Mery Curtis, assembly team leader at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, was honored at the Stars of Southern Manufacturing event. Honorees
64: Score Pharma’s Jennifer Riggs-Sauthier and Bruce Edward Jones work to make good cancer drugs even more effective.
On the Cover:
Morris, president and CEO of AmFirst Federal Credit Union,
to grow the financial institution as it celebrates its 90th year of operation.
Photo by Joe De Sciose.
53: Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville is Alabama’s largest, tracing its history to 1951. It was started by 11 Redstone Arsenal employees chipping in $5 each.
67: Trish and Sandy Toomer’s coffee shop in Opelika is a leader in the trend toward locally roasted and brewed coffees. Photo by Julie Bennett.
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Benchmarks
SPX Tech to open in Huntsville; KettenWulf in Auburn
Two industrial companies made backto-back announcements of plans to build plants in Alabama.
SPX TECHNOLOGIES’ plans came to light when the city of Huntsville approved plans for a $188.8 million facility in Limestone Industrial Park. Huntsville lies both in Madison and Limestone counties.
The company makes “highly engineered air handling equipment.”
North Carolina-based SPX recently has acquired Crawford United’s commercial air handling equipment segment. It has 5,300 employees in 16 countries and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The next day, German chain maker KETTENWULF announced plans for a $34 million manufacturing operation in Auburn.
“KettenWulf’s decision to invest in Auburn speaks to Alabama’s ability to compete and win on the global stage,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “With a highly skilled workforce and deep manufacturing heritage, Alabama’s business climate continues to attract innovative manufacturing companies from around the world.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
ROCKETING BACK
The rocket that stood on the side of I-65 in Ardmore at the Alabama Welcome Center will return. There’s no date set, yet, for the return of the Saturn 1B, but the U.S. Space & Rocket Center says it will be replaced.
VISITING HOOVER
The Hoover Metropolitan Complex set records for number of visitors (785,000) and economic impact ($101 million) last year. It marks a 10% jump in visitors and 11% jump in economic impact.
MORE MERCEDES
Mercedes-Benz USA sold 303,200 passenger cars in 2025, a 20% increase over 2024. The carmaker attributed part of the
growth to the Alabama-built GLE SUV, which had a year-over-year growth of 14%.
NEW NAME
The Alabama Community College System has officially changed the name of its ATN group from the Alabama Technology Network to the Alabama Training Network The network offers more than 240 workforce training courses.
WORK IN PROGRESS
A $100 million, 272-acre Intermodal Container Transfer Facility in Montgomery is on track to open early in 2027, the Alabama Port Authority says. The terminal will move cargo containers from railcars to trucks.
Founded in Germany in 1925, KettenWulf recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The firm specializes in high-performance engineered conveyor chains, drive chains and sprockets serving a wide range of industrial applications.
“On behalf of the Wulf family, that includes my siblings, Julia and Tobias, and our father, we appreciate the valuable support we have received from the city of Auburn and the state of Alabama that made this possible,” said Ansgar Wulf, CEO of KettenWulf. “We are proud to have found our new home in Auburn to serve our customers across the Americas.”
The Auburn facility is expected to create about 70 new jobs.
DATA CENTER TO SHELBY Canadian blockchain company Digihost plans to invest $440 million to create a data center in Columbiana in Shelby County. Digihost acquired the site in 2022.
CONTRACTS
Huntsville-based Torch Technologies has received a $195.4 million contract from the U.S. Army “for research and development for evaluating system capabilities and enhancements throughout the acquisition lifecycle.” The work is contracted by Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal. BAE Systems has received a $473 million contract to produce 40 M109A7
Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer sets. The M109A7 is produced in three locations, including Anniston. Mobile-based Alabama Shipyard has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract for $14.9 million for work on the oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys. Work is expected to take place March 26 through June 6.
BUILDING FAME
Jeff Stone, of Brasfield & Gorrie, and Ben Nevins, of BL Harbert International, have been inducted into the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame, established by Alabama Association of General Contractors.
KettenWulf makes chain for industrial uses.
Drummond exonerated in federal court win
The jury in a federal defamation trial brought by DRUMMOND INC. found in favor of the Birmingham-based company, ruling that the attorney who accused them of misdeeds in Colombia knew his claims were false.
Attorney Terrence P. Collingsworth and his organization, International Rights Advocates, had accused the coal company of working with illegal paramilitary groups in Colombia.
“The jury concluded Collingsworth and IRAdvocates made false and defamatory accusations that Drummond supported paramilitary groups in Colombia,” Drummond said in announcing the verdict.
“The jury further found Collingsworth and IRAdvocates violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) through extortion, witness bribery, witness tampering, wire fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice and conspiracy. The jury determined there was clear and convincing evidence that Collingsworth either knew or recklessly disregarded that his accusations against Drummond were false when he made them.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
FURNACE & MORE
A $61 million building permit has been issued to Brasfield & Gorrie for an expansion project at American Cast Iron Pipe Co The project includes replacing existing furnaces, creating a new lining and coating facility and adding new casting machines.
NEW AT THE TOP
Tom Carr has been named president and CEO of Guthrie’s Franchising Inc. He served previously as chief marketing officer for Chicken Salad Chick Former Auburn University and NFL linebacker Reggie Torbor has been named president of Pylon Building Group. Torbor was already CEO of the subsidiary of Birmingham contractor Brasfield & Gorrie.
USA Health’s Drew Citrin has been named chief executive officer of Atmore Community Hospital. The move comes after USA Health and ACH entered into a management services agreement in 2025. Citrin most recently managed USA Health’s Department of Neurology.
Mike Scarborough, vice president of Rabren General Contractors in Auburn, has been chosen as president of the Alabama Associated General Contractors for the coming year.
NEW IN DOTHAN
The city of Dothan has broken ground on a $10 million community center. The new facility will be named after Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s father, Charles R. Tuberville Jr.
The jury awarded Drummond $52 million for the defamation claim and $68 million on the RICO claim, which is then tripled, for a total of $256 million.
“This verdict is further proof that Drummond has had no connection whatsoever with illegal organizations. The company has endured malicious accusations and narratives for decades, which a jury has now unanimously determined were categorically false,” according to Trey Wells, lead trial lawyer of the law firm Starnes Davis Florie LLP.
NEW IN ORANGE BEACH
A new Marriott hotel has opened in Orange Beach. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orange Beach Gulf Shores features 120 suites. The property is managed by Vista Host.
NEW IN HOOVER
Sierra, an active and outdoor brand retailer, is opening its first Alabama location in Hoover. The store will open next to Trader Joe’s at the Summit.
ON CAMPUS
Athens State University has opened a new career center in the school’s Chasteen Hall. The center will be operated by the Workforce Pathways Division of the Alabama Department of Workforce. Athens State
also has named the Alabama Center for the Arts’ Performing Arts building the Arthur Orr Performing Arts Center. Orr, a state senator, has been instrumental in the formation, development and expansion of the center.
NEW SOURCE FOR LAUGHS
Hoover’s StarDome Comedy Club has been sold to Helium Comedy, a national comedy brand. For nearly 50 years, the StarDome has featured comics such as Sinbad, Steve Harvey and many others who have gone on to big careers.
NEW OWNERS
The Aly Group, based in Atlanta, has acquired Coosa Commons, a retail center in Pell City.
Blue Origin, J.M. Smucker, Siemens Energy all plan expansions
Three major industrial expansions are in the works in Huntsville, Montgomery and Fort Payne.
In Huntsville, rocket engine maker BLUE ORIGIN won city approval for a $71.4 million expansion in its facilities at Cummings Research Park and Jetplex Industrial Park. The company expects to add more than 100 jobs.
In Montgomery, J.M. SMUCKER has filed a $27 million building permit for a construction project at its $1.1 billion plant in McCalla. A company spokesman said the permit is for enhancements including new equipment.
And in Fort Payne, SIEMENS ENERGY announced plans for a major expansion — part of a $1 billion project at its facilities across the country.
Siemens says the entire project will support rapidly increasing demand for power in the U.S. as energy-hungry data centers and AI projects grow around the country.
The Fort Payne plant produces copper and insulation electrical components for generators, Siemens says. It expects to add 120 jobs at the plant — part of the 1,500 new jobs anticipated in the overall package.
The $1 billion package includes a new high-voltage facility to be built in central Mississippi. Expansions also are planned in North Carolina, Florida and New York.
“Siemens Energy’s history in the United States
dates to the 1880s, when the company began early electrification activities and opened its first U.S. manufacturing site in Pittsburgh in 1887,” the company said in announcing the project. The date comes from the opening of Westinghouse, which was acquired by Siemens AG in 1997. “Siemens Energy was spun off to become a separately listed energy technology company from Siemens AG in 2020 and now operates as fully independent.”
The announcement won praise from the Trump administration for “bringing major manufacturing back to America.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Westbury Square in Huntsville recently was acquired by LaSalle Investment Management, and Hoover’s Centre at Riverchase was purchased by Randolph Property Group. Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors is handling management and leasing for both shopping centers.
LAYOFF WOES
Salon Centric Inc., with headquarters in McCalla, is closing its doors in late June. The move will affect 79 employees.
CHASE IN MOUNTAN BROOK
Chase Bank has opened its seventh Birminghamarea branch. This one is in Mountain Brook Village on a
site previously occupied by real estate firm Ray & Poynor.
HELLO, ADIOS
The Birmingham-based cocktail bar Adios is opening a location in Huntsville at the Lumberyard downtown. Adios’ co-owner Jose Medina Camacho was named a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
CONSTRUCTION MILESTONES
Birmingham-based construction firm Robins & Morton has finished the $135 million Tim and Jayne Donahue Patient Care Tower at the Jupiter Medical Center in Florida. The firm also celebrated the opening of the new headquarters for Okaloosa
Gas District in Valparaiso, Florida, and two office projects at Redstone Gateway in Huntsville.
BEACH PARK FUN
The city of Gulf Shores has accepted a $2.6 million bid to restore Little Lagoon, which will include a new nature park called Laguna Cove. The project will be designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood with construction by Asphalt Services
HOOVER, FLORENCE HOTELS
A dual Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton has opened at Stadium Trace in Hoover. The facility includes meeting space, outdoor areas and 201 rooms. The Hotel Wilson, a 110-room boutique
hotel, will be built on a 1.2acre site in Florence on East Tennessee Street. The hotel is inspired by the nearby Tennessee River and Wilson Dam.
FUNDING DEVELOPMENT
The city of Mobile is accepting applications for a new $50 million loan program for economic development projects. The Senator Richard Shelby Downtown Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund was created using federal funding approved in 2023.
GROWING IN FLORIDA
Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock has opened a 47-acre campus in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
Siemens Energy plans expansion in Fort Payne.
All in the Family
Two major Alabama companies — McWane Industries and Hoar Holdings — announced new leadership but a family member holds the top role in both companies.
MCWANE
Will McWane has been named president of MCWANE INDUSTRIES, representing the fifth generation of family leadership. Phillip McWane will continue to serve in his role as chairman.
“With an eye toward the company’s future, our board of directors were overwhelmingly pleased to recognize Will’s performance, capabilities and commitment to the company,” Phillip McWane said.
Will McWane joined the company in 2014 and has served as executive vice president since 2019.
In his EVP role, he has overseen McWane Plumbing Group, McWane Real Estate/Highline Real Estate, McWane International and McWane’s corporate functions. Prior to this role, he served as president of Alabama Dynamics, a heavy equipment fabricator.
McWane holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s from Georgetown University. He serves on the board of Junior Achievement of Alabama. He and his wife, Kaitlin, along with the McWane Foundation, are supporting the McWane Economic Education Center currently under construction in Birmingham, which aims to provide experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to more
BUSINESS BRIEFS
BUSINESS BOOSTER
Birmingham’s Lakeshore Foundation has launched Lakeshore Consulting Services, designed to help businesses and nonprofits implement accessibility plans and advocacy. In addition, Lakeshore has launched the “Nothing Without Us” podcast, in which host Alie B. Gorrie explores disability-related topics.
NEW SCHOOL
Benjamin Russell High School, part of Alexander City Schools, opened its new $102 million campus in February. The campus includes a 1,200-seat arenastyle gymnasium, performing arts center, open courtyard and more.
than 20,000 students each year.
McWane Industries provides cast ductile iron products, manufactures fire extinguishers and suppression systems, and steel pressure vessels worldwide.
The companies employ approximately 6,000 team members.
HOAR
HOAR HOLDINGS INC. has named Turner Burton CEO of the Birmingham-based company affiliated with Hoar Construction, HPM and RPI Rentals. Longtime CEO Rob Burton will transition to executive chairman.
“Leading Hoar for the last 25 years has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I am incredibly grateful for what our teams have built together,” Rob Burton said in announcing the leadership change.
During his tenure, Rob Burton led the companies as they grew from an annual revenue of $110 million to an annual revenue of $1.55 billion. HPM grew to manage more than $2 billion worth of work annually and is ranked in ENR’s top 30 on their list of program management firms.
Turner Burton, an Auburn University graduate, serves on the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham board, the Birmingham Business Alliance executive committee, the Lakeshore Foundation board and the O’Neal Cancer Center advisory board. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham and the Monday Morning Quarterback Club.
HALT!
A Limestone County judge has ordered the Belle Mina quarry to stop operations until it meets conditions imposed by the court. The ruling states the company must move certain equipment 1,200 feet from homes and stop making disturbing noises and using disruptive lights at night, among other things.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS
Pell City Schools has two major building projects planned. One is the Panther Performance Complex, an athletics facility, and the other is a Career and Technical Education Facility.
FISHING BUDDIES
A decades-long partnership between Birmingham-based
B.A.S.S. and Yamaha Marine has been extended through 2028. Yamaha will remain the official engine sponsor of B.A.S.S. and official motor sponsor of B.A.S.S. Conversation and serve as title sponsor of the Redfish Cup Championship.
HOSPITAL GROWTH
Baptist Medical Center South, in Montgomery, has opened a $14 million renovation and expansion of its emergency department. The project added more than 11,000 square feet and 30 new beds to the department.
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Mobile-based Turner Supply has acquired Progressive Supply, a maintenance, repair and operations provider based in
Georgia. Birmingham-based investment management company Waverly Advisors has acquired Pure Portfolios out of Lake Oswego, Oregon. It’s Waverly’s 30th transaction since December 2021, when the company accepted an equity investment from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC’s Aspire Holdings. Dothan-based Construction Partners has acquired Texas-based GMJ Paving Co. GMJ’s hot-mix asphalt plant is in Baytown, east of Houston.
BREEZE-Y FLYING
Breeze Airways will offer weekday nonstop flights from Huntsville to Fort Lauderdale beginning on June 12. Fares will start from $39.
Will McWane.
Turner Burton.
Huntsville Hospital buys Crestwood Med Center
Crestwood Medical Center.
HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL has announced plans to purchase Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville for $450 million.
The acquisition of the 180-bed hospital, including its associated outpatient centers and practices, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
“Through this acquisition, Huntsville Hospital Health System is continuing to invest in the specific health care needs of our patients and community and in our employees,” said Jeff Samz, president and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System. “HH Health has served this community for more than a century. We are committed to building on this legacy and continuing to invest in local access to high-quality, compassionate care.”
Crestwood Medical Center will continue normal operations through the completion of the acquisition.
“We are confident that HH Health will amplify the significant benefits that can be realized with locally coordinated care in Huntsville,” said Justin Serrano, CEO of Crestwood Medical Center. “This is a great opportunity for our patients and the community.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
ROBOTIC SURGERY UPDATE
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has performed its first-ever robotic kidney transplant surgery, the first in the Southeast. Dr. Michael Hanaway and Dr. Muhammad Rabbani performed the surgery.
TEXT ALERT
Linq, a Birmingham-based firm developing means of sending bulk messages via standard text platforms, has gathered $20 million in Series A funding.
GLOBAL PARTNERS
Birmingham-based Southern Research has partnered with UK-based Pathogenus
Consulting to test drugs, particularly those aimed at respiratory viruses including influenza, RSV and COVID-19.
