News

How to Become a Better Leader in Today’s Complex Work Environment At the Chamber’s Breakfast & Biz development event on August 11, motivational speaker and author Lemzel Johnson provided tips on how to become a better leader in today’s complex work environment. Lemzel kept the crowd of around 50 people engaged with demonstrations that show how to focus on…

Emerging Leaders Tour Pryor Field Regional Airport We had a great turnout on August 3, at our combined Emerging Leaders/Workforce Coalition event at Pryor Field Regional Airport. Pryor Field Manager Adam Fox spoke about the history of the airport, the economic impact it has on our community and plans for growth and expansion. We also learned an air…

The Chamber Celebrates New Teachers in our Community One of the most important professions that gives life and character to a community are educators committed to serving students in our classroom. In late July, the Chamber celebrated those joining systems in our area who have decided to help shape the next generation of leaders. On…

City of Decatur to Host Public Input Session for Upper River Road & Old River Road Project The City of Decatur’s Engineering Department, in partnership with Garver Engineering, will host a public input meeting for residents regarding the Upper River Road and Old River Road project on Wednesday, August 10, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00…

Decatur Ranks in Top 50 Emerging Housing Markets for July Decatur is listed in the top 50 for housing markets in the country according to a ranking released by the Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com. The Decatur metro area is number 43 in the Emerging Housing Markets Index for summer 2022. The only other metro area in Alabama in…

The City of Decatur has recently completed a full revision of its comprehensive zoning ordinance. Decatur’s zoning ordinance was published in 1987, with several portions dating back to the 1950s. In order to reflect a changing landscape and a modern community, Decatur’s long-range planning initiative, One Decatur, prioritized a full rewrite of the ordinance. Featured…

City Council Annexes Land into Decatur Where Apartment Complex will be Built On Monday, the Decatur City Council approved the annexation of approximately 14.5 acres at 2900 Upper River Road. Landowner Andy Villarreal plans to spend around $25 million building a luxury apartment complex on the land with up to 175 units renting for $1,300…

Legislative Update Forum Addresses Successes, Challenges of Recent Session On June 30, the Chamber welcomed around 100 attendees to the annual Legislative Update Forum, which provided an opportunity for Chamber members and the business community to hear about the most recently completed legislative session, plans for the future of state government, and answers to previously…

Educational Camps Help Prepare the Next Generation Workforce As part of our commitment to preparing the next generation workforce, the Chamber was excited to partner with Calhoun Community College for three summer camps during the month of June. During our 16th Annual SWeETy Camp (Summer Welding, Engineering & Electrical Technology Camp), twenty-four high school girls…

Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground on First Residence Hall On Monday, Calhoun Community College and Athens State University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the construction for new residence halls at the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) in downtown Decatur. “Today is a great day for Calhoun, Athens State and the…