AROUND THE AREA

County tourism director named to state hospitality committee

Sandra Fuller’s efforts as Tallapoosa County tourism director have gotten the attention of Gov. Kay Ivey.

Fuller has been leading the efforts of the Tallapoosa County Commission to promote the area’s natural resources and activities to tourists and will now help guide a state course of study. Ivey appointed Fuller to the ‘Hospitality and Tourism Committee.’ The committee is part of the Alabama State Department of Education course of study review for career and technical education. But Fuller’s input started more than a year ago through committees on the matter of developing skills for the hospitality industry during the formative years of education.

“I’ve been speaking with education professionals at our area high schools, especially with a hospitality curriculum about what they are doing,” Fuller said. “I’ve also been in conversations with those in the hospitality industry about the skills they seek in employees.”

Fuller previously worked at the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance. She now recruits tourists to the area and previously helped recruit industry to the area but said the two are similar in their needs.

“It’s all about workforce development regardless of what segment they will be working in,” Fuller said.

Fuller’s appointment is as a representative of Alabama’s Third Congressional District to the committee for a year long term with multiple meetings in Montgomery each month.

Education for Tourism

Sandra Fuller uses her economic development experience to help develop a hospitality curriculum that will train those who work in businesses frequented by tourists. ~ Cliff Williams

Sunday Alcohol Sales to be on the Ballot in Coosa County

The Coosa County Commission last month decided the issue of Sunday sales of alcohol will be presented to the Alabama legislature for a local bill to be put on a ballot for Coosa County voters. The issue could be on a ballot as early as the May primaries.

Regional Library renovations expected to begin soon

Lake Martin Dadeville Chamber president Peggy Bullard was happy to announce the chamber raised $17,170 in a challenge from Aleem and Cindy Gillani to renovate Horseshoe Bend Regional Library. The couple challenged the chamber to raise half of their $25,000 goal for the project and promised to match the $12,500.

“Boy did they come through with this,” Aleem Gillani said.

Work should start soon with replacing the windows, roof and HVAC systems.

The City of Dadeville, the Tallapoosa County Commission and state Rep. Ed Oliver also helped raise funds through allocated monies from the city, county and state. The five-year fundraising effort has raised almost $100,000.

Another $20,000 to $30,000 is still needed, and the libraries have a gofundme set up to help with fundraising.

~ Siri Hedreen