TEAM LEADER
Gen. Terry L. Grisham, an Alabama native, will serve as transition team director of the U.S. Space Command as it makes its move from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville. Grisham is a longtime resident of North Alabama.
FAMILY PLACE
Wallace State Community College in Hanceville is planning a student housing project for students with children. The $2.5 million Wallace State Lions Village
will be a tiny home (400-500 square feet) village along with an on-campus daycare.
NAMING HONORS
Jacksonville State University’s board of trustees approved naming a new $23 million indoor football facility after Ken and Jenny Howell. The Howells made a $10 million gift toward the project, the largest gift in Jax State’s history.
LEGAL
SETTLEMENTS
USAA and Regions Bank have settled lawsuits filed against each other last year concerning mobile check technology, but terms of the agreement are confidential.
ALABAMA AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
ALABAMA’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO FLOURISH
By NANCY RANDALL
ALABAMA HAS BEEN PUTTING WHEELS ON THE GROUND SINCE THE 1990S.
In 2024, Alabama’s automotive industry built 1.1 million vehicles and 1.8 million engines, driving a more than 3% increase in jobs over 2023, according to the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. That effort accelerated a nearly $11 billion export value, the AAMA notes.
Automotive manufacturers must balance market demand, supply chain issues and workforce needs, all while focused on profitability. So how is Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry holding up against these challenges? And what sets it apart from other states?
Industry experts Ron Davis and Tom Shoupe offer their views. Davis is president of the AAMA and a former executive at General Motors, Federal-Mogul Powertrain and ZF. Shoupe, a former executive with Honda, is now an industry adviser to the AAMA.
On the competitive front, Alabama has several things going for it, Shoupe says: a solid foundation in auto manufacturing; an established supply chain to support that industry; and a collaborative environment focused on tackling shared challenges. Currently, Alabama has five original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, including Honda, Hyundai, Mazda Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, along with almost 180 suppliers.
“Never underestimate the strength of the foundation that’s been built here” is a point often voiced by Shoupe when he talks to various groups. “That is a great advantage. Part of that is having the
track record of being able to do the work and to do it at a high level.” Alabama’s auto plants have shown that they can meet manufacturers’ requirements for volume, quality and costs, he explains, all contributors to long-term growth.
The development of a supply base in Alabama and the South generally is also key to manufacturing growth, Shoupe notes. Different regions where OEMs operate may share suppliers, with the South “a major contributor to that stability,” he adds.
Davis notes that OEMs have made “a huge commitment” to further localize their supply bases. Evidence of the growth announced at last fall’s Southern Automotive Conference, SAC for short, in Huntsville:
• MOBIS Alabama, the largest Tier
1 supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Kia Motor Manufacturing Georgia, is investing $52 million in its Montgomery facility.
• Daewon America, which makes suspension bars and coils for the automotive industry (Hyundai, Kia and others), is investing more than $46 million in its Opelika plant.
• Samkee Corp., based in South Korea, invested $128 million to build its first U.S. factory in Tuskegee. It will serve as a Tier 1 supplier to Hyundai’s assembly plant in Montgomery and is expected to bring more than 170 jobs to the state.
Another plus for Alabama’s auto industry is its willingness to collaborate with each other for the public good, Shoupe says. “People are more than willing to pitch in with ideas and suggestions. And they’re willing to get on committees to help solve problems that are collective problems,” he explains.
He credits Davis’ leadership and the AAMA with spearheading this collaborative approach to Alabama’s auto industry, but notes that the group’s influence extends to the entire Southeast region.
Workforce development is an example of this collaborative spirit, so much so that it took up much of the agenda at the SAC. The annual conference attracts attendees from across the country, with participants from OEMs, suppliers and more. The AAMA hosted the Huntsville event.
To develop workforce solutions for the industry, the association is working
One key to success of Alabama’s auto industry is a commitment to localize the supply chain, says AAMA President Ron Davis, citing big investments by MOBIX Alabama, Daewon America and Samkee Corp.
An Alabama Auto Plant associate installs the new heavy-duty recovery hooks on the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport.
with local and state government agencies, manufacturers, educational institutions and employment firms, Shoupe says. To attract new employees and keep current ones, discussions have focused on practical solutions like adding on-site daycare to work sites to ease employees’ childcare worries.
To that end, Toyota Motor is opening a new childcare center this year adjacent to its plant in Huntsville, according to President Marc Perry, speaking during the AAMA’s Annual Appreciation Dinner in November 2025. The facility will care for more than 270 children across two shifts, Perry says.
Another vexing issue is how to shore up fundamental skills like reading, writing and math for those wishing to land a core job (i.e., those actually building the car) in the auto industry, Shoupe notes. In addition, workforce participation skills like work ethic, responsibility, reliable attendance and the ability to think and learn are also key focus areas for OEMs, he says.
“I think most OEMs [will say], if you can give me people that can come to work regularly and they want to think and learn, we can teach them what they need to know,” Shoupe explains. “We can make them into a welder. We can make them into whatever we need them to be. But it’s not possible without having [those] basic fundamental requirements.”
Toyota is supporting fundamental skills important to the auto-making industry as it announced last year. It has pledged STEM education grants up to $11 million for Huntsville City Schools, Perry says.
‘‘
Never underestimate the strength of the foundation that’s been built here. That is a great advantage. Part of that is having the track record of being able to do the work and to do it at a high level.”
— TOM SHOUPE, AAMA
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, Toyota will help prepare pre-K-12 students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The program will be implemented over five years in select schools, according to Toyota.
In addition, Alabama has invested in next-generation skills training with construction of the new EV Technology Center at Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Tanner, near Decatur, notes the AAMA. The center will help ready Alabama’s automotive workforce for a rapidly changing industry.
TARIFFS, TRANSITION AND TRENDS
Along with building a skilled workforce, OEMs must keep tariffs top of mind to stay competitive, no small feat with the Trump administration’s policies in flux.
Tariffs can compel OEMs to review their production lineups and make adjustments if needed, Shoupe explains. They must decide the best location to build their models given the tariff situation, especially among Canada, the United States and Mexico, he says. “There are so many supplies that are dispersed among those three countries.”
OEMs also must pay attention to the effect of tariffs on equipment and tooling, which are often being upgraded, he says.
The key point, Shoupe explains, is for OEMs to keep track of tariff changes so that they can have “more certainty in planning.”
OEMs also are in a product transition phase, say Shoupe and Davis. They are
reworking their strategies and product lineups given the shift in the electric vehicle market and EV sales, Shoupe explains.
General Motors, for example, reported that in fourth quarter 2025, its EV sales fell 43%, to 25,219 vehicles. “If you look at GM and Ford, they’re taking these huge charges to offset the EV business. And they’re having to recover that somehow,” Shoupe says, with cost competitiveness and profitability the major concerns.
The market’s shift away from EVs is propelling makers overall, not just in the Southeast, to consider other powertrain options like hybrids and combustion engines, he notes. The EV market isn’t dead, but it will require improvements in infrastructure and other aspects of the EV supply chain, Shoupe predicts.
Another manufacturing trend, says Davis, is improving the efficiency of powertrains using turbo technology.
Whatever the technology — the use of robots, more computer-controlled equipment and the rise of AI — automakers will need a highly trained workforce, Shoupe notes, especially with OEMs announcing additional investments.
“The most important thing is, they’re all totally committed to the Southeast region and North American production and the growth of that.”
With its three decades of experience, Alabama’s auto-making industry is geared up for the next mile and beyond.
Nancy Randall is a Tuscaloosa-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
Associates at the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) use lift-assist technology to install the tailgate on the 2026 Honda Passport. A number of lift-assist devices were added at AAP to make processes easier for associates and to achieve high quality.
ALABAMA AUTOMAKERS REMAIN DRIVING FORCE IN STATE’S ECONOMY
ALABAMA’S AUTO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY FACED THE HEADWINDS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCED TARIFFS, TARIFF EXEMPTIONS AND TARIFF REBATES IN 2025, PLUS THE END OF FEDERAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE TAX CREDITS.
Nonetheless, Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry continues to roll along, building vehicles, engines and making a significant contribution to the state’s economy.
By GAIL ALLYN SHORT
HONDA ALABAMA
Last September, Honda Motor America announced that the new 2026 Honda Ridgeline lineup would soon arrive at dealerships.
The new, refreshed Ridgeline pickup truck is assembled exclusively at the Honda plant in Lincoln.
More than 4,500 associates work at Honda Alabama, a plant with an annual production capacity of 340,000 automobiles and 340,000 V6 engines. The plant works with 18 Alabama suppliers, according to the company.
Besides the Ridgeline, associates at the
plant also assemble the Honda Passport, the Honda Pilot and the Honda Odyssey. The associates also produce V6 engines.
And, once assembled, Honda Alabama ships its products to 65 countries and regions worldwide.
All four models earned Top 20 spots on the Cars.com 2025 American-Made Index that ranks vehicles made in the United States. The Honda Ridgeline ranked No. 7 on the list, followed by the Odyssey at No. 8, the Passport at No. 9 and the Honda Pilot at No. 12. The rankings are based on factors such as the
location of final assembly, the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts and the countries of origin for available engines and transmissions.
Also in 2025, Hideki Okumura joined Honda Alabama as plant co-lead. Previously, he was general manager for the powertrain unit factory at Honda Motor. At Honda Alabama, Okumura worked in the machining department of the engine facility from 2007 to 2013.
In January 2026, the Honda Alabama auto plant achieved the production milestone of 7 million vehicles produced since the start of production at the plant in 2001.
Since Honda Alabama’s founding, Honda has invested $3 billion in the 4.9 million-square-foot facility.
Lamar Whitaker, vice president and plant lead for the Honda Alabama auto plant, says it is working to remain flexible and adapt quickly to market conditions.
“We’re continuing to move through a period of transition. However, it isn’t linear with a clean handoff. The recent speed of regulation change, rapid advancements in emerging technologies, and a growing focus on affordability and convenience from our customers have necessitated recalibration,” Whitaker says.
“We still believe the future of personal mobility is electrification, and we’re taking steps to increase our EV production in the United States. But today we must offer amazing products that align with our customer preferences. This includes gasoline, hybrid and electric vehicles,” he says.
Honda Alabama is celebrating 25 years of manufacturing in Alabama. Whitaker says, “As Honda’s largest light truck manufacturing facility in the world, our four models continue to resonate with our customers around the globe. I’m excited and I look forward to seeing what our team of world-class associates will do next.”
HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA
Since Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) started production in 2005, Hyundai has expanded the Montgomery auto plant 16 times with investments totaling more than $3.3 billion.
‘‘
It will be the largest number of model launches in one year during HMMA’s history, but our team is already preparing to ensure each new launch is successful. We also are looking forward to celebrating the milestone of building our 10 millionth engine sometime later this year.”
— SCOTT POSEY, HMMA
Now Hyundai has announced plans to invest an additional $2 billion in the United States by 2028 related to vehicle, steel and robotics production and other yet unannounced projects, Scott Posey, HMMA’s public relations team manager, says.
HMMA is one of two primary Hyundai auto plants in the United States. The other is located in Georgia.
In Alabama, HMMA directly employs around 4,200 team members and, along with HMMA’s suppliers, the Alabama Department of Commerce estimates HMMA’s operation supports more than 40,000 jobs in the state.
In 2025, HMMA assembled 362,000 vehicles, 4,000 more than the original plan of 358,000, Posey says. The assembled vehicles include 158,789 Tucson, 77,040 Santa Fe, 32,425 Santa Cruz and 22,256 GV70 vehicles. In addition, they assembled 70,314 Santa Fe HEV and 1,176 GV70 EV hybrid and electric models.
“Along with our projected production of 358,000 vehicles, 2026 will also be a year of preparation for the launch of five new vehicles in 2027, including an all newly designed Tucson and Tucson Hybrid,” Posey says.
The launches will begin in the first quarter of 2027 and proceed over a period of six months. Posey says the plant will extend its summer shut down in preparation.
“It will be the largest number of model launches in one year during HMMA’s history, but our team is already preparing to ensure each new launch is successful. We also are looking forward to celebrating the milestone of building
Hyundai opened its $14 million care center in 2025. The center includes medical facilities, a fitness center, an emergency response team and more.
our 10 millionth engine sometime later this year,” he says.
Posey says that in the first quarter of 2025, HMMA shipped a few vehicles to Canada. But with tariffs enacted by Canada, the shipments to that country ended. HMMA, however, continues to ship vehicles across the United States and a small number to Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan.
Mark Rader, HMMA’s president and CEO, says, “Tariffs had a significant impact to HMMA in 2025 and will continue to impact in 2026. This only reinforces the need to find new and innovative ways to offset unpredictable challenges like this, and AI will help us do this. It’s a new, powerful tool we’re adopting to ensure HMMA’s success well into the future.”
HMMA also marked an anniversary in 2025, celebrating 20 years of production in Alabama. To celebrate, HMMA held a number of team member-centered events, celebrations and commemorations, culminating in an on-site anniversary party for team members and their families featuring carnival rides, food, a musical act and a fireworks display, Posey says.
“We spent the year celebrating them and highlighting their personal stories as well,” says Posey. “The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce also recognized
HMMA’s 20th anniversary with Hyundai Motor America Chief Operating Officer Claudia Marquez as the featured speaker during their annual meeting.”
MAZDA TOYOTA
MANUFACTURING USA
2025 was a year of milestones and new beginnings at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA in Madison.
The facility, a joint venture between Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp., started production in 2021. Four years later, MTM team members assembled the plant’s 500,000th vehicle, an achievement reflecting the scale of the operation and the strength of its workforce.
Today, MTM’s workforce builds two key vehicles for the North American market: the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota Corolla Cross. In addition, about 3,000 more workers are employed by MTM’s 16 Team ONE supplier partners, reinforcing the plant’s broader impact on manufacturing in the region.
Across the two assembly lines in 2025, MTM workers produced 135,680 Corolla Cross vehicles on its Apollo line and 123,749 CX-50 vehicles on the plant’s Discovery line.
MTM officials note that since the start of production, the plant has now produced more than 750,000 vehicles
across both lines. With output continuing to rise, MTM anticipates reaching another major benchmark — building its one millionth vehicle — in 2026.
For MTM leadership, however, another meaningful achievement is assembling a workforce that is not only productive, but loyal as well.
“Of all the milestones MTM reached in 2025, we are proudest of the culture we have created with our team members,” says Rhonda Gilyard, vice president of administration at MTM. She notes that since 2021 the plant has achieved a 60% decrease in attrition, thus helping stabilize employment at close to 4,500 MTM team members.
‘‘
Of all the milestones MTM reached in 2025, we are proudest of the culture we have created with our team members. Our team members are our greatest asset.”
— RHONDA GILYARD, MTM
“Our team members are our greatest asset,” she says, adding that investment in employees is the company’s biggest accomplishment.
MTM also experienced a change in leadership in 2025 by welcoming back former treasurer Masanao Watanabe to become executive vice president. With decades of Toyota experience and firsthand knowledge of MTM’s startup period, Watanabe is expected to play a key role in the company’s continued growth.
Beyond the factory floor, MTM’s
An inside view of the production line at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.
community impact expanded in 2025, including receiving the Community Philanthropy Award from the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, donating $50,000 to the Food Bank of North Alabama and surpassing $1 million in Giving Tuesday grants since launching the MTM Grant Fund in 2022.
MERCEDES-BENZ U.S. INTERNATIONAL
In Vance, team members at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International manufacturing plant have been assembling luxury vehicles there since 1997.
Since its founding in 1995, Mercedes-Benz Cars has invested more than $7 billion in Alabama. That figure includes the $1 billion spent to build and outfit a battery factory, which opened in 2022 in Bibb County.
In 2025, the vehicles produced at MBUSI included the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, EQE SUV, EQS SUV and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV.
In 2025, the company announced plans to produce what they called a new “core segment vehicle” at the plant for 2027.
Production numbers for 2025 at MBUSI were not available at press time.
TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING
ALABAMA INC.
More than 3,000 car and truck engines roll off the assembly line every day at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Inc., (TMMAL) in Huntsville.
As a matter of fact, around half of all Toyota engines in North America come from the 1.3 million-square-foot plant. Toyota broke ground on the Huntsville plant in 2001, and production began there two years later.
In 2025, TMMAL team members assembled more than a million engines and differentials, including four-cylinder and HEV engines for the Toyota Corolla,
Corolla Cross, Highlander and Sienna; 2.4L Turbo and HEV engines for the Toyota Tacoma; and Twin-turbo V-6 and HEV engines for the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia.
The team members also assemble differentials for the Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia. Differentials make it possible for wheels on the same axle to turn at different speeds.
Also in 2025, TMMAL opened three new production lines to assemble three cutting-edge differentials engineered to elevate Toyota’s Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia vehicles.
The new production lines resulted from a $282 million investment first announced in 2024, bringing Toyota’s total investment in the Huntsville plant to more than $1.7 billion, and the new lines brought 350 new jobs to the manufacturing plant.
Besides launching new production lines, the company in 2025 also tapped a new president for TMMAL, Marc Perry, to oversee all production and administrative operations at the plant. Perry previously served as the plant’s general manager for manufacturing. He also managed projects to launch Toyota
powertrain lines in Toyota plants not only in Alabama, but also in Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Missouri.
Meanwhile Toyota is constructing a childcare center onsite at TMMAL that is expected to open later this year. The company announced that it is partnering with a third-party childcare provider to develop the childcare center with a capacity of 274 children over two shifts. Besides Alabama, the car company also is constructing childcare centers at Toyota North Carolina, Toyota Mississippi and Toyota West Virginia and building facilities for Toyota’s Kentucky and Indiana plants at two existing childcare centers.
Outside of the plant, TMMAL continues its work to support local schools. The plant recently committed up to $4.2 million in grants to Huntsville City Schools as a part of Driving Possibilities, a Toyota USA Foundation initiative that exposes children to STEM education and introduces them to the many related career pathways in technology, science, math and engineering.
Gail Allyn Short is a Birmingham-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
Workers at Toyota assemble differentials and engines at the Huntsville manufacturing plant.
THREE SUPPLIER FIRMS WIN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION HONORS
INTERNATIONAL MOTORS EARNS SUPPLIER RECOGNITION FROM AAMA
By NANCY MANN JACKSON
AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING IN NOVEMBER 2025, THE ALABAMA AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (AAMA) RECOGNIZED SEVERAL COMPANIES FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR HONORS IN THE LARGE MANUFACTURER CATEGORY WENT TO INTERNATIONAL MOTORS LLC, FORMERLY KNOWN AS NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL.
International manufactures commercial trucks, buses, engines and transmissions, and employs 14,500 employees globally. The company has operated in North Alabama since 2008. Its Huntsville Powertrain Manufacturing Plant is a technologically advanced powertrain manufacturing facility that produces diesel engines and transmissions. The engines and transmissions manufactured in Huntsville are used to supply International’s vehicle assembly plants in Springfield, Ohio, and Escobedo, Mexico.
BUILDING ON TRADITION
With almost two decades of Alabama operations experience, International has become an important part of the state’s automotive industry. The company employs more than 230 skilled workers in the Huntsville area and already has completed one major expansion of its Alabama facility.
In 2023, International completed a 110,000-square-foot expansion of the
International’s Justin Reilly (left), engineering manager – assembly, and Brandon Tucker (holding the award), director of manufacturing, accept the Large Manufacturer of the Year award from Ed Castile (second from right), deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce and director of AIDT, and Ron Davis (right), president of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association.
Huntsville Powertrain Plant, resulting in a 410,000-square-foot facility. The expansion allowed the plant to transition from a single assembly line to two lines, one for the T14 Transmission and one for the S13 Engine. The facility also incorporates three major machining lines.
The International S13 Integrated Powertrain, which is composed of the S13 Engine, T14 Transmission and Dual Stage Aftertreatment system, is the final combustion product platform the company will develop as it transitions toward zero emissions vehicles, according to a
company statement.
The 13-liter engine achieves advanced fuel efficiency and performance through combustion efficiency and a reduction of friction and pumping losses. The dual-stage aftertreatment system saves fleets time and enhances fuel economy, the company says. By eliminating the exhaust gas recirculation, the engine achieves a more complete fuel burn and allows cleaner air to enter the combustion chamber on the intake cycle to mitigate the buildup of soot.
“We are confident to set a new efficiency benchmark in sustainable transportation,” said Brandon Tucker, director of operations at the Huntsville Powertrain Plant when the expansion opened. “The entire team is excited to build the remarkable S13 Integrated Powertrain that will redefine the industry and power our path towards a more sustainable future.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
In addition to adding new assembly and machining lines, International’s Huntsville plant also made sustainability improvements with the expansion. Those improvements include LED lighting, a wastewater evaporator to minimize wastewater discharge, and new augers to separate recyclables from rubbish to significantly reduce the waste to landfill.
International Motors is committed to making a positive impact on the sustainability of the automotive industry, as well as on the communities in which it operates. Both of those commitments have made it an important part of Alabama’s auto industry.
Over the years, International has invested more than $200 million in the Huntsville plant and has become a vital employer and business in North Alabama. In a statement, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle described International as “one of those great companies that makes Huntsville go. We’re proud that the integrated powertrain is produced in Huntsville and that [International] has been a strong partner and one of our long-term corporate citizens.”
Nancy Mann Jackson is a Madison-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
AAMA RECOGNIZES ASAHI KASEI AS SMALL MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
By NANCY MANN JACKSON
THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY HAS GROWN IN NORTH ALABAMA, WITH THE ADDITIONS OF MAZDA TOYOTA MANUFACTURING IN 2021, POLARIS MANUFACTURING IN 2016 AND TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING IN 2003. AS A RESULT, THE LANDSCAPE OF AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIERS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE ALSO HAS EXPANDED.
For example, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative, highperformance, engineered polymers and chemically coupled polypropylene resins, which operates a manufacturing facility in Athens, near Huntsville. The company is part of the global Asahi Kasei Group based in Tokyo, which also has a manufacturing facility in Fowlerville, Michigan.
In November 2025, the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recognized Asahi Kasei with one of its annual supplier awards. Asahi Kasei was named the 2025 Supplier of the Year in the Small Manufacturer category. Recognized for its outstanding performance in 2025, the company was highlighted for its contributions to the state’s automotive industry and its manufacturing excellence.
“Our Alabama location supports the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the southern United States and provide close, responsive support to customers in the region,” says Phani Nagaraj, president, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc. “Alabama’s strong manufacturing base — particularly in the automotive and industrial sectors — and its skilled workforce make it an ideal location to support customers and long-term growth.”
Bethany Shockney, executive director of the Limestone County Economic Development Association, accepted the Small Manufacturer of the Year award on behalf of Asahi Kasei. Presenting the award are Ed Castile (middle), deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce and director of AIDT, and Ron Davis, president of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association.
DEEP AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE
Asahi Kasei entered the North American resin compounding market through acquisition in 2000. However, the company has “a much longer history as a global chemicals manufacturer, with decades of experience in petrochemicals, polymer development and resin compounding,” Nagaraj says.
More than 350 staff members are currently employed in North America, providing materials used across the automotive industry, including interior, exterior, under-the-hood and electrical applications, among others, Nagaraj says. At the Alabama facility, the company specifically provides coloring, compounding and sales of performance plastics.
Asahi Kasei’s clients include a wide range of automotive customers across the entire supply chain, from original equipment manufacturers to Tier 1 suppliers.
When asked why his organization
might have been selected for the AAMA award, Nagaraj says he believes the recognition reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to quality, reliability and customer partnership.
“The company focuses on delivering consistent product performance, technical expertise and responsive service, while working closely with customers to support evolving market needs,” he says. “In addition, APNA places a strong emphasis on its employees through internal engagement and recognition programs. Our people and community play a significant role in the company’s success, which is reflected in its multiple recognitions as one of Plastics News’ Best Places to Work.”
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Asahi Kasei does not have specific infrastructure changes in the works, but the company will “continue to invest in its people, processes
‘‘
APNA places a strong emphasis on its employees through internal engagement and recognition programs. Our people and community play a significant role in the company’s success, which is reflected in its multiple recognitions as one of Plastics News’ Best Places to Work.”
— PHANI NAGARAJ, ASAHI KASEI PLASTICS NORTH AMERICA INC.
and capabilities to support customers in North America,” Nagaraj says. “While specific plans vary by market and customer need, the company remains focused on operational excellence, employee development and long-term growth, including continued support for its Alabama operations.”
Nancy Mann Jackson is a Madison-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
HORIZON POINT CONSULTING NAMED AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS DON’T JUST SHOW THE HEALTH OF THE LABOR MARKET. THEY ALSO REFLECT THE LIVES AND POTENTIAL OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. SINCE 2011, DECATUR-BASED HORIZON POINT CONSULTING INC. HAS WORKED TO HELP EMPLOYERS STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES, IMPROVE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE, DEVELOP LEADERS AND SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE CHANGE. LAST NOVEMBER, THE FIRM WAS RECOGNIZED AS SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR BY THE ALABAMA AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.
Mary Ila Ward, founder of Horizon Point Consulting, says her firm sits at the intersection of organizations, individuals and communities. “Our job is to innovate the workplace and workforce through people practices,” she says.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
While Horizon Point Consulting provides human resources and leadership development services for companies in all industries, the firm has developed a unique skill set for helping manufacturing clients, especially those in the automotive industry, through years of experience.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Ward worked in economic development, workforce development and corporate recruiting in the state before launching Horizon Point Consulting. That work provided a strong foundation for collaborating with the burgeoning automotive industry across the state and region.
By NANCY MANN JACKSON
Mary Ila Ward, founder of Horizon Point Consulting, accepts the Service Provider of the Year award from Ed Castile (middle), deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce and director of AIDT, and Ron Davis, president of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association.
“Alabama’s strong manufacturing base — particularly in automotive and advanced manufacturing — is a natural fit for our work,” Ward says. “The state’s emphasis on workforce development, leadership and long-term economic growth aligns closely with our mission to help organizations develop strong leaders and resilient cultures.”
Horizon Point Consulting currently
works with automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across the Southeast, supporting organizations involved in production, engineering, operations and corporate functions. The firm’s work with automotive industry clients focuses on leadership development, organizational alignment and culture across the automotive supply chain.
Earning recognition through AAMA’s
annual supplier awards echoes Horizon Point Consulting’s long commitment to innovating the work of people management in the automotive industry. “We believe this recognition reflects our consistent focus on delivering practical, customized and people-centered solutions that drive measurable results,” Ward says. “We listen and then design customized approaches to meet talent and workforce needs. Our involvement with AAMA throughout the years to help strengthen the collective culture and focus on the
automotive industry has positioned us to be a go-to expert in workforce and workplace trends and best practices.”
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Horizon Point Consulting aims to continue meeting the needs of employers and workers in Alabama and the broader Southeast. The firm is working with a growing number of automotive and manufacturing organizations and supporting career and workforce development across multiple
‘‘
We are staying on top of the research and workforce trends of our times in order to help our clients. We are also investing in new leadership programs and tools designed to help organizations navigate workforce challenges, succession planning and ongoing transformation in a rapidly evolving industry.”
— MARY ILA WARD, HORIZON POINT CONSULTING
states, according to Ward.
“We are staying on top of the research and workforce trends of our times in order to help our clients,” she says. “We are also investing in new leadership programs and tools designed to help organizations navigate workforce challenges, succession planning and ongoing transformation in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Nancy Mann Jackson is a Madison-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN THE PROCESS
SOUTHERN AUTOMOTIVE CONFERENCE
HONORS ALABAMA WORKERS AT STARS OF SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING AWARDS
AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY REQUIRES THOUSANDS OF PARTS TO BE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN A UNIFIED WHOLE. THIS INCLUDES THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THEM ALL, THE PEOPLE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE THOSE PARTS ARE ACCUMULATED AND CONSTRUCTED CORRECTLY.
The Southern Automotive Conference recently recognized several such individuals at the 10th annual Stars of Southern Manufacturing Awards. Workers at each of Alabama’s five OEMs were among those honored at the event.
“Successful automakers depend on excellent employees at every level of the company — from the managerial level to the factory floor,” the SAC stated in announcing the awards. “These employees possess skills and stellar personalities that keep automotive companies running.
“We believe that these fine Southern employees deserve recognition for the part they play in combining valuable knowledge of traditional auto production and the skills needed for the future of manufacturing.”
Here is a look at the SAC award-winners from Alabama and a sampling of what some of their co-workers have to say about the ways these employees keep automotive production in the state operating like a fine-tuned machine.
MERY CURTIS
Assembly Team Leader, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
“Mery is an awesome team leader who is always looking to lead by example,” MTM Assembly Group Leader Michael Ethridge
said. “She works to better herself while also putting others before herself. She’s good at listening to other team members and has worked very well in helping develop them to the next level.
“Mery brings a strong combination of technical expertise, leadership and a deep commitment to the development of others, qualities that are essential to the success of manufacturing operations at MTM.
She is highly dedicated to mentoring team leaders and peers not only within the Assembly department, but across various areas of the organization. By sharing her knowledge and experience, she consistently identifies and supports opportunities for process improvement that drive efficiency and performance.
“Mery is highly skilled in Toyota Production System tools and problem-solving methodologies, and she effectively transfers this knowledge to others through coaching and hands-on training. Her dedication to both people and process makes her a key contributor to MTM’s manufacturing operations and an invaluable resource to her team and the broader organization.”
Mery Curtis (right) talks with a team member at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.
Mery Curtis.
ERIC McKEE Specialist of Weld Process Engineering, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
“Eric is a very important asset to our team for his hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment and passion for his job,” said Edward Thomas, HMMA assistant manager for process engineering. “He utilizes every opportunity to ensure that good quality units are being shipped to our customers. From his proactive approach to preventing issues, to the maintenance work that he does, Eric truly has a significant impact on our daily operations.”
In nominating McKee for the award, HMMA Engineering Manager Sean Kang shared a story that he said illustrates McKee’s importance to the company.
“For years, operators manually cleaned CO2 welding nozzles to prevent blockages that can lead to quality issues or downtime,” Kang said. “Occasionally, operators forget to clean the nozzles, or spatter accumulated too quickly, causing downtime issues. Eric recognized this inefficiency as an opportunity for improvement.
“At a fabrication expo in Atlanta, Eric spotted a new CO2 nozzle cleaner reamer and saw its potential to streamline operations. He collaborated closely with the vendor to customize the reamer to fit our specific setup, to ensure integration into our processes. Eric installed the set of trial reamers, and the results were very successful. Eric introduced and trained operators on the new system to maintain the equipment effectively. He now plans to implement 10 additional reamers across the shop.”
SANDY PARNELL
Production Support Group Team Leader, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America – Alabama
“Sandy started initially as a production associate in 2003 and quickly became a team coordinator in 2004,” Senior Staff Engineer Joshua Primm said in nominating Parnell. “She is currently our most senior team leader, having served across multiple different production zones.
“Sandy is the perfect example of a person whose actions speak louder than her words. She is dedicated, resilient and sets a great example for her fellow associates and team leads for how to handle the most chaotic and challenging of circumstances.
“Work on the manufacturing floor can be a grind, and Sandy demonstrates for others how to handle everything that she is asked to do with a positive and determined attitude. She is always one to share credit and to encourage her fellow associates to be the best version of themselves. Sandy has the highest integrity in her work and is committed to putting our associates in the best possible position to be successful in order to exceed the customer’s expectation.”
Erik McKee (left) accepts the Stars of Southern Manufacturing award from Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association
President Ron Davis.
Eric McKee.
Sandy Parnell.
Sandy Parnell on the production line at Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln.
