Latest News

Starting January 1, full-time hourly employees in Alabama will enjoy a 5% increase in compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week, as they will no longer be subject to state income tax on overtime pay. Governor Kay Ivey signed HB217 into law in June, eliminating the state’s tax on overtime pay. “Hardworking Alabamians who go…

The Chamber’s 2023 Workforce NOW Summit was held on November 17 at Calhoun Community College. Keynote speaker, Donny Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Workforce Officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Executive Director of West Alabama Works, shared insights on overcoming workforce barriers and how businesses and communities can collaboratively build…

More then 40 attendees joined us for the Chamber’s Breakfast & Biz event on November 15 at the Magnolia Room. Pam Werstler with Acorn to Oak Consulting shared strategies to enhance workforce retention and creating a thriving workplace culture. Pam also offered insights on talent attraction, legal pitfalls to avoid and the non-monetary factors that…

Thank you to Habitat ReStore on Central Parkway in Decatur for hosting our monthly Commodore meeting on November 10. Commodore Admiral and Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County Executive Director Landis Griffin explained the mission of the nonprofit organization that creates affordable housing to improve the lives of families in Decatur, Hartselle and the surrounding…

Thanks to all who participated in our Federal Public Policy Agenda meeting on November 9. The one-hour meeting led by the Public Policy Committee provided the opportunity to review the 2023 agenda and suggest updates and revisions for the 2024 edition. The meeting focused on state issues was held in October in the Contractor Service…

On November 2, the Chamber hosted its annual State of Education forum featuring Athens State University Interim President Dr. Catherine Wehlburg, Calhoun Community College President Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Decatur City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Douglas, Decatur Heritage Christian Academy Head of School Steve Hall, Hartselle City Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Clayton, Morgan County Schools Superintendent…

(News Release) More than 7,700 Alabamians have enrolled in rapid career training for in-demand jobs since the start of the Alabama Community College System’s Skills for Success courses. The engine behind the courses, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, opened a new headquarters in Decatur on November 1, to continue its work of…

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce has a learning partnership with Athens State University that provides a 10% tuition discount for employees of our more than 800 member businesses and their immediate families. This month only, a one-time offer of a 20% tuition discount will be applied if a student registers for the Spring 2024 semester and either pays…

(News Release) Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) is growing yet again, with a new taxiway and access road underway on the northwest side of the airport. Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) in Tanner, Ala., broke ground this month on a concrete taxiway and access road that stems off of the existing parallel taxiway for Runway…

Regarding our upcoming 2023 Washington Update event featuring Congressman Dale Strong, we were notified by his office that Congressional leadership has made the decision to reduce the upcoming two-week recess in order to vote on funding bills with a looming November 17 deadline. As a result, Congressman Dale Strong’s presence is required in Washington, D.C.…