Karin Hopkins

Just planning for the first Chamber meeting of 2020 has been exciting. We have been working on an ambitious plan concerning local economic empowerment. We have asked ourselves why our community suffers so many business failures. We also recognize the rare instances that equate to roses blooming in a dry desert. If conditions allow a few businesses to bloom in Tuskegee and Macon County, can their strategies be replicated by others? Can our economic desert become an economic oasis? The first Chamber meeting of 2020 is all about these kind of issues. The theme is “Economic Resilience” and Chamber President Loretta Alexander has made it clear, this is her top priority.  This analysis and discussion will take place after the swearing-in ceremony for recently elected Chamber officers.  Judge Deborah Biggers, a former Chamber President, will officiate the swearing-in process. It will start with Kelvin Stephens, being installed as Chamber Secretary. Stephens is a native of Tuskegee, currently working in the computer technology industry. Bobby Davis is returning as Chamber Treasurer. A Tuskegee native, Davis is well respected for his years as President at Alabama Exchange Bank and Vice President at PNC, a position he held until he retired in 2015. Roland Vaughan is second in command at the Chamber. Born and raised in Tuskegee, he has an extensive career working for a diverse roster of clients including military, commercial, energy, healthcare, higher education and K-12 schools. All of the officers were elected at the membership meeting held in November 2019. Chamber President Loretta Alexander, owner of Loretta’s University Cleaners in Tuskegee, is originally from Greenwood, Mississippi. As a young woman, Ms. Alexander was a Civil Rights foot soldier. She registered black voters in Mississippi towns, drove black people to voting polls and organized mass meetings. She has lived in Tuskegee since 1972.  She wasted no time establishing her vision for the Chamber, which is why the first meeting of 2020 will focus on “Economic Resilience.” The meeting will be held on Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Tuskegee Municipal Complex. Please note that we are starting earlier than our normal time. Arrive by 6:00pm and also spread the word about this important meeting. Join us in the effort to bounce back and find ways for this community to economically thrive.

Karin Hopkins is Executive Director of the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at ourchamberworks@gmail.com.