DaMARCUS SULLIVAN
Production Team Leader,
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama
“DaMarcus has been an invaluable asset to the engine production line over the past year,” TMMAL General Manager Larry Deutscher said in nominating Sullivan. “He successfully transitioned from a SHERPA leader, where he guided new hires in acclimating to the shop floor, to a production team leader in assembly. Through his coaching, encouragement and exemplary leadership, the production line has thrived, resulting in a significant boost in team morale.
“DaMarcus excels at bringing out the best in his team by fostering strong relationships and staying true to his character. He is honest and transparent in his communication, ensuring that team members
grow and develop from every interaction. His representation of Toyota is exemplary, both inside and outside the workplace.
“In addition to his assembly responsibilities, DaMarcus serves as the chair of the business partnering group ‘Young Professionals,’ a group dedicated to developing and recognizing emerging leaders within the community. Most impressively, DaMarcus approaches every interaction and experience as an opportunity for learning, all while maintaining his humility and commitment to service.”
DAKOTA McINTYRE / DAVID OSBURN / JAMES McGRATH
Battery Plant Team,
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
MBUSI took a different direction with its nomination by recognizing a trio of engineers on its battery plant team. When the plant opened in 2022, it marked the first major expansion of MBUSI beyond the original facility in Vance.
“With the new battery plant, we faced a steep learning curve as a greenfield plant under powertrain standards,” MBUSI Group Leader Casey Cook said. “But thanks to the work of James McGrath and David Osburn, we didn’t just meet expectations. We set new ones.”
Meanwhile, Dakota McIntyre has been a driving force in the unit’s quality planning, according to Battery Plant Manager Christian Beyer.
“Together, these three engineers turned
DaMarcus Sullivan.
Dakota McIntyre.
From left, James McGrath, David Osburn and Dakota McIntyre inside Mercedes-Benz’ Battery Plant.
DaMarcus Sullivan on the production line at Toyota Alabama.
challenges into opportunities, engaging teams, digitizing processes and building trust across the plant,” Beyer said. “All three began their journeys at MBUSI as co-ops, transitioning to full-time roles through their dedication and skill.
“These three have demonstrated exceptional individual capabilities, and as a cohesive unit, have shown a remarkable, quality-oriented mindset and deep understanding of our processes and requirements. Their ability to engage team members, explain technical concepts and foster collaboration has been instrumental in our success. Their passion for the product, company and team is infectious.”
David Osburn.
James McGrath.
AAMA BOARD, OFFICERS & PARTNERS
RON DAVIS
President
BARRY MAY
Vice President
Executive Director of Workforce & Economic Development
Alabama Community College System
GENE CLEVELAND
Secretary KTH Leesburg Products LLC
MARK MCCLANAHAN
Treasurer
Operations Manager Heiche US Surface Technologies
THOMAS BALDUS
Senior Manager Capacity Management, Localization and Purchasing
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc.
BHARAT BALASUBRAMANIAN
Executive Director University of Alabama Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies
MARK BRAZEAL
Vice President, Manufacturing Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
GREG CANFIELD
Managing Director of Economic Development Burr & Forman
ED CASTILE
Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Workforce Programs, Alabama Department of Commerce
Executive Director, AIDT
WESTON COLEMAN
Sales Manager T&C Stamping
HELENA DUNCAN
President & CEO
Business Council of Alabama
JOHN EVANS
Professor, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering
Director, Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management Auburn University
MICHAEL GAINES
Division Leader, Manufacturing Planning & Control Division
Alabama Auto Plant, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America
WARREN GAPPA
Manager of Supplier Cooperation Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
BECKY HURT
Vice President – Administration Y-tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama (YKTA)
BAKARI MILLER
Vice President, Business Development
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
CORPORATE PARTNERS
ERIC MILLS
General Manager, Manufacturing Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama
MIKE OATRIDGE
Executive Director Alabama Mobility and Power Center
HOLLIE PEGG
Assistant Director, Business Development Division
Alabama Department of Commerce
KEITH PHILLIPS
Executive Director Alabama Training Network
KEITH ROBERTSON
Southern Sales Manager Air Hydro Power
BRANDON TUCKER
International Motors Director of Manufacturing | Huntsville Powertrain Plant
FILMORE WALKER III President GAA
JASON WEAVER General Manager Stamped Products Inc.
Ron Davis, President
Gene Cleveland, Secretary
Mark McClanahan, Treasurer
Barry May, Vice President
Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association Membership Directory
COMPANY NAME
2M Transport
Adah International LLC
Adams Corp.
AFCS
AIAG
AIDT
Air Hydro Power
AJ Nonwovens
Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition
Alabama Community College System
Alabama Department of Commerce
Alabama Port Authority
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Lisa Tarcy 216-503-5700/womeninmanufacturing.org
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
Inside Alabama’s credit union movement
By DEBORAH STOREY
When the residents of Bedford Falls, New York, panic and want their money from the bank in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Jimmy Stewart explains that cash isn’t piled in the safe.
“Your money’s in Joe’s house, and a hundred others,” he tells his customers. “You’re lending them the money to build and then they’re going to pay it back to you the best they can.”
That neighborly spirit is the core concept of how Alabama’s 89 credit unions do business, a spokesperson says.
In that movie, “how they started was through trust and wanting to help each other,” says Michelle Roth, vice president of advocacy for the League of Credit Unions.
The league represents institutions in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. Roth’s responsibility from Montgomery is to watch legislation affecting credit unions and their members in Alabama.
“The whole mission of credit unions is helping people,” she says.
While worth billions today, in most cases Alabama’s credit unions had very humble beginnings.
Around the time of the Depression, “many working families really couldn’t get these loans they perhaps might have needed from a traditional bank,” Roth explains.
President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act of 1934 to help establish credit options for citizens during the Depression. The idea was to create member-owned institutions
“
that could offer low-cost credit. The first credit union in America opened in 1909 in New Hampshire. A new National Credit Union Administration formed in 1970 to supervise operations.
Airplane mechanics, Vietnam soldiers, state employees and railroad workers literally pitched in money from their precious paychecks to get Alabama’s various credit unions started. People with the same livelihoods — such as teaching or working in a sock factory — created cooperatives, pooled their funds and crossed their fingers. In Montgomery, Maxwell Air Force Base workers combined resources. University of Alabama at Birmingham employees started Legacy. Gadsden teachers were behind Emblem. In 1936, Tennessee Valley Authority employees created what is now TVA Community.
Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville is the biggest of Alabama’s credit unions in terms of assets. In November 1951, 11 Redstone Arsenal employees put $5 each in a shoebox, and membership swelled through the years as the area’s needs grew. Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, RFCU operates 30 branches. Assets of more than $8 billion and 650,000 members around the world make it the nation’s 19th largest credit union.
“Created to provide financial services to those members of modest means, credit unions may be the only place some people can go to get free financial counseling, flexible loan products and better rates on those products,” says RFCU President Joe Newberry.
Improving the financial well-being of our members and communities is our mission. We do that in many ways, including awarding college scholarships, providing financial counseling and by volunteering and serving with non-profits in critical areas. We also do that with great rates, fewer fees and more product offerings.”
— Joe Newberry, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Redstone Federal Credit Union.
Redstone defines success by taking care of its members and giving back to the community, Newberry says. RFCU provided more than $900,000 in sponsorships to non-profits last year. Its Community Impact Grant Program awarded $230,000 to support philanthropic work in north Alabama.
“Improving the financial well-being of our members and communities is our mission,” Newberry adds. “We do that in many ways, including awarding college scholarships, providing financial counseling and by volunteering and serving with non-profits in critical areas. We also do that with great rates, fewer fees and
more product offerings.”
Redstone’s field of membership was initially open to just military and civilian employees of Redstone Arsenal, defense contractors and their immediate families. However, as Redstone’s marketing extended, more members joined and by 1957 totaled 6,000.
Credit union advocates say those institutions are in a position to understand an individual’s credit history, respond directly to community needs and provide flexible loans at competitive rates.
Another distinction of credit unions is that “decisions are made locally by a volunteer board elected by members,” Roth
A snapshot of Alabama’s credit unions’ roots
Dothan’s Five Star Credit Union traces its roots to the trees of Alabama and Georgia. Eight employees of the Great Southern Paper Co. chipped in $5 each to start the credit union in 1964 in a storage closet in Cedar Springs, Georgia, with a mill employee as treasurer. The credit union bought a bank along the way. The number of branches and members in Alabama and Georgia spread to 42 counties and more than 66,000 people. Its governing policies prohibit unnecessary “excessive or luxury expenditures” such as expensive renovations, entertainment expenses over $2,500 and pricey plane tickets.
Alabama’s credit unions
• Combined assets in Q3 2025: $38.9 billion
• More than 2.7 million members
• $4 billion contribution to GDP
• More than $655 million in small business loans
• More than $533 million saved by members
• $750 million in member benefits
• 5.8% average savings growth
• More than 17,000 jobs created
• $136 million state/local tax revenue
— Alabama Credit Union Association, League of Credit Unions and Affiliates
Listerhill Credit Union, like its namesake community in Colbert County, has an interesting history. Just before World War II, American industrialist Richard Reynolds traveled to Europe to look for sources of aluminum for Reynolds Metals to build military airplanes. The Reynolds plant opened in 1941 in the community named after U.S. Sen. Lister Hill, an advocate of the idea. Reynolds Aluminum closed in 1986, but Constellium continues to be a major aluminum producer.
Fort McClellan Credit Union opened in 1953 to serve military and civilian personnel at the Army base in Anniston and has since expanded membership to nine surrounding counties.
The Alabama State Employees Credit Union opened in 1954 in the basement of the state capitol to serve state employees and their families. Fifteen state workers chipped in $265 to start it. Operations moved to an old drug store in downtown Montgomery in 1975 and a new location in 1983.
In 2001, services expanded to eight surrounding counties and continued to grow. ASECU now has nine locations with more than 44,000 members and $400 million in assets.
All In Federal Credit Union in Daleville started in 1966 as the Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union to serve Fort Rucker soldiers heading to Vietnam. It became “All In” in 2019 as a tribute to the soldier mentality. From its original $35 balance, it now has 41 branches in south Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Mississippi with more than 200,000 members and $3.5 billion in assets.
Irondale’s Railroad Community Credit Union opened in 1956 in a diesel shop to serve employees of the Southern Railway system in Alabama, now known as Norfolk Southern Railroad. Membership expanded to employees of the city of Irondale and Morris Shea Bridge, and now includes people in Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Blount and Walker counties.
Sixth Avenue Baptist Federal Credit Union in Birmingham opened in 1963 to help church members and their families. Its motto: “Someone must save before anyone can borrow.”
NRS Community Development Credit Union began in 1996 to serve low-income citizens, small businesses and minority entrepreneurs in northeast Birmingham. Currently Alabama’s smallest credit union, it has 775 members and roughly $1.4 million in assets.
“The
core principles that guide Listerhill are deeply rooted in the credit union philosophy, emphasizing membercentric values over profit-driven motives.”
— Ashley Mobley, Listerhill Credit Union
says, allowing them to be responsive to their local communities.
“The core principles that guide Listerhill are deeply rooted in the credit union philosophy, emphasizing member-centric values over profit-driven motives,” says Ashley Mobley, Listerhill’s vice president of compliance in Muscle Shoals.
“Each member is an owner with a voice in the governance of the credit union,” says Mobley. “Decisions are made in the best interest of the membership. Profits are reinvested into the credit union, allowing Listerhill to offer competitive interest rates on loans and higher rates on deposit accounts, along with lower fees.”
Avadian Credit Union began in 1934 as Alabama Telco to serve telephone company employees and their families.
“While we’re proud to offer great rates and fewer fees, we feel that what truly sets us apart is service — service to the members who have entrusted us with helping them manage their financial lives, and service to the communities around us,” says Vice President of Marketing Ashley Wilbanks.
Avadian now has more than 85,000 members from Dothan to Huntsville.
While they appear to operate much like banks, credit unions have different guidelines and overseers.
“We have a federal charter with clear rules that define how we can operate
One of the top absolute priorities for our credit unions is fraud protection, especially for elder financial exploitation. They’re getting taken advantage of in just horrible ways.”
— Michelle Roth, League of Credit Unions
cial awareness so that they don’t become victims of predatory lending and the crazy interest in payday loans,” Roth says.
“We have so much in common with community banks about serving the areas that we’re in,” she says. “There’s so much that we agree on in wanting to help. We have that same view, and we all want to give back to community.
safely and responsibly,” Roth says. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insures bank assets. The National Credit Union Association insures non-profit credit unions.
Forty Alabama credit unions operate under federal charters and 49 with state charters. The NCUA oversees all federal credit unions, whether they are federally or state chartered. The Alabama Credit Union Association oversees only state-chartered credit unions. Roth explains that a federal credit union can change to a community and state charter
but must go through the NCUA approval process.
The ACUA has updated its regulations to align more with NCUA guidelines in addressing virtual meetings, loans to other credit unions and branches out of state.
Credit union advocates like to note that because they are community-based, they often get involved in addressing issues they see locally. Alabama’s credit unions helped pass legislation requiring financial literacy education in Alabama’s classrooms.
Families need to “understand finan-
“The decisions for your money are made based on giving back to you and the other members rather than to stockholders.”
Not operating under the same rules as commercial banks hinders them in one area, Roth notes. A “frustrating” bit of state legislation excludes them from competition for some local business. The Alabama Security for Alabama Funds Enhancement, or SAFE act, says public municipalities, utilities and school systems must do business with an FDIC-insured institution – meaning a bank.
For example, she says, “there’s not a single bank in Coosa County,” but Coosa Pines Credit Union is there to serve the area.
Just as credit unions want to help the community, they try to be there for each other, too. When one North Alabama credit union was hacked and lost its phone service, another offered use of their phones.
“You’re not going to see that in other industries that are so highly competitive,” says Roth.
As a whole, the state’s credit unions have an issue that their founders never envisioned – keeping their members’ nest eggs safe from online thieves.
“One of the top absolute priorities for our credit unions is fraud protection, especially for elder financial exploitation,” Roth says. “They’re getting taken advantage of in just horrible ways.”
As the state’s credit unions continue to add members and grow assets, they intend to keep the founders’ neighborly spirit as the backbone of their operations.
“We continue to grow, but we also want to stay true to why we were created in the first place,” says Roth.
Deborah
Storey is
a
Huntsville-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama
BUILT TO STAY
Why AmFirst is doubling down on downtown Birmingham
and the future
By DEBORAH STOREY
Photos by JOE De SCIOSE
From assets collected in a cigar box to a landmark presence in downtown Birmingham, the growth trajectory continues for AmFirst Federal Credit Union in its 90th year.
AmFirst already owns nearly an entire city block but is expanding by acquiring a 48,000-square-foot space in downtown Birmingham. Credit union officials met with the mayor’s office and business leaders “to talk about ways that we’re planning on using that,” says AmFirst President and CEO Kevin Morris.
“Within the past seven years we added 50,000 square feet to our space here,” he says. “We own just about a city block, but we’ve already reached capacity in this building.”
Growing in downtown Birmingham “allows us to keep our culture intact rather than taking a group of people and moving them 10 minutes down the road.
“We had the opportunity to move our admin facilities out of downtown,” he says. “We’re essentially located right between the Railroad Park area and the Civil Rights District. Birmingham asked us to stay and reinvest here. And it mattered to us because that significance of rebuilding Birmingham is really who AmFirst is.
“That growth plan will allow us to move several departments like our members service center, which encompasses our call center, our card services area and our ITM teller areas,” he says.
Morris says AmFirst is adding roughly 8% more people this year to a staff of 500.
“We’ve more than doubled our assets in the past decade. A decade ago, our loan portfolio was roughly $700 million. Today it’s $2.2 billion.”
For the first time, he says, “we have put a person in as vice president of strategic initiatives, and we are already proactively working on a growth plan.”
In August of 2024, AmFirst partnered with Jacksonville State University to offer services there and assume naming rights for AmFirst Stadium. A new branch building on campus will serve the college and broader Jacksonville community. The college gets the building when the agreement ends.
