DESTIN/FT. WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Summer 2014 brought the highest lodging revenues in history for Destin and Okaloosa County (based upon the June 2014 tax collector’s report and partner feedback for June-July 2014). Overall revenue for June 2014 (hotels and condos) was approximately $58,181,960, which does not include revenue from government travel or any tax-exempt travelers. Early reports for July 2014 indicate that it will surpass June’s overall revenue and continue the record-breaking summer.
This is on the heels of Florida Governor Rick Scott announcing that, according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates, 24 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2014 (April-June), an increase of 3 percent over the same period in 2013. This represents the largest second quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 23.3 million visitors in Q2 2013.
Visitor spending is up 7.4 percent for January through May 2014, at $35.7 billion, which is more than the same time period in 2013.
Governor Scott said, “A thriving tourism industry is vital to growing jobs, and to report that Florida has experienced another record quarter for visitation is great news for Florida families. This year we invested $74 million into VISIT FLORIDA and set a goal to have 100 million visitors visit the Sunshine State, which we are well on our way to reaching. Together we are creating an opportunity economy and continuing to grow more jobs for Floridians with more than 1.1 million individuals employed in the growing tourism industry.”
“Florida tourism is maintaining strong momentum with all indicators up across the board for the quarter,” said Will Seccombe, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “With occupancy, rooms sold, average daily room rate and tourism and recreation taxable sales all continuing to climb, we are well on our way to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”
Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, Ed Schroeder stated, “We are thrilled to be part of a record-breaking year for Florida Tourism. It is so encouraging to see the boost that tourism gives to our local economy.”
The Emerald Coast CVB’s new “Let’s Go #EmeraldCoasting” marketing campaign was instrumental in helping to showcase all that a vacation to the Emerald Coast has to offer. The campaign was designed to make the destination more visible as well as to engage with visitors via social media. The multiple-image campaign showcases the diversity of activities and people who enjoy “Emerald Coasting,” while the active #EmeraldCoasting hashtag invites guests to both post while they’re visiting and to follow the Emerald Coast on their favorite social media platforms.
For more information on visiting Ft. Walton Beach, Destin and Okaloosa Island throughout the year, visit www.EmeraldCoasting.com or call 1-800-322-3319.
FOOTBALL SEASON HAS STARTED!
What are you doing this season?
ENJOY THIS WEEKEND and the happenings around the southeast!
HAVE A GOOD TIME! Laugh a little!!
FOOTBALL SEASON IS IN THE AIR …..
Here is just a little on football…
TWO FIRST OF ITS KIND –
NEW BIRMINGHAM CITY KICKOFF CLASSIC – Parker High School took on Jackson-Olin High School, recently, in the new Birmingham City Kickoff Classic. There were several standout players that led the Thundering Herd to victory. Justin Brown, a 6’0” corner back accounted for two interceptions and three tackles for the Herd. “We played as a team,” said cornerback Justin Brown who intercepted two passes in that Thursday night win. “I thought we did pretty well, but there’s always room for improvement.” Parker won 28-6 over Jackson-Olin. Parker has looked to improvement in practice before traveling to Wenonah High School tomorrow, September 5th.
The INAUGURAL CLASSIC between Tennessee State University and Alabama State University is Saturday in Montgomery at 4 p.m. This is the first of what is to be an annual rivalry game. A ‘CLASSIC’, just like the Magic City Classic. Tennessee State and Alabama State have had plenty of interactions over the years. They both have had a few of the same coaches, students, and other efforts made by the HBCU schools. Alumni will come from all over to see this ‘Classic’. Students from Alabama attend both of the schools. It will be a great ‘Classic.’ (I will tell you about it… later.)
