FROM STAFF REPORTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and 58 INC.  held the inaugural Shelby County Washington D.C. Fly-In on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

A delegation of 20 local leaders across the public and private sector made the trip to discuss Shelby County opportunities. The program was planned by the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group and included a breakfast with the Alabama Congressional Delegation and individual meetings with Sen. Richard Shelby, Sen. Doug Jones and Rep. Gary Palmer’s staff.

The Chamber and 58 INC. worked with key business and government stakeholders on building consensus on several issues and projects important to Shelby County’s continued growth—workforce development, infrastructure and access to broadband for all citizens.

“We appreciate the business and community leaders who took time from their schedules to join us on this first Fly-In event,” President and CEO of the Shelby Chamber Kirk Mancer said. “The opportunity to discuss these matters with our federal delegation–and most importantly their key staffers–will be extremely valuable to our businesses and communities here in Shelby County. Speaking with one voice and collaborating with our partners at 58 INC. ensures that those representing us up in Washington know what is needed for our continued positive growth.”

58 INC.’s Managing Director Yvonne Murray also shared the importance of the trip.

“As one of Alabama’s highest growth counties, it is increasingly important that we maintain strong relationships with all of our representatives and their staff in Washington, D.C. in order to ensure that our growing needs are known and advocated for,” Murray said. “We also feel that it is valuable for them to see the healthy relationships shared among our public, private and nonprofit groups.  We are fortunate to have a well-aligned community with leaders across all sectors that work together to ensure that we grow in a healthy, sustainable way.”

The following attended the 2019 Shelby County Washington D.C. Fly-In:

–Alison Howell Steineker of Alabama Power

–Mayor Marty Handlon with the city of Alabaster

–Mayor Tony Picklesimer with the city of Chelsea

–Mayor Frank Brocato with the city of Hoover

–Elizabeth Smith with the city of Columbiana

–Courtney Bennett with Main Street Montevallo

–Maggie Benson with the city of Montevallo

–Scott Dillard with the University of Montevallo

–Keith Brown with Jefferson State Community College

–Wesley Helton with Specification Rubber Products

–Chris Grace with Barge Design Solutions

–Cindy Edmunds with ARC Realty

–Kathy Copeland with White Rock Quarries-Vincent Hills

–Alex Dudchock with Shelby County

–Chad Scroggins with Shelby County

–Yvonne Murray with 58 INC.

–Melody Whitten with 58 INC.

–Jackson Pruett with the Shelby County Chamber