“Jax State currently does not have an on-campus bank or credit union,” says AmFirst Communications Manager Gabrielle DeBruler. “We’re super excited to be the first ones offering that to their students, employees and local people in the Jacksonville community.”
Kevin Morris is president and CEO of AmFirst Federal Credit Union.
“We’ve invested significantly in the Jacksonville State market in the naming of the stadium, but also within our financial literacy process for all the student athletes and the students there at JSU,” Morris says.
The new Jacksonville branch should open in the second quarter of this year.
“We’re just trying to do the right thing in that area because we’re focusing on the Calhoun County region there. We have a branch already in Oxford.
“There’s a lot of growth there for us from our membership base,” he says. “Having administrative offices there will properly align with our potential growth that we plan on having in the days ahead in the eastern part of the state of Alabama.”
In addition to the JSU campus site, “before this year ends, we hope to have two additional branch sites identified if not open,” says Morris, which may mean renovating existing properties.
“What we really want to do is change our strategic approach to growth so that if there’s an area that we know we’ve got a lot of membership based in, we don’t have to take a full-size branch and go there. We can go into an end-cap unit in a strip mall.”
America’s First began in 1936 when 19 men employed by U.S. Steel – formerly Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway Co. – collected $1,500 in a cigar box. The Iron and Steel Workers Credit Union operated in Ensley Works of U.S. Steel and listed 822 members by the end of its first year. Expansion followed, and in the 1980s operations moved to 1200 Fourth Ave. N. in downtown Birmingham. A name change to America’s First Federal Credit Union in 1994 reflected a new federal charter.
In 2005, the charter changed to include individuals and businesses in Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa, Cullman, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa and Walker counties, plus underserved areas of Calhoun and Mobile counties.
Today AmFirst has more than 200,000 members, $2 billion in assets and 21 branches in 13 counties. Its business services division grew 12.5% in just one year.
As Morris says on the AmFirst website, the credit union’s “primary obligation is to serve our members, not to maximize profits.” That’s in keeping with the philosophy that Alabama’s credit union leaders say is the underpinning of their operations –neighbor helping neighbor.
“I’ve been in banking my entire career and credit unions focus on the people,” Morris says. “It’s not about profit, it’s about people. And when you can make decisions based on people, it’s a whole different vision from any seat within the credit union.”
Future expansion won’t be simply for growth’s sake, he suggests.
“We do believe that we have a product and a process that would allow us to deliver the services that we deliver to a broader base of people,” he says, “whether that’s through acquiring a smaller credit union or a local bank that might be looking to close or be bought out by a large financial institution that might change the way they do banking.”
Most expansion will be in the existing operations footprint, “but we do want to continue to grow outside of that area,” Morris says. “There are some merger acquisition opportunities that we’re beginning to research and look at.”
AmFirst operates one mobile cruiser — a branch on wheels — and is spending $300,000 on another to use for services and financial literacy.
This year, a digital network department will focus on online and app-based service “because more and more people bank with the phone in their hand,” he says.
He credits his predecessors for preparing America’s First “for the growth that we’re having now.
“We’ve had a lot of really, really good succession plans put in
AmFirst continues to grow in downtown Birmingham.
“
We went from single and small double-digit numbers of investing in nonprofits and community events to well over a million dollars that we spend annually in our philanthropic efforts.”
— Kevin Morris, AmFirst
place and we began to look at outside talent to bring them in, to expand our opportunities,” he says.
“We went from single and small double-digit numbers of investing in nonprofits and community events to well over a million dollars that we spend annually in our philanthropic efforts.”
Even though AmFirst has opened only a few branches in the past decade, some people might not realize the broader picture, Morris says.
“That might be true, but here’s a statement that a lot of people miss out on. We rebuilt and reinvested in a $5 million branch in Bessemer, Alabama. We did the same in Forestdale, Alabama. We did the same in Talladega. Those are things that are important to us because that’s where our membership is.
“We’re not worried about how many branches we’ve opened. We’re worried about the impact of each branch that we open and
not from a profitability standpoint, but a people standpoint.”
In the next 24 months, “we’re going to easily add five to six branches to our totals, but those may come in different sizes.”
As they continue toward nearly a century of operations, their mission remains the same.
“There’s just so many benefits that a credit union can offer and we’re not trying to get in everybody’s world. We kind of enjoy doing what we do and try to do what we do better,” Morris says.
Keep an eye on them, says DeBruler.
“We will have some announcements at some point, but we’re for sure looking to expand and grow — definitely within our current areas that we already serve,” she says.
Deborah Storey and Joe De Sciose are freelance contributors to Business Alabama. She is based in Huntsville and he in Birmingham.
Alabama’s Largest Credit Unions
Compiled by MEGAN BOYLE
Targeting Cancer
Score Pharma hopes its technique can make good cancer drugs even better
By DEBORAH STOREY — Photos by DENNIS KEIM
One type of breast cancer is very treatable for most people. An Alabama team’s research could supercharge proven drugs to help the rest, potentially saving thousands of lives every year.
An early-stage biologics company called Score Pharma is working to develop immune-oncology therapeutics to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, and possibly non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia as well.
Score’s proprietary patented platform called CoreX helps transform existing antibody therapies into more potent targeted treatments. The process improves the connection between antibody drugs and the body’s own natural cancer-killing cells.
The start-up is only a few years old, but company officials are hoping to begin clinical trials in breast cancer patients in a few years.
“We couldn’t be happier with the results we’re seeing in our early studies,” says Dr. Jennifer Riggs-Sauthier, chief development officer and vice president of chemistry at Score Pharma. “This advancement brings us one step closer to the clinic — and ultimately, to helping patients benefit from stronger, more effective
antibody therapies.”
Dr. Bruce Edward Jones is founder and CEO of the virtual biotech, which is based at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Huntsville campus and Southern Research in Birmingham.
When therapeutic antibodies target cancer cells, it triggers an immune response that helps the body’s natural killer cells destroy cancer cells. The hope is that a process called fucose modulation, technically named afucosylation, will make clinically proven treatments more potent. Score is ramping up for scientific confirmation studies at Southern Research.
Jones, a neuroscientist, explains that in the pharmaceutical industry one division focuses on drugs that work via small molecules, such as aspirin, cardiac medications and blood pressure treatments. Another division is the large-molecule group that developed the cancer treatment drug Heparin and other antibody cancer therapies like Rituxan and Herceptin.
Score’s new technology originated as Jones was working for a company focused on small molecule research. When that business acquired a so-called big molecule company, they were
Dr. Jennifer RIggs-Sauthier, left, and Dr. Bruce Edward Jones.
expected to integrate.
“We all kind of looked at each other and went, ‘What? We don’t even speak the same language,’” he recalls. What they learned is that scientists working with large molecules that activate the body’s immune system say the challenge is making drugs potent enough.
There was “a very straightforward solution using technology that existed for small molecules,” Jones says. “What was needed is somebody who was very skilled in developing small molecules who knew a lot about large molecules. And that just happened to fit my background.”
Jones invented Score’s proprietary process technology. Afucosylation, removing a piece of the molecule, turned out to be key in making existing treatments better.
“So, if you remove it, these antibody therapeutics that are intended for cancer can become significantly more effective at killing cancer cells — anywhere from five times to a hundred times more effective,” he says.
But isolating and removing the right piece of molecule can take years. If you do it wrong, the treatment will destroy normal tissue, too, and all that research and expense won’t amount to much.
Jones’ complex professional path to Alabama is best summarized by saying that he was chief scientist, head of pharmacology and consultant to various pharmaceutical companies before starting Score in Philadelphia in 2018. He has degrees in biochemis-
try, pharmacology and toxicology.
Jones worked on recovery of function after neurotrauma for a while, as well as treatments for ALS. Through the years at various companies, he learned a lot about the FDA approval process and entrepreneurship.
His wife’s family ties brought him to Alabama, where he was amazed to see the caliber of ongoing medical and genetic research. He is based in Huntsville but also an entrepreneur in residence at Station 41 Incubator at Southern Research in Birmingham.
“We formed a strategic alliance with Southern Research, which is a non-for-profit, contract research organization,” he says. “They’re large enough to have both the small molecule experience and the large molecule experience under one roof.”
Jones and Riggs-Sauthier direct the lab work in Birmingham.
“I can say that Score Pharma was Philly born, but I’d love to say it’s Alabama raised,” says Jones.
Their first product, now in pre-clinical status, is a “superior, second-generation Herceptin,” Jones says. It’s designed to improve the connection between antibodies and natural cancer-killing cells.
“We don’t change the antibody. It is the same antibody. We just make that connection between the natural killer cell and the antibody stronger by structurally changing the antibody a little bit,” he explains.
While Herceptin works for most people, it is ineffective in many patients with a certain type of breast cancer.
“What was needed is somebody who was very skilled in developing small molecules who knew a lot about large molecules. And that just happened to fit my background.”
— Dr. Bruce Edward Jones, Score Pharma
The drug development process incorporates genetic research and artificial intelligence modeling to predict which patients will respond best. Using those results, “We can begin to adapt our technology for a more precisionindividualized medicine approach,” he says.
The goal is to get the first IV treatments into patients by 2029.
“The beauty of this is that we already have a drug, Herceptin. It works. It works in about 20% of the patients” with HER2-negative cancer. “What we’re going to do is improve it so that 80% that it doesn’t work for have a better chance of it working.
“We’re talking longer lives,” he says.
Because the company is making structural changes to an approved treatment, the FDA considers Score’s “amped up” process a new product.
HER-2 is one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer but also very treatable in most people. Depending on the type, roughly 20% of the 350,000 or so people treated each year don’t respond well, though.
“We may be safer and more effective for the patient, but it needs to be proven,”
“We
couldn’t be happier with the results we’re seeing in our early studies. This advancement brings us one step closer to the clinic — and ultimately, to helping patients benefit from stronger, more effective antibody therapies.”
— Dr. Jennifer Riggs-Sauthier, Score Pharma
Jones says.
Score has several angel investors but is looking for more to support the $50 million to $60 million venture.
Jones suspects the company is already on someone’s radar for takeover.
He notes that a pharmaceutical company with multiple proven products is worth an average $4.4 billion acquisition price. Herceptin and its generics alone are worth $9 billion a year. “It’s worth paying $4 billion to get exclusivity for seven years for something that’s going to sell $9 billion,” he observes.
His personal path from Pennsylvania to the Deep South hasn’t been a setback for this entrepreneur — quite the opposite, in fact.
“Since moving here in 2022, I have gotten more traction and more success than I ever expected to get,” Jones says. “Alabama is beginning to recognize that biotech could be a future for them.”
Deborah Storey and Dennis Keim are Huntsville-based freelance contributors to Business Alabama
ICrafting Coffee
Across the state, business is brewing for coffee roasters
By JIM HANNAFORD — Photos by JULIE BENNETT
t’s typical for people stepping into Toomer’s Coffee in Opelika to comment on the incredible aroma that greets them. The response is almost automatic for many of the customers approaching the counter to order hot cups of coffee and stock up on freshly roasted beans they can brew at home.
The front part of the building is a cozy retail area while a larger area behind it, mostly hidden from view, is where a couple hundred pounds of coffee beans are being roasted every day. It can be particularly fragrant, especially when they are grinding some of the beans for packaging and shipping.
“So many people will walk in and say, ‘Oh, it smells so great in here!’ It happens all the time,” says Sandy Toomer, who has
“They’ll see me roasting the beans, and it catches their interest because a lot of people don’t know that process.”
— Rufus Ducote, Fairhope Roasting Co.
operated the business along with his wife, Trish, since 2004. He enjoys hearing that from his customers, but sometimes he’ll share the ironic fact that what’s emanating from the back room just isn’t quite as powerful to those who are running the place. “We really don’t notice it as much because we’re around it all day long,” he explains.
Near the Gulf Coast, there’s a strong visual component to Fairhope Roasting Company. It’s located in a space that adjoins a busy eatery called Warehouse Bakery & Donuts. The two are separated by a window that gives diners a glimpse into a small but firmly established operation that has a surprising reach across Alabama and beyond. “They’ll see me roasting the beans, and it catches their interest because a lot of people don’t know that process,”
Trish and Sandy Toomer in their coffee shop in Opelika.
says Rufus Ducote, the company’s manager and head roaster. If they stick around long enough, here’s what they’ll see: “It’s a 25-lb. roaster, and it’ll do three or four rounds an hour, so my typical day of roasting is 300 to 400 pounds of coffee.”
These companies are just two examples of how there’s a big buzz around coffee in Alabama. Take a look around the state (or follow your nose), and you’ll find a growing number of small, independent business owners capitalizing on evolving tastes when it comes to coffee consumption. Cup after cup, they are serving up customers with increasingly sophisticated palates who want to elevate their experience well beyond simply getting a quick jolt of caffeine.
Fairhope Roasting Company’s products are very familiar in coastal communities, for instance, and they have also branched out to shelves in Publix stores throughout Alabama and several other states. Toom-
er’s has quite a success story to share, too, and it involves an effort to move away from retail but being drawn back to it in a very big way.
In Huntsville, Honest Coffee Roasters has found a foothold as a comforting presence downtown and has recently expanded to suburban Madison. “We opened in 2017 and were immediately embraced,” says Christy Wimberly, the owner and operator. “People like having a coffee shop as kind of the hub and the foundation of their city center, and they are really enjoying coffee right now, whether they’re picking it up to go or whether they’re coming in to meet somebody. It just seems like coffee is the currency right now.”
Thinking for just a moment, she can easily count nearly a dozen other coffee businesses in her area. While hers are roasted at the company’s original location in Franklin, Tennessee, many others
around the state besides Toomer and Ducote roast the raw, green beans on site. Ducote describes the trade as having a healthy, even friendly, competition because of a shared goal and passion. Largely, purveyors of premium coffee want to give people a product that’s better crafted, often originating with beans that are sourced from family farms around the world and roasted in small batches.
Also in Lower Alabama, Refuge Coffee has two locations in Fairhope and Nova Espresso has an inviting space in downtown Mobile not far from Serda’s Coffee, a Mobile mainstay since 2008. In Gulf Shores, Southern Shores Coffee has been making waves with its fresh-roasted coffees, including one with a trademarked Bushwacker flavor. In Birmingham, O.Henry’s Coffee first opened in 1993 and has branched out to include seven locations besides its roasting plant. Cala Coffee, which started as a home roasting
Sandy Toomer runs beans through the roaster at his Opelika coffee shop.
Caden Parker seals bags of fresh-roasted coffee at Toomer’s in Opelika.
Bags of Toomer’s own coffees, ready for customers.
operation, has a shop in downtown Birmingham and another in Vestavia Hills.
While these businesses are firmly rooted, there are many enterprising newcomers who are looking to break in. One of those is Kenya Vinson, who has named his brand Southlawn after the area where he grew up in west Montgomery. With no physical location, he takes orders online and reaches out to wholesalers to help him fill them. “When the order is placed, that’s when they start roasting it, and it takes about five days for them to get it fresh,” he says. A retired firefighter and Air Force veteran, he’s been making a name for himself and his business around his hometown by offering samples at the YMCA and local shops. “We’re planting the seed here in Montgomery, and we want to go global,” he says.
An hour up the road in Opelika, Toomer fell into the coffee business over 20 years ago and has watched it blossom. Working as a pilot in a Christian missionary group in Ecuador gave him an insider’s view of how coffee beans are grown and how they reach the market. Another inspiring factor was a friend in eastern Tennessee who had a successful roasting operation and encouraged Toomer to follow suit.
For the first eight years, he and Trish operated a coffee shop on College Avenue, close to Auburn University. They had name recognition already, but it was coincidental. He is not related to the family of the same surname that has the landmark drug store. (As he says prominently on his company website, “We’re the coffee, not the corner.”) Tiring of the long hours associated with running a busy store, they moved to the neighboring town with plans to focus on the wholesale end of the business. They would stay behind the scenes and sell their own coffee online while roasting beans for other retailers to serve in their shops or behind their own private labels.