NOW… TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY GAMES…just a few – Tuskegee University (TU) plays Alabama A & M University Saturday, 1 p.m. at the Cleve L. Abbott Stadium. A few more games to attend are: TU plays Morehouse College, 5 p.m., October 4 in Columbus, Georgia. TU 90th Homecoming is October 25 against Kentucky State University, 1 p.m. at the Cleve L. Abbott Stadium. And, TU plays Miles College on November 8 at 4 p.m. in Fairfield, Alabama. TU also plays Winston-Salem State University, Lane College, Fort Valley State University and Central State University. TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING – Tennessee State University will hold a week full of exciting events September 21-27 as community members, alumni and friends of the University come to Nashville to celebrate Homecoming 2014. This year, alumni, family and community members will take part in Celebrating the Tradition of Excellence. Events start Monday with the Courtyard Show in Welton Plaza at 11 a.m., followed by the Battle of Residence Halls at 7 p.m. in Floyd Payne Campus Center at Keane Hall Gym. The All-White Glow Tent Party is Tuesday in Welton Plaza at 7 p.m. The Coronation for Miss TSU and Mr. TSU is Wednesday in Kean Hall. Then, a non-Greek Yard Show at 9 p.m. in the Averitte Amphitheater. Thursday, a Homecoming concert in the Gentry Complex starts at 7 p.m. and features August Alsina and Juicy J., hosted by Lil Duval. The evening concludes with the Alumni White-Out Mixer at the Sheraton Music City Hotel Ballroom. Friday kicks off with the traditional Charles Campbell Fish Fry at 11 a.m. on the President’s Lawn, followed by Pep Rally at 11:30 in Hale Stadium. The TSU National Pan-Hellenic Step Show begins at 5 p.m. at the Gentry Complex, hosted by actress LisaRaye. The evening concludes with the “Evening of Honors” Scholarship Reception and Gala beginning at 6 p.m. at the Music City Center. Saturday, Sept. 27 starts with the Homecoming Parade beginning at 9 a.m., followed by the Showcase of Bands at noon at Hale Stadium. The Homecoming football game between TSU and FAMU kicks off at 6 p.m. at LP Field. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at 615.963.5381. MILES COLLEGE HOMECOMING – The Miles College Golden Bear Homecoming is October 11. (Look for more.) A Golden Bears Homecoming Dance is October 10, 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. MAGIC CITY CLASSIC – Of course, if you have been in Birmingham for a few years and did not know…EVERYONE LOVES FOOTBALL…(you know now), everyone loves football whether University of Alabama (UA) and Auburn University (AU) or Alabama A & M University AAMU) or Alabama State University (ASU). OK! Now, that you know, ASU AND AAMU play on October 25 in Birmingham. UA and AU play on November 29 in Tuscaloosa. GO TEAM GO!! FOR ART LOVERS….
FIRST THURSDAYS AFTER HOURS AT THE BMA – FALL FOR FIRST THURSDAYS at the BMA is this Thursday, 5 – 9 p.m. with Lethal Beauty Exhibition. This is the last opportunity to see Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor. See what’s new at the BMA, enjoy tapas and cocktails, Drop-in Suminagashi & /Sakura, Blacksmithing demonstrations, The Way of the Bow Talk and film Screening of Quentin Tarnatino’s 2003 film Kill Bill, Vol.1. See what’s new at the BMA.
MISS VULCAN 1939 – Miss Vulcan 1939 is a lighthearted spoof of Vulcan’s first and only beauty pageant. It is a musical comedy this Friday and Saturday under the stars at Vulcan Park atop Red Mountain. It is the 75th commemoration of this original theatrical production. Take your blankets and chairs. Call (205) 324-2424 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you.
GUEST ARTISTS CONCERT AT BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE – The Birmingham-Southern College Department of Music will host guest artists Dr. Richard Schwartz, saxophone, and Dr. Phillip Schuessler ’99, piano, in concert on Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hill Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public. Schwartz has performed nationally and internationally as a freelance musician and teacher. He is currently on the faculty of Eastern New Mexico University. He’s had featured solos with musical legends such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, and has performed in orchestras, most notably the Boston Pops and Gulf Coast Symphony. As a classical saxophonist, he has commissioned and/or premiered nearly 30 new works, and has performed for U.S. senators, governors, and President Ronald Reagan.
ROJO from the Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art is showing now until October 3 at the Paul R. Jones Gallery, 2308 Sixth Street in Tuscaloosa. Call (205) 345-3038 for more.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS…. and COMEDY…
COMEDY FOR THE GROWN AND SEXY – It’s time to laugh so SAVE THE DATE – September 19 for Thursday Nite Comedy Open Mic hosted by CHARLES WINSTON. Doors open at 4 p.m. with 7 p.m. ShowTime at the Tide and Tiger Lounge, 409 Graymont Avenue. INVITING ALL COMEDIANS! Call (205) 862-4723 for more.
