Business Alabama - December 2022 by Business Alabama

DEC 2022

OF THE 22 RETURN TRADE MISSION & VRBO MEAN 72 AIRBNB BIG BUSINESS HERE SPOTLIGHT:

75 TALLAPOOSA

& CHAMBERS

COFFEE for a CAUSE

TROY WHETSTONE’S MODERN HOUSE COFFEE SHOP SERVES UP JAVA AND JOBS

Page 32

BEST

COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

IN ALABAMA Page 41

Volume 37 / Number 12

DECEMBER 2022

CONTENTS

Jake and Sidney Collins Freeman are Airbnb hosts at their Venue at Lakewood in Livingston. Photo by Art Meripol.

Features 13

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT YEAR IN REVIEW A roundup of the biggest business news of 2022

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON THE ROAD AGAIN For the first time in three years, Alabama sent a business trade delegation overseas.

IF THE SHOE FITS Baldwin campaign aims to put shoes on feet that need them.

FISHING FOR PHILANTHROPY Thompson Engineering sponsors company events like fishing rodeo on Dauphin Island to aid its community.

PHILANTHROPY COMPANIES WITH HEART Businesses like Modern House Coffee Shop that aim to tackle social ills require good ideas and savvy planning.

CHICKEN AND CHARITY Peco Foods’ community efforts go well beyond chicken feed.

4 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

HOSPITALITY ALMOST LIKE HOME Alabama Airbnb and VRBO hosts top $100 million in rental fees.

RETROSPECT INDESTRUCTIBLE Roanoke’s Ella Smith Doll Company.

On the Cover: Troy Whetstone founded his Modern House Coffee Shop in Birmingham’s Titusville to provide jobs and a community gathering place as well as coffee. Photo by Cary Norton.

78: Wicker Point’s golf course will take advantage of the land’s topography. 13: Earlier this year, United Launch Alliance announced a $300 million expansion. 41: Thompson Engineering is one of Alabama’s Best Companies to Work For in 2022.

TOP RANK 26 ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 29 INDUSTRIAL SITES SPECIAL SECTIONS 41 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMA 93 BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALABAMA GEOGRAPHIC SPOTLIGHT 75 TALLAPOOSA AND CHAMBERS COUNTIES

Departments 7

97 100

102

103

BENCHMARKS: MONTHLY BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFING CAREER NOTES: WHO’S MOVING UP BA INDEX: HUNDREDS OF LEADS EACH MONTH COMPANY KUDOS: A MONTH OF ACHIEVEMENTS HISTORICAL ALABAMA: A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE ALABIZ QUIZ: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 5

DECEMBER 2022 BusinessAlabama.com Volume 37 / Number 12

PUBLISHER Walker Sorrell / wsorrell@pmtpublishing.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Stephen Potts / snpotts@pmtpublishing.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alec Harvey / alec@pmtpublishing.com EDITOR Erica Joiner West / ewest@pmtpublishing.com COPY EDITOR Nedra Bloom / nedra@pmtpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR Vic Wheeler / ads@pmtpublishing.com DIGITAL EDITOR Kathryn Bell / kbell@pmtpublishing.com WEB PRODUCER Mattie Naman / mattie@pmtpubishing.com CIRCULATION Anita Miller / anita@pmtpublishing.com ACCOUNTING Keith Crabtree / acct@pmtpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE MANAGER Lauren Sullivan / lsullivan@pmtpublishing.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Birmingham: 205-802-6363 Hal Cain / Ext. 111 / hcain@pmtpublishing.com Lee Mills / Ext. 102 / lmills@pmtpublishing.com Mobile: 251-473-6269 Joe Hyland / Ext. 214 / jhyland@pmtpublishing.com DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MEDIA & EVENTS Sheila Wardy / swardy@pmtpublishing.com BIRMINGHAM OFFICE 3324 Independence Drive / Homewood, AL 35209 205-802-6363 MOBILE OFFICE 166 Government Street / Mobile, AL 36602 251-473-6269 CORPORATE T.J. Potts, President & CEO Thomas E. McMillan, Partner & Director Business Alabama is published monthly by PMT Publishing Co., Inc. Copyright 2022 by PMT Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Letters to the editor are welcome.

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Moving? Please note US Postal Service will not forward magazines mailed through its Bulk Mail unit. Four to six weeks before moving, please send old mailing label and new address to Business Alabama, P.O. Box 43, Congers, NY 109209922 or call 1-833-454-5060.

Benchmarks Montgomery chosen for $600 million beverage park MANNA CAPITAL PARTNERS has announced

A vision for the new beverage park Manna plans in the Alabama’s capital city.

plans to build a beverage park in Montgomery, valued at $600 million and employing about 280 people. The beverage production and distribution complex will be owned and operated by Manna Beverages & Ventures. “Manna’s significant investment in Montgomery and its commitment to supporting underrepresented enterprises make the company a welcome addition to Alabama’s business community,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “I know Manna’s leadership will find all the ingredients they need for success in our state and look forward to seeing how their growth plans unfold.” Louisville, Kentucky-based Manna Capital Partners, founded by Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgeman and Kevin Attkisson,

B U S I N E S S HAPPY BIRTHDAY Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park celebrated its 60th birthday in late October. Established in 1962, the park is ranked as the second-largest research park in the U.S., fourth-largest in the world, with some 300 companies that hold 826 patents. BREEZY HUNTSVILLE Breeze Airways plans to begin flights from Huntsville to Orlando and Charleston on March 2, 2023. The airline already flies out of Huntsville to Tampa and Las Vegas. AMAZON AIR LANDS IN MOBILE Amazon Air began daily flights to and from Mobile

concentrates on investment and acquisition possibilities across multiple industries, with an emphasis on sustainability and creating opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. The MB&V beverage park will include a 1.7 million-square-foot production facility capable of producing both alcoholic

and non-alcoholic products, along with distribution operations. The first bottles are expected to come off the line in 2025. The facility, located at the Hope Hull exit off Interstate 65 in Montgomery, will encompass more than 180 acres in a new industrial park established by Montgomery’s economic development team.

B R I E F S International Airport, making the airport the first Alabama station on Amazon’s air cargo network. RURAL LIFE Growing businesses injected nearly $1.7 billion into Alabama’s rural counties last year, the Alabama Department of Commerce said during a summit for rural developers in October. NO KIDS Hyundai’s global CEO Jose Munoz says the Korean automaker will break ties with two supplier firms that are being investigated for using child labor. Hyundai makes cars in Montgomery.

SAFETY FIRST The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Dollar General stores in Alabama, Florida and Georgia $2.8 million for safety issues. The Alabama stores are in Clay, Dothan, Odenville and Town Creek. STOP THE PRESSES Alabama Media Group has announced that it will no longer print newspapers after February 2023, turning instead to all digital news coverage. Farewell to the Birmingham News, Mobile Press-Register and Huntsville Times. OUT OF STEAM Alabama Power is closing its

oldest power plant, the Gadsden Steam Plant, in January. The plant on the Coosa River has been in operation for 109 years. HAVE FUN The City of Birmingham has announced plans for a family fun center — with bowling, skating and more — at the CrossPlex complex in West Birmingham. It’s slated to open in 2024. PADDLES OUT Construction is set to begin on the kayak course section of Apollo Park, the 10-acre park that’s adjacent to Top Golf and the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville. The expansion will more than double the size of the existing pond, with 30-foot flumes for the kayak course.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 7

BENCHMARKS

BATTERIES Anovion chooses Colbert County — probably — for $117 million battery materials plant ANOVION BATTERY MATERIALS

is receiving $117 million in grants to help manufacture electric-vehicle batteries, which reports say will happen at a new plant in north Alabama. The New York-based company was among 20 companies awarded a total of more than $2.8 billion in October by the Biden administration. The Associated Press says the $117 million grant will be used with $300 million of the company’s funds to build a plant in north Alabama to process material for lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles. In mid-November the company still would not say where the plant would be. “We are thrilled to have been recognized as a nominee for the Infrastructure Grant opportunity,” Anovion CEO Eric Stopka said. “This grant consideration will enable Anovion to expedite its ongoing investments in expansion to advance the company’s mission of growing a resilient, secure and sustainable North American lithium-ion battery supply chain.” While not specifying a location, the release said Anovion

B U S I N E S S EMERGENCY! Cullman Regional Medical Center is building a freestanding emergency facility in Hartselle, and Ascension St. Vincent’s broke ground in October for one in Trussville.

Batteries are in high demand as automakers and drivers opt for electric.

plans “to build a new, large-scale manufacturing facility producing 35,000 tons per annum of synthetic graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.” “The U.S.-owned and operated, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will be the first of its scale in North America, creating hundreds of high-quality clean energy jobs in communities preciously impacted by offshoring over the years,” Anovion said.

B R I E F S is developing Symphony Park, which includes 150 townhomes, 360 apartments and 270 singlefamily homes.

RECORD BREAKING The University of Alabama raised a record-breaking $226 million from 60,000 donors during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. That record follows the one-year anniversary of the launch of the $1.5 billion Rising Tide Capital Campaign, which has raised more than $1.1 billion.

BIGGER & BETTER Toray Composite Materials America is investing $15 million to double its carbon fiber production capacity. The upgrade will begin in April 2023 and will be finished five months later, the company says. Motion Industries, based in Birmingham, has expanded its facilities in Minnesota, doubling the size of its regional sales and support center there.

HUNTSVILLE HOMES Atlanta-based Blue River Development is entering the Huntsville market. The company

NEW AMPHITHEATER A $50 million amphitheater is proposed for The Star at Uptown, the development on

8 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

the former Carraway Hospital campus in Birmingham, according to a proposal presented at a Jefferson County Commission work meeting. The 9,000-seat amphitheater would be managed by Live Nation, which owns Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Pelham. HONOR ROLL James Gorrie, CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie, and Timothy Vines, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, were among the five inductees into the Alabama Academy of Honor. Other honorees were Sarah Patterson, former University of Alabama gymnastics coach; Richard M. Myers, president emeritus of

the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology; and Sue Bell Cobb, the first woman elected chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. ON CAMPUS University of Alabama at Birmingham has received a $5 million gift from James and Sallie Johnson to support Alzheimer’s research. Courtney Stewart, an Alabama State University alumnus and cofounder of Keep Cool records, has given $100,000 to his alma mater for communication scholarships and improvements to the department. Tuskegee University will open a cancer genomics research facility, funded by an $8 million National

BENCHMARKS

AND MORE BATTERIES Hyundai plans $205 million EV battery plant in Montgomery HYUNDAI MOBIS

is building an EV battery module plant in Montgomery, the company announced in late October. The $205 million plant is planned to supply more than 200,000 EV batteries annually to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery and the Kia plant in Georgia. The 450,000-square-foot Hyundai Mobis plant is expected to create 400 jobs. “Alabama’s auto manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly to capitalize on the EV revolution that is sweeping the industry, and this new Hyundai Mobis battery plant represents another milestone in that transition,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “We’re excited about the company’s new investment and what it represents for the next chapter of automaking in Alabama.” H.S. Oh, vice president of the electric powertrain business for Hyundai Mobis, said the new Alabama EV battery assembly facility will play a critical role in the company’s plans to expand its production network around the world.

B U S I N E S S

“As the EV market continues to grow, having a strong production capacity will be key in allowing Hyundai Mobis to see continued growth in the market,” he said. “We believe this new facility in Montgomery will be an important step in that process, and we are excited for the project to be under way.” Construction on the new facility, locat-

ed at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama campus off I-65 in Montgomery, is expected to begin as early as December, with production of EV battery assemblies projected to begin in 2024. Earlier this year, Hyundai announced plans to begin EV production at its Montgomery manufacturing plant through a $300 million investment expected to create 200 jobs. Hyundai’s Alabama workforce will produce the all-electric Genesis GV70 luxury SUV and a hybrid electric version of the Santa Fe SUV.  The new plant will supply batteries for the new Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid electric SUV made in Montgomery.

B R I E F S

Institutes of Health grant. Wallace State Community College has named its business building in honor of long-time educator Jerry Galin. Naming rights were awarded to Cullman Savings Bank Foundation, for its commitment of $500,000 to student scholarships at Wallace State. International services firm Jacobs has awarded $200,000 to Drake State Community & Technical College to support its Frontiers Research Program.

TEAMING UP Microsoft Philanthropies is teaming with Randolph County Economic Development Authority to boost tech skills through an Up-Skill-A-Thon competition, with $10,000 in prize money available.

CAR PARTS Mobis, long a supplier to Hyundai in Montgomery, has announced that its McCalla plant is now supplying chassis systems for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International SUVs.

WHOOSH Huntsville-based Dynetics has been tapped to lead a 20-firm team working to make hypersonic testing more available through development of a new test platform.

NEW TO ALABAMA Korea Fuel Tech America Inc. plans a $10 million investment to build an eco-friendly automotive fuels parts plant in Auburn.

UNION NO Workers at a GE Aviation plant in Auburn have withdrawn their petition to unionize. It’s the second time that has happened in five years at the Auburn facility. UNION YES A Starbucks in Scottsboro is the second location in Alabama to form a union through Workers United. The original vote was a tie, but the National Labor Relations Board ruled that a contested ballot was cast in favor of a union. FUN TIMES Launch Entertainment is opening a Foley location, with family activities like bowling, arcade, restaurants and more.

The company already has a location in Prattville. PORT POWERHOUSE A study commissioned by the Alabama Port Authority has determined that the Port of Mobile, among the fastest growing container ports in the nation, has an $85 billion economic impact on the state and is linked to one of every seven jobs in the state. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Florence-based Martin Supply is acquiring Quality Mill, based in Indiana. It’s Martin Supply’s fourth Indiana acquisition in three years. Pivotal, a tech advisory, accounting and tax firm, has acquired Byerly &

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 9

Rocketing On: Beyond Gravity doubling size in Decatur

Parts of a Vulcan Centaur rocket. The payload fairing is the top of the rocket.

BEYOND GRAVITY has been awarded

a contract to manufacture 38 payload fairings for the Vulcan rockets that United Launch Alliance plans to use to deliver Amazon’s Project Kuiper to space. Work on the payload fairings, also called nose cones, will be performed at the Beyond Gravity facilities in Decatur. Beyond Gravity was known as RUAG Space until earlier this year.

B U S I N E S S Associates. The combined firm will be based in Auburn and will build new headquarters there in early 2023. Tennesseebased Forward Air has acquired Chickasaw Container Services, an intermodal drayage carrier based in Mobile. CCS has been in business for more than 30 years and has terminals in both Mobile and Memphis. OUT OF WORK Insurance firm Kemper has laid off 339 employees company wide, including 39 in Alabama. FIBER FORWARD Huntsville Utilities has hired Velox LLC, based in Huntsville, to construct fiber infrastructure.

To accommodate the work, Beyond Gravity will double the production capacity at its Decatur plant, adding some 200,000 square feet of space and hiring an additional 200 workers, bringing total employment to 400. Amazon’s Kuiper Project seeks to build a network of more than 3,000 low-Earthorbit satellites that will enable broadband internet connectivity worldwide.

Earlier this year, Amazon awarded Beyond Gravity a contract for the satellite dispenser systems. Beyond Gravity CEO André Wall said: “I am very proud that the Vulcan launch vehicles that will carry the Kuiper constellation into space rely on our leading-edge and proven technology in the field of composite structures. This contract with ULA marks the next chapter in our long-standing partnership and further strengthens and expands our presence in the U.S.” Paul Horstink, executive vice president for the launchers division, added, “With this new facility, Beyond Gravity will move to the next level: from producing a total of 10 payload fairings in Decatur per year to a target of 25.”

B R I E F S POWER UP Black Bear Solar is now at work generating some 130 MWdc/100 MWac annually at its solar facility near Montgomery. The project of Lightsource bp and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority features 280,000 ultralow carbon solar panels. NEW AT THE TOP David Hedges, currently executive vice president and CFO of Auburn National Bancorporation, will become president and CEO Jan. 1, on the retirement of Bob Dumas. DENTAL OFFICE The UAB School of Dentistry has announced plans for a new

10 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

dental clinic in Dothan, aiming to ease the shortage of dentists in the state’s rural areas. The clinic will be staffed by faculty, residents and dental students. FUN AT THE COAST Two new tourist attractions have opening near the coast in Baldwin County. An event venue called The Bohemian has opened at Owa in Foley, and The Launch at Intracoastal Waterway has opened in Orange Beach. STEINER REDO The Steiner Building, one of Birmingham’s oldest, was sold for $3.2 million. The fourstory downtown building, purchased by Steiner Building

Partnership, will be renovated. The commercial real estate firm Ironvest Partners will occupy the building’s second floor. SOMEWHERE TO LIVE Officials broke ground in late October on Maryvale Place, an affordable housing complex on the east side of Mobile. The four three-story buildings with one, two and three-bedroom units, should open in 2024. PAIRING UP Birmingham’s construction program management firm HPM has formed a joint venture with Atlanta-based Johnson Construction Services. The joint venture will be known as HPM Johnson.

Retailers statewide capture honors

bronze award went to Susan Gordon of SUSAN GORDON POTTERY in Homewood. Ashley McMakin, of ASHLEY MAC’S, took home the gold award in the annual $5 million to $20 million category. Ashley Mac’s has five locations in Birmingham. The silver award in this category went to Joe and Kelli Richburg of J.R.’S LAWNMOWER SHOP in Opp, while the bronze award went to Babbie Styslinger of AT HOME FURNISHINGS in Homewood. In the annual sales more than $20 million category, Brent Barkin of

THE ALABAMA RETAIL ASSOCIATION

recognized 12 businesses with operations in 22 cities as Alabama Retailers of the Year. A panel of judges chose 10 Alabama Retailer of the Year winners in four categories based on annual sales volume. Category winners have been in business for at least five years. The judges also selected an Emerging Retailer of the Year, which has been in business less than five years. An online and Facebook contest determined the Customers’ Choice Award winner. “It is an honor to be able to recognize such an outstanding group of retailers,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “Each retailer honored is a credit to their community and the retail industry.” In the annual sales less than $1 million, taking home the gold award was Chad and Kendra Wester of the BOLL WEEVIL SOAP CO. in Enterprise. Tena King and T.C. Morgan of KING’S OLIVE OIL CO. in Gadsden came in silver and Kristal Bryant of K & J’S ELEGANT PASTRIES in Birmingham took home the bronze.

B U S I N E S S AUBURN IN HUNTSVILLE Auburn University has opened a research and innovation campus in Huntsville to support its area customers. The site was formerly occupied by LogiCore. KUDOS TO STEWART Shelley Stewart, a pioneering broadcast and advertising executive and a civil rights leader, has been awarded the Putting People First award, one of Birmingham’s top honors. Mayor Randall Woodfin said Stewart made a difference in Birmingham by using his voice and radio platform. ROCKET READY Blue Origin has completed delivery of two BE-4 rocket engines to United Launch

SHOE STATION INC./SHOE CARNIVAL INC. took home the top honor. The Shoe

Amy Jason won gold for her Cookie Fix company.

In the annual sales $1 million to $5 million category, Amy Jason of COOKIE FIX in Homewood and Cahaba Heights and COOKIE FIX FRANCHISING, with a location in Huntsville, took home the gold. The silver award was presented to Bill Stitt, owner of BILL-E’S and BILL-E’S SMALL BATCH BACON in Fairhope. The

Station banner of Shoe Carnival has 10 stores in Alabama and 22 stores overall. It was nominated by the Mobile Chamber of Commerce. Recognized as the Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year was Jaclyn Robinson, founder and owner of MO’BAY BEIGNET CO., with two locations in Mobile and one each in Auburn, Orange Beach and Tuscaloosa. A sixth location is expected to open soon in Saraland. And taking home the Customers’ Choice Award was RUSTIQUE RELICS in Clanton. Rustique is owned by Rodney and Melissa Baker. It received 22% of the 7,684 votes cast in the online contest. The Alabama Retail Association has been presenting the awards since 1999. 

B R I E F S Alliance in Decatur. The engines will power the first launch of ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. GROWING MADISON LandSouth Construction, a Florida-based firm, has broken ground on Brio Parc, a highend multifamily development in Madison. INDUSTRIAL IMPROVEMENTS Dothan has committed $900,000 for improvements to Napier Field Industrial Park, targeting the entrance road and infrastructure. BACTERIA BLAST OFF Birmingham-based Southern Research has sent 11 strains of bacteria into outer space in hopes of learning secrets

that can help battle cancer. The payload launched in early November aboard a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket.

— helping to build 2,000 miles of pipeline for the project in South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.

GAS PLANT NextEra Energy Resources is teaming with Coffee County to build a first-of-its-kind landfill renewable natural gas facility that will provide product to Southeast Gas.

GENESIS TO ALABAMA Production of the electrified Hyundai Genesis GV70, the first Genesis model to be built in the U.S., is expected to begin in December. It’s an electric version of the Genesis GV70 model.

PIPE WORKS L.B. Foster Co.’s Protective Coatings business in Birmingham, through its customer American Cast Iron Pipe Co., will provide 2.5 million feet of 24-inch fusion bond epoxy coated pipe for the Summit Carbon Solutions project

GENEROUS The Bill and Pam Smith Family Foundation, created by Shipt and Landing founder Bill Smith, has donated $600,000 to Children’s of Alabama to support cleft palate care.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 11

YEAR IN

REVIEW With the pandemic almost in the rear-view mirror, 2022 was a year of recovery in Alabama business. And considering the fluctuating stock market, continued workforce problems and other woes, it was, to paraphrase a classic song, a pretty good year. Yes, Sodexo in Birmingham, Parkdale Mills in Alexander City and others closed up shop, and highly visible Landing laid off a hundred workers, but there was a lot of good on the positive side of the ledger, too. Here’s a look at some of the major projects, expansions and other business news in Alabama in 2022. By ALEC HARVEY

A number of Alabama companies contributed to building the James Webb Space Telescope, which has already sent back its initial group of stunning images from space. Photo courtesy of NASA, ESA, CSA and STSci.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 13

YEAR IN REVIEW

Big new

projects Mercedes-Benz opened its battery plant in Bibb County in March. Photo by Art Meripol.

ovelis, an aluminum producer, in May announced a $2.5 billion recycling and rolling plant in Baldwin County. The project is expected to create 1,000 jobs. At the end of 2021, the J.M. Smucker Co. announced it’s building a $1.1 billion facility in McCalla, where it plans to make its popular Uncrustables line. Mercedes-Benz, in March, opened an electric vehicle battery plant in Bibb County, just a few miles away from its Vance auto production facility. The battery plant, logistics centers and upgrades to its production line made for a $1 billion investment. In the fall, Hyundai Mobis announced it too would build a battery plant, a $205 million investment in Montgomery. Anovion is also on the EV battery bandwagon, announcing plans for a $117 million battery materials plant in Colbert County (for more see pages 8-9). Montgomery will be the site of a $600 million beverage park planned by Manna Beverages & Ventures (for more see page 7). Canfor, the Canadian forest product company, announced in August plans for a $210 million mill near Mobile. Tyson Foods announced in May a new $208 million plant near Hanceville. The University of Alabama board of trustees approved a $120 million Cooper Green medical facility in Birmingham. California-based Niagara Bottling said in March it would build a production facility in Opelika to the tune of $112 million. RCP Companies announced plans in September for Hunts-

14 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Manna Beverages & Ventures plans a beverage park in Montgomery.

