News
Calhoun Revolutionizes Education: Partnering with Skills for Success to Offer Free CDL Training Program
Calhoun Community College is excited to announce its newest opportunity for the community, which is a FREE Class B CDL training program in partnership with Skills for Success. Doug Brazier, Director of Calhoun Workforce Solutions, shared that this initiative is fully funded by Skills for Success, a rapidly growing training program developed by the Alabama Community College System. This program was designed to equip residents with the essential credentials needed for employment in high-demand fields across
Calhoun Announces Its 2023 Summer President’s and Dean’s List
Calhoun Community College has announced the names of those students qualifying for the President’s and Dean’s List for the 2023 summer semester. Students are listed by hometowns. President’s ListPresident’s List Requirements: 12 or more semester hours at 4.0 GPA Arab, ALRidge, Austin MichaelAthens, ALAcharya, Saurav Brannon, Joshua ChristopherBrown, Anthony WilliamMasso, Lara MartinaMcNaughton, Catherine QuinnWallace, Mary BrynCullman, ALBarksdale, Dyson CharlesDecatur, ALJordan, Ansley
The Chamber launches Total Resource Campaign, Connect23
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the start of our annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC) for 2023 that will match local businesses with marketing opportunities to put them in front of their target audiences. This year’s volunteer led initiative, Connect23, will be chaired by Leifje Dighton, Executive Director at GE Appliances, a Haier company. “In my role as a board member for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, I am deeply committed to our regional business
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Partners with Athens State University to Offer Tuition Discount to Members
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce it has entered into a new learning partnership with Athens State University to offer reduced tuition for employees of our more than 800 member businesses. Benefits of the learning partnership include a 10% tuition discount on all classes, waived application fee and complimentary evaluation of previously earned educational credits and training/professional certifications/portfolio for consideration of transfer credit. These benefits will
Alabama Goodwill is Expanding its Reach into the Decatur Community
Alabama Goodwill Industries (AGI) is thrilled to announce the upcoming soft opening and grand opening of its newest retail store in Decatur, AL. The store will also include a drive-up drop-off donor door for convenience. The soft opening of the new Goodwill store begins Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The event is open to the public and serves as a dress rehearsal for the official grand opening, which is Thursday, August 3, 2023. "The grand opening on August 3 kicks off at 8:45am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony,
Cullman Regional Expansion Project Adds 30 Beds
Cullman Regional is now a 175-bed hospital with the recent completion of a fourstory, 30-bed tower expansion. The project added 13 new critical care beds, 12 new medical/surgical beds and five beds were created by renovating existing space in the hospital. Current patients will be moved to the new patient rooms and crews will begin renovating the old patient rooms in the critical care and medical/surgical units. After final approval of the renovated beds by the Alabama Department of Public Health, both
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Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Awarded $150,000 at the Second Round of Grant Funding
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (June 20, 2023) – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) today hosted twelve nonprofit grantees at their site to celebrate the awarding of $150,000 through the MTM Grant Fund. Grantees took part in a tour of the facility and celebrated this second milestone in MTM’s history. Last year, MTM awarded their Inaugural Grant Fund at their Community Appreciation Event on June 30, 2022. “MTM is grateful to the organizations that support our community, and our MTM Grant Fund is one way that we can show
32nd Annual Athens State Alumni Golf Classic Scheduled for September 21
The 32nd Annual Athens State University Alumni Golf Classic is scheduled for Thursday, September 21 at Canebrake Club in Athens. Check-in will begin at 10:30 am and lunch will be provided. The event’s shotgun start will occur at 11:30 am, with dinner from Greenbrier and the awarding of prizes to follow the tournament at the clubhouse. Skill prizes will be awarded for Championship Flight, First Flight, Longest Drive (Men/Women), and Closest to the Hole (Men/Women). Individuals or businesses can sponsor
United Community donates to organizations across Alabama following Progress Bank Conversion
United Community, through the United Community Bank Foundation, is donating a total of $20,000 to four organizations in Alabama including the Princess Theatre for Performing Arts, Huntsville Museum of Art, Central-West Alabama Red Cross and YMCA of the Shoals. “Serving our communities has always been a focus at United,” said Lynn Harton, Chairman and CEO of United Community. “Each one of these organizations was handpicked by our employees, and we’re proud to continue to support the great work our teams
Market Leadership Transition at Bank Independent