But then COVID-19 came along and changed their business model, which leads us back to Toomer’s Coffee Roaster’s surprising second act. When the shutdown related to the pandemic happened, the wholesale orders for roasted beans came to a stop. His background in website design
came in handy as they pivoted to to-go orders. He quickly devised a simple online ordering interface, and people have been lining up for fresh coffee ever since.
“Our business nearly doubled that year, and it got us on a lot more people’s radar,” Toomer says. “In the first month after we set up the curbside pickup menu we added over 400 local customers, which was phenomenal.” They saw an increase of around 45% the next two years, and then an annual growth of 25%, he says. “We’re consistently growing in the double digits every year and 50% of the custom-
ers coming through the door are new customers.”
He’s grateful for the new customers and the ones that keep coming back. That’s probably another reason he smiles so big when they walk inside and comment on how nice it smells in there, even if they told him that the last time they came in.
“I never get tired of hearing it,” he says. “We think it’s great that they notice that.”
Jim Hannaford and Julie Bennett are freelance contributors to Business Alabama. He is based in Foley and she in Auburn.
Honest Coffee Roasters has a downtown presence in Huntsville and recently expanded to Madison. Photo courtesy of Honest Coffee Roasters.
“People like having a coffee shop as kind of the hub and the foundation of their city center,” says Christy Wimberly of Honest Coffee Roasters in Huntsville. Photo courtesy of Honest Coffee Roasters.
Fairhope Roasting Co.’s coffee can be found in Publix as well as other locations. Photo courtesy of Fairhope Roasting Co.
Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia & Monroe Counties
By EMMETT BURNETT
Monroeville Mayor Charles Andrews may have summarized the five counties’ attitude best. He said, “If you cease to grow, you cease to exist.” Monroe, Escambia, Choctaw, Conecuh and Clarke counties share that sentiment. They are working to grow and seeing success in attracting new opportunities.
MONROE COUNTY
Take Monroe County, for example. Bad Boy Mowers did, with plans to invest $10.5 million in a tractor assembly plant at the former Vanity Fair distribution center. “These 50 new jobs will benefit local families and continue momentum for this community,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.
CLARKE COUNTY
In a May 2024 news release, Clark Gas Co. announced the purchase of a 50,000-square-foot building formerly owned by the city of Thomasville’s Industrial Board. The $10 million distribution hub will create 40 new jobs and serve approximately eight regional warehouses in Alabama and beyond.
Medical expansion also is on Clarke County’s map with a $1 million allocation from U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures. “We have a major hospital expansion coming up,” notes Jackson Mayor Audra Raybon about the Jackson Medical Center, with a new clinic and plans for a new ER.
In addition, the city of Jackson recently formed a hospital authority and purchased Jackson Medical Center, making it a publicly owned medical facility.
Also in Thomasville, South Alabama Machine LLC is expanding with a 15,000-square-foot machine shop and plans to hire five to eight more employees. Grove Hill plans to bring another fresh-water well online in early 2026, in hopes of enticing new business and industry.
“This new well will open a lot of doors for us without putting a strain on our water system,” Grove Hill Mayor Ross Wood says. “That has been one of the biggest hurdles we have faced.”
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Brewton has become a significant contributor to Alabama’s high-technology sector, particularly with IT company Provalus providing client cloud, infrastructure, data analytics and automation services. The company also recruits locally, training workers for jobs in the company.
Brewton also is repurposing a city golf course into a modern driving range experience.
Escambia County’s western region is as an agricultural powerhouse, with expansive farms producing peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans, alongside thriving cattle and livestock operations.
CHOCTAW COUNTY
McCarty’s Ferry Public Boat Ramp, south of Butler on Alabama’s Tombigbee River, completed major renovations in 2025. The project was a collaborative effort between the Alabama Department of Conversation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Choctaw County Commission.
“The much-needed improvements have significantly enhanced the facility’s functionality and accessibility,” says Dee Ann Campbell, executive director of the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce. “The move unites public and private entities to promote, expand and support local businesses and industry.”
CONECUH COUNTY
Evergreen is touting the advantages of small-town business locations, plus interstate and waterway access and two airstrips.
Conecuh County also is charting a new course for economic growth through a Maritime Development Partnership with Reid State Community College. This strategic alliance is designed to bolster Alabama’s shipbuilding capabilities and advance maritime technology.
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA) is the economic development arm of the Poarch Creek
The Naheola Bridge, built in 1934, is a historic verticallift bridge spanning the Tombigbee River between Choctaw and Marengo counties. In the background is the Georgia-Pacific Naheola mill.
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
POPULATION Total Alabama Population: 5,108,468
Indians and a strategic driver of business growth, as well as the fostering of valuable partnerships.
“Our diversification allows us to create more job opportunities across the state and beyond,” notes Cody Williamson,
Source: Census Reporter/ U.S. Census Bureau
president and CEO of CIEDA. “With Wind Creek Hospitality properties stretching from Chicago to Curaçao, we have reinvested in more than 40 businesses across a range of industries.”
The CIEDA also oversees a diverse
Source: Census Reporter/U.S. Census Bureau
portfolio of non-gaming enterprises and investments, with a focus on creating business opportunities.
Emmett Burnett is a Satsuma-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
Economic Engines
WOOD PRODUCTS
Escambia, Monroe, Clarke, Choctaw and Conecuh counties are all known for timber, forestry and all factors of wood processing. Even while other economic sectors grow, wood is still the economic leader.
Escambia County is home to longstanding, family-owned sawmills such as T.R. Miller Mill Co. and Swift Lumber, as well as smaller operations like Huxford Pole and Timber. Much of the county and surrounding counties that feed into Escambia’s mills are dedicated to pine plantations. They provide both saw timber and pulpwood for local industries.
In addition to sawmills, Georgia-Pacific operates a large papermill in Brewton, which is part of a region-wide network, including mills in Monroeville and Pennington. Georgia-Pacific is one of the largest employers of any kind in Escambia County, and mills in the area have been the focus of around $1 billion in capital
investment over the past few years. These mills also are responsible for hundreds of secondary jobs, including foresters, timber crews and trucking companies.
In Monroe County, Georgia-Pacific’s Alabama River Cellulose mill (ARC) in Perdue Hill serves as a vital economic engine for Monroe County and Southwest Alabama. The facility employs more than 500 full-time workers and supports more than 1,500 additional jobs in logging, trucking and related industries.
Operating continuously since 1978, ARC expanded significantly in 1991 with a second mill that increased capacity and product diversity. The facility produces rolls and bales of fluff pulp exported globally for absorbent hygiene products, paper goods and filtration applications.
In 2025, Georgia-Pacific announced an $800 million expansion that will transform ARC into North America’s largest fluff pulp mill by 2027. The project in-
BUSINESS BRIEFS
JANUARY 2026: South Alabama Machine in Thomasville is expanding with construction of a new machine shop in the South Thomasville Industrial Park. Plans call for 15,000 square feet plus an additional five to eight employees.
DECEMBER 2025: Bad Boy Mowers announces plans to open a $10.5 million tractor assembly plant in Monroeville
with about 50 jobs. The plant is at the old Vanity Fair complex.
DECEMBER 2025: Main Street Atmore completes work in conjunction with Auburn University to create design documents and strategic planning procedures for the Atmore Main Street District.
DECEMBER 2025: Provalus continues to expand to other
cludes new equipment: a continuous-feed digester, evaporators, recovery boiler, pulp dryer, power boiler, lime kiln and washing systems.
Upon completion, the upgraded mill will operate more efficiently using increased renewable energy sources, consume less water, improve effluent quality and streamline end-to-end processes. ARC’s strategic location in North America’s largest wood basin, combined with Southwest Alabama’s skilled workforce, positions the facility to produce worldclass softwood kraft pulp while strengthening Georgia-Pacific’s global competitiveness for decades ahead.
GENERAL AGRICULTURE
Escambia County, particularly the western half of the county, is home to numerous peanut, cotton, corn and soybean farms, as well as cattle and other livestock.
The resurgence of the cattle industry — along with the difficulty of finding processing plants willing to take animals for slaughter during the COVID-19 shutdown — triggered the construction of a $30 million meat processing plant on Poarch Creek Indian land known as Perdido River Farms.
Companies also continue to invest in the processing and storage of peanuts, with future projects on the horizon.
METALS MANUFACTURING
In Escambia County, PCI Manufacturing, ALTO Products, Escofab and Longleaf Machining are examples of local industries dedicated to metals manufacturing. The focus is on aerospace, automotive and defense.
locations outside Alabama, but the company’s Brewton corporate headquarters continue to grow locally as well.
NOVEMBER 2025: U.S. Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) announced $1 million for the Jackson Health Care Authority to support infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades.
NOVEMBER 2025: ALTO Products, of Atmore, completes its sale to Freudenberg-NOK. The acquisition ensures the future of ALTO, one of Escambia County’s largest employers, a maker of clutch friction plates and other automotive products.
OCTOBER 2025: Caliber Stamping opens a new facility just east of East Brewton, expanding operations. Caliber
Close to 1 million tons of fluff and market pulps will be produced yearly at the Alabama River Cellulose mill as a result of the investment of $800 million in 2025 to modernize production capabilities. Photo courtesy of Georgia-Pacific.
TECHNOLOGY
One of Escambia County’s unexpected industries is Provalus. The information technology firm serves as a development and support hub for many industries. Provalus employs 300 people in downtown Brewton. The vast majority of them come from just a few miles around the company’s location. Provalus also calls Brewton its home base and corporate headquarters, even as it expands to several other states around the country.
MARITIME DEVELOPMENT
The most promising economic initiative in Conecuh County is a new partnership with Reid State Community College focused on expanding maritime development. This collaboration aims to strengthen Alabama’s role in shipbuilding and maritime technology — helping grow the workforce and support our nation’s shipbuilding industry.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
“There is currently an increased focus on workforce development in Choctaw County,” says Dee Ann Campbell, executive director of the Choctaw County
Chamber of Commerce.
“The town of Butler includes plans for a new workforce development center that would offer skills training opportunities for local residents.”
Plans include working alongside Coastal Alabama Community College, as well as other entities, to provide specific training for businesses that currently operate in the county, as well as new industry that chooses to locate in the area. The goal will be not only to create a mechanism for local businesses to train their workers, but also to create a workforce that is attractive to new industries looking for locations in the region.
CREEK INDIAN ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
In Atmore, Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA) is the economic development arm of the Poarch Creek Indians and a strategic driver of business growth.
Dedicated to advancing economic development, CIEDA oversees a diverse portfolio of non-gaming enterprises and investments held by the Tribe. CIEDA focuses on creating business opportunities, currently managing 16 companies throughout the U.S.
The business portfolio extends well beyond the gaming industry, with expertise covering five market sectors — retail,
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Stamping produces brackets for residential and industrial roof systems.
tourism, hospitality, manufacturing and government services.
Tribal business account for more than 6,000 jobs, roughly 90% of which are held by non-Indians.
CHOCTAW COUNTY: 3% Cities
county: CASTLEBERRY: 3%
3%
4%
4%
ESCAMBIA COUNTY: 2%
Cities within the county: ATMORE: 4%
4%
5%
JUNE 2025: Major renovations improve the McCarty’s Ferry Public Boat ramp, south of Butler on the Tombigbee River. The project was a partnership between the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Choctaw County Commission.
JULY 2025: CSX Railroad announces the approval of a second rail site into the CSX SelectSite program. The Atmore site covers 215 acres.
SEPTEMBER 2025: GeorgiaPacific announces plans to invest $800 million to modernize, expand and streamline the production capabilities of the Alabama River Cellulose mill.
APRIL 2025: The city of Brewton is awarded a SEEDS grant application for site evaluation and engineering services in Brewton Industrial Park.
5%
3% MONROE COUNTY: 3.5% Cities within the county:
1.5%
2.5%
CITY: 1.5%
2.5%
STATE OF ALABAMA: 4%
Source: Alabama Department of Revenue
Last July, officials broke ground on the new Choctaw County jail in Butler.
Largest Industrial Employers
CHOCTAW COUNTY
Georgia -Pacific Naheola Mill Pennington Manufacture of tissue and paper towels 950 employees
JUNE 2025: Construction begins on the $9.96 million new jail in Choctaw County. The facility will include 54 adult beds and four beds for juveniles. The previous jail in Butler was closed in 2019 due to structural issues. The new jail should be ready in late 2026.
MARCH 2025: The Alabama Department of Commerce announces that Escambia County was the top rural county for
capital investment in the state for 2024, thanks largely to a $350 million solar investment by Pinegate Renewables.
MARCH 2025: Perdido River Farms, an agricultural enterprise of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, opens a $30 million meat processing facility at Exit 54 along Interstate 65.
Clarke County Pole and Piling THOMASVILLE Utility poles • 25-plus employees
Source: Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance
MARCH 2025: AAA Cooper Transportation announces an expansion of operations in the Brewton area connected with wood chip hauling services for Georgia-Pacific.
NOVEMBER 2024: Atmore officials say a $703,000 grant from Alabama’s new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will advance industrial
development in the Escambia County city.
MAY 2024: The Conecuh County Commission and Ecostrat Inc. announce that Conecuh County received an investment ‘A’ rating for woody biomass. The rating notes high prospective viability of feedstock supply chain and infrastructure and low expectations of default risk.
Higher Education
COASTAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
In the five-county region, Coastal has locations in Atmore, Brewton, Monroeville and Thomasville.
CACC ATMORE
The Atmore campus has experienced major renovations over the past few years, cutting the ribbon on a new conference and education center and now undergoing a rural health care-supported expansion of nursing and biology lab space to accommodate enrollment and program growth.
Home to programs such as licensed practical nurse and medical laboratory technician, the Atmore campus provides critical health care training conveniently located on Interstate 65.
Other programs supporting industries in southwest Alabama include machine tool technology and HVAC.
CACC BREWTON
The Brewton campus serves as a traditional college campus in Escambia County, offering a slate of athletic opportunities and student activities to help students plug in and maximize their college experience.
One of two campuses in the Coastal Alabama footprint with dorms, nearly 100 students call this campus home nine months out of the year. With unique experiences, such as the historical society, Brewton has a culture captivating to those who step on campus.
The latest addition to campus includes a new baseball grandstand and restroom facility. This is a timely addition as the Brewton Coyotes baseball team brought home the conference championship last spring.
CACC MONROEVILLE
Located in the literary capital of Alabama, the Monroeville campus brings higher education close to home for those
Coastal Alabama Community College’s Brewton campus provides students with activities, athletic opportunities and dorms.
Cosmetology students participate in the career tech hub at CACC Thomasville.
Reid State Community College students participate in hands-on training at various employers in the region.
in Monroe County and surrounding areas.
The Monroeville campus balances a mixture of career technical programs, such as nursing and welding, which opened its newest lab in 2024.
However, the campus also offers a variety of academic programs to help students get their first two years of college
close to home. Add the athletic programs and support programs, such as Student Support Services, and this campus serves as a one-stop shop to those wishing to begin their higher education journeys.
CACC THOMASVILLE
The career tech hub in the Coastal Alabama network, the Thomasville campus
offers many tech options, including the first pipefitting program in the state. With cosmetology, welding, nursing and more, this campus is training and turning out a powerful workforce to support Clarke County and beyond.
The campus’ Tombigbee Room, which has been completely renovated, serves as a community meeting space to allow invested partners and industry leaders a place to weigh in on program growth and development.
Through opportunities such as the Ambassador Program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, students can build resumes and develop leadership skills while pursuing higher education.
REID STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Reid State, with campuses including Evergreen, Georgiana and Monroe, contributes $33 million to the regional economy. It also is recognized as one of the top 200 community colleges in the U.S., qualifying for a grant through the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program.
With around 700 credited students, the college is known for its nursing, industrial maintenance, welding programs and more. Recent accreditation allows it to offer Associate of Science and Arts degrees, facilitating seamless transfers to four-year institutions.
The college emphasizes a hands-on training approach and low student-toinstructor ratio.