J.M Smucker Co. will spend more than $1 billion on a plant in McCalla.

ville’s Anthem House, a $110 million mixed-use project. Cerrowire said in May it is investing $100 million in a plant for metal-clad wire production in Hartselle. Drax Group opened a $100 million pellet plant in Demopolis in April. Some other new projects that top the $50 million mark: Linde announced an $83 million hydrogen plant in Washington County; UAB broke ground on the $78 million Altec/ Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences building; Koch Foods began building a $60 million feed mill in Attalla; FedEx Ground announced a $57 million distribution center in Dothan; SmartLam North America announced a $50 million facility in Houston County; and ISA Corp. said it would open a plant in Geneva County to make nitrile and latex gloves.

YEAR IN REVIEW

eta, the company formerly known as Facebook, announced in June a major expansion in Huntsville, bringing its total investment there to $1.5 billion. United Launch Alliance, the BoeingLockheed Martin joint venture producing rockets in Decatur, announced a $300 million expansion in August, quickly followed by plans for an expansion at Beyond Gravity, on the ULA campus. Toyota announced in April that it would invest $222 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Huntsville to create a new production line for four-cylinder engines, including a hybrid electric version. Westwater Resources broke ground on its $202 million graphite processing plant in Kellyton in May. Evonik, a European chemical maker, said in February it would invest $176 million to expand its Mobile-area manufacturing facility. The $120 million AUBix data center opened in Auburn in March. Austal USA opened its $100 million steel shipbuilding factory in Mobile in April. Though it didn’t put a number on it, in May, Airbus USA announced an expansion that would double the company’s Mobile footprint and create 1,000 jobs. Shinwha announced a $78 million expansion in Auburn, and FedEx broke ground on a $52 million expansion in Montgomery.

The newest line at Austal USA is at work building steel-hulled ships. Photo by Mike Kittrell.

United Launch Alliance, already a big presence in Decatur, announced a $300 million expansion.

MAJOR

EXPANSIONS Airbus is adding a third final assembly line in Mobile, doubling its footprint and its workforce. Photo by Mike Kittrell.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 15

YEAR IN REVIEW

MAJOR

GIFTS Samford University President Beck Taylor announced the school’s largest gift ever from a single donor.

amford University received a $100 million gift from Lexmark founder Marvin Mann, the school’s largest gift ever from a single donor. J. Frank Barefield gave $10 million to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to support the criminal justice and entrepreneurship programs. It’s UAB’s largest gift ever from an alumnus.

J. Frank Barefield.

16 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

YEAR IN REVIEW

MAJOR DEFENSE CONTRACTS The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System. Photo by Joe Davila, Air Force.

$5.2 billion

for Boeing Co. in Huntsville for work related to the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System. $3.3 billion for Northrop Grumman Corp. in Huntsville for work on the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System. $3.3 billion for Austal USA in Mobile to build steel ships for the U.S. Coast Guard. $1.4 billion for Northrop Grumman for production of the Integrated Battle Command System for the U.S. Army. $950 million for Radiance Technologies in Huntsville for software, hardware and tech support for the U.S. Air Force. Five companies shared this contract. $699 million for BAE Systems in Huntsville for computing services for the U.S. Army.

$596 million for Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville to provide services for Marshall Space Flight Center. $402 million for Madison’s Griffon Aerospace to manufacture various items for the U.S. Army. $280 million for Huntsville’s Radiance Technologies for geospatial intelligence research and development for the national Air and Space Intelligence Center. $266 million for Five Stones Research, which has a presence in Huntsville, to provide weapons systems cybersecurity for the Department of Defense. $207 million for KBR for work in Huntsville on the Patriot missile program. $156 million for Austal USA in Mobile to construct two ships for the U.S. Navy plus $128 million to build a dry dock for the U.S. Navy.

An Integrated Battle Command System.

A Patriot missile is fired. Photo by Army Spc. Brian Pearson. December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 17

HUGE

IMPACT

At the Port of Mobile, looking north toward the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge.

study by the Alabama State Port Authority estimated the economic impact of the Port of Mobile on Alabama at $85 billion in 2021. Alabama’s tourism industry was expected to bring in a record $24 billion in revenue by the end of 2022. Boeing Co. in Huntsville was credited with a $2.7 billion annual economic impact on Alabama. Always a favorite for tourists, the Gulf of Mexico beach at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

18 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

YEAR IN REVIEW

irmingham’s Motion Industries announced in January its $1.3 billion purchase of Kaman Distribution. The first Mazda CX-50 rolled off the line in January at the new $2.3 billion Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville. President Joe Biden visited Lockheed Martin’s facility in Troy in May to thank the team making Javelin missiles being sent to the Ukraine. AT RIGHT: The FBI’s campus in Huntsville while it was under construction. BELOW: President Joe Biden stopped by the Lockheed Martin facility in Troy to thank workers for their hard work.

OTHER

BITS OF

BUSINESS

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 19

YEAR IN REVIEW

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

Mazda unveils the CX-50 in Huntsville.

The James Webb Space Telescope sent stunning images of outer space back to Earth in July with the help of a number of Alabama entities: Marshall Space Flight Center, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, NeXolve in Huntsville, General Dynamics in Cullman and Southern Research, which was succeeded on the project by Kratos Space & Defense. Longtime political writer Bessie Ford, who wrote Inside Alabama Politics for PMT Publishing, which also publishes Business Alabama magazine, died in September. The United Mine Workers of America continued its strike against Warrior Met Coal through almost its second year, assumed to be the longest strike in Alabama history. National Security Group, an Elba-based insurance firm and one of Alabama’s few public companies, was acquired by VR Insurance Holdings. The planned move of U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville jumped a few other major hoops, including OKs from the General Accountability Office and the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General. Sen. Richard Shelby in March announced that the FBI’s investment in Huntsville has topped $2.48 billion. Hyundai Motor Group announced it would produce EVs in Alabama by the end of 2022, and Mercedes-Benz rolled the first of its EQS SUVs off the line in Vance.

NeXolve developed sunshields for the James Webb Space Telescope. 20 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, middle, led a delegation representing Alabama small businesses on the first trade mission in three years. Photo courtesy of Alabama Department of Commerce.

On the road again For the first time in three years, Alabama sent a business trade delegation overseas By CARY ESTES

fter enduring two years of COVID-19-related travel shutdowns and restrictions, the world has put out the, “Yes, we are open,” sign once again. And in September, the Alabama Department of Commerce took advantage by embarking on an overseas trade mission trip for the first time since 2019. Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield led a delegation that included representatives from five Alabama-based companies on a four-day trip through Germany. The group spent

“When you actually have boots on the ground, you’re able to engage with people on a more personal level. You’re able to talk through issues and have discussions in more meaningful ways. You’re just able to explore opportunities with a greater deal of depth.” — Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield

22 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R A D E

time meeting with business leaders in Munich, then traveled to Augsburg for the E.U.-U.S. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Best Practices Workshop. It was an opportunity to conduct business promotion and explore partnership opportunities the old-fashioned way, by connecting in person rather than through video meetings and a seemingly endless parade of emails. “It was a whole lot better than doing things by Zoom,” Canfield says with a chuckle. “We really enjoyed the opportunity to be back on the road meeting with people face-to-face to talk trade.” Sure, business transactions and relations continued throughout much of 2020 and 2021, but Canfield says something important was missing in the process. Despite how much the world has become reliant on impersonal technology, Canfield says at some point there still is a need for that personal touch. “When we weren’t able to travel as freely internationally during Covid, a lot of virtual trade-related opportunities were created, but it’s just not quite the same,” Canfield says. “When you actually have boots on the ground, you’re able to engage with people on a more personal level. You’re able to talk through issues and have discussions in more meaningful ways. You’re just able to explore opportunities with a greater deal of depth. “A lot of this is about building trust. And it’s a lot easier to build trust when you’re doing it eyeball to eyeball.” Germany was a natural choice for the state’s first return to the road because Alabama has had strong ties with the country ever since Mercedes built a manufacturing plant in Vance in the 1990s. Now Germany is one of Alabama’s top trade partners, investing nearly $10 billion in the state. The connection is so strong that Alabama opened a business development office in Stuttgart in 2019. So, when the United States Trade Representative office invited the state to participate in the SME workshop in Augsburg — and in turn have Alabama host the event next fall — Canfield says it was obvious that the time had come to travel once again. The five Alabama companies that participated in the trade mission were Adah

“It was a great thing for us, because we were able to get firsthand what the local experiences are with energy and assess the demand for what we provide in that market. We met with several businesses in Germany where there is potential for a project together. And we met companies that can be a link not just in Germany, but across the Eurozone.”

— ASHIPA Electric CEO Olu Ajala

International, an industrial engineering and project management services firm; ASHIPA Electric Limited, a company developing power microgrid management software; Bloc Global Group, a company specializing in corporate real estate and infrastructure project delivery; Domestique, an EV hospitality company creating consumable products to fight climate change; and GeneCapture, a biotech company developing portable technology for identifying infections. “Our trade-mission strategy focuses on SMEs, because large companies have the resources to build trade opportunities on their own,” Canfield says. “These smaller companies don’t have those resources to establish business-to-business meeting

opportunities in foreign countries. So, the meetings were opportunities for these SMEs to potentially build a new customer base outside of their natural domestic market and expand their footprint globally.” ASHIPA Electric CEO Olu Ajala says his company has been interested in exploring the European market for several years, but has had no easy way to make the needed connections. He says the trip enabled him to meet with representatives from several businesses and utility companies and to gain a better understanding of the electricity needs of the region. “It was a great thing for us, because we were able to get firsthand what the local experiences are with energy and assess the demand for what we provide in that market,” Ajala says. “We met with several businesses in Germany where there is potential for a project together. And we met companies that can be a link not just in Germany, but across the Eurozone.” GeneCapture CEO Peggy Sammon had a similar experience. Even though her company’s product is still waiting FDA approval, she said the trip enabled her to receive valuable introductions with potential future partners. “I met with some of the microbiology labs over there and saw how they were handling parts of post-Covid life,” Sammon says. “Two of those have turned into email relationships, and we are discussing how our product might eventually fit into the EU market. “It was also very interesting to hear some of the policy discussions on small business support, and how that fits into the big economic picture. It was fascinating to meet with companies in other countries that have similar challenges, but maybe different solutions.” All of which are the type of things that Samman and Ajala both say simply could not be readily obtainable without inperson visits and detailed discussions. “For businesses like ourselves that require private developers who are familiar with the environment we’re looking into, we have to do partnerships,” Ajala says. “And there’s no way to do partnerships without physical interaction. “Anywhere we go, we want to understand and engage in-person with those who we potentially partner with,” he December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 23

I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R A D E

“It was also very interesting to hear some of the policy discussions on small business support, and how that fits into the big economic picture. It was fascinating to meet with companies in other countries that have similar challenges, but maybe different solutions.”

— GeneCapture CEO Peggy Sammon

24 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

adds. “We want to go in there, get to know the business community for our sector, and over one or two years build that relationship towards eventually working on a project together. So for us, this trip was just the beginning of building that relationship.” Canfield remained in Germany for a few extra days after the mission officially ended to meet with Mercedes officials in Stuttgart. He says they discussed the future of electric vehicles and the type of infrastructure that will be needed in terms of battery charging stations. But by then, Canfield says the most important part of the trip already had been accomplished. Namely, providing both the Department of Commerce and several Alabama companies the chance to stretch their business legs into another country. “For Commerce, these trips give us an opportunity to engage on a

personal level with the local governments and the business community in Germany,” Canfield says. “It allows us to explore not only trade opportunities, but there is a business development aspect of this, too. These kinds of trips often open the door for future investment and job-creating opportunities in companies that might want to come to Alabama one day. “And for the businesses that went, there continue to be ongoing conversations with some of the contacts they made while in Germany. That is the kind of thing you want to see take place from these trade missions, for these companies to have follow-up discussions after you come home. These trips are all about establishing new relationships, and deepening relationships that we already have.” Cary Estes is a Birmingham-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO PM E N T

Economic Development Agencies in Alabama An alphabetical listing of the economic development entities in Alabama.

compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

AGENCY

CONTACT

ADDRESS

PHONE/WEBSITE

58 Inc.

Amy Sturdivant

1126 County Services Dr. Pelham, AL 35124

205-620-6658 58inc.org

asturdivant@58inc.org

Alabama Department of Commerce

Greg Canfield

401 Adams Ave. Montgomery, AL 36130

800-248-0033 madeinalabama.com

contact@madeinalabama.com

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

Kenneth Boswell

401 Adams Ave., Ste. 368 Montgomery, AL 36103

334-242-5100 adeca.alabama.gov

contact@adeca.alabama.gov

Auburn Economic Development, City of

Phillip Dunlap

144 Tichenor Ave., Ste. 2 Auburn, AL 36830

334-501-7270 pdunlap@auburnalabama.org auburnalabama.org/economic-development

Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance

Lee Lawson

1100 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532

251-970-4081 baldwineda.com

llawson@baldwineda.com

Bibb County Commission

Brian Davis

157 SW Davidson Dr. Centreville, AL 35042

205-926-3114 bibbal.com

bdavis@bibbal.com

Birmingham Business Alliance

Emily Jerkins Hall 505 20th St. N., Ste. 200 Birmingham, AL 35203

205-324-2100 birminghambusinessalliance.com

ejerkins@birminghambusiness alliance.com

University of West Alabama Station 35, Livingston, AL 35470

205-652-3665 blackbelteda.com

info@blackbelteda.com

Black Belt Economic Development Alliance Blount County Economic Development Council

Don Mitchell

625 2nd Ave. Oneonta, AL 35121

205-446-1180 blountedc.com

dmitchell@blountedc.com

Bullock County Development Authority

David Padgett

106 Conecuh Ave. Union Springs, AL 36089

334-738-5411 bullockcountyalabama.com

david.padgett@bullockcounty alabama.com

Business Council of Alabama

Robin Stone

2 N. Jackson St., Ste. 501 Montgomery, AL 36104

334-834-6000 bcatoday.org

robins@bcatoday.org

Butler County Commission for Economic Development

David Hutchison

P.O. Box 758 Greenville, AL 36037

334-371-8400 bcced.com

dhutchison@bcced.com

Calhoun County Economic Development Council

Don Hopper

1330 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36202

256-237-3536 calhouncountyedc.org

dhopper@calhouncountyedc.org

Chambers County Development Authority

Valerie Gray

4445 51st Ave. SW Lanett, AL 36863

334-642-1412 chamberscoida.com

vgray@chambersida.com

Cherokee County Industrial Development Authority

Luanne Hayes

801 Cedar Bluff Rd. Centre, AL 35960

256-927-1805 cherokeecountyida.org

lhayes@gadsdenstate.edu

Chilton County Industrial Development Authority

Whitney Barlow

620 Second Ave. N. Clanton, AL 35045

205-990-2070 growchilton.org

wbarlow@growchilton.org

Choctaw County Probate Judge

Dewayne May

117 S. Mulberry, Ste. 9 Butler, AL 36904

205-459-2417

probatejudge15@tds.net

Clay County Economic Development Council

Chance Jones

P.O. Box 1237 Ashland, AL 36251

256-276-9313 claycountyeconomicdc.org

ccedc2020@gmail.com

Conecuh County Economic Development

Jeffery Taylor

111 Court St. Evergreen, AL 36401

251-578-2095 conecuhcountyeconomicdevelopment.com

jtaylor@conecuhcounty.us

Covington County Economic Development Commission

Rick Clifton

21754 Bill Benton Ln. Andalusia, AL 36421

334-222-7040 covingtoncountyedc.com

rick.clifton@covingtoncountyedc. com

Crenshaw County Economic & Industrial Development Auhority

Robyn Snellgrove

3 S. Forest Ave. Luverne, AL 36049

334-335-4468 crenshawcountyeida.com

robyn@crenshawcounty.net

Cullman Economic Development Agency

Dale Greer

200 1st Ave. NE Cullman, AL 35055

256-739-1891 cullmaneda.org

cullmaneda@cullmaneda.org

DeKalb County Economic Development Authority

Jimmy Durham

2414 Airport Rd. W. Fort Payne, AL 35968

256-845-7957 dekalbeda.com

JDurham@dekalbeda.com Source: Agency websites

26 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO PM E N T

AGENCY

CONTACT

ADDRESS

PHONE/WEBSITE

Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce

Colton Cureton

102 Jamestown Blvd. Dothan, AL 36302

334-792-5138 dothan.com

ccureton@dothan.com

Economic Development Association of Alabama

Jim Searcy

2 N. Jackson St., Ste. 302 Montgomery, AL 36104

334-676-2085 edaa.org

jim@edaa.org

Economic Development for Clarke and Washington Counties

Rosalyn Sales

2003 College Ave. Jackson, AL 36545

251-282-9099

rsales@cmcgas.com

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

Greg Barker

1320 1st Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233

205-943-4700 edpa.org

gbarker@edpa.org

Elmore County Economic Development Authority

Cary Cox

194 Fort Toulouse Rd., Ste. C Wetumpka, AL 36092

334-514-5843 elmoreeda.com

cary.cox@elmoreeda.com

Escambia County Industrial Development Authority

John Johnson

406 S. Trammell St. Atmore, AL 36502

251-368-5404 escambiaida.com

Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce

Philip Clayton

333 E. Broad St. Eufaula, AL 36027

334-687-6664 eufaulachamber.com

info@eufaulachamber.com

Franklin County Development Authority

Sherye Price

16109 Hwy. 43, Ste. C. Russellville, AL 35653

256-332-8726 franklineda.com

sprice@franklineda.com

Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority

David Hooks

The Venue 2 Gadsden, AL 35903

256-543-9423 gadsdenida.org

davidhooks@gadsdenida.org

Greene County Industrial Development Authority

Phillis Belcher

111 Main St. Eutaw, AL 35462

205-372-9769 gcida.com

gcida@uwa.edu

Grow Southeast Alabama

Philip Clayton

P.O. Box 1406 Dothan, AL 36302

334-794-4093 growsealabama.com

Hale County

Leland Avery

P.O. Box 396 Greensboro, AL 36744

334-624-8740

judgeaveryhaleco@bellsouth.net

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Lucia Cape

225 Church St. NW Huntsville, AL 35801

256-535-2033 hsvchamber.org

lcape@hsvchamber.org

Industrial Development Authority of Winston County

Horace Moore

P.O. Box 368 Haleyville, AL 35565

888-489-1101 winstonadvantage.org

Jackson County Economic Development Authority

Nathan Lee

817 S. Broad St. Scottsboro, AL 35768

256-574-1331 jacksoncountyeda.org

jceda@scottsboro.org

Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance

Chad Odom

1675 Cherokee Rd. Alexander City, AL 35010

256-215-4410 lakemartineda.com

chad@lakemartineda.com

Lawrence County Industrial Development Board

Tabitha Pace

12001 Alabama Hwy. 157, Ste. 10 256-974-2899 Moulton, AL 35650 lawrenceidb.com

Limestone County Economic Development Association

Bethany Shockney 101 S. Beaty St., Ste. B Athens, AL 35611

256-232-2386 lceda.com

Lowndes County

LaRue Pringle

1730 Fredrick Douglass Rd. Lowndesboro, AL 36752

334-288-5389

Macon County Economic Development Authority

Joe Turnham

608 Dibble St., Ste. 7 Tuskegee, AL 36083

334-444-2672 madeinmacon.com

info@madeinmacon.com

Marshall County Economic Development Council

Matt Arnold

2208 Ringold St., Ste. 1-A Guntersville, AL 35976

256-582-5100 marshallteam.org

mattarnold@marshallteam.org

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

David Rodgers

451 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602

251-431-8648 mobilechamber.com

drodgers@mobilechamber.com

60 Hines St., Ste. 200 Monroeville, AL 36460

251-743-1332 mmceda.com

director@mmceda.com

Monroeville/Monroe County Darlene Economic Development Authority Thompson

tpace@lawrenceidb.com bshockney@lceda.com

Source: Agency websites

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 27

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO PM E N T

AGENCY

CONTACT

ADDRESS

PHONE/WEBSITE

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

Shelby Stringfellow

41 Commerce St. Montgomery, AL 36101

334-240-9420 montgomerychamber.com

sstringfellow@montgomery chamber.com

Morgan County Economic Development Association

Jeremy Nails

300 Market St. NE, Ste. 2 Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-1213 mceda.org

mceda@mceda.org

North Alabama Industrial Brooks Kracke, Development Association (NAIDA) Jason Wright

410 Johnston St., Ste. A Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-9450 naida.com

bkracke@naida.com

North Alabama International Trade Association

Anne Burkett

P.O. Box 2457 Huntsville, AL 35804

naita.org

Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance

Tom Wisemiller

4020 US Hwy. 43 Guin, AL 35563

205-468-3213 northwestalabamaeda.org

twisemiller@northwestalabama eda.org

Opelika Economic Development, City of

Lori Huguley

204 S. 7th St. Opelika, AL 36801

334-705-5115 opelika-al.gov/294/Economic-Development

lhuguley@opelika-al.gov

Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corp.

Holle Smith

3247 S. U.S. Hwy. 231 Ozark, AL 36360

334-443-2000 odedc.com

info@odedc.com

Perry County Center for Economic Development

Keisha Abrahams

P.O. Box 1146 Marion, AL 36756

334-505-9124

perrycountyed@yahoo.com

Phenix City Economic Development

Shaun Culligan

931 Broad St. Phenix City, AL 36867

334-448-2856 phenixcityal.us/edo

sculligan@phenixcityal.us

Pike County Economic Development Corp.

Marsha Gaylard

100 Industrial Blvd. Troy, AL 36081

334-670-2274 troy-pike-edc.org

pcedc@pikecountyedc.net

Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce

Patty Vanderwal

131 N. Court St. Prattville, AL 36067

334-365-7392 prattvilleeconomicdevelopment.com

pvanderwal@prattvillechamber. com

Randolph County Economic Development Authority

Bryant Whaley

1218 US Hwy. 431 Roanoke, AL 36274

334-863-7243 randolphcountyeda.com

info@randolphcountyeda.com

Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority

Wayne Vardaman

912 Selma Ave. Selma, AL 36701

334-875-8365 selmaeda.com

vardaman@selmaeda.com

Shoals Economic Development Authority

Kevin Jackson

20 Hightower Place, Ste. 1 Florence, AL 35630

256-349-5632 seda-shoals.com

kjackson@sedashoals.com

Southeast Alabama Council for Economic Development

Rachel Armstrong

P.O. Box 1406 Dothan, AL 36302

334-794-4093 growsealabama.com

rarmstrong@searpdc.org

St. Clair County Economic Development Council

Don Smith

500 College Cir., Ste. 306 Pell City, AL 35125

205-814-1440 stclairedc.com

dsmith@stclairedc.com

Sumter County

Ken Walker

Guy Hunt Hall, Rm. 128, Station 35, Livingston, AL 35470

205-652-3665

kwalker@uwa.edu

Talladega County Economic Development Authority

Calvin Miller

225 N. Norton Ave. Sylacauga, AL 35150

256-245-8332 tceda.com

millercalv@tceda.com

Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority

Danielle Winningham

2204 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

205-394-1414 tcoeda.com

Danielle.winningham@tcoeda. com

Walker County Development Authority

David Knight

3000 Hwy. 78 E. Jasper, AL 35501

205-302-0068 wceida.com

davidk@wceida.com

45 Court St. Chatom, AL 36518

251-847-2208 wcalabama.com

Washington County Economic Development

naita@naita.org

Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce

Michael Cook

1001 Earl Hilliard Rd. Camden, AL 36726

334-682-4929 wilcoxareachamber.com

director@wilcoxareachamber.com

Wiregrass Economic Development Corp.

