive, the complex is part of a new “science corridor” at the University that is home to

ABOVE: Today, Woods Quad features a sculpture garden, a variety of plants, lighting and benches. BELOW: Woods Quad is pictured here in 1917.

the college’s departments of biological sciences and chemistry and University programs in computer science, chemical and biological engineering, and science education. The College has more than 30 active national honor society chapters and its students have been recognized with numerous national awards. These include Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater scholarships, Truman Scholarships and USA Today All-Academic Team memberships. The College’s longstanding tradition of quality education provides a solid foundation for future distinction. The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to be a strong partner in advancing the quality of life and economic vitality of our community and state. !

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STILLMAN COLLEGE

he pristine surrounds of Stillman College create the ideal liberal arts environment. The college’s attractive 105-acre campus combines the history and tradition of the past with the innovation and pluralistic culture of the future. Stillman’s unfaltering commitment to providing an elite education for its 1,000 highly-capable, enthusiastic students drives change, not only on the Stillman campus, but also in the community. The campus continues to experience exponential growth and revitalization under the visionary leadership of its fifth president, Ernest McNealey, Ph.D. Set in motion when he took the helm on July 1, 1997, the physical plant includes four new structures: the Wynn Fine Arts Center; Roulhac Residence Hall; the School of Education building; and a stadium with accompanying fields, buildings and NCAA regulation track. Consistent with Dr. McNealey’s revitalization efforts to “create a sense of place,” was the construction of the Thomas E. Lyle Band Center and NCAA regulation tennis courts in the summer of 2009.

business administration and teacher education, Stillman instituted the Harte Honors College and pre-professional programs in law and medicine. Additionally, the college’s accredited nursing program offers students an opportunity of service for the greater good. Students at Stillman have access to the latest in computer technology. As a leader in the use of wireless technology, Stillman utilizes a campus-wide fiber optic network to connect its facilities. The college also facilitates every student acquiring a wireless laptop computer, enabling faculty to regularly use computers as an instructional tool. Stillman attracts highly qualified scholars, and 82 percent of full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree. Stillman faculty are committed to excellence in teaching, advising, scholarship and service—providing a A Tradition of Academic Excellence challenging curriculum, administered in an atmosphere With outstanding academic programs, modern of academic freedom that prepares graduates for work, well-equipped facilities and small class sizes, Stillman professional or graduate studies and viable careers in offers an exceptional college experience. Noted for selected fields. The college also fosters an intellectually its outstanding programs in biological sciences, stimulating environment that encourages and supports spiritual, ethical and moral development, an appreciation for the arts, global awareness and concern for the common good in the context of a global society. Stillman embraces its lighter side, too. Football returned to the campus in 1999, inspiring the creation of the Blue Pride Marching Band. Since its return, the football program has proved a powerful force among its fellow Division II competitors and former ABOVE: Dr. Earnest McNealey, center, with students from Stillman College.

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players in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League. The college also offers intercollegiate teams for men in basketball, tennis, track and baseball; and for women in basketball, tennis, track, softball and volleyball. Along with its renowned choir, these activities have stimulated enrollment and continued to contribute to its exceptional offerings.

Part of the growing student body at Stillman College.

The Stillman Way

Dr. McNealey believes strongly that “The college provides an environment that delivers the pursuit of intellectual excellence, the development of personal honor, and a commitment to the common good. This is ‘The Stillman Way.’ At the end of the day, it is about being the best, doing the best and having the best.”

Stillman brings a private college’s sense of purpose to bear on its historic mission. Stillman is committed to shared governance, fiscal soundness and exemplary stewardship of its resources. The college utilizes innovative techniques and strategic planning in all its administrative processes, modern pedagogy and employs innovative technology in the delivery of services to its clientele. The Stillman Man and The Stillman Woman are committed to tackling the demands of academia with confidence and character. The Stillman student faces the inevitable and the unexpected with equal aplomb.

For more than 133 years, Stillman has prepared students for the challenges of a continuously evolving world. Ranked among the top tier of comprehensive colleges in the south offering bachelor’s degrees by “U.S. News & World Report” (2008), the Stillman spirit remains vibrant in the face of remarkable social change, global terrorism, economic strife and adversity. The beacon of light that is Stillman College will shine forth unsullied for generations to come as it remains “a private college with a public mission,” said Dr. McNealey. !

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YMCA

t was in London, England in 1844 that George Williams and a dozen friends working as clerks at a drapery resolved to help young men like themselves find God. What began to take root as this community of men met together to pray and study the Bible eventually spread its branches of influence into more than 120 countries and impact 30 million people worldwide. Today people know this remarkable organization as the YMCA. Despite its unchanging name throughout the years, the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Y movement sticks to its nonsectarian roots, and today accepts those of all faiths at every level of the organization. Seven years later, in 1851, the first YMCA opened its doors in the bustling city of Boston with the help of Thomas Sullivan, a retired sea captain and lay missionary. YMCA’s continued to spread and serve boys as well as adult men, and it wasn’t until after World War II that women and girls were admitted full membership and participation in the US YMCA’s. Today, half of all YMCA members and programs are female, and half are under the age of 18. By 1886, the Y movement had spread to the South and had opened a YMCA for West Alabama in the heart of Tuscaloosa on Greensboro Avenue. Today, 120 years later, the YMCA of Tuscaloosa County prides

ABOVE: The University of Alabama’s Big Al with YMCA coaches and soccer players. BELOW: The YMCA gives young people the chance to teach and learn from others.

itself on being a place for individuals and families to come experience and welcome an active lifestyle. But what anyone should know first is the YMCA of Tuscaloosa is more than just a fitness center, it is a true community center. It acts as a diverse youth, adult and family non-profit that is driven by volunteers and known for offering a wide variety of programs and activities for its members and the community. Their volunteers and participants are made up of men, women, boys and girls of all races, religions, incomes and abilities. They are also a proud United Way Agency and collaborate with various community organizations such as the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority, Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems, City of Tuscaloosa and many more. They even were able to provide in excess of $125,000 in financial aid scholarships to over 400 families in the community who could not afford access to the YMCA’s wide variety of programs. With a membership of over 2,000, the YMCA is an anchor in the downtown Tuscaloosa area, serving citizens of all ages from throughout the community. Though the YMCA is known for having one of the most recognizable logos, director Chris Hester says people are not always aware of the vast amount of opportunities that are available for everyone. “From birth to 95 years old we have something for every member of the family,” says Hester. The programs they offer consist of youth programs that include aquatics training. Over 1,000 children and adults

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learn to swim at the YMCA every year. Through their Learn to Swim program the YMCA strives to eliminate the tragedy of drowning by teaching water safety to every third grader in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. They also provide a Youth Sports program that is known for emphasizing character development and “FUN”damentals in soccer, basketball and baseball. Their Summer Camp and After School Care programs are the largest provider of childcare in West Alabama. They operate 10 after school sites daily with over 400 children served per day. Outreach programs are conducted through a partnership with the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority that are designed to empower and educate participants from four THA neighborhoods. These programs have a positive impact on the families served and are well attended, currently serving over 150 children daily. Along with serving the youth of Tuscaloosa, they offer various active older adult programs, such as aquatic group exercise classes. They serve members ages 55 and up through one of their group fitness exercise programs, Silver Sneakers. Members can also gain training in CPR, first aid, AED and lifeguard certification. The Tuscaloosa YMCA’s mission is to put Christian

ABOVE & BELOW: The YMCA offers activities for all ages.

principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. They do this by encouraging the development and maintenance of six key values: moral character, a caring attitude, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. The YMCA holds to their fundamental and strong belief that families have the primary responsibility for a child’s character development by providing a stable environment, role models and activities that challenge children to accept and demonstrate positive values. The YMCA believes that these values are absolutely essential to everyday life and strives to encourage and promote them in all they do. The future of the YMCA of Tuscaloosa County is bright. Currently, they are collaborating with the city to build a new building to house the YMCA. Through its continued growth and development, the YMCA of Tuscaloosa will continue to be a place for the community to be strengthened, encouraged and built up in the principles it has held fast to for over 124 years. !

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Image courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library,U.A.

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TUSCALOOSA TITLE COMPANY

f you have bought or sold real estate in the Tuscaloosa area, chances are good you’ve used the services of Tuscaloosa Title Company. The 112year-old firm conducts title searches, oversees real estate transactions, including loan closings, and provides title insurance and oil, gas and mineral abstracts for residential, commercial, industrial and government customers. It has a record of every piece of property bought or sold in Tuscaloosa County since 1820. Founded in 1898 by Walter Smith as a small abstract company, Tuscaloosa Title is one of the city’s oldest existing businesses and its oldest title company. The firm became a respected member of the Tuscaloosa

said. “We can do everything – from preparing loans to communicating with financial institutions – a lot more efficiently and cost effectively, which ultimately allows us to deliver a product to the consumer for less money than we could 20 years ago.” Tuscaloosa Title’s 11 employees, led by President and Chief Operating Officer Pamela Blackwell, are dedicated to providing excellent service and maintaining the firm’s reputation. Staff members also are involved with charitable, social and civic institutions throughout West Alabama. Blackwell, a Tuscaloosa County native who joined the firm in 1974, has been active in community and business organizations including the Chamber

community early in its history, and the services it provided grew. Joe Duckworth and John Pearson purchased the company in 1936. The two men, their relatives and associates owned and operated the firm for nearly four decades. In 1974, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby – an Alabama senator at the time – and his wife Annette purchased Tuscaloosa Title Company.

of Commerce of West Alabama, Women’s Council of Realtors, Homebuilders Association of Tuscaloosa and the Realtors Land Institute. Tuscaloosa Title has occupied several locations during more than a century in business. Among them are the Old Masonic Building, an office on Seventh Street, a suite in the First Federal Building and the current location at 2210 Eighth St., which

The couple, who live in Tuscaloosa, are the firm’s current owners. Shelby attributes Tuscaloosa Title’s success to its track record of consistently providing efficient, quality service to the people, financial institutions and businesses of West Alabama. “People know its long history and reputation for integrity,” he said. Efficiency is key to any business that provides information, Shelby added, and because Tuscaloosa Title deals solely in property, it achieves a high level of focus and efficiency. Technological advancements during the past decade have affected the business in a profound, positive way. “We have computerized just about everything,” Shelby

the company moved into in 1989. The 7,000-squarefoot structure was built in the 1940s, and the Shelbys renovated it inside and out in 2006 with a new façade, entranceway, windows, flooring, walls and ceilings. “It’s beautiful,” Blackwell said of the results. “It changed the whole look of the building. Customers who had been here before would drive by and not recognize it.” In Shelby’s vision of Tuscaloosa Title’s future, the company will continue serving its customers and competing in the marketplace. “To do that, you have to stay on top of technology and changes,” he said. “We’ve been able to do that and plan to continue doing so for many years to come.” !

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Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa

t takes more than tenacity for a business to survive for 110 years. It takes vision, hard work, and the right strategies. And, when the business happens to be a wholesale bakery, it also takes a strong commitment to serving up quality baked foods that meet consumers changing tastes. Just ask the folks at Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa. What started as a small bakery in a brick building on Broad Street in Tuscaloosa is now a thriving wholesale bakery serving up breads, buns, and snack cakes to consumers throughout western Alabama and eastern Mississippi under such brands as Nature’s Own, Whitewheat, Sunbeam, Bunny, and Mary Jane, to name a few. Jack Hardin, the Northport native who first opened Hardin’s Bakery back in 1900 could never have imagined the variety of baked foods now being sold by the business he started. While consumers at the turnof-the-century were satisfied with white breads, today’s consumers are looking for their breads to deliver more than just taste. The Tuscaloosa bakery today sells everything from double fiber bread with omega-3 to 100% whole

Jack Hardin, who started the bakery more than a hundred years ago, would be proud. A savvy businessman with an exceptional ability to see potential, Hardin had a strong work ethic and an outstanding reputation that allowed him to turn that potential into reality. So when he saw the need for a specialty bakery in the Tuscaloosa area, he traveled to New York and hired an expert German baker to operate Hardin’s Bakery.

Equipped with a store in the front and a kitchen in the back, Hardin’s Bakery turned out breads, cakes, pastries, and even ice cream. When a fire destroyed the building in 1914, Hardin’s reopened in two separate buildings on Broad Street, with the retail store in one location and the bake shop, producing ButterKrust bread, in another. The bakery wouldn’t move to its current location wheat bread made TOP: Hardin’s Bakery in 1957. on 15th Street with organic and Hackberry flour. It also offers ABOVE: Molly making her rounds delivering bread. Lane until 1956. breads with no The 1914 fire sugar, lower carbs, was no setback for Hardin’s. The bakery expanded reduced sodium, and a bread with the taste and texture quickly after it began receiving telephone orders of white with the nutritional benefits of wheat. for baked goods from neighborhood grocery stores. The ability to respond to the changing market with The orders were loaded onto a wagon pulled by a new products, along with investing in the latest baking hardworking horse named Molly, who could be seen technology, providing outstanding service, and wisely making the rounds in Tuscaloosa for more than 20 managing resources, has helped the Flowers bakery in years. Tuscaloosa thrive.

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LEFT: Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa in 2009.

Molly retired to light buggy duty shortly after the first automobiles appeared on Tuscaloosa’s streets. Recognizing the impact that modern technology could have, Hardin’s Bakery became the first business in Tuscaloosa to trade the horse and carriage for motor vehicles. Hardin’s added delivery trucks as its service area expanded. In just a few short decades, Hardin’s went from one horse clopping through the streets of Tuscaloosa to a fleet of modern vehicles delivering baked goods to customers throughout north and west Alabama. Jack Hardin died in 1924. Years later, a Hardin’s ad in the Tuscaloosa News noted that he left his children more than just the bakery when he died. He left “a reputation for honest fair dealing with all men.” The history of Hardin’s merged with the history of another great Southern baking company in 1972, when Flowers Foods (then Flowers Industries) acquired the Tuscaloosa bakery. Like Hardin’s, Flowers Foods also started as a single bakery by men of vision. In 1919, brothers William and Joseph Flowers opened Flowers Baking Company in Thomasville, Ga. Like Jack Hardin, the Flowers brothers were interested in how technology could make their bakery more efficient. When the Flowers bakery opened, the local paper praised the bakery’s “latest and most sanitary machinery.” In an age when modern conveniences were just beginning to emerge, Flowers was baking an astonishing 30,000 loaves of bread every day.

Decades later, efficiency and technology continue to be a key ingredient in the success of Flowers Baking Co. of Tuscaloosa In 1996, the bakery invested millions of dollars to upgrade its operation with the latest baking technology, installing computerized loading and stacking machines for trays and pans, a new, state-of-theart bread slicer and bagger, and two silos that each hold 150,000 pounds of flour. In 2004, the bakery added a new proofer, in which dough rises before it is baked. Today, the 90,000-sq.-ft. bakery can turn out more than 4,000 loaves of bread and almost 29,000 buns an hour. By staying efficient and continually looking for ways to reduce costs, the Tuscaloosa bakery is able to produce quality baked foods that are a good value for consumers--even during times when ingredient, packaging, and energy costs are rising. There’s no doubt that bread remains one of the best food values consumers can find today, offering good taste and health benefits. Long ago, Jack Hardin and the Flowers brothers recognized the need for fresh, quality breads in their hometowns and created bakeries to meet that need. That their bakeries are prospering today is a testimony to their vision and to the successful business strategies the leaders of today’s bakeries continue to follow. Flowers Baking Co. of Tuscaloosa (formerly Hardin’s Bakery) is a subsidiary of Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO). With annual sales of over $2.4 billion, Flowers Foods is one of the nation’s leading producers and marketers of packaged bakery foods, operating 39 bakeries. For more information, visit www. flowersfoods.com, www.naturesownbread.com, and www.whitewheat.com. !

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THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF WEST ALABAMA

or over 110 years, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has played an active leadership role in enhancing the economic vitality and stability, business climate and everimproving livability of Tuscaloosa County. Since The Chamber’s birth in 1900, Tuscaloosa County has grown into a quality, international community of the 21st century. The founding members sensed the need and opportunity for community and economic development through a unified business organization. Even in the earliest days, the organization that would become The Chamber, was instrumental in the economic, cultural and lifestyle progress of the region. The date was June 1, 1900. In a city with few paved streets, mule-drawn trolleys, and a fledgling industrial and institutional base, a handful of local business leaders began to meet – Robert Cochrane, Clayton Strickland, Sam and Hugo Friedman and Colonel Woolsey Finnell – as the Commercial Club. Perhaps one of their most significant and lasting accomplishments was in 1907, when they succeeded in having the Warrior River placed on the federal government’s water transportation development plan. In June, 1909, a decade after its founding, the Commercial Club changed its name to the Tuscaloosa

The Chamber has been successful over many years because of outstanding leadership, such as (left to right) past chairmen John Allen, Charles Land, Marlin Moore and Jim O’Brien, seen here with now U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (center).

Board of Trade. It’s first chairman, F. G. Blair, played a key role in business development in Tuscaloosa for many years. In 1920, the organization’s name was changed again, this time to the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce. Notable achievements included recruitment of various major firms that continue to impact the economic health of the area to this day. These included Alabama Power Company in 1923, Gulf States Paper Corporation in 1929, the Veterans Administration Medical Center, and numerous other economic initiatives over the years such as B. F. Goodrich Tire Manufacturing Company and Hunt Refining. The Tuscaloosa Chamber was at the forefront of much of the business development and progress enjoyed by Tuscaloosa. From efforts to expand the airport, state park development, tourism and business recruitment, the Tuscaloosa Chamber was an effective, progressive leader. In order to bring the business and industrial community in Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama into a more cohesive, unified and effective force, a merger was consummated on January 1, 1984 between the Greater Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce and the Northport Chamber of Commerce. Under the leadership of Charles Land, Charles DelGaudio and newly-named Chamber President Johnnie Aycock, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama was formed as the first regional chamber in Alabama.

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Perhaps one of the most significant steps forward, the unity achieved through the “New Chamber” provided a key to the organization’s success and impact. Today, The Chamber has become the largest and most influential private-sector business organization in the region. With a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the area’s quality of life, the volunteer-led organization consistently provides innovative, visionary leadership that contributes to Tuscaloosa County’s economic progress and exceptional livability. An ideal place for business, Tuscaloosa County has sustained a solid, diverse economy that enhances quality living for the citizens of the region. With this foundation, The Chamber continues to maximize the community’s return on investments of human, financial and civic resources while raising the standard

from retail and services to education and financial. Members of The Chamber contribute to, and benefit from, the energetic spirit of cooperation that makes Tuscaloosa County an exceptional place for investment, business expansion, and balanced economic growth. The Chamber acts as a catalyst for enhancing the business community’s participation in the life of the larger community by focusing on the unique leadership talents and abilities found within the diverse business and professional firms and put them to work! One of the basic goals of The Chamber is to consistently involve business and industry in the community’s civic and public agendas, advocating strategic and visionary processes that take Tuscaloosa County to even

of personal and professional life for residents of the Tuscaloosa County area. Members of The Chamber represent both small businesses and large, international corporations in a variety of fields...from health care to manufacturing,

higher levels. Known for creativity and broad-based volunteer initiatives, The Chamber has long been a leader in implementation of programs that make a difference. Adopt-A-School, Leadership Tuscaloosa,

The Chamber has always forged productive partnerships involving volunteers from the public and private sector working together to build a quality community.

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ABOVE: The first Leadership Tuscaloosa class began in 1983 and has now graduated over 900 involved citizens. BELOW: Volunteers drive The Chamber such as Morris Mayer, Gene Poole, Jimmy Collins and Larry Mund, shown here, working on a retail development initiative, known as “Let Your Bucks Stop Here,” back in the early 1980’s.

Challenge 21, Tuscaloosa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sister City Commission, Center for Workforce Development, Crime Stoppers, the Literacy Council of West Alabama, the Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform Foundation, and a host of other programs were born within the minds and hearts of Chamber members and volunteer-led efforts. In addition, The Chamber’s relevant business plan often includes important and vital initiatives to enhance education and workforce development, entrepreneurial development, public-private partnerships, cultural enhancement, leadership and economic investment. Through active advocacy, The Chamber continues to consistently promote the involvement of the private sector in critical political and public agenda issues with the objective of sustaining a positive environment for economic development and investment. The Chamber itself is a private-sector, volunteer organization made up of more than 1,100 employer members. The organization, headquartered in its progressive, functional operations center in Downtown Tuscaloosa, is led by volunteers and supported by a professional staff. Working together, The Chamber’s extensive business plan is implemented annually through five major divisions: Economic Development, Organizational Development, Community Development, Governmental Affairs, and Education and Workforce Development. All of The Chamber’s work is shaped and guided by civic values and high professional

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standards, recognizing the necessity of forward thinking in a 21st century global society. In addition to economic and civic leadership roles, The Chamber focuses on the needs of its members. Always striving to find new, value-added benefits for its member, The Chamber works to return a positive dividend for the investment of its members. Chamber members find creative and enjoyable avenues for service, networking, personal development and community leadership through their Chamber involvement. Not only do Chamber members have an opportunity to help build a better community, but through a menu of Chamber activities, they have an opportunity to make new, key contacts, obtain new clients, and acquire business opportunities. Business training workshops, legislative briefings, technology applications, trade shows, social activities, and a host of other events provide Chamber members regular opportunities for participation. Chamber members are also kept well informed and current

Chamber staff, (left to right) Laura Farmer, Stacy Gann, LoWanda James, Donny Jones,

Tracy Crumpton, Loo Whitfield, Johnnie Aycock, Robin Jenkins and Carolyn Tubbs. through a myriad of innovative and effective communications. A initiatives designed to build one of America’s most quality membership online-magazine, Perspectives, livable communities. and one of the area’s most complete web sites, www. Over 110 years after its first days as the tuscaloosachamber.com, provide valuable community Commercial Club, the leadership of today’s Chamber information and vital links. The Chamber is a proactive organization that excels is still leading the way towards a community that is consistently improving as an ideal place to live, work at building partnerships and coalitions to achieve a and raise a family...a community that cherishes its high level of success. Considered one of the state’s traditions, takes pride in its spirit and diversity, and most influential, respected business organizations, The Chamber lends credibility and impact to a diverse that has a vision for an even brighter future in the 21st century. ! menu of economic and community development

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Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library,U.A.

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ANDERS HARDWARE

alk into Anders Hardware Store in Northport and you feel it immediately. This is a genuine business, unpretentious and honest – a labyrinth of merchandise, supplies stacked in the aisles, suspended from the ceiling, piled onto shelves and into bins – a visual delight and a welcome paradox in this modern age. For 100 years, Anders has managed to hold onto everything good from days past, easily and naturally, because it has never drifted from its core values. Here, customers leave with their questions answered and a sense that their patronage is truly appreciated. That’s the way J.H. Anders ran the store when he first opened it in 1909, and that’s how his great-great nephew Rich Anders runs it today, alongside his dad, Rodger Anders. “I hear it every single day. ‘Wow, I haven’t been in a store like this since I was a little kid,’” Rich said. “Everybody has a story to tell when they come in.” For many local residents, some 80, 90 years old, Anders has always been a fixture in their lives. New customers typically walk in the back door from the parking lot, where they are greeted by a display of old-fashioned toys, including Radio Flyer wagons and Red Ryder BB guns. A little further in sits a collection of housewares where the shelves are laden with heavy crockery, cast iron skillets, pressure cookers and meat grinders. The hardware is just as varied. “In every department of our store you are going to find things that you can’t find in other places,” Rich said. Manager Justin Irvin explained that Anders Hardware offers a completely different experience than the big chain stores, from the customer-service oriented staff to the selection of merchandise. “We make sure we’re never in direct competition with the big stores. We try to carry and keep a lot of things that they don’t.” Justin said. “We also have a full service shop to install handles in tools, rescreen

windows and many other small repairs.” This business model, which sets Anders apart from would-be competitors, has also carried it through economic hardships. “In tough times, more of our customers fix things and take on projects themselves. We can answer their questions and give them some guidance,” Rich said. Every day, 400-500 customers visit Anders Hardware in Northport and its second, newer location on 15th Street. And every day, Anders staff welcomes them like family. !

ABOVE: Burwell Anders, left, with his son Rodger in the 1960’s at the hardware store. TOP: Rodger Anders, left, now runs the hardware store with his son, Rich.

