Chamber Hosts 2026 Montgomery Public Policy Trip

On March 3-4, Chamber members, community leaders and participants from our Excellence in Leadership program traveled to Montgomery for our 2026 Montgomery Public Policy Trip, an annual opportunity to engage with state leaders and discuss key legislative issues impacting our community.

The two-day visit began with tours at the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Alabama State Capitol. Attendees then observed the Alabama Legislature in session at the Statehouse before meeting with our local delegation to discuss legislative priorities.

Day two started with breakfast at the Farmers Market Cafe, , where attendees heard from Stefania Jones, Chief Officer of External Affairs & Government Relations with the Alabama Department of Commerce, Senator Arthur Orr, Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence and Decatur City Council President Kyle Pike. Our Edge Student Leadership class joined the group for tours of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, where they heard from Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray, Jr. During lunch, the attendees heard from Robin Ricks, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama. The trip concluded with a group photo on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol.

The Chamber's 2026 Public Policy Agenda is available online by clicking here, and printed copies can be picked up at the Chamber office.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur, LLC, gold sponsors Contractor Service Fabrication, Inc., Jackson Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical & Septic, an ACE Hardware Company, Shawn D. Garth, Realtor and Thirdmark Capital and silver sponsors Calhoun Community College, Parker Moore - AL House of Representative District 4 and United Launch Alliance and Adams Beverages, the annual sponsor for our Public Policy Agenda.