Welcome to spooky season! College football is in full swing, pumpkins are making their appearance, and all the best parts of fall are calling my name.
September brought plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate. I enjoyed the ACAE Lunch & Learn featuring State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey as well as celebrating the ribbon cutting and open house for the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center with the incredible Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama team. Great big thank you to the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to moderate the legislative panel during their recent State of the Community luncheon. Each offered a chance to hear new perspectives and connect with people working to move their communities and our state forward.
Behind the scenes, much of the month was devoted to preparing for our Professional Development Conference presented by The Fund—and what a wonderful week it was to cap off September! There’s something special about bringing our chamber family together to share ideas, build relationships, and invest in ourselves and our organizations. Thank you to our presenters, sponsors, and attendees for making the week such a meaningful one. I left grateful for this profession and energized by the people who make it what it is.
And while you’re settling into your fall routine, check out the new This is IOM Podcast: Southeast Recap episode featuring yours truly! It was a joy to reflect on an experience and program that mean so much to me.
Finally, by now you have hopefully marked your calendar in red for August 16-19, 2026, for our 90th Anniversary Annual Conference and Awards on Alabama’s beautiful gulf coast. We are excited to celebrate 90 years of service and to honor the great work being done across our state. So make plans to join us in Gulf Shores!
Here’s to a fall filled with good company, great football, and a few spooky surprises. You’ll find me with a pumpkin spice latte in hand, still patiently waiting for temperatures that justify it!