Top 7 Stories of 2023
As a new year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on a few of the achievements we've shared with our members, partners and the community throughout the year. Notable highlights include our inaugural Industry Day for Teachers, exposing educators to in-demand careers so they can share those opportunities with their students. Additionally, we proudly became the first Chamber to enter a learning partnership with Athens State University, providing members with the additional benefit of a 10% tuition discount.
As we bid farewell to 2023, we invite you to join us in revisiting the top seven stories that make us excited for the future of Decatur-Morgan County. Click any of the headlines to be directed to the original article:
- Decatur Ranked Number One Place People in Huntsville are Looking to Buy a Home - In February, Stacker.com said Decatur is the number one place where people in Huntsville are looking to a buy home. We look forward to the additional residential options coming in 2024.
- Nucor Adding $125 Million Facility in Decatur - In February, Nucor Corp. announced plans to open an advanced manufacturing facility. Nucor Towers & Structures will produce transmission towers.
- Decatur City Council Approves Agreement for Riverfront Development near Ingalls Harbor - In April, the Decatur City Council approved a project development agreement and ground lease agreement to build a $30 million riverfront development just west of Ingalls Harbor.
- Decatur City Schools Superintendent Recognized as BRSE Recipient - In April, Dr. Michael Douglas, was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) Superintendent Award. Dr. Douglas is only the fourth superintendent in the nation to be recognized with this prestigious award.
- Three New Local Projects Will Support Workforce Development - Funding finalized in June will bring new projects to our area including a dance/music studio in downtown Decatur, expansion of the Advanced Technology Center at Calhoun Community College and an EV Training Center on the campus of the Alabama Robotics Technology Park.
- First County-Owned Gym Opens in Morgan County - Morgan County welcomed its first-ever county-owned gym in October at West Park in the Neel community of Hartselle.
- ACCS Innovation Center Headquarters Opens in Decatur - The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center opened their new headquarters in November to continue its work of adding skilled employees to the state’s workforce.