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2025-2026 Annual Meeting Report

Page 1


2025-2026

Zach Conlon
C H A I R M A N
Zach Conlon Insurance
F R O M T H E C H A I R “It is a privilege to recognize the Chamber Board members and their continued service to our organization”

d not function without the dedication, time, and leadership of this group er to guide its work and support the local business community Their commitment is deeply appreciated.

I am also especially grateful for my family, who have supported me through what I often refer to as my “yes man” adventures. While they may occasionally think I take on more than I should, their encouragement has meant everything to me and I would not have it any other way… most of the time.

Serving as Chair has been a meaningful and rewarding experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a committed group of professionals who care deeply about strengthening and supporting our local business community I take great pride in what we have been able to accomplish together during my term.

One of the key responsibilities during my time as Chair was overseeing a long-overdue update of the Chamber’s bylaws. Recognizing the importance of this work, I asked fellow board member Mitzi McCormack to lead the effort. She assembled a team that carefully reviewed, modernized, and strengthened the bylaws to better support the Chamber’s continued growth and long-term effectiveness

I am pleased to share that this work was successfully completed, positioning the Chamber for continued stability and success in the years ahead

As my term comes to a close, it is an honor to transition leadership to our Chair-Elect, Mrs. Lauren Marsh. I am confident the Chamber will continue to thrive under her leadership.

It has been a true honor to serve, and I look forward to continuing to support the Chamber and its mission moving forward

Zach Conlon
PAMMIE JIMMAR

Executive Committee

Zach Conlon, Chairman, Zach Conlon Insurance

Lauren Marsh, Chairwoman-Elect, Ridgeline Construction

Roofing & Exteriors

Jerome Malone, Past Chairman, Splash of Ink Screen Printing

Vice Chairs

Weston Coleman – T & C Stamping, Civic & Governmental Council

Matthew Jimmerson – Athens Florist & Gifts, Small Business

Development Council

John Webster – Glassco Benefits Group, Leadership/Networking Council

Lauren Marsh – Ridgeline Construction, Workforce & Education Council

Ex-Officio Directors

Delois Bailey, Limestone Manor|

Jonathan Barksdale, Untether, LLC

Barrett Gilbert, Limestone Farmers Federation

Shaun Gonzales, Old South Clays

Amy Higginbotham, Trinity's of Athens

Claire Tinney Jones, Claire Tinney Jones, PC

Felicia Lambert, Athens-Limestone Hospital

Kim Lewis, ProjectXYZ

Dianne McAlister, Synovus Mortgage

Mitzi McCormack, Bryant Bank

Elizabeth Smith Meredith, Jimmy Smith Buick GMC

William Ming, Ming Commercial Real Estate Group

Brian Moore, Martin & Cobey

Stephen Norris, Trustmark Bank

Mike Smith, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing

Brad Thompson, LP Digital Media Group

Ex-Officio Directors

Ronnie Marks, Mayor of Athens

Collin Daly, Limestone County Commission Chairman

Bethany Shockney, Limestone County Economic Development

Association President

Adam Fox, Pryor Field Airport Authority – Pryor Flight Center

Beth Patton, Athens City Schools Superintendent

Dr. Randy Shearouse, Limestone County Schools Superintendent

Dr Catherine Wehlburg, Athens State University President

Dr Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Community College President

Billy Shannon, Mayor of Ardmore

Nikki Sprader, Mayor of Mooresville

Tracy Compton, Mayor of Elkmont

Brandon Wallace, Limestone County 911 Director

Martin Traylor, Deputy Garrison Commander-Redstone Arsenal

2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6

Ambassador Co-Chairs

Nancy Groce, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Meghan McLaughlin, Capstone Realty

