October brought a little fall fun, a lot of learning, and plenty of excitement as we prepare for this month’s Alabama Small Business Awards and our Annual Meeting! There is something special about bringing our chamber community together to celebrate the businesses, people, and partnerships that make Alabama thrive. We’re busy working through the details, and I cannot wait to celebrate with you.
The month began with a wonderful celebration of all things fall with Good Grit at the beautiful Laurel Hotel and Spa in Auburn. It was the perfect way to welcome the season, even if Alabama’s weather doesn’t always get the sweater-weather memo!
Throughout October, I had opportunities to learn, connect, and bring new ideas back to our association. A meeting with United Way of Alabama offered a closer look at its important ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed) at Work efforts. Understanding the challenges facing working families is essential to the conversations our chambers are having about workforce, opportunity, and thriving communities. I can’t wait to share more about this important work soon.
I also traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Institute for Organization Management fall board meetings early in October. I am honored to continue serving as a member of the national Board of Trustees and to help support a program that has meant so much to my own professional journey. Closer to home, two intensive days of Strategic Doing Practitioner Training with our affiliate member, the University of North Alabama’s Agile Strategy Lab, provided another tool to help our local chambers turn shared ideas into action.
One of the highlights of the month was delivering the keynote at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Being in a room with people who care deeply about their community is always a welcome reminder of why this work matters. Celebrating National Chamber of Commerce Day offered another opportunity to recognize the leadership and everyday impact of our local chambers. And a trip to Auburn for GEDI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration highlighted the lasting value of investing in community and economic development.
Somewhere between the meetings and miles, I also enjoyed a little family getaway for fall break, a chance to recharge before a busy finish to the year.
Behind the scenes, we’re looking ahead to 2027 and asking how Alabama Chambers can continue to strengthen our profession, support our members, and expand our impact. But first, we have some celebrating to do! I look forward to recognizing Alabama’s small businesses, connecting with our members, and sharing the excitement of what comes next.
As October gives way to November, it is a perfect chance to say thank you. Your membership and engagement are what makes our association work, and in this month of gratitude, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve you.