Bank Independent, headquartered in Sheffield, Ala., is pleased to share an important leadership transition in the greater Decatur market as David Mathews announces his retirement plans and Bob Thompson is tapped to guide growth as the Area President of Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan counties. Current Area President David Mathews has served the Decatur community for over 16 years. Mathews has worked closely with the Bank to forecast future needs for this key market ahead of his planned retirement in
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Record number of girls register for 2023 SWeETy Camp at Calhoun Community College
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Calhoun Community College to host the Summer Welding & Electrical Technology (SWeETy) Camp for 9th – 12th grade girls from area schools. The goal is to offer girls an opportunity to learn hands-on skills that can lead to high paying, satisfying careers in high growth industries. This year, we have 40 students registered, a record number for the program. During the four-day camp, the girls will participate in instructor-led projects and
The Chamber partners with Calhoun to offer CyberPatriot Camps and an Advanced Automotive Academy
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Calhoun Community College to host CyberPatriot Camps and an Advanced Automotive Academy, for 9th – 12th grade students from area schools. The goal of the weeklong CyberPatriot Camp is to offer local students an opportunity to learn hands-on about the field of cyber security from local industry leaders, become familiar with Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems, learn to use multiple numbering systems and operating system
Decatur Police Chief Graduates from FBI National Academy
The Decatur Police Department is proud to announce Chief Todd Pinion has graduated as a member of the 286th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on June 8, 2023. Nationally, less than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven
Athens State to Host Flag Day Celebration
Athens State’s annual Flag Day Ceremony and cookout is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 at 12:00 pm in the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom. The event honors the United States flag and our nation’s armed forces, past and present. Chief James L. Chambers will be this year’s guest speaker. The Athens High School Junior ROTC will present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and music will be provided by the Athens State Community Band. In addition, representatives of the John Wade Keyes Chapter of
Cullman Regional Seeks Approval to Build Ambulatory Surgery Center in Hartselle
Cullman Regional is taking steps to build an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) at Hartselle Health Park, a multi-service outpatient facility opened by the hospital in 2021. In Alabama, healthcare providers must seek state approval to build or add certain healthcare services including ASCs. Cullman Regional has initiated the approval process by submitting a Letter of Intent to Alabama’s Certificate of Need (CON) Review Board. “An outpatient surgery center in Hartselle is another way to provide south Morgan
Growth Drives Creation of New Positions at Huntsville's Top Integrated Communications Firm
Red Sage Communications has named August McCoy as Creative Director and Michael Jones as Director of Client Services. These two hires represent the beginning of a new era in the agency, with an expanded leadership circle driving results for clients. McCoy takes the Creative Director reigns from agency Founder and President, Ellen Didier. With decades of experience in the field, McCoy will utilize his wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead Red Sage’s creative team of multimedia designers, website
Leissa Hill Promoted to Vice President of Finance and Operations, CFO for Chamber
On April 19, the Board of Directors for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce approved the promotion of Leissa Hill to Vice President of Finance and Operations, Chief Financial Officer. In her new role, Leissa will serve as an integral member of the senior management team. She will be responsible for the development of the organization’s financial management strategy and maintaining building operations. She will also assist the President & CEO in setting objectives and establishing
Private Banking Team Mary Hartley & Dawn Jeffery Join River Bank & Trust in Huntsville
North Alabama Region President Ashton Dement is pleased to announce that two of Huntsville's most seasoned private banking professionals have joined River Bank & Trust. Mary Hartley will serve as Private Banker & Senior Vice President, and Dawn Jeffery will serve as Private Banking Assistant and Customer Service Officer. The duo will cater to the unique financial needs of affluent clients throughout the Huntsville market. "Our Huntsville Market President Paul Robinson has put together an incredible team
River Bank & Trust Welcomes Veteran Decatur Banker Don Chittam
Decatur, Alabama - April 12, 2023 - River Bank & Trust has welcomed veteran banker Don Chittam as Senior Vice President & Relationship Manager, announced North Alabama Region President Ashton Dement today. With over 35 years of experience in banking and finance, Chittam will use his extensive knowledge to help commercial and consumer clients achieve their financial goals. "We are delighted to have Don join our team," said Dement. "His expertise in banking and ability to establish trusted relationships
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Hands Across Decatur Opens Emergency Overnight Shelter