Communication Outreach Liaison

Kristen Morell , Asahi Kasei Plastics North America

Surprise Squad Liaison

Marybeth Pate, HLC Realty

2025-2026 AMBASSADORS

Shuree Barnes, Alexander Corder & Shelly

Paula Bates, Hospice of North Alabama

Drew Blakely, Bank Independent

Brooke Burns, First National Bank

Caroline Canestrari, Athens Limestone

Hospital Foundation

Robyn Carter, Engel & Volkers

Toyna Carter, First National Bank

Mary Craig, Pinnacle Financial Partners

Kim Dunnavant, Athens State University

Shannon Elliot, Engel & Voelkers

Lauren Erb, Bank Independent

Carina Farr, Ridgeline Construction

Angela Ford, First Metro Bank

Melinda Jones, Athens Florist

Kayla Kelsey, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Kristen Littrell, Athens Limestone Hospital Foundation

Amanda Luna, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Casey Dugger Mays, Moonlight and Pine

Colby Mays, Refine Chiropractic

Lacy Beth McMunn, Hospice of Limestone County

Marion Myers, Hughes Properties

T.O. Owens, Individual Member

Lottie Partridge, Innovative Realty Solutions

Clay Parris, Edward Jones

Jamie Quinn, Mauldin & Jenkins

Sherry Ridlon, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Hannah Schrivner, Limestone County Commission

Lorinda Spencer, Bryant Bank

Leslie Whitfield Stanley, Market & Monroe

Blake Williams, LCEDA

ANNUAL SPONSOR CAMPAIGN

224,300

Raised during the 2025 TRC Campaign 32

Volunteers Engaged

2025 TRC VOLUNTEER GROUP

Chair

Joseph Southers, First Metro Bank

Vice Chairs

Angela Ford, First Metro Bank | Caleb McConnell, Innovative

Realty Solutions | John Webster, Glasco Benefits

Team Captains

Carina Farr, Ridgeline Construction | Holly Hollman, City of Athens

Caleb Lawler, Edward Jones | Brittany Ledbetter, NALZS

Caroline Mathews, Mathews Law Firm | Tiffany Seibert,

Snapdragon Kids | Gary Stewart, McCurry Rentals

Michelle Williamson, Grayson Carter & Son Contracting

Volunteers

Jenny Ford, Community Involvement | Paige Parker, City of Athens

Justin Travis, City of Athens | Shannon Elliott, Engel & Völkers

Matthew Jimmerson, Athens Florist & Gifts | Claire Jones, Attorney at Law

Chris Seibert, Raymond James | Mary Craig, Pinnacle

3.1M

ADVOCATING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The Chamber actively connects the business community with local, state, and federal leaders to support informed policy and advocacy Our public policy agenda unifies the Chamber's civic voice while amplifying the needs of our community at all levels of government.

W O R K F O R C E & E D U C A T I O N

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

The Chamber is honored to coordinate the Partners in Education Program, connecting Athens-Limestone County businesses with local schools through a shared commitment to excellence. Each year, partners gather alongside city and county principal meetings for meaningful dialogue between the business community and the educators who shape our region's future.

LIMESTONE COUNTY SCHOOLS ATHENS

Ardmore High School

First National Bank/Ardmore Blue Springs Elementary

Center

Toyota

High School

Creekside Schools Redstone Federal Credit Union East Limestone High School

Hobbs Jewelers

Elkmont Schools

Lindsay Lane Baptist North / United Way

Johnson Elementary Listerhill Credit Union

Sugar Creek Elementary,

Redstone Federal Credit Union

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

iAcademy @ Athens Elementary,

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Athens High School, First Metro Bank

Athens Intermediate School

Ridgeline Construction

Athens Middle School

Griggs Orthodontics

Athens Renaissance School, T-Mobile

FAME Academy @ Brookhill

First National Bank

Athens Spark Academy @ Cowart

Friendship United Methodist Church

Heart Academy @ Julian Newman

Athens-Limestone Hospital

Athens Bible School, First National Bank

Lindsay Lane Christian, Academy First National Bank

STATE OF EDUCATION & HIGHER EDUCATION

The annual State of Education & Higher Education event unites educational leaders from across Athens-Limestone County to share their vision and strategic goals whilecelebrating progress and addressing challenges from the past year This year's panel represented Athens City Schools, Limestone County Schools, Athens Bible School, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, and Limestone County Career Technical Center

JOB SHADOWING WEEK

Our Job Shadowing Program is open to junior and senior high school students to help them begin identifying career interests and to learn about academic, technical, and personal skills required in the workplace.

