CONFERENCE

Continued from A1 lobbyist in Montgomery early in her career and being left to wait outside a state senator’s office as men came and went. She then told the senator what she thought of being made to wait.

“To this day we are friends,” Sanders said. “To this day when his power blinks, he calls me.”

Sanders said it is common to introduce yourself basically with a biography but said you can’t be afraid of developing a 60-second elevator speech.

“Mine starts with I’m a person of faith,” Sanders said.

Rana Futral is the chief financial officer and a bank president with First Community Bank of Central Alabama and spoke to the ladies at the conference about knowing the family’s finances.

“I’ve had ladies come in after their husbands have passed away not knowing what they have,” Futural said.

Futural said financial planning is something women need to do to be suc-

Hours

Continued from A1

Christmas Decorations

The council approved, on first reading, expenditures to decorate downtown and the Bibb Graves Bridge for Christmas.

cessful.

“You have to learn about finances to empower yourself,” Futural said. “If you don’t you will get left off the process of gaining access to capital and more.”

The first annual conference featured seven women speakers from a variety of backgrounds to give attendees a perspective on things they can do to make sure

Wreaths that normally decorate the bridge were damaged in a storm. The council approved the expenditure of $13,275 to replace them.

The council also approved the decorating of 41 trees downtown by the same vendor who helps Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.

“That is to be able to wrap all the trees in lights individually,” Mayor Jerry Willis said. “That will be pretty there.”

WEATHER STATION APPROVED FOR MT. CARMEL TOWER

The council approved at no cost to the city to allow Baron Critical Weather Institute of Huntsville to install a weather station and high-definition camera on the city’s communications tower — the same tower that has the star on it.

Elmore County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Keith Barnett said they aren’t left behind.

Whitfield hopes to bring the conference back again.

“This has just been great,” Whitfield said. “The speakers have all said how much they appreciated the chance to do this. I think it’s important for women to gain knowledge to empower themselves.” he had a similar setup on the county’s tower behind the EMA center that needed to be replaced.

“My idea was why not put it at a higher location,” Barnett said. “It will have a better view.”

Barnett said the station and camera help provide a response as storms approach the area.

Barnett said the institute providing the equipment provides one setup per county and has them across the state including at Martin Dam.

In other action, the Wetumpka City Council:

• Approved a three-way stop at the intersection of Cotton Lakes Boulevard and Landing Place.

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 15 meeting.

• Approved use of Gold Star Park for Oktoberfest Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

• Approved use of the Wetumpka Farmers Market Oct. 22 for use by the Family Sunshine Center for a food truck event.

• Approved a Wildlife Art Event for The Kelly at Gold Star Park on Nov. 5.

The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 19.

Chairman Steve Baker, Publisher Kaitlin Fleming, Managing Editor

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