Due to the deadly arctic air expected Christmas weekend, with highs reaching only 25 with lows of 11 (possibly below zero), HANDS ACROSS DECATUR has made the decision that we will be open as an emergency overnight shelter beginning Thursday afternoon at 4 pm through at least December 26, at 1 pm. The temps are expected to be 8 degrees by Thursday afternoon - going down to below 0 with wind chill before Friday morning. This is for our unhoused community and is due to the deadly arctic air expected by
Red Sage Communications Continues Expansion, Announces Three New Hires
Red Sage Communications, a top-ranked, full-service, integrated communications agency, has announced the hiring of three new team members, continuing several years of unprecedented growth within the agency. The new team members, Frank Patterson, Accounting Manager; Angelica Ramos- Chbihi, Traffic Manager; and Zack Hurst, Video and Multimedia Specialist, each bring specialized talents that will allow the agency to grow project capacity and efficiency. Remarking on the expansion positions, Red Sage
The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department hosts annual “Heating up the Holidays” Bike Drive
The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department is hosting its annual “Heating up the Holidays” Bike Drive. Residents can purchase a new children’s bicycle and deliver to any of the Decatur Fire & Rescue stations across town or to the Decatur Public Safety Training Center, which is located at 4119 Old Hwy 31. Those who are unable to deliver their bike may also call Deputy Fire Marshal Kyle Brown at (256) 341-4856 to schedule a pick-up time. Bikes are requested for donation by Friday, December 9th. “Our
Valvoline Instant Oil Change to Host Grand Opening Event
Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM (VIOC) – the second largest quick lube service chain in the U.S. by number of locations – opened its first Company-owned service center in Decatur, Alabama on September 29, 2022. The new location is located at 2605 Hwy 31 South. No appointments are necessary. To celebrate, the service center invites the Decatur community to the Grand Opening event on Friday, November 11 from 8am – 7pm. Store visitors will enjoy exclusive giveaways and special promotions*, including: • The
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New Hiking and Bicycling Trail Opens at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
A new hiking and bicycling trail at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is now open. The trail, portions of which overlay the existing Airport Road, has a fine textured gravel surface and travels through forests, along agricultural fields, and near Flint Creek. The new trailhead parking lot can be accessed from the main Visitor Center entrance. The trail, which forks near its end, provides for a roundtrip mileage of nearly 5.5 miles. The trail provides improved access to the outdoors, supporting the concept
Calhoun Offers Free Admission to Basketball Games
The Calhoun Community College Athletics Division is excited to announce free admission to all Warhawk basketball fans during its 2022-2023 season. The decision was made following the college’s decision to bring basketball back after nearly 21 years. “Our goal is to rebuild the fan base of our athletics programs,” commented Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President. “We felt the best way to do that is to offer free admission for the community to come out and support the new Warhawk basketball teams and fall in
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State of Education Forum Event To Address Progress Being Made in Local School Systems
The Decatur–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education Forum is an opportunity to hear about the progress being made in our local school systems and the successes and challenges facing our education system. Panelists will include Superintendents from Decatur City Schools, Hartselle City Schools and Morgan County Schools, along with the Presidents of Calhoun Community College and Athens State University. Scott Mayo, Executive Director of Cook Museum of Natural Science, will moderate the
Calhoun has Spots Available for Brewing Course This Fall
The Calhoun Workforce Solutions (CWS) team is looking to fill a few spots in its fall brewing apprentice course this fall. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 7. “This apprenticeship course is the first of its kind in North Alabama, and was designed specifically for beginner to intermediate-level brewers,” commented Doug Brazier, CWS Interim Director and Business Developer. Breweries have become one of the fastest-growing recession-proof industries across the globe, and as the need for craft
1818 Farms Provides New Headquarters for Singing River Trail
Singing River Trail is now calling Mooresville home base thanks to a generous Limestone County family. The McCrary family, owners of 1818 Farms in Mooresville, is providing Singing River Trail a charming home and six acres of land to serve as the new Singing River Trail headquarters located at 4865 Arrowhead Landing Road, Mooresville, AL 35649. This new location will allow Singing River Trail to more effectively fulfill its mission to connect the North Alabama region and enhance the quality of life for
Decatur Fire & Rescue Hosting Halloween Event for Children with Special Needs
The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department is pleased to announce our first Halloween event for children with special needs on October 27, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the City of Decatur’s Fire and Police Training Center, located at 4119 Old Hwy 31. Halloween can be overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum and those with physical disabilities, so we’re excited to offer an event that exclusively focuses on creating an environment where children feel comfortable