Jesse Quillen

P.O. Box 310130 Enterprise, AL 36331

334-393-4769 wiregrassedc.com

jquillen@wiregrassedc.com Source: Agency websites

For more agencies, visit BusinessAlabama.com

28 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

INDUSTRIAL SITES

Alabama’s Largest Industrial Sites With Rail Service Ranked by available acreage. Source: Economic Development Partnership of Alabama RANK

compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

SITE NAME

CITY

COUNTY

AVAILABLE ACRES

TOTAL ACRES

RAIL SERVICE

ZONING

Tosco Tract

Demopolis

Marengo

2,283

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

Childersburg Industrial Park

Childersburg

Talladega

2,171

2,195

Onto Site

Heavy Industrial

Hatter Tract

Saraland

Mobile

1,500

Adjacent Track

None

Pryor I-65 Megasite

Athens

Limestone

1,323

Onto Site

None

Crossroads of America

Boligee

Greene

1,240

1,500

Spur Available

None

NE Opelika Industrial Park

Opelika

Lee

1,200

2,200

Adjacent Track

Heavy Industrial

Pryor Sanderson Megasite

Athens

Limestone

1,200

Onto Site

None

Little Canoe Creek Mega-Site

Attalla

Etowah

1,091

Onto Site

None

Hood Harris

North Courtland

Lawrence

1,000

Adjacent Track

None

10 Greenbrier I-565

Huntsville

Limestone

931

Adjacent Track

None

11 Mallard Fox West Industrial Complex

Trinity

Lawrence

907.4

1,068.22

Onto Site

None

12 Montgomery Mega Site

Montgomery

900

1,869.90

Adjacent Track

None

13 Alabama River Partners Site

Lowndesboro

Lowndes

900

900.00

Adjacent Track

None

14 I-65/Tyson Road Site

Hayneville

Lowndes

735

Onto Site

None

15 Craig Industrial Park

Selma

Dallas

700

Spur Available

None

16 Butler County Bolling Site

Georgiana

Butler

646

Adjacent Track

None

17 Sandy Site

Huntsville

Limestone

640

Adjacent Track

None

18 South Dallas Industrial Park

Selma

Dallas

500

600

Adjacent Track

None

19 Barton Riverfront Industrial Park

Cherokee

Colbert

490

1,900

Adjacent Track

None

20 Red Rock South

Bessemer

Jefferson

446

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

21 JFTMA Railside Tract

Atmore

Escambia

445

Adjacent Track

None

22 Shorter Technology Park

Shorter

Macon

400

Spur Available

None

23 Tucker Property

Moundville

Hale

395

Onto Site

None

24 North Clarke Industrial Park

Thomasville

Clarke

365

Spur Available

None

25 Jasper Industrial Park

Jasper

Walker

355

405

Adjacent Track

26 Weekly Site

Bay Minette

Baldwin

354

Onto Site

None

27 McMillan Property

Evergreen

Conecuh

351

Adjacent Track

None

28 Shoals Research Airpark

Muscle Shoals

Colbert

332

456

Adjacent Track

Heavy Industrial

29 Westport Russell Site

Montgomery

320

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

30 Atmore Industrial Park

Atmore

Escambia

313

Adjacent Track

Heavy Industrial

31 Roanoke Industrial Park

Roanoke

Randolph

310

Onto Site

Industrial

32 Hamm Property

McIntosh

Washington

309

Onto Site

None

33 Eyster/Steed Site

Trinity

Morgan

298

Adjacent Track

Agricultural

34 Beck's Turf Farm 5

Tuskegee

Macon

281.3

Adjacent Track

None

35 Millard Maritime

Theodore

Mobile

280

300

Onto Site

Heavy Industrial

36 Lovejoy Pell City Property

Pell City

St. Clair

263

Adjacent Track

None

37 Hanchey Field Road Site

Daleville

Dale

253

Adjacent Track

None

38 Interstate Industrial Park

Montgomery

252

700

Adjacent Track

Heavy Industrial

39 Cowley Industrial Property

McCalla

Bessemer

251

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

40 Vincent Industrial Park

Vincent

Shelby

240

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

41 CNJ Property

Montgomery

230

Adjacent Track

Heavy Industrial

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 29

RANK

INDUSTRIAL SITES

SITE NAME

CITY

COUNTY

AVAILABLE ACRES

TOTAL ACRES

RAIL SERVICE

ZONING

42 U.S. Highway 72 Industrial

Athens

Limestone

230

Adjacent Track

None

43 Salco 43 Industrial

Creola

Mobile

220

Adjacent Track

None

44 Scott G. Davis Industrial Park

Woodstock

Bibb

217

565

Adjacent Track

None

45 Virginia Station Phase II

Creola

Mobile

217

280

Adjacent Track

None

46 McElmurry Site

Bay Minette

Baldwin

214

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

47 American Brass Inc.

Headland

Henry

200

Rail Served

None

48 Linden Industrial Park

Linden

Marengo

197

300

Adjacent Track

Light Industrial

49 Kershaw Industrial Property

Montgomery

190

Onto Site

Light Industrial

50 North Industrial Park Property

Brundidge

Pike

184

Adjacent Track

None

51 Smelley Property

Talladega

179

Spur Available

None

52 Miller Property

Evergreen

Conecuh

173

Adjacent Track

None

53 Virginia Station Phase 1

Creola

Mobile

160.6

168

Spur Available

None

54 Moody Rail Park

Moody

St. Clair

141

Adjacent Track

None

55 Bridgeport Waterfront Site

Bridgeport

Jackson

133

Adjacent Track

Agricultural

56 Dobbins 127

Sylacauga

Talladega

127

Adjacent Track

None

57 Devaney Site

Decatur

Limestone

123

Adjacent Track

None

58 Webb Property

McIntosh

Washington

119

Adjacent Track

None

59 Childersburg IP Advantage Site

Childersburg

Talladega

115

Onto Site

Heavy Industrial

For more sites, visit BusinessAlabama.com

30 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

PHILANTHROPY

Troy Whetstone serves up coffee at The Modern House Coffee Shop in Birmingham’s Titusville area.

Companies with heart

Businesses aiming to tackle social ills require good ideas and savvy planning

roy Whetstone of Birmingham is the founder and CEO of The Modern House Coffee Shop, a nonprofit he launched this past Sept. 23 at 422 6th Ave. South, in the city’s Titusville community. The Fairfield native says his pathway to entrepreneurship started after high school when he worked in retail. By age 19, he was promoted to manager at a Sprint store. By 22, he joined his dad’s aviation detailing business. “I’ve been an entrepreneur and working for myself since I was 22,” says Whetstone. “I’ve always had that unction even when I was a younger boy that I wanted to be a businessman. And so, I felt that was always my purpose in life, to run businesses.” But one day in 2016, Whetstone, a devout Christian, says he received a word from God. “I’m a spiritual man, and I believe in God, and I just heard the calling of coffee,” Whetstone says. Then the words “coffee shop” came to him, he says.

32 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

By GAIL ALLYN SHORT

Around the time of that revelation, Whetstone was volunteering at the Faith Chapel Care Center in downtown Birmingham, which offered shower facilities, a laundry service, computer access and other resources to the homeless. Whetstone says he decided to open a coffee shop that would provide employment to individuals who have struggled with homelessness to help them get back on their feet. But he questioned the idea of a business doubling as a nonprofit. “I had never seen a nonprofit coffee shop. I had never seen that model. So, I dismissed it, but once I started researching, I saw that there was actually a model,” he says. To gain an understanding of coffee shop operations, the different types of coffees and the customer base, Whetstone visited local coffee shops, including SEEDS Coffee Co., in Birmingham that offers coffee subscriptions and advertises on its website that “25 percent of the profits for each subscription goes directly to help farmers and coffee communities

around the world.” For help getting started with his own coffee shop, Whetstone says he turned to REV Birmingham, a revitalization and economic development nonprofit that supports local small business owners. At REV, he attended classes and got help writing his business plan. By July 2019, he was already holding popup coffee shops in the Ensley community. But he wanted a permanent location. Eventually, Whetstone obtained funds from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, a local nonprofit, and others and settled on a shotgun house, which he refurbished in Birmingham’s Titusville community, just west of downtown. To further fund the operation, Whetstone says he also received a low-interest loan of $10,000 from the nonprofit Urban Impact Birmingham. Meanwhile, the Community Foundation helped him access a $25,000 grant that allowed him to buy all of the needed equipment for his Modern House coffee shop. He also

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

What is a nonprofit social entrepreneurship? Troy Whetstone’s coffee shop is an example of an approach to business known as nonprofit social entrepreneurship. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce defines social entrepreneurship as “the process by which individuals, startups and entrepreneurs develop and fund solutions that directly address social issues.” “It’s a common misconception that all nonprofits are charitable, and that all for-profits are not,” says Jeremy Thornton, Ph.D., a professor of economics and associate dean of Samford University’s Brock School of Business. He also directs the school’s social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management program. “It really depends on the objectives or mission of the organization that makes it charitable or not,” Thornton says. “What makes a social enterprise unique is that they’re trying to combine business with a social mission,” he says. Social entrepreneurship falls into two camps. Companies that follow what is called the for-profit social enterprise model, which supports and donates to causes that address social ills like climate change, poverty, hunger or racism. But while they aim to do good in the world, the primary mission of these companies is making profits for their shareholders. Examples of for-profit social enterprises include companies like the coffeehouse chain Starbucks that, through its foundation, supports projects and programs around the world

received small donations from individual supporters. Whetstone says he and his team are busy serving The Modern House’s best sellers: café lattes, chai tea and sparking chai tea. Whetstone says he is now working toward hiring people in need of the chance

that address issues such as economic opportunity, youth empowerment, diversity and inclusion. Another example is Warby Parker, the prescription eyeglass retailer, which donates a pair of eyeglasses to people in need for every pair sold. And, the shoe retailer TOMS supports a number of initiatives and makes donations to help ensure that Americans have greater access to mental health resources. On the other hand, when nonprofits run businesses where providing solutions to social ills or donating to causes is the primary mission rather than making profits, they are engaging in what is called a nonprofit social enterprise. Examples of nonprofit social enterprises include thrift stores run by religious organizations to support women’s shelters and light assembly operations run by nonprofits to provide jobs to adults with developmental disabilities. Nonprofits have some advantages over for-profit entities. First, under the federal tax code, they are eligible for income and property tax exemptions. Nonprofit social enterprises are also free to diversify their funding streams outside of selling goods and services by accepting donations, and, in turn, donors can deduct those contributions from their own taxes. But nonprofits also have some restrictions. To qualify for tax breaks, nonprofits must state what their social mission is and form a board of governors, Thornton says. They also have to publish

to get back on their feet. “We pay really good. That was one of the things that I wanted to do. I wanted people to earn a livable wage and be able to support themselves and their family. That’s part of our mission. “Every day is fun,” he says. “Honestly, I never knew in my lifetime that I would

their financial documents publicly. Furthermore, unlike their forprofit counterparts, nonprofit social enterprises cannot sell shares in their companies because they do not have owners or shareholders, Thornton says. And all revenues in excess of costs must be reallocated to the missional purpose of the organization as stated to the IRS. Thornton says the first step in establishing a social enterprise is having a good idea and figuring out your business model. “Running a business, particularly small business, has its own challenges. You’re trying to simultaneously run a business and at least mitigate a social problem,” he says. “So, think carefully about your business model first. ‘How are we going to earn revenues and how are those revenues going to exceed what it costs to make this product?’ Then you have to think about, ‘What is our model for social impact?’” Second, Thornton says, having a business plan can help a founder think through the elements to get their business up and running. The plan is also a good tool to help founders communicate their ideas to other people. A business plan, however, does not have to be a 30-page tome, he says. It can be just a couple of pages of notes and ideas on what is important in one’s business and how one plans to work both the business and charitable sides of the organization, he says. “How are you going to cover your costs, the business side of it? How are you going to achieve your social mission?” he says.

be a barista. But here I am, learning and trying to perfect the skill of latte art. That’s something that I never imagined myself doing.” Gail Allyn Short is a Birmingham-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 33

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

Preparing for a bright Christmas.

Chicken and charity Peco Foods’ community efforts go well beyond chicken feed

By KATHY HAGOOD

ne of the country’s top poultry producers, Tuscaloosa-based Peco Foods, has a proud history of philanthropic giving in the communities where its facilities are located. Mark Hickman, the company’s chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president, believes that charitable history is tied to the success of his family-owned company. Peco Foods employs 7,000 workers in 12 locations across Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. It supplies chicken both nationally and internationally. “At Peco, we take pride in becoming active members of the communities where

34 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

we live, work and conduct business,” Hickman says. “This commitment has held true since our founding in Gordo, Alabama, 85 years ago, where we relied on community support to successfully start this company and remain one of the country’s largest poultry employers today. Our success wouldn’t be possible without the support of each of the communities that we’ve grown to be a part of.” The fourth-generation company got its start in 1937 when John Herman Hickman, Mark Hickman’s grandfather, agreed to raise 75 chickens for his brother-in-law, who was leaving for college. Soon the budding poultry producer was not only raising chickens but selling chickens and

‘

At Peco, we take pride in becoming active members of the communities where we live, work and conduct business.” — MARK HICKMAN, PECO FOODS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

eggs locally. Since then, John Herman Hickman’s small-town enterprise has expanded from a modest hatchery and feed mill to the nation’s 8th-largest poultry producer. Operations currently include multiple feed mills, hatcheries, live operations and processing plants. Interestingly, the original wooden hatchery John Herman Hickman used still stands across from the company’s current Gordo Hatchery. Mark Hickman is pleased that as Peco’s operations and staff have grown over the years, so has charitable giving. “We are proud to see the passion and generosity that our teammates have for their communities,” he says. “Doing the right thing is part of our DNA and maintaining a community focus is a common thread throughout the organization that helps team members feel proud of where they work.” Because every Peco Foods community is a little different, local employees help determine what charitable efforts are

most needed in their area, says Verna Matthews, Peco Foods director of human resources. In addition to general initiatives such as highway cleanups, educational support, food kitchen volunteering and holiday gift packaging are more community specific efforts such as maintaining cemeteries where loved ones are buried, planting trees for Earth Day, and honoring military veterans with hot meals and gift cards. Peco employees gave more than 18,000 canned goods to food banks in 2021, according company records. In addition, more than $4,500 in toys and 350 backpacks were donated to children in need. “Our team members lead volunteer and giving efforts with each plant focusing on causes or organizations specific to their communities,” Matthews says. “The ideas are typically organized by each plant’s HR managers who are attuned to what organizations have direct impacts

on our communities and team members.” Alabama is home to three Peco sites with a total of about 650 employees at the corporate office and processing plant in Tuscaloosa and Gordo live operations. During the past few years Peco has donated thousands of pounds of chicken to the West Alabama Food Bank, Tuscaloosa Soup Kitchen and Gordo Rotary Club. This year Alabama employees participated in a variety of philanthropic initiatives including Autism Awareness Month, Relay for Life, the American Heart Association Walk, Tuscaloosa’s Tinsel Trail and Gordo’s Mule Day. Alabama operations hosted a blood drive, communitywide egg hunt, and back-to-school drive this year. In addition, local 4th graders were educated on the poultry business. Peco team members in Alabama and other states enjoy participating in volunteer programs, Matthews says. “Doing the right thing is a core value of ours at Peco and each of our team members understands and believes in this being foundational to who we are as a company,” she says. The company’s leadership lets employees know their efforts are appreciated. “We are passionate about helping the communities in which we live and work and we encourage this philanthropic work through highlighting our efforts on digital boards throughout our facilities,” Matthews says. “The digital boards allow us to showcase how involved our team members are in the communities.” Peco also gives back through The John Herman Hickman Foundation, named for the company’s founder. The foundation provides scholarships to the children of employees and producers, actively serves victims of catastrophic natural disasters in its regions and donates to local charities. During 2021 and 2022, the foundation awarded 90 scholarships, totaling $450,000, Matthews says. She and Hickman believe 2023 will be another big year for Peco philanthropy. “We look forward to continuing our community efforts into next year,” Hickman says. Kathy Hagood is a Birmingham-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

36 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

Shopping day for the Many More Miles shoe distribution.

If the shoe fits

Baldwin campaign aims to put shoes on feet that need them

aldwin Bone & Joint’s Many More Miles Campaign is unofficially based on an old saying: “If the shoe fits, wear it.” But the Eastern Shore charity adds — “If you need shoes, take them.” Now in year 18, the philanthropical campaign aims to provide shoes that have miles of wear left in them to folks who need them. Last year, 2022, was a record year for the program. “We collected about 2,700 shoes,” says Genna Van Varden, outreach coordinator for CityHope Church in Daphne. “The key is getting the word out early.” That word is spread annually to Baldwin County schools through guidance counselors and volunteers, starting in January. “We get the information out to school counselors, students, and others,” adds MMM’s communications coordinator Jamie Ganey of Fairhope.

‘

By EMMETT BURNETT

They (the physicians and staff at Baldwin Bone and Joint in Daphne) are an important part of MMM. They provide the cash prizes to schools who supply the most shoes. Baldwin Bone and Joint’s employees and patients are also huge suppliers and supporters of what we do. They also set up receiving and distribution points onsite.” — PAM DENHAM, MANY MORE MILES CREATOR-IN-CHIEF

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 37

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

‘

We teach our students about empathy and putting ourselves in ‘another person’s shoes.’ So, speaking about how their choices to donate shoes to others puts empathy into action.” — BETH ANN MILLS, FAIRHOPE EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

“They in turn relay the information to students to mobilize. Get out and bring in the shoes.” Fairhope East Elementary School often leads the pack in shoe collections. But it is more than competition. “We teach our students about empathy and putting ourselves in ‘another person’s shoes,’” says Beth Ann Mills, the school’s counselor. “So, speaking about how their choices to donate shoes to others puts empathy into action.” She adds, “This program allows students to provide for other families. It is rewarding to see such empathy in our students and to see families blessed by these donations.” Fairhope East Elementary collected 272 pairs of shoes for the 2022 shoe drive. Gently used shoes are collected from people who no longer need what used to grace their feet. Loafers, sneakers, sandals and more are sorted, organized and placed in distribution points throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties. Then dates are announced for shoe shopping. Other centers distribute shoes on a “come when you can and take what you need” mode. “When we first started, 18 years ago, I forgot to ask donors to tie their shoes together,” recalls the event’s creator–in– chief, Fairhope’s Pam Denham. “We had unmatched shoes all over the place.” The footwear for the needy idea started about two decades ago when Denham lived in Tampa, Florida. “I recall a podiatrist was doing something similar to what we are doing today,” she says. “I also remember seeing in Tampa a huge

storeroom, with shoes stacked as high as you could see.” She felt these shoes could have served a second life. After moving here, Denham approached Baldwin Bone and Joint in Daphne, which has partnered with the event since day one. “They are an important part of MMM,” she notes about the physicians and staff. “They provide the cash prizes to schools who supply the most shoes. Baldwin Bone and Joint’s employees and patients are also huge suppliers and supporters of what we do. They also set up receiving and distribu-

‘

38 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

This is part of our community outreach and involvement program. We are glad to be part of this effort since its beginning.” — WILLIAM WIGGINS, CMPE, AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT BALDWIN BONE AND JOINT

tion points onsite.” William Wiggins, CMPE, and director of operations at Baldwin Bone and Joint, adds, “This is part of our community outreach and involvement program. We are glad to be part of this effort since its beginning.” Other partners for the 2022 campaign included Dr. Glenn Glass, the University of South Alabama Student Recreation Center and McCoy Outdoors. MMM has received almost every type of fashion befitting a foot, from slippers to work boots. “Last year someone donated a pair of Nikes valued at $800 on eBay,” recalls Van Varden. “Whoever received those sneakers got a really good deal and probably doesn’t realize how much so.” “We also receive new, never worn shoes, as donations,” Denham says. “One man told me, ‘If I am going to give somebody something, I want it to be the very best.’” More than 90% of shoe donations are through Baldwin County Schools. “It’s amazing what something as simple as a pair of shoes can do for someone,” says Eddie Tyler, superintendent of the Baldwin County Public Schools. “Things that many of us take for granted can mean the world to someone else. For a child, it may mean they can walk the halls of their school with pride. For adults, it may be a means to help them provide for their family. Shoes are instrumental for everyday life, and we could not think of a better cause to be involved in.” Anyone in need is welcomed to shop. Denham recalls a Nigerian runner in the Mobile Azalea Trail Run who took several pair of shoes home to relatives and friends who live in abject poverty. MMM’s donations are also distributed to local nonprofit organizations, including Fostering Together Gulf Coast, Waterfront Rescue Mission and Soles for Souls. Some recipients are initially timid seeking free shoes from charitable donors. Van Varden notes, “Some are shy about coming out. We try to take down those walls and emphasize that this is a free event. We make it non-threatening.” Emmett Burnett is a Satsuma-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

Fishing for philanthropy Thompson Engineering sponsors headline events like fishing rodeo on Dauphin Island to aid its community By JANE NICHOLES

ince 2003, Mobile-based Thompson Thompson employees fish Engineering has given away more than for fun and philanthropy. $1 million through its charitable foundation, which operates with an employee-driven philosophy. The foundation was established in 2003 as part of Thompson’s 50th anniversary celebration. The $1 million milestone was achieved in 2020. More than 250 nonprofit organizations in the eight Southern states where Thompson operates have benefited from donations over the years. A committee of employees meets every other month to review requests for grants, with much of the decision-making done at an annual planning meeting in January. Thompson awards three types of grants, says Chad Brown, chairman of the foundation. “If an employee has a charity that they work with and want to personally donate, they can submit a request for a matching grant,” he says. “The second is an employee involvement grant, and that would typically be a charity that our employees for Humanity and the Alabama School of Math and Science. would volunteer for, and they want to support through a finanThompson also awards scholarships to individual students. cial gift. Oftentimes it’s an event that they’re having. Charitable organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits. “The third one would be a corporate grant. That would be Although the causes are diverse, in recent years the foundation one that we, the foundation, gets a request from. It may not have has committed 40% of its funds to STEM programs — educaan active employee volunteering on that, but it fits within the tion initiatives focusing on science, technology, engineering and mission of the foundation.” mathematics. The emphasis is on employees giving back to the community “We’re really encouraging that STEM focus, because we really through causes they personally support. “We couldn’t give you a want to focus on educating our youth,” Brown says. Targeting list of the three top charities because there’s such diversity in our STEM programs also is an investment by Thompson in potential gifts, because our employees are so involved in their communifuture employees. ties,” Brown says. One example came up during the worst of the COVID-19 As of this writing, the foundation has raised $1,193,230. pandemic, when schools closed and students were isolated at In 2016, Thompson Holdings Inc., the parent company of home trying to learn virtually. STEM labs couldn’t meet. Thompson Engineering, received the prestigious Beacon Award “When everyone went home from work or from school due from the Community Foundation of South Alabama. The award to COVID, we reached out to the Mobile County Public School recognizes a business or corporation that embodies the spirit of System and asked them, ‘How can we help you continue STEM philanthropy. education in this crazy situation that we’re in?’” recalls Renie This year, the foundation had given away more than $90,000 Kennemer, communications director for Thompson. “They got to 54 organizations through September. Of that, some $70,000 together and asked us if we could fund virtual STEM labs.” went to nonprofits in Alabama. Of those, some of the larger The foundation helped purchase online programs from grants went to the American Society of Civil Engineers Chapter ExploreLearning Gizmos: Math & Science Virtual Labs and at the University of South Alabama, Lifeline Counseling Services, Simulations, a company that offers some 400 programs for grades American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Habitat December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 39

PH I L A N T H RO P Y

STEM learning opportunities are a priority for the engineering firm’s foundation.

