AROUND THE AREA

AROUND THE AREA Expo for local manufacturers

The Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance last month hosted the Lake Martin Manufacturer’s Expo to celebrate the industry’s presence in the community and educate community leaders about what manufacturing companies do in the area.

“We really just tried to get the companies to display what they manufacture here in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties,” said LMAEDA’s Denise Walls. “A lot of times, people don’t know what is being made in the area. We invited our elected officials and community leaders to come and have lunch to show our companies some love.”

The Oct. 13 event was limited to those businesses that manufacture something, but Walls said there are plenty of other businesses around in areas such as distribution.

“One of our biggest roles as economic development is to connect our companies to the workforce institutions in the

area — career tech at Coosa, career tech at Tallapoosa, CACC,” Walls said. “We always try to include them because they are a great resource for our companies.” Area leaders from Tallapoosa and Coosa counties, Alexander City, Dadeville and beyond came to the luncheon not only to see the industries but also to hear from Manufacture Alabama’s Robin Ricks on the impact manufacturing has in the state. Ricks said more than 266,000 What's Made Here Alabama residents are employed in manufacturing, The expo gave receiving an average wage of more than $35 per hour and manufacturers an average annual salary of more than $70,000. Ricks also opportunity to show off their products. said manufacturing makes up 12 percent of Alabama’s employment. “It is a good way to earn a family sustaining wage in Alabama,” Ricks said. Manufacture Alabama is a trade association that offers resource access opportunities to manufacturers. Cliff Williams

Chad Wilson Wins Male Country Vocalist

Alexander City's Chad Wilson last month received the Josie Award for Male Country Vocalist of the Year and was nominated for three other Josie awards. The Josie awards are one of the largest and most respected and prestigious awards in the independent music industry.

Boo Weekend Success

Dinosaurs, Videogame Heroes and Pizzas − Oh, My!

Wind Creek State Park hosted the Annual Boo Weekend last month with several thousand children and adults in attendance to view decorated campsites, carve pumpkins and gather baskets of treats. Photo by Cliff Williams