Area Chamber members named finalists for state small business awards
Three members of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce were recently chosen as finalists for the 2022 Alabama Small Business of the Year Awards presented by The Partnership of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). The awards recognize the very best in Alabama small business and 46 small businesses have been named as finalist. M & M Servs, LLC, Express Employment Professionals, and Jackson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, all from Decatur, are
The BCA/CCAA Partnership Names Alabama Small Business Award Finalist
The Alabama Small Business of the Year Awards presented by The Partnership of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), recognizes the very best in Alabama small business. 46 Alabama small businesses have been named as finalists for “Alabama’s Small Business of the Year” awards. Presented annually by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the awards recognize businesses of merit based on a
Calhoun Brings Famous Musician to Princess Theatre
The Calhoun Community College Fine Arts Division is excited to announce famous jazz musician, Jason Marsalis, as its special guest for its ‘New Orleans, Then and Now’ Concert. The event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 7:00 p.m., at the Princess Theatre in Downtown Decatur. This event is FREE and open to the public. From a young age, it was clear that Jason Marsalis had what it took to be great. Jason is the son of pianist and music educator Ellis Marsalis, and the youngest sibling of Wynton,
National Fitness Campaign Makes Fitness Free for Everyone in Decatur
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Decatur Parks & Recreation, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Decatur Parks & Recreation. The Fitness Court, located at Wilson Morgan Park near the trailhead, will open Thursday, October 20, 2022 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This Fitness Court was developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Decatur Parks & Recreation and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create
Huntsville International Airport approved to land commercial space vehicles
Huntsville International Airport has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow commercial space vehicles to land in Huntsville. Huntsville International Airport, located in North Alabama, is the first commercial airport in the U.S. approved as a reentry site to receive a space vehicle landing. “Huntsville has propelled us into another historic first for our state with the award of the commercial space vehicle reentry license for Huntsville International Airport,” said Gov. Kay
Alabama’s First Internationally Sanctioned Hopscotch Course Comes to Courtland
The installation of Alabama’s first internationally sanctioned hopscotch course was completed this week by “Artlady” Sonya Clemons. Clemons, a Jackson County muralist, was commissioned by Singing River Trail (SRT) to hand paint the usable public art on the square of Historic Downtown Courtland. The court is now open to the public. In addition to being sanctioned by the International Society of Hopscotch, the Society has commended Singing River Trail for using this court to build community and deemed SRT
The 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week Spotlights the Importance of Fire Escape Planning
During the week of October 9, 2022, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) observes the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™, the longest-running public health observance in the United States. The timing of the annual event commemorates the date of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.1 In support of this year's theme for Fire Prevention
Drive Away Cancer
October means fall and breast cancer awareness. At America’s Car-Mart, for the sixth consecutive year, we will promote our ‘Drive Away Cancer’ campaign during the month. We will utilize our local dealerships to educate and increase awareness of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) life-saving efforts. For every vehicle sold during October, Car-Mart will donate a portion of our sales to the ACS, up to $10,000. For more information about Car-Mart please visit www.car-mart.com
Cerrowire marks milestone with celebration of a century
Hartselle, AL – Cerrowire® employees reveled in the celebration of a century at Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur, AL, July 30 during the culmination of their nationwide observance of 100 years of operation. Nearly 450 team members and their families from the Hartselle, AL, facility, MC Cable business and corporate headquarters came together at the museum. During the evening, kids and adults explored museum exhibits and activities, learned fun facts at live animal shows, and enjoyed important
The Calhoun Foundation names Kim Lewis as new Board President
The Calhoun College Foundation is pleased to announce that Kim Lewis has been named President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Making history as the first African American to serve in this role, Lewis will succeed outgoing President, Rex Cheatham. “On behalf of Calhoun Community College and the foundation’s board of directors, we appreciate Rex for his leadership and direction of the foundation while serving during a difficult time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Johnette Davis, Calhoun
