News
Cybersecurity Isn't Optional Anymore: A Hard-Earned Guide for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Running a business is hard enough without needing to become an amateur IT expert on top of it, but today's entrepreneurs do not get to skip out on cybersecurity. Whether you are launching a food truck or managing a fifty-person creative agency, the risks are very real and the costs of ignorance are only getting higher. It is not just about protecting yourself from shady hackers hunched over keyboards in dark basements either, it is about safeguarding every relationship, every invoice, every carefully
The Real Art of Merging Digital and Physical Marketing for Small Businesses
Running a small business today means juggling two very different worlds at once. You have your storefronts and sidewalks, your mailers and open houses, right alongside hashtags, newsletters, and Google reviews. Many owners are told they need to choose where to focus, but in reality, the smartest approach is learning how to let both sides feed each other. It is less about throwing a wide net and more about weaving a net that is strong and personal enough to catch attention. Let Your Space Tell a Digital
Calhoun Students Sweep Statewide Competition Bringing Home Over 75 Medals And Top Honors
Calhoun Community College is proud to celebrate an extraordinary performance at the 2025 SkillsUSA Alabama State Leadership and Skills Conference in Mobile, where students brought home an impressive 76 medals and multiple chapter awards. A total of 96 students competed in 37 different events, showcasing their technical skill, leadership, and career readiness. Their efforts earned 35 Gold, 25 Silver, and 16 Bronze medals, propelling Calhoun to one of the top-performing colleges in the state. In addition
Decatur Banker David Lively Joins River Bank & Trust
North Alabama Region President Ashton Dement is pleased to announce that Decatur banker David Lively has joined River Bank & Trust. He will serve as Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager, helping neighbors and businesses throughout the area reach their financial goals. "In David, we have a strong banker with 22 years of experience and a genuine commitment to helping clients succeed," says Ashton. "He is a great addition to our team, and his insight will be invaluable to our customers and
Decatur Paddle Battle Set to Serve Up Pickleball Action and Community Fun
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Ed CarrPhone: 575-551-4153Email:bumpercarr1973@yahoo.comDecatur Paddle Battle Set to Serve Up Pickleball Action and Community FunPresented by the Decatur Daybreak Rotary ClubTournament Operations by Southern PickleballMadison, Alabama — April 16, 2025 – Pickleball passion is about to ignite at the inaugural Decatur Paddle Battle, proudly sponsored by the Decatur Daybreak Rotary Club and professionally run by Southern Pickleball. This exciting community tournament will bring
The Art of First Impressions: What Belongs in Your Digital Welcome Kit
When someone agrees to work with a new business, there's a moment of subtle anticipation—on both sides. It's not just about the product or service anymore; it's about experience, tone, and trust. That's where a digital welcome kit becomes more than a polite gesture. It's the starting point for a relationship, an opportunity to set expectations, and a signal that professionalism meets personality from the very first exchange. Lead With a Personalized Welcome Letter Before diving into links, logistics, or
Joe Wheeler EMC Opens Solar Installation
Trinity, AL Dec. 11 – Joe Wheeler EMC (JWEMC) is excited to announce the opening of its first solar installation in partnership with Peak Solarworks, LLC. This innovative project will generate clean, renewable energy directly into the JWEMC grid, offering cost savings and supporting sustainable energy efforts. The seven-acre facility, located at the intersection of County Road 222 and Cooperage Way, sits directly across from the new First Solar manufacturing facility and exclusively uses American-made
Winning Strategies for Small Businesses to Overcome Financial Hurdles
In an era where economic fluctuations are the norm, small businesses must adopt resilient strategies to thrive. The unpredictability of the market demands a proactive approach to ensure stability and growth. By focusing on strategic planning and resource optimization, small business owners can transform potential threats into opportunities. This article explores practical measures that can fortify your business against economic downturns, ensuring not just survival but also long-term success.Streamline
Athens State University Names Dr. Catherine Wehlburg as 39th President
The Athens State University Board of Trustees has named Dr. Catherine M. Wehlburg as the 39th president of Athens State University. This appointment marks the third woman to be named as a permanent president – the first in almost a century. Wehlburg succeeds Dr. Philip Way and has served as Interim President since January 2023. She originally joined the Athens State team in June 2021 as the University’s Provost. Dr. Wehlburg received her B.S. in Psychology and her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Educational
Calhoun Grad Earns Dual Nursing Degree through UAH Partnership
As the spring semester draws to a close at Calhoun Community College, Kehinde Oyediran stands on the brink of a significant milestone. Among the graduating students who will soon walk across the stage during the college’s commencement ceremony, Oyediran's journey is particularly inspiring. Not only will he receive his associate's degree in Nursing from the college, but he also recently attained his bachelor's degree in nursing from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) through the college’s
Calhoun Community College Announces Jazz Festival
Decatur, Alabama - April 13, 2024 - Calhoun Community College's Music Department is excited to present the 2024 ACA Jazz Festival, titled "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) located at 133 2nd Ave NE and at the historic Princess Theatre located at 112 2nd Ave NE, both in downtown Decatur. The festival will showcase a spectacular lineup of renowned musicians, offering a full day of live performances, educational clinics, and
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
