2024 Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce Annual Report
From Our CEO:
“The years seem to get faster, and 2024 has been no different! Despite the economy being tough and inflation at an all-time high, our community has continued to grow, and it’s been a great year for Jackson County. We’ve had numerous ribbon cuttings, and many of our industries are going through expansion. Our five-year program of work, Innovate Jackson County – Power of Partnerships, continues to make a difference for business and industry.
Lydia, our Executive Director of Tourism is doing wonderful things in Destination Marketing and Tourism. Last year tourism in our county hit an all-time high in expenditure when it exceeded $91 million!
Nancy Griggs, Vice President of Workforce Solutions has programs that are truly making a difference in students’ lives. The Pink Hard Hat Girls program shows girls they can do jobs they never thought of – and make a great living doing so. YouScience is showing students careers they didn’t even know they would be good at.
Debbie Ashburn, Vice President of Membership and Operations continues to work with member businesses to find their needs and acts as my go-to person for the many events the Chamber does each year.
And Martha Smith, Director of Communications and Marketing, stays in constant communication with members, partners, board members and the community on all things the Chamber is doing. I truly have the best staff!
We are in year three of our five-year plan, and we need to make sure we finish strong. And we cannot finish strong without our members, investors and partners.
I encourage everyone to review the highlights and major accomplishments in this 2024 Annual Report. Thank you for your past and future investments and all the support you give our chamber and this community. With your help, we can make 2025 the best year ever for our people!”
-Rick Roden
Mission: To promote harmony and stimulate county-wide economic growth. With a goal to improve the quality of life, enhance communications between workforce & education, we strive for a positive partnership with all Jackson County citizens.
From our 2024 Chairman:
“As we conclude the third year of our five-year INNOVATE Jackson County program, we’re thrilled to report exceptional progress and growth. Despite ongoing economic challenges, 2024 has been a year of remarkable achievements and opportunities.
Your dedication to embracing change and driving progress has transformed Jackson County into a thriving, dynamic community that’s gaining recognition across the state. We’ve not only met our objectives but exceeded them, setting new benchmarks for community development and prosperity.
As we look to the future, we’re filled with optimism. The foundations we’ve laid promise even greater achievements ahead. Thank you for your tireless efforts and innovative ideas. Your contributions have been instrumental in making Jackson County a shining example of community success.
Here’s to the incredible progress we’ve made and the even brighter future we’re building together!”
-Jonathan Colvin
Your Chamber Staff:
Rick Roden
President | CEO
Debbie Ashburn
VP Membership Services & Investor Relations
debbie@mountainlakeschamber.com
Nancy Griggs
VP Workforce Solutions
nancy@mountainlakeschamber.com
Lydia Pennington
Executive Director of Tourism
lydia@mountainlakeschamber.com
MarthaRose Smith
Director of Communications & Marketing
martha@mountainlakeschamber.com
JoAnn Johnson
Volunteer | Administrative Assistant
256.259.5500
2024 Board of Directors:
Board Chair | Jonathan Colvin
Immediate Past Board Chair | Jim Barclay
Treasurer | Daniel Colón
Chairman Elect | Brian Presson (2025 Chair)
Chris Anderson
Jim Barclay
Bo Butler
Amy Childress
Robbie Copenhaver
Amanda Crawford
Jason Davidson
Monica Davis
Nicole Estes
Thomas Gamble
Chris Gulley
Bill Knight
Jennifer Kritner
Ashley Lee
Judy Matthews
Jeptha Moody
Ashley Pool
Brian Presson
Greg Syslo
Vicki Watts
Matt Webb
2024 Events:
January | State of the State
Dunkin’ Ribbon Cutting
February | Bridgeport State of the City
State of Education Address
Vibe Lash Studio RC
B.A.S.H. sponsored by Highlands
Prime Pawn RC
Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley RC
March | Montgomery Drive-In
Section Landscaping RC
April | Woodmen Life RC
Fort Harker Early Bird Breakfast
Stevenson Early Bird @ Fort Harker
Cleo & Clover Grand Opening
Scottsboro State of the City
Acapulco Barber Studio RC
Hospice of North Alabama RC
Washington Fly-In
May | All-County Academic Banquet
Roll Tide Golf Tournament
B.A.S.H. sponsored by Family Security Credit Union
Cleo & Clover RC
Tractor Supply / Stevenson RC
Bridgeport Early Bird Breakfast
B.A.S.H.