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DCH HEALTH SYSTEM

nder local ownership and leadership for Medical Center continues to receive a small portion of almost 90 years, the DCH Health System the Tuscaloosa County sales tax to help cover the cost has continually evolved to offer advanced of indigent care. caring to West Alabama. As one of the largest hospitals in Alabama, DCH As the community grew and medicine developed new Regional Medical Center provides the scope of procedures, a small infirmary expanded its services and services and experienced the area it served to become one staff that physicians need of the region’s major medical to treat their patients. centers. The medical center Physicians representing became the cornerstone every medical specialty of the DCH Health and most subspecialties System, which includes practice at the Regional DCH Regional Medical Medical Center. The Center, Northport Regional Medical Center Medical Center, Fayette operates specialty units for Medical Center and pediatrics, orthopedics, cancer Pickens County Medical and cardiology, as well as the region’s most Center. These hospitals serve a advanced trauma center and intensive care 10-county area of more than a quarter of a million units. people in West Alabama. In addition to its mission of Physicians at the Regional Medical Center use service, the DCH Health System is one of the area’s many of the latest surgical techniques that require less largest employers, providing a substantial boost to the recovery time, including microsurgery, laser surgery economy. DCH began in Tuscaloosa as a ABOVE: The da Vinci Surgical System, available at DCH Regional Medical Center, enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small 12-bed infirmary in 1916. By the incisions with unmatched precision. 1920s, the growing community had BELOW: DCH Regional Medical Center is the cornerstone of the DCH Health System, which caused the infirmary to evolve into also includes Northport Medical Center, Fayette Medical Center and Pickens County a community hospital. Druid City Medical Center. Hospital was built at a cost of about $100,000 — which was quite a sum for such a small city during that time. The community launched a fundraising campaign for the new hospital. A bond issue raised $50,000, the public gave an equal amount, and the 50-bed Druid City Hospital opened its doors on March 25, 1923. In 1950, the public again supported its hospital by approving a 1-cent sales tax to fund the construction of a hospital on University Boulevard, where DCH Regional Medical Center still stands today. That tax was repealed when the hospital opened. DCH Regional

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and laparoscopic surgery. The Regional Medical Center has the da Vinci Surgical System, which combines computer and robotic technologies to produce robotassisted surgery. The physician is seated at a console which provides a magnified, high resolution 3-D image of the surgical site. The da Vinci instruments translate precise micro-movements of the physician’s hands with six degrees of freedom – essentially super human movements. The precision of the robotic surgery makes it possible to treat a broader range of conditions using the minimally invasive approach. From the introduction of open-heart surgery in West Alabama in 1978 to today’s development of procedures that can dissolve blood clots without surgery, physicians at DCH Regional Medical Center offer patients many of the latest advances in cardiovascular care. The Phelps Outpatient Center at DCH Regional Medical Center offers the region’s most comprehensive

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from the area’s most skilled and caring professionals. Radiation therapy is provided by the most advanced linear accelerators available anywhere, and chemotherapy is offered in a spacious and attractive setting. The setting and amenities like a terrace garden, a Family Resource Center and a patient boutique create an unmatched environment of healing. Other services available at DCH Regional Medical Center include DCH Home Health Agency and a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program for patients who will not accept blood for religious reasons. Northport Medical Center, which joined the DCH system in 1992, is a full-service community hospital offering patients a wide range of services and specialties. In addition to the full range of inpatient and outpatient services one can expect from a community hospital, Northport Medical Center also houses several important specialty services. The DCH Rehabilitation

range of services in one convenient location. The Phelps Outpatient Center offers laboratory testing, advanced imaging, physical and occupational therapy, same-day surgery and pain management. The original DCH Cancer Center was the region’s leader in cancer care since 1986, but the community outgrew the facility and the equipment reached the end of its useful life. The new DCH Cancer Center, which opened in April 2009, continues the tradition of providing radiation and chemotherapy under one roof

Pavilion at Northport Medical Center uses the latest advances in rehabilitative care to help patients with spinal cord injuries, head injuries, strokes or other neurological or orthopedic disorders regain their independence. North Harbor Pavilion offers inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services for adult and geriatric patients. West Alabama is fortunate to have two excellent facilities that offer both family-oriented childbirth and intensive care for critically ill newborns. The Women’s Center at DCH Regional Medical Center offers ABOVE: When the original Druid City Hospital opened on March 25, 1923, it was heralded by The Tuscaloosa News “as the greatest achievement from a rooms decorated with a comforting, home-like humanitarian viewpoint accomplished by the present generation.” atmosphere, and two-room suites and private BELOW: In December 1952, Druid City Hospital employees and community accommodations are available. At the Women’s volunteers moved 77 patients from the interim Northington location to the new hospital on University Boulevard. The new 240-bed hospital was so progressive it earned coverage in Modern Hospital and Life magazines.

Pavilion at Northport Medical Center, a mother can stay in the same comfortable, well-equipped room from the time she arrives until the day she and her baby go home. Both hospitals feature neonatal intensive care units directed by physician specialists and staffed by experienced nurses. Almost ninety years ago, the people of West Alabama made a commitment to provide for its health-care needs with a hospital owned by the people. The DCH Health System is proud to continue that tradition of community-owned, advanced caring into the 21st century. !

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BANKS QUARLES PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING, INC.

aula Quarles never envisioned herself as a smallbusiness owner. But when her husband, Rusty,

passed away in February 2002, the former teacher and a homemaker jumped in with both feet as the owner and operator of Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. And her husband would be proud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rusty expanded the business into what it is today,â&#x20AC;? Paula Quarles said of her late husband. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He added the heating and cooling trade, the computers, the faxes and radio-dispatched trucks.â&#x20AC;? Paula kept up that commitment, focusing on stronger customer service and professionally trained employees. The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce took note of her hard work when it named her the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year. Quarles also believes in giving back to the community, as she serves on the board of directors for Easter Seals, the University

TOP: Celebrating 90 years of serving West Alabama. ABOVE: Employees in the early 1980s.

of Alabama School of Nursing and The College of Arts and Sciences and other prominent organizations in Tuscaloosa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I sleep well at night because I know we have competent and trustworthy employees,â&#x20AC;? Quarles said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a lot of fun because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a small enough business where we know each other very well. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very close-knit. Our highly trained, licensed technicians are drug-screened and backgroundchecked to ensure that when we come to your home, a true professional is there to meet all your service needs.â&#x20AC;? Banks Quarles was started in 1920 by Banks White Quarles Sr., and his brother, Will, as Quarles Brothers Plumbing Company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They had four trucks and moved to several locations before World War II,â&#x20AC;? Quarles said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banks Sr. bought out his brother, and Banks Jr. returned from the war and ran the business until 1973 when his son, Rusty, took over.â&#x20AC;? In a family-owned business that has spanned three generations, Banks Quarles has changed with the times, striving daily to provide the best customer satisfaction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We RIIHU Ă&#x20AC;DW UDWH XS IURQW SULFLQJ Â´ PDQDJHU 3DWULFN +DOO VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get and what it costs before we do any work, and you know that when you let one of our technicians into your home or business, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to treat you and your space in a courteous and professional manner.â&#x20AC;? That all comes back to hiring reliable staff members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We treat and pay our employees like professionals, because they truly are.â&#x20AC;? Hall said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer professional service customers expect and deserve. We have seven trucks, three for plumbing, three for heating and cooling, and one Ă&#x20AC;RDWHU WUXFN WKDW FDQ GR HLWKHU WUDGH Â´ :H KDYH RQ FDOO VHUYLFH technicians, for those times when you have a real emergency, we are there when you need us. !

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JAMISONMONEYFARMER, P.C.

ntil recently, Alabama’s tenth largest and third oldest accounting firm was tucked into quiet, inconspicuous downtown Tuscaloosa offices that belied the firm’s size. “People were always surprised at how large we are,” said Bryan Chandler, managing shareholder for the firm, which moved to its present location near the Black Warrior River on Jack Warner Parkway in 2009. The company’s client base consists of privately held businesses and their owners, as well as not-for-profit and governmental entities. Carl C. Jamison founded the firm in 1920, and his son Billy worked full time in the business until his death in 2007 at age 83. Billy’s son, Carl T. Jamison, became an owner in 1987, making JMF one of few accounting firms in the state with three generations of ownership from the same family. “Providing high-quality services to our clients with integrity and friendly personal interaction are hallmarks of our culture,” said Jamison of the firm. JMF offers clients traditional accounting, audit and tax services complimented by qualified plan design and administration, bookkeeping and payroll services, information technology consulting, estate planning and general business planning and consulting among many others. “We help clients with every piece of the puzzle needed to start, grow, transition or sell a business,” said shareholder Rick Gibson. JMF also draws upon the expertise and resources of nearly 2,000 CPAs through its membership in CPAmerica, a national network of select CPA firms connecting global resources to benefit clients. Recruitment and development of quality professionals is a focal point for the firm. Proliferating tax law and accounting and auditing standards changes require professionals

committed to maintaining excellence in skills and knowledge. “Competition for good CPAs is tough, so we work hard to attract the best and brightest to serve our clients,” said Angela Hamiter, who serves as shareholder in charge of recruitment. JMF operates recruitment and internship programs through the University of Alabama, regularly attracting top students. The demographics of accounting firms have changed with more women entering or re-entering public accounting. The first female CPA in Alabama retired from JMF, and four of the firm’s 12 shareholders are women. JMF’s new facility, Tuscaloosa’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, features family-friendly areas, and the firm provides much of its continuing professional education in-house. “Quality of life is an important firm value,” according to shareholder Janet Moore. “We want all employees to maintain a good worklife balance, so we offer flex-time and other related benefits,” she added. “Quality service to quality clients provided by quality people contributing to the quality of our community is both our heritage and our future,” said former managing shareholder Jerry Humber. ! www.jmf.com

ABOVE: Front, left to right: Carl Jamison, Joel Lake and Janet Moore Back, left to right: Bryan Chandler, Jerry Humber, Steve Case, Cathy Rice, Angela Hamiter, Rick Gibson, Danny Roberts, Leighanne Faught and Scott Goldsmith

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ALABAMA POWER

labama Power Company, incorporated in 1906, completed its first hydroelectric dam in 1913, and by 1914, the company was serving the Birmingham Industrial District. The 1915 opening of the Black Warrior River to barge traffic from Mobile to Birmingport increased the potential for industrial development along the river and in Tuscaloosa. Two years later during World War I, Alabama Power began selling wholesale power to the Tuscaloosa utility company. In November 1923, Alabama Power acquired the Tuscaloosa Electric, Gas, and Street Railway Company, and Alabama Power began supplying electricity to the city and to the industries surrounding it. At this time, the Western Division was created, which included Tuscaloosa and much of Jefferson County. The division’s headquarters was in Birmingham until Alabama Power acquired Birmingham Electric Company and created the Birmingham Division. Management of the Western Division moved to Tuscaloosa in 1953. Henry Maulshagen, who managed the Western

TOP: Tuscaloosa crew circa 1958. ABOVE: Distribution line crew at work, 2004.

Division (1928-41) and was vice president (194154), had the responsibility of moving 46 families to Tuscaloosa. The division office was in the Tuscaloosa District office building until 1966 when a new building was constructed at the corner of Paul Bryant Drive and Queen City Avenue. A. Clayton Rogers, vice president (1968-84), was the longest serving officer for the Western Division. Robert H. Haubein, who was vice president (1984-90), emphasized productivity and economic development. Under the leadership of Anthony Topazi (1991-95), the Western Division was active in the recruitment of Mercedes-Benz. Terry H. Waters (1995-2010) was particularly active in the community during his tenure as Western Division vice president. He was named Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year in 2005 and was inducted into the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame in 2008. In April 2010, Mark Crews was named vice president of Alabama Power for the Western Division. The location of the division puts it in weather patterns from the southwest, in what Alabamians call “Tornado Alley,” and often in the paths of Gulf hurricanes. Weather-related incidents have given the division’s line crews a special expertise in repairing storm damage, and when the Western Division is spared destruction, its line crews are often rushed to neighboring states to help restore service, especially after hurricane damage along the Gulf Coast. The division serves more than 220,000 customers in fifteen counties in west Alabama. !

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TUSCALOOSA MEMORIAL PARK AND CHAPEL

uscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel has been a family owned and operated establishment, handed down though generations, since it first opened 80 years ago. Recognizing the need for a “perpetual care” cemetery in Tuscaloosa, James Cherry Austin and a group of civic-minded investors bought the newly organized memorial park in 1929. They purchased the property from out-of-town businessmen who decided shortly after opening it to sell and move on. Steadily, as the years passed, Mr. Austin and his family purchased the majority of the park’s shares. Ultimately, though, the long success of Tuscaloosa Memorial Park would be better attributed to Mr. Austin’s heart than to his business acumen. He remained devoted to Tuscaloosa and worked constantly to make it a better place: Representing the county in the State Legislature, working on philanthropic projects, and carefully developing the grounds that eventually became sacred – and central -- to so many local residents. Mr. Austin’s daughter, Cherry Austin Hoyt, began working for the cemetery in 1953 when she designed some of the many gardens that still embellish the grounds. Cherry took the reins of Tuscaloosa Memorial Park from her father after he passed away in 1967. As president and general manager of the cemetery, she continued to nurture and supervise the park, extending

her father’s legacy for more than 30 years. Cherry’s son Chipper Hoyt joined the company in 1999, becoming general manager a couple years later. Chipper’s involvement in the company helped bring about a dream for the park that his grandfather always held but didn’t live to see – the construction of an onsite chapel and funeral home. Chipper joined forces with his mother and long-time funeral director Jason Wyatt to open Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in 2002. Understanding that people dealing with the loss of a loved one require a unique level of comfort and attention, the funeral home layout, services and amenities were designed to meet those needs. The 15,000-square-foot facility has a home-like atmosphere that houses a spacious chapel, three parlors and an open lobby with fireplace. Also in the building are the company offices and merchandise display rooms. However, more important than the physical layout of the building, is the deep and genuine respect for their clients that the Tuscaloosa Memorial staff offers. !

ABOVE: Mr. J.C. Austin opened Tuscaloosa Memorial Park over 80 years ago. TOP: Cherry Austin Hoyt, center, assumed the role of president and general manager of the family’s business upon her father’s death in 1967. She now runs the company with her son, Chipper Hoyt,right, and funeral director, Jason Wyatt, pictured left.

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PARKER TOWING

he Great Depression was entering its fourth year and Tim Parker was a laid off railroad worker. “He was a creature of the time and he looked for a way to earn a living,” explained Tim Parker Jr. “The opportunity to earn a dollar a day as a barge deck hand on the Black Warrior River was an unknown, but it was a welcome chance.” Seven years after signing on with Valley Barge Lines, Parker had saved enough money to purchase his first boat, the Heloise, a stern wheel steamboat. Parker Towing Company was born, and Captain Tim Parker was piloting his boat pushing wooden barges up and down the Black Warrior River. What was a job and survival in tough times, turned into a career, a future and a family business. By 1946 the company had grown and Parker added a new diesel-powered boat to the fleet and moved into new offices in Tuscaloosa. Now, 63 years later, they are still in the same general area. It’s a realization of the American dream. Seventy-five years after Tim Parker Sr. stepped on a barge for the first time, a company now bears his name and boasts a fleet of 18 towboats, 265 owned and chartered barges, seven commodity loading ports and a company that

moves about 12 million tons of commodities per year. Today Parker Towing is one of the leading carriers on the inland waterway system and operates one of the largest towboat fleets in the Southeast. Parker’s fleet runs boats ranging from 1000 to over 4200 horsepower. The company’s focus is on the Black Warrior, Tennessee-Tombigbee, Tennessee, Cumberland and East Canal Waterways, but it also services such points as Minneapolis, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Houston. Parker Towing is widely known for their experience and skilled personnel dedicated to customer service and quality performance. Their size and large area of operations makes it possible to provide highly efficient, flexible and reliable barging services. As a service to their customers, Parker Towing offers competitive rates while maintaining the highest level of service throughout their system. This helps their customers

TOP: Picture of the M/V Bobby Joe James, named after a long time employee. ABOVE: Parker Towing’s first diesel powered boat named after Parker Sr.’s father, Rhett Goode Parker, is seen pushing four coal barges down the Black Warrior River.

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water isn’t for everyone, every towboat company has high turnover so it’s important to take care of your people,” said Tim Parker Jr. “If someone signs on and stays for six months to a year, they’ll stay for a long time.” The newly appointed president of Parker Towing, Charles Haun, was asked by Tim Parker Sr. to come to work for the company in 1975. “I did and just loved it here. Been here ever since,” said Haun. Former President Tim Parker Jr. who will remain as chairman and CEO said of Haun “Charlie has played an essential role in our success while managing our company’s operations.” Going into the future, pressures on manufacturers to ship more efficiently and in environmentally

maintain competitiveness in the global market. A characteristic that has led to Parker’s success is their commitment to training and safety. The company maintains ongoing, innovative programs that make it one of the safest barge lines in the world. They employ state of the art navigational systems that provide Parker Towing captains and pilots with the information they need to plot the best and safest routes for their towboats. “We take pride in our commitment to safety, which protects our employees, customers, vendors and the communities through which we operate,” said National Sales Manager Tim Parker III. “By managing, and, where possible, eliminating workplace hazards, we will work toward a goal of zero injuries and serious incidents at each vessel and at each facility.” In addition to safety training, Parker Towing has in-house apprenticeship opportunities and a cubing program that takes employees from deck hand to pilot. “Working on the

friendly ways are certain to increase. According to the American Waterways Operators Association, the tugboat, towboat and barge industry is the most environmentally friendly form of surface transportation in the nation. Facts show that water transport has substantially fewer accidents when compared to truck and oil. Obviously water borne freight doesn’t contribute to highway traffic, and it doesn’t add to noise and air pollution as do other transportation systems. And perhaps more importantly, barging bulk materials is far more fuel efficient than by truck or train, and that means lower fuel costs and far less air pollution. Parker Towing Company is in a perfect position to meet these demands. !

TOP: One of PTC’s bigger boats, the M/V Bobby Joe James pushing eight coal barges. ABOVE: Another picture of the R.G. Parker.

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BFGOODRICH TIRE MANUFACTURING

uring World War II, the military needed rubber products for use on vehicles and machinery. Unfortunately, the U.S. had limited access to natural rubber. But, since BFGoodrich Tire scientists began creating synthetic rubber in the late 1930s, the company was able to ensure a continuous supply of rubber products, which helped American forces to an ultimate victory. To ramp up tire production for the war effort, the federal government began building a tire manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Because uninterrupted production was so important to the military, the building was constructed with bombproof walls. In 1945 when construction was halfway finished, the end of the war was in sight and BFGoodrich Tire bought the plant from the government and completed the project. The first tire was produced by the 860,000 square foot Tuscaloosa plant in late 1946. Over the next few decades a series of expansions and equipment upgrades brought the facility to nearly two million square feet under one roof. The Tuscaloosa plant has been involved with several milestones in the tire manufacturing industry. In 1947,

ABOVE: BFGoodrich facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama BELOW: BFGoodrich Adopt-A-School Mall Display

BFGoodrich Tire introduced the tubeless tire, which revolutionized tires for passenger cars. The first of this new technology rolled off the Tuscaloosa line. In 1965, the first American-made radial tires were produced at the Tuscaloosa facility. Today, the facility produces the high performance BFGoodrich Tire T/A line of tires. While the “T/A” actually stands for “traction advantage,” some at the plant will jokingly tell you it means Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The BFGoodrich Tire manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa is consistently rated as a top-ten employer by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and has an estimated annual economic impact of well over $100 million on the community. Beyond this, it places a strong emphasis on being a good corporate citizen and is involved with community organizations such as the United Way, March of Dimes and the Adopt-a-School program. “We are focused on programs that support and improve education and quality of life in our community,” said Greg Leikvold, plant manager of the BFGoodrich Tire facility in Tuscaloosa. “By becoming involved in education we can make a difference in our community’s future workforce. Our goal is to contribute to the success of young people and show them that there are well-paying, viable jobs right here in the Tuscaloosa area.” As part of its initiative to support education, the plant promotes reading programs and sponsors an annual write-a-thon competition for students at Cottondale Elementary School through the Adopt-ASchool program. The facility also participates in an annual career day and hosts a hobby day that enables employees to share their hobbies with elementary school students.

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BFGoodrich is actively involved in racing.

Environmental stewardship is also a high priority at the BFGoodrich Tire manufacturing plant. The site employs an Environmental Management System (EMS) which enabled it to obtain ISO 14001 certification from Underwriters Laboratory, Inc., a third party auditing organization in 2003. EMS is an international standardized set of processes and practices that enables organizations to reduce the environmental impact of products for customers and the environmental impact of industrial operations on the local community The plant became a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track in 2005. This public-private partnership, which was launched in 2000, encourages continuous environmental improvement through the implementation and continuation of an environmental management system, conducting multiple community outreach programs and committing to measurable annual environmental improvements such as reducing waste to landfill, conducting water and energy conservation efforts or designating parcels of the industrial property to natural wetlands or animal sanctuaries for preservation. To support this effort, 1,500 trees and shrubs were planted on the east side of the plant property facing Oakdale Primary School. The Tuscaloosa BFGoodrich Tire plant, which

became part of Michelin North America in 1990, contributes to the company’s continual progress in environmental stewardship. This includes setting goals in operations to reduce emissions, upgrade waste recovery, improve waste management and preserve ecosystems. An example of the company’s respect for the environment is the recycling of 100 percent of finished tires that are not suitable for sale, which eliminates waste from the local landfill. BFGoodrich Tires, which are known for uncompromising race-proven technology, dominate in many off-road races around the world. From King of the Hammer in California to Dakar in Buenos Aires, BFGoodrich Tires continue to win numerous awards. Many of the tires for these races are made in Tuscaloosa. The faciltiy’s Speciality Tire Shop is the only one in the world that produces certain racing tires. Building on a successful history, the BFGoodrich Tire manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa continues to contribute to the local economy and provide support to a growing list of community programs, demonstrating one of Michelin North America’s core values, Respect for People. Moving forward, the BFGoodrich Tire facility stands as a reminder of an honorable past and a dynamic present, with an eye toward serving future generations of the Tuscaloosa community. !

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THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES

he University of Alabama Libraries rank among the top 50 public research libraries in the United States and among the leading university libraries in the Southeast. The Libraries’ print collections number nearly 3 million volumes dating from the earliest examples of printing to the most recent scholarly publications. In addition, the Libraries provide access to statistical databases and digital collections ranging from machine-readable versions of all books published in English up to 1701 and American newspapers, ca. 1750 to the present, as well as the latest e-books and more than 15 million articles that have appeared in scholarly journals over the past 50 years. When the University of Alabama opened in 1831, the first University library was housed in the Rotunda, the main building of the campus. The Library provided faculty and students with access to the scientific, literary, and cultural knowledge needed for a liberal education. That building continued to house the Library until April 4, 1865, when it was among the many public buildings burned by Federal troops. On the University’s reopening in 1870, the Library was housed in the newly built Woods Hall. Need for a

larger space caused it to be moved to Clark Hall when it opened in 1888. Growth in the early 1900s created the need for a new library, and in 1925 the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Memorial (now Carmichael Hall) was built to house both the library and the University’s administrative offices. In 1939, a new Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library building was built just north of the site of the original Rotunda. An addition was added in 1969. The present Gorgas Library houses the University Libraries’ administrative offices and humanities, fine arts, and social science collections. Fondly remembered by alumni as a quiet retreat for solitary study and research, Gorgas Library today provides students and faculty with a broad range of teaching, learning, and research services in a contemporary, technology driven environment where students can collaborate in group study rooms, test evolving technology, or explore the extensive print collections and digital resources for which the library is now known. Gorgas Library is also home to the Sanford Media Center which

TOP: The Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library is a University landmark. ABOVE: The modern Libraries make use of a wide range of electronic information resources.

trains students in the use of industry-standard equipment and software needed for media productions. The Center also lends digital media equipment necessary to carry out classroom assignments. Made possible by a

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LEFT: The modern library looks nothing like it did in 1900. BELOW: The University Library circa 1860.

generous gift from the Angelo Bruno family, the Angelo Bruno Business Library opened in 1994, and houses both the library and the business school’s Bashinsky Computer Center, exemplifying the close connections and interactions between the Culverhouse College of Commerce & Business Administration, the Manderson Graduate School of Business and the library. The library offers a wide variety of electronic resources, including specialized databases for business professionals and researchers. The McLure Education Library opened in 1954, and is named for John Rankin McLure, Dean of the College of Education, 1942-1959. It houses professional books related to education, a collection of children’s and young adults’ literature, and the Curriculum Materials Center. Subjects strengths include educational leadership and administration; counselor education; educational/school psychology; educational research; educational technology; elementary and early childhood, secondary, and higher education; fine arts education, and special education; as well as athletic training; kinesiology; and physical education and health studies. The Eric and Sarah Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering opened to the public in 1990. It is named in honor of Dr. Eric Rodgers, professor of physics, head of the Physics Department, and dean of the Graduate School, and Sarah Rodgers, assistant

professor emerita in business administration. The library was the first campus library built to take maximum advantage of computer-based information systems for research. Subject strengths are the sciences, engineering subfields, and nursing. The W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library was created as a separate department in 1975 and named for Dr. William S. Hoole, Dean of Libraries, 1945-1971, in 1977. Its collections of publications, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other materials on Alabama, the South and beyond create a unique resource for research. Among its discrete collections are the Wade Hall Collection of Southern History and Culture and the David Walker Lupton African American Cookbook Collection. It also houses the University Archives & Records Management. The University Libraries belongs to the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, and the Association of Research Libraries. Electronic resources for all disciplines are available to faculty and students in the libraries, on campus, and in many cases, from off campus. Many resources and services are available 24/7 through the library’s website. Wireless access is also available in all libraries, and laptop computers are available for checkout by faculty, staff, and students. The University Libraries also supports distance education at the University. !