M

L L

DEVELOPMENT

SMALL BUSINESS

The Chamber provides programs that promote growth in existing and new businesses in Athens and Limestone County We support and encourage existing business expansion as well as the recruitment of new retail, commercial, industrial, and technology-based businesses. The Chamber supports initiatives that encourage and promote a balanced and quality commercial environment for business and industry.

2025 SBA AWARDS WINNERS

Emerging Business of the Year: CoraNation

Small Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): Athens Alehouse and Cellar

Small Business of the Year (11-50 Employees): Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors

Small Business of the Year (51-250 Employees): Pepsi Cola Decatur, Alabama

Financial/Banking Service of the Year: First National Bank

Health/Medical Services of the Year: Athens Eye Clinic & Hometown Pediatrics

Hospitality/Restaurant of the Year: Irons & Ales

Manufacturer of the Year: TBAKI, LLC

Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Systems Automotive Interiors Alabama

Nonprofit of the Year: Hospice of Limestone County

DEIBA Business of the Year: Dottie Jewel Clothing

The Diversity Equity & Inclusion Business Alliance (DEIBA), an arm of the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, is a network dedicated to maximizing business knowledge, market share, and growth opportunities for minority businesses through coaching, connecting, and community.

The Chamber partners with Athens State University's LaunchBox to strengthen support for our local small businesses This collaboration offers hands-on counseling, valuable resources, and innovative energy to help entrepreneurs thrive. We back bold dreams and build a brighter future for our business community.

L E A D E R S H I P P R O G R A M S

ership Athens-Limestone and Lime . are designed to cultivate med, engaged leaders at every stag rough hands-on experiences, munity immersion, and collaborativ participants gain a deeper rstanding of the region while build ul professional connections. Together, these programs strengthen leadership capacity and inspire continued investment in the future of our community.

2025-2025 LEADERSHIP ATHENS-LIMESTONE

2025 SBA AWARDS WINNERS

Carina Farr, Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors | Amanda Luna, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Ana Norwood, Athens-Limestone Chamber | Angela Ford Greenfield, First Metro Bank | Christy

Financial

,

| Ashley Kelly, I Have Plans For You | Kristen Littrell, Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation | Drew Blakely, Bank Independent, Member FDIC

Brittany Ledbetter, North Alabama Zoological Society | LaTressa Kidd, TBAKI,

Ramona Malone, Athens City Schools | Lacy Beth McMunn, Hospice Riley Rhodes, Inline Lighting | Lili-Grace Silvia, Ridgeline Constructio

2025-2025 LIMESTONE LEAD

Ardmore High School

Miley Russell

Neeci Tyler

Collin Shaw

Josiah Byrd

Bronwen Lightner

Isabella Emerson

Athens Bible School

Avery Boggs

Caroline Pennington

Athens High School

Ella Evans

Presley Hargrove

Maddux Anderson

Olivia Shores

Lydia Lewis

Lindsay Lane Christian

Academy

Jack Sherron

Harper Brown

Renaissance Virtual School

Edyn Lyons

Montana Butler

Classical Conversations (Homeschool)

Joseph Sims

Clements High School

Kiley Durham

Riley Kimbrough

East Limestone High School

Julia Blackburn

Korin Jones

Elkmont High School

Natalie Monroe

West Limestone High School

Lillian Legg

Laney Gough

Anna Townsend

Grace Webster

Madelyn Legg

Jones
Pinnacle
Partners

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