Happy Spring! For those of you that know me, you know I’m a pumpkin loving fall girl, but there is something special about the renewal of spring. I hope that March was good to you and that the devil’s yellow dust isn’t wreaking too much havoc with your allergies!
March found us full steam ahead in planning for our upcoming Executive Leadership Conference in Huntsville at the end of April. I am truly excited about the stellar line up we have for this year’s speakers. It is “out of this world.” Additionally, the National Civics Bee® entered a new phase as finalist were chosen for our upcoming regional bees. The top 3 from each of these will meet on July 16, 2026, in Montgomery for the Alabama National Civics Bee State Finals presented by Kinder Morgan. Mark your calendar and make plans to join us.
The month started off in great fashion with a well-attended, lively Reginal Roundtable in Russellville. Special thank you to Cassie and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce for hosting us.
The next week found me in Dadeville for a board orientation for the Dadeville Lake Martin Chamber of Commerce. Great things are happening for that community and chamber. With the legislative session in full swing, the BCA Tuesday morning briefings and Capitol Updates continued as we move through the session.
We had a great Talk About it Tuesday this month with conversation revolving around sponsorship sales. Thank you to all who participated. Thursday, April 19, was a special day in Jackson County for the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce as they cut the ribbon on their beautiful new office in downtown Scottsboro. Rick Roden was honored with the board room in their new facility being named in his honor. Rick has served Jackson County for 34 years and has continued to be a friend and mentor to so many in our industry. Congratulations, Rick! The next morning I made a beautiful drive over to Huntsville to do a pre-planning site visit for ELC. Thank you to Mary McNairy, Chip Cherry, and the entire Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce team for hosting our upcoming conference at their location and for planning what I know is going to be a stellar community tour.
The final week of the month started with an invitation to the Alabama League of Municipalities 6th Annual Women in Government Leadership Luncheon at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. It was a wonderful afternoon surrounded by women doing impactful work across our state. We were treated to a private tour of some of the Archives holdings honoring notable women in Alabama’s history in honor of Women’s History Month. April 26 & 27th, I attended the inaugural All the Hats Conference in Cullman County at Wallace State Community College. It was a great two day of learning and connecting. The theme of wearing “all the hats” resonated on so many levels for me, as I know it probably doesfor most of you. On Thursday evening, I was honored to join the Cullman Chamber team for a fantastic 83rd Annual Gala and Awards. It is always great to join a local chamber in celebration.
The last day of the month was a busy one as well with a visit from Dr. Anthony Leigh to talk about this summer’s Huntingdon College Community and Economic Development Scholars program. Now is the time to recruit a rising High School senior. There is no charge to participate and the program has expanded to 3 days, 2 nights. Finally, lunch with Essence, Business Development Associate, with ATN topped off a great month.