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Chamber’s Leadership Programs Focus on Education During Fall-Winter Sessions

January 6, 2025 | Comments Off on Chamber’s Leadership Programs Focus on Education During Fall-Winter Sessions

The Chamber’s three leadership development programs – Excellence, Edge and Equip – continued to meet throughout the fall and into the winter. Excellence in Leadership, the Chamber’s flagship leader development program for professionals, visited GoFAR USA Park in October for some fun team building exercises. Later in the day, the group heard from Doug Bachuss…

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Top 7 Stories of 2024

December 30, 2024 | Comments Off on Top 7 Stories of 2024

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. A notable highlight includes our inaugural SuperStar Teacher program recognizing teachers in the Decatur-Morgan County area who show excellence in leadership, creativity and imagination in and out of…

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December SuperStar Teacher: Celebrating Christy Bennich at Crestline Elementary School in Hartselle

December 13, 2024 | Comments Off on December SuperStar Teacher: Celebrating Christy Bennich at Crestline Elementary School in Hartselle

Christy Bennich, a reading specialist at Crestline Elementary School in Hartselle, has been named the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s SuperStar Teacher for December. Our presenting sponsor, Hubbard & Drake General – Mechanical Contractors, Inc., represented by Brian Beidleman, along with John Holley, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Chamber staff, surprised Mrs. Bennich…

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Mary Ila Ward Honored with 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award

December 12, 2024 | Comments Off on Mary Ila Ward Honored with 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award

On December 11, Mary Ila Ward was honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award at the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 15th annual Women in Business Celebration at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. Named for the Greek goddess of wisdom, as well as the champion of justice and law, the ATHENA Leadership Award is presented…

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Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Crisis Residential Unit in Decatur

December 10, 2024 | Comments Off on Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Crisis Residential Unit in Decatur

On December 10, The Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama broke ground on a new 16-bed crisis residential unit at 4110 Highway 31 South in Decatur. This in-patient psychiatric facility will serve 18 counties in Region 1, providing critical care for individuals committed to the Alabama Department of Mental Health. “Since 2013-2014, we’ve only…

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Chamber Begins Search for Director of Investor and Leadership Development

December 10, 2024 | Comments Off on Chamber Begins Search for Director of Investor and Leadership Development

Our Director of Member and Investor Relations, Judy Brown, who has been an invaluable part of our team for the past six years, will be transitioning out of her role with the Chamber effective Friday, December 13. Judy has accepted a new opportunity with Calhoun Community College. During her time with us, Judy has demonstrated…

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Brent Gosnell Named Commodore of the Month for December

December 6, 2024 | Comments Off on Brent Gosnell Named Commodore of the Month for December

  At our monthly Commodore meeting on December 6, our Commodores were able to enjoy lunch, Christmas trivia and an ugly sweater contest. Congratulations to Brent Gosnell with Edward Jones for being named the Greater Morgan County Builders Association Commodore of the Month for December. This group of more than 40 professionals volunteer their time and expertise…

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Chamber’s Industry Day for Teachers Connects Education and Manufacturing

December 6, 2024 | Comments Off on Chamber’s Industry Day for Teachers Connects Education and Manufacturing

In November, seven local teachers participated in the second annual Industry Day for Teachers hosted by the Chamber. These educators spent the day at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. The day included orientation, safety training and shadowing opportunities for teachers to gain insights to help guide their students toward local career opportunities. On November 19,…

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Unlocking AI’s Potential at Emerging Leaders Event

December 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Unlocking AI’s Potential at Emerging Leaders Event

At our Emerging Leaders event on December 4, more than 30 attendees heard from Dr. Katia Maxwell, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Athens State University. She explained practical ways to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into small business operations, from enhancing customer service to streamlining sales, finance, HR and strategic planning. A highlight of…

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Hiring Event Connects Job Seekers with Local Employers

December 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Hiring Event Connects Job Seekers with Local Employers

On December 4, the Chamber, in partnership with AIDT, Career Connect, and the Morgan County Economic Development Association (MCEDA), hosted a successful Hiring Event at the Fort Decatur Recreation Center. With approximately 200 job seekers connecting with 19 local employers, the event offered a range of job opportunities and on-site interviews. Attendees were able to…

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