June | Big Bass Splash
Tennessee RiverLine Fun Day
July | 2nd Chance Toward Success Program
4H/Tennessee RiverLine Day Camp
Smurfitt – West Rock RC
Southern Charmed RC
Hollywood 10 Cinemas RC
Datatrust Tower and Telecom, LLC. RC
August | B.A.S.H. sponsored by Family Savings Credit Union
2024 Scottsboro Dragon Boat Races
Tumbling Rock Cave Open House
Bridgeport Early Bird Breakfast
September | Early Bird Breakfast and Trail of Tears Kickoff
Backroad Tours RC
Trail of Tears Early Bird Breakfast
Career Connect Hiring Event
United Givers Fund Annual Fundraiser Kickoff
October | Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament
Valley Professional Counseling RC
Caldwell Elementary Reveal/RC
Highlands Harmony Healthcare RC
November | Annual Meeting/Luncheon
Angel Tree
Scottsboro Weight Loss RC
Rachel Skipper Photography RC
Hollywood Community Center RC
The Wacky Attic Consignment Shop RC
Bridgeport Early Bird Breakfast
December | B.A.S.H. sponsored by Waterfront International Realty
Stevenson State of the City Early Bird Breakfast
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Talent Development:
Mission: Be a conduit between business, industry and community partners to convey workforce and talent development needs and to provide solutions for those challenges in five specific initiative areas.
Pipeline of Potential Workers:
- Career Connect Hiring Event:
- Partnered with Jackson County Economic Development Authority, Alabama Career Center Systems, Impact Learning Center, Scottsboro City and Jackson County Schools.
Participants:
- 309 attendees
- 602 applications
- 49% were unemployed
- 12 participating companies with 50 + available positions to fill
- Reviewed 165 (27%) applicants’ applications/resumes and following up
- 329 (55%) conditional offers or requested more information
- 108 (18%) applicants companies are not interested in
- Jackson Launch Career Co-op Program | 11th and 12th Grade Students:
- Targeting 1,167 students
- Partnering with 125 companies and 252 students working in co-op
- Scottsboro City Schools:
- Total students 135
- Student hours 74,283
- Student wages $890,853.40
- Economic impact $6,235,973.80
- Students’ average wage $11.99
Jackson County Schools:
- Total students 117
- Unpaid hours 76
- Student hours 60,528
- Student wages $722,573.31
2.YouScience:
- Implemented January 2023 for 7th – 12th grades in Jackson County and Scottsboro City Schools.
- Targeting 1,169 Students
- One year remaining with three-year $57K Google grant funding YouScience
Scottsboro City and Jackson County Schools Data at a Glance:
- 2,221 students from both districts in YouScience.
- 1,327 completed aptitude and career discovery process.
1.2nd Chance Towards Success Program:
Focused on those entering or re-entering workforce (career changes, veterans, correctional institutions or incarcerated or without a GED/high school diploma)
26 participants placed since inception (09 | 2023)
4 incarcerated
3 without GED/high school diploma
18 career changes
1 veteran
1.Pink Hard Hat Girls:
The Focus: To provide insight to females for various careers.
Serving 10th – 12th grade girls.
Partners: Scottsboro City Schools, Jackson County Schools, career coaches, business, industry, Scottsboro Electric Power Board, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative, North Alabama Electric Cooperative and TVA.
Since inception, (March 2023):
- School Year 2022 – 2023 30 Girls Participated.
- School Year 2023 – 2024 96 Girls Participated, Tripling the Number of Girls!
- School Year 2024 – 2025 85 Girls are Participating.
Students Participated in Plant Tours at: WestRock, USG, Johns Manville, HTPG, Sanoh-America, and Indorama Ventures PHP and SafeTweave.
This year’s Construction Day Event was held November 20th.