3 through 12. “It had been a program that teachers had used before and really loved,” Kennemer says. Money is raised through payroll deductions, corporate donation and what has become Thompson’s major fundraising event: an annual fishing rodeo. “Twenty years ago, when it first started, it was a small group of anglers who liked to get together on Dauphin Island and go fishing,” Kennemer says. “And now, 20 years later, we invite all our employ-

ees, our employees’ families and friends. We invite clients, partners we do business with to join us on Dauphin Island, or they can also participate from wherever it is that they are, where they live, or just where they happen to be that weekend.” A company 5K run went by the wayside because of COVID, but the pandemic influenced an expansion of the fishing rodeo. Participants fish wherever they are, be it the Gulf of Mexico or a lake in Tennessee. Using a specially designed app, they must present photographs of their catch on a weight scale to compete for prizes. The past two years have seen fundraising records. This year, 151 anglers entered, raising $60,000, Kennemer says. Companies like Thompson Engineering give nonprofits a level of comfort, especially in uncertain economic times, says Michael Ledger, president and chief

executive officer of Feeding the Gulf Coast. “Just to be able to know that you can pick up the phone and talk to someone there in the organization with the little things and the big things,” Ledger says. “They seem to truly care about the mission, what we’re trying to accomplish here. They try to help us in whatever way they can.” Once known as the Bay Area Food Bank serving Mobile and Baldwin counties, Feeding the Gulf Coast has spread into three states, from the Louisiana-Mississippi border to just east of Panama City, Florida, and north through Choctaw County, Alabama. The 22,000-squaremile territory includes eight counties in Mississippi, nine counties in Alabama and seven counties in Florida. The nonprofit provided 29 million meals last year. Food banks are located in Theodore; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Milton, Florida. But Feeding the Gulf Coast also has 600 partners and 400 pantries. “We’re collecting food from the retailers who have dinged and dented cans they may not be able to sell,” Ledger says. “We’re driving to the stores and collecting all that food. We’re running food drives. We work with the state and federal governments, with other food sources such as commodity foods. We also purchase a lot of food.” The need has grown dramatically, first because of the pandemic, then inflation and continuing supply problems. The organization has had to purchase more food because supply issues reduce the availability of donated food. He estimates that Thompson has supplied the equivalent of more than 100,000 meals over the last five years. “They also come out and volunteer to help sort food, pack boxes for seniors, or pack bags for children’s backpacks. So, volunteerism is another way in which they’ve supported us. “It’s been greatly appreciated. At times we’ve needed meeting space, and they’ve made their facility available to us and helped us put together some meetings and some other types of events that we’ve had.” Jane Nicholes is a Mobile-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

40 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

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2022 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMA What makes a great place to work? More than a job, it’s a combination of the benefits, the camaraderie, the appreciation for a job done well that makes employees happy to come to work. Each year, companies around the state compete to prove that their company offers the best combination of those qualities. They provide a glimpse into the culture of their workplace, in hopes they’ll be named the best among the best companies to work for in Alabama. Companies submit their information to The Best Companies Group, which evaluates the responses and interviews employees before picking the best of the best. Business Alabama salutes the 2022 winners. PROFILES BY GAIL ALLYN SHORT, CRYSTAL CASTLE, KATHERINE MacGILVRAY & DEBORAH STOREY

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THANK YOU TO

Best Companies to Work For in

OUR SPONSORS

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 2022 GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

WHITE-SPUNNER CONSTRUCTION

BRONZE SPONSOR

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 41

2022

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMA

RANK

LARGE COMPANIES (250 or more total company employees) COMPANY

KEY INDIVIDUAL

ADDRESS

PHONE

WEBSITE

# OF ALA. EMPL.

BUSINESS FOCUS

Jimmy Stubbs CEO

2611 Legends Dr. Prattville, AL 36066

334-290-1012

riverbankandtrust.com

298

Bank

Mary Elliott Managing MemberBirmingham

2500 Acton Rd., No. 200 Birmingham, AL 35243

205-979-4100

warrenaverett.com

464

Accounting

3 Edward Jones

Brenda Armstrong Regional Leader

205 Pratt Ave., Ste. B1 Huntsville, AL 35803

256-922-1349

EdwardJones.com

402

Investments

4 Rausch Coleman Homes

Jayson Williams Division President

3825 Lorna Rd., Ste. 214 Hoover, AL 35244

205-306-0306

RCH.com

Homebuilder

5 ADTRAV

Roger Hale President & CEO

4555 Southlake Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35244

205-444-4800

adtrav.com

276

Travel

6 Bank Independent

Rick Wardlaw CEO

710 S. Montgomery Ave. Sheffield, AL 35660

256-386-5000

bibank.com

617

Bank

Douglas Ruggles CEO

125 N. Court St. Florence, AL 35630

256-381-3131

MartinSupply.com

128

Industrial supplies

8 Avadian Credit Union

Linda Cencula President & CEO

1 Riverchast Pkwy. S. Hoover, AL 35244

888-282-3426

avadiancu.com

258

Credit union

9 Total Quality Logistics

Chad McMillen Group. Sales Manager

880 Montclair Rd., Ste. 425 Birmingham, AL 35213

513-831-2600

TQL.com

184

Logistics

10 Quincy Compressor

Mike Campbell General Manager

701 N. Dobson Ave. Birmingham, AL 35213

513-831-2600

quincycompressor.com

232

Air compressor products

11 BBB Industries

Duncan Gillis CEO

29627 Renaissance Blvd. Daphne, AL 36526

880-280-2737

bbbind.com

Automotive supplier

12 Thompson Engineering

John H. Baker III CEO

2970 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. 190 Mobile, AL 36606

251-666-2443

thompsonengineering. com

181

Engineering

13 Alabama Credit Union

Steve Swofford CEO

220 Paul W. Bryant Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

888-817-2002

alabamacu.com

327

Credit union

14 Max Credit Union

Martin Head CEO

P.O. Box 244040 Montgomery, AL 36124

334-215-4976

mymax.com

310

Credit union

15 SouthState

John C. Corbett CEO & Director

1101 First South Winter Haven, FL 33880

800-277-2175

southstatebank.com

274

Bank

1 River Bank & Trust 2

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors

Martin Inc. dba Martin Supply Co.

RANK

SMALL TO MEDIUM COMPANIES (14 to 249 total company employees) 1

COMPANY

KEY INDIVIDUAL

Swagelok Alabama|Central & Patrick Werrlein South Florida|West Tennessee President

PHONE

WEBSITE

# OF ALA. EMPL.

BUSINESS FOCUS

7290 Cahaba Valley Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242

205-988-4812

alfl.swagelok.com

Sales and service center

ADDRESS

2 Byars|Wright Insurance

Haig Wright II President

1701 28th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35209

205-221-3621

byarswright.com

Insurance

3 Kassouf & Co. P.C.

David Kassouf Director

2101 Highland Ave. S., Ste. 300 Birmingham, AL 35205

205-443-2500

kassouf.com

Accounting

4 Wilkins Miller

Greg Bowen Managing Director

41 W. I-65 Service Rd. N., Ste. 400 Mobile, AL 36608

251-410-6700

wilkinsmiller.com

Accounting

5 NXTsoft

David Brasfield Chairman & CEO

850 Corporate Pkwy., Ste. 110 Birmingham, AL 35242

800-915-3381

nxtsoft.com

Software

42 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

RANK

SMALL TO MEDIUM COMPANIES (Continued) COMPANY

KEY INDIVIDUAL

ADDRESS

PHONE

WEBSITE

# OF ALA. EMPL.

BUSINESS FOCUS

Scott Kramer Chairman

418 Madison Ave. Montgomery, AL 35104

334-244-9999

myguardiancu.com

240

Credit union

Adele Hapworth CEO

11 N. Water St., 32nd Floor Mobile, AL 36602

866-238-8754

amequity.com

Insurance

8 SPOC Automation

Robert Mason CEO & President

7363 Gadsden Hwy. Trussville, AL 35173

205-661-3642

spocautomation.com

100

Manufacturing

9 Crow Shields Bailey PC

Gina McKellar Managing Shareholder

3742 Professional Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36609

251-343-1012

csbcpa.com

Accounting

Patrick LaPine CEO

3692 Coolidge Ct. Tallahassee, FL 32311

850-558-1010

lscu.coop

Credit union organization

11 SteadPoint

Charles Bryan III President & CEO

2200 Resource Dr., Ste. 101 Birmingham, AL 35242

855-493-2853

Steadpointgroup.com

Insurance

12 White-Spunner Construction

John White-Spunner CEO

2010 W. I-65 Service Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36693

800-471-5189

white-spunner.com

Construction

13 Roberts Brothers Inc.

Teresa Williamson President

3601 Spring Hill Business Park Ste. 101 Mobile, AL 36670

251-344-9220

robertsbrothers.com

Real estate

14 Sensigreen Heating & Air

Justin Quinn CEO

400 Clanton St. Opelika, AL 36801

334-704-3274

sensigreen.com

Construction

15 First Metro Bank

Rodney Howard President & CEO

406 Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

256-386-0600

firstmetro.com

137

Bank

16 United Bank

Michael Vincent President & CEO

200 E. Nashville Ave. Atmore, AL 36502

251-446-6100

unitedbank.com

174

Bank

6 Guardian Credit Union 7

The American Equity Underwriters Inc.

League of Southeastern Credit Unions

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union

Glenn Bryan President & CEO

1400 20th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35255

205-930-5000

legacycreditunion.com

104

Credit union

Pritchett-Moore Insurance Inc.

Marlin D. Moore III, CEO

1120 Queen City Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

205-758-4441

pm-insurance.com

Insurance

19 Fite Building Company

Jack Fite, President & CEO

3116 Sexton Rd. SE, Ste. A Decatur, AL 35603

256-353-5759

fitebuilding.com

Construction

20 Unclaimed Baggage

Paul Okimoto, President

509 W. Willow St. Scottsboro, AL 35768

256-259-1525

unclaimedbaggage.com

207

Retail

ABOVE: A team from River Bank & Trust competes in a steak cook-off. LEFT: Holiday fun for the team at Swagelok.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 43

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

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RIVER BANK & TRUST RANKS FIRST AMONG LARGE COMPANIES

By GAIL ALLYN SHORT

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////tion,” /////Stubbs ///////says. ////////////////////////////

Christmastime at River Bank & Trust.

In the Best Companies to Work For contest, RIVER BANK & TRUST, headquartered in Prattville, captured the No. 1 spot in the large company category. Jimmy Stubbs, River Bank & Trust’s CEO since it opened in 2006, says perks such as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), along with other benefits, work together to make River Bank & Trust a place where employees want to stay and build their careers. River Bank has added more employees to its team since it ranked number six in the contest last year in the small and medium category. Today, the bank has 315 employees. “Our turnover ratio is relatively low. It was before the pandemic, and since the pandemic. I think that’s because we have a really good work environment. I would say we take a holistic approach to making sure the team is taken care of,” Stubbs says. The bank, says Stubbs, promotes what he calls “the four cornerstones of service.” They are the shareholders, the team, the customers and the community. “We’ve always said that if you take care of the team, then they’ll take care of the shareholders, and they’ll take care of the customers, and they’ll take care of the community,” he says.

To take care of the team, the bank’s leadership keeps an eye on the economy, knowing that in today’s job market, more jobs exist than workers, so the competition for workers remains high. Consequently, the bank strives to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, he says. One such benefit, the ESOP, allows employees, both full- and part-time, to own stock in the bank. ESOP is part of the bank’s overall 401k program. Stock options are also available. “What we’ve found is that when a team member has ownership in the bank, it means more. As an owner, you’re not just someone who’s coming and drawing a paycheck,” he says. Workers also enjoy an annual cash incentive, based on the bank’s profitability, that all team members share, he says. Besides giving employees ownership in the bank, the management strives to ensure that workers’ voices are heard by welcoming any suggestions for improvements. Then, each quarter, senior management reviews and evaluates all employee suggestions and picks the ones they want to pursue. The employee who submits the best suggestion wins a gift card, Stubbs says. “And we respond to each employee individually, thanking them for the sugges-

The bank also provides staffers with various paths for promotions and advancement, he says. “If there’s a job opening in the bank, we always make sure that the team is aware of that opening,” Stubbs says. Moreover, workers can take advantage of River Bank’s partial tuition reimbursement plan if they desire to return to school and earn a degree. They can also receive assistance from River Bank & Trust to pursue professional certifications from organizations like the Alabama Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association, Stubbs says. The bank’s other employee benefits include paid vacations, personal days off and the possibility of earning an extra day off based on how much they contributed to the United Way. But the team at River Bank & Trust also finds time for fun. “As CEO, I like to go and visit our different regions, and while there, we typically try to have a team dinner, where we gather everyone together and enjoy that time just to fellowship,” he says. Employees and managers also ring in the holidays with Thanksgiving luncheons and Christmas parties at the respective bank locations. To keep team members informed of bank happenings, the bank maintains a company newsletter and a social media presence — including on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn — to announce awards and promotions and to share photos from bank events. “We have a constant churn of communications to make everyone feel a part. Your job is a part of everyone else’s job and is important no matter what your job is in the bank,” Stubbs says. “All of those things, blended together, makes for a good place to be.”

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 45

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

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SWAGELOK ALABAMA TAKES TOP PRIZE AMONG SMALL-TO-MEDIUM COMPANIES

By GAIL ALLYN SHORT

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////roles,” //////he///says. //////////////////////////////

Employees participate in Head over Teal 5K.

As the top winner in the small-to-medium category, SWAGELOK ALABAMA|CEN-

TRAL & SOUTH FLORIDA|WEST TENNESSEE, headquartered in Birmingham, is a

sales and service center led by its president, Patrick Werrlein. It is the company’s first time competing in the contest, says Werrlein, who purchased the Birmingham business just over five years ago. “We spent a significant amount of time, blood, sweat and tears to get to the point where we’re a cultural strong company and confident to participate in ‘Best Companies to Work For,’” he says. Swagelok Alabama’s parent company is a global enterprise that designs and manufactures fittings, valves and other fluid system products for industries like aerospace, chemical/refining, semiconductor, power and energy transition. Swagelok Alabama employs 45 team members and recently launched a new initiative where Werrlein meets with up to six team members at a time for lunch and conversation, with no managers present. These lunches give him the opportunity to query team members and get their honest 46 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

feedback on how connected and empowered they feel within the organization. “That’s important to me because I need to know where the needs are in the organization,” he says. Also in the last year, he says, he and the director of HR implemented a new program around career mapping. The process involves Werrlein and the HR director conversing with each team member to learn more about their backgrounds, talents, ambitions and career aspirations. With that information, they work with each individual to map out a plan designed to help the team member reach their career goals. “And when we interview someone, we ask them what they want to do and let them know that it’s OK if what they aspire to do is outside of anything that we could offer here locally. But regardless, we’re going to do all we can to get them there,” he says. Swagelok also strives to promote talent from within the company, he says. “We’ve seen significant growth in the last five years and, in every case so far, we’ve promoted from within as we created new

The company’s managers also acknowledge team members’ milestones and achievements during the monthly business update meetings, where the entire organization attends. The meetings start with people recognitions; birthdays, anniversaries and what Werrlein calls “extraordinary behaviors” where team members acknowledge incredible work from their peers. Werrlein also likes penning handwritten notes and leaving them on team members’ desks to express his appreciation for a job well done. “We’re a company that very much appreciates each other. The best way to demonstrate that is to just thank them in the moment and not wait,” he says. The kindness even extends to team members’ children. Those ages 18 and younger get a birthday card every year from the company along with a handwritten note from Werrlein and a gift card, he says. Like many companies, Swagelok also offers its employees full benefits, including a 401k matching plan and a tuition reimbursement program for anyone who wants to further their education. Besides the benefits package, team members also have fun. They have meals together at Christmas and participate in team-building events throughout the year. But Werrlein says the team loves spontaneous special events, too, such as an ice cream truck showing up on the premises. One particular meeting is a no-miss opportunity for Werrlein. Every Friday at 1:30, he and the entire Birmingham team gather in a hallway for a putting competition. It is the one event each week that brings all departments together for fellowship and friendly competition, he says. “I think that summarizes culturally how we operate as an organization. A very serious company that likes to have fun, and we can do that because we have great people.”

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

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TOP CONTENDERS AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM COMPANIES By CRYSTAL CASTLE, KATHERINE MacGILVRAY & DEBORAH STOREY

/////Welcome ///////////to////the ////rest //////of///the ////best //////list. /////These ////////companies /////////////didn’t ////////capture //////////our /////number-one ///////////////spot, ///////but /////they /////////// are far from honorable mention — they are winners in their own right. Each one brings unique insight, experience, services and customer support that continues to retain employees and attract customers.

THE AMERICAN EQUITY UNDERWRITERS

For more than 20 years, the American Equity Underwriters has been providing United States Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (USL&H) coverage to waterfront employers. USL&H is a federal workers compensation law that covers maritime workers. More than 1,500 waterfront employers use American Equity Underwriters to handle their USL&H needs. As the program administrator for the American Longshore Mutual Association, the company provides claims, loss control and underwriting services to its members. The firm has a clear focus on its niche customer and has helped make safety a priority to those waterfront employers. As such, it enjoys a 97.8% member retention rate.

Employees celebrate Christmas at American Equity Underwriters.

BYARS|WRIGHT INSURANCE

Founded in 1946, Byars|Wright provides commercial and personal insurance, as well as excellent service. The company has six locations across central Alabama: Gardendale, Alabaster, Jasper, Cullman, Decatur and Birmingham. The agency oversees many companies’ insurance needs across the country. Byars|Wright has nearly 60 employees and boasts risk management services as well as an employee benefits division. The company focuses on relationship building with its clients, with an emphasis on earning trust and delivering on promises. Byars|Wright has made our list seven years running. 48 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Employees enjoy a game at the ballpark.

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

CROW SHIELDS BAILEY

Crow Shields Bailey is headquartered in Mobile with additional offices in Gulf Shores and Daphne. The company was founded in 1986 and offers its clients accounting, tax and consulting services. More than 40 professionals work at this fullservice accounting firm that takes pride in giving time and resources back to civic and charitable causes. Some services provided include auditing, taxation and estate planning, personal consulting, business valuations and payroll services. In 2016, Crow Shields Bailey hosted its first IMAGINE Leadership Conference for college sophomores and juniors. The two-day conference taught the rising generation of accounting professionals key elements of leadership, such as values, vision and voice.

Employees dress up for Halloween.

FIRST METRO BANK

Headquartered in Muscle Shoals, First Metro Bank has 10 locations in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Limestone counties. “Our motto is ‘Bank with a Neighbor,’ and that is how we conduct business daily,” says Georgia Claire Varble, director of market development at First Metro. “We help our neighbors raise families, open businesses and plan for the future, offering top-quality digital banking products paired with unmatched hometown service.” First Metro offers a generous benefits package and allows flexible work schedules for working parents and caregivers. Employees also have ample opportunities to improve their professional skill sets through industry-certified training programs. Annual events include Employee Appreciation Week and an employee Christmas breakfast.

Bank employees were honored for being an inspiration to others.

FITE BUILDING COMPANY

Established in 1976, Fite Building Company of Decatur is a full-service general contracting and construction management firm serving clients in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. “As our company has grown, we have focused on the importance of our people, encouraging them and providing incentives to expand their knowledge base and skill level,” says President and CEO Jack Fite. “We want a place where people have fun and want to come to work every day.” To encourage that atmosphere, Fite hosts company activities and team building projects that benefit the community. The company provides a benefits package, focuses on promotion from within, and offers employees opportunities to volunteer in the community.

Team members celebrate the holidays.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 49

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

GUARDIAN CREDIT UNION

This financial institution originally served those in the Alabama National Guard and their families. Founded in 1958, it began by offering savings and loan accounts to those service members. Guardian now operates as a full-service institution, offering its services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the 13 counties it serves. The credit union has branch locations across Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. With 240 employees, Guardian provides a wide variety of personal loan types and savings accounts, as well as wealth management, checking and supplemental insurance through Aflac.

Guardian employees attend a conference.

KASSOUF & CO. P.C.

Founded in 1931, Kassouf is a public accounting and consulting firm with more than 80 employees. The firm is headquartered in Birmingham and offers services in the areas of tax, assurance, financial services, business consulting, litigation support, wealth advisory, estate planning and administration, employer benefit and human resource consulting services. Kassouf clients represent a wide range of industries, including health care, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, construction and non-profit.

Kassouf & Co. P.C. employees enjoy a social event.

LEAGUE OF SOUTHEASTERN CREDIT UNIONS

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) represents 323 credit unions across Alabama, Florida and Georgia. LSCU was formed in 2009 through the consolidation of the Alabama Credit Union League and the Florida Credit Union League, with the Georgia Credit Union League joining in 2019. Credit unions that belong to LSCU total more than 10.3 million members and manage more than $120 billion in assets. The company has 117 employees, 53 of whom are in Alabama. LSCU provides a wide range of services including advocacy and regulatory information; education and training; cooperative initiatives (including financial education outreach); media relations and information; and business solutions. 50 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Members of LSCU sit down to a meal together.

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

LEGACY COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Legacy Community Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that has served the greater Birmingham metropolitan area since 1955. Legacy is the official credit union of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and has a rich history of working with academic and medical institutions in the area. Its service area includes Shelby, Blount, St. Clair, Walker, Chilton and Bibb counties. Legacy offers its employees competitive pay, two retirement plans, a robust health insurance plan and generous time off. “Training is a high priority for Legacy,” says Jenna Floore, assistant vice president of human resources. “Many of our managers have worked their way up from entry level positions.”

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union promotes from within.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 51

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

NXTSOFT

After being in business for more than 25 years, NXTsoft has become a market leader in secure, comprehensive and complete workflow application programming interface (API) connectivity, connecting financial technology companies to banks and credit unions throughout the United States. APIs allow two applications to communicate with each other using a series of requests and responses. For example, a personal finance budgeting app could use an API to connect to a user’s bank and retrieve balance information. Headquartered in Birmingham, NXTsoft has 122 U.S. employees, 54 of whom are in Alabama. NXTsoft’s other solutions include data analytics, data management and data migration.

NXTsoft team members enjoy a meal together.

PRITCHETT-MOORE INSURANCE INC.

Founded in 1934, Tuscaloosa-based Pritchett-Moore Insurance Inc. (PMII) is an independent insurance agency whose primary focus is providing property and casualty coverage for West Alabama. In July, PMII announced a merger with Birmingham-based Byars|Wright Insurance, which resulted in the formation of the Where Relationships Matter Group LLC. Company policies that make it a great place to work include a family-oriented focus, says Human Resources Director Chanda Fikes. Pritchett-Moore offers a great benefits package, opportunities for employee advancement and opportunities to celebrate occasions with other staff members.

Pritchett-Moore Insurance recently merged with Byars|Wright Insurance.

ROBERTS BROTHERS INC.

Founded in 1946 by brothers John and David Roberts, this Mobile-based real estate company has offices in Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Orange Beach and Daphne and specializes in selling residential and vacation properties throughout South Alabama. Roberts Brothers strives to create a fun, family-oriented environment for its employees, offering a company-wide cruise and picnic, and it invites real estate experts to motivate and educate their employees. “The honor of being recognized a fourth year in a row as one of the best companies to work for in Alabama is as rewarding as it was the first time,” says Roberts Brothers President Teresa Williamson. “The people in our organization are truly our best asset. Our company culture of deliberately living and giving without hesitation as life happens isn’t a slogan, it’s a belief that guides our decisions and drives our vision.” 52 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Employees get ready for Mardi Gras.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 53

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

SENSIGREEN HEATING & AIR

Opelika-based Sensigreen Heating & Air started in 2007 as a spray foam insulation company and has expanded into a full-service HVAC contractor and insulation company that’s committed to providing a rewarding environment for its employees, says CEO Justin Quinn. “We are a motivated company backed by a family atmosphere that puts our customers first and strives to make work as fun as possible. We provide competitive pay and streamline career paths for all so that everyone has a chance to advance if they put the work in.” The company recognizes and rewards outstanding employees and enjoys helping them “buy their first houses, get married and start families as they have been employed at Sensigreen.”