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FITTS INDUSTRIES

xtraordinary things can happen when a young person with a strong creative impulse puts his heart and mind to work. Add mechanical aptitude to the equation and the results are often fascinating, ingenious or maybe even a little unusual. Born in 1917, Frank Fitts, Jr. was always an adventurous spirit who sought ways to manifest his creativity and mechanical abilities at an early age. As a college student, Frank built an air-propelled car. Shortly afterward, he flabbergasted his parents when he appeared in a Birmingham air show, performing stunts in an airplane and flying his craft underneath a river bridge. Frank’s parents had no idea their son had an airplane, much less that he could fly it to Birmingham and swoop under bridges. They weren’t amused and forced him to shed his wings when word about his Birmingham performance reached them. Because he was mechanically gifted and a bit of a perfectionist, Frank needed a career that would harness his skills and creative drive. The family insurance business, for which he worked for a brief period, didn’t

ABOVE: Fitts Industries wood turning and boat building facilities today. BELOW: Fitts Industries wood turning and boat building facilities circa 1955.

rouse his enthusiasm and he quickly lost interest. It wasn’t until he brainstormed with a fellow Rotarian named Dexter Hulsart that the idea of forming a woodturning company took shape. Fitts Industries started as a small company in 1947 in Tuscaloosa with just six employees. In its early years, the company specialized in fashioning bedposts out of pieces of 4x4 lumber. As time went on, Fitts Industries supplied the furniture trade with an assortment of wooden components. Decade after decade, styles and tastes changed, markets fluctuated, and Fitts Industries adapted to the times accordingly. But the standard of fine craftsmanship Frank initiated back when he founded the company remained unaltered and constant. That same dedication to quality and love of woodworking is expressed by Frank Fitts III, who now leads the company with his brother Lewis. When he was just 14 years old, Frank III began working for the company under the guidance of his uncle. “I remember my uncle bringing me to the office and telling me about the job I was to do, and I would have to do it by myself,” Frank said. “With his direction I learned so much.” Even though Frank wanted to be an engineer just like his uncle, as a boy he never truly anticipated taking over the company. By the early 80s, however, Frank and Lewis had enough knowledge and experience to take over the company reins. Their leadership was tested, however, shortly after they became the new owners of Fitts Industries as the country slipped into an economic recession. The brothers paid attention to the demands of the troubled market and adjusted their product base accordingly, not by sacrificing quality but by shifting their focus.

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“The decision to manufacture stair parts came from a supply shortage and an increase in demand for twostory homes. By following this demand, Fitts was catapulted into the stair manufacturing industry,” Frank said. “We were the first company in the industry that carried an inventory of finished goods, thus allowing us to serve customers immediately. In 1990, we ventured into the global market and began selling our products in Japan. The Japanese market has represented at least 10 percent of our sales ever since,” Frank explained. In 1999, Fitts teamed up with suppliers in China and started importing many of their raw materials. “Combining domestic manufacturing with low cost imports acted as an impetus for further company growth,” Frank said. Today, with more than 6,000 designs and facilities on both the east and west coasts, Fitts offers one of the broadest selections of stair components in the world. The company creates products with a dozen hardwood and softwood species. More recently it launched a line of elegant wrought iron balusters and newel posts crafted in a variety of hand painted finishes. “Our products, representing an array of traditional and contemporary architectural styles, appeal to architects, builders and homeowners with impeccable taste and style,” said Boyd Winkler, director of sales and marketing. Vice President Mark Sims added that the company expands its product line to keep pace with market demands. “Over the past several years we have found that

ABOVE: The Fitts “Falcon” a production boat built by Frank Fitts and Fitts Industries in the mid Fifties. TOP: Frank Fitts, Jr., also known as Uncle Frank, circa 1948. LEFT: Today, Fitts is one of the nation’s premier manufactures of hardwood, soft wood and wrought iron stair components.

home owners, designers and architects have become increasingly savvy and discerning when it comes to their designs and tastes,” he said. Materials, tastes and designs will always shape Fitts Industries’ products, but the same love of wood and woodworking that the company was built upon remains unaltered. As Frank explains, “Wood is a wonderful medium to work with. It is warm and full of character. Working with wood, you learn a true appreciation for conservation and the use of one of God’s renewable resources. Fitts offers more than just a product. We offer a product of warmth and beauty that accents a home.” !

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HUNT REFINING

n 1944, a permit was granted to the Hunt Oil Company to drill Alabama’s first oil well near the tiny burg of Gilbertown just 100 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa. Two years later, Hunt Refining Company was founded and a small, 3,500-barrel a day asphalt refinery was built in Tuscaloosa. The crude oil was brought by barge up the Black Warrior River to be processed into asphalt for sale to local road builders. As years passed, Hunt built relationships with other suppliers to ensure a continuous supply of crude oil. Refinery capacity was increased and in 1969, to augment oil delivery, a 14,000 barrel per day pipeline was completed. Today the modern Tuscaloosa plant has a 52,000 barrel per day refining capacity. Besides asphalt, Hunt supplies gasoline and diesel fuel to local markets in the Southeastern U.S., and is a significant supplier of jet fuel to the Department of

TOP: Tuscaloosa refinery circa 1952. ABOVE: Tuscaloosa refinery today with expansion under way.

Defense in the region. Outside of the southeast, Hunt Refining has a presence on the East Coast within the home heating oil business. The company also supplies vacuum gas oil to major refineries along the Gulf Coast for further processing into gasoline and diesel. In Hunt Refining’s history, reinvestment and expansion have been a hallmark, and looking toward the future the company’s commitment is not likely to change. Hunt is currently investing over $800 million to expand the Tuscaloosa refinery. Construction should be completed in late 2010. The refinery expansion is strategic to Hunt Refining and the expansion will not only increase capacity, but will also increase the yield of transportation fuels. The new units will double gasoline and diesel production while expanding the throughput of crude oil from 52,000 to 65,000 barrels per stream day. “We are excited about the future of Hunt Refining Company,” said President John Matson. “This expansion will make the Tuscaloosa refinery one of the most sophisticated independent refineries in the country.” !

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WARRIOR ASPHALT

n 1949, a group of engineering professors from the University of Alabama got together and decided to emulate the operations of a newly formed Tuscaloosa oil refinery. The professors bought a piece of property, salvaged materials from the university and other places, and constructed a very unsophisticated oil refinery. Their goal was to feed the country’s growing appetite for asphalt – a hunger spawned by the creation and expansion of the federal highway system. In the simplest terms, asphalt is a by-product of the oil refining process. As crude oil is distilled, different fuels and fuel grades are created and skimmed off. Asphalt is the substance that’s left over at the bottom. The early Warrior Asphalt facilities acted as a topping plant in which the fuels were boiled off to make asphalt. As America’s car culture blossomed, more oil refineries were built to keep pace with the ever-growing demand for fuel. More fuel meant more asphalt, and by the 1980s most big refineries just wanted to get rid of their surplus asphalt. Government rules changed as well, and around 1981 Warrior’s little refinery became uneconomical to run. Curtis Bale, a graduate from the University of Kentucky with many years of experience in oil marketing, came across Warrior Asphalt while he was prospecting for a client who wanted to invest in a refinery. “But he wanted something larger,” Bale said. “I saw a window of opportunity and decided to buy it.”

Shortly after buying Warrior, the big oil companies started producing lots of asphalt again. Unable to compete against those larger companies, Warrior Asphalt had to change course. “We had to regroup.” Bale said. “We closed the refinery in 1989 and started all over. Then, it was like fate. An oil company in Texas called me and said they had some surplus asphalt and they wanted to move it out of their local area. We agreed to store and market it from our facilities in Tuscaloosa. Then another company came along and that’s how we evolved.” Today, Warrior no longer produces asphalt but maintains the specialized facilities and knowledgeable staff needed to store, convert, test, and ship the asphalt. Warrior converts some of the asphalt it receives into roofing material and rubberizes the rest with polymers for use on state and federal roads. “It’s not very scenic here, but everything functions. We spent a lot of money to make the best and most reliable asphalt facilities possible,” Bale said. !

ABOVE: This black and white aerial view depicts the plant during the 1980s. TOP: This is the most recent photo taken in 2004.

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RUSSELL S. LEE FLOORING AMERICA

uscaloosa’s oldest and most trusted flooring company is family-owned Russell S. Lee Flooring America. Customer service and quality workmanship were important when the company first opened in 1950, and still remain important today. Russell S. Lee, who founded the company 60 years ago, said the truest form of progress is not how much you change, but how much you stay the same. While Russell S. Lee Flooring America has evolved with the industry over the years, the characteristics that earned the company its reputation have remained constant. Dedicated employees, craftsmanship, honesty and quality products remain the foundation of the business. From 1950 to 1958 Russell and his wife Terri operated the business from a room in their home. Russell and Terri’s brother, Derwood Harkey, started out installing mainly asphalt tile, a popular product at the time, while Terri kept the books and provided some decorating services in addition to raising children. In 1958 the company moved to the building that now houses 15th Street Diner, and in 1968 relocated to its current facility on 31st Avenue. Russell S. Lee Flooring America sells and installs residential and commercial floor coverings using hardwood, carpet, ceramic, porcelain tile, marble, granite tops and area rugs. Employees regularly attend industry seminars to better meet the needs of their customers. “We are constantly updating our educational background in

the industry,” said Wanda Young, Russell’s daughter, the company’s vice-president. Employees follow manufacturer’s installation instructions exactly, and the firm provides product and workmanship warranties. Prominent local businesses where the company has installed flooring include Bob Baumhower’s Wings, Indian Hills Country Club, North River Yacht Club, Bank of Tuscaloosa, Bryant Bank, First National Bank, Greene Track, DCH Regional Medical Center, Capstone Bank and the University of Alabama. One of Russell’s favorite stories dates back to 1978. The family’s former paperboy had become a Hollywood movie producer. The young man hired Russell S. Lee Flooring America to install Alabama white marble throughout three of his homes in California. Russell, his son Kenny and several other employees loaded an 18-wheeler and headed to Rancho Mirage, California to complete the jobs. “As we pulled up to the gate of the neighborhood, the security guard stopped us to ask for our identification and permission papers to work in the area. He said ‘Why would you hire someone so far away to do this job?’ Daddy simply replied ‘He wants the job done right,’” recalled Kenny, who is now president of the family business. In 2005, Russell retired at age 82. However, his three children, three of his grandchildren and numerous longterm employees (some of whose children and grandchildren work for the company) continue to practice the principles he instilled in them. Judy Suther, Russell’s daughter and company’s secretary and treasurer said much of the vision she and her family have for the future involves staying true to the past. “We just want to continue providing the kind of service that people have grown accustomed to, after all that’s my Daddy’s name on that building.” !

LEFT: Russell S. Lee Flooring Company in the beginning.

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Morrison & Smith, LLP

n Tuscaloosa, Morrison & Smith, LLP stands as a sterling example of an old and treasured rule: what you give to your community comes back to you many times over. Morrison & Smith, LLP is one of the oldest accounting firms in operation in Tuscaloosa. Claud A. Morrison, a World War II veteran and graduate of the University of Alabama, understood that rule when he established the firm in 1951 as did, William D. Smith II, who joined the firm in 1955, and became a partner in 1957 after graduating from the University of Alabama with his Masters degree. From 1951 until today, the many partners and associates of the firm have served the business community, numerous civic, charitable and professional organizations as well as their respective churches. Because of this service and dedication to their clients, Morrison & Smith, LLP has made significant contributions to their community and the accounting profession on a national, state and local level. Today, Morrison & Smith, LLP is led by G. Alan Hartley, Barrett A. Burns, and R. Daniel Sutter. The three partners bring 75 years of solid accounting, auditing and tax experience to the firm. Like the founding partners, they understand that serving their community with commitment and integrity are keys to success. The firm continually invests heavily in training their staff in both technical and client service skills. Their goal is to understand their client’s needs and provide them with sound business advice, as well as five-star client service. The lasting contributions of the partners and staff of Morrison & Smith, LLP can be TOP: Partners picture (left to right): Barry Burns, Alan Hartley, Dan Sutter RIGHT: Staff picture (left to right): Pat Parten, Pam Poole, Alanna Koon, Hal Senn, Barbara Ivie, Jeremy Flannery, Barry Burns, Jennifer Averette, Kristie Rogers, Alan Hartley, Angie Campbell, Dan Sutter, and Stephanie Doss

seen today through the firm’s continual efforts to serve their clients and give back to the community, making the firm a vital community member and a place “where integrity, experience and commitment meet.” The firm provides a full menu of accounting and tax services. The firm specializes in high-level audit, accounting and tax services to a diverse client base that includes municipalities, federal savings and commercial banks, hospitals, contractors, real estate developers and publishers. The firm is always on top of the latest tax laws and legislation, actively identifying key tax planning opportunities that minimize tax liabilities for all of their clients. The firm also provides expert bookkeeping services that keep businesses and organizations financially organized, making daily tasks more efficient and important decisions easier to make. Morrison & Smith, LLP’s, certified public accountants average more than 22 years experience. With this experience, the team at Morrison & Smith, LLP is able to help their clients navigate through a wide variety of circumstances and issues in their personal and business lives. Morrison & Smith, LLP is committed to effective communication, understanding client needs and then exceeding them. Because of this strong commitment, Morrison and Smith, LLP creates long-term business relationships. With the firm’s continual development of its people and technical expertise, Morrison & Smith, LLP will continue to be a vital member of our community. !

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McAbee Construction, Inc.

cAbee Construction, Inc. prides itself on being the premium provider of high quality industrial fabrication and construction services in the southeast. McAbee serves a vast array of heavy industrial markets including pulp & paper, steel, automotive, petrochemical, and power... just to name a few. With offices located in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, McAbee is considered one of the largest heavy industrial contractors in the southeast.

Background & History After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in 1962, Leroy McAbee immediately set out a shingle, and with just a few employees, started McAbee & Company as a small mechanical and engineering company the following year. His wife Ruth and brother Harold joined him a few years later, and in 1972 the company was incorporated as McAbee Construction, Inc. Today McAbee boasts more than 600 employees and has performed work in, or shipped fabricated products to, 38 different states and 17 countries around the world.

their maintenance and construction crews in the field has now grown into one of the largest industrial fabrication shops in the southeast. As an outgrowth of their fabrication capabilities, McAbee pioneered a construction technique known as modular construction. Utilizing this technique, McAbee is able to fabricate complete industrial processes in their Tuscaloosa shop by constructing large, transportable “hunks” (or process modules)

that can then be shipped anywhere in the world and re-assembled in very short order. The advantages of modular construction are many including increased productivity, shorter project schedules, lower costs, higher quality work, and a much safer environment in which to work. Technology has also played a major role in the growing popularity and success of modular construction. High tech software allows McAbee to completely construct a project in a 3-D Products & Services computer model, well McAbee’s core before the first piece of business is industrial material is purchased plant maintenance or the first craftsman and repair work, as TOP: McAbee corporate offices and shops today. You can see the original office and shop building to the right. is mobilized to begin they provide fullconstruction. This time maintenance ABOVE: McAbee’s corporate offices and shop in the mid-1960’s. allows their clients to crews at numerous “walk through” the model, making sure all components industrial sites throughout the southeast. In doing fit properly, and that there are no interferences or so, they position themselves well for new construction configuration issues that could delay the project or cost projects when these plants decide to upgrade or expand the owner valuable time and money. their facilities. The balance of their business is shop Modular construction has enabled McAbee to ship fabrication of ASME Code industrial piping and process modules all over the world including places pressure vessels, industrial autoclaves, heavy-gauge as far away as Siberia, Russia. Today, through the sheetmetal products, and process modules. What efforts of McAbee Construction, Inc., more and more started out simply as a small capability for supporting

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and construction professionals by establishing the McAbee Construction, Inc. Endowed Scholarship for the purpose of promoting the education of students in the College of Engineering at the University of Alabama.

The Future McAbee Construction, Inc. credits their success over the years to the many loyal and devoted men and women who form the heart and soul of the company. Today, a whole new generation of outstanding young engineers, project managers, supervisors, administrative staff, and craftspeople are taking the helm at McAbee. They are continuing to look for new opportunities and new ways of doing business that will ensure the long-term viability and

owners and engineers see the benefits of modular construction and are utilizing this technique.

Community Outreach McAbee Construction has played a significant leadership role in the welfare and well-being of Tuscaloosa and our West Alabama community. Not only does McAbee provide hundreds of well-paying jobs with excellent benefits that few companies can match, they are actively involved in many local charities and civic organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority, YMCA, United Way of Tuscaloosa, DCH Foundation, and Junior Achievement, just to name a few. In an effort to promote the competent practice of engineering and construction, as well as enhance the overall image of their industry, McAbee maintains active membership in the National Society of Professional Engineers, Alabama Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Additionally, McAbee is helping to cultivate the next generation of engineers

success of the company. McAbee’s strategy for staying competitive in an increasingly sophisticated marketplace is a simple one, Continue to provide high quality products and services that exceed their customers’ expectations on a regular basis. By maintaining a laser focus on being the “premium provider” of high quality engineering and construction services, and delivering those services on a consistent basis, McAbee Construction seeks to build meaningful, long-term relationships with customers so that they’ll continue to come back to them time and time again. !

TOP: After completion in Tuscaloosa, this chemical process module was shipped by barge to a plant in Texas. ABOVE: Leroy and Ruth McAbee – Founders of McAbee Construction, Inc.

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ABOVE: The office at 4570 McFarland Blvd. in Northport, AL. BELOW: The shop in downtown Northport.

MALLORY BURKHALTER PAVING, INC.

t was July 1966. Mallory Burkhalter had been in the asphalt and paving business for several years. Then he decided to step out on his own. The first thing he did was borrow $3,000 from his mother-in-law. It was a hefty sum of money at the time, but it gave Mallory and his wife Patty the resources they needed to set up shop for what would become known in the Northport and Tuscaloosa area as Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. Next, Danny Anders, a relative of the Burkhalter family, became a partner in the venture, and together they ran the company. In 1979, the Burkhalters’ son Wesley joined the family business when he was only 18. Today, Wesley and Danny are still both integral parts of the business. As the business continued to grow, Burkhalter and partners found an old mule barn dating back to the 1800’s in the historical area of Northport. They bought it, and used it to store their heavy equipment. Today, that same mule barn is still a part of the business and serves as the operational headquarters where Mallory has his personal office.

The 1966 seed money from Mallory’s mother-in-law has since grown into a company that provides asphalt paving, commercial services, driveways, excavating, industrial, parking lots, road construction, roads and streets, site work, striping, subdivisions and tennis courts. In other words, a little bit of everything. The people at Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. have made a name for themselves in the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama area. While a big percentage of their work is paving for subdivisions and driveways, they also do work for public entities such as the University of Alabama. In the years ahead, Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. plans to stick to the traditional business plan they implemented some 43 years ago, and serve their city by paving a way for the great things that are to come for West Alabama. !

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COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS OF WEST ALABAMA

n 1967, the agency now known as Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSP), Inc., opened its doors to provide assistance to lowincome families and individuals as well as those with special needs in the Tuscaloosa area. CSP, a private, non-profit, community action agency, is an initiative of President Johnson’s Great Society Campaign and War on Poverty. Jerry Griffin, a well-known social work professor at the University of Alabama, became the first executive director of Community Service Programs of West Alabama. His passion and resilience proved to be the motivating force behind the agency’s early goal of community organization. With the motto: “A hand up, and not just a hand out” and an emphasis on training, CSP focused on community enhancement through collaboration, while equipping constituents with basic skills needed to promote independence. Today, CSP serves throughout a six-county area, encompassing Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar and Tuscaloosa. As a community action agency, the governance body is tripartite, composed of one-third elected officials or their representatives, one-third business/civic organizations and one-third low income individuals/organizations. The current board is chaired by Tuscaloosa County Commissioner, Bobby Miller. Under the direction of the present Executive Director Cynthia W. Burton, the agency continues in carrying out its motto, “Committed to Building Stronger Families and Communities,” through the provision of resources in housing, education and supportive services. CSP’s Supportive Services department aids families with direct resources through energy assistance, emergency aid, food distribution, Meals-on-Wheels, workforce development, life skills training and referrals to other agencies. TOP: Barrs Quarters before demolition and rebuilding. RIGHT: John H. England Manor Apartments, formerly Barrs’s Quarters, owned and managed by CSP.

CSP’s educational programs prepare children to develop to their fullest potential. Early Intervention is designed to help children birth to age three who have developmental delays or who may be pre-disposed to developmental delays because of a medical diagnosis. Services offered through the Early Intervention Program treat delays in the following areas: motor, cognitive, adaptive and communication. Early Head Start provides a range of quality health and family services to expectant mothers, infants and toddlers. Head Start is a comprehensive child development program that serves the needs of over 900 children and their families in West Alabama. Individualized services are in the areas of health, nutrition, parent involvement and family development with the program’s focus being preparing young children for future success through school readinesss programs. CSP believes innovative programs are necessary to provide families the opportunity to obtain decent, safe and affordable housing. Some of these programs (through collaborations with NeighborWorks® America, HUD, City of Tuscaloosa and other governmental entities) include new construction, property management of the agency’s rental units, specialized housing for the elderly and disabled, housing counseling, homebuyer education, a lease-purchase program, weatherization, housing rehabilitation and foreclosure prevention. From meager beginnings, CSP has grown into a premiere resource agency for the low-income and special needs population of West Alabama. Its current budget exceeds $12 million dollars and the executive director and her management staff continue to seek additional resources to increase the agency’s ability to lead clients to self-sufficiency.!

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JIM WALTER RESOURCES

oal mining is such a critical part of American history and culture that most people never associate coal mining with Alabama. Yet the Tuscaloosa area is home to Jim Walter Resources, one of the 25 largest coal mining operations in the United States and provider of the best metallurgical coal on the planet. The Town of Brookwood in Tuscaloosa County has a long history of coal mining and Jim Walter Resources is proud to continue that tradition. Jim Walter Resources (JWR) mines the Blue Creek Seam, a swath of deep, rich coal deposits running through the southernmost stretch of the Appalachian Mountains. Blue Creek Coal is known as the premium metallurgical coal world-wide. Metallurgical coal is turned into coke and used in the manufacture of steel. The coking process consists of heating the coal to around 1000-1100ºC in the absence of oxygen to drive off the volatile compounds. This process results in a hard porous material called coke. Steel mills then take the coke and blend it with limestone and iron ore, the basic recipe for making steel. JWR’s coal is of such a high quality that it is sold

on five continents, even to those countries that have their own coal mine operations. JWR’s customers are primarily in South America and Europe but also sell to other countries with large steelmaking operations. Reaching into the earth 1,500 to 2,200 feet, JWR’s No. 4 and No. 7 Mines are the deepest vertical shaft mines coal mines in North America and some of the deepest in the world. Approximately 1,600 miners and support personnel work the mines in three continuous

shifts. JWR trains all of its miners on-site at their Training Center, which can be thought of as a mining school. There, instructors prepare new miners for work deep underground and hold continuing education courses for experienced miners, who are retrained annually in compliance with federal law. JWR’s mining operations also include their Central Shop, where mining equipment is modified or rebuilt. The coal seam depths at JWR have their own unique geological conditions so even new equipment is modified for use in their mines. Adjacent to the Central Shop is an on-site warehouse called Central Supply. They stock essential items and hard-tofind parts that can be accessed immediately so that mining operations can flow with minimal disruption when machines or tools break. JWR’s engineering and executive offices are also located in the Brookwood area. Each mine has its own ABOVE: Blue Creek Coal is loaded into barges on the Black Warrior River near Brookwood, Alabama. The coal is transported to the Alabama State Dock’s McDuffie Coal Terminal at the preparation plant where the raw Port of Mobile where it is shipped to its customers on five continents. coal is “washed” to remove bits TOP: Jim Walter Resources is located in west-central Alabama at the foot of the Appalachian of rock and other impurities Mountains. Their two deep, vertical shaft mines (No. 4 Mine and No. 7 Mine, above) have the before it is shipped. An additional capacity to produce near nine million tons of coal annually.

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ABOVE: Jim Walter Resources uses the longwall mining method for over 80% of its production. The longwall shearer (above) cuts the coal and advances the roof supports automatically. As the longwall moves forward the roof collapses behind it. This ensures all of the coal is mined at one time instead of leaving large blocks of coal to support the roof.

preparation plant is located at the old No. 5 Mine and receives raw coal via a 5.5-mile beltline from No. 7 Mine. The raw coal is processed and shipped to the Port of Mobile, Alabama. Methods of transportation include rail cars and by barge down the Black Warrior River. From the Port of Mobile, the coal is shipped to international destinations by ocean-going vessels. Since its inception, JWR has grown from mining less than one million tons of coal per year to over nine million tons annually. In 1969 U.S. Pipe & Foundry was acquired by the Jim Walter Corporation in Tampa, Florida. The purchase included several underground coal mines in Jefferson County. These included the Flat Top Mine opened in 1901 (which later became Nebo Mine); Bessie Mine, opened in

and Chemicals Division of U.S. Pipe & Foundry Company. JWR began its expansion plan with No. 4 Mine in 1976 and No. 5 and No. 7 Mine in 1978. The growth and success of Jim Walter Resources’ coal mining operations have continued to fuel the success of the company’s coal seam degasification business, Black Warrior Methane. From the five wells in 1979, Black Warrior Methane now operates over 400 wells delivering 32.5 million cubic feet of gas per day to its sole customer, Southern Natural Gas. Black Warrior Methane uses three methods for extracting methane from JWR’s coal seams: vertical wells drilled from the surface; underground horizontal drilling used primarily for improving longwall operations; and gob wells which pump gas from the

1905; the Alden Portal opened in 1928 and No. 3 Mine which opened in 1972. Jim Walter Resources (JWR), the southernmost Appalachian coal producer, was formed in 1977 from the former Coke, Iron

area left after longwall mining has taken place. Black Warrior Methane Corp. is jointly owned by Jim Walter Resources and El Paso Energy. Web site www. walterenergy.com !

