Happy February! I’m not sure about you, but January sure felt 178 days long. However, it was great to get back in the swing of things. After returning from a wonderful break, I was glad to get back On the Road and to start the year off. January brought an early start to the legislative session on Tuesday, January 13th. As happens, the first week of the session brought a buzz to Montgomery with the first BCA Tuesday morning briefing with Governor Ivey. The next morning I was happy to join friends and colleagues for the ADN Legislative Kickoff Breakfast followed by our first Alabama Chambers board meeting and the BCA Legislative Reception. We are also pleased to be with ATN as they cut the ribbon on their official renaming to Alabama Training Network.
The following day I traveled to Troy for the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. What a wonderful night of celebration! Great job Team Pike County. The week rounded out with lunch with Kim from Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, Laura from Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, and Bridget from the Dadeville Lake Martin Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled to have Bridget at the helm as their first executive director.
The next week I visited Kamp A Demics Learning Center, one of Montgomery’s child care centers with Senator Katie Britt, Voices for Alabama’s Children, and First Five Years Fund where I was honored to participate in a roundtable discussion on the updated child care tax credits Senator Britt secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. It was then on to Albertville to help lead the Albertville Chamber of Commerce in their 2026 board retreat.
January closed with one of my favorite experiences each year. Our friends and partners at YGM hosted Interchange, bringing together peers from across the country. I spent four days in chilly—and eventually snowy—Pigeon Forge learning alongside an incredible group of women who lead state chamber executive associations. I am truly grateful for this supportive community of colleagues, friends, and mentors.
And just like that, February is here. Punxsutawney Phil and Beauregard Lee both saw their shadows, but for those ready to move on from winter, Sand Mountain Sam has predicted an early spring. So, do we trust the groundhog or the possum?
While that very important debate continues, we are busy preparing for the 2nd Annual Chamber Day at the Capitol and an exciting year ahead. Thank you to each of you for allowing me to support you and be your biggest cheerleader. I’m looking forward to another great year together.