By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Montevallo Mayor Ben McCrory recently announced his intention to run for the mayoral seat in the Aug. 28 municipal election.

McCrory was first elected mayor in 2008. Prior to his mayoral position, McCrory was the president of the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce from 2002-2008.

McCrory said the recent partnership among the City of Montevallo, University of Montevallo and Shelby County has gone “beyond what I imagined.”

“We were willing to go alone and do our revitalization,” McCrory said of the time before the partnership began. “We felt like we owed our businesses that have stood beside us all those years.”

McCrory said he proposed the original ordinance proposing a downtown revitalization.

“Together, we’ve been able to do much more than what the city could have done by itself,” he said.

During his 30-plus years in business and management, McCrory said he managed budgets exceeding $200 million. He has also served on a number of boards on both local and state levels, including CCAA Alabama State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Montevallo Historical Commission and Montevallo Industrial Development Board.

McCrory said he plans on having a hotel and conference center in Montevallo by the end of his next administration.

“We owe it to the American Village, which is such an asset to the city,” McCrory said. “It’s invaluable to Montevallo and this part of the country.”

McCrory said present business is steady in the city, but he hopes to recruit new businesses. He noted Tractor Supply, Auto Zone and the dialysis clinic have been recent, well-needed additions to the city.

“I’m pleased with what I’ve been able to accomplish with my council,” McCrory said. “I’m excited about what lies ahead for Montevallo, and I plan to be the mayor.

“I want to finish what I’ve started, and I fully believe I can. I fully believe we can,” he added.