News

Dr. Eleanor “Jo” Cook, secretary-treasurer emeritus of Cook’s Pest Control, was honored today with the ATHENA Leadership Award at the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual Women in Business Celebration at the Doubletree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. Named for the Greek goddess of wisdom, as well as the champion of justice and law, the ATHENA Leadership Award is presented across the world by chambers of commerce, women's organizations and universities. It is an international program and is promoted by local organizations.

The Decatur–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 11th Annual Women in Business Celebration will honor a Morgan County businesswoman with the Athena International Leadership Award, as well as welcome a trailblazing area CEO who is recognized as one of the top small business owners in the U.S.

Excellence in Leadership, the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce flagship leader development program, kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 28, starting the 10-month class with a group of adult professionals coming from Morgan County businesses, industries, small businesses, healthcare providers, municipalities, school systems and non-profits.

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Partners-In-Education program links area businesses and industries with schools in Decatur, Hartselle and Morgan County to provide educational opportunities for the students and increase the awareness of area businesses and industries. Partnerships also heighten awareness of present and future job needs, help improve the education of future employees and customers, and increases understanding of the quality and needs of public school systems, whose health is vital to the community's economic well-being.

The Chamber’s long-time student leadership program Edge is prepared to welcome 34 high school students Aug. 20 from across Morgan County as the school year begins.

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce will put on three events to celebrate and educate new teachers in our area.

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the State Forum, providing an opportunity for Chamber members to hear about the most recently completed legislative session and plans for the future of state government. The forum will also provide an opportunity for Chamber members to have their previously submitted questions answered by members of the Morgan County Delegation.

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce will host the Summer Welding & Electrical Technology (SWeETy) Camp for 9th – 12th grade girls from area schools. The goal is to offer girls an opportunity to learn hands-on about technical skills that can lead to high-paying, satisfying careers in high growth industries.

On Tuesday, three area professionals were honored by the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at the annual Small Business Awards Celebration for their innovation, creativity and commitment to our business community.

The Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards Celebration event recognizes the contributions of small business to the local and national economies and honors business leaders in our community. Approximately two of every three new jobs created in our economy are created by small businesses, and more nearly 80 percent of the Chamber’s members are small businesses.

On Tuesday, Jim Odom of Decatur was presented the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Miss Athelyne C. Banks Citizen of the Year award for his contributions and volunteerism to the community.

The Chamber’s annual State of the City Address provides the Decatur mayor an opportunity to highlight the city’s progress in economic development, quality of life services and present an “annual report” to the membership and business community regarding accomplishments of the past year.

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce annual State of Healthcare address on the main campus of Decatur Morgan Hospital will provide a showcase for the business community to learn about the more than $50 million in renovations and updates to the facility.

The Decatur–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Decatur City Schools event highlights the partnership between the Chamber and the Decatur system – the largest in Morgan County. Superintendent Dr. Michael Douglas will address a wide range of topics impacting our area students, including updates on building projects, workforce development and his vision for the school system of more than 8,600 students.