Pre-K – 12 & Post-Secondary Educational Workforce Programs:
- Collaborated with educators, business and industry to develop and implement programs in STEM, soft skills, internships, co-ops, work-based learning, to enhance students’ career pathways
- Assisted with career fairs for high school students and general public
- Assisted with mock interviews for high school students
- Participated in Scottsboro City and Jackson County Schools CTE Advisory Committees
- Assisted with CEO Expo for the high school students
- Attended the Business & Industry Day Event at KDCIA
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Economic Vitality:
Mission
Execute efforts to help small business grow and thrive; grow jobs from our existing retail and commercial businesses; and recruit targeted new retail and commercial business.
In Partnership with the City of Scottsboro:
Contracted with Retail Strategies to recruit retail.
- Dunkin’
- Five Below
Working on an opportunity to provide affordable health insurance for employees of small businesses that are members of the chamber through the Alabama Chambers.
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Public Policy & Advocacy:
Mission
Serve as the lead advocate for Jackson County to promote and influence public policy that represents the best interest of our business community and supports business growth at the local, state and federal levels.
- State of the State Address
– Update from Senator Livingston, Representative Mike Kirkland and Representative Ritchie Whorton
- Bridgeport State of the City Address
– Updates from Mayor Bubba Hughes
- Sate of Alabama Capitol Briefing
– Every other Friday during session
- Served on Steering Committee for Your Future Jackson
– Developing a long-range plan for Jackson County
- Serving on Board of Trustees for Thrive Regional Partnership
– Transportation and Infrastructure
– Natural Treasures
– Community Prosperity
– Strong and sustainable regional organization
– Working to get a $4.1million ARISE grant from ARC
- Serve as Small Business Committee Chairman for Business Council of Alabama
– Help develop state and federal legislative agenda
- Organized a Regional Montgomery Drive-In for five Northeast Alabama chambers: Mountain Lakes Chamber; Fort Payne Chamber; Rainsville Chamber; Cherokee County Chamber; Henagar Chamber
– Almost 100 representatives from three counties attended briefing with: Governor
Kay Ivey; Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth; Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNeil;
Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)
Ashley Took; BCA President/CEO Helena Duncan; Alabama Chambers
President/CEO Paige Hutto; Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell
- Advocated in Washington, D.C. to get Jackson County put back in the Huntsville DMA
- Scottsboro State of the City Address
– Update from Mayor Jim McCamy
- Organized Washington Fly-In
– Met with Senator Britt, Senator Tuberville, Congressman Strong and Congressman
Aderholt
- Organized a Washington Fly-In for Stevenson Mayor and City Council
– Met with Senator Britt, Senator Tuberville, Congressman Strong and Congressman
Aderholt
- Serve as Co-chair of My Lake Guntersville
– Working with TVA to address the invasive aquatic vegetation in Lake Guntersville
– MLG purchased three CD3s to help boaters clean vegetation off their boats and
trailers to prevent it from being spread to other bodies of water
– Doing a five-year plan to get additional funds from U.S. Fish and Wildlife
– Continue to attend TVA Stakeholders meeting with local officials
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Tourism:
Mission
Drive county-wide economic impact, relocation and continued growth through the marketing and promotion of the lifestyle, recreation and tourism opportunities throughout the 1127 square miles that make up Jackson County including the 69,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of public land to establish Jackson County as a premier destination to visit, live, work and play.
6% growth in Tourism
Record Breaking Year
More than $91M for Jackson County
Chamber-Sponsored Fishing Tournaments
2400+ boats
33 states
Big Bass Splash
Anglers Choice
MLF Toyota Series
MLF BFL Choo Choo
Bassmaster Kayak Series
B.A.S.S. Nation
Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing
American Bass Trail
Fishers of Men
Basstactix
TN Nation Kayak Series Championship
- Formed Fishing Tournament Committee with representatives from the City of Scottsboro, Goose Pond Colony and the Mountain Lakes Chamber
– The Chamber will be the sole facilitator in granting fishing tournament funds while
working in close partnership with the City of Scottsboro and Goose Pond Colony
staff.
