The lights are up and the tree is decorated as the calendar is turned to the last month of the year. During this most wonderful time, I hope that each of you are able to slow down, reflect on the successes of the year, and find peace and joy in all your days.
November started with a visit to the David Mathews Center for Civic Life in Montevallo to discuss all things National Civics Bee® before heading to Huntsville for the 2025 ACCS Workforce Summit for a full day of partner discussions about all things workforce. It was great to see my old friend from Georgia, Dr. Roger Tutterow and to hear his thoughts on the economy and where 2026 will take us.
Our last Regional Meeting of 2025 was hosted by North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce at the North Jefferson Innovation Center in Morris. It was great to be with chamber professionals for an open, frank discussion of every day challenges each faces. Thank you to the 33 chambers that joined us at one (or more) of our Regional Meetings this year.
The following week we cheered on Lucas as he represented Alabama so well during the National Civics Bee® National Competition in DC before heading to Dothan to celebrate the CSX Platinum Site designation with our friends from the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. The next day I was honored to speak to the Alabama Black Belt Adventures members during their meeting at the Montgomery Chamber. Collaboration is key to our state’s success. Friday rounded out with a trip to Clanton to be with the Chilton County Chamber for a Meet & Greet for their Modern Manufacturing Program.
On Tuesday, November 18, we gathered for an Alabama Chambers board meeting. This is always one of my favorite days of the year as we thank those who have led our organization for the past year and welcome new leadership. Anna, thank you for serving as our chair this year and for always believing in the work of our organization. Laura Strickland, IOM, AACE, president and CEO, of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce will begin her year of leadership on January 1, 2026. We also say a special thank you to Rick Roden, IOM, AACE, president and CEO, Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, for his service to our board for the past three years.
Following the board meeting, the annual meeting and Alabama Small Business Awards celebrated our incoming leadership and 40 of Alabama’s best small businesses. Big congratulations to every business that was nominated (a record number) and to those 4 that won in their respective category. Please check out the full listing and story on our website.
During the full day, we also recognized the legendary Linda Lewis, president and CEO, of The Chamber of Commerce of Walker County as our Jamie Wallace Award recipient. Linda’s thirty years of service to her chamber and our state have made an indelible impact and we are eternally grateful.
As the month started to draw to a close I was blessed to attend the 101st Annual Meeting for the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. I had the opportunity to say a few words and took the opportunity to thank the chamber leadership of 1998 for taking a chance on a hometown girl and giving me a career that I could have never dreamed of. It was especially meaningful to honor Dr. Gene Watson, former president of the Eufaula Chamber who passed away earlier this year. Dr. Watson was my first chamber “boss” and I learned so much through his calm, intentional professionalism.
The week of Thanksgiving meant a day spent with our incoming chair Laura Strickland as we planned for the upcoming year. Stay tuned! Great things to come. It also meant spending time with family and reflecting on the many wonderful blessings of the yar
As December dawns, and I write this final “From the Desk” of 2025, I offer my most sincere “thank you” to each of you. Your work does not go unnoticed, and I thank you for allowing me to be your biggest cheerleader!
Now, it’s time for A Charlie Brown Christmas and National Lampon’s Christmas Vacation and yes, that classic Christmas movie, Die Hard…
Until 2026… Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a prosperous New Year!