Decatur Renasant team grows with city
Renasant is proud to share that the Decatur banking and lending team is growing. Recently, Tim Lovelace was named Northwest Alabama Division President; Charlotte Gregory was named Decatur Market President; Melissa Nichols was named Vice President, Private Banking; and Seddrick Williams was named Assistant Vice President, Commercial Relationship Officer. “We are happy to announce expanded roles for several of our long term team members who have been foundational in the growth and leadership of our bank
Sonny Craig honored with Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award at Annual Meeting
On Wednesday, Sonny Craig of Decatur was presented the 2022 Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Miss Athelyne C. Banks Citizen of the Year award for his contributions and volunteerism to the community. The award, presented each year at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, is named after the longtime Decatur educator Miss Athelyne C. Banks and honors those whose life reflects the dedication, service and faithfulness to Decatur modeled in the example of Banks. A Decatur native, Craig graduated from Decatur
Community leaders honored at Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards Celebration
On Tuesday, three area professionals were honored by the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at the annual Small Business Awards Celebration for their leadership, creativity and commitment to our business community. Keith Jackson, founder and owner of Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Decatur, was named the Raymon Baker - John Cook - Ralph Jones Small Business Person of the Year; Jacob Ladner, CEO of Thirdmark Capital in Decatur, was named the Arthur Orr Young Professional of the Year; and
Excellence in Leadership Check presentation on June 8
What: The Chamber’s 2021-2022 Excellence in Leadership class has graduated, and the numbers are in from their highly successful golf tournament community project on May 12. This class raised $16,502.40, the most of any Excellence in Leadership class. The proceeds will be distributed to the following organizations: CEOTA-Scottsboro Boys Museum, Clothe Our Kids-First Priority of Greater Decatur and The Arc of Morgan County. Please join us in presenting these recipients with a check to further their mission
Chamber’s State of Healthcare Wednesday will provide an update on new technology and services at Dec
What: The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Healthcare will provide an opportunity for business and community leaders to hear from Kelli Powers, President/CEO of Decatur Morgan Hospital, about new technology and services available at the hospital, future plans and an update on the pandemic. Who: Kelli Powers, President/CEO of Decatur Morgan Hospital When: Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 a.m. Where: The DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront, 1101 Sixth Ave. NE, DecaturFor Media:No
Chamber’s State of the City Forum to highlight growth, development and future in the River City
What: The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City Forum is an opportunity for city leaders to highlight the city’s progress in economic development, residential growth, and infrastructure projects to our membership and business community. They will also look ahead at the year to come for the River City. Who: The event will feature Mayor Tab Bowling, Council President Jacob Ladner, and Council Pro Tem Carlton McMasters. Dave Hargrove, Regional Director of State Legislative and
Bo Weinman honored with Chamber’s Commodore of the Year award at Annual Meeting
On Wednesday, Bo Weinman was presented the 2022 Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Rosie Hennessy Commodore of the Year Award. Weinman is currently the Admiral of the Commodores and has served as a Commodore since 2015. This group serves as ambassadors for the Chamber and network with new members at events such as ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. “Bo exemplifies true servant leadership. As a Commodore, he has invested numerous hours supporting new businesses and Chamber programs such as the
Chamber’s Annual Meeting Wednesday will highlight our accomplishments over the past year and announce Citizen and Commodore of the Year Award recipients
What: The Decatur–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Annual Meeting presented by Indorama Ventures is an opportunity to celebrate the past 12 months in our community while looking ahead to what’s next for our organization. The Chamber will present the 2022 Miss Athelyne C. Banks Citizen of the Year Award and the 2022 Rosie Hennessy Commodore of the Year Award. The Citizen of the Year Award honors a member of the community that reflects the dedication, service and faithfulness to Decatur modeled in
Chamber’s State of Morgan County address with Chairman Long to focus on growth, development and future
What: Each year, the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce partners with the Morgan County Commission on a variety of initiatives, including the annual State of the County Address. The breakfast provides the Commission Chairman the opportunity to highlight the county’s progress in economic and commercial development, financial sustainability and present an “annual report” to the Chamber membership regarding the accomplishments of the past year. The Chairman also looks ahead and plans to share what he