An HVAC contractor, Sensigreen recognizes and rewards employees who go above and beyond.

SPOC AUTOMATION

SPOC manufactures automation technology for the oil and gas industry. Its products help customers automate processes in artificial lift and water handling, as well as vapor recovery and gas compression. Through innovative and easy-to-implement technologies that boost efficiency and maximize production, SPOC products deliver significant return on investment. SPOC technology also helps its customers reduce energy consumption and minimize their environmental footprints through improved efficiency and productivity. Founded at the turn of the millennium, SPOC has 100 employees and is headquartered in Trussville.

SPOC employees gather for a meal together.

STEADPOINT

Under the SteadPoint umbrella are SteadPoint Insurance Group, SteadPoint Risk Management and SteadPoint Insurance Co. SteadPoint Insurance Group is a general agency and underwriter focusing solely on worker’s compensation insurance. SteadPoint Insurance Co. has written more than $53 million of worker’s compensation premiums. SteadPoint boasts more than 100 years of cumulative underwriting experience and has streamlined its process of risk analysis. The agency works with many industries, including construction, retail and hospitality. Headquartered in Birmingham, SteadPoint was founded in 2004 and employs 40 professionals. 54 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Steadpoint employees enjoy a luncheon in July.

UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE

This top-rated shopping destination started out in 1970 when founder Doyle Owens borrowed a pickup truck and $300 and drove to Washington, D.C. to purchase the first load of unclaimed baggage. Today, the business attracts more than one million customers each year. The company offers competitive wages, generous benefits, flexible scheduling and opportunities for advancement, says Jennifer Kritner, vice president of retail and company culture. The company hosts monthly Unclaimed Baggage Academy sessions, interactive experiences that provide opportunities for employees to connect with the company brand and values in meaningful ways. The company also has a charitable foundation, Reclaimed for Good, which gives employees an opportunity to volunteer.

TOP: Reclaimed for Good is the company’s charitable foundation. BELOW: Other company celebrations.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 55

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

UNITED BANK

Founded in 1904, United Bank in Atmore got its start serving farm families. Today, the bank has more than 20 locations in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. At the heart of their mission is having a positive impact on the communities they serve. Last year, United Bank team members volunteered 5,182 hours; filed 153 tax returns through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program; hosted financial education workshops; provided tornado relief to city employees in Pelham; and supplied nearly 3,000 pounds of produce for local food pantries. United Bank offers an employee stock ownership plan, professional development options and a wellness rewards program.

Employees help pick some oranges to donate to local food pantries.

56 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

WHITE-SPUNNER CONSTRUCTION

White-Spunner Construction is headquartered in Mobile and has 76 employees. Founded in 1981, White-Spunner has completed more than $4 billion worth of construction while remaining debt free. The company offers general contracting, design-build and construction management services to its clients. The organization has grown from smaller commercial projects focusing on the Gulf Coast region to larger and more complex projects across the entire Southeast. With licensing in more than 25 states, White-Spunner has worked on commercial, retail, grocery, municipal/institutional, multifamily, industrial, educational, health care projects and more.

Fishing together builds teamwork.

WILKINS MILLER

Wilkins Miller encourages its clients to reach higher financial goals with a team full of certified accountants, business analysts, consultants and advisors. The company is the largest accounting and consulting firm in the Mobile area, with locations in Mobile and Fairhope. Wilkins Miller has been providing audit, accounting, tax and consulting services for more than 50 years to companies across a wide variety of industries — including aerospace, healthcare, real estate and construction. The firm has more than 70 employees who work proactively to recognize and anticipate opportunities to add value to their clients’ businesses.

Cutline

Wilkins Miller recently sponsored the University of South Alabama’s Buckets & Brews event.

58 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

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RUNNERS-UP AMONG LARGE COMPANIES By CRYSTAL CASTLE, KATHERINE MacGILVRAY & DEBORAH STOREY

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ADTRAV This Hoover travel agency specializes in travel program management by providing data consolidation and expert analysis to businesses and corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Agents offer client counseling, VIP arrangements, meeting and vacation planning, hotel program solutions and global travel assistance. Areas of expertise include the complex worlds of government-funded and non-profit travel. ADTRAV continuously monitors employee engagement and has a 45-year reputation for quality service.

Employees take part in a team marathon.

ALABAMA CREDIT UNION

Alabama Credit Union (ACU) was chartered in 1956 to serve the University of Alabama. Today, ACU has more than $1 billion in assets and serves more than 110,000 members through 35 branches across Alabama and in North Florida. ACU focuses on its employees by providing the strong benefits, ensuring good company morale and keeping team members informed. Its internal training program led

Alabama Credit Union supports Secret Meals for Hungry Children.

to 56 promotions within the past year. “By identifying talent from within our ranks, we can fill internal positions with people who already know and understand the Alabama

CU culture and who can meet the demands of higher-level positions,” says CEO Steve Swofford.

AVADIAN CREDIT UNION

Avadian began as Alabama Telco in 1934, opening its doors with a grand total of $70 in assets. The name referred to the fact that Telco once served only telephone companies and their families. That name changed in 2015. Today Avadian branches throughout Alabama serve more than 87,000 customers. With locations in greater Birmingham, Dothan, Geneva, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile and Vernon, Avadian is now one of the largest credit unions in Alabama, with more than $1 billion in assets. Bank research firm BauerFinancial consistently rates them five stars. Forbes recently named Avadian one of the top three credit unions in Alabama. Team members take time out for a group photo.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 61

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

BANK INDEPENDENT

Founded in 1947 when the only bank in Leighton closed, Bank Independent is based in Sheffield in Northwest Alabama. Through the years, it has been known by various names including the Bank of Leighton and First Colbert Bank. In 2005, the bank purchased 17 offices of Colonial Bank throughout North Alabama. As the ninth-largest bank in Alabama, it currently operates 28 branches in the state. Operations are limited to Alabama. Bank Independent currently employs more than 600 people and is on the Forbes list of Best In-State Banks. The bank research firm BauerFinancial rated it “superior.”

Bank Independent presents Let’s Talk Veterans Inc. with $10,000.

BBB INDUSTRIES

BBB is an industry leader in manufacturing starters, alternators, hydraulic and air disc brake calipers, turbochargers and hydraulic and electric power steering products. BBB Industries was founded in 1987. The world headquarters is in Daphne. BBB ships repair parts to more than 64 countries. Its solar division offers a range of photovoltaic modules (better known as solar panels), business storage solutions and solar attic fans. The company considers itself a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing.

BBB Industries employees outside its offices.

EDWARD JONES

With more than 15,000 locations in North America, this Fortune 500 financial services firm has more branch offices in the U.S. than any other brokerage firm in the country. For more than 100 years, the company has specialized in a personal relationship with clients. Roughly 19,000 financial advisors work with more than 8 million clients. Investment services include stock selection and brokerage accounts, bonds, CDs, mutual funds, ETFs, estate planning, annuities, long-term care insurance and retirement accounts. There are multiple Edward Jones locations in Alabama.

62 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Team members celebrate Arbor Day.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 63

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

MARTIN INC.

More than 85 years ago, Louis Martin saw a need for basic industrial supplies and repair parts in North Alabama. Today, Martin Supply Company is one of the nation’s top 50 industrial distributors of fasteners and safety, industrial and integrated supplies and services. Catering to industrial and construction customers, the company offers safety equipment (PPE), cutting tools, pumps, compressors, paints, lubricants, power tools, electrical products, motors, commercial construction products and more. Industrial Distribution magazine ranked Martin Supply at No. 44 on its annual Big 50 List of North American Industrial Distributors, citing 2021 annual sales of $156 million.

MAX CREDIT UNION

Martin employees dish up the food.

MAX leadership gets ready to open a branch.

Founded in 1955, Montgomery-based MAX Credit Union is a full-service financial institution offering a full range of services, including checking accounts, investing, insurance, home mortgages and the latest in digital banking. MAX provides an energetic work environment for its employees, offering competitive compensation, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities and recognition of employee achievements. In 2001, a group of associates created the MAX4Kids Foundation, which has raised more than $1.4 million to support local children’s charities.

QUINCY COMPRESSOR

This Illinois-based company that started in 1920 provides air compressor products for mining, drilling, concrete production, shipbuilding and everyday use. They introduced the QR-25 reciprocating/piston compressor in 1937, and it remains an industry standard. Nearly 40% of rotary sales are custom orders with unique configurations. In 1980, machining and manufacturing operations of rotary screw compressors and vacuum pumps began in Bay Minette. The plant expanded in 1996. Quincy Compressor serves aerospace, agricultural, dry cleaning, automotive, brewing, manufacturing and other industries. 64 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Quincy Compressor’s Bay Minette location.

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

RAUSCH COLEMAN HOMES

Since getting its start in Arkansas, Rausch Coleman Homes has become one of the top homebuilders in the United States. The company has built more than 30,000 homes in more than 65 years with an emphasis on energy-efficient construction in major metropolitan areas, as well as suburban locations. Alabama offices are located in Birmingham and Huntsville. Other locations include Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Texas.

Rausch Coleman Homes, with locations in Birmingham and Huntsville, encourages team building exercises, like bowling, boating and attending industry events.

66 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 67

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

SOUTHSTATE (BIRMINGHAM)

Headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, SouthState Bank provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than 1 million customers in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. SouthState’s employee benefits include flexible spending accounts, a competitive 401k and an employee stock purchase plan. They also help employees grow professionally through a variety of learning and leadership opportunities. SouthState also encourages team members to grow their personal lives as well as their professional lives.

SouthState employees show off their catch in Orange Beach.

THOMPSON ENGINEERING

Thompson Engineering is an engineering design, environmental consulting and construction management firm headquartered in Mobile, with additional offices in Birmingham, Orange Beach, Tuscaloosa and Daphne. Established in 1953, the company has more than 300 employees in eight states. Beyond its basic services, Thompson provides drilling, materials testing, construction inspection and chemistry laboratory services. During its early years, Thompson Engineering performed services along the Gulf Coast’s rivers, bayous and streams and now designs and plans waterfront projects across the Southeast.

Thompson Engineering talks over the challenges at a jobsite.

TOTAL QUALITY LOGISTICS

Total Quality Logistics offers 15 modes of material shipping services including truck, air, ocean and intermodal transport. Founded in 1997 in Cincinnati, TQL is one of the largest freight brokerage firms in North America. With a network of more than 130,000 carriers, the company moves 3 million loads of freight annually, including shipments to Canada and Mexico. More than 10,000 employees work in 56 offices throughout the U.S. Alabama locations are in Birmingham and Spanish Fort. TQL employees show off their team spirit.

68 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 69

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

WARREN AVERETT

The sixth-largest CPA firm in the Southeast has more than 800 employees in 15 offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas and the Cayman Islands, with operations throughout the Southeast. The firm has seven locations in Alabama. Core services include traditional accounting and financial services for businesses, corporate advisory solutions and strategies, risk assessments, IT security, business software, backup disaster recovery solutions, HR assistance, financial and retirement planning, investment planning and estate services for individuals. Forbes listed it among America’s Best Tax Firms and Best Accounting firms for 2022. Warren Averett celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Crystal Castle, Katherine MacGilvray and Deborah Storey are freelance contributors to Business Alabama. Castle is based in Mobile while MacGilvray and Storey are based in Huntsville.

70 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

Employees enjoy a meal together.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 71

HOSPITALITY

Almost like

HOME

Alabama Airbnb and VRBO hosts top $100 million in rental fees By EMMETT BURNETT — Photo by ART MERIPOL

Jake and Sidney Collins Freeman own and operate the Venue at Lakewood in Livingston, one of the many Airbnb and VRBO sites in Alabama. 72 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

ome love it. Others are wary. But all agree, virtual landlords are upon us. Just as Amazon changed shopping, Airbnb, VRBO and other digital services transformed shortterm lodging. That change is happening in Alabama, too, and it’s a growing trend here. According to an Airbnb spokesperson, in 2021, Alabama hosts’ total income was $135 million. In the last two years, the Heart of Dixie was among the top states to see a 17% increase in private room listings, accounting for $3.5 million in hosts earnings. The state is also served by VRBO and an estimated hundred more such online services. Hosts claim internet innkeepers offer a world of opportunities. “We’ve had guests from all over, including the United Kingdom and China,” says Sidney Collins Freeman. She and husband Jake own The Venue at Lakewood in Livingston, an estate that could have stepped out of “Gone With the Wind.” “Airbnb lists the property, books reservations, collects the money,” Freeman says, adding, “It has options for hosts to review potential renter’s requests before accepting it. We like that. I want to make sure potential guests are on the up and up. It is important because you are literally inviting strangers into your home to spend the night.” The Livingston host advises newbies: “Your goal is to achieve ‘Super Host’

‘

The entry hall and staircase in the Venue at Lakewood offer a formal yet welcoming feel.

status.” It is no easy task. The property must be impeccably clean with an excellent staff. Judging is done through Airbnb’s customer feedback. “We strive to maintain Super Host status,” adds Bradley Martens, property manager for JWJ Investment Properties in Monroeville. Towne Square Lofts and Lofts of 21 are located on the square in Monroeville’s Historic District. The renovated buildings are walking distance from the historic Courthouse of “To Kill a Mockingbird” fame. “It is important to have city backing,” adds Martens. “We also have good support from the Chamber of Commerce.” In Monroeville, internet bookings are a win-win for the hosts and the city. Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Penelope Hines agrees. “Not only did JWJ Investment Properties renovate dilapidated properties, but they also added much needed short term rental options, such as

Airbnb.” Meanwhile in Selma, AC Reeves, owner of the renovated Woolworth Lofts Building, two blocks from the Edmund Pettis Bridge, recalls a 2019 tenant breakfast. “I walked upstairs to see musicians gathered around the dining table in a loft with the door open,” she said. “Joan Baez was cooking breakfast.” Property owner Reeves continues, “People have an intimate feeling with Selma when they spend the night in a building that is part of the town’s history. Take Joan Baez for example. She stayed an extra night and asked for a late check out.” Reeves’ advice for using internet shortterm booking services: “Don’t go around them. Sometimes guests want to book an extra day and they will ask you to do it. Wrong. Let Airbnb do it. They have the structure. They know what they’re doing. The fee is nominal.” She adds, “Every host does things dif-

People have an intimate feeling with Selma when they spend the night in a building that is part of the town’s history. Take Joan Baez for example. She stayed an extra night and asked for a late check out.” — AC REEVES, OWNER OF THE RENOVATED WOOLWORTH LOFTS BUILDING December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 73

The Venue at Lakewood stands ready to welcome guests.

ferently. Some rent one room, some rent several. But Airbnb allows us to highlight what we wish to show about our rental and our community. It is a very powerful tool.” Other hosts agree with stipulations. “Document everything,” says VRBO host Suzanne Borchert, who rents a former residential home, two blocks from Gulf Shores’ beaches. “VRBO does a fantastic job of marketing and advertising,” the Atlanta resident adds. “But the majority of its revenue is from guests’ fees — not the property owners, and it shows in their level of support.” The online company typically sides with the renter, she says. “If a guest breaks something, VRBO’s attitude is ‘yeah, you need to deal with that.’” Also, VRBO, according to Borchert, does not vet. “You set up the rules (ages, occupancy limits, etc.) but VRBO doesn’t check any of that.” On a positive note she adds, “90% of my rentals are from VRBO. It is good overall, but you must go into this knowing what to expect — the good and the bad.” Recognize red flags. “For example, if someone calls from nearby, like Foley, wanting to rent my Gulf Shores house — that means a beach party,” says Borchert. “I say no.” The city may say “no,” too, so property owners need to be aware of local regulations. All Airbnb and VRBO listings reported in this story abide by the rules. But others, may have room for improvement. “If you are making money in our

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The number of online rentals is ever changing. People put their rental rooms and properties on and off the market frequently. But most people here turn their rental properties over to professional agencies.” — JOANIE FLYNN, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING WITH GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH TOURISM

city, you need a business license,” says Todd McDonald, director of planning and development for the city of Dothan, addressing property rentals through online sites. “Without a business license we cannot collect taxes.” At this writing Dothan is considering an ordinance covering rules and regulations for cyber short-term ventures.

Zoning restrictions, business licensing and taxes will be covered. “People were complaining that rentals were interfering with the quiet enjoyment of residential property,” he recalls. “They said hosts were not obeying the rules. We looked and discovered we didn’t really have rules.” That is about to change. “Don’t get me wrong; I am in no way against short-term rentals,” says Tami Reist, president and CEO of Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, based in Decatur. “But I am for a level playing field. I am against taking away from hotels who play by the rules, have certificates of occupancy, pay lodging taxes, and meet all state and local requirements.” She notes that many people buying properties to list in online booking sites are from out of state. “Californians and New Yorkers can buy an Alabama property for a quarter of the cost of their states,” she says. “They can make a lot of money. It’s great for them but not for us.” Curiously, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have fewer privately-owned shortterm rentals than one might think. “It is impossible to count accurately,” says Joanie Flynn, vice president of marketing with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. “The number of online rentals is ever changing. People put their rental rooms and properties on and off the market frequently. But most people here turn their rental properties over to professional agencies.” But Flynn stresses, regardless of who manages the rental — online or local brick-and-mortar services — all rentals must be licensed in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Standards must be met. In Gulf Shores, each unit receives a safety inspection every three years. Both beach towns have rules in place and more are probably coming. Like it or not, online short-term rentals are probably here to stay. And if you have the right property to attract guests, make sure to follow the rules. Emmett Burnett and Art Meripol are freelance contributors to Business Alabama. Burnett is based in Satsuma and Meripol in Birmingham.

SPOTLIGHT Tallapoosa Chambers County County

TALLAPOOSA & CHAMBERS

Sunset on the bank of Lake Martin.

by LORI CHANDLER PRUITT

A rendering of the clubhouse at Wicker Point Golf Club.

An aerial view of The Heritage.

ALLAPOOSA AND CHAMBERS COUNTIES, in east-central Alabama, benefit greatly from its crown jewel, Lake Martin, along with other natural resources. Many consider this area an ideal place to live, work and play. These counties are close to Hyundai in Montgomery and Kia in West Point, Georgia, which makes automotive suppliers the largest economic engine in both counties. Both counties have diverse economic sectors including wood and forest products, food services, higher education and health care. Quality of life is important here, too, as shown by downtown revitalization, parks, trails, attractions and more. School systems are heavily involved in workforce development and work closely

with industry and business to determine what is needed. Business incubators are located here, and both counties are busy expanding broadband. In Chambers County, from 2021-22 the county has seen more than $300 million in capital investment and 300 new jobs, according to economic developers. A huge development for the county is John Soules Foods, which located in the county recently and already is one of its largest manufacturers. Since the city of Valley has been certified as an ideal site for food and beverage companies, more similar companies are likely, officials say. At Lake Martin, the demand for lakefront living has not slowed at all. Throughout the pandemic, demand accelerated. To help meet demand, Russell Lands, which owns, manages and develops commercial

and residential real estate primarily along 41,000 acres of water and 880 miles of shoreline, announced a new luxury residential development, The Heritage, which will include a Coore & Crenshaw golf course, to be called Wicker Point Golf Club at The Heritage. It is the first in the state to be designed by famed architect Bill Coore and golf legend Ben Crenshaw. The private course should be completed in early 2023. “We already have Willow Point Golf, which is a big amenity for us, but we found we needed more golf,” says Tom Lamberth, Russell Lands president and CEO. “We started thinking about it quite some time ago and we realized we needed more residential product as well.” The new development is expected to generate some $40 million for Alexander City and December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 75

S P O T L I G H T: OV E R V I E W

Tallapoosa County in the next 10 to 15 years, he says. The Heritage will be within the city limits of Alexander City. It is a 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of shoreline and will include 200 waterfront lots and 150 wooded interior homesites, as well as a resident-owned lake club, covered pavilions, firepits, community docks and more. Most of the project’s first phase lots have already been sold. Another huge development for the area is Russell Medical’s multi-facility expansion project that is underway, made possible

M E D I A N H O U S E H O L D I N CO M E Madison County: $66,887 Elmore County: $62,324 Baldwin County: $61,756 Jefferson County: $55,088 Lee County: $52,930 Montgomery County: $51,963 Mobile County: $49,625 Tallapoosa County: $48,160 Randolph County: $45,141 Chambers County: $43,875 State of Alabama Coosa County: $43,571 $52,035 Clay County: 42,678 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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by a $25 million donation by Ben and Luanne Russell. The gift is the largest in the hospital’s history and will include an independent living community, an assisted living facility, the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care for geriatric health care and specialty services, and a Benjamin Russell Endowed Chair in Geriatrics that will be held by the medical director of the advanced care center. Lori Chandler Pruitt is a freelance writer for Business Alabama. She lives in Birmingham.

P O P U L AT I O N

Total Alabama Population: 5,039,877

Jefferson County: 667,820 Mobile County: 413,073 Madison County: 395,211 Baldwin County: 239,294 Montgomery County: 227,434 Lee County: 177,218 Elmore County: 89,304 Tallapoosa County: 41,023 Chambers County: 34,541 Randolph County: 21,989 Clay County: 14,190 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Coosa County: 10,450

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 77

In Focus

Birdies, bogeys and beauty Coore & Crenshaw’s latest design is on Lake Martin By ALEC HARVEY

ill Coore was designing golf courses — in his head, at least — from an early age. “I grew up in North Carolina, and even though I played mostly on very rudimentary public courses, I also had the opportunity to play at Pinehurst and courses like that,” he says, referring to one of golf’s most revered locations. “Along the way, I found it interesting trying to decide why I like some golf courses better than others.” The verdict? “I didn’t hit the ball extreme distances,” he says. “I depended much more on shot placement than I did on strength and hitting long distances. I gravitated more toward courses that would allow me to play against much stronger players and still have a chance. Courses like

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Pinehurst No. 2 allowed me to do that. It allows a wider variety of people to play and at least have hope they can succeed.” That’s exactly what Coore and his partner in golf course design hope to do with the new Wicker Point Golf Club at Lake Martin. It’s being built now and is projected to open in summer 2023. Coore’s design partner also knows a thing or two about golf courses. Ben Crenshaw is a 19-time winner on the PGA tour, including two Masters titles. Coore had been in golf course design about 13 years when, in December of 1985, he formed a partnership with Crenshaw. “It has been one of those beyond fortuitous occurrences that we did this,” says Coore, who, with Crenshaw, has designed

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have designed a number of holes that run alongside Lake Martin at WIcker Creek.

golf courses around the world. “Most people who know us think that we’re highly compatible both in terms of personality and golf design philosophy.” Wicker Point is Coore & Crenshaw’s first design in Alabama, and Coore says the Lake Martin setting, on a development by Russell Lands, is “stunning.” “The Russell Lands people were just fantastic,” Coore says. “They said, ‘Come and see if you can do something interesting here. … See if you can create a course that would provide some interest and enjoyment to a pretty wide class of golfers, meaning skill level, and showcase what we have here at Lake Martin.’ … We tried to lay out a course that, although it’s hilly, we hope is going to be accommodating from a play and enjoyment standpoint and at the

S P O T L I G H T: I N F O C U S

Wicker Point Golf Club begins to take shape along Lake Martin.