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PICTURE THIS

ee Andrews understands the value of photos or paintings passed down from generation to generation. When his mother, Ovella, founded Picture This as a custom frame shop, Lee was a teenager. He has spent the past 39 years as a student of Ovella’s creative eye and has developed his own expertise in helping customers with their framing choices and decorating ideas. Now the business has been passed – like a treasured heirloom – into his hands. Although Ovella has retired, many days she still comes to work; her presence is an inspiration to Lee and the staff – and her cherished friends and customers. It’s that understanding that makes Picture This a different kind of frame shop. Lee and his staff treat photos, paintings and other objects with great care, because they know how much their customers value their keepsakes. “We preserve people’s memories,” Andrews said. “So we treat those items with the same care as if they were our own.” For items of significant monetary value, Andrews said Picture This uses archival-quality materials. “We follow a process of museum-standard preservation on items of value,” he said. “We’ve hung and re-hung paintings worth millions.” The staff at Picture This also realize that every visual object is a valued reflection of the style and taste of the owner. “Our collection of paintings, prints, signed prints and collectibles is unmatched,” he pointed out. “People come to Picture This to find something special for their rooms and a unique way of framing that enhances the character and fashion of their homes.”

TOP: The present and possible future Picture This crew. BOTTOM: The original Picture This crew.

The gallery specializes in collectibles, including prints by artists focusing on University of Alabama sports and the campus, and wildlife prints by Basel Ede and other classic painters. “People from around the U.S. visit us to see what we have to add to their collections,” Andrews said. “If we don’t have the exact print they want, we most often can get it for them.” Picture This is known not only for its selection, but also for the Andrews family. While Ovella founded and operated the business, Lee’s late father Jack and late brother Mike were very involved. Their artistic skills were widely known throughout Alabama. “ My dad was a prolific painter, philosopher, comedian and entertainer,” Andrews said. “His talents, energy and personality inspired the entire family.” That talent obviously took root in Lee’s brother, Mike, who developed his own reputation for paintings of classic homes and his ability to solve challenges. “Mike could figure out most anything,” Andrews pointed out. “He was passionate about creative challenges, and his solutions are part of the Yacht Club and the Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art.” The family character of Picture This is reflected in the small wooden school desk and array of toys in front of the counter. For almost 40 years, children have played at the desk while their parents discovered treasures for their homes. The fond thoughts of playing at the desk as a child have brought back new generations of visitors to the shop, seeking their own treasures and preserving memories. Lee plans to slow down and do some traveling in the future, this seems a little more possible now that his daughter Kristy Andrews-Acker has learned some of the “tricks of the trade”, she is the third generation of Andrews family to work at the family owned business. The family greatly appreciates the loyal customers that they have had over the years and they hope to continue pleasing customers, old and new for years to come. !

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TUSCALOOSA COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

ndustry in Tuscaloosa County used to mean agriculture, raw materials and garments. It is a sharp contrast to the diverse, technologically

advanced county of 2009. Much of this growth and success is a result of the efforts of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority. Since its incorporation in 1975, the TCIDA has maintained its original mission of creating quality jobs while becoming a driving force in the development of Tuscaloosa County and the surrounding region. TCIDA maintains partnerships between business, government and the education system in the community, and looks to the future with a regional focus. Through its efforts, the community now boasts diverse industries doing business with the world--all from Tuscaloosa. “A great deal of success is a result of all of our local governments sitting at the same table to accomplish what needs to be done for the benefit of the community,” said Dara Longgrear, Executive Director of TCIDA. Bringing in companies such as Mercedes-Benz, ZF Industries, and JVC spawns a host of supplier companies to locate in Tuscaloosa. “The world is our recruitment base and Tuscaloosa County has proven it can be competitive and successful in the international market place,” explained Longgrear. Physical location for a business is a prime factor when a company is seeking to locate a new facility, but it is also important to consider the available labor force, the cost of doing business and the quality of life for prospective companies. “Often, testimonials from existing companies play a large part in the

decision process” said Longgrear. “The presence of the University of Alabama, Stillman College, and Shelton State Community College are obviously positives for our area. It all comes down to team effort for a successful industrial recruitment.” We are focused on growth industries with good jobs that use the latest technologies in a variety of industrial groups. One area that we have particularly been successful in is with international companies and we expect that trend to continue, Tuscaloosa is an international attraction. The automotive industry is and will continue to be a significant part of the West Alabama economy, but a focus on value added services to that group will be a priority. In addition, industrial groups that have sustainable knowledge based employment are our growth potential, particularly given the institutions of higher learning located in Tuscaloosa County. Another area of opportunity for the future is the energy sector, and particularly alternative fuels. Within the state of Alabama there is a tremendous supply of waste wood, which is a major feed stock for the production of ethanol. Established over 30 years ago by an act of the Alabama Legislature, TCIDA is governed by a board of directors that include the county probate judge, mayors from Tuscaloosa and Northport, as well as the presidents of the university and two colleges. “Through the cooperation of government, industry and education in concert with TCIDA, Tuscaloosa County has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past few decades. And with continued brisk activity in foreign markets there TOP: Robots in the workplace. is no reason we cannot continue,” concluded BOTTOM: Precision manufacturing thrives in Tuscaloosa County. Longgrear. !

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The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences

ounded in 1972 to relieve a dire shortage of primary care doctors, the medical education program at the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, School of Medicine - Tuscaloosa campus provides a wealth of resources to students, the West Alabama community and rural citizens throughout the south. The college has trained more than 700 students in their third and fourth years of medical school, and more than 370 physician residents have completed the threeyear family practice residency program. One out of eight family physicians practicing in Alabama graduated from the residency program. The Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency is one of the oldest and most productive programs of its kind in the Southeast. Resident physicians say the opportunity to practice medicine in several specialty areas and to care for patients and families throughout their lives is the reason they chose family medicine. “I like the concept of taking care of families and getting to know my patients well,” said Chief Resident Lee Carter, M.D. “I couldn’t picture going into one field and not having interaction with other aspects of medicine,” added Ty Blackwell, M.D. “The doctor I went to as a kid

40,000 primary-care physicians in the United States by 2025. Dr. E. Eugene Marsh, Dean of the College of Community Health Sciences says, “Our College was founded and is uniquely positioned to provide answers to these and other health care issues related to primary care and rural health.” The trend after World War II for doctors to specialize and locate their practices in major cities led to a

nationwide shortage of general practitioners, especially in rural areas. The Alabama Legislature answered public outcry regarding the healthcare crisis by providing funds in 1971 for a medical education program in Tuscaloosa. The University of Alabama, through collaboration with DCH Hospital, local physicians and businesspeople and the UA School of Medicine in Birmingham, founded the College of Community Health Sciences the next year. Medical students and residents began entering did everything. He saw my TOP: School of Medicine – Tuscaloosa Campus. the college in 1974. Its first parents, he saw my brother ABOVE: Faculty and residents outside the temporary clinics dean, Dr. William Willard, and sister, and he delivered built during the rapid growth of the College of Community was known as the father of me. That is my vision of what Health Sciences. (1970’s). family practice. The college’s a doctor is supposed to be.” mission, then and now, is to Experts say the service “provide the physicians and expertise needed … for the primary-care physicians provide is critically needed citizens of Alabama through education, research and as more people suffer from chronic diseases and the population ages. This increasing demand, however, comes as the number of doctors specializing in primary care and family medicine is declining. The American Medical Association estimates a shortage of nearly

service … with a special emphasis on rural areas.” Margaret Garner, nutritionist and associate professor of family medicine has been involved in the program since 1974. Garner says the school is proud of

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ABOVE: Today’s main entrance to the University Medical Center College of Community Health Sciences.

how well it has lived up to its vision. “We have a consistent history of recognition as an education center of excellence,” she said. “Today, because of the impact of the college, more people have access to quality medical care. The program provides earlier opportunities for those in rural areas to receive medical attention and help prevent their illnesses from becoming severe and difficult to treat.” In addition to the School of Medicine, the College of Community Health Sciences includes: • University Medical Center - Resident physicians and board-certified physician faculty have been serving patients since 1974. In addition to family medicine, the center offers adolescent medicine and pediatrics, internal medicine, neurology, nutrition therapy, obstetrics and gynecology, occupational medicine, psychiatry and sports medicine. The Dr. Bill DeShazo Sports Medicine Center, named after the first director of the residency program and launched in 2008, gives children and adults with sports-related injuries access to the renowned doctors who take care of the University’s athletes. “In many ways, it [UMC] can be a one-stop place for all the family’s medical needs,” Garner says. Patients benefit from the latest research as physician-educators must stay on top of current breakthroughs and studies in order to train tomorrow’s doctors. UMC also includes the faculty/staff clinic, which treats university

employees and their families. • The Rural Health Institute - Established in 2001 as the College’s research arm, RHI works with six colleges at The University of Alabama to raise health standards in rural areas. Current efforts include: improving cancer prevention, detection and treatment in the Deep South; conducting clinical research in asthma, hypertension and stroke; diabetes screening; and examining barriers to HIV/ AIDS screening. RHI also serves

as the EMS regional lead agency for the Department of Health’s office of EMS and Trauma for the West Alabama counties. • Student Health Center – SHC has provided healthcare services to university students since the 1940s. In 2004, Student Health was incorporated into the College of Community Health Sciences, and in 2006 it moved from Russell Hall – its location since 1968 – to the state-of-the-art building that houses the College. The Student Health Center features a pharmacy and exam rooms with flat-screen TVs and murals depicting academic and athletic scenes. It is the only student health center in Alabama (one of 152 in the United States) certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. For its alcohol education program, Student Health won a national Prevention Excellence Award for the past two years in a row. Another current focus of the department is educating faculty, staff and students about symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress and services available to those suffering from them. John Maxwell, director of the Student Health Center, says goals for the organization include dedication to excellent health care, protecting the health of the students, publishing benchmark research, and hosting regional and national conferences where we can share our success and vision. “We want to be a national model,” Maxwell said. !

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ABOVE: Forest Manor Rehabilitation Pavilion established 2007

FOREST MANOR

onald Peak and his father established Forest Manor, Inc. in 1975 as a family business, with the goal to serve the community in healthcare. That mission has remained the same for the past 34 years. Forest Manor exists to provide quality care in an immaculate environment with home-like comfort that is conducive to healing and independence. The company seeks to offer innovative customer service to residents as well as families. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have wonderful, caring, dedicated and committed staff. Several of them have been employed with us since day one. This mission will always motivate our every decision,â&#x20AC;? said Susan Williams, administrator at the facility. In 2007, management at Forest Manor recognized the need for a facility to provide an enhanced environment during the recovery process. That was the beginning of Forest Manor Rehabilitation Pavilion. The facility was designed with the comfort and rehabilitation

of the resident in mind. Each resident suite has a private living room, separate bedroom, kitchenette and wheelchair-accessible bathroom, featuring a roll-in shower. The facility also offers a well-trained nursing staff 24 hours a day including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. In an effort to accommodate personal needs and preferences, meals are provided at desired times of the patient and are either served in the common dining room, restaurant style, or in the residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. A variety of food choices are offered on the regular menu or from the room service menu featuring specialty items, along with local southern favorites. Forest Manor specializes in therapy services for all types of resident needs. Drawing on years of experience and expertise in working in all areas of therapy, Forest Manor can apply cutting edge rehabilitative techniques in treatment of any condition or injury. !

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WHATLEY HEALTH SERVICES

Whatley began serving those populations immediately, temporarily using trailers and converted hospital rooms in some areas. hen West Tuscaloosa Community The types of medical care Whatley offers have Health Center opened in 1978, it expanded as well. The original clinic provided family was the only medical facility serving medicine, and new services were born out of need, Tuscaloosa’s west side. Today, Whatley Health Tucker said. The flagship center now offers internal Services, renamed after Maude L. Whatley, one of the medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, an HIV clinic, clinic’s founders, still holds that distinction, and has chiropractic care and mental health services. All other grown into a 12-clinic network that meets healthcare locations offer family and internal medicine. It also needs of medically underserved communities in seven offers transportation from outlying branches to the western Alabama counties. main site. Before 1977, many west Tuscaloosa residents received The organization accepts all major health insurance, all their medical care in the emergency room, said Medicare and Medicaid. The center also provides care Deborah Tucker, CEO of Whatley Health Services. to the uninsured, about 46 percent of its patients, at a “They would literally pack a lunch because they knew discounted rate based on income. they would be there hours and hours,” Tucker said. In the past two years, Whatley opened centers on A one-night-a-week clinic staffed by volunteers from Greensboro Avenue and in Vernon, Ala., and a mobile the University of health unit for Alabama’s School the homeless and of Medicine began children. Goals for operating at the the future include Salvation Army creating an electronic Citadel in 1977. health record for Supporters of that every patient, utilizing program acquired tele-medicine and federal funding to bridging the gap establish a permanent between research center, which began and implementation operating in a for the medically renovated church in underserved. October, 1978. The Whatley Health’s center moved to its clinics are tremendous current location, the TOP: Panoramic picture that shows the Whatley Health Services campus which community resources, also includes the Hendrix Dental Center. Maude L. Whatley Tucker said, and their Health Center on development wouldn’t ABOVE: The first clinic as it was in 1978. Martin Luther King, have been possible Jr. Boulevard, in 1985. without leadership Since then, three other clinics have opened in and determination at the organization’s helm. “Maude Tuscaloosa. But the biggest expansion occurred in Whatley was absolutely relentless in her drive to make 2001, when a similar organization went out of business, sure people got access to healthcare,” she said. “Even leaving communities in Walker, Bibb, Hale, Sumter though a lot of things have changed, that part has and Greene counties without a healthcare provider. stayed the same.” !

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PRINCE GLOVER LAW

ob Prince can remember what it was like when he started his law career – one attorney, hustling to work hard every day for his clients. That hasn’t changed. Prince still works hard, but over years he transitioned from a young, hungry attorney to the elder statesmen of one of the most prominent firms in Tuscaloosa, Prince Glover Law. In his years as a personal injury attorney, one mission remains clear for the man and the firm: the client. “We work for our clients, not ourselves,” Prince said. “We have to keep our clients’ best interests in mind at all times. We place a high premium on helping our clients. That’s the cornerstone of our business – nothing

TOP: From their offices on the Black Warrior River, the attorneys and lead investigator of Prince Glover Law: Chief Ken Swindle, Matt Glover, Bob Prince, Paul Clemens and Josh Hayes. ABOVE: Shown above are Matt Glover and Bob Prince standing outside the Prince Advocacy Center at the UA School of Law, which was established in 2006 in honor of Prince’s years of contributions to the trial advocacy program. Prince has coached the trial teams for over 25 years. Currently, all Prince Glover attorneys help with the teams.

else.” The firm has had significant success trying cases against large corporations. The firm set the record for the largest jury verdict ever in Tuscaloosa County, with a verdict of $3.5 million in 1999. In 2004, Prince and law partner Matt Glover obtained a $15.5 million verdict – breaking their own record – for a client involved in a automobile accident with a double tractor trailer owned by Roadway Express Trucking Company, one of the largest trucking companies in the United States. Those are just two of many examples of the firm’s success. “The firm takes great pride in leveling the playing field for our clients who are often battling large corporations,” associate Josh Hayes said. “The best part of this job is achieving justice for everyday, workingclass people.” Prince Glover has changed with the times, embracing new technology in the courtroom and putting it to good use. “When I started, lawyers went in with little or no preparation or demonstrative aids,” Prince said. “Now preparation is everything, and we have someone who puts all our exhibits up on screens so the jury can see as well as hear about our case. We approach mediation for our clients as if it were a mini-trial. It’s a new thing, using that technology at mediation. A lot of times, our adversaries are surprised we put that much effort into mediation, and it makes them think ‘If they’re that prepared for mediation, think how they’re going to be prepared for trial.’” It’s work like that that allowed Prince Glover to secure a multi-million dollar verdict in 2001. A Hale County jury ordered Plantation Pipeline to pay Walter B. Chandler, his son and a family trust $43.8 million, including $37 million in punitive damages. The plaintiffs sued Plantation Pipeline and Chevron after Chandler dug an irrigation well on his farm and struck gasoline. Chevron settled for a confidential amount while the case was on appeal. At trial, it was proven

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that Plantation Pipeline was responsible for thousands of gallons of refined gasoline that had secretly migrated off Plantation’s property onto Mr. Chandler’s. It was discovered near Mr. Chandler’s home when he attempted to dig a water well and hit refined gasoline, which contains known carcinogens. The firm was started in 1979 with four employees. Today, there are four attorneys and 25 to 30 employees at Prince Glover. Matt Glover worked as a clerk for Prince before coming on as an associate after he completed his law degree and passed the bar exam, later becoming Prince’s partner. In addition to Prince, Glover and Hayes, the firm also consists of associate Paul Clemens, who handles workers compensation and disability cases, and Chief Ken Swindle, the firm’s lead investigator. Swindle previously served over 30 years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the large majority of which he served as chief of police. “We are giving voice to people who don’t feel like they have one,” Glover said. “We want to make sure every client knows they get the resources – the time, the attention and the services they deserve.” Prince Glover makes it a point to give back to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community as well. The attorneys and staff are active volunteers in civic organizations and their respective churches. “Bob is generous with his time and resources,” Glover said. “He kind of remains calm, no matter what. It’s certainly a good thing to have that level of experience in the courtroom. It gives you confidence.” All four attorneys have strong belief in their faith,

ABOVE: The staff of Prince Glover takes great pride in representing those who need it most. The firm employs 14 fulltime and 15 part-time personnel.

and that makes their work even more significant, Hayes said. “A lot of times when our clients come in, they don’t know where to go or what to do,” he said. “They’re fearful and anxious. We take their case personally. I feel like we are serving a higher purpose than just our clients.” The firm gives young lawyers a chance to gain significant experience they might not get somewhere else, Hayes said. “Starting as a young lawyer at this firm is so far beyond any expectations I could have had,” he said. And Prince Glover sees growth – at least of a certain kind – in its future. “I don’t know that we’ll grow much more in terms of number of employees,” Hayes said. “But I think as for the number of people we help and the revenues we generate – yes, I think we’ll continue to grow.” Prince shares those feelings. “I could see us adding another lawyer or two down the line,” Prince said. “But I think that would be a graduated process.” But the firm wants to continue its focus on Tuscaloosa and the west Alabama area, Glover said. “We want to be aware of who we are and who we represent,” Glover said. “We don’t want to outgrow what Tuscaloosa needs.” !

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SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

helton State Community College has a legacy of academic excellence and business training in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area. The institution can trace its roots back over half a century to 1952 when it was known as the J.P. Shelton Trade School. In 1975, Brewer State Community College of Fayette, Alabama opened a branch in Tuscaloosa. In 1979, the Alabama State Board of Education established Shelton State when it combined the trade school with the Tuscaloosa branch of Brewer State. The result is now an outstanding two-year educational institution dedicated to providing high quality learning opportunities for students and for the community at large. Today, Shelton State boasts of a full and parttime faculty of nearly 250 people, serving over 7,000 students. The diverse student body spans practically all age groups from first-time freshmen to older students looking to increase their education level or improve job skills. The college offers state-of-the-art educational opportunities in both academic and technical career fields. Shelton State intends to create an atmosphere that equals the first two years of a traditional four-year college, most notably the University of Alabama. This

allows for an easier transition for students looking to pursue an undergraduate degree. Shelton State boasts that students who transfer to UA achieve a better grade-point average and higher rate of graduation than students who enter the university directly from high school. A four-year degree may be the goal for many students, but not all. With that in mind, Shelton State offers training and education for technical or specialized employment. The College’s curriculum includes more than 70 study programs including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electronics, welding and machine tool technology. The College also operates the Alabama State Fire College, which trains both paid and volunteer firemen for the entire state. Shelton State prepares students for opportunities in the automotive industry and truck driving field. In healthcare careers, students can learn fitness management, become an LPN, prepare to transfer to an RN program or earn the title of emergency medical technician. “Too often education decisions are made at a very young age and a life of struggle can be set in motion,” said Dr. Mark Heinrich, president of Shelton State Community College. “Shelton State can be a second chance. It is where a life can be changed or family can be changed.” Shelton State works closely with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce to help supply a viable workforce. Multinational corporations and their suppliers in the area bring a heavy demand for skilled workers. For example, the machine technology program ABOVE: Whether students’ plans include completing a two-year transfer program, pursuing prepares students in computertechnical training leading to a high paying career field, preparing for a GED, or participating aided production. in Community Education programs, Shelton State is an attractive option for all aspiring students.

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In the workplace, good employees are often promoted, but lack any exposure to working in management. Shelton State strives to send employees into the job field who are ready for the entry level, but can move up and grow with the needs of their employer. Industrial Arts, once a staple in many U.S. high schools, have either slowed or gone away. Shelton State will work closely with area high schools to fill in the void. The school has completely revamped a welding program for Hale County High School. “We want to help eliminate the image or stigma that goes with a job in the trades,” said Heinrich. “Often there is a larger salary to be made in those worlds than in those of a four year degree world.” One only needs to walk into the main building at either the Martin or C.A. Fredd Campus of Shelton State Community College to know there’s a bright future for both the school and all who attend. Everything will continue to work around the basic mission of workforce development, adult education and transfer programs. The College’s strategic plan, Shelton 2020, is now in place with initiatives in four areas: Enriching Student Learning and Development; Empowering Faculty and Staff; Expanding Impact

ABOVE: Within its newly drafted strategic plan, Shelton 2020, one of the College’s plans for the next decade is to pursue strategies to increase enrollment to 12,000 by the year 2020.

Areas; and Ensuring the Future of the College, which includes an enrollment increase to 12,000 by the year 2020. “We are constantly on a vigil for improvement. We will work with high school counselors to promote technical programs,” said Heinrich. “I truly believe we can make a vast contribution to the community in the form of keeping kids in school. We are built to handle 10,000 students, and we want to provide education to those who can’t afford traditional access to education, especially for those who want to improve. It is important to let people know they can go to school if they want.” Heinrich and his team are currently going through the rigorous process of competing for a Malcolm Baldridge Award. “The Baldridge Award creates visibility, pride and a sense of value for everyone, past and present, who has been involved with Shelton State Community College,” said Heinrich. “Even if we don’t get the award, the exercise will help the overall operation and help us to our shared goals.” !

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ADVANTAGE REALTY GROUP

hen Richard Ellis went into real estate in 1974, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was born, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record and UPC codes were used for the first time. Six years later Richard Ellis, Sr., along with partner, Bill Trick, opened the doors to The Advantage Realty Group and created a local landmark real estate company. Advantage has soared to its current level of success by adhering to its philosophies of the past. “It’s simple really,” said Richard Ellis, Jr. “We care about the people and the community we serve, and we care about one another.” Advantage Realty employs only full-time, professional realtors. “We don’t feel that part-time or hobby realtors can commit the time needed to meet the needs of our customers. We have to be committed to our clients 100 percent of the time,” said Ellis, Jr. The Advantage Realty focus is on the community. Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama, was once known as a quaint college town. It’s anything but that today, as it boasts a large and growing healthcare industry, an international business community and a host of diverse manufacturers. In addition, there

ABOVE: Advantage Realty team circa 1994. BELOW: Richard Ellis

has been an influx of suppliers to companies such as Mercedes Benz and JVC. Adjusting to the growth and needs in the surrounding real estate market is what has kept Advantage at the top in the Tuscaloosa area. Their services include the residential, student and gameday condos, commercial, multi-family, leasing and property management arenas. Adapting to customer’s needs is what again led Advantage to another undisputed number one position in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as quantified by West Alabama MLS statistics. “We don’t get up in the morning with a plan to be number one, we get up with a plan to know how to do our job better than anyone else. When we do that, we make people happy and that leads us to our number one standing,” explained Ellis, Jr. “When someone decides to buy or sell a property, we realize that they are making one of the largest, most important investments in their life. Most people need professional guidance and expert opinions. Furthermore, they want someone they can trust, someone they can count on to serve their every need in a real estate transaction,” said Ellis, Jr. Advantage Realty also helps customers through the commercial real estate maze. To be successful in the commercial arena, it’s essential to know the market. “And we know Tuscaloosa,” said Ellis, Jr. “This is where our company was founded. We live and work here every day. Our commercial knowledge is well integrated with the local marketplace which helps investors and companies succeed.” Advantage Realty is involved in Tuscaloosa’s strategic planning for the future by maintaining a local, independent operation rather than becoming part of a national company. “By doing that, we can control our own destiny,” said Ellis, Jr. “Being a locally-owned company and being involved in our community go hand in hand. It’s only natural that we would invest our time

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and resources into creating a better Tuscaloosa.” Advantage sees diversity within the real estate market as a plan for growth. They see the growing student housing market as an opportunity, and also specialize in the management and sales of condominiums and understand the difference between dealing with owners compared with renters. Local real estate will continue to be Advantage Realty’s main focus, but they see multi-family housing and condominium sales as a growing need and service for their clients. In fall of 2009, Richard Ellis Jr. completed the purchase of Advantage from his father. A 15-year veteran with the company, Ellis sees growth and even an expansion of the office, but he doesn’t see any sense in changing the formula that got them to the top position they enjoy today. “We’re a company that’s like family in every sense of the word,” said Ellis, Jr. “We have a lot of different personalities, but we work as a group to pull in the same direction. We, along with our families, understand the demands placed on each of us. We become a part of the lives of our customers, and know we must be ready to serve them on their schedule.” The future for Advantage Realty can be summed up with six words. " Neighbors—not just realtors, but friends who want to serve and help make every neighborhood better. " Experts—realtors with more years of combined experience to count " Community—a desire to make where we live the best it can be " Service—to adhere to the belief that the client is always first " Honesty—a promise to be upright, fair and honorable and stand behind our service. " Commitment—an obsession with satisfying clients, dedication to career and a desire to making people happy “Following these points and maintaining our relaxed intensity are sure to keep Advantage Realty as the leading real estate firm in West Alabama,” said Ellis, Jr. !