- Tennessee RiverLine Placemaking Project
– Solidified four sites across the county for concept renderings along the Tennessee
River: Stevenson City Park’s campground area; Langston Boat Ramp; Jackson
County Park; Goose Pond Colony’s third island
- Selected to receive AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team
– A team worked across Jackson County in Bridgeport, Paint Rock, Pisgah and
Stevenson from April 19th – May 8th. Output: trail restoration – cleared 535 feet of
trail along steep cliff on the RMC Trail in Bridgeport; removed 25,000 lbs. of
underbrush and exotic vegetation across multiple sites; restoration and maintenance
at two historical cemeteries in Paint Rock and Stevenson and the Stevenson Depot;
repaired scenic overlook in Pisgah; improved water flow under Highway 72 along
trail in Bridgeport.
- Launched Digital Marketing campaign on November 1st for Jackson County Tourism in coordination with the new tourism website. New Jackson County Tourism Facebook page and TikTok; Transitioned IG to Jackson County Tourism @jacksoncountytourism
- Recruited Nina and Pinta Caravels to Jackson County | Goose Pond Colony
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Membership Services & Operations:
Mission: Support business development and networking, schedule ribbon cuttings, coordinate member spotlights, initiate outreach to our local businesses, provide information concerning membership, membership benefits, etc. to our members. Liaison for our members to navigate our website, benefits, questions and fill any needs we possibly can to ensure they are secure and satisfied in their decision to be a part of the bigger picture for Jackson County.
61 New 2024 Chamber Members:
Bell Wellness
ARMEX
Griffith Interiors
Simply Fencing
Alabama Dermatology
Dunkin’
Glenda Turlington
Complete Towing &
Recovery
Prime Pawn
Jersey Mikes
Probate Office of
Jackson County
Section Landscaping
Habitat for Humanity
of the River Valley
Vibe Lash Studios
Advanced Carpet
Cleaners
Jackson’s Sports Cards
Community
Foundation of
Greater Huntsville
Tiffany Garrard
AT&T Alabama
Bethel Designs
Valley MLS
Redemption Town Partners
Rocket City Trash Pandas
Tractor Supply
Hospice of North Alabama
Shawna West Creations
Cleo & Clover
Integrity Flooring and Handyman
Dunsmore & Benson
Acapluco Barber Studio
The Clarion Newspaper
Elizabeth Mae Smith
Backroad Tours
Runergy Alabama
WRSA 96.9
Lake guntersville Mom
United Fencing & Gates
Spotllight Staffing
Veterans Memorial Park of Jackson County
ZenBusiness
Art Society of Jackson County
Hollywood Visitor Center
Southern Charmed
Datatrust Tower and Telecom, LLC.
Lakeside RV
Central Propane
Sign11
Park & 35 Vintage Clothier
Devoted Primary Care
302 West
The Vapor Vault
Rachel Sharp Photography
SouthLand Realty & Auction
PuroClean Resoration Services
SBG Electric, LLC.
Valley Professional Counseling
Highlands Harmony Healthcare
University of Phoenix
Scottsboro Weight Loss, LLC.
Tree Guys Tree Service
Mad Dog Roofing
Ceramic Chaos
The Wacky Attic
Ribbon Cuttings:
Prime Pawn
Vibe Lash Studio
Section Landscaping
Woodmen Life
Cleo & Clover
Builders Supply Warehouse
Acapulco Barber Studio
Hospice of North Alabama
Tractor Supply | Stevenson
Southern Charmed
Hollywood 10 Cinemas
Datatrust Tower and Telecom,
LLC.
Backroad Tours
The Vapor Vault
Valley Professional
Counseling
Caldwell Elementary School
Rachel Skipper – North
Alabama Photographer
Highlands Harmony Healthcare
Scottsboro Weight Loss
Park & 35 Vintage Clothier
The Wacky Attic
Hollywood Visitor Center
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Marketing & Communications:
Mission: Utilize the Chamber’s platform, the community, community leaders and elected officials to promote Jackson County and all of its business owners, industry, communities, and education sectors. Community outreach, communication, event support and a trusting relationship with all of the above to let everyone know Jackson County and its people have set the standard for the best place to live and do business! It’s my job to make you look good!