‘

same time be a complement to this really golf course to be a complement to the site. stunningly beautiful place.” If you have a gifted site, you want the golf Crenshaw, whose grandparents lived in course to look like it belongs at the site. Andalusia, and Coore are both “old-fashWe want it to say, ‘This is Lake Martin.’ ioned” when it comes to course design, We want you to know where you are.” Coore says, eschewing modern tools like Coore says designing golf courses like drones and computer-assisted design in Wicker Creek is a “dream job” for him. favor of topographical maps and first-hand “It’s great to have a job that’s both a eyeballing of the land. hobby and a job,” Coore says. “Every golfer “Technically speaking, we’re dinosaurs,” would love to do what Ben and I have a Coore says with a laugh. “We came here chance to do. … We’ve been fortunate to and started walking different places along work in a lot of different places, but this the lake. … We were getting a feel for how one is kind of special.” the land flowed and trying to ascertain what might be the best way to put a Alec Harvey is executive editor of sequence of golf holes together on this Business Alabama. property. We came up with a very early routing, and to this Ben Crenshaw, left, and Bill day, that’s pretty much stayed Coore. Photo courtesy of Coore & the same.” Crenshaw. The 18-hole golf course definitely takes advantage of its surroundings, Coore says. “There are a few holes right on the lake,” he says. “Even the holes that are slightly inland, you will have lake views on most of them. … The two or three that don’t have views are, from our perspective, two or three of the most interesting holes on the course.” As with all of the Coore & Crenshaw courses, there are a couple of goals the designers have for Wicker Creek. “One is to create a golf course that we think could be interesting to play for as many different classes of golfers as possible,” he says. “Beyond that, we want the

There are a few holes right on the lake. Even the holes that are slightly inland, you will have lake views on most of them. … The two or three that don’t have views are, from our perspective, two or three of the most interesting holes on the course.” — BILL COORE

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Economic Engines

Ben and Luanne Russell with Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace and other local officials during the groundbreaking of the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care (rendering of facility shown below).

by LORI CHANDLER PRUITT AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING SUPPLIERS

The automotive industry continues to be an important economic engine in Tallapoosa and Chambers counties. Situated in the middle of the triangle of Kia in nearby West Point, Georgia; Hyundai in Montgomery; and Honda in Talladega County, the two counties are a hub of Tier 1 suppliers. Alexander City is currently home to several auto suppliers, including C&J Tech, Korens USA and the county’s largest employer, SL Alabama. Further southeast in the county, the city of Dadeville is home to two additional

B U S I N E S S SEPTEMBER 2022: Wayne Davis Concrete opens its new facility in Lanett. The company has been operating ready mix concrete facilities for more than 50 years and has 18 facilities across Alabama and Georgia. SEPTEMBER 2022: The city of Valley in Chambers County has been certified

Hyundai and Kia Tier I suppliers, Sejin America and KwangSung America. The Chambers County Industrial Park in Cusseta also is home to key automotive suppliers, among them metal stamper AJIN USA, Wooshin USA, Daedong Hi-Lex of America, SaeHaeSung Alabama Inc., Leehan America and Kmin USA Inc. Expanding the automotive influence, Westwater Resources subsidiary Alabama Graphite is building a graphite processing plant just over the county line in Coosa County, bringing the region into play in the EV battery supply chain. Alexander City Utilities services the Lake Martin Area Industrial Park, where the plant is being built.

RUSSELL LANDS

Russell Lands and the entire Lake Martin area are booming. Always a popular place to live, it has seen even stronger demand since the start of the pandemic. Russell Lands is a major economic engine in the area, providing much of Tallapoosa County’s total ad valorem tax yearly. In the newest luxury residential

B R I E F S

as an ideal location for companies in the food and beverage industry. The Chambers County Development Authority hired Garner Economics LLC and CDG Engineers for the certification. SEPTEMBER 2022: East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier in Chambers County opens a 20-bed

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geriatric psychiatric unit, providing inpatient care. AUGUST 2022: John Soules Foods in Valley announces it will invest $81 million to complete its final three production lines. The company has invested more than $300 million in the area. Employment is expected to top 500.

JULY 2022: Spun yarn maker Parkdale Mills, which has 29 plants in the U.S., Mexico and South America, closes its Alexander City plant, among others. JUNE 2022: The city of LaFayette is designated as a Main Street Alabama Community.

MAY 2022: The Chambers County Development Authority, which owns the former Lanett Mill and Bluffton Facility that was used for West Point Stevens dye work and bleachery, secured funds for site clean up from the EPA Target Brownfield Assessment Program.

S P O T L I G H T: ECO N O M I C E N G I N E S

development underway, The Heritage, most of the first collection of lots are already sold. “We’re at the point where we knew we had to think where else we could provide neighborhoods and amenities,” says Steve Arnberg, vice president of real estate. “The location for The Heritage is close to many community amenities and city services, which is really a plus for us.” The 1,500-acre gated neighborhood is on 12 miles of shoreline and features about 240 waterfront homesites with panoramic lake views and 130 wooded interior lots. The Heritage is based around a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw-designed Wicker Point Golf Club, which should be completed in fall 2023. “We needed more golf opportunities,” says Roger Holliday, vice president of Russell Lands. “Our Willow Point golf club is reaching capacity. It’s likely the first and only Coore & Crenshawdesigned course in Alabama. Their courses are built around the world.” Another signature amenity will be The Benjamin Lake Club, a resident-owned facility with saline pool, grill, eight tennis courts and tennis pro shop and eight pickleball courts, plus an event lawn, fitness center, fire pits, community dock and waterfront area. This new neighborhood also has been annexed into Alexander City. The communities offer an array of activities, such as Christmas at Crossroads, a run to benefit the schools, boating safety courses and music festivals. All the Russell Lands neighborhoods include amenities like golf, marinas, equestrian trails and shops. Beyond its

B U S I N E S S APRIL 2022: Ground is broken for Alabama Graphite Products, a $202 million graphite processing plant in nearby Coosa County in an industrial park owned by the city of Alexander City in Tallapoosa County. The plant is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will provide a component for electric vehicle batteries.

residential developments, the company also offers home improvement, building supply and décor shops. HEALTH CARE

Three hospitals in the two counties, along with satellite clinics and rehab care, makes health care a major driver in both counties. These hospitals Interstates provide a vital transportation are among the largest em- network for Chambers County. ployers in the counties. Russell Medical in Southern Union State Community Alexander City, a member of the UAB College, both among the state’s original Health System, broke ground on a five colleges. multi-facility expansion made possible Central Alabama’s main campus is by a $25 million donation by local in Alexander City with three additional philanthropists Ben and Luanne Russell. locations in Childersburg, Talladega The Russell Legacy Project will consist and Prattville. Southern Union State of multiple development phases centered Community College has a location in on geriatric medicine and enhanced Valley in Chambers County, along with opportunities for senior citizens. Phase locations in Wadley and Opelika. 1 includes the development of a senior Both colleges offer dual enrollment living community, Sterling Gate, as for high school students, academic well as the Benjamin Russell Center for transfer programs, adult education and Advanced Care. an array of workforce development On the southern end of Tallapooprograms. sa County, Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville has 46 beds and AIRPORTS employs more than 200. Each county boasts an airport — T.C. And in Chambers County, Russell Field in Alexander City in TalEAMC-Lanier Hospital in Valley recentlapoosa County and Lanett Municipal ly opened a 20-bed geriatric psychiatric Airport in Chambers County. unit and an outpatient ambulatory surgery center. UP AND COMING SECTORS

HIGHER EDUCATION

The two counties are home to Central Alabama Community College and

In Tallapoosa County, which already has a high percentage of automotive suppliers, the addition of Alabama Graphite

B R I E F S

It is expected to employ at least 100 people. MARCH 2022: AJIN USA, a Tier 1 automotive supplier for Kia and Hyundai located in Cusetta in Chambers County, invests $12 million and adds 26 jobs. The firm invested $20 million the previous March.

FEBRUARY 2022: Malibu Electronics acquires AmTech in Alexander City. The company assembles electronic wiring harnesses for powerboats. SEPTEMBER 2021: Chambers County is chosen to participate in the Rural Innovation Initiative, a program to nurture tech entrepreneurship.

AUGUST 2021: KMIN USA, an automotive supplier, invests $20 million in a building expansion and adds 50 jobs. JUNE 2021: After a fire in April 2021, East Alabama Lumber in Lafayette invested about $20 million to rebuild its mill and add back 33 jobs.

JUNE 2021: Daedong Hi-Lex of America, an automotive supplier, invests $14.9 million in a building expansion and adds 45 jobs. MARCH 2021: Russell Lands announces plans for a new golf course to be designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Sources: Economic developers

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 81

S P O T L I G H T: ECO N O M I C E N G I N E S

John Soules Foods.

Products, a $202 million graphite processing plant will open the door to more

B U S I N E S S MARCH 2021: West Fraser (formerly Norbord), a manufacturer of OSB wood products in Lanett, invests $45 million in new machinery for its facility and a building expansion.

battery production and products related to electric vehicles. And in Chambers County, where the city of Valley has been certified as an ideal site for companies in the food and beverage industry and where John Soules Foods recently opened, that sector is set to expand. Also in Chambers County, Holland Homes partnered with the city of Valley, economic developers and Alabama Power to create the first rural smart neighborhood, a multi-phase project that will include homes, commercial and recreational components.

B R I E F S

MARCH 2021: Russell Lands announces the construction of a Coore & Crenshawdesigned golf course, Wicker Point, which is the centerpiece for Lake Martin’s newest residential development, The Heritage.

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The golf course is the first in the state designed by famed architect Bill Coore and golf legend Ben Crenshaw. JANUARY 2021: Knauf Insulation invests $27 million in a new furnace for its Lanett facility.

TAXES PROPERTY TAX Not including cities or schools

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY: 8.5 mills CHAMBERS COUNTY: 22.3 mills STATE OF ALABAMA: 6.5 MILLS

SALES TAX TALLAPOOSA COUNTY: 2% Cities within the county

ALEXANDER CITY: 4% CAMP HILL: 3.5% DADEVILLE: 3.5% DAVISTON: 2% JACKSONS GAP: 3% NEW SITE: 3% CHAMBERS COUNTY: 6% Cities within the county

CUSSETA: 1% FIVE POINTS: 3% LAFAYETTE: 5% LANETT: 5% VALLEY: 5% ALABAMA SALES TAX: 4% Source: Alabama Department of Revenue

Health Care

Russell Medical’s Total Health and Urgent Care. RUSSELL MEDICAL

Russell Medical in Alexander City, part of the UAB Health System, is one of the largest employers in Tallapoosa County. Russell Medical was recognized in 2021 and again in 2022 as a five-star facility by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; in 2022, it was one of only three Alabama hospitals to receive this recognition. The hospital’s Russell Legacy Project is underway, made possible by a $25 million donation from local philanthropists Ben and Luanne Russell. The project will take shape on the hospital’s 52-acre campus and be built in phases. All of the buildings and roads will be named in honor of the Russell family. The project includes an independent living community with 26 single-family cottages, as well as an assisted living facility with 32 residential units. Also underway is the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care, which will provide comprehensive geriatric health care and specialty health care services. The center will be built in front of the cancer center with frontage on Highway 280 and house gerontology, women’s health and other specialty clinics. The Russells also made possible an endowed chair in geriatrics, which will help recruit more geriatric specialists to the area. Dr. Bob Edwards will fill that position as well as become the medical director and geriatrician for the center. He has been with Russell Medical since 2014 and is completing a geriatric fellowship program at the UAB School of Medicine. The hospital’s new equipment purchases include a da Vinci XI surgical robot, the second surgical robot purchased since

East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier.

2011, and a Zimmer Biomet Rosa robot, the hospital’s first orthopedic robot. The hospital operates rural health clinics in New Site, Dadeville and Goodwater. LAKE MARTIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Lake Martin Community Hospital, a division of Ivy Creek Healthcare, is a 46-bed facility in Dadeville in Tallapoosa County. Lake Martin Community Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care, general surgery, pediatric and family medicine, physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, radiology, lab testing, pain management, respite care, inpatient and outpatient services. It also has a home health and hospice company and wellness center. EAST ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER-LANIER

Located in Valley in Chambers County, EAMC-Lanier is a 98-bed acute care hospital that has served the community for more than 70 years. The hospital is the only one in the county and remains one of the largest employers in the area. Attached to the hospital is a 103-bed nursing home. EAMC-Lanier is also home to a 17-bed acute rehab unit that provides compre-

hensive inpatient rehabilitation following injury or illness. Through a partnership with local physicians, an outpatient ambulatory surgery center was opened at EAMC-Lanier in April 2021 to provide same-day surgery services. The hospital opened a 20-bed geriatric psychiatric unit in September 2022. This unit provides inpatient care for an aging population experiencing symptoms in the areas of dementia, depression and other mental health issues. EAMC-Lanier provides a full range of outpatient services that includes a 24-hour emergency room; outpatient rehabilitation services; imaging services, including a 64-slice CT scanner, 3-D digital mammography and MRI; and laboratory services. EAMC-Lanier also offers primary care, internal medicine, orthopedic and cardiology services at several clinic locations. Through an affiliation with East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier provides easy access to a wide range of specialty services to the members of the local community. These specialty services include cardiology, neurology, urology, oncology and women’s services. December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 83

Movers & Shapers CURTIS “WOODY” BAIRD is mayor

of Alexander City. He earned his associate of science in nursing degree from Troy State University and worked six years as a nurse. He also served 20 years in the Army with the Special Forces and ran a business for 24 years in Alexander City. He is an NRA training counselor. He serves on the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority board, Lake Martin Economic Development Authority, East Alabama Regional Planning Commission and the executive board of Tallapoosa County Republican Party. MICHELE EDWARDS is director of

career technical education for Alexander City Schools. She has 24 years of experience in education, working in Shelby County and at King’s Home before moving to Alexander City. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University while participating on Troy’s women’s basketball team. She also holds a doctorate from the University of Alabama. She is a 2022 graduate of the Alabama Works Educator’s Workforce Academy and is partnering with the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to promote Pathway Learning in Alexander City Schools. ANSLEY EMFINGER is project

manager at the Chambers County Development Authority. She is a native of Chambers County and is a 2020 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama. During college, she interned both at CCDA and Alabama Power Co. through the Economic Development Association of Alabama internship program. After college, she worked at the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. She serves on the LaFayette Main Street board, Circle of Care Center 84 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

for Families board, is a member of EDAA and the Junior Variety Club. She holds additional economic development credentials from the University of Georgia and Auburn University. RICHARD LANGFORD is controller

at Russell Lands. A graduate of Auburn University, he is a CPA with a career in accounting and finance of more than 35 years. He came to Russell Lands after serving as chief financial officer at Remmert & Co. in Tuscaloosa, and also has worked in banking in Tuscaloosa and Alexander City and served as director of corporate financial reporting at Russell Corp., the former Fortune 500 company headquartered in Alexander City. He has twice served on the city council in Alexander City. JEFF LYNN is president of Central

Alabama Community College. He is working on increasing enrollment, community engagement, developing long-term relationships with K-12 and other community partners and staffing the college with strong leaders. He came to the Alabama Community College System from Louisiana Economic Development where he developed the nationally recognized LED FastStart workforce development program. He is a graduate of Auburn University, a Certified Economic Developer Trainer with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, IT centers and more. CHAD ODOM is executive director

of the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the post. A native of Louisiana, he is a graduate of the University of New Orleans with additional credentials from the University of Cambridge, and he has mentored management and C level executives for Verizon, Siemens and Holiday Inn. At

G.E. Finance, he oversaw language and compliance in Hi Tech City India. Later he was an economic developer in Texas. CAT OUTZEN is CEO of Children’s

Harbor, working to aid families with seriously ill children. Earlier, Outzen served as the director of community relations and pediatric programs at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola. She has a BS and an MBA from the University of Florida. She is currently a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club and formerly served on the boards of Autism Pensacola, Children’s Home Society and the Arthritis Foundation, in her hometown of Pensacola. BEVERLY PRICE is superintendent

of Alexander City schools. She has 27 years of experience in public education, the last 18 in Alexander City. She serves on the Lake Martin Area United Way board, the Boys & Girls Club board and is active with the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Faulkner University, she has a master’s, doctorate and educational specialist degrees from Auburn University. MATT SHEPPARD is director of golf

for Willow Point Golf & Country Club and the Wicker Point Golf Club, which is currently under construction. He leads the entire golf program, manages the golf shop, outside services, teaching and club fitting programs. He came to Willow Point in 2010 from The Mountain Brook Club in Birmingham where he spent two years as an assistant professional. Sheppard is a PGA Class A Member and Certified Titleist Performance instructor and is vice president of the Alabama NW-Florida PGA Section board. Among his honors,

S P O T L I G H T: M OV E R S & S H A PE R S

he received the 2020 Alabama-NW Florida PGA Professional Development Award. TRAVIS SMITH is the founder of Unite

Inc., a nonprofit that helps connect high school students to HBCUs and HBCU students to opportunities. To date, Unite Inc. has assisted high school seniors in accumulating $40.2 million in scholarships and acceptances to some 550 universities. A LaFayette native, he earned a Ph.D. from Clemson University. Smith is joining the Auburn University faculty as an assistant professor of higher education administration, where he researches HBCUs and Black student experiences. MARK SPENCER is senior vice

president for Valley Bank and manages 16 bank branches in Alexander City, Birmingham, Montgomery, Millbrook,

Pell City, Wetumpka, Dadeville and Auburn. He is a board member of the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance and chairman for the American Red Cross of Central Alabama, and has been honored as Businessperson of the Year by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. He has served as chairman of the Lake Martin Area United Way and the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and helped established a business incubator. STANLEY TUCKER has served as

president and CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bank of LaFayette since 2009. He has been with the bank since 1998. Farmers and Merchants Bank is currently the only independently owned bank in Chambers or Tallapoosa County. Beyond banking, the Auburn University graduate is involved in the cattle industry

in Chambers County. He serves on the board of LaFayette Main Street and is active with the Rotary Club of LaFayette, East Alabama Health Care Authority and Chattahoochee Humane Society. TERRY “TJ” WOOD is a major and

patrol commander in the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department. After attending Southern Union State Community College and graduating from the Northeast Alabama Police Academy, he started his career with the LaFayette Police Department, before joining the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, where he has served as deputy, patrol sergeant, K9 handler, criminal investigator and drug investigator. A former Youth for Christ board member, he is also a former ambassador with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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CENTRAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CACC is one of Alabama’s five original community colleges. Its main campus is in Alexander City, with additional locations in Childersburg, Talladega and a new campus in Prattville. The service area for the college includes all of Tallapoosa, Coosa and Talladega counties, plus portions of Shelby, Clay, Elmore and Autauga counties. CACC enrolled 2,219 students in the 2021-2022 academic year and enrollment is currently up by 14% over last fall. The college boasts a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and offers associate degrees in science, applied science and occupational technology. Students who choose the associate in science degree path can transfer to a fouryear college or university to finish their course of study. Students who choose the associate in applied science degree path can pursue a degree in computer science, general business, office administration, nursing, automotive manufacturing technology, medical assisting technology and industrial electronics technology. And students who choose the associate in occupational technology degree can pursue cosmetology, machine shop or welding, The dual enrollment program continues to grow rapidly at CACC, serving students in grades 10 to 12 at the 40-plus high schools in the college’s service area. Heading into 2023, CACC is offering several new programs. CACC signed an agreement with Intel to offer AI Artificial Intelligence, making it the only school in Alabama and one of the first in the nation to offer this program. CACC also offers the MFG 4.0 Curriculum for its electrical and mechanical maintenance pathways. The Marine Service Technician program, started in 2020, has continued to grow. CACC recently started a nursing apprenticeship for four health care provider companies. The number of health care provider participants has grown to more 25, now just weeks after the start. CACC also plans a Google IT Professional Certificate program, preparing students for an entry-level IT support job and industry certification. The community college works with business and industry, government, civic

Higher Education

Southern Union State Community College has experienced substantial growth in the last few years at its Valley campus.

Central Alabama Community College is simulating real factory operations for students with the SMC HAS-200 trainer.

clubs and more to make sure its programs match regional needs. For students who opt to transition to a four-year school, CACC has transfer programs in place with the Auburn University School of Agriculture, Auburn University at Montgomery, Troy University and Alabama State University. CACC continues to offer medical assisting technology. This program includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, medical office procedures and more preparing graduates for supervised work in a medical setting. SOUTHERN UNION STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The second oldest community college is Alabama, Southern Union State Community College has three campus locations in Wadley, Opelika and Valley. SUSCC serves residents of an eight-county area of east and central Alabama, as well as neighbor-

ing Georgia counties. The Valley campus of Southern Union State Community College in Chambers County has experienced substantial growth over the last few years. Home to the college’s physical therapist assistant and medical assistant technology programs, the campus has continued its tradition of offering programs in the medical field. The Valley campus, which opened in 1974, was established to offer academic courses for transfer as well as a home for the college’s nursing program, which has since moved off campus. The campus’ Saturday College offerings have grown since its inception in 2019. Saturday College offers students an opportunity to earn an associate in science degree in seven semesters or less by attending classes on Saturday and/or online. SUSCC and Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are developing a partnership to offer a veterinary technician program on the Valley campus. December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 87

Community Development

Knauf Insulation in Lanett employs almost 300 people making fiberglass insulation.

Downtown LaFayette has been designated as a Main Street Alabama Community.

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

Russell Lands’ lakefront neighborhoods and amenities already provide much of Tallapoosa County’s total ad valorem tax yearly, and an additional development is underway with golf course, clubhouse and more. Most of the first set of lots at The Heritage have already sold. The 1,500-acre new gated neighborhood is on 12 miles of shoreline and features about 240 waterfront homesites with panoramic lake views and 130 wooded interior lots — all within the city limits of Alexander City. Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird says the city’s annexation of the new development is a win for everyone. “Russell Lands is an economic engine for us, and we are able to provide city amenities for residents.” There are other lakefront developments in the city limits as well. The city is improving its downtown area and is looking to increase arts opportunities. It has moved police, public works and other government departments in a single building on former Russell Corp. property. Alexander City has a very popular sportsplex that has hosted many tournaments, one with about 160 teams, Baird says. The city is working to attract more hotels.

