News

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 top 50 is Huntsville which is number #15.

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 p.m., at Turner-Surles Community Center.

The Alabama Innovation Corporation (Innovate Alabama) has opened applications for the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program to bridge connections and resources for innovative small businesses. In addition to helping the state’s leading entrepreneurs and innovators, dispersing these funds will grow Alabama’s economy by stimulating research and commercialization, developing exportable products and services and creating and retaining high-wage jobs in skilled occupations.

The members of Decatur City Council and Planning Commission will host a presentation regarding the current zoning code rewrite on Thursday, August 18 at Turner-Surles Community Center, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Clarion Associates, who has assisted in the zoning code rewrite process for the City of Decatur, will deliver the presentation.

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.

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 to $1,800 per month. Villarreal said annexing the property from the county to the city puts more restrictions on the building requirements that are nonexistent if the property remained in the county.  

On Wednesday, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees approved Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker’s recommendation to appoint Dr. Jimmy Hodges as President of Calhoun Community College. Dr. Hodges has served as Interim President at the College since June 2021.

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 submitted questions from the membership.

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 received hands-on experience in welding, electrical and 3D printing. The camp teaches the importance of safety and the intricate technological components of welding, electrical mechanisms and additive manufacturing, culminating with industry tour, class projects, and local businesswomen in the manufacturing sector sharing their experiences with the attendees each day. Instructor-led class projects included chain link lamps, 3D printed keychains and mini 3D printed cars. 

The Chamber’s annual Clay Shoot Classic on June 10 at Old South Clays in Athens was an opportunity for our members to enjoy the great outdoors. The day-long event included a morning and afternoon flight, a great opportunity for fellowship during lunch and the chance for teams to compete for prizes.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Contractor Service & Fabrication Inc.

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 City of Decatur,” commented Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Interim President. “This was a project we foresaw working towards in the future, but today bears the fruit of the great work and dedication of our elected officials, city government and institutions who put forth the work in making it happen now, and for that I couldn’t be any more proud,” said Hodges.

The City of Decatur, in partnership with Volkert, Inc.’s engineering team, will host a public input meeting for residents regarding the Sixth Avenue  streetscape project on Tuesday, June 28, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at Turner-Surles Community Center at 702 Sycamore Street NW.

The input session will be a come-and-go event for attendees to share their thoughts on the streetscape project. Feedback will be discussed in a small group setting with a project liaison. Representatives of the City of Decatur and Volkert, Inc. will be available to answer any questions.

Excellence in Leadership, Edge Student Leadership and Equip Student Leadership each completed their program years with graduations, recognitions and an understanding they have an opportunity to become more engaged in their community.

Renasant Bank announced 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 and community," said Tim Lovelace, Northwest Alabama Division President. "This team will be out front in our efforts to continue expanding our Renasant tradition of service to our customers and positive impact in our market."