In current news, the college is part of a consortium providing workers for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Austal project. “It is exciting news,” notes Jason Daniel, the college’s communications and marketing coordinator. “We were selected as one of the four colleges in the consortium to provide workers for Austal. We will assist in the creating and building of these ships/submarines down in Mobile for the Department of Defense.”
Reid State is a vital part of the communities it has served for more than 50 years.
Daniels added, “The college’s training success would not be possible without the support and dedication to continuous learning from the community in which we serve.”
Movers & Shapers
BRETT ALLRED leads public affairs and communications for GeorgiaPacific. He also serves on the boards of United Way of Southwest Alabama, the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, the University of West Alabama Foundation and the Auburn University Pulp & Paper Foundation. Allred holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Dallas.
CHARLES ANDREWS is mayor of Monroeville. A graduate of Monroe County High School and the University of Alabama, he served as director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety under Gov. Don Siegelman, chief of the Highway Patrol and was appointed U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama by President Barack Obama.
DALE ASH, along with her siblings, owns and operates Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore, South Alabama Vending Co. and Wetlands Restoration. An Auburn University graduate, Ash serves on the United Bank Corp. board and has chaired the Alabama Beverage Association. She is a founding director of the Atmore affiliate of the Community Foundation of South Alabama and president of the Main Street Atmore Foundation. She has been honored by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, the DAR, American Legion, Modern Woodmen of America, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Making a Difference and Focus Empowers 40 Over 40 and has received the Rosa Parks Community Service Award.
CORETTA BOYKIN is president of Reid State Community College. Boykin holds undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama and a master’s from Troy University. She is active with the Conecuh County board of education, the Evergreen-Conecuh Chamber of Commerce, the Conecuh Industrial Development board and others. She has won key honors from Reid State, the Girl Scouts and the NAACP.
JULIA BROOKS is a lifelong resident of south Alabama and the qualifying broker and owner of Village Properties, a full-service real estate brokerage serving Clarke County and surrounding areas. In that role, she enjoys mentoring others in business, supporting smalltown entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for growth in South Alabama. A University of Alabama graduate, Brooks is a registered nurse. She and her husband, Justin, own two restaurants — Ed’s Drive-In in Jackson and Ed’s Dairy Bar in Grove Hill.
NATE BROOKS is vice president of operations at Wells, formerly Gate Precast. Brooks joined Wells’ Monroeville facility as a project manager, becoming plant operations manager in 2024 and vice president of operations in 2024. Brooks leads all plant staff and operational activities across Wells’ facilities. His education includes Shawnee State University and Iowa Western University.
DEE ANN CAMPBELL is publisher and managing editor of the Choctaw SunAdvocate. Since 2003, she has won more than 350 Alabama Press Association awards. She also is executive director of the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce and the chief industrial development officer for Choctaw County. Campbell also serves as mayor pro tem for Gilbertown. She also serves on the board of Choctaw County Arts Council. She holds Star Certification as a rural economic developer.
MIKE COLQUETT is a founding member and current director of the Monroeville/ Monroe County Economic Development Authority. In addition, Colquett has served as the Alabama president of the National Wild Turkey Federation and is a founding member of the Alabama Sportsmen’s Caucus. A graduate of Troy University, he has worked in insurance, earning Certified Insurance Counselor credentials. He also has served on the Alabama Baptist Convention Insurance Review Committee.
JOSH GODWIN is owner-operator of David’s Catfish House in Brewton, after spending five years managing David’s Catfish House in Atmore. He has also been a partner in Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, operating stores in Andalusia, Atmore, Brewton and Jackson. Recently he signed on to develop Scooter’s Coffee locations in targeted Alabama markets. He is a graduate of Huntingdon College.
RONNIE HUSKEY is general manager of West Escambia Utilities in Atmore. A graduate of Escambia County High and Jefferson Davis Community College, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Faulkner University. Prior to joining West Escambia Utilities, Huskey served as public works director for the city of Daphne. He is currently president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
LEONARD MILLENDER is chairman of the Conecuh County Commission and the Conecuh County E-911 board. He graduated from Evergreen High School and Alabama A&M University. He worked with Southwest Mental Health for 33 years. He serves on boards of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission and Community Action and is a past president of the Alabama Association of Black County Officials.
AARON MILNER is president of Coastal Alabama Community College. Milner has spent nearly 30 years in education and helped develop the Saraland school system. Milner is an alum of the University of Alabama, Troy University and Auburn University. Since he joined Coastal, the college has seen recordbreaking enrollment.
FRANK NALTY JR. is mayor of Brewton. A graduate of T.R. Miller High School, he attended Spring Hill College and Lake City Forest Ranger School. He
is a small business owner and chaired the Alabama State Soil and Water Conservation Committee for many years. Nalty is a director of First Progressive Bank and is active in Brewton Chamber of Commerce, Brewton Rotary Club, Escambia County Soil and Water Conservation District and related groups. He has won key honors from the city of Brewton, Goodyear/NACD and more.
AUDRA RAYBON is mayor of Jackson, after serving on the city council. In addition to her work in government, Raybon is an educator at Jackson High School. She was honored as Jackson Civitan Club’s Citizen of the Year in 2006.
WILL RUZIC serves as vice president of facilities and operations at Provalus IT firm in Brewton. Under his leadership, Provalus has grown to more than
1,200 employees across nine locations. Ruzic was executive director of the Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance. He is chairman of both the Gulf States Gas District and the Sapphire Hospitality Cooperative District, and he sits on the YMCA board. Ruzic can be seen each spring playing the role of Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” in Monroeville.
TRIPP WARD is community relations manager for Alabama Power. He is a University of West Alabama graduate with a master’s from Columbia Southern University. He is president of the Alabama Power Service Organization and the Atmore Area Chamber, board member of the Monroe County Economic Development Alliance and the Castleberry Community Development Center, and a member of the Escambia County Industrial Development Authority. He is a graduate of leadership programs in Baldwin County, Atmore and Brewton.
MIKE WILLIAMS is mayor of Butler. During his tenure, the town has constructed a new city hall and two storm shelters, acquired property to help revitalize the downtown area, redesigned parks and added sports facilities. The town also has been awarded grants for infrastructure projects. He is active in promoting the arts and in helping find job opportunities for youths. He worked to establish a workforce development center.
ROSS WOOD is in his second term as mayor of Grove Hill. During that time, the city has seen empty buildings filled with new businesses and infrastructure improvements on key roads. Grove Hill is poised to see even greater growth in the next several months as they bring a new water well on-line. Wood served on the city council before being elected mayor. Earlier, he worked 31 years at the local newspaper.
Health Care
JACKSON MEDICAL CENTER
Jackson Medical Center, in Clarke County, is a 35-bed acute-care hospital that has been serving the community for more than 70 years. The hospital’s services include general inpatient medical care, swing-bed, drug and alcohol detoxifica-
tion and a 24-hour emergency room.
In addition, the hospital provides a wide range of outpatient services — IV infusion, clinical lab, physical therapy, wound care and diagnostic imaging, which includes CT, echocardiogram, digital mammography, MRI and ultrasound. It also owns and operates Family Medical
Clinic, Jackson Home Health, Jackson Primary Care Clinic, JMC Essential Care Clinic, JMC Vein Clinic, JMC Wound Clinic and Southern Industrial Health Clinic.
Specialty services for cardiology, dermatology, ENT, gastroenterology and obstetrics are available on site through collaboration with specialists from Mobile.
Jackson Medical Center has 170 employees, including four primary-care physicians and eight nurse practitioners.
MONROE COUNTY HOSPITAL
This Monroeville hospital offers 14 services, including intensive care, laboratory, medical/surgical, radiology, rural health clinic, outpatient therapy, hospice, home care, nutrition services and specialty services.
In August 2025, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured $500,000 for Monroe County Hospital for mammography and CT scanner equipment and software.
EVERGREEN MEDICAL CENTER
The 44-bed acute-care hospital offers
Atmore Community Hospital.
DW McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton.
a range of medical services including inpatient care, 24-hour emergency room care, clinical lab, radiology, ultrasound, mammography, CT, MRI, DXA, in-house pharmacy, RT, PT, wellness center and a rural health clinic.
The facility’s diagnostic imaging capacity includes diagnostic x-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), mammography and magnetic resonance imaging.
GROVE HILL
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
With 50 patient beds, GHMH has been providing care in Clarke County for more than 60 years. Services include cardiorespiratory therapy, CVP rehabilitation, laboratory, radiology and outpatient infusion services.
The facility also owns and operates two rural health clinics in Grove Hill. The three branches – Grove Hill Healthcare Team, Grove Hill Primary Care and Grove Hill Specialists – offer an array of services, including a 24-hour community wellness and fitness center.
Patients with a variety of acute and chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, can use Grove Hill Memorial Hospital’s outpatient infusion and injection services.
EVERGREEN MEDICAL CENTER
With 44 beds, the acute-care hospital offers a variety of health care services, including diagnostic imaging – x-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); outpatient services — infusions, injections and surgery pre-op; and laboratory services.
ATMORE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
The hospital’s facilities include a 24-hour emergency room and general medical services. In addition, Atmore Community Home Care, Atmore Urgent Care, ACH Family Physicians, ACH Primary Care, ACH Complete Care and ACH Therapy Services offer programs and support to area citizens.
In 2025, Atmore Community Hospital Wound Care Clinic received a Center of Excellence Award from RestorixHealth for meeting or exceeding national patient satisfaction.
DW McMILLAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
DW McMillan Memorial Hospital, in Brewton, provides general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient and emergency room patients, and participates in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Emergency room services are available on a 24-hour per day, seven-day-per-week basis.
OCHSNER CHOCTAW GENERAL
Ochsner Choctaw General is a 25-bed critical-access hospital located in Butler. The facility provides a wide range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. The hospital offers imaging, laboratory and rehabilitative services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Community Development
MONROE COUNTY
“Our big news is Bad Boy Mowers is setting up here,” notes Monroeville Mayor Charles Andrews. Gov. Kay Ivey echoed the mayor’s proclamation. “This is a big win for Monroe County and rural Alabama.” She added in a written statement, “At least 50 new jobs will be generated from this $10.5 million investment.”
Bad Boy Mowers will manufacture several models of tractors at the Monroeville plant. It expects to assemble roughly 9,000 tractors per year.
The plant is moving into space once occupied by Vanity Fair.
CHOCTAW COUNTY
McCarty’s Ferry Public Boat Ramp, located just south of Butler on the Tombigbee River, underwent major renovations in 2025. The project resulted from a partnership between the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Choctaw County Commission.
A new launching slab was constructed directly into the river channel, and the existing launching slab also was extended
for use during periods of high water. Two concrete parking lots also were constructed.
In 2025, Butler expanded its signature outdoor playground, Zack Rogers Park. “Over 4,700 feet long walking trails were added,” recalls Butler Mayor Mike Williams. “With the help of grant money, the new walking trail network expands our park for more opportunities including walking trails, ball fields, playground equipment and pavilions.”
Butler recently received roughly a half million dollars for infrastructure work, including water and sewer additions and repairs.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
In 2024 Jack’s Restaurant opened in East Brewton. “This is notable,” says Jess Nicholas, CEO, Centerfire Economic. “Jack’s becomes the first fast-food establishment to locate in the city and does so as the result of a successful tax incentive deal struck between the company, the East Brewton City Council and mayor’s office.”
As for future business, East Brewton Mayor Joey Shell notes, “We have
Highway 41 and 29 running right through town here. It has about 15,000 to 16,000 cars a day. We are seeking businesses that might be interested in locating in that area.”
Neighboring Brewton notes significant park and infrastructure improvements, including water and sewer improvements.
“In addition, we received an Auburn University Extension Service grant for $100,000 worth of trees to be planted throughout the city,” says Mayor Frank M. Nalty Jr. “We have already started that planting.”
He adds, “We have the Angel of Hope garden project going on downtown, with a grand opening and unveiling in February.” The centerpiece is an angel statue, serving as a reminder of the memory of children lost and families who still grieve them.
Another project set to open in 2026 is a Brewton city golf course repurposed as a driving-range-style facility.
CLARKE COUNTY
Clarke County’s school system embraces technology and job skills training for the future. Both Clarke County High School, in Grove Hill, and Jackson High School, in Jackson, offer career tracks in business management and administration, cooperative education and work-based learning, finance, health science, human services, information technology, marketing and welding.
In addition, from day care to 12th grade, Clarke Preparatory School’s 20-acre campus houses computer labs and a stateof-the art science lab for high school.
Clarke County will soon have a Wendy’s. “The City of Thomasville and our Thomasville Alabama Chamber of
Bad Boy Mowers is investing $10.5 million to open a tractor assembly plant in Monroeville.
Commerce are extremely excited to welcome Wendy’s to our city,” says Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day. “It has been a pleasure working with the Carlisle Corp. team as they have diligently prepared to break ground on their new Wendy’s location here.” The mayor and city also welcomed plans for a new Zaxby’s.
The city of Jackson over the past two years has welcomed new businesses including Pine City Outdoors, Bigbee Quilt Co., Stars and Stripes Carwash, Journey’s Market Place and Paradise Poke Bowl.
The city also has taken on major drainage and sidewalk projects.
“We are a strong community,” says Jackson Mayor Audra Raybon. “The people make Jackson a good place to live. We often compare ourselves to ‘Mayberry,’ but we have everything we need — good restaurants, shopping and outstanding recreational activities.”
In Grove Hill, during late 2025, area residents Tommy and Valerie Davis began transforming a 75-year-old garage and service station into Jay G’s, an upscale restaurant. The new eatery serves soulful, Southern cuisine. The restaurant is next door to On the Hill Garden and Market and slated to open in early spring.
While Clarke County enjoys its recent economic development success, the county is mourning the loss of Rosalyn Sales, who led economic development efforts for Clarke and Washington counties.
“Southwest Alabama owes a debt of gratitude to Rosalyn Sales,” says Grove Hill Mayor Ross Wood. “As our executive director for economic development in Clarke and Washington counties, Roz created new jobs and capital investments totaling $1 billion in her role. Her bright light was suddenly extinguished on Jan. 6, 2026, and she will be missed by all. We honor and remember all of her hard work as our biggest business and industry champion.”
CONECUH COUNTY
In October 2024, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Conecuh County would receive $1.2 million for site work and public infrastructure at an industrial site. The funding came from Growing
Alabama, a program aimed at preparing sties for future development.
More recently, Conecuh Sausage, in Evergreen, announced it was investing $58 million in a new production facility in Andalusia in Covington County.
While the production of sausage and its other products will move to the new facility, the company’s gift shop in Evergreen will remain open, offering visitors a place to purchase sausage, jellies, T-shirts and more.
New Wendy’s in Thomasville.
Conecuh Sausage’s gift shop in Evergreen. Photo by Stew Milne.
Culture & Recreation
WALKING IN A WOODED WANDER LAND
The five counties offer a wealth of thick forests, majestic rivers and more in unwavering wilderness. For those wanting to take the plunge literally, Evergreen’s Sepulga River Canoe Trail runs 19 miles with tranquil waters interspersed with sandbars along the way. Also present in the watery path are fossils, waterfalls, caves, limestone shelves and places to picnic and swim. Brewton’s E.O. Wilson Nature Adventure promotes native species of south Alabama plants, insects and animals. This 100-acre nature adventure includes pathways for archery, fishing and wildlife. Bladon Springs State Park, in Silas in Choctaw County, originated as a
private spa in 1838. Visitors traveled from across America for the “curing” properties derived from four onsite mineral wells. Another park of note is Broadhead Memorial in the community of Needham, built around a gristmill, the focal point of Choctaw County during the early 20th century. In addition, the 83,000-acre Conecuh National Forest offers hiking, picnicking, camping, sightseeing, hunting, bird watching and many other outdoor close encounters.
THE BUCK STOPS HERE — AND SO DO THE TURKEYS
Deer and game birds thrive in the forests in these five counties. Hunting, fishing, birdwatching and the great outdoors beckon residents and visitors alike. The diverse range of species includes whitetailed deer, wild turkey, mourning doves, bobwhite quail, feral hogs, waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels and more.
