The Leadership Cherokee Class for 2016/17 met on Tuesday December 13th for “Economic Development Day”.
They began by visiting the Centre-Piedmont-Cherokee County Regional Airport where Luanne Hayes, CCIDA Director & GSCherokee Campus Director, met with the class. She shared how the Cherokee County Industrial Development Authority was formed and how it operates. Luanne also talked about how important our local businesses and industries are for our County and local economy. They provide jobs and enhance the quality of life for those who live here in Cherokee County. She also talked about what potential and new business and industries are looking for to locate in a new area. Donnie Free gave the class a tour of the airport and hangers. Donnie serves as the Airport Manager. The CPCC Regional Airport is open for business and has fuel. www.cherokeeida.org
The LC Class toured American Apparel on Cedar Bluff Road in Centre. American Apparel, Inc., headquartered in Selma, Alabama, is an industry leader in manufacturing combat and utility uniforms for the Department of Defense. Since 1987, American Apparel has provided stellar performance in quality and delivery, while at the same time, being highly automated and efficient. American Apparel operates three manufacturing facilities in Alabama in the cities of Selma, Opp and Centre. We are very fortunate to have American Apparel located in Center providing over 200 jobs for local residents. The Centre location has a highly sophisticated cutting department which provides supplies to all three locations. We want to thank Brenda Holloway, Tim Russell and Joan Kelley for the tour.
We returned to the Chamber office for Lisa Morales with East Alabama Works, Region 2, to speak about workforce and issues business and industries face. East Alabama Works represents a seven-county region covering Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Randolph and Talladega. We are led by local businesses and industry leaders and are one of seven regional councils in the state of Alabama. The council is a coalition of leaders in business and industry, education providers and trainers, and municipalities. Providing short-term and long-term solutions for closing the skills gaps is one of our most important goals. Council members work together to maximize workforce efforts throughout the region and to ensure alignment of resources to address local priorities. The mission of East Alabama Works is to ensure there is a pipeline of a skilled and ready workforce to meet the demands of business both now and in the future. www.eastalabamaworks.com
Lunch was from Artic Snow which is located on the Industrial Blvd in Leesburg. They have great food and great service. Owned and operated by Sharon Adderhold.
The Class went to KTH at Leesburg and met with Gene Cleveland, Plant Manager. He shared history and information about KTH and their production process. KTH located in Leesburg in 2000 with production beginning in 2001. Our Leadership Class toured the plant and saw firsthand the work their associates do. KTH is a Stamped and Welded Automotive Frame Component Manufacturer. They make frames for the Honda Odyssey Minivan, Honda Pilot SUV, Honda Ridgeline Truck, and Acura MDX Luxury SUV. They produce around 1,500 frames per day. KTH currently employees around 530 Associates. KTH is a great place to work and has excellent benefits.
Our LC Class finished the day at the Chamber office planning their class project. They choose two projects to focus on: One is establishing a Leadership Cherokee Alumni Group, and the second project is to bring Awareness to Childhood Disease: Pheochromocytoma. We will be painting the county with black and white zebra print bows, and selling tee shirts to help bring awareness. Watch for more details to come about project after the first of the year.
Pictured left to right Front row: Sylvia New, Thereasa Hulgan, Kathy Marko, Khara Wynn, Jamie Lecroy, Laure Clemons, Brenda Loveless, Christa McDaniel Back row: Lisa Morales, Deb Pfledderer, Dustin StClair, Scott Wynn, Barry Kerr, Bill Holland Class members not pictured: Gina Lane, Lori Gilmore, Kayln Cabral
Article provided by
Thereasa Hulgan, Executive Director, TMP
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
801 Cedar Bluff Road, Bldg A
Centre, AL 35960
256-927-8455
“Chamber Members Support Chamber Members”
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