From The Desk

The best time of the year is here! The “ber” months are upon us, college football has kicked off, and spooky season is just around the corner, even if Alabama’s temperatures haven’t gotten the message yet.
August was busy in all the best ways. I attended the BCA Governmental Affairs Conference at The Grand, continued planning for our upcoming Professional Development Conference presented by The Fund, and had the privilege of speaking at the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference.

There is something about August that always feels like a fresh start. As the school buses begin rolling, classrooms fill back up, and calendars quickly become packed, I can’t help but think of it as a new season of possibilities. Even if you’re long removed from school, there is still something energizing about this time of year. It’s a chance to refocus, reset priorities, and get ready for what always seems to become one of the busiest stretches of the year.July certainly kept us moving!

We are halfway through the year, and only
about 60 days from the much beloved ‘Ber
months! I hope that the first half of the year has treated you well and that the second half will do the same.
As I sit to write this, I have just returned from one of my favorite weeks of the year – Southeast Institute for Organization Management. This year was particularly meaningful as I had the honor of serving as Chair of the Board of Regents. Representing Alabama and having the opportunity to give back to a program that means so much was truly a moment I will not soon forget.

Happy Summer! Hard to believe as I write this the calendar has flipped to June. Hopefully, for many of you that means a chance to slow down a bit, soak in some sun, and spend some time with family.

Happy Half Halloween (for those who celebrate)! Yep, April 30 marked ½ way to Halloween. As Mother Nature gives us a few days of respite before turning us to broil for the summer, I am reflecting on another great month of service to you. April was productive and busy, from beginning to end.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As the weather turns a little cooler (FINALLY) and the calendar turns to November, I first want to say how thankful and grateful I am for the opportunity to serve each of you. I hope as the year draws to a close and you are looking forward to a new year that you will find ways to engage with us more and strengthen your connection to YOUR state association and fellow chamber professionals. So, before we put up those Christmas trees and Mariah Carey completely defrosts, let’s look back at October…