Alexander City schools are working on a new high school within the sportsplex. And a new senior living project is underway at Russell Medical, made possible by a $25 million gift from Ben and Luanne Russell. It will back up to the sportsplex with trails for golf carts or walking, Baird says. Alexander City’s Main Street program is an award-winner, working to beautify downtown and other areas and promote economic vitality. Dadeville, the county seat, has finished a roundabout traffic feature at the court-

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house square, says Mayor Jimmy “Frank” Goodman. Several projects are underway downtown, he says. A private developer is upgrading a former hotel, he says, and another project aims to open a bar and dance studio. A Guthrie’s restaurant is planned, and the city will soon get new playground equipment for Plantation Park. Tallapoosa County schools’ Edward Bell Career Tech Center offers programs in business technology, law enforcement, health sciences, welding and industrial maintenance and offers dual enrollment

S P O T L I G H T: CO M M U N I T Y D E V E LO PM E N T

Largerst Industrial Employers TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

SL Alabama | ALEXANDER CITY

Automotive supplier • 425 employees

Wellborn Forest Products ALEXANDER CITY

Wood cabinetry • 325 employees

SJA | DADEVILLE

Automotive supplier • 260 employees

KwangSung America | DADEVILLE Automotive parts • 250 employees

Russell Brands | ALEXANDER CITY Textiles • 232 employees

C&J Tech | ALEXANDER CITY

Automotive supplier • 225 employees

Korens LLC | ALEXANDER CITY

Automotive supplier • 116 employees

options with Central Alabama Community College. Alexander City schools offer seven career clusters at Benjamin Russell High School in agriscience, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, health science, Navy JROTC, marketing and IT. CHAMBERS COUNTY

The Chambers County Development Authority, the county’s economic development agency, also focuses on commercial and retail development. The CCDA is targeting cities for downtown revitalization and available land/commercial building spaces for new development. Growth is expected off Exit 77 on Interstate 85. The city of Valley is going to be the location of a new “smart home” development, Camellia Crossing. It’s the first of 10 planned phases. This first phase will include 28 new homes. It’s being built by Holland Homes. The city of LaFayette, the county seat, has been designated as a Main Street Alabama Community. The city recently

accepted a $302,282 bid for a Community Health and Wellness Center as part of the Rural Health Project at Auburn University. The city of Lanett, which has its own city school system, hopes to develop a riverfront park on the Chattahoochee River, officials say. The city is working on updating its comprehensive plan and is close to finishing projects at its municipal airport, including a new terminal and a runway extension. A new Guthrie’s location has opened. The city also elected a new mayor, Jamie Heard, who served three terms on the Lanett City Council. Chambers County schools plan to build a new high school in LaFayette or Valley. The county school system’s Inspire Academy offers some 13 career technical programs and all high school students in Chambers County area eligible to attend. Nearly 740 students in grades 7 to 12 are enrolled in career technical courses. The system also has a new superintendent, Casey Chambley.

CHAMBERS COUNTY AJIN USA | CUSSETA

Metal stamping • 693 employees

WestRock | LANETT

Food packaging products 410 employees

John Soules Foods | VALLEY Perishable & prepared food 372 employees

Knauf Insulation | LANETT

Fiberglass insulation • 298 employees

Daedong Hi-Lex of America CUSSETA

Door & window regulators 290 employees

Wooshin USA | CUSSETA

E-coat and plating • 174 employees

KMIN USA Inc. | VALLEY

Automotive seat and ancillary parts 143 employees

West Fraser | LANETT

Oriented strand board/wood panels 139 employees

Leehan America Inc. | CUSSETA Air cleaners, canisters, air filters 130 employees

Source: Economic developers

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 89

Culture & Recreation Horsehoe Bend cannon.

water sports needs, a naturalist cabin and loads of events year-round. HEAD DOWNTOWN

Main Street Alexander City offers dining and shopping in a historic downtown. Don’t miss Carlisle’s, a long-standing soda fountain. VISIT SOME HISTORY

Fireworks on Lake Martin. Photo courtesy of Russell Lands. JUMP IN THE LAKE

Tallapoosa and Chambers counties are known for their lakes — all offering an array of boating, swimming and other water sports. Lake Martin covers 44,000 acres with nearly 900 miles of shoreline. It is Alabama’s first and only lake to receive state designation as a “treasured” lake — ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, skiing and wake boarding. Lake Harding covers 5,850 acres and has a shoreline of 156 miles, spreading along a 13-mile section of the Chattahoochee River. The lake stands behind Bartlett’s Ferry Dam, which has been producing electricity since 1926. West Point Lake extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee, with 525 miles of shoreline, surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields. Check out the area around West Point Dam for songbirds, raptors, winter gulls and terns. TAKE A HIKE

PADDLE AWAY

The Harold Banks Canoe Trail stretches 25 miles along the Tallapoosa River, a delight for naturalists, historians and other adventurers.

Horseshoe Bend Military Park, established in 1959, dates to the Creek Indian wars. Fort Tyler is the site of the last known fort battle of the Civil War, seven days after the end of the war. Fort Cusseta in Cusseta, is a rare surviving example of a log fort built to defend a frontier settlement.

PLAY A GAME

MUSEUM MUSINGS

Charles E. Bailey Sr. Sportsplex in Alexander City provides fields for soccer, softball, baseball, disc golf, archery and horseback riding, plus a splash pad, dog park and walking trails. GO TO THE PARK

Wind Creek State Park, south of Alexander City, offers public access to Lake Martin, with more than 500 campsites. Beyond water sports, it offers archery, horseback riding, mini golf and ziplines. AUTO SEE THIS

The Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City celebrates the glorious era of great American muscle cars. Located in the original lot of a circa 1944 car dealership, it features an impressive collection of 1968-1971 muscle cars.

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trails offers 26 miles of hiking trails around Lake Martin. Alligator Creek Nature Trail in Lanett offers a choice between the onemile Alligator Creek Trail and the half mile Beaver Creek Interpretative Trail. Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail runs through Tallapoosa, Chambers and seven other counties with a plethora of birds to see. The old Chattahoochee Valley Railway line in Valley is now a rails-totrails project.

TEE OFF

RIDE YOUR BIKE

WHAT FUN

West Point Scenic Bike Trail travels about eight miles near West Point Lake. You can hike here, too.

StillWaters Lake & Golf Community is on Lake Martin in Dadeville, with tennis courts, community pool, walking track and playground, plus boat storage, and a public golf course, Highlands Golf Course and Harbor Pointe Marina. Lake Winds Golf Course in Alexander City offers rounded greens that require accurate short iron approach shots. Point University Golf Club in Lanett caters to golfers of any skill level. Russell Crossroads is the heart of Russell Land’s Lake Martin community, with shops, restaurants, an equestrian center,

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Chambers County Museum, in a former Central of Georgia railway depot in LaFayette, offers lots of local history, including a display on boxer Joe Louis. There’s also a statue of this famous local man downtown. The West Point Depot and Museum showcases local history, including a scale model of the Chattahoochee Valley Railway and the mill villages along its route. The Cannery at Langdale Mill reflects the life and times of a Southern textile mill village in the days when textiles were a major industry. The Cobb Memorial Archives have even more to tell about Chambers County history, including a genealogy bank, newspapers, paper projects from 1832-1915, the Chattahoochee Historical Society publications, LaFayette Sun abstracts, Chambers County church minutes and more. TOSS A LINE

Crank for Bank, which runs from April 1 to July 4, is a contest to catch one of 200 tagged fish in Lake Martin and win big prizes. HONOR THE AGRICULTURE

The Chambers County Agricultural Arena in LaFayette offers great space for rodeos and other agri-tourism events. Stables for livestock and concessions are available during events. GO TO A SHOW

The Langdale Theater in Valley opened in 1937, then reopened in 1986 — offering concerts, plays and more.

S P O T L I G H T: C U LT U R E & R EC R E AT I O N

festivities and events: RUSSELL FOREST RUN — Russell Forest | February An annual run to benefit

the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. RXR FEST — Russell Crossroads | Memorial Day A mix of well-known

FIREWORKS — Valley | 4th of July Valley

celebrates Independence Day.

BOAT PARADE — Russell Marine | 4th of July Scores of boats parade from

plus up-and-coming regional musicians entertain at the Green Stage. It’s free.

Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor with prizes for Tallest Flag, Largest Flag, Most Creative Theme and Most Patriotic Crew.

ART ON THE LAKE — Russell Crossroads | Memorial Day Dozens of artists display

CONCERT & FIREWORKS — Russell Crossroads | 4th of July Find your spot

fine arts and hand crafts.

JAZZ FEST — Alexander City | June The

city’s signature event celebrates its 33rd anniversary in 2023 with live music Friday in Strand Park and Saturday at The Amp on Lake Martin. SUN FESTIVAL — Alexander City | June

This nine-day community event includes scavenger hunts, trivia nights, live music, dog parade and more.

on the Grassy Lawn at the AMP for the celebratory fireworks display. MUSIC FEST — Russell Crossroads | Labor Day A two-day, four-band event with

local, regional and national groups. FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL — Russell Crossroads | October Blacksmith,

pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, canning and baking contests are part of the fun.

CHRISTMAS AT CROSSROADS — Russell Crossroads | November Annual treat

featuring arts and crafts for the kids, local artisans at a holiday bazaar and the Jolly Elf himself. ROCKINGFEST ON THE SQUARE — LaFayette | November The World’s

Largest Rocking Horse, plus ice skating, arts and crafts and more. CHRISTMAS MERRY-GO-ROUND — Valley | December The Christmas Merry-Go-

Round was given to Valley area children as a holiday gift from the West Point Pepperell Mill Co. in 1956.

CHRISTMAS PARADE — Valley | December

Holiday fun begins when the annual parade kicks off in West Point, Georgia, then heads west, traveling through Lanett and winding up in Valley.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 91

Career Notes

by ERICA JOINER WEST

BRYAN MCDONALD

KATHY WATTS

RUSS DORSEY

HARRIS PARKER

DUSTIN RHODES

JASON SCOTT

CHUCK LANGSETH

LUCAS LOPEZ

LANA OLSON

JOSEPH MEIGS

CHANDLER WILLIAMS

SLY KING

GRANT STONE

CHRISTOPHER CHAUVIN HORACE HORN

PHILIP MCKIBBEN

relationship officer in Madison and Spencer Pennington as JIMMY HART vice president and commercial relationship manager in Tuscaloosa.

CONLEY FREEMAN

PAMELA PARKER

ACCOUNTING

Horne, with an office in Alabama, has named Bryan McDonald managing partner of the firm’s health care division and Kathy Watts partner of accounting, advisory and tax services.

ServisFirst Bank has hired Rodney Hart as vice president, mortgage loan officer in Birmingham.

Kassouf Principal and Chief Information Officer Russ Dorsey has been honored with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

CONSTRUCTION

AUTOMOTIVE

CREDIT UNIONS

BBB Industries Senior Vice President – Traditional Sales Kim Nolan and Commercial Project Manager Tanya Hunt have received Women in Auto Care awards from the Auto Care Association. Nolan was named Woman of the Year while Hunt was named Champion of the Year.

BANKING

Bank Independent has promoted Harris Parker and Dustin Rhodes to assistant vice president – sales officer. Parker is in the Athens East sales office and Rhodes is in the Muscle Shoals sales office.

Timothy Burke has been named chief financial officer of Apex Roofing & Restoration in Birmingham. Avadian Credit Union has promoted Larry Uptain to commercial lending manager and Quintin Milton to business loan officer and added Blake Watkins as senior business loan officer and Clint Phillips as business loan officer.

EDUCATION

Todd Steury, an associate professor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University, has been named associate dean of academic affairs.

SPENCER PENNINGTON

RODNEY HART

TIMOTHY BURKE

TODD STEURY

AALIYAH LOCKE

MOLLIE SEYMOUR

LARRY BARISCIANO

JAKE COWEN

CHAD COPELAND

is the new president of DRI, a defense attorney and in-house counsel organization. Four Alabama-based Bradley Arant Boult Cummings partners have been included in the LMG Life Sciences’ Stars guide. They are Lindsey Boney IV, Tripp Haston, David Hymer and Kimberly Martin. Rosen Harwood has added associates Joseph Meigs and Chandler Williams.

MEDIA

Cumulus Media has appointed Sly King to promotions director in Birmingham.

MEDICAL

Gulf Orthopaedics has welcomed Grant Stone, D.O., double board certified pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Christopher Chauvin, M.D., has joined Infirmary Medical Clinics’ Diagnostic & Medical Clinic in Mobile.

ORGANIZATIONS

Regions Bank subsidiary Sabal Capital Partners has hired Jason Scott as managing director and head of conventional loan production.

LEGAL

The Nature Conservancy in Alabama has named Joyce Lanning its first Alabama Women of Conservation Award winner.

Renasant Bank has hired Chuck Langseth as consumer

Lana Olson, a partner with Lightfoot Franklin and White,

Horace Horn, vice president-external affairs of PowerSouth Energy, has been appointed chairman of the Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway Association.

Baker Donelson has added associates Aaliyah Locke and Lucas Lopez to its Birmingham firm.

REAL ESTATE

StoneRiver Co. has hired Mollie Seymour as managing director of capital markets.

SHIPBUILDING

Austal USA has hired Michelle Alcathie as vice president of human resources.

TECHNOLOGY

Leidos has named Larry Barisciano senior vice president and operations manager of weapons technology and manufacturing and Ken Ziegler senior vice president of business development and strategy of Dynetics Group. C Spire has made changes in its Alabama leadership. Jake Cowen will serve as senior vice president and general manager for home fiber, while Chad Copeland will serve as vice president of home services in Alabama. Conley Freeman will serve as senior vice president of network architecture and research, Pamela Parker will serve as senior manager of technical purchasing and Philip McKibben has been named regional vice president for Alabama.

TOURISM

Visit Tuscaloosa has named Jimmy Hart its new vice president of marketing and communications.

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 97

RETROSPECT

Indestructible Roanoke’s Ella Smith Doll Company

here are few immutable facts that ring throughout history. The human story is, at its very core, one of change. Sometimes that change is gradual; sometimes it arrives with alarming rapidity. Still, among those unalterable truths of existence, truths unbothered by events great or small, is the plain fact that kids break stuff.

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By SCOTTY E. KIRKLAND

This seems particularly true during the month of December. As sure as night follows day, at least one item unwrapped on Christmas morning will be reduced to smithereens by New Year’s Eve. At the dawn of the twentieth century in the east Alabama hamlet of Roanoke, a woman named Ella Smith determined to defy the very forces of nature itself and produce an indestructible child’s toy. In the process, she launched a successful business and established herself as one of Alabama’s most notable female inventors. Ella Louise Gauntt (sometimes spelled Gantt) was born into an artistic family in Troup County, Georgia, in 1868. She studied art at LaGrange College and, in 1886, took a teaching position at Roanoke Normal College. Four years later she married local carpenter Smiley Smith. Since teachers at the college were not allowed to be married, their nuptials brought an end to her tenure. Thereafter, she taught private art lessons in her well-appointed home. Legends grow quickly, and deep, in Alabama soil. As such, there are several versions of Ella Smith’s origins as a doll

manufacturer. One involves a young Roanoke girl named Verna Pittman, who in December 1897 arrived inconsolable at Smith’s door with a broken porcelain doll in tow. Another account names Mattie Almon as Smith’s first young patron. Armed with her artistic training, Smith labored over several years to perfect a design for a new rag doll that could withstand the rigors of play. Even the most mean-spirited youngster would find efforts to destroy an Ella Smith doll fruitless, one observer wrote. He noted cheekily that the dolls might be made of solid iron: “In a pinch, it could be a concealed weapon.” Although her precise mixture was kept secret, the heads, hands and feet of Smith’s dolls were made of a durable plaster of Paris concoction. While the molds were still wet, she would stretch a fine mesh of cotton fibers around them, working the two materials together with her hands. The result was a smooth, paintable surface resembling popular bisque or china dolls but far less fragile. Workers at the Ella Smith Doll Company, including Smith (top row, third from left). Photo courtesy of the Roanoke Leader.

R E T RO S PE C T

The dolls were assembled with locally Ella Smith. sourced materials. Neighborhood boys gathered sticks for the spines. The unrefined cotton used in the soft goods came from a Roanoke gin. Smith purchased her paints at the nearby mercantile store. The dolls came in many sizes and with several clothing options and ranged in price from $1.15 through $12. The features of the dolls were carefully, individually painted by hand and represented, in Smith’s words, “every race of people.” Smith took her dolls far from Randolph County, renting booths at craft shows and expositions throughout the country. She won a blue ribbon at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. During the early years of her budding enterprise, Smith did much of the work herself. But as the orders grew, her ever-helpful husband built a simple, two-story wooden factory next to their home. There, she employed about a dozen local women. In 1908, they produced a reported 8,000 handmade dolls. A brochure from the era depicted two workers seated in a corner of the factory, bathed in light as A 1922 advertisement in a Tuscaloosa newspaper touted the Ella Smith dolls. they applied the final paint touches on two 27-inch dolls. Nearby storage racks overflowed with dolls awaiting the holiday rush. “These dolls are just what the people want,” Smith wrote, “and every child is so glad to get one.” Stores throughout the South touted their inventory, particularly during the holidays. In 1921, the dollmaker took on additional business partners. W. E. McIntosh was a wholesale grocer and part owner of a recently shuttered textile manufacturing company. B. O. Driver was a youthful second-generation Roanoke druggist and president of the chamber of commerce. The two men persuaded Smith to expand. She purchased new equipment and relocated her operation to McIntosh’s empty plant. The new partners then embarked on a northeastern sales tour. The Roanoke newspaper reported their success in securing thousands of dollars in new orders.

But it was not to be. On March 12, 1922, on the outskirts of Atlanta, the train carrying McIntosh and Driver derailed atop an embankment and plunged some 50 feet. The two Roanoke men were counted among the dead. Soon after this shock came the sober realization that the supposed orders for new dolls had never actually been placed. Months of work attempting to carry on after the accident only served to deplete Smith’s meager savings and her once seemingly inexhaustible energy. Dejected, she relocated to her original, rough-hewn facility and downsized. Two months later, she purchased W. E. McIntosh’s interest in the Ella Smith Doll Co. from his widow, an apparent settlement in lieu of a lawsuit. Orders slowed and the inventory pile grew. Smith began offering her prized dolls at deep discounts and accepted food and home goods as payment. She died in April 1932 at the age of 63. Widower Smiley Smith moved from the couple’s home into the adjacent doll factory, where he lived until his death in 1940. During World War II, new owners renovated the old factory into rental apartments, placing several doll heads between the white latticework at the front entrance in an architectural homage to Smith. But by 1960, most signs of the old factory were gone. Surviving Alabama Indestructible Dolls became prized possessions, frequently featured in antique shows or viewed behind museum glass. One of the African American dolls appeared on a U.S. postage stamp in 1996. A century has now passed since the heyday of Roanoke’s doll-making empire. But residents still remember well how the Ella Smith Doll Co. helped to shape the history of their town. Local pride, after all, is a kind of indestructible thing, indeed. Historian Scotty E. Kirkland is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama. He lives in Wetumpka.

A 1924 patent office drawing of the Ella Smith doll. December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 99

Index 106 Jefferson Hotel, Huntsville.......................102 1904 World’s Fair, St. Louis...............................98 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology................................................102 Adah International...........................................22 Adtrav Travel Management...............................61 Aflac Inc...........................................................48 Airbnb Inc........................................................72 Airbus USA.......................................................15 Ajala, Olu......................................................................22 AJIN USA.................................................... 80, 89 Alabama Academy of Honor................................8 Alabama Associated General Contractors.........102 Alabama Bankers Association...........................45 Alabama Credit Union......................................61 Alabama Credit Union League...........................48 Alabama Department of Commerce...............7, 22 Alabama Graphite Products..............................80 Alabama Indestructible Doll.............................98 Alabama Media Group........................................7 Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association...102 Alabama Municipal Electric Authority.......... 10, 84 Alabama National Guard...................................48 Alabama Port Authority................................9, 18 Alabama Power Co...........................7, 80, 84, 103 Alabama Retail Association...............................11 Alabama School of Math and Science.................39 Alabama State University..............................8, 87 Alabama Supreme Court.....................................8 Alabama Telco..................................................61 Alabama Tourism Department.................. 18, 102 Alabama Works................................................84 Alcathie, Michelle.........................................................97 Alexander City Chamber of Commerce..............84 Alexander City Schools.....................................84 Alexander City Utilities.....................................80 Alexander City, City of..........................80, 84, 88 Alligator Creek Nature Trail...............................90 Almon, Mattie...............................................................98 Amazon Air........................................................7 Amazon Inc................................................ 10, 72 American Bankers Association..........................45 American Cancer Society...................................39 American Cast Iron Pipe Co...............................11 American Equity Underwriters, The...................48 American Heart Association........................ 34, 39 American Longshore Mutual Association...........48 American Red Cross..........................................84 American Society of Civil Engineers...................39 AmTech LLC......................................................80 Anovion Battery Materials............................8, 14 Anthem House, Huntsville................................14 Apex Roofing & Restoration..............................97 Apollo Park, Huntsville.......................................7 Arnberg, Steve..............................................................80 Arthritis Foundation.........................................84 Ascension St. Vincent’s.......................................8 ASHIPA Electric Limited.....................................22 Ashley Mac’s....................................................11 At Home Furnishings........................................11 Attkisson, Kevin..............................................................7 AUBix LLC.........................................................15 Auburn National Bancorporation......................10 Auburn University..................... 11, 84, 87, 88, 97 Auburn University at Montgomery....................87 Austal USA........................................... 15, 17, 97 Autism Awareness Month.................................34 Autism Pensacola.............................................84 Auto Care Association.......................................97 Avadian Credit Union................................. 61, 97 Azalea Trail Run, Mobile...................................37 BAE Systems.....................................................17 Baez, Joan....................................................................72 Baird, Curtis “Woody”.............................................84, 88 Baker Donelson................................................... 97, 102 Baker, Melissa..............................................................11 Baker, Rodney..............................................................11 Balch & Bingham............................................102 Baldwin Bone & Joint.......................................37 Baldwin County Schools...................................37 Bank Independent..................................... 61, 97

A guide to businesses (bold) and individuals (light) mentioned in this month’s issue of Business Alabama.