ABOVE: The Advantage Realty Group 2008

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Cardiology Consultants, P.C.

ecognized throughout West Alabama, Cardiology Consultants has provided a comprehensive range of cardiovascular medical services for over three decades. In 1975, Dr. William A. Hill, Jr. began practicing medicine with a prominent group of internists as Tuscaloosa’s only cardiologist. Residents in the area no longer had to travel outside our city or state to receive diagnostic cardiac care and treatment. In 1981, Dr. Hill founded Cardiology Consultants, PC, staffed with five dedicated employees and the objective of bringing the highest quality, state-of-the-art cardiovascular services to West Alabama and Alabama’s Black Belt. Today, Cardiology Consultants employs a staff of 70, including five cardiologists and four nurse practitioners, which continue that commitment to the prevention and treatment of diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system to increase longevity and improve quality of life. Patients now come to Tuscaloosa from all areas of Alabama and east Mississippi to seek their expertise. “There are not many people in our community that this practice has not touched in some way. We have worked very hard to stay ahead of the curve and provide both personable and professional care to our patients and their families,” said Jan Griffin, business manager. “In turn,” she said, “the community has embraced the practice.” With DCH Regional Medical Center available for tertiary care, Cardiology Consultants grew from a 1,500 square foot private office on Anna Avenue in 1981, to a renovated 8,000 square foot building on Bryant Drive in 1983, which included a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation facility and a certified laboratory. Routine evaluations included electrocardiograms, exercise treadmill testing and echocardiography. Since 1991, the practice has been located in a 16,000 square foot

ABOVE: Bottom row, left to right: John Mantle, M.D.; William Hill, M.D.; Anne Lewis, M.D. Top row, left to right: Jeff Anderson, M.D.; Phil Hemstreet, M.D. MIDDLE: Dr. Hill is reading an echocardiogram.

office in the DCH Medical Tower. Dr. John Mantle joined the practice in 1982, followed by Dr. Jeffrey Anderson in 1985, Dr. Anne Lewis in 1991, and Dr. Phil Hemstreet in 2007. All five cardiologists are board certified in internal medicine and board certified or board eligible in cardiology. Dr. Hemstreet brings the most recent advancement through noninvasive imagery, after completion of a fellowship in interventional cardiology/ nuclear cardiology. These physicians, together with Dr. Hill, have brought the skill and expertise that come from the highest level of training and years of practical clinical experience. Their achievements and leadership in the practice of cardiovascular medicine include, but are not limited to: • Performed the first cardiac catheterization at DCH in 1976 • Inserted the first permanent pacemaker at DCH in 1977 • Instrumental in obtaining Certificate of Need for open heart surgery at DCH, bringing the first open heart surgeon to Tuscaloosa • Collaborated, designed, and opened the DCH Cardiac Catheterization Lab in 1981 • Provided Tuscaloosa’s first, fully staffed on site

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the opportunity for early diagnosis, intervention and prevention in our effort to improve longevity and quality of life,” Mantle said. Extensive medical research, the improvement of invasive and noninvasive procedures, and successful pharmaceutical agents have advanced beyond what was available when Dr. Hill began practicing medicine in the 1960s. These advances have played a major role in prevention of atherosclerosis and its consequences: heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. This technology enables faster ABOVE: Cardiology Consultants, PC.

cardiac rehabilitation program in 1983 • Employed the first and only, to date, electrophysiologist • Opened an ICAEL Echocardiography Lab • Instituted an ICAVL Vascular Ultrasound Lab • Opened an accredited, ICANL Nuclear Cardiology Stress Laboratory These physicians routinely offer outpatient clinic and in-hospital diagnostic procedures and therapeutic services, including cardiac catheterization and coronary interventional procedures – angioplasty and stent placement. They provide a full range of diagnostic and treatment modalities for congestive heart failure; rhythm abnormalities, including extensive use of pacemakers and defibrillators; peripheral vascular disease; and carotid vascular disease. Cardiology Consultants has also provided satellite clinics outside of Tuscaloosa for over two decades. Residents in Bibb, Fayette, Marengo and Pickens counties, along with patients in the surroundings counties of Hale, Greene, Perry, Marion and Walker, have the opportunity to schedule follow-up appointments and diagnostic testing. “We bring our services to neighboring communities to remove the burden of travel and expense and to provide

assessments and diagnostic techniques providing more effective patient treatments and supportive healing. The multi-disciplinary support team includes nine ultrasound technologists, ten registered nurses, and numerous allied medical and administrative personnel who hold advanced degrees and/or certifications, and all are required to maintain their professional credentials. Opportunities for continuing education are provided both in and outside the facility. Within the last decade, the integration of electronic medical records (EMR) delivery transformed the ability to rapidly access and transmit medical records. The infrastructure that supports the automatic exchange of medical records and images continues to be a primary driver of efficient health-care delivery. The transfer of data images between the satellite clinics to the Tuscaloosa office improves expediency of the decision process. Despite their modest beginnings, Cardiology Consultants physicians to date provide an accumulative century of experience. Griffin said one major goal is for the practice to continue down the path it started on in 1981. “We want to continue to grow with the community and offer the most up-todate cardiology services possible,” she said. “Our staff provides very specialized technological services with a personal and caring touch.” !

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PRICE CONSTRUCTION

he history of Price Construction may be relatively brief compared to many of Tuscaloosa’s old and storied companies, but brevity in its case simply means a lot happened fast and for a good reason. The company was established in 1987 as Buddy Jones Excavating Corporation. In its early years, the company was devoted primarily to land excavating, earthmoving, laying roads, installing storm drains, water pipes, sanitary pipes and other heavy utility work. Keeping pace with Tuscaloosa’s growth meant expanding in size and scope. A number of heavy industries – coal mining and methane gas operations, oil refineries, asphalt processors and car manufacturers, to name a few – make their home in the Tuscaloosa area. As the local mines and refineries grew, they called upon local excavators to assist with their expansion efforts. By 1991, the staff at Buddy Jones peaked to more than 100 employees. In 1999, management bought out the company’s other owners, but continued to operate under the same name. Buddy Jones Excavating eventually became Price Construction, but not until 2002, when the name change became necessary to reflect the range of services the company offered. Price understood that to remain

successful, the company would have to diversify. Now the company designs and manages the construction of commercial and residential property. “Now we’re more of a service contracting and construction management contracting firm,” Price said. The company’s work is visible in just about every corner of Tuscaloosa. Projects recently completed include a number of commercial and residential developments. “Our people are the reason for our success,” Price said. “It’s important to understand our individual employees, to know what they’re best at. You have to put the right people in the right job. Everyone is an important part of the team, and each of our employees contributes to the company’s success. The poor old guy digging the ditch is just as important as a supervisor.” Half of Price Construction’s employees have worked with the company for over a decade. “It’s also critical to finish the job on time and with quality work. We’d rather lose money than to do a poor job and have our names and reputation attached to it,” Price said. “It’s important to finish the job, no matter what it takes.” “We can’t tell you how good our services are,” Price explained. “But we can show you.” !

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SENTELL ENGINEERING

o to the lobby and look at what Mr. Sentell is doing,” instructed Jim Grubbs, the vice president of marketing for Sentell Engineering. In the front of the office, Gil Sentell sat by the reception desk discussing a problem with a couple who had walked in unannounced, their dress indicating that they were rural folks who probably didn’t have much money to spend. “That’s what sets Gil apart from most other professionals of his stature. That’s what makes Sentell Engineering unique,” Mr. Grubbs said, explaining how the founder of a major civil, structural and environmental engineering firm truly cared about his clients and took the time to help, no matter how small a project they may have. Gil Sentell started Sentell Engineering in 1981 after several years working in other firms and partnerships. The firm, which also has its own built-in surveying division, has a history of accomplishing broad and complex engineering projects in areas stretching from Panama to New York City. Most of Sentell Engineering’s work, however, is concentrated in the Southeast and in Tuscaloosa and rural Alabama in particular. “It would be impossible to go down any street in Tuscaloosa and not see something that Sentell Engineering was a part of,” said Gil Sentell’s wife Suzanne, who serves as the firm’s treasurer. In nearly 30 years of business,

Sentell Engineering has played a vital role in laying the groundwork for commercial, government and residential development, and planning the infrastructure that often goes unseen. One project recently completed involved planning a countywide water system for Greene County, Alabama. “We installed a new water source for them because they were purchasing all their water from a nearby city. And so we drilled them a new well and planned the water treatment facility. This year, that system won the National Drinking Water Quality Award. The water as of that caliber,” Mr. Grubbs explained. Sentell Engineering planned and recently completed a city-wide sewer system and wastewater treatment facility in West Blocton, Alabama, that turns out water so clean and pure, it is returned to the Cahaba River. Such large municipal projects normally take several years to complete and require an enormous investment by Sentell Engineering. But unlike most other firms, Sentell Engineering works with rural municipalities to find and procure the funds needed for such massive projects. “We go the extra mile for our clients. That’s what makes Sentell Engineering and its staff unique,” Mr. Grubbs explained. !

TOP: Town of West Blocton Wastewater Treatment Plant Clarifier. ABOVE: Greene County Water Well Site. LEFT: Town of Double Springs Water Storage Tank.

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EMERGI-CARE CLINIC, P.C.

n the early 1980s, if you needed to see a doctor in Tuscaloosa because of a fever, flu-like symptoms or minor injury, going to the emergency room or trying to get an appointment with a general practitioner were your only options. This often meant taking at least half of a day off work. “There was really nowhere people could conveniently go before or after work or without an appointment if they were sick,” said Dr. Phillip Bobo. Then chief of emergency services at DCH Hospital, Dr. Bobo saw a need for a type of medical clinic that was just emerging in the United States; an urgent care facility. The world was moving faster than before, people were busier, Dr. Bobo recalled, they needed a place where they could stop and receive treatment on their way to or home from work. So, Dr. Bobo traveled to Chicago to attend a conference led by Dr. Bruce Fleishner, who opened the first urgent care center in the country. Dr. Bobo brought what he learned about operating such a facility back to Tuscaloosa, and he and Dr. Peter Weinheimer founded Emergi-Care Clinic in 1983. It was the second urgent care center in Alabama. The clinic initially operated from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., seven days a week (current hours are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday), and the two doctors treated patients for acute illnesses, injuries and performed pre-employment physicals. Today, Emergi-Care operates from the same building on 15th Street, although it’s been enlarged significantly. The practice has evolved into a long-term, primarycare provider for many of its patients, while remaining an urgent-care clinic. Ninety percent of patients have been to the center previously. Preemployment screenings and worker’s comp treatment

ABOVE: Dr. Phillip Bobo and daughter Daisy. BOTTOM: Dad and Daisy in 1983.

now make up 25 percent of Emergi-Care’s business. The clinic also provides employers with on-site drug screenings, flu vaccines and wellness programs for their employees. Emergi-Care staff gave 2,000 on-site flu shots in 2009, and the clinic’s employer client list is comprised of more than 500 organizations, including the city and county of Tuscaloosa, McAbee Construction and Jim Walter Resources. Technology has changed the business side of the clinic drastically, allowing staff to verify insurance and retrieve past medical records immediately. But, Dr. Bobo is taking a purposefully slow approach to adopting some methods. For example, he won’t have a hand-held computer with him when he meets with patients because he feels it impairs the humanization of the doctorpatient relationship. Looking forward, Dr. Bobo hopes to expand Emergi-Care’s wellness programs and other services to employers and fine-tune the practice. “Ours is a fairly straightforward business,” he said. “As long as we can continue to give quality care in a clean, friendly environment, we’ll be okay.” !

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THE COLLEGE OF CONTINUING STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

he University of Alabama is a community of learners from all over the world, preparing for the future through academic and professional programs. For nearly a century, the College of Continuing Studies has provided adult and non-traditional students the opportunity to pursue educational goals at times and locations of their own choosing. As the primary outreach arm of the University, the College of Continuing Studies focuses on the future, its challenges and its opportunities, while providing accessibility to the University and its resources. Using stellar instructors, outstanding educational technology, and state-of-the-art facilities, the College reaches out to provide convenient ways for students to earn University degrees, obtain certifications, and realize career goals. The College offers learning opportunities through four divisions within the college: Academic Outreach, Professional Development and Conference Services, Environmental and Industrial Programs, and the Paul W. Bryant Conference Center. The College of Continuing Studies offers credit programming through its Academic Outreach division. Through non-traditional delivery formats, adult students may earn their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees without sacrificing work or family obligations. Students are offered distance degree programs via online delivery, interactive video conferencing, and DVD. Classes are also offered in the evening or on the weekend. Additionally, the External Degree Program makes it possible for adult students to gain college credit for life experience while pursuing a bachelor’s degree tailored to their interests. UA Early College is a new initiative within the Academic Outreach division that enables high school students to earn up to 30 hours of college credit by taking UA courses online. The Professional Development division of the college works with hundreds of Alabama companies training managers to streamline business practices and raise quality control standards. Professional Development participants come from all over the southeast to attend courses in education, engineering, government, health and human services, human resources, management, real estate, taxation, finance and accounting. More than 300 Professional Development programs are offered each year

both online and on campus. The division also conducts insurance testing for the state of Alabama, hosts the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and partners with governmental agencies to conduct training for their employees. The Division of Environmental and Industrial Programs (DEIP) offers services that promote occupational and environmental safety and health through programs of continuing education and career enhancement, applied research, and technical assistance. Safe State Occupational Safety and Health Program is a free consultation service for small Alabama businesses with 250 or fewer employees on site; 500 total employees within the state. Safe State Environmental Programs assists in helping to manage lead-based paint hazards, asbestos and indoor air quality. The Training and Conferences Activities section offers a wide array of continuing education training including asbestos, lead, mold, and occupational safety and health topics. The Alabama Governor’s Safety and Health Conference is the premier safety and health conference in the Southeast. In addition, The University of Alabama is home of one of the OSHA Training Institute – Education Centers. This Center offers all the OSHA training courses. Perhaps the most visible area of the College of Continuing Studies is the Paul Bryant Conference Center. The center is conveniently adjacent to the Bryant Museum, the Hotel Capstone, Coleman Coliseum, and Sewell Thomas Stadium. The Bryant Conference Center is modern, well appointed and features full-line meeting and banquet facilities for groups from 20 to 1,000. The facility is designed to accommodate a wide variety of activities from board meetings to trade shows. The latest in audiovisual technology is available for professional level presentations. The facility has recently undergone an extensive renovation, including new paint, carpet and furniture, as well as a complete digital upgrade to the audio/visual system. The University of Alabama’s College of Continuing Studies will continue to offer adult and non-traditional students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals at times and locations of their own choosing. To learn more about the College of Continuing Studies please visit: http://ccs.ua.edu. !

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Image courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library,U.A.

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WARD SCOTT VERON ARCHITECTS, INC.

s a child growing up in Sylacauga, Jim Ward knew he would one day be an architect. “Since I was in the third grade I always knew I was going to go to Auburn University and study architecture. I never waivered from that path,” Jim said. That knowledge, owned at such an early age, could be considered the primal history of Ward Scott Veron Architects, an architectural firm that has grown to become a cornerstone of the Tuscaloosa community and a visual influence on towns and landscapes throughout west Alabama. The small firm that Jim Ward started in Tuscaloosa in 1983 steadily grew in reputation and in size. Keith Scott and Rex Veron, the firm’s partners, both brought to the firm their own abilities, community involvement and contacts, which proved to be vital to the company’s growth. Today, Ward Scott Veron’s staff includes two additional architects, an interior designer and a number of computer automated drafting specialists, IT technicians and support staff. Ward Scott Veron’s staff embodies a diversity of strengths and talents that are reflected in the firm’s impressive work. Dozens of municipal buildings, stateof-the art healthcare facilities and clinics, innovative commercial structures, financial institutions and modern residential communities and apartment complexes are all part of the firm’s extensive portfolio. The City of Tuscaloosa is a living showcase of Ward Scott Veron’s work. In some form or function, the firm’s buildings are part of every resident’s life. In 2006, the firm completed Tuscaloosa’s Central High School, a 144,000-square-foot facility for 900 students in the city’s heart. Another centrally located facility, Fire Station No. 1, is a Ward Scott Veron design infused with natural light, efficiency and speed. The expanding facilities of Tuscaloosa’s municipal government designed by Ward Scott Veron now include the Municipal Court building, a second Annex building, and new parking deck, all connected to City Hall with

elevated walkways. When designing the DCH Cancer Center, completed in 2009, Ward Scott Veron, in association with Houston-based FKP Architects, created an environment that nurtures the patient’s mind, body and spirit with its strong connection to the outdoors and ample use of natural light. The proposed activity center at Faucett Brothers Park will be an environmentally sustainable, multi-use recreational facility, that is planned to be certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building by the U.S. Green Building Council. Ridgecrest South Residential Community on the University of Alabama campus, which opened in the fall of 2009, is an eight story complex providing 962 beds for the University’s growing enrollment. Jim, Keith, and Rex believe that every project starts with a complete understanding of the client’s objectives. The firm takes a team approach with all of its projects, allowing it to be wholly attentive to the client. Creating functional solutions and aesthetically welcoming environments within budget and on time is the very foundation of Ward Scott Veron Architects. !

TOP: DCH Cancer Center. ABOVE: Central High School. BOTTOM: Fire Station No. 1.

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Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.

n 1905 Ransom E. Olds founded the REO Motor Car Company. Over the next 50 years his company was involved in several different industries including nuclear instruments. In 1955 the company became the Nuclear Corporation of America. Nuclear ventured into the steel industry in 1962 when it purchased a South Carolina company named Vulcraft Corporation, a manufacturer of steel girders and joists. Now as a more diversified company the name Nuclear Corporation was a bit of a misnomer, so in 1972 it became the Nucor Corporation. In 2004, Nucor came to Tuscaloosa when it purchased the mill built in 1985 by the Tuscaloosa Steel Corporation. When constructed, the mill was the first in the U.S. to use Steckel mill technology, which represents economic solutions for producing coiled plate. In 1991, Tuscaloosa Steel became a subsidiary of British Steel plc and was renamed Corus. Nucor Tuscaloosa invested in expansion and modernization including state-of-the-art technology which produces a wide range of carbon plate and coil including, pressure vessel quality steels, cut to length plate and HSLA (high strength low alloy) steels. The overall project increased annual capacity by almost 400,000 tons and enabled Nucor to provide an

expanded line of products exhibiting superior quality and dimensional accuracy. “Commitment to our customers, our team members, their safety and a teamwork approach are hallmarks of Nucor,” said Vice President and General Manager Randy Skagen. “Where possible we eliminate distinctions between management and hourly team members, which makes for a true team atmosphere feeling. Even during these tough economic times, we are one of the few steel companies who have not laid anyone off. Nucor has never laid off a worker due to lack of work.” In addition, Nucor maintains generous scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs. These educational opportunities extend to employee’s dependants and students can receive up to $12,000 to attend any accredited school over a four-year period. Nucor’s philosophy toward its team members results in a loyal team and in turn high-quality products. “Our folks are highly trained professionals dedicated to first class customer service,” said Skagen. Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Inc. was recently ranked as #1 in overall satisfaction by its customers compared to its competitors in the Jacobson Report, a national survey of 2,000 steel customers. This is third party research TOP: Nucor Operator processes coil plate to exceed customer’s flatness standards. LEFT: Steel coil is identified prior to shipping to a customer.

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meet regularly to share information on ways to make their division even safer. To add emphasis Nucor has created their President’s Safety Award (PSA). The company checks safety records for similar facilities at other companies across the nation. In order for a division to win a PSA they must post safety rates 67 percent below the national average. In 2009, almost 75% of Nucor’s divisions earned the award. The goal is for all the divisions to earn it. Along with safety, quality and cost, Nucor understands that environmental stewardship is of equal importance and it is an ingrained part of the culture. Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Inc. is ISO 14001 certified, which means they meet the international specification for an environmental management

ABOVE: Steel is inspected to ensure it meets customer’s requirements.

that measures product quality, price competitiveness, on-time delivery, outside sales representation, inside sales support, total customer service and overall satisfaction. On the road to quality products and unparalleled customer service, Nucor puts safety of its team members ahead of everything else. “Our attitude toward safety could not be more clear, safety is for our families, it is our culture,” explained Skagen. Safety is the first topic of discussion at every company meeting. Every Nucor division has a safety coordinator and all of them gather twice a year to exchange information, discuss best practices and cover new trends in training. In addition workers

system (EMS). It specifies requirements for establishing an environmental policy, determining environmental aspects and impacts of products/ activities/services, planning environmental objectives and measurable targets, implementation and operation of programs to meet objectives and targets. Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa expresses its environmental policy through the word EAGLE. Environmental Awareness through Goodwill, Leadership and Excellence. In summary the EAGLE policy says all Nucor employees are committed to: • Following all environmental laws • Watching for opportunities to eliminate pollution and waste • Open dialogue within communities and habitats where they operate •

Being physically involved in pursuing environmental improvements in the Tuscaloosa area. • Continually improve on their EMS and regularly institute appropriate changes “Our vision for the future is to continue to be the leader in the carbon coil and plate markets. We’ll continue to invest in new equipment, training and technology to ensure the safest, highest quality, lowest cost products, delivered on time with total customer satisfaction,” said Skagen. “In pursuit of this plan, we are committed to being cultural and environmental stewards of where we live and work.” !

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JVC AMERICA, INC.

hances are good the compact disc in your Xbox, Playstation, Wii or Gameboy console was made or packaged by JVC America, whose headquarters is in Tuscaloosa, Ala. JVC America is one of only three authorized third-party replicators of returns. The company opened a second packaging and Microsoft Xbox games, and it packages software for all fulfillment center in Douglasville, Ga., in 2008. major interactive gaming platforms. JVC America’s Tuscaloosa workforce evolved along When JVC America was founded in 1986, it manufactured blank VHS tapes and, beginning in 1987, with its products. From 1986 to 2004, many of the company’s executives and engineers were Japanese music CDs from its 100-acre facility in Tuscaloosa’s expatriates. At any given time, five to 20 Japanese Interstate Industrial Park. Its first customers included families were living in Tuscaloosa. The Tuscaloosa CBS, MCA, RCA, and Arista. Now game, video and community supported these newcomers to the computer software comprises over 90 percent of the community. The University of Alabama provided a company’s business, and music CDs make up less supplementary Saturday school where children learned than 10 percent. JVC also manufactures DVDs and from Japanese textbooks. Today, the lone Japanese computer software CDs for companies including citizen that works for Microsoft and JVC America is its Adobe. “The most president, Hiroyoshi significant change Yoshikawa. “The in the industry was goal of any foreign the evolution of the investor is to compact disc from move toward local a music platform management,” to a multi-media said company’s platform.” said international human Brad Springer, chief resources manager, financial officer Mari McPherson. and treasurer, JVC Providing clients America. “The single-source industry grew services, which from music to means handling games, movies and everything from computer software. TOP: Today JVC America has only one Japanese citizen employee – its president, Hiroyoshi Yoshikawa. A large portion of the company’s business is in manufacturing procuring materials One of the biggest and packaging game CDs. to distributing milestones for us LEFT: JVC America’s management team in 1987 was comprised mainly of products, will was when video Japanese expatriates. Music CDs were a primary product. be increasingly games evolved to important in the CD-ROM around future, Springer said. JVC America packages Blu-ray 1995.” discs, the latest product on the horizon. “This is a The gaming business continued to grow, but did not rapidly changing business,” Springer said. “The lifespan have as many distribution facilities as the music and of multi-media is two or three years before something movies industries. In 1996, JVC America took that new and better is out. We try to stay on top of that, opportunity to open a facility in Kennesaw, Ga., that plan for that and invest for that.” ! provided packaging, order fulfillment, distribution and

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Welcome home to Pine Valley.

