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At the Chamber’s Breakfast & Biz development event on August 11, motivational speaker and author Lemzel Johnson provided tips on how to become a better leader in today’s complex work environment. Lemzel kept the crowd of around 50 people engaged with demonstrations that show how to focus on being a better you so you can encourage, inspire and lead…

We had a great turnout on August 3, at our combined Emerging Leaders/Workforce Coalition event at Pryor Field Regional Airport. Pryor Field Manager Adam Fox spoke about the history of the airport, the economic impact it has on our community and plans for growth and expansion. We also learned an air show is scheduled for June 2023. Fox…

One of the most important professions that gives life and character to a community are educators committed to serving students in our classroom. In late July, the Chamber celebrated those joining systems in our area who have decided to help shape the next generation of leaders. On day one of our two-day event held at…

The City of Decatur’s Engineering Department, in partnership with Garver Engineering, will host a public input meeting for residents regarding the Upper River Road and Old River Road project on Wednesday, August 10, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at Turner-Surles Community Center. The input session will be a come-and-go event for attendees to share…

Decatur is listed in the top 50 for housing markets in the country according to a ranking released by the Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com. The Decatur metro area is number 43 in the Emerging Housing Markets Index for summer 2022. The only other metro area in Alabama in the top 50 is Huntsville which is number #15. The…

The City of Decatur has recently completed a full revision of its comprehensive zoning ordinance. Decatur’s zoning ordinance was published in 1987, with several portions dating back to the 1950s. In order to reflect a changing landscape and a modern community, Decatur’s long-range planning initiative, One Decatur, prioritized a full rewrite of the ordinance. Featured…

On Monday, the Decatur City Council approved the annexation of approximately 14.5 acres at 2900 Upper River Road. Landowner Andy Villarreal plans to spend around $25 million building a luxury apartment complex on the land with up to 175 units renting for $1,300 to $1,800 per month. Villarreal said annexing the property from the county…

On June 30, the Chamber welcomed around 100 attendees to the annual Legislative Update Forum, which provided an opportunity for Chamber members and the business community to hear about the most recently completed legislative session, plans for the future of state government, and answers to previously submitted questions from the membership. The forum, presented by…

As part of our commitment to preparing the next generation workforce, the Chamber was excited to partner with Calhoun Community College for three summer camps during the month of June. During our 16th Annual SWeETy Camp (Summer Welding, Engineering & Electrical Technology Camp), twenty-four high school girls received hands-on experience in welding, electrical and 3D…

On Monday, Calhoun Community College and Athens State University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the construction for new residence halls at the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) in downtown Decatur. “Today is a great day for Calhoun, Athens State and the City of Decatur,” commented Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Interim President. “This…