Shop KidzWorld & Lorianna for back-to-school specials
USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave.
Back-to-School Bash Photos — A6
IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A3 | POLITICS A7 | PUBLIC NOTICES A8 | OBITUARIES A14 SPORTS B1 | EDUCATION B7 | FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT B11
2022, 2023 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2024 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Vol. 16, No. 42 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, July 25, 2024 Your hometown newspaper created 'for local people, by local people.'
www.opelikaobserver.com
Fire destroys historic downtown Opelika building PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES | THE OBSERVER
The Stone Martin Builders offices on 8th Street in downtown Opelika went up in flames around 11:30 p.m. on the night of Tuesday, July 16. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze, but the left side of the building is a total loss.
CONTRIBUTED BY ACCE
models for the chamber profession.”
OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce has been named winner of the 2024 Chamber of the Year Award, sponsored by GrowthZone and presented at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) national convention held recently in Dallas. Chamber of the Year is the most prestigious and competitive award presented by ACCE and is the only globally-recognized industry award that honors top chambers of commerce. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, according to a press release from ACCE. “Chambers of commerce play an increasingly vital role in promoting regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This achievement demonstrates [the Opelika Chamber’s] commitment to fostering vibrant communities and achieving organizational success. Congratulations …on their outstanding leadership, dedication to their communities and serving as role
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Opelika wins national Chamber of the Year Established in 1914, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives serves more than 9,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers of commerce as well as hundreds of other businesses and organizations, like convention and visitors bureaus and economic development organizations. The combined membership of ACCE chambers in the U.S. exceeds 1.2 million businesses. Members look to ACCE for best practices, industry trends, corporate partners, networking, and new ideas to advance the interests of their communities. Pictured accepting the Chamber of the Year award are, from left, Joel Alvarado, director of business and workforce development; Lenzi Womack, director of marketing, communications and media; Mackenzie Poole, vice president; Ali Rauch, president and CEO; Ashley Colquitt, director of operations and engagement; and Catherine Olen, membership and business development coordinator.
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Free outdoor concerts Summer Swing night, Concert7Series every Tuesday p.m.
concludes with a Back to School Bash Tuesday, July 30, 6:15-7:30 p.m. Opelika Municipal Park
at Opelika Municipal Park.