Old Monroeville Courthouse.
The Alabama Blueberry Festival in Brewton.
Children take to the egg hunt for Easter in Brewton.
FROM BUCKS TO BUCKING BRONCS
Brewton and Monroe County present annual rodeos featuring bull riding, barrel racing, roping and other competitive events of horse and human. Monroe County’s rodeo is August 7-8 at Frisco City Park. Brewton’s rodeo is set for Oct. 2-3 at O’Bannon Park.
CLARKE COUNTY UNDERGROUND
Broadnax Cave in Suggsville is a limestone subterranean cavern featuring rock formations and an underground river. The cave is popular with spelunkers and tourists seeking a unique adventure.
FLYING HIGH IN EVERGREEN
Look, up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Actually, it is many planes. Dozens of aircraft come in for a landing at Evergreen’s Southeast Regional Fly-In The October event at Middleton Field Airport attracts all makes and models of airplanes. Pilots take off, soar, descend and celebrate victory over gravity.
MAGIC MONROEVILLE
The iconic Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville includes items from Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and other displays. In the Courthouse’s shadow is an attraction known worldwide: “To Kill a Mockingbird” – the play. The event runs from March to May.
Other museums in the five-county region include Thomasville’s Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum and Brewton’s Thomas E. McMillan Museum
ATMORE AND MORE
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians holds its annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow during a two-day celebration of cultural heritage with friends and neighbors. The event features native dance, crafts and food in a festivity that attracts thousands from Alabama and beyond. Also in Atmore, Wind Creek Casino & Resort provides gaming, dining and entertainment. The casino has more than 1,700 games. The resort features 237 rooms, a spa and restaurants from upscale to casual.
The annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow celebrates the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ culture.
Career Notes
BANKING
SmartBank has promoted Jay Baker to market president for Montgomery County. The bank also has welcomed Chase Hardy to its Montgomery team as senior vice president, corporate relationship manager.
BUSINESS CONSULTANT
Bailor Group, of Huntsville, has appointed Sonia Robinson, APR, as president.
CHAMBER
The Mobile Chamber has promoted David Rodgers to executive vice president. In addition, Teresa Williamson, president of Roberts Brothers Inc., has been named the chamber’s chairman of the board.
CONSTRUCTION
Turner Construction Co. has promoted Scott Crosby to business manager for its Huntsville office.
CREDIT UNION
Mark Fillers has joined PenAir Credit Union as its market executive in Alabama for its commercial banking team.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority has elected Tim Parker III, president of Parker Towing
by ERICA JOINER WEST
Co., its board chair. He succeeds Steven Rumsey, owner of Rumsey Properties, who completed his term on Dec. 31, 2025.
EDUCATION
Helen Lien, senior development officer in the College of Nursing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, has been presented the 2025 Lamplighter Award from the Alabama League for Nursing. In addition, Emil Jovanov, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UAH, has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.
HEALTH CARE
Drew Citrin has been named CEO of Atmore Community Hospital.
Illuminate Rx, a pharmacy benefits manager and affiliate of RxBenefits Inc., has appointed Ritu Malhotra, PharmD, president.
Darrelle Knight, chief pharmacist at NaphCare in Birmingham, has been appointed to the institutional nonhospital seat on the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy
Barry Crowe, MD, FACS, and Denea Stephens, MSN, FNP-C, have joined Southeast Health Cardiovascular Institute. In addition, Walter Young, MD, has joined Southeast Health as interim chief medical officer.
INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR
Air Hydro Power, with its Southern headquarters in Huntsville, has named
Jason McGuire executive vice president.
Park Wiseway Supply Group, with several locations in Alabama, has added Philip Dolby as chief financial officer.
LEGAL
Mason Kruse, Riley McDaniel, Rachel Sims, Carmen Weite and Hilary Williamson, all Bradley attorneys, have been chosen for the at-large committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. In addition, McDaniel, Mason Rollins and Alex Thrasher have been promoted to partner in the firm.
Burr & Forman has elected Maddie Hughes, Emily Schreiber Pendley and Schuyler Espy as new partners.
MANUFACTURER
Austal USA has added Dan Brintzinghoffer as vice president for business development and external affairs.
REAL ESTATE
NAI Chase Commercial has named Richard Tidwell director of sales and leasing in the Birmingham office. The real estate firm also has added Giuliana Russo-Skinner as a leasing and sales specialist.
SHIP AGENTS/FREIGHT FORWARDERS
Page & Jones has promoted William Kraus to president and chief operating officer; Kevin Wild to executive vice president, business development; and Michael Lee Sr. to chairman and chief executive officer.
DAVID RODGERS
RITU MALHOTRA
SCHUYLER ESPY RICHARD TIDWELL
TIM PARKER III
CHASE HARDY HELEN LIEN
PHILIP DOLBY
JAY BAKER
EMIL JOVANOV
JASON MCGUIRE
SONIA ROBINSON
DREW CITRIN
MADDIE HUGHES EMILY SCHREIBER PENDLEY
DENEA STEPHENS
TERESA WILLIAMSON SCOTT CROSBY
BARRY CROWE WALTER YOUNG
Company Kudos
by ERICA JOINER WEST
The Alabama Tourism Department’s Year of Alabama Trails campaign has earned the Gold Best Practice Award in Media Relations from the Public Relations Global Network, which recognized the campaign’s promotion of its top 25 must-tread trails.
Aspect Aerospace, a Mobile-based company developing single-board satellites and founded by two University of South Alabama professors and a USA alum, has been chosen for the South by Southwest 2026 Pitch Competition — the only Alabama company included as a finalist this year.
Athens Main Street is celebrating its 20th anniversary of downtown revitalization and partnership.
Auburn University at Montgomery and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have earned the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. They are two of five Alabama universities to hold the designation.
For a fourth time, Bradley’s Government Contracts Practice Group has been selected as one of Law360’s Practice Groups of the Year. The firm also has been named a 2025 Pro Bono Leader by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service.
Children’s of Alabama’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation program has been honored with the ELSO Award for Excellence, Gold Level from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.
Drake State Community and Technical College has earned accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.
Durante Home Exteriors, a regional home improvement company in Birmingham, is celebrating its 25th year of business.
ExploreMedia, a publication company in Montgomery, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Pryor Field Airport Authority, in Limestone County, is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2026.
The city of Tuscaloosa’s Finance Department has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for a 37th consecutive year from Government Finance Officers Association. In addition, for a 15th time, the city’s Jerry Plott and Ed Love Water Treatment Plants have been honored with AreaWide Optimization Program awards for excellence of operation from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Environmental Protection Agency.
For a third consecutive year, USA Health has won the 2025 Human Experience Achievement Award for SSER Reduction from Press Ganey.
APRIL
Small Business Makes a Big Difference
Paper Pioneer
The leadership of Mildred Westervelt Warner
By SCOTTY E. KIRKLAND
For much of her time as president of the Gulf States Paper Corp., Mildred Westervelt Warner had few equals. In 1938, she took control of the family business to which she had devoted her entire professional life. In its heyday, the company’s Tuscaloosa plant — in operation for half a century — employed more than 1,200 people. At the top was Warner, one of the first women to lead a large American corporation.
Mildred Westervelt was born on July 2, 1893, in Mechanicsville, New York, at a home near the Hudson River. The following year, the family moved to Indiana, where her father had established a company that produced paper bags. Business-minded Herb Westervelt had opened his first mill in 1884, making wrapping paper from wheat straw. In 1900, he patented a machine that created square-bottomed, self-opening paper bags. Stored flat, they could be opened with the flick of the wrist. His rebranded E-Z Opener Bag Co. scaled up, quickly bringing more than a dozen sizes of the
patented bag into production.
Young Mildred cleaved closely to her father and took an early interest in the business. “I learned about straw paper with my ABCs,” she recalled, “and was familiar with the dimensions and diversities of square and E-Z Opener bags long before I started measuring parallelograms in geometry.”
Studies at the Lasell Seminary for Young Women pulled her away from the company for a time. Shortly after her graduation in 1913, Mildred met attorney Herbert David Warner. They were engaged just a few weeks later and married in the summer of 1915. Both later entered into the employ of E-Z Opener and helped shape the company for the rest of their lives.
Throughout the late 1910s and early 1920s, a series of events prompted Herb Westervelt to seek a new home for his paper-bag empire. He
A 1936 postcard of Gulf States Paper in Tuscaloosa. Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Mildred Westervelt Warner took over management of Gulf States Paper Corp. in 1938. Photo courtesy of The Westervelt Company.
sought a consolidated plant, big enough to handle the business at hand, with access to timberland. After considering a number of sites, he settled on Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The city’s boosters did their part, providing tax breaks and a cash incentive of $115,000 (a cool $2.2 million today). To allay concerns about the ill effects of the often malodorous paper mill industry, the Chamber of Commerce sent a “smelling committee” to one of Westervelt’s plants. “Luckily, the wind was with us,” Mildred Warner later mused.
She arrived in Alabama in 1928 to help supervise the construction and opening of the Tuscaloosa plant of the rebranded Gulf States Paper Corp. Having secured the relocation, Herb Westervelt entered into semi-retirement, leaving more and more of the operational details to his capable daughter and son-in-law. “Mildred and Herbert Warner worked as a team,” wrote the author of the company’s published history. “She carried the banner high for others to follow; he carefully guarded and led the financial and legal areas of the company’s business.”
Tragedy came as the plant neared full operation. In 1931, the Warners eldest child, 16-year-old David, died in a swimming accident while away at an Indiana summer camp. The Warners established a foundation in their son’s name that resulted in the creation of safe swimming pools in several locations around the state, as well as other initiatives.
When the time came to name a successor upon founder Herb Westervelt’s death in 1938, Mildred Warner was the natural choice. It was a kind of inheritance, yes, but an earned one, to be sure. “Industry means so much more to me than just the success of our company,” she wrote in 1938. “It means the basic desire and determination to serve humanity.”
A few months after her installation as president, Warner spoke on the topic of “New Frontiers” to Birmingham’s Business and Professional Women’s Club. It was a role she fulfilled for years to come: standing before a group of women as an encourager and an example.
As an industry executive, Warner presided over a period of steady growth and expansion. She navigated matters of labor and supply and was prosperous and generous. Amid World War II, Gulf States employees bought war bonds in great quantities.
In 1942, 90% of them purchased war bonds, representing more than 17% of the company’s annual payroll.
In the post-war world, Warner looked to expand. In 1953, she announced a $35,000 donation — one of many — to the University of Alabama to develop research and workforce training for the pulp and paper industry. Two years later, site work began on a new Gulf States plant in Demopolis. Decades earlier, Mildred Warner had supervised construction of the Tuscaloosa plant. As she neared retirement, her son Jack Warner tackled this role for the new facility.
During Mildred Warner’s tenure, Gulf State’s timber holdings of yellow pine, an essential element of production, grew by more than 300% to some 400,000 acres. She also established a 12,000acre Pickens County game preserve and bestowed upon it the Westervelt family name.
Jack Warner succeeded his mother as the company president in 1957, adding another generation of leadership to the family business. After two additional years as the company’s board chair, Mildred Warner devoted her time exclusively to philanthropy, church and family.
Mildred Warner died in March 1974 at the age of 80. “Her breadth of vision for her community, state and area were far ahead of her time,” read one remembrance. Five months later, Warner was among the inaugural class of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. The other posthumous inductees were Avondale Mills founder and former governor Braxton Bragg Comer, Alabama Power’s Thomas Martin, Waterman Steamship executive E. A. Roberts, textile magnate Benjamin Russell and insurance executive Frank Samford, namesake of Samford University. No one doubted that Mildred Warner had earned her place among them.
A decade later, Warner was inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame with these words: “She was indeed a pioneer. Long before the rise of women to executive became a public issue, she proved that the roles of homemaker and mother, community worker and industrial executive are compatible.”
Historian Scotty E. Kirkland is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama. He lives in Wetumpka.
A 1943 aerial view of Gulf States Paper in Tuscaloosa. Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Index
AAA Cooper Transportation ..............................74
Adios Cocktail Bar, Birmingham 9
Air Hydro Power ..............................................88
Alabama A&M University 80
Alabama Associated General Contractors ............8
Alabama Association of Black County Officials 80
Alabama Association of RC&D Councils .............80
Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association 13, 29
Daewon America .............................................13
Daniel, Jason 77
Daphne, City of ...............................................80
Daughters of the American Revolution 80
David’s Catfish House ......................................80
Davis, Ron 13, 29
Davis, Tommy 84
Davis, Valerie 84 Day, Sheldon 84
DeBruler, Gabrielle 59
Deutscher, Larry 36
Digihost Technology Inc./Digi Power X Inc. 7
Dolby, Philip 88
Dothan, City of 8
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Making a Difference 80
Drake State Community and Technical College 89
Drummond Inc. 8
Ducote, Rufus 67
Durante Home Exteriors 89
E-Z Opener Bag Co. 90
E.O. Wilson Nature Adventure 86
East Brewton, City of 84
Ecostrat Inc. 74
Ed’s Dairy Bar 80
Ed’s Drive-In 80
Emblem Credit Union 53
Escambia County 71
Escambia County High School 80
Escambia County Industrial Development Authority....................................................80
Escambia County Soil and Water Conservation District...................................80
Escofab Inc. 74
Espy, Schuyler 88
Ethridge, Michael 36
Evergreen High School.....................................80
Evergreen Medical Center 82
Evergreen-Conecuh Chamber of Commerce ......80
Evergreen, City of 71 ExploreMedia/FastForward LLC.........................89
Fairhope Roasting Co. 67 Faulkner University .........................................80 Federal Credit Union Act of 1934 53 Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. .......................53 Federal-Mogul Powertrain
Q: Drummond Company won a major court victory against an attorney who accused them of unsavory operations overseas. Where is Drummond’s major overseas coal operation?
A) Bolivia
B) Colombia
C) Mexico
D) Venezuela
February 2026 (one month ago):
Q: A manufacturer called Bad Boy Mowers was welcomed to Monroeville, in part because it is moving into space left unoccupied when a major employer closed last spring. What company moved out, eliminating 156 jobs?
A) Amazon
B) Saks
C) Sears
D) Vanity Fair
DOCUMENTING WORKERS
This photo, from the Library of Congress, depicts what it says is a typical worker at Barker Cotton Mills in Mobile. Taken in October 1914, it was one in a series of photos by Lewis Hine, who was a photographer hired by the National Child Labor Committee to document the working and living conditions of laborers in the United States. The mill opened in 1900 in an area that would later become Prichard.
Do you have a photo you’d like us to consider for Historic Alabama? Send it to Erica West at ewest@pmtpublishing.com.
Challenge yourself with these puzzlers from past issues of Business Alabama magazine. Beginning March 20, work the quiz online and check your answers at businessalabama.com.
March 2025 (one year ago):
Q: Alabama State Parks are in the midst of improvements in many of the parks. Which mountaintop park is getting a brand new lodge?
A) Cheaha State Park
B) Gulf State Park
C) Meaher State Park
D) Wind Creek State Park
March 2021 (five years ago):
Q: We covered the purchase of Cimarron Composites, maker of large storage tanks, by overseas-based Hanwha Solutions. Where is Hanwha based?
A) Japan
B) Singapore
C) South Korea
D) Vietnam
March 2016 (10 years ago):
Q: Alabama businessmen Horace Clemmons and Saul Berenthal formed Cleber LLC to manufacture and sell small tractors tailored to the needs of an island’s agricultural needs. Where did they hope to provide tractors? Hint: it would have been the first U.S. factory there in 50 years.
A) Cabo Verde
B) Cuba
C) Hawaii
D) Madagascar
March 2001 (25 years ago):
Q: Our cover story focused on a lawsuit claiming that a major corporation defrauded the state by underpaying royalties. The Montgomery County jury awarded the state $3.5 billion, which experts described as the fourth largest such judgment ever. The ruling was eventually overturned. What company was the state’s target?