- Co-designed and built new Jackson County Visitors Guide in partnership with The Sentinel and Tourism’s Executive Director, Lydia Pennington
- Designed and built new membership benefits booklet
- Member & investor spotlights
- Monthly newsletter
- Developed employment recruitment tool for Jackson County
- Regional, national & international promotion of Jackson County
- Serving as advisor for Chamber Emissary Program
- 2024 Scottsboro State of the City
- 2024 State of Education
- 2024 All-County Academic Banquet
- 2024 Big Bass Splash
- 2024 Bi-Annual INNOVATE Investor update/report
- 2024 Scottsboro Dragon Boat Races marketing/publicity
- 2024 Veterans Memorial Park of Jackson County Golf Tournament
- 2024 Montgomery Drive-In
- 2024 Washington Fly-In
- Stevenson Fly-In to D.C.
- 2024 Annual Chamber Luncheon
- 2024 Mountain Lakes Chamber Annual Report
- All marketing and publicity for 2025 National Civics Bee, including new landing page on website
- 24 ribbon cuttings (flyers, publicity, photography, etc.)
- Assisting local members: Assisted Highlands with marketing materials
- Ribbon cuttings and new member features!
- Various community events
- Promoting other upcoming events
- Promoting businesses
- Assisting civics organizations and non-profits as needed
- Compiling material, drafting and publishing newsletter
- Writing press releases/creating content/creating flyers
- Member/Investor highlights
- Promoting/updating community on social media, website and via email
- Interacting and connecting with members and community
- Designing and building ads for members for media and social media
2024 Emissaries:
- Daniel Colon | Chair
- Greg Woods | Vice Chair
- Steffany Chastain
- Marc Cruz
- Pam Gray
- Tabitha Grider
- Jessica Hall
- Adriane Hart
- Andrea Lane
- Journie Lea
- Amanda McKenzie
- D.J. Smith
- Deanna Stewart
- Coty Phillips
Emissary Volunteer Program:
EMISSARY MISSION STATEMENT
Striving to instill the positive aspects of our diverse business community to help promote member retention and continuous growth in our Chamber membership and community as a whole.
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Revenue Sources:
We continue to work to establish diverse revenue streams to continue to provide quality programs, impactful experiences, and powerful opportunities. Our work would be impossible without INNOVATE Jackson County Investors, Chamber Membership Dues, Event Sponsorships & Revenue, and Lodging Taxes/Surcharge. Thank you to everyone involved in contributing to our organization and our success.
INNOVATE Jackson County Investors 40%
Lodging Taxes/Surcharge 40%
Chamber Membership Dues 16%
Event Sponsorship & Revenue 4%
Pink Hard Hats | participants tripled
66% of Jackson County businesses are Chamber members compared to a 40% national average
125 participants at Chamber’s regional Montgomery drive-in
24 ribbon cuttings in 2024 so far
$91,254,000 in tourism expenditures spent in Jackson County last year saving Jackson County residents an average of $700 on property tax.
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INNOVATE Jackson County Investors
HUGE thanks for your support!
Chairman’s Circle: City of Scottsboro
CEO Council: HTPG; Unclaimed Baggage | Owens Co. South
President’s Forum: Sand Mountain Electric; Redstone Federal Credit Union; Harbin Automotive
Growth Partner:
Maples; Tolar Construction; Lambert, Inc.; First Jackson Bank; United States Gypsum; Indorama Ventures Mobility Scottsboro, Inc.; Highlands Medical Center; Scottsboro Electric Power Board; Scottsboro Water, Sewer & Gas; Utilities Board of Stevenson
Community Leader: Scottsboro Family Pharmacy; Johns Manville; Buccaneer Rope; Builders Supply Co., Inc.; Great Western Products; Family Savings Credit Union; Farmers Telecommunications; CFD Engineering; P&C Construction; Avans Machine; Vulcan Materials Company; Goose Pond Colony; Chrisman’s Economy Carpet; Allison Wholesale; Mr. Rooter Plumbing; Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc.; Wenzel Metal Spinning; Associated Pharmacies; Goodwyn Mills Cawood; NCI Manufacturing; Regions Bank; City of Bridgeport; Town of Section; Town of Hollywood; Waterworks Board of Section/Dutton
In Kind: Comfort Inn & Suites; Tennessee Valley Sign; Envision Construction; Coca-Cola Bottling Company | Scottsboro; K&S Contractors
