News
Dream, Pitch, Win: Launch Tank Competition Now Accepting Applications
HUNTSVILLE, AL – Entrepreneurs in North Alabama have a chance to turn their business dreams into reality as Launch, in collaboration with Singing River Trail, officially opens applications for the third annual Launch Tank competition. Scheduled to take place at the Space Camp Operations Center at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, the Singing River Trail Launch Tank is a unique opportunity for regional entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas in a Shark Tank-style event. The competition
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
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
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
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
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