PINE VALLEY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

vibrant retirement community, situated near the heart of Alabama’s most exciting college town – this is part of what makes Pine Valley Retirement Community such an extraordinary home for so many seniors. Located just north of the University of Alabama in a 10-acre cluster of tall pines and flowering gardens, Pine Valley is a place where Southern charm and hospitality grace all aspects of life– a place that residents have proudly called home since 1986. Pine Valley was developed by local people as a community that could accommodate the needs of retirees in the modern age while preserving the ways of life that all of us hold dear. Our traditions are based on strong family ties and a sense of pride deeply rooted in one’s location, family and home. In modern times, however, seniors often choose to move where they have immediate access to round-the-clock medical care. Since too often that move comes at the cost of independence, dignity and familiarity, the people who planned and developed Pine Valley Retirement Community understood that seniors wanted and needed a warm and nurturing environment that never diminishes independence and dignity, but preserves both. Pine Valley knows that every resident is an important

part of the community, and every resident has her or his own needs and lifestyle. Residents who enjoy an independent lifestyle may choose to live in an apartment or patio home, available in a variety of floor plans. Independent residents can live with peace of mind knowing they are protected by a security patrol, an emergency call system and fire alarm, and a nurse on site 24 hours a day. All homes and apartments are maintenance free with full kitchens and appliances, weekly housekeeping and laundry service, meal plan options and scheduled transportation. Residents of The Knoll, an “intimate neighborhood” with assisted living plans, enjoy the same amenities as independent living as well as medication assistance, daily housekeeping and laundry services, three meals a day, and much more. All residents of Pine Valley may take advantage of as many or as few recreational activities as they choose. Inside the community, residents enjoy arts and crafts classes, educational programs, dinner theater, social hours, holiday parties and exercise classes, to name but a few. Outside the community, Pine Valley residents can attend world-class cultural and educational events, take shopping trips and enjoy all the things that make Tuscaloosa such an exciting place to live. !

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Bank of Tuscaloosa

t a meeting in 1987, a group of Tuscaloosa businessmen outlined their vision for a new bank. The bank would provide the best customer service, offer employees a first-rate workplace and be the finest corporate citizen in town. “The thing that impressed me is that no one said anything about making a lot of money,” said Jim Flemming, founder, chairman and CEO of Bank of Tuscaloosa, which opened in April of the next year. Two decades later, the bank is Tuscaloosa’s second largest in market share, operates five branches in addition to the main office and has a legal lending limit of nearly $9.5 million per borrower. “The most significant thing is that we’ve stayed true to that vision of what we’re supposed to be about,” said Mark Sullivan, president and chief operating officer. “Financial success is important. But it shows that when you focus on the right things, success is a byproduct.” Bank of Tuscaloosa employees have headed or been involved in virtually every community organization in town, said Flemming, who is particularly proud of the bank’s public service record. In 1988, two regional banks held 85 percent of the banking market in Tuscaloosa. Because large banks were purchasing local ones, the founding board of directors saw an opportunity for a bank led by people with an interest in the Tuscaloosa community. Today, local leadership is still benefiting customers. Bank officers who understand the Tuscaloosa market firsthand make loan decisions, provide answers quickly and keep depositor money in Tuscaloosa, where it benefits the area. “No two markets are alike,” Flemming said. “There doesn’t seem to be much logic in an office somewhere else telling you what your market is like and what your prices should be.” The Bank of Tuscaloosa grew quickly and steadily, opening its first branch office within one year. On average, the bank has added a branch every three years. As the population expanded in different parts of Tuscaloosa, the bank built new locations. Most Bank of Tuscaloosa branches were the first banking locations in their respective areas, Sullivan said. In the early 1990s, the bank’s rapid growth outpaced its ability to efficiently raise capital– a challenge many small banks

Today’s main branch of The Bank of Tuscaloosa.

face. In 1992, it joined Synovus Financial Corporation, which is now a $34-billion financial services holding company. The relationship provided capital and allowed the Bank of Tuscaloosa to continue functioning like a community bank. The Synovus network is decentralized in nature and its banks operate autonomously while improving employee benefits and providing better technology and a broader array of financial products and services to customers. Bank of Tuscaloosa founders set out to serve a broad range of banking needs– personal, commercial and institutional– with an emphasis on small and midsize businesses that has remained through the years,

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The new home of The Bank of Tuscaloosa.

Flemming said. The bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial products, from mortgage and trust services to investments and cash management services, in addition to the more traditional loan and deposit products. Bank employees are eager to help customers make the most of their money, and do so by recommending actions such as moving funds to higher yielding accounts or reducing a loan. The biggest change factor in the banking industry during the past 21 years has been technology, and Bank of Tuscaloosa stays on the cutting edge. When the bank opened, it operated two computers; now every employee has a computer and customers can do most of their banking online. Technology has changed the sophistication of products the bank offers and improved efficiency, Sullivan said. For example, Bank of Tuscaloosa was one of the first banks in the area to offer businesses Remote Express Deposit (RED). Business owners connect a RED machine to their computer and scan customers’ checks, which are immediately deposited into the business’s account. Customers are saved a trip to the bank and don’t lose interest due to a large check being left on someone’s

desk overnight or longer. “Businesses are wild about it,” Sullivan said. From their personal computers, business owners also can see current account information, send wire transfers and find out what will process at the end of the day. Bank of Tuscaloosa’s main office recently moved from its original location in the Stafford Plaza on Ninth Street to its new location at 2200 Jack Warner Parkway. The Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza, which the Bank co-owns with two other firms, was constructed in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Guidelines. Official Certification as Tuscaloosa’s first LEED building is expected in the Spring of 2010. By building an energy-efficient structure that meets U.S. Green Building Council standards, the bank applied its initial mission to the concerns of the present and future. “As corporate leaders in the community and in keeping with our location [along the banks of the Black Warrior River], constructing a green building seemed like the appropriate and responsible thing to do,” Sullivan said. !

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GILDA’S SALON & DAY SPA

ilda Wells had her first thoughts of becoming a professional hair stylist more than forty years ago while coloring and styling friend’s and family’s hair. A newlywed with little money and no means of going to school, Gilda had to take a good look at herself and use whatever resources she had. Gilda apprenticed in a local salon to get her cosmetology license. Being a full-time mother, wife, daughter and hairdresser; Gilda needed to build a schedule that allowed her to be the very best in all the aspects of her life. Around 1978, Gilda converted the workshop in her backyard into a beauty salon. The first Gilda’s Salon was born. Gilda’s Salon and DaySpa, which opened in 1987, is the result of a long learning process filled with years of hard work, dedication, prayer and a very high level of faith. Gilda’s salon now employs nearly thirty ABOVE: Gilda Wells of Gilda’s Salon and DaySpa. professionals who service hair, nails, skincare and massage. In order to have and keep have very important positions in their mother’s a successful business, Gilda realized she must find a way business, and she is the first to tell you that they are to develop her stylists herself. the reason for her success. Her girls are each gifted with their own separate talents, which brings loyalty, This was the ambition and drive behind University integrity, and experience to Gilda’s Salon and DaySpa. Academy of Hair Design, which began in downtown Gilda Holcomb Wells who was born to hard working Tuscaloosa in 2004. The Academy now occupies a parents in a rural farming community, has truly seen 6000-square-foot facility in Northport. The Academy the desires of her heart fulfilled. She credits God for employs three full-time instructors and two student her accomplishments and calls on him daily to keep her instructors. grounded as she manages an ever abundant schedule. Today in 2009, what started as a young woman’s Gilda will tell you when asked, that God is the real vision is now a thriving family business employing all secret to her success, His grace and the wisdom He three of Gilda’s daughters which is an accomplishment provides her, guides her daily. ! that she is very proud of. Stacey, Renay and Amanda

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PANAMERICAN CONSULTANTS

im Mistovich founded Panamerican Consultants (PCI), a cultural resource management company, while sitting at the dining room table in his Tuscaloosa home. As an archaeologist educated at the University of Alabama, Tim was familiar with both academic research archaeology and the hands-on, often grueling world of contract archaeology. He built his company on the latter. Over the years, PCI has grown significantly by adding partners Stephen R. James, Jr., Director of Maritime Operations; Dr. Michael Cinquino, Northeast Regional Office, Buffalo, NY; Paul Jackson, Southeast Regional Office, Tuscaloosa, AL; and Andrew Buchner, Mid-South Regional Office, Memphis, TN. Twenty years later, Panamerican Consultants employs 180 people, maintains offices throughout the Eastern U.S., and dispatches teams of archaeologists throughout the United States and Caribbean. Before any public and many private lands go under the shovel, cultural resource management experts must step in to survey and inspect the site– whether it’s a bridge, highway, pipeline, or luxury resort that is being built. This usually involves sending archaeologists to the site to assess the land’s historical or prehistorical relevance. If a site is found to be archaeologically significant, Panamerican Consultants may perform a full-scale excavation, taking whatever steps are necessary to preserve the artifacts its archaeologists unearth. According to Tim, about one in every ten test sites turns out to be significant. But terrestrial archaeology is just one service Panamerican offers. The company also operates one of the best equipped marine archaeology units in the country. As on land, development of structures such as bridges, dams, or harbors normally involve adhering to federal and state legal codes. Panamerican ensures that developers are in full compliance with the appropriate laws and statutes. Shipwreck excavations, search and recovery, remote sensing surveys and data analysis,

and archival and historic research are all facets of Panamerican’s maritime archaeology unit. Panamerican’s Architectural History Unit employs historians who have extensive experience in assessing buildings and landscapes for architectural and historical significance and National Register of Historic Places eligibility. As an example, one of Panamerican’s oldest and most extensive contracts involves structures at Ft. Benning near Columbus, GA. If the army base needs to demolish an old building or build a new structure, Panamerican’s architectural historians provide the documentation, analyses, and recommendations needed for successful implementation of the project. In fact, all divisions of Panamerican are or have been actively working at Ft. Benning. The base is steeped in a 12,000-year history that spans the early Creek Indian settlements, European settlement, the Antebellum period, and the Civil War. The strength of Panamerican Consultants is its diversity. By offering a full range of professional services in a wide variety of geographic areas, the work keeps coming to Panamerican. With whole worlds hidden beneath our feet, the importance of preserving the past never fades. !

ABOVE: Recovery of the Manuela’s bow, sunk during the Spanish American War. Recorded by Panamerican for the Jacksonville District Army Corps of Engineers. TOP: Phase III excavations conducted by Panamerican personnel at Site 1EE491.

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PREMIER SERVICE COMPANY, INC.

ith the flip of a switch, you can illuminate a showroom floor. With one push of a button, you can set the thermostat of a reception area, operating room, or even a house. These are simple everyday things that most people don’t think about unless they are part of the team of professionals known as Premier Service Company, Inc. Founded in 1992 in Tuscaloosa, by Gary Phillips and Bill Rice, the company has shown remarkable growth in its short history. Beginning with just seven employees, the company is now over 150 people strong. A fleet of 75 vehicles is on the road to ensure quality service to West Alabama residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Premier name on the trucks with the “P” that looks like a light bulb is arguably one of the most recognizable logos in Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties. The word “Premier” not only describes the service and status of the company, but also starts with the letters of the owner’s names, Phillips and Rice. It’s a testament to the detailed thinking that goes into everything Premier Service Company does. Premier started out as an electrical and HVAC contractor, but has grown and expanded to include fire and burglar protection and customized design/build services for commercial, industrial and residential markets.

ABOVE: Pictured are Gary Phillips, President and Bill Rice, Vice President of Premier Service Company, Inc. They started the company in 1992 and remain extremely active in the day to day operations of the business. TOP: Premier Service Company’s fleet of vehicles has grown over the years just as their business. Pictured in 1995, is their fleet of 9. Their fleet of 75 vehicles is shown in a more recent photo. With the number of vehicles on the road, Premier is fully capable of backing up their “Guaranteed Service in 24 Hours.”

Located in the heart of Tuscaloosa at 1201 15th Street, Premier operates from 48,000 combined square feet of office, shop and warehouse space. Initially, the company only used 5,000 square feet of their available space, but now they are stretched to the walls with a fully equipped sheet metal shop, estimating department, administrative offices and warehouse. “A hallmark of our success is service,” said Gary Phillips, Premier’s president. “It is an integral part of our role in the construction industry. Our personnel are highly trained and our trucks are fully equipped to guarantee customer satisfaction.” One of the ways Premier is able to provide a continuity of high satisfaction is by using subcontractors with whom they are familiar. Premier Service Company places a heavy emphasis on training their employees to ensure continued quality in everything they do. “Constant training is so important in our business since things change so much and so often,” said Phillips. The company’s training consists of both hands-on and classroom education. They work closely with local educators such as Shelton State Community College to recruit the best and brightest. The company has three programs in which they provide training to individuals looking to sharpen their craft:

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ABOVE: Over the years, Premier has performed much work at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The exterior lights on the northside, skybox renovations, audio visual packages and new scoreboard wiring and installation are some of the types of work Premier has enjoyed performing at the stadium.

building is a testament that they are serious about their sauce. The softball trophies let you know which inner company team, Electricians or HVAC, won the game at their annual company picnic. Through a host of activities such as crawfish boils and holiday parties, Premier creates a feeling of unity, family and community. The group often cooks for charities and will lend a hand with an employee’s church or school. Premier has provided professional services on a pro bono basis for such organizations as The House of Hope. The company also makes a point of recognizing accomplishments and milestones of its employees.

BELOW: It is an annual tradition at Premier to have a company picnic where all employees and their families gather for a large cookout. Afterwards, the Electricians and the HVAC teams hit the dirt for a friendly game of softball. Pictured are both teams.

electrical, HVAC, and sheet metal apprenticeships. Each program takes four years to complete. With successful completion, a student can work toward earning their electrical journeyman’s license or HVAC certification as a technician. In 2009, Premier was the first company of its type in this region to receive a grant from the state of Alabama to further the education of its employees in the sheet metal industry. “With this grant, we are able to train 15 employees on how to

safely and properly work with sheet metal, how to interpret blueprints, how to design and fabricate ductwork, along with teaching them construction mathematics. This is a program that we have been conducting for some time, but the grant has enabled us to reach out to even more employees,” said Phillips. It’s not all work and training at Premier. There is a lighter side to the company as one can see by the numerous trophies in the conference room. The City Fest BBQ winner’s trophy and their industrial-sized smoker parked in front of their

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ABOVE: In 2008, Premier completed work for the City’s new Annex Building in downtown Tuscaloosa, which houses the Water and Sewer Department as well as the Revenue Department. The Intermodal Facility that is attached to the annex via a pedestrian bridge has 460 parking spaces, offices for the Tuscaloosa Parking and Transit Authority, a police substation and retail space. Premier did work on the Intermodal Facility that was completed in 2009.

Their monthly newsletter, “The Premier Edition,” recognizes birthdays, anniversaries and employees that have made the extra effort to complete educational programs. Gary Phillips served as city councilman from 1989 to 1997. He is actively involved in Youth for Christ. His business partner, Bill Rice, serves as first vice president of the West Alabama Division of the Associated General Contractors. As a company, Premier is active in other associations such as

the American Cancer Society, the Homebuilders Association of Tuscaloosa, the Region 3 Workforce Development BELOW: As the “Gateway to the University of Alabama,” Paul Bryant Drive recently Council, Associated Builders and underwent some beautification upgrades that included decorative metal traffic signals and street lighting. These lights, reminiscent of a bygone era, were professionally installed Contractors and the Chamber by Premier Service Company. of Commerce of West Alabama. In cooperation with Adopt-ASchool, Premier visits local elementary schools and presents fun and informative ways to the students and faculty on how to conserve energy. Their primary focus is to show that everyone, big or small, can make a difference in conserving our planet’s energy. Premier Service Company takes saving energy seriously and demonstrated this in March 2009 by becoming an approved Energy Star Partner through the Environmental Protection Agency. This program partnership offers a proven “I received so much encouragement energy management from co-workers during the death of a strategy that helps family member. That’s the kind of place in measuring current Premier is: caring.” energy performance, setting goals, tracking -Steve Fowler, electrical estimator, savings, and rewarding Premier Employee since 1992 improvement. Not only does Premier help to inform the community about energy conservation, but they also have skilled employees in place to perform energy audits, calculations and technical work required to improve the energy efficiency of both commercial and residential structures. They are

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taking the steps necessary within their own building to improve energy consumption by installing occupancy sensors and programmable thermostats. As fluorescent fixtures become outdated, Premier is moving towards more modern lighting to enhance their business atmosphere and save energy. Also, in 2009, Premier established the only commercial mercury thermostat recycling program in Tuscaloosa. This program is in addition to their already existing copper and sheet metal recycling

ABOVE: Premier Service Company, Inc. performed electrical, heating, cooling, ventilation, and alarm work for Tuscaloosa’s newest office building, The Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza, which is the new home to The Bank of Tuscaloosa, Hunt Refining Co., JamisonMoneyFarmer P.C., and Rosen Harwood Law Firm. It is the first LEEDS accredited commercial building in Tuscaloosa. This project is a testament to Premier’s dedication in moving forward with “green” products and practices.

programs. In February of 2009, Premier saw another opportunity to serve approximately 6 miles of pipe, and installing the flag the community by converting their and speaker poles in the north and south end zones. annual customer appreciation event into the Expo The new construction and renovations included 2009 Safety and Environmental Fair. The expo was fraternity and/or sorority houses a free event open to the public “The Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza such as Phi Kappa Alpha, Lloyd where more than 28 businesses is the most state of the art Hall, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa displayed products and services construction in Tuscaloosa.” Alpha Theta and Delta Delta Delta, to educate consumers on family, Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha home and construction safety and -Lester Leonard, master Omicron Pi. environmental awareness. Displays electrician, Premier employee Premier completed the lighting included the latest technology since 1992 for the Mal Moore Hall of Fame in lighting, heating and cooling upgrades, the Heisman Trophy systems, and security. Solar Case, SEC Championship Case, powered products such as attic fans Coach Saban’s office, new practice were also represented to educate field, and Walk of Champions, “I remember working on First consumers on the rapid changes Presbyterian Church in downtown. which includes lighting of the new occurring in the energy market. Nick Saban Statue. I came just to lend a hand to In 2009 and 2010, Premier While all this was going on eventually managing the entire worked on upgrades at the in 2009, Premier found time to job. It offered a wide range of University of Alabama for the expand for its future by opening challenges on various levels and sound systems at Bryant-Denny another branch at 2771 Highway taught me how to work well and Stadium. One project consisted 43 in Winfield, AL. From this coordinate with other trades.” of running a raceway system location, they will be able to bring for all new speakers throughout their hallmark quality service to -Terry Porter, foreman/supervisor, the stadium, press boxes, club Winston, Fayette, Lamar, Walker Premier employee since 1992 level boxes, and upper shade and Marion counties.! perimeters in the end zone, with

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CORNERSTONE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

wenty-three people brought folding chairs into the empty Woolworth building in downtown Tuscaloosa on Sept. 18, 1993. The group listened as Earnest Palmer shared his vision and plans for establishing a congregation and church downtown. After meetings and tours of the potential sites, Cornerstone Baptist Church was organized and on the way to becoming a reality. Several merchants expressed concerns about another church in the downtown area, and another group ended up buying the facility. With all doors seemingly shut for occupancy, Cornerstone Ministries was left with nowhere to meet. As a last resort, they rented the Rollins Mortuary Chapel in West Tuscaloosa and held the first service on Oct. 3, 1993. Eighty-four people attended as Pastor Palmer delivered his first sermon to the newly-formed congregation. Subsequently, Cornerstone Ministries was incorporated as Cornerstone Baptist Church, and finally found a permanent location in the former Emmanuel Baptist Church. The first worship service was held Bishop Earnest L. Palmer and First Lady Evett D. Palmer Senior Pastor/Founder. on Oct. 17, 1993. The church dedicated with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship their new facility six months later, in April of 1994. International and provides contemporary Christian A year later, Rev. Palmer was appointed State ministry to a diverse congregation. Sunday School Overseer of Alabama of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Morning Glory Intercessory Prayer and two mid-week Fellowship, and in 1999, was consecrated to the office

Bible studies provide the of the Bishopric. Cornerstone Baptist Church became the “Members and leaders have been foundation for weekly praise corporate headquarters of the blessed by the works of this church,” and prayer. More than 15 Alabama Full Gospel Baptist ... “we are committed to changing a active ministry opportunities are available to members and Church fellowship. generation through ministry.” the community. Campus Today, Cornerstone Full - Bishop Earnest L. Palmer Ministries are available at Gospel Baptist Church – “The both Stillman College and the Connection Between Faith University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. & Works”- is located at 610 Brooksdale Drive in “Members and leaders have been blessed by the works Tuscaloosa, having expanded its facilities to include a 1,000-seat worship center and corporate facilities. With more than 1,500 members, Cornerstone is affiliated

of this church,” said Bishop Palmer, “we are committed to changing a generation through ministry.” !

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PLANIT SOLUTIONS

nless you’re standing in the middle of an empty field, chances are you can look around you and see something – likely many things – that Planit Solutions played a key role in making. As the largest computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software developer and vendor in the world, Planit’s software market encompasses about 38,000 customers globally – most of them wood, metal and stone fabricators, with others involved in fashioning parts and products from plastics, foam and other composites. Some of Planit’s customers are small one or two-person shops, some are small companies with 20 to 30 employees and some are giant multi-national corporations such as Northrop Grumman. In the simplest terms, Planit’s CAD/CAM software takes a design, whether it’s a kitchen cabinet, granite countertop or steel airplane engine part, and generates all the necessary information that the manufacturer’s machines need to know in order to produce that object. “When you design something, all you have is a drawing. Our software takes that design and says, okay, to build that cabinet or piece of furniture you’re going to need this many end pieces and a certain number of shelves, and they have to be cut to this size, then joined together with this method, and so on. All of that information is generated automatically by the software,” Sales and Services Director Richard Chappell explained. “We go a step further, too. Our software is smart enough to directly communicate with the CNC machine,” Paul Losavio, Planit’s marketing manager, explained. “You take a 4 x 8 sheet of material, lay it down on a table, and the machine cuts all the parts out for you. All you have to do is take those parts and put

them together like a jigsaw puzzle.” Cabinet Vision and Cabnetware are Planit’s software solutions for woodworking professionals and have been winning awards since 1983. Planit’s CAD/CAM software for metal production include Edgecam for solid metals and Radan for sheet metal production. Alphacam is Planit’s most versatile application and can be used in fabricating wood, metal, stone, plastics and other materials. One of Alphacam’s high-profile clients is Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, a stunning stone cathedral that has been under construction since 1882. According to Dawn House, human resource director, Planit employs over 100 people in 22 states. “Employees in our Tuscaloosa headquarters skillfully manage functions such as customer and technical support services, IT, marketing, finance and accounting, product management, sales and human resources. We are incredibly fortunate to have top-notch talent skilled in each of these areas of operations to support our activities around the globe.” Tuscaloosa is the headquarters for Planit’s North American operations, which include offices in California, North Carolina, Michigan and Minnesota. The Tuscaloosa office manages accounts in North and South America, Oceania and South Africa. Five additional offices in the United Kingdom oversee operations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. !

ABOVE: This view of a cabinet shows the shaped parts and glass shelves that Cabinet Vision is able to create. TOP: Cabinet Vision is not just for cabinets. The program can be used to design arcade video games as well.