Bank of Leighton..............................................61 Barefield, J. Frank.........................................................16 Barisciano, Larry...........................................................97 Barkin, Brent.................................................................11 BauerFinancial.................................................61 Bay Area Food Bank..........................................39 BBB Industries........................................... 61, 97 Beyond Gravity USA Inc............................... 10, 15 Biden, President Joe.....................................8, 19 Bill and Pam Smith Family Foundation..............11 Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon.................................11 Birmingham News.............................................7 Birmingham Rotary Club..................................84 Birmingham, City of ..........................................7 Black Bear Solar...............................................10 Bloc Global Group.............................................22 Bloomberg Law..............................................102 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama...............8 Blue Origin......................................................11 Blue River Development.....................................8 Boeing Co............................................ 15, 17, 18 Bohemian, The.................................................10 Boll Weevil Soap Co..........................................11 Boney, Lindsey IV.........................................................97 Borchert, Suzanne........................................................72 Boys & Girls Club..............................................84 Bradley Arant Boult Cummings.........................97 Brasfield & Gorrie...............................................8 Breeze Airways...................................................7 Bridgeman, Ulysses “Junior”..........................................7 Brio Parc..........................................................11 Brock School of Business...................................32 Brown, Chad.................................................................39 Brown, Rick...................................................................11 Bryant, Kristal...............................................................11 Burke, Timothy............................................................ 97 Business Alabama Magazine.............................20 Byars|Wright Insurance....................................48 Byerly & Associates.............................................9 C Spire Inc........................................................97 C&J Tech.................................................... 80, 89 Canfield, Greg...............................................................22 Canfor Corp......................................................14 Cannery at Langdale Mill..................................90 Carraway Hospital..............................................8 CDG Engineers.................................................80 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services......83 Central Alabama Community College....80, 84, 87, 88 Cerrowire LLC...................................................14 Chambers County Agricultural Arena................90 Chambers County Development Authority................... 80, 84, 88 Chambers County Industrial Park......................80 Chambers County Museum...............................90 Chambers County Sheriff’s Department.............84 Chambley, Casey..........................................................88 Charles E. Bailey Sr. Sportplex, Alexander City...90 Chattahoochee Humane Society........................84 Chattahoochee Valley Railway..........................90 Chauvin, Christopher....................................................97 Cherokee Bluffs Dam......................................103 Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trails............................90 Chickasaw Container Services.............................9 Children’s Harbor.............................................84 Children’s Home Society...................................84 Children’s of Alabama......................................11 Circle of Care Center for Families.......................84 CityHope Church, Daphne.................................37 Clemson University..........................................84 Cobb Memorial Archives...................................90 Cobb, Sue Bell................................................................8 Coffee County..................................................11 Colonial Bank...................................................61 Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham................................32 Community Foundation of South Alabama........39 Cookie Fix LLC..................................................11 Cooper Green Mercy Hospital............................14 Coore & Crenshaw................................ 75, 78, 80 Coore, Bill.........................................................75, 78, 80 Copeland, Chad............................................................97

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Cowen, Jake.................................................................97 Crenshaw, Ben..................................................75, 78, 80 Crossplex, Birmingham......................................7 Crow Shields Bailey..........................................48 Cullman Regional Medical Center.......................8 Cullman Savings Bank Foundation......................8 Cummings Research Park...................................7 Cumulus Media................................................97 Dadeville, City of..............................................88 Daedong Hi-Lex of America......................... 80, 89 Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption............102 Defense Research Institute...............................97 Denham, Pam...............................................................37 Dollar General....................................................7 Domestique Inc................................................22 Dorsey, Russ.................................................................97 Dothan, City of.................................................72 Drake State Community & Technical College........8 Drax Group......................................................14 Driver, B.O.....................................................................98 Dumas, Bob..................................................................10 Dynetics Group.............................................97, 9 E.U.-U.S. Small and Medium Enterprises Best Practices Workshop...............................22 East Alabama Health Care Authority..................84 East Alabama Lumber.......................................80 East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier............ 80, 83 East Alabama Regional Planning Commission...84 Economic Development Association of Alabama..................................................84 Edward Jones...................................................61 Edwards, Bob................................................................83 Edwards, Michele.........................................................84 Ella Smith Doll Co.............................................98 Elmore County Economic Development Authority...............................84 Elyton Hotel, Birmingham..............................102 Emfinger, Ansley..........................................................84 Energy & Environmental Building Alliance......102 Evonik Corp......................................................15 ExploreLearning Gizmos...................................39 Facebook Inc....................................................15 Fairhope East Elementary School.......................37 Faith Chapel Care Center...................................32 Farmers and Merchants Bank of LaFayette.........84 Faulkner University..........................................84 Federal Bureau of Investigation................ 97, 102 FedEx Ground............................................. 14, 15 Feeding the Gulf Coast......................................39 Fikes, Chanda...............................................................48 First Colbert Bank.............................................61 First Metro Bank...............................................48 Fite Building Co................................................48 Fite, Jack.......................................................................48 Five Stones Research........................................17 Floore, Jenna................................................................48 Florida Credit Union League..............................48 Flynn, Joanie................................................................72 Forbes Magazine..............................................61 Ford, Bessie..................................................................20 Fort Cusseta.....................................................90 Fort Tyler..........................................................90 Fortune Magazine............................................61 Forward Air Corp.................................................9 Fostering Together Gulf Coast...........................37 Freeman, Conley...........................................................97 Freeman, Jake..............................................................72 Freeman, Sidney Collins.............................................. 72 G.E. Finance......................................................84 Galin, Jerry.....................................................................8 Ganey, Jamie................................................................37 Garner Economics LLC.......................................80 Gauntt, Ella Louise........................................................98 GE Aviation........................................................9 GeneCapture Inc...............................................22 General Accountability Office............................20 General Dynamics............................................20 Georgia Credit Union League............................48 Glass, Glenn..................................................................37 Goodman, Jimmy “Frank”............................................88 Google Inc........................................................87 Gordo Mule Day...............................................34

Gordo Rotary Club............................................34 Gordon, Susan..............................................................11 Gorrie, James.................................................................8 Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook..........102 Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa.........................102 Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce...............84 Griffon Aerospace.............................................17 Guardian Credit Union......................................48 Gulf Orthopaedics............................................97 Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism.............72 GunRunner Hotel, Florence.............................102 Guthrie’s Chicken.............................................88 Habitat for Humanity........................................39 Harold Banks Canoe Trail..................................90 Hart, Jimmy..................................................................97 Hart, Rodney.................................................................97 Haston, Tripp................................................................97 Heard, Jamie................................................................88 Hedges, David..............................................................10 Hickman, John Herman...............................................34 Hickman, Mark.............................................................34 Hines, Penelope...........................................................72 Hoar Program Management (HPM)....................10 Holland Homes.......................................... 80, 88 Holliday, Roger.............................................................80 Honda Alabama Auto Plant...............................80 Horn, Horace ................................................................97 Horne LLP........................................................97 Horseshoe Bend Military Park...........................90 Horstink, Paul...............................................................10 HPM Johnson...................................................10 HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology............8 Hunt, Tanya...................................................................97 Huntsville Times................................................7 Huntsville Utilities...........................................10 Hymer, David................................................................97 Hyundai Mobis.............................................9, 14 Hyundai Motor Group...................................7, 20 Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.......................................9, 11, 75, 80 Industrial Distribution Magazine......................61 Infirmary Health...................................... 97, 102 Inside Alabama Politics....................................20 Intel Corp.........................................................87 Internal Revenue Service..................................32 International Entertainment Buyers Association.....................................102 Ironvest Partners..............................................10 ISA Corp...........................................................14 Ivey, Gov. Kay..............................................................7, 9 Ivy Creek Healthcare.........................................83 J.M. Smucker Co...............................................14 J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop....................................11 Jacobs Solutions................................................8 James Webb Space Telescope............................20 Jason, Amy...................................................................11 John Soules Foods................................ 75, 80, 89 Johnson Construction Services..........................10 Johnson, James..............................................................8 Johnson, Sallie...............................................................8 Junior Variety Club..........................................84 JWJ Investment Properties...............................72 K & J’s Elegant Pastries.....................................11 Kaman Distribution..........................................19 Kassouf & Co.............................................. 48, 97 KBR Inc............................................................17 Keep Cool Records..............................................8 Kemper Inc.......................................................10 Kennemer, Renie..........................................................39 Kia Georgia Inc........................................... 75, 80 King, Sly.......................................................................97 King, Tena.....................................................................11 King’s Olive Oil Co............................................11 Kmin USA Inc.............................................. 80, 89 Knauf Insulation........................................ 80, 89 Koch Foods.......................................................14 Korea Fuel Tech America Inc................................9 Korens LLC.......................................................89 Kratos Defense.................................................20 Kritner, Jennifer...........................................................48 KwangSung America.................................. 80, 89 LaFayette Main Street.......................................84

INDEX

LaFayette Police Department.............................84 LaFayette, City of ....................................... 80, 88 LaGrange College.............................................98 Lake Harding...................................................90 Lake Martin.......................................... 75, 80, 90 Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance..................................84 Lake Martin Area Industrial Park.......................80 Lake Martin Area United Way............................84 Lake Martin Community Hospital................ 80, 83 Lake Martin Economic Development Authority... 84 Lake Winds Golf Course....................................90 Lamberth, Tom..............................................................75 Landing Inc................................................ 11, 13 LandSouth Construction...................................11 Lanett Municipal Airport...................................80 Lanett, City of...................................................88 Langdale Theater..............................................90 Langford, Richard.........................................................84 Langseth, Chuck...........................................................97 Lanning, Joyce..............................................................97 Launch at Intracoastal Waterway, The................10 Launch Entertainment........................................9 Laurel Hotel & Spa, Auburn.............................102 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity.............102 League of Southeastern Credit Unions...............48 Ledger, Michael............................................................39 Leehan America Inc..................................... 80, 89 Legacy Community Federal Credit Union...........48 Leidos Holdings Inc..........................................97 Lexmark International Inc.................................16 Lifeline Counseling Services.............................39 Lightfoot, Franklin and White...........................97 Lightsource bp.................................................10 Linde PLC.........................................................14 Live Nation.........................................................8 Locke, Aaliyah...............................................................97 Lockheed Martin Corp................................. 15, 19 Lodge at Gulf State Park, The...........................102 Lofts of 21, Monroeville....................................72 LogiCore..........................................................11 Lopez, Lucas..................................................................97 Louis, Joe......................................................................90 Louisiana Economic Development.....................84 Lynn, Jeff......................................................................84 Main Street Alabama.................................. 80, 88 Malibu Electronics............................................80 Mann, Marvin...............................................................16 Manna Beverages & Ventures.......................7, 14 Manna Capital Partners......................................7 Many More Miles.............................................37 Marshall Space Flight Center....................... 17, 20 Martens, Bradley..........................................................72 Martin Dam....................................................103 Martin Supply Co..........................................9, 61 Martin, Louis.................................................................61 Martin, Thomas Wesley............................................. 103 Martin,Kimberly...........................................................97 Maryvale Place, Mobile....................................10 Matthews, Verna...........................................................34 MAX Credit Union.............................................61 Max4Kids Foundation......................................61 Mazda Toyota Manufacturing............................19 McCoy Outdoors...............................................37 McDonald, Bryan..........................................................97 McDonald, Todd............................................................72 McIntosh, W.E...............................................................98 McKibben, Philip..........................................................97 McMakin, Ashley..........................................................11 Meigs, Joseph..............................................................97 Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.......9, 14, 20, 22 Meta Platforms Inc...........................................15 Microsoft Philanthropies....................................9 Mills, Beth Ann.............................................................37 Milton, Quintin............................................................ 97 Mo’Bay Beignet Co...........................................11 Mobile Chamber of Commerce..........................11 Mobile County Public School System.................39 Mobile Infirmary............................................102 Mobile International Airport...............................7 Mobile Press-Register.........................................7 Mobile, Port of.............................................9, 18 Modern House Coffee Shop, The........................32

Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce...........72 Morgan, T.C...................................................................11 Motion Industries........................................8, 19 Mountain Brook Club.......................................84 Mountain Lakes Tourist Association...................72 Munoz, Jose...................................................................7 Myers, Richard M............................................................8 Napier Field Industrial Park..............................11 NASA...............................................................20 National Institutes of Health...............................8 National Labor Relations Board...........................9 National Security Group....................................20 Nature Conservancy in Alabama........................97 NeXolve Corp...................................................20 NextEra Energy Resources.................................11 Niagara Bottling...............................................14 Nolan, Kim....................................................................97 Norbord Inc......................................................80 Northeast Alabama Police Academy...................84 Northrop Grumman Corp............................ 11, 17 Novelis Inc.......................................................14 NXTsoft LLC......................................................48 Oak Mountain Amphitheater..............................8 Occupational Safety and Health Administration...7 Odom, Chad.................................................................84 Oh, H.S............................................................................9 Olson, Lana...................................................................97 Orion Amphitheater................................... 7, 102 Outzen, Cat...................................................................84 Owens, Doyle...............................................................48 Parkdale Mills............................................ 13, 80 Parker, Harris................................................................97 Parker, Pamela..............................................................97 Patterson, Sarah..............................................................8 Peco Foods.......................................................34 Pennington, Spencer....................................................97 Phillips, Clint................................................................97 Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail.........................90 Pinehurst Resort..............................................78 Pittman, Verna..............................................................98 Pivotal Tax Solutions..........................................9 Plantation Park, Dadeville................................88 PMT Publishing................................................20 Point University Golf Club, Lanett.....................90 Port of Mobile..............................................9, 18 PowerSouth Energy..........................................97 Price, Beverly................................................................84 Pritchett-Moore Insurance Inc...........................48 Professional Golfers Association.................. 78, 84 Protective Coatings Inc.....................................11 Pursell Farms.................................................102 Quality Mill Supply............................................9 Quincy Compressor..........................................61 Quinn, Justin................................................................48 Radiance Technologies.....................................17 Randolph County Economic Development Authority.................................9 Rausch Coleman Homes...................................61 RCP Companies................................................14 Reeves, AC....................................................................72 Regions Bank...................................................97 Reist, Tami....................................................................72 Relay for Life....................................................34 Remmert & Co..................................................84 Renasant Bank.................................................97 REV Birmingham..............................................32 Rhodes, Dustin.............................................................97 Richburg, Joe...............................................................11 Richburg, Kelli..............................................................11 River Bank & Trust............................................45 Roanoke Normal College..................................98 Roberts Brothers Inc.........................................48 Roberts, David..............................................................48 Roberts, John...............................................................48 Robins & Morton............................................102 Robinson, Jaclyn..........................................................11 Rosen Harwood................................................97 Rotary International ........................................84 RUAG Space......................................................10 Russell Brands.................................................89 Russell Corp.....................................................88 Russell Crossroads...........................................90 Russell Lands............................ 75, 78, 80, 84, 88

Russell Medical...............................75, 80, 83, 88 Russell, Ben................................................75, 80, 83, 88 Russell, Luanne..........................................75, 80, 83, 88 Rustique Relics................................................11 Sabal Capital Partners......................................97 SaeHaeSung Alabama Inc.................................80 Samford University.................................... 16, 32 Sammon, Peggy...........................................................22 SCC Group......................................................102 Scott Norman LLC............................................102 Scott, Jason...................................................................97 SEEDS Coffee Co...............................................32 Sejin America...................................................80 Sensigreen Heating & Air..................................48 ServisFirst Bank...............................................97 Seymour, Mollie...........................................................97 Shelby, Sen. Richard.....................................................20 Sheppard, Matt.............................................................84 Shinwha USA Corp............................................15 Shipt Inc..........................................................11 Shoe Carnival Inc..............................................11 Shoe Station Inc................................................11 SJA Inc.............................................................89 SL Alabama................................................ 80, 89 SmartLam North America..................................14 Smith, Bill.....................................................................11 Smith, Ella....................................................................98 Smith, Smiley...............................................................98 Smith, Travis.................................................................84 Sodexo USA......................................................13 Soles for Souls..................................................37 Southeast Gas..................................................11 Southern Research..................................... 11, 20 Southern Union State Community College......................... 80, 84, 87 SouthState Bank...............................................61 Spencer, Mark...............................................................84 SPOC Automation.............................................48 Sprint Corp.......................................................32 Star at Uptown, The............................................8 Starbucks Corp.............................................9, 32 SteadPoint Group Inc........................................48 Steiner Building, Birmingham..........................10 Steury, Todd..................................................................97 Stewart, Courtney...........................................................8 Stewart, Shelley............................................................11 StillWaters Lake & Golf Community...................90 Stitt, Bill........................................................................11 Stone River Co..................................................97 Stone, Grant..................................................................97 Stopka, Eric.....................................................................8 Stubbs, Jimmy..............................................................45 Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart.............................84 Styslinger, Babbie........................................................11 Summit Carbon Solutions.................................11 Susan Gordon Pottery.......................................11 Swagelok Alabama|Central & South Florida|West Tennessee......................46 Swofford, Steve.............................................................61 Symphony Park, Huntsville................................8 T.C. Russell Field, Alexander City.......................80 Tallapoosa County Republican Party..................84 Teledyne Brown Engineering............................17 Thompson Engineering.............................. 39, 61 Thompson Holdings Inc....................................39 Thornton, Jeremy.........................................................32 To Kill a Mockingbird........................................72 Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.........102 TOMS Shoe Holdings........................................32 Top Golf.............................................................7 Toray Composite Materials America.....................8 Total Quality Logistics.......................................61 Towne Square Lofts, Monroeville.......................72 Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama..............15 Travel + Leisure Magazine..............................102 Troy University........................................... 84, 87 Tucker, Stanley..............................................................84 Tuscaloosa Soup Kitchen...................................34 Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail.......................................34 Tuskegee University...........................................8 Tyler, Eddie...................................................................37 Tyson Foods.....................................................14

U.S. Air Force....................................................17 U.S. Army................................................... 17, 84 U.S. Chamber of Commerce...............................32 U.S. Coast Guard...............................................17 U.S. Department of Defense........................ 17, 20 U.S. Department of Energy..............................102 U.S. Food and Drug Administration...................22 U.S. Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation...............................48 U.S. Navy.........................................................17 U.S. Space Command........................................20 U.S. Trade Representative, Office of...................22 UAB Health System..................................... 80, 83 UAB Hospital..................................................102 UAB School of Medicine....................................83 Unclaimed Baggage.........................................48 Unite, Inc.........................................................84 United Bank.....................................................48 United Launch Alliance......................... 10, 11, 15 United Mine Workers of America.......................20 United Way......................................................45 University of Alabama.......................8, 14, 61, 84 University of Alabama at Birmingham.............................8, 14, 16, 48 University of Alabama in Huntsville.... 10, 20, 102 University of Florida.........................................84 University of New Orleans................................84 University of South Alabama....................... 37, 39 Uptain, Larry....................................................97 Urban Impact Birmingham...............................32 Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO).....................72 Valley Bank......................................................84 Valley Hotel, Birmingham..............................102 Valley, City of....................................... 75, 80, 88 Van Varden, Genna.......................................................37 Varble, Georgia Claire...................................................48 Velox LLC.........................................................10 Venue at Lakewood, The, Livingston..................72 Vines, Timothy................................................................8 Visit Tuscaloosa................................................97 VR Insurance Holdings.....................................20 Wall, André...................................................................10 Wallace State Community College.......................8 Warby Parker Inc..............................................32 Warren Averett.................................................61 Warrior Met Coal..............................................20 Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway Association.........97 Waterfront Rescue Mission...............................37 Watershed LLC................................................102 Watkins, Blake..............................................................97 Watts, Kathy..................................................................97 Wayne Davis Concrete......................................80 Wellborn Forest Products..................................89 Wellborn Musclecar Museum............................90 Werrlein, Patrick...........................................................46 West Alabama Food Bank..................................34 West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.......................... 80, 89 West Point Depot and Museum.........................90 West Point Lake................................................90 West Point Scenic Bike Trail...............................90 West Point Stevens...........................................80 Wester, Chad................................................................11 Wester, Kendra.............................................................11 WestRock Co.....................................................89 Westwater Resources.................................. 15, 80 Where Relationships Matter Group LLC..............48 Whetstone, Troy............................................................32 White-Spunner Construction.............................48 Wicker Point Golf Club.....................75, 78, 80, 84 Wiggins, William..........................................................37 Wilkins Miller LLC............................................48 Williams, Chandler.......................................................97 Williamson, Teresa........................................................48 Willow Point Golf & Country Club......................84 Wind Creek State Park......................................90 Wood, Terry “T.J.”..........................................................84 Woodfin, Randall..........................................................11 Woolworth Lofts, Selma....................................72 Wooshin USA.............................................. 80, 89 Workers United..................................................9 Ziegler, Ken..................................................................97

December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 101

Company Kudos

JANUARY Legislative Directory Bull or Bear? Market Watch Growing Crops; Growing Workforce Geographic Spotlight: Montgomery County

FEBRUARY Great Outdoors — Silence in the Woods; Fun on the Water Time to Plan That Meeting Alabama Builds Geographic Spotlight: Shelby County

Check BusinessAlabama.com for daily business headlines and additional content

by ERICA JOINER WEST

Pursell Farms, a 3,200-acre destination resort in Sylacauga (above), has been named to Travel + Leisure’s list of Best Alabama Hotels 2022. The other hotels honored were 106 Jefferson, Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Valley Hotel, The Laurel Hotel & Spa, GunRunner, Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, The Lodge at Gulf State Park and the editor’s pick, Elyton Hotel.

Alabama Associated General Contractors has won the 2022 AGC Chapter Public Relations Award for promoting workzone safety.

Friendly Workplace. It was the top-ranked firm among architecture, engineering and construction industry workplaces and ranked no. 66 in the top 100 overall.

Balch & Bingham has been named a 2022 Compass Award winner by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity.

SCC Group and Watershed have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance as a 2022 Housing Innovation Awards winner in the Custom Homes Built on Spec category for its build in Fairhope. Watershed was also recognized, along with Scott Norman LLC, in the Custom Homes for Buyer less than 2,500 square feet category, also for a build in Fairhope.

Baker Donelson, for a second year in a row, has been named to Bloomberg Law’s annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework, one of 43 U.S.-based firms to receive the recognition. Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute has performed the first transfemoral MViV, transcatheter mitral valve replacement in the Mobile region. The TMVR replaces the mitral valve in the heart without needing conventional open-heart surgery. Mobile Infirmary is the first hospital in the Gulf Coast region to acquire the Ion Endoluminal System, which facilitates a minimally invasive robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. Orion Amphitheater, in Huntsville, has won the 2022 Partnership in Tourism Award from the Alabama Tourism Department, as well as the Attraction of the Year from the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. It also has been nominated for 2022 Amphitheater of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association. Robins & Morton has been recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as a 2022 Best Adoption-

102 | BusinessAlabama.com December 2022

“Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford,” a two-time Emmy-nominated, nationally syndicated TV show based in Mobile, has reached its 25th season. UAB Medicine and UAB Hospital have achieved Level 9 status in the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives’ 2022 Digital Health Most Wired survey. The University of Alabama in Huntsville Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education was chosen to receive the FBI J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Scholarship, which was used to help eight students with certification training, testing voucher and materials. In addition, the university’s College of Engineering has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which is in effect for the next six years.

Historic Alabama THE POWER OF WATER… Martin Dam is pictured soon after its 1926 construction. About 10 miles southwest of Dadeville, the concrete arch gravity dam is on the Tallapoosa River, providing flood control, hydroelectric power generation and water supply. The dam was known as the Cherokee Bluffs dam before being named to honor Thomas Wesley Martin, who was president of Alabama Power during the dam’s construction. The dam is 168 feet high and 2,000 feet long. Photo courtesy of Alabama Department of Archives & History. Do you have a photo you’d like us to consider for Historic Alabama? Send it to Erica West at ewest@ pmtpublishing.com.

Alabiz Quiz

Challenge yourself with these puzzlers from past issues of Business Alabama magazine. If you feel pretty confident, send your answers via email to ewest@pmtpublishing.com or, beginning Dec. 20, work the quiz online and check your answers at businessalabama.com.

December 2022:

December 2021: (one year ago)

December 2012: (10 years ago)

Q: Five small Alabama companies — Adah International, Ashipa Electric, Bloc Global Group, Domestique and GeneCapture — got together for a trip this fall. Where did they go?

Q: A feature on international trade found that China, Canada, Germany and Mexico received the most exports from Alabama. But which country took the smallest amount, listed at $2,500?

Q: Long before he founded the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Jim Hudson partnered in business with his father. What sort of business?

A) Germany, on a trade mission B) Montgomery, to consider uniting into one company C) Nearby states in search of new locations D) The White House, for a presidential award

A) Albania B) Bhutan C) Montenegro D) Papua New Guinea

November 2022: (one month ago)

December 2017: (five years ago)

Q: Auburn University is a leader in training dogs to use their keen sense of smell for a special purpose. What is it?

Q: The City of Gadsden began efforts to transform its waterfront from dead retail space and smelly fish plants to an attraction for residents and visitors alike. What is the initial phase of the multi-million-dollar project called?

A) Finding missing children B) Recognizing the genetically perfect mate C) Sniffing out explosives D) Selecting the most nutritious dog food

A) Coosa Crossing B) Gadsden Downtown C) Venue at Coosa Landing D) Waterfront Ventures

A) Automotive supply shop B) Bank C) Foundry D) Poultry farm

December 1997: (25 years ago) Q: Like the rest of the country, Alabama was learning the terms HMO, PPO and the alphabet soup of managed health care. Which organization had the first contract with the Alabama Healthcare Council, a powerhouse of state players like Alabama Power, Drummond Company, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and the Retirement Systems of Alabama? A) Aetna/US Healthcare B) Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama C) Cigna Healthcare D) United HealthCare of Alabama Answers from November: C, B, C, C, C, C December 2022 BusinessAlabama.com | 103