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THE CAPITOL SCHOOL

he juxtaposition of past, present and future is seldom more striking than at The Capitol School. In the oldest wooden structure in Tuscaloosa County, four children play pianos simultaneously while their music teacher listens to each through headphones yet observers hear silence. Downstairs, an elementary school teacher glances at a computer screen and knows instantly which students didn’t understand the morning’s math lesson. Next door, in a structure built in 1870, high-school students use online resources or take out CD textbooks and pop them into laptop computer drives. The primary principle behind Alabama’s only internationally accredited school sounds simple: follow best practices. But it’s one with which many education systems struggle. “Ninety percent of what we know about the brain, we’ve learned in the last 10 years,” said veteran educator Dr. Barbara Rountree, who founded The Capitol School in 1993. Teaching methods at the school, which enrolls children ages 2-and-a-half through high school seniors, are based on the latest medical and educational research and take full advantage of technology. Being a model for progress in Alabama’s public education system is Rountree’s plan for the future. “These kids can send instant messages, listen

TOP: McGuire-Strickland House today. ABOVE: McGuire-Strickland House prior to 1970 rescue.

to music, talk on a cell phone and Facebook at the same time,” she said. “Surely that’s going to change education.” Preschoolers (and older children) practice German and Spanish daily because studies show the window for learning language is largest at 2 to 3 years, and daily instruction is more effective than longer weekly lessons. Teachers divide children into small, multi-age clusters in which research indicates they learn best. Tracking individual progress, often with the aid of software, the teachers tailor lessons to each child. For instance, no two children study the same spelling words. The campus, comprised of three historic buildings adjacent to Capitol Park (the site of the state’s capitol building from 1826 to 1846), has been wireless more than a decade, and the middle and high schools are paperless. Students use laptops beginning at age 9 (younger children work with desktops). They turn in assignments online, build web sites and amass electronic portfolios. Capitol School provides students with additional real experiences, such as the schoolto-career program that allows high school students to spend time with professionals in chosen fields. Curriculum is based on the theory of multiple intelligences, which Harvard University psychologist Howard Gardner defined in his 1983 book, Frames of Mind: Multiple Intelligences. Gardner summarized medical and educational research to identify eight areas in which individuals can cultivate intelligence: verbal/ linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Essentially, the

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TOP: Browne-Randall House - original site. BOTTOM: Browne-Randall House - current site.

theory leads teachers to ask, “How is this child smart?” rather than ask, “How smart is this child?” Putting multiple intelligences research into practice means regularly exposing students to a wide range of learning opportunities, including a strong academic core, plus Kindermusik programs, piano, violin and guitar lessons, foreign language instruction, art classes, soccer, basketball, tennis, gymnastics and swimming lessons. “To me, multiple intelligences should be the biggest revolution in education,” Rountree said. “It will change everything. But many parents still don’t know about it,” The Capitol School exemplifies the possibilities explored in the multiple intelligences theory. Students who speak three or four languages, display impressive musical and athletic aptitude and earn 34 hours of college credit before graduating are not uncommon at The Capitol School. The Capitol School doesn’t require high test scores for enrollment, yet its average SAT scores put third and fifth graders at grade levels 7 and 9.2, respectively, while sixth, seventh and eighth graders recently scored above the national average for eighth graders in all categories but one. “The brain has enormous capacity for learning in all areas,” Rountree said. A child could have the potential to become a renowned linguist or opera singer, but if he or she never has the opportunities to try these things, the chance of developing those abilities is zero,” she said. “For example, a boy whose parents claimed he wasn’t ‘musical’ proved to be the best violinist in the school one year after enrolling.”

The Capitol School evolved into its international role along with Tuscaloosa County, now home to 17 international companies. When children from diverse backgrounds began enrolling in the school, it embarked on the six-year journey to international accreditation which allows academic credits to transfer to any other accredited school in the world. Having earned numerous accolades, the school is known in both national and international academic circles and recruits teachers and interns from around the world. Students and faculty have hailed from 58 countries. But Rountree’s first and fondest goal for the school is a local one; to become Alabama’s first public charter school. While legislation making that possible hasn’t passed in the state legislature, the school has achieved another part of her initial vision, proving it’s possible to provide world-class education on a public school budget. Tuition costs less than the national per-pupil average paid by public schools. Although Capitol is a private school, Rountree sees the school as a beacon of reform for public education in Alabama. “I hope that our ability to provide a world-class education within the constraints of a public school budget will inspire others to do the same,” said Rountree. Learn more about The Capitol School at their web site, www.thecapitolschool.com. !

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Photo courtesy of W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library,U.A.

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HARRISON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

perating a construction company during the 20th and 21st Centuries has been a successful venture for Tim Harrison, founder and president of Harrison Construction Co., Inc. Mr. Harrison started his business in April 1996, out of a small office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with only three employees—himself included. Today, he operates his business from an 8000 square foot facility using cutting-edge technology and software. He encourages company growth by maintaining a simple philosophy based on three protocols: Experience, Integrity, and Innovation. After graduating from Auburn University in 1985, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction, Mr. Harrison began working as a project manager for a local construction company. His leadership characteristics assisted him in quickly advancing to Vice President and later, President of the company. However, Mr. Harrison had an eagerness to excel even further. Two years later he decided to establish his own company, which has now become one of the leading construction companies in West Alabama. After demonstrating his abilities as a leader through earlier projects, Mr. Harrison began working with superior clients such as DCH Healthcare Authority, Bryant Bank, City of Tuscaloosa, Schlumberger Technologies, Inc., Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, and The University of Alabama. Today, his company is persistently expanding and has become a national firm; licensed in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado,

Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Harrison Construction offers services in the form of General Construction, Construction Management, Design/Build Team, as well as taking on projects that range in a variety of types and scope. One of the company’s recent projects—Riverfront Development—is Tuscaloosa’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building. LEED is the standard used to build an environmentally friendly or “green” building. Located between Jack Warner Parkway and the Black Warrior River, the Riverfront Development is one of only three certified LEED buildings in Alabama. In addition to playing a role in Tuscaloosa’s structural growth, Harrison Construction also gives back to the community, donating both labor and financial contributions to many educational programs and local organizations. !

TOP: Riverfront Development ABOVE: Bryant Bank - Main Branch Office. BOTTOM: Cancer Treatment Center - DCH Regional Medical Center

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MERCEDEZ BENZ U.S. INTERNATIONAL

early 17 years have passed since MercedesBenz U.S. International (MBUSI) planted its roots in Alabama and North America as the first Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle plant located outside of Germany. MBUSI has built more than 1 million (and counting) world-class MercedesBenz vehicles and is well into the second chapter of its life, creating new products and expanding its impact on Tuscaloosa and Alabama. Initially, a single vehicle was built in the plant – the M-Class sport utility vehicle – but this landmark vehicle exceeded original expectations. The M-Class delivered power and style with effortless agility, meanwhile earning class-leading safety ratings and numerous quality awards. On the heels of the M-Class success, Mercedes-Benz in 2000 announced plans to re-invest in Alabama with a $600-million expansion, followed by more good news in 2009 with details of a $290-million Body Shop Expansion – both to increase production capacity, the factory’s footprint, and continue to provide significant employment job opportunities. Today, MBUSI is the state’s largest exporter, with more than $1 billion in exports annually. Roughly twothirds of components used in MBUSI-built vehicles come from North American suppliers, and about 30 first- and second-tier suppliers are located in Alabama. The Tuscaloosa plant represents a $1.2 billion + investment for its parent company – Daimler AG.

MBUSI currently employs about 3,000 Team Members and in 2008 produced 152,500 vehicles -- the second generation M-Class, the R-Class Sports Tourer, and the GL-Class full-size SUVs. MBUSI has sole responsibility for the global production of these products, which are proudly built in Alabama for more than 135 markets. As a globally operating vehicle manufacturer, the plant puts significant focus on improving the environmental soundness of its products and business activities. The plant now builds the innovative clean BlueTEC diesel technology into nearly half of the vehicles that roll off the line. These BlueTEC vehicles -- available for sale in all 50 U.S. states and Europe -- combine a smooth, quiet ride with fuel efficiency that delivers 20-30 percent higher fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. In late 2009, MBUSI begins production of the ML 450 Hybrid, which features V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy. And while the facility, the surrounding region and the entire state have seen tremendous growth, it hasn’t come at the environment’s expense. MBUSI Team Members believe that ecology and economy should go hand-in-hand. Whether the topic is water consumption, hazardous waste, electricity costs, natural gas consumption, or recycling rates — a dozen environmentallyrelevant parameters are measured monthly and compared with the facility’s aggressive targets. The plant also has achieved “Zero Landfill” status. Simply put, Zero Landfill means no waste is leaving MBUSI and going to a TOP: Mercedes-Benz occupied the original plant in 1996, just three years after the September 1993 announcement of Tuscaloosa, Alabama as the production location for the future M-Class. landfill. All of the plant’s waste is recycled or reused. ABOVE: The new ML 450 Hybrid joined the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup in 2009.

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who need medical attention. The plant has established endowments with local colleges and universities to provide scholarships and cooperative education programs. Through the plant’s affiliation with the United Negro College Fund, MBUSI helps open doors for deserving, academicallytalented college students who need college financial assistance. And, since 2003, Alabama high school students and others in the community have had the opportunity to participate in an BELOW: MBUSI Team Members teach the Junior Achievement curriculum to Vance Elementary apprenticeship program that School students through its Adopt-A-School partnership. provides high-skilled training in automotive production. Family and Community: Important Values at MBUSI In 2009, MBUSI saw the retirement of its longMercedes-Benz believes that family and community time leader Bill Taylor, who handed over the reins are just as important as building a world-class product. to Ola Kaellenius – the new President & CEO MBUSI offers Team Members a state-of-the-art of the plant. Although the automotive industry childcare and wellness center on the plant grounds experienced the impact of the global economic crisis where Team Members’ children take advantage of the in 2009, MBUSI is positively positioned to be ready exceptional learning and development activities, while when the markets return. Its parent company, their parents work next door. A wellness center, which Daimler AG, continues a targeted investment in includes a gym, weight room, aerobics classes and technologies that will shape the auto industry in the organized team sports, is open to accommodate day future and MBUSI looks forward to continuing its and evening shifts. role in the next stage of the automotive evolution. ! MBUSI has contributed millions of dollars to organizations communities where its Team Members live and work. Team Members are actively involved with area schools and organizations such as Junior Achievement, the American Cancer Society and Camp Smile-A-Mile. The plant annually conducts a United Way campaign, with those funds reinvested into programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity and Easter Seals. The plant’s Team Members adopt “Angels” through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program to provide presents for children, and MBUSI-built vehicles are used by the Kid One Transport System to provide transportation to underprivileged children in Alabama ABOVE: MBUSI’s success is the result of hard work and dedication by its Team Members, shown here celebrating the plant’s 1 Millionth Vehicle.

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ZF Lemforder, Tuscaloosa

t the beginning of the 20th century, people became fascinated with the thought of unlimited mobility. Railroads, the first automobiles and early aircraft lead to significant advances in mechanical engineering. At the same time, the first Zeppelins began test flights above Germany. Needing a reliable transmission supplier for his airships, Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin founded ZF in 1915. During the next 50 years, ZF became known as an industry leader in the production of gears and transmissions, not only for Zeppelins, but airplanes, cars, trains, boats and agricultural and industrial machinery as well. All products designed to keep the German population moving. Substantial growth during the last 30 years saw ZF acquire the Lemforder Group in 1984 and Sachs Automotive in 2001 to form ZF Lemforder – the Car Chassis Technology Division of ZF and ZF Sachs – the Powertrain and Suspension Components Division of ZF. Today, ZF continues to develop innovations of great value on a worldwide scale for the automotive, heavy truck, bus, construction, rail, aviation and marine industries. With 58,000 employees at 119 locations in 25 countries and sales of $17.3 billion in 2007, ZF is one of the world’s largest suppliers of driveline and chassis technology. When one of ZF’s largest customers

Ron Davis, plant manager of ZF Lemforder Tuscaloosa. “We are very community oriented, work toward continuous improvement, and – due to the nature of our business – maintain a flexible attitude.” The complex nature of chassis systems production requires substantial attention to detail. There are 86 variants of front axles and 62 variants of rear axles for the three vehicles. When an order is placed, ZF has

a two-to-three hour window in which to provide the completed axle to the Mercedes-Benz plant, located 14 miles away. The more-than 300 employees and management have worked tirelessly toward improving efficiency throughout the facility, and are actively involved in the community and the region. Currently, ZF Lemforder Tuscaloosa works with more than a dozen local and national charities, including Adopt-A-School, The United Way, The American Heart Association, and Tuscaloosa Symphony, among others. In addition, the staff is actively involved with manufacturing associations in Alabama, Tennessee – Mercedes-Benz – made the move to ABOVE: Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, and Mississippi. Alabama in the mid-1990s, ZF was ZF founder and inventor of the Zeppelin airships. During 2007, the facility received quick to follow, establishing a plant the “Recycler of the Year” award from to provide complete front and rear TOP: ZF Lemforder Tuscaloosa, established in 1997 as a chassis systems the Alabama Recycling Coalition and chassis systems to the M-Class. supplier for Mercedes-Benz. Solid Waste Association of North After 12 years and three expansions, America. On-site teams established the 154,000 square-foot ZF Lemforder clear goals to reduce the number of landfill trips, while Tuscaloosa facility continues to provide just-in-time, just-in-sequence chassis systems for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class vehicles. “We have worked very hard to make this facility one of the ‘flagship’ locations within the company,” said

increasing the amount of recycled material. These measures helped to divert 30,000 pounds of plastic from landfills to recycling centers. In addition, wood pallets, boxes and cardboard were recycled, ultimately

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yet North America continues to be a region of focus, with 21 locations and more than 6,000 employees. The company has a clear strategy of going where its customers are – especially with regard to chassis systems production. And, with current and potential customers expanding

ABOVE: A ZF worker assembles a complete chassis system for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. BELOW: A Zeppelin airship flies over Lake Constance and Friedrichshafen in the early 1900s.

reducing the number of landfill trips by 75 percent. “Our goal is to have a ‘zero-waste’ facility,” Davis said. These efforts, along with a focus on Lean Manufacturing established ZF Lemforder Tuscaloosa as a model manufacturing facility. In 2008, ZF Lemforder Tuscaloosa received The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence – one of the highest honors for manufacturing facilities in the Western Hemisphere. “The Shingo Prize was truly a culmination of the efforts of good people and hard work – and the nomination process itself forced us to take a very deliberate and detailed look at all of our procedures, where we found many ways to improve,” Davis said. “However, it’s an ongoing process. This business is always changing and you always have to prepare for what’s next.” Worldwide, ZF is expanding in many markets,

U.S. operations, ZF has many growth opportunities. Because the Tuscaloosa facility is a single-customer operation, ZF must work closely with Mercedes-Benz to ensure its place as a supplier on the next generation of vehicles. ZF products such as 8-speed automatic transmissions, electric power steering, and lightweight chassis components will become more commonplace, as buyers look for more fuel-efficient vehicles. In fact, ZF spends 5 percent of its annual sales on research and development – a clear message that the company intends to build upon its more-than 90 years of technological leadership. “Overall, ZF has a solid foundation for the future,” Davis added. !

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AFFLINK

o the everyday consumer, AFFLINK’s work isn’t seen, known about, or even identifiable. Yet as the largest sales and marketing organization in North America, its behind-the-scenes function is as vital to the stream of commerce as it is far-reaching. For 32 years, AFFLINK has provided business solutions to more than 350 independent distributors, 200 manufacturers (suppliers) and thousands of enduse customers every day. In the supply chain, AFFLINK is positioned as partner with these customers to form a comprehensive footprint that serves markets throughout North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Japan. AFFLINK’s member distributors service a multitude of industries, stocking and circulating anything a business needs to operate—be it office supplies, packaging materials, cleaning supplies, food service items, safety and industrial needs, and much more. Purchasing these items from a number of manufacturers and getting a fair price can be a daunting and difficult task for the independent distributor, but as Members of the AFFLINK organization, they have access not

ABOVE: Located off of Rice Mine Road, AFFLINK and its nearly 100 employees have been serving the Tuscaloosa community and customers around the world since 1977.

only to the best market pricing but also the tools, technologies and complete line of business services needed to keep their businesses healthy. For its supplier partners, AFFLINK offers a competitive edge by providing them marketing opportunities to reach more distributors, build a solid distributor base, increase sales and reduce costs. AFFLINK representatives also work with Fortune 500® companies all over the country to streamline their purchasing processes and increase their profitability. Because most big corporations maintain numerous locations and offices in different cities and regions, gaining consistencies, leveraging economies of scale and performing at maximum efficiency is a pervading issue. Through innovative products and the latest distribution technology, AFFLINK is able to effectively reduce the time, manpower and expense of these companies while also introducing best-practices and continuous

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improvements. “We can service a company’s locations the same way and at the same time all across the country. With our online ordering capabilities, the main office can monitor what satellite offices purchase, split that order based on specific product parameters, and track the delivery anywhere,” explained AFFLINK President and CEO Dennis Riffer. “But we are more than just a delivery AFFLINK President and CEO Dennis Riffer awards prizes at The ARC of Tuscaloosa charity golf tournament. service company that gets orders to you in a timely manner; there are local AFFLINK thousands of dollars for the local Adopt-A-School distributors in nearly every market who have the program, the Big Oak Ranch boy’s and girl’s homes, expertise and knowledge to help provide solutions to The ARC of Tuscaloosa County and the local hospice our customers,” Riffer said. facility, to name a few. AFFLINK also promotes a “We understand that our success is inextricably “buy local” program in Tuscaloosa that encourages linked to that of our partners, and realizing that a consumers to buy goods and services from local healthy business partner benefits everyone is the affiliated distributors and merchants as much as mentality it takes to create long-lasting and profitable possible. relationships,” he said. AFFLINK understands that its own wellbeing is dynamically connected to the health of its partners across the globe. But that understanding is much more than a corporate paradigm; AFFLINK views its relationship with the Tuscaloosa community in much the same way. It knows that a healthy community is connected directly to the health and wellbeing of its employees and the company as a whole, which is why it’s a regular sponsor of community improvement ventures, outreach programs and other philanthropic endeavors. AFFLINK has collectively raised hundreds of

“We’re also an environmentally conscious company. AFFLINK has one of the few corporate recycling programs in the city and consistently contributes to the local e-cycle campaign. At AFFLINK, our goal is to help our customers become more sustainable— socially, economically and environmentally,” Riffer said. “With our distributors, suppliers, global accounts customers and the community itself, we’re helping create healthier, more sustainable relationships for all our partners. We know that a true business partner is one you can count on to understand the value of working together as a whole. When it comes down to it, we’re all integral pieces of the same big puzzle.” !

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TUSCALOOSA MEDCENTER

ecoming sick or being injured are, in themselves, upsetting experiences. But when sickness and injury are compounded with long waits in the emergency room or being treated like a number, they become extremely stressful ordeals. The physicians and staff at Tuscaloosa MedCenter understand that every patient has individual needs and concerns, and they have built a medical system based on a genuine respect for their patients’ well-being. Providing the best care possible in a comfortable, attentive environment is the key to Tuscaloosa MedCenter’s success. Tuscaloosa MedCenter’s two locations offer both urgent care and family medicine, eliminating the need for scheduled visits. Patients who rely on Tuscaloosa MedCenter don’t have to worry about squeezing in an appointment weeks or months ahead of time. Offering quality medical care at times convenient to those who need it may sound like a simple premise on which to run a medical system, but the Tuscaloosa community’s favorable response has proved it to be powerful. Tuscaloosa MedCenter South opened in February 2002 under the direction of four emergency room physicians whose vision was to provide better care for patients. Prior to founding Tuscaloosa MedCenter, Doctors Robert Posey, Perry Lovely, Stephen Lovelady and Christopher McGee clocked many years

TOP: MedCenter South facility. BOTTOM: MedCenter North facility.

as physicians at DCH Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department. Their experiences in the ER taught them that Tuscaloosa needed another urgent care option – a clinic where people with minor illnesses and injuries could go instead of the ER. The community responded so well to the MedCenter South that the doctors opened a second location in Northport in September 2006. Both clinics contain an in-house pharmacy, laboratory and x-ray machine, which provide an added level of convenience and comfort for their patients. The clinics also offer occupational health services to local companies, and the owners continually look for ways to further improve patient care and enhance their services throughout the region. Today, Tuscaloosa MedCenter employs about 90 people, including four full-time physicians. Holly Hartzell, the clinical director, says that Doctors Posey, Lovely, and McGee have worked hard to establish MedCenter as a vital part of the Tuscaloosa community. “They have gained the trust of so many patients over the years and work hard to retain that. Our physicians care about West Alabama. They have raised their families here and they want to give back to the community.” !

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ISE INNOMOTIVE SYSTEMS with the team members.” Team members perform welding, riveting, plasma cutting, assembly and electrocoat painting, often utilizing robotic automation (the facility features 30 robots), in a state-of-the-art production environment in which weld fumes are completely extracted. In addition hen German company ISE Innomotive to supplying Mercedes with front and rear end modules, Systems Europe GMBH won a contract the Tuscaloosa facility now supplies to a worldwide to supply components to the Mercedesdistribution center for replacement parts. Benz factory in Vance, Ala., building its first U.S. Dr. Hermann E. Müller founded ISE in 1930 as a facility was a given. The front and rear end modules metal stamping parts manufacturer for appliances. After that the company would manufacture were so big, World War II, the company got out of the appliance shipping them from Europe would be expensive. Plus, business and began making precision metal parts for the being a Tier 1 supplier in the automotive industry, ISE booming automotive industry. ISE is the world’s leading Innomotive Systems U.S., Inc. wanted to be in close developer and manufacturer of rollover protection proximity to its customer. A plant in Tuscaloosa put systems for convertibles, supplying the majority of the company in a position to meet Mercedes’ needs in a the market. In the 1960s, ISE started using cathodic timely fashion. electrocoating, also known as E-coating, a method that The uses electrical shareholders current to deposit of Innomotive paint. Because of Systems Europe its high transfer founded ISE efficiency, greater Innomotive than 98 percent, Systems U.S., Inc. E-coating uses as an independent less paint than company in traditional 2002. After a processes few months of and is more initial training, environmentally the firm’s 120 friendly. American team Hackstedt said members began ISE U.S., is proud production of its German in December heritage, but 2004, at the the Tuscaloosa 210,000-squarecommunity is ABOVE: Picture from 1954 of kurbelpressen (German word seen at bottom of photo), foot facility in a good fit for which translated means crank presses. the company as the Tuscaloosa well. ISE U.S., Airport Industrial plans to broaden its product line and the number of Park. “Five years later, we’re flying by; meeting manufacturers it supplies in the region. “Securing production, quality and safety goals,” said ISE U.S., this place long term is the big plan; giving the team CEO and Plant Manager Andreas Hackstedt. He first members a good, decent place to work and a future,” visited the site in 2001, when it was a cotton field. Hackstedt said. ! “One of the best experiences I’ve had here was to work

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CENTRAL DRUG CO. / HARCO / HARRISON GALLERIES

f a pharmacist in Perry County, Alabama, had not been impressed with and eager to help a young high school drop-out who came to work for him in the early twentieth century, the Harco drugstore chain never would have existed and the boy, Jimmy Harrison, likely would have remained on the farm where he was born. Instead, Harrison returned to high school, earned his diploma and then, on his employer’s dime, went to pharmacy school at Auburn University. In 1944, Harrison purchased Central Drug Co., the first store in what his son would expand into the 156-store Harco Drug chain, the second largest family-owned drugstore company in the country before Rite Aid purchased it in the late 1990s. Auburn’s pharmacy school is now the Harrison School of Pharmacy, and Harrison’s grandson, Jim Harrison III, operates an art gallery in the downtown Tuscaloosa building that once housed Central Drug. “What that pharmacist in Marion, Ala., started by sending my father to pharmacy school never would have happened if not for that man,” says Jimmy Harrison Jr. “That changed my dad’s life, my life and my children’s lives.” The company the Harrison family built and its contributions to the West Alabama community have altered the lives of countless others. Jimmy Harrison Jr. cared deeply for his employees and possessed a keen business sense, recalls Jerry Thomas, who began working for the Harrisons in 1966 as a pharmacist and eventually became president of Harco’s drug

ABOVE: The original Central Drug Co. mosaic welcomes visitors to Harrison Galleries. BELOW: Harco Central Drug storefront , circa 1975.

store operations. This set of traits created a dynamic workplace. “It was an unusual, tremendously invigorating environment,” Thomas says. “The Harrisons treated everybody like family. It didn’t matter if you were a cashier or a member of the upper staff.” Even as the number of Harco stores mounted rapidly, Jimmy Harrison Jr. made efforts to know employees and their families personally, visited them in the hospital and attended their relatives’ funerals. In return, employees were extremely loyal to the company. “Employees would do anything for Jimmy Harrison,” Thomas says. In those days, “if you were coaching football, you wanted to be on Coach Bryant’s staff. If you were in pharmacy retail, you couldn’t be on a better team than Jimmy Harrison’s.”

The early years After pharmacy school, Jimmy Harrison Sr. worked at Central Drug Co., then H&W Drug Co. His wife, Elizabeth, spent days making sandwiches that she and her husband took to the University of Alabama campus when he left work. At the honk of their horn, hungry students would pour from the

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area, and the chain extended across Alabama and into Mississippi and Florida. Those at the helm of larger pharmacy corporations recognized Harco’s significance. They elected Harrison Jr. chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and sent employees to study Harco’s stores and business model. People came from all over the country to ask Harrison Jr. his secret. “There wasn’t any secret,” he says with a smile. “Just people pulling the boat in the same direction.”

From prescriptions to art

TOP: Jimmy Harrison Sr. (left) chats with son, Ben in the photo department, cica 1980. ABOVE: Lunchtime patrons at the soda fountain, old Central Drug Co., 1959.

dorms. In 1944 the couple used the money they made selling sandwiches to buy Central Drug Co. Located on University Boulevard in downtown Tuscaloosa, Central Drug became a hub of activity. When school let out, students filled seats at the soda fountain and booths at the back of the store. “It was the hangout for everybody,” Harrison Jr. recalls. When Jimmy Harrison Jr. graduated from pharmacy school, his father purchased Druid Drug and turned its operation over to his son. “He knew it was better not to have me working under him every day,” Harrison Jr. says. “I must have called the man under Dad 20 times a day with questions because I didn’t want to ask Dad.”

Swift expansion Harrison Jr. began expanding the business in the 1960s. He bought Medical Center Apothecary and Leland Drug, then, opened the first Harco superstore in a 10,000-square-foot space in Northport. The trend in the pharmacy industry at the time was toward larger stores, and Harrison Jr. says he remembers standing in the building by himself, overwhelmed at the size of it, and thinking, “If other people can do this, why can’t I?” It was a combination of this competitive spirit and diligent research that allowed the Harco chain to grow so successfully. Leases on retail space Harco stores required generally lasted 20 years. “It takes a lot of guts to sign those leases,” Thomas says. “But he [Harrison Jr.] was willing to do it because he did such detailed research on the locations.” Nine Harco stores eventually dotted the Tuscaloosa

After the Harrisons sold the Harco chain to Rite Aid, the old Central Drug building, which they had leased, kept cropping up in conversations between Jim Harrison III, who worked in the family business for 23 years, and his father. They wished they could find a use for the space that had meant so much to their family and was now vacant and derelict. Art was Harrison III’s first love, and after Harco sold he started buying paintings, soon amassing a collection too large to display at his home. He also was adding to his own photography portfolio. An idea sprouted: “What if I could take the old Central Drug Company building and create a gallery with paintings downstairs and photography upstairs?” Harrison III thought. The building was available, so Harrison III bought it and embarked on a one-and-half-year renovation project with the help of architect Elizabeth Alter. They preserved the “Central Drug Co.” tile mosaic outside the front door, but transformed the interior into a sleek, sophisticated art gallery. The walls downstairs are filled primarily with 18th, 19th and early 20th century American and European paintings, prints and drawings. Upstairs, the work of local and regional photographers is featured. Harrison III says he originally thought of the gallery as a business, but now it’s more about providing services to the community through the arts. Last year, Harrison Galleries hosted 37 community events, including fundraisers for Alzheimer’s patients, autistic children and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. “I’ve been able to be involved in the community in a lot of ways through this gallery,” Harrison III says. “I hope that will continue and that it will have some impact on the cultural prosperity of the community now and in the near future.” !

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GULF COAST ENERGY

heir mission statement is simple, ambitious and when you speak with member of the board and holder of the patents, Stan Pearson, it’s easy to understand why it is attainable. “We want to change the world,” said Pearson. “We can do this by manufacturing alternative, environmentally friendly, renewable bio-fuels. Technically speaking we combine biomass gasification with Fisher-Tropsch synthesis. Biomass gasification produces synthesis gas by using heat, while the FisherTropsch uses a catalyst method. We’ve coined the term GFT as the combination of the two. It’s beneficial well beyond the fermentation method that uses corn or cellulose. We use what would normally end up as waste or in a landfill, and we don’t use anything from the food chain.” Pearson explained that biomass gasification has been around since the 1920’s, and was heavily exploited by Germany during the World War II when traditional fuel sources were interrupted or completely destroyed. The process has been refined and improved over the decades, but the traditional processes and feedstocks just don’t hold up well when the price of crude oil is depressed.

In 2008, the world experienced record high crude oil prices. While prices dropped back to a more manageable level, the chance that prices will remain low is slim. “It’s why we need to make the paradigm shift and stop thinking in terms of getting all of our energy from crude oil,” said Pearson. “It’s time to make the shift and we want to lead the way. We located in Livingston, Alabama because of the availability of wood waste that we use in the production of ethanol

and synthetic hydrocarbons such as gasoline and diesel fuel.” Ethanol is not GCE’s sole focus. The GCE modular technology allows it to produce a variety of liquid fuels depending on market demand. In addition, GCE uses a continuous production technology as opposed to the batch process, which takes up about four times more space. Rather than produce everything in one place and then transport it through our system, GCE will have modular plants close to where the raw material is. Another advantage to their GFT system is efficiency. Some ethanol production methods actually use more energy to produce fuel than the end product returns. In the case of GFT it yields at a five to one ratio. Hoover, Alabama is the sixth largest city in the state, and is arguably one of the most progressive cities in the country when it comes to running its municipal fleets on alternative fuels. Hoover can boast nearly 200 cars running on ethanol and an equal number running on bioTOP: Demonstration plant ready for a production run. diesel. In what can be considered ABOVE: Shift Superintendent Eric Yonker prepares injector valve for production run. a symbiotic relationship, the

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from the food chain. The second reason is that GCE wanted to simplify and use only one technology capable of handling multiple waste-based feedstocks. Also, the cost of production is much less than it would be using vegetable oils or fats. Everyone at GCE has a vision for the future that goes beyond ethanol and moves

city supplies wood chips to GCE, which converts them to ethanol. The first batch of fuel was independently certified by Mississippi State University to the ASTM standards and was delivered in March of 2009. Gulf Coast Energy’s trek toward success has had its challenges. GCE engaged the services of Stern Agee, one of the oldest, privately held brokerage firms in the industry, to help management to think outside the box for fund raising ideas. GCE recently received multi-million dollar incentive packages from the states of Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. GCE’s plans are for multiple manufacturing facilities starting in the Southeast and expanding outward down the road. What is interesting to note is the initial business plan called for the use of chicken fat and soybean oil as feedstocks with a different technology. But that was changed to wood waste based on the capabilities of the current technology. “GCE’s primary reason for the change is that it does not want to use feedstocks that can be used for food, and it doesn’t want to take away

toward renewable synthetic gasoline, renewable synthetic diesel fuel, renewable synthetic aviation fuel and even hydrogen. In addition GCE’s growth means jobs, a cleaner environment and a giant step toward energy independence. !

TOP: (l to r) Management discussing production with Shift Superintendent Eric Yonker. ABOVE: First drums of certified E-85 ready for delivery.

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THE RESERVE AT NORTH RIVER

ituated on the North Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge in Tuscaloosa, The Reserve at North River is an exceptional community exceeding expectation. Tucked away into a serene setting minutes from sought after North Tuscaloosa, The Reserve is a brand new community in an area that has grown tremendously over the last decade and has become popular for its superb location. Located near Lake Tuscaloosa, a crown jewel of recreation in West Alabama, the Reserve at North River was created for individuals and families who prefer high-end apartment home living that provides elements of style and convenience. While enjoying the incredible atmosphere at The Reserve, residents are still only minutes from restaurants, shopping and grocery needs as well as the areas finest school systems. The Reserve at North River was created for individuals who prefer an apartment home with the luxury, convenience, service, features, and peace of

mind. Pleasing proportions, effective use of space, carefully chosen architectural elements and refined custom-home details make The Reserve at North River apartment homes unrivaled in elegance and resilience. Fine living, comfortable design and resort-style amenities create a unique blend and is why life at The Reserve is more than one can expect. The Reserve offers various floor plans for one, two and three bedroom apartment homes. Some homes include 3rd floor lofts, while others feature rich granite counter tops, beautiful ceramic tile in kitchen and bath, 9-foot vaulted ceilings detailed with elaborate crown molding, and on-site storage. All units at The Reserve contain a washer and dryer. Detached garages are available as well. The apartment homes at The Reserve at North River boast features that are created for comfort and sophistication â&#x20AC;&#x201C; features that are sure to glow with an irresistible, welcoming appeal. For instance, the Great Room offers a spacious and accommodating living area that opens up to the kitchen, leaving a wealth of space perfect for entertaining, gathering or just relaxing. The kitchen has everything to prepare a fivestar, four-course meal or whip up a tasty snack. The porch provides the perfect area to relax outside or catch some fresh air without having to leave home. This area is great for grilling, reading, or just hanging out with family and friends. Third level floor plans include lofts with adjacent open areas with high vaulted ceilings, which extend above the lower floors. The amenities that reside beyond the doors of the generously appointed apartment homes provide satisfaction that enables residents to discover the luxury, joy, and enrichment of living at The Reserve at North River. The abundance of on-site amenities and services allow residents to take advantage of dozens of pursuits. Residents are invited to enjoy the onsite, resort-style clubhouse that flaunts an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, executive business center

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and state-of-the-art fitness center. The multi-faceted resort-style Clubhouse caters to all and features The Reserveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exceptional amenities. An executive business center that is appropriate for everything from formal presentations to casual gatherings includes technology specific to simplifying productivity and includes a conference room. Tennis courts and an expansive, outdoor swimming pool that includes outdoor patio and grilling spaces provide an atmosphere for relaxation after a long day. A state-of-the-art fitness center is also located within the clubhouse and includes cardio and weight machines, as well as other fitness items. Other notable features include a playground for children and a concierge service to help with on-site and area information. Fine living, comfortable design and resort-style amenities create the unique blend that makes life at The Reserve more than one expects and offers everything people need to live, work and play. With

its generously appointed apartment homes, appealing features and undisputed convenience, The Reserve is sure to provide satisfaction at the fingertips of its residents enabling them to discover the luxury, joy, and enrichment of living. !

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Corporate Sponsors Index ! Advantage Realty Group 1641 N. McFarland Blvd. Ste. A-1 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Ph. (205) 354-0116 Fax (205) 758-1831 advantagerealtygroup.com pp. 210-211

Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, The 2200 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 758-7588 Fax (205) 391-0565 tuscaloosachamber.com pp. 170-173

AFFLINK 1400 AFFLINK Pl. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Ph. (205) 345-4180 Fax (205) 345-0064 afflink.com pp. 242-243

Community Service Programs of West Alabama 601 17th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 758-4756 Fax (205) 758-7229 cspwal.com p. 197

Alabama Power 915 Queen City Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 349-6900 Fax (205) 888-2724 alabamapower.com p. 180 Anders Hardware 419 Main Ave. Northport, AL 35476 Ph. (205) 752-0461 Fax (205) 752-1316 andershardware.com p. 175 Bank of Tuscaloosa 2200 Jack Warner Pkwy., Ste. 100 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-6200 Fax (205) 345-5853 bankoftuscaloosa.com pp. 224-225 Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. 2501 17th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 758-2627 Fax (205) 758-6699 banksquarles.com p. 178 BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing 5101 21st St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 391-6200 Fax (205) 391-6462 bfgoodrichtires.com pp. 184-185 Cardiology Consultants, P.C. 701 University Blvd. E., Ste. 400 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 752-0694 Fax (205) 752-6244 pp. 212-213

Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church 610 Brooksdale Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-4893 Fax (205) 345-4801 cornerstonefgbc.org p. 232 DCH Health System 809 University Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 759-7329 Fax (205) 750-5204 dchsystem.com pp. 176-177 Emergi-Care Clinic, P.C. 32 15th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-2326 Fax (205) 345-0708 emergicareclinic.com p. 216 Fitts Industries 2211 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-5188 Fax (205) 345-9998 fitts.com pp. 188-189 Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa (formerly Hardin’s Bakery Co.) 546 15th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 752-7874 Fax (205) 752-7874 flowersfoods.com pp. 168-169 Forest Manor 2215 32nd St. Northport, AL 35476 Ph. (205) 339-5400 Fax (205) 339-3455 forestmanorinc.com p. 204

Gilda’s Salon & Day Spa 19 15th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 752-8628 Fax (205) 752-5522 gildassalon.com p. 225

JVC America, Inc. #2 JVC Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Ph. (205) 556-7111 Fax (205) 554-5500 jvcdiscusa.com p. 222

Gulf Coast Energy 312 S. Washington St. Livingston, AL 35470 Ph. (205) 652-9627 Fax (205) 366-0042 hwchomebuilders.com pp. 248-249

Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. 4570 McFarland Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 Ph. (205) 345-8755 Fax (205) 339-3733 p. 196

Harrison Construction Company 5870 Charlie Shirley Rd. Northport, AL 35473 Ph. (205) 333-1120 Fax (205) 333-2542 harrison-const.com p. 237

McAbee Construction, Inc. 5724 21st Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 349-2212 Fax (205) 758-0762 mcabeeconstruction.com pp. 194-195

Central Drug Co. / Harco / Harrison Galleries 2315 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 464-0053 Fax (205) 464-0054 pp. 246-247 Hunt Refining 2200 Jack Warner Pkwy., Ste. 400 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 391-3300 Fax (205) 752-6480 huntrefining.com p. 190 ISE Innomotive Systems 1150 Industrial Park Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 330-5500 Fax (205) 330-5465 innomotive.com p. 245 JamisonMoneyFarmer, P.C. 2200 Jack Warner Pkwy., Ste. 300 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-8440 Fax (205) 366-4000 jmf.com p. 179 Jim Walter Resources 16243 Hwy. 216 Brookwood, AL 35444 Ph. (205) 554-6905 Fax (205) 554-6969 jimwaltersresources.com pp. 198-199

Mercedes Benz U.S. International #1 Mercedes Dr. Vance, AL 35490 Ph. (205) 507-3501 Fax (205) 507-3510 mbusi.com pp. 238-239 Morrison & Smith, LLP 1809 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 349-2424 Fax (205) 758-1740 morrisonsmithcpas.com p. 193 Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. 1700 Holt Rd. NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Ph. (205) 556-1310 Fax (205) 556-1482 nucortusk.com pp. 220-221 Panamerican Consultants 2205 4th St., Ste. 21 & 22 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 248-8767 Fax (205) 248-8739 panamconsultants.com p. 227 Parker Towing 1001 3rd St. Northport, AL 35476 Ph. (205) 349-1677 Fax (205) 758-0061 parkertowing.com pp. 182-183

TUSCALOOSA - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow ! 253

Picture This 613 17th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 752-9601 Fax (205) 752-9601 picturethisframing.com p. 200

Stillman College 3601 Stillman Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 366-8811 Fax (205) 247-8015 stillman.edu pp. 162-163

Tuscaloosa MedCenter 3909 McFarland Blvd., E. Northport, AL 35476 Ph. (205) 333-1993 Fax (205) 333-0782 tuscaloosamedcenter.com p. 244

Pine Valley Retirement Community 800 Rice Valley Rd., N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Ph. (205) 349-8700 Fax (205) 349-8827 pinevalleyretcom.com p. 223

The Capitol School 2828 6th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 758-2828 Fax (205) 750-0280 thecapitolschool.com pp. 234-235

Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel 5434 Old Birmingham Hwy Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Ph. (205) 553-3141 Fax (205) 553-6326 tuscaloosamemorial.com p. 181

Planit Solutions 3800 Palisades Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Ph. (205) 556-9199 Fax (205) 556-7606 planitsolutions.com p. 233

The University of Alabama 203 Rose Administration Building Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Ph. (205) 348-5100 Fax (205) 348-8377 ua.edu pp. 158-159

Tuscaloosa Title Company 2210 8th Street Ste. A Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-7444 Fax (205) 759-1638 p. 167

Premier Service Company, Inc. 1201 15th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 752-6332 Fax (205) 752- 1726 premierservicecompany.com pp. 228-231

The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences 850 5th Avenue E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 348-5242 Fax (205) 348-9417 cchs.ua.edu pp. 202-203

Price Construction 800 Old Birmingham Hwy. Tuscaloosa, AL 35478 Ph. (205) 553-4520 Fax (205) 553-4620 p. 214 Prince Glover Law 1 Cypress Point 701 Rice Mine Rd. N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Ph. (205) 345-1234 Fax (205) 752-6313 princelaw.net pp. 206-207 Russell S. Lee Flooring America 915 31st Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-1735 Fax (205) 349-3567 rslee.com p. 192 Sentell Engineering 639 17th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 752-5564 Fax (205) 752-5569 sentell.net p. 215 Shelton State Community College 9500 Old Greensboro Rd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Ph. (205) 391-2219 Fax (205) 391-2426 sheltonstate.edu pp. 208-209

The University of Alabama Libraries WS Hoole Special Collections Library Box 870266 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Ph. (205) 348-0514 Fax.(205) 348-1699 lib.ua.edu pp. 186-187 The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama Clark Hall 712 Capstone Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 348-5972 Fax (205) 348-0272 as.ua.edu pp. 160-161 The College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama Martha Parham Hall 624 Paul Bryant Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Ph. (205) 348-6331 Fax (205) 348-9246 continuingstudies.ua.edu p. 217 Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority 2204 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 349-1414 Fax (205) 349-1416 tcida.com p. 201

Ward Scott Veron Architects, Inc. 2715 7th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-6110 Fax (205) 345-6696 wsv-architects.com p. 219 Warrior Asphalt 3100 Warrior Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 Ph. (205) 553-2060 Fax (205) 553-8699 p. 191 Whatley Health Services 2721 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 349-3250 Fax (205) 345-3993 whatleyhealth.com p. 205 YMCA 2405 Paul Bryant Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 345-9622 Fax (205) 345-2108 ymcatusc.org pp. 164-165 ZM Lemforder 1200 Commerce Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Ph. (205) 333-5100 Fax (205) 333-5216 zf.com pp. 240-241

254 ! TUSCALOOSA - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

! A Corporate Timeline of Select Tuscaloosa and Northport Businesses 1818 City of Tuscaloosa • First Baptist Church • First United Methodist Church • 1819 Tuscaloosa County Sherrif’s Office • 1820 First Presbyterian Church • 1831 The University of Alabama • College of Arts & Sciences at The University of Alabama • UA Systems • 1838 Northport Baptist Church • 1865 Regions Bank • 1867 Duckworth-Morris-Garrison Real Estate • 1870 Robertson Banking Company • 1876 Stillman College • 1884 The Westervelt Company • 1885 Johnson Controls, Inc. • Tuscaloosa City Schools • Tuscaloosa County Schools • 1886 YMCA • 1896 Tuscaloosa Title Company • 1900 The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama • Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa (formerly Hardin’s Bakery Co.) • 1904 Fincher & Ozment Jewelers • 1907 Bank of Moundville • 1908 Wachovia Bank • 1909 Anders Hardware • 1915 Turner & Schoel • 1916 DCH Health System • 1920 Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. • JamisonMoneyFarmer, P.C. • 1921 Tuscaloosa Public Library • 1923 Alabama Power • 1927 Union Furniture Company • 1929 Cintas • Junior League • Kyle Office Supply • Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel • 1932 Moundville Telephone Company • VA Medical Center • 1934 RandallReilly • 1936 WJRD Radio • 1937 Peco Foods Inc. • 1938 Hubbard, McIlwain & Brakefield • 1940 Parker Towing • Pritchett-Moore, Inc. • 1945 BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing • The University of Alabama Libraries • 1946 Hunt Refining • United Way of West Alabama • 1947 Fitts Industries • Lighting Plus • Montgomery Woodworks • 1948 Alabama Gas • Spiller Furniture • The Radiology Clinic • 1949 Warrior Asphalt • 1950 Robert Romaine Concrete Co. • Tuscaloosa Housing Authority • Russell S. Lee Flooring America • 1951 Morrison & Smith, LLP • 1952 Phifer, Inc. • 1953 Stresscrete • Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit Union • 1954 Friday Lumber Co. • University Church of Christ • 1955 Dogan Metal Products • 1956 Almon Associates, Inc. • Fletcher Supply • 1957 Fitts Architecture • The ARC of Tuscaloosa • The Insurance Center • 1959 Crafton & Co. • 1960 Ameriprise Financial - Ted Jackson • Shirley Concrete Company • 1961 Warren Tire & Auto • 1962 Friday Oil Co. • Holy Spirit Catholic Regional School • McAbee Construction, Inc. • 1964 Burch & Hatfield • TTL, Inc. • 1965 Knight Sign Industries • 1966 Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. • Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society • West Alabama Regional Commission • 1967 Community Service Programs of West Alabama • Rosen & Harwood • Tuscaloosa Academy • 1969 Alabama Credit Union • Jim Walter Resources • Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority• 1970 Picture This • Arts Council of Tuscaloosa • 1971 Mike Howard Financial Services • 1972 Downtown Northport Merchants Association • 1973 FOCUS on Senior Citizens • The Body Shop • Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority • Jones Heating & Air Conditioning • 1974 Bill Lunsford Construction Co. • The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences • University of Alabama School of Medicine • University Orthopaedic • Yeager & Christian • 1975 Forest Manor • Jim Myers Drugs • 1976 Coral Industries • 1977 Child Abuse Prevention • Contemporary Mitsubishi • McLeod Truck Parts • Whatley Health Services • Woods & Water • 1978 Lecroy, Hunter & Associates • Tuscaloosa Clinic • 1979 American Christian Academy • Prince Glover Law • Shelton State Community College • Tuscaloosa Office Products • Tingle X-Ray • 1980 Advantage Realty Group • Southern Ionics • Southern House Furniture • 1981 Cardiology Consultants, P.C. • NHS Management • Price Construction • Sentell Engineering •Tom Joiner • 1982 Bama Air • Hospice of West Alabama • Quality Volkswagon • 1983 Emergi-Care Clinic, P.C. • The College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama • Ward Scott Veron Architects, Inc. • 1984 Tanner & Guin • 1985 Merichem • Northport Auto Supply • Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. • PAKMAIL • Hudson-Poole Jewelers • 1986 JVC America, Inc. • Pine Valley Retirement Community • 1987 Gilda’s Salon & Day Spa • Piggly Wiggly • WTI Transport • 1988 Bryant Museum • Fair Contracting Company • Hall - Ray Realty • Bank of Tuscaloosa • 1989 Panamerican Consultants • Tuscaloosa Toyota • 1990 First Care • Law Offices of Dennis Sterverson • 1991 Ellis Architects, Inc. • 1992 Premier Service Company, Inc. • 1993 Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church • Insuresoft • Planit Solutions • The Capitol School • 1994 Burk-Kleinpeter • Resources

TUSCALOOSA - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow ! 255

for Independence • Riverview Orthodontics • 1995 McAlister’s Deli • 1996 Harrison Construction Company • Maxx Mailing Service • Mercedes Benz U.S. International • Rite Aid • Southeast Cancer Network • 1997 Ameriprise Financial - Lance Hocutt • ZF Lemforder, Tuscaloosa • 1998 AFFLINK • Kimberlee Barton Mortgage Co. • 1999 Don Wallace CPA • 2001 The Builders Group • Tuscaloosa MedCenter • 2002 ISE Innomotive Systems • 2003 Two Men & A Truck • 2004 Central Drug Co. / Harco / Harrison Galleries • Tucker & Massey Marketing • 2005 Bryant Bank • Crimson Urgent Care • InStone Masonry • 2006 Desperado’s Steakhouse • 2007 Gulf Coast Energy • Highmount Exploration & Production •RBC Bank •Visteon • 2008 Capstone Bank

Corporate Profile Credits

The following profiles were written by Olivia Grider:

The following profiles were written by Kurt Niland:

Bank of Tuscaloosa Cardiology Consultants P.C. Central Drug Co. / Harco / Harrison Galleries Emergi-Care Clinic, P.C. Harrison Construction Company ISE Innomotive Systems JamisonMoneyFarmer, P.C. JVC America, Inc. Russell S. Lee Flooring America Stillman College The Capitol School The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Tuscaloosa Title Company Whatley Health Services

AFFLINK Anders Hardware Fitts Industries Flowers Baking Company of Tuscaloosa (formerly Hardin’s Bakery Co.) Gilda’s Salon & Day Spa Jim Walter Resources Morrison & Smith, LLP Panamerican Consultants Pine Valley Retirement Community Planit Solutions Price Construction Sentell Engineering Tuscaloosa MedCenter Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel Ward Scott Vernon Architects, Inc. Warrior Asphalt

The following profiles were written by Jim Longton: Advantage Realty Group BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing Gulf Coast Energy Hunt Refining McAbee Construction, Inc. Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. Parker Towing Premiere Service Company, Inc. Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority

The following profiles were written by Bobby Mathews: Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. Forest Manor Picture This Prince Glover Law

The following profiles were written by Rachel Beers: Community Service Programs of West Alabama Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church Mallory Burkhalter Paving, Inc. YMCA

The following profiles were submitted by the company or organization: Alabama Power Mercedes-Benz U.S. International The University of Alabama The College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama The College of Arts & Sciences at The University of Alabama The University of Alabama Libraries ZF Lemforder

256 ! TUSCALOOSA - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

This group of nine players from Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1947 team includes two WW II veterans, #29 Byron Chambliss and #57 Doyle Kizzire. Chambliss and Kizzire are representative of more than 300 WW II veterans who played football at Alabama. Many enlisted in the military after their playing days at Alabama were over while others, like Chambliss and Kizzire, went off to war right out of high school and put their college football careers on hold until after the war was over. It is in honor of these courageous young men of yesterday, today & tomorrow that so unselfishly serve our country in time of war that the publisher gratefully dedicates this book. Pictured Back Row: #43 Tom Whitley, #41 Vaughn Mancha, #29 Byron Chambliss, #39 Mike Mizerany. Front Row: #14 Ed Salem, #52 Harry Gilmer, #68 Hugh Morrow, #62 Gordon Pettus, #57 Doyle Kizzire. Photo courtesy of Paul W. Bryant Museum.

Bibliography ! Tuscaloosa: Portrait of an Alabama County, G. Ward Hubbs, Ph.D. The University of Alabama: A Pictorial History, Suzanne Rau Wolfe Past Horizons, Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society The Preservationist, Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society (spring, 2009) Taming the Black Warrior, Tuscaloosa Public Library Perspectives, One hundredth Anniversary Issue, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama History of the First Baptist Church, 1818-1968, Luther Q. Porch History of First Methodist Church, 1818-1964, James Benson Sellers Historic Tuscaloosa, Matt W. Clinton