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY – MAGIC CITY CLASSIC WEEKEND – CLASSIC COMEDY SHOW – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY starring Comedian DENO POSEY, Comedian GORDON QUINNEY, and Birmingham Funniest Comedian SIR WALT, October 23 at Crescendo. Doors open at 6 p.m., ShowTime is 8 p.m. and a buffet from 7 – 8 p.m. while it lasts. The After Party is with DJ Mac Taylor.
COMEDIANS INTERESTED IN BEING DISCOVERED… AND SEEN….Email me at thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com and also gwenderu@yahoo.com.
THIS WEEKEND… Or coming soon….Don’t miss any of the LAUGHTER AT THE STARDOME COMEDY CLUB…
TONIGHT…. CAMERON ESPOSITO at the StarDome Comedy Club. THIS WEEKEND…Don’t miss DOUG T HYPNOTIST, through the 14th of September … Who is this Doug T dude? he hails from the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. What is Cedar Rapids, Iowa known for? Well… Let’s see. Ashton Kutcher, Masters Champ Zach Johnson, 2-time Superbowl MVP Kurt Warner, Cereal Manufacturing, and the Flood of 2008, oh and now, Doug Thompson! Just to name a few things. Doug got his start in Comedy and made a fast climb into working clubs across America. He was a top fuve finalist on the Bob and Tom Show for impressions in the Frank Caliendo competition. He entered the World of Hypnosis by mentoring under Master Hypnotist Dr. Jim Wand. Since then he has been tearing up audiences with his mix of hypnosis, comedy, and impressions all rolled into the “DougT Hypnosis Show”. Performing for colleges, corporate events, high schools and comedy clubs across America. No matter the size of the audience they all have a great time watching the show. Don’t miss this show! MORE LAUGHTER… September 16 – MARY LYNN RAJSKUB (ONE NIGHT ONLY), September 18-21 – APRIL MACIE, CINDY KAZA – September 20, September 26-28 – SOMMORE, October 3-5 – GARY OWEN, October 7-12 – MIDNIGHT SWINGER, October 14-19 – QUINN DAHLE, ANJELAH JOHNSON – October 21 -22, and NEPHEW TOMMY – October 24-26. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you!! Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you!
TODAY…
**MART AVANT’S “NIGHT FLIGHT” BIG BAND, 8:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room. Call (205) 320-7006 for more.
FRIDAY…
**RECESS FRIDAYS with music by TRANQUILITY, 5 – 8 p.m., at B.O.S.S. Ultra Bar and Lounge, 312-20th Street South.
**HALLELUJAH JUNCTION. 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
SATURDAY…
**DOUG FORD, 10 – 2 p.m. at the Norwood Farmers Market.
**ENJOY THE WEATHER! AGAIN>>>>Stop by the NEW TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont Avenue across from Legion Field stadium where the grown folk hang out. Tell them Gwen sent you.
**BAD BRAD AND THE SIPSEY SLIMS, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
WEDNESDAY…
**TOMMY “B” AND THE FUNKY “3”, at Ona’s Music Room.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!! I WILL!!
COMING SOON….REMEMBER….
OCTOBER 18 – RICKEY SMILEY AND FRIENDS will perform at the Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, Ga., 8 p.m.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR SEPTEMBER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! THIS MEANS YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Get outdoors, laugh and enjoy the time with family and friends! Check out our ‘What’s Happening Travel and Tourism Guide’… whenever you can.
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)
Kirstie and Kristie Bronner will be the guest speakers at the College’s Opening Convocation.
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Talladega College proudly welcomes Kirstie and Kristie Bronner to campus.
The sisters, who received national acclaim after being named Co-Valedictions at Spelman College (Class of 2013), will serve as the guest speakers during the College’s Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 4th at 10 a.m. in DeForest Chapel.
Kirstie and Kristie Bronner are powerful change agents in the lives of youth. Whether through music, public speaking, mentoring, or writing, they love to be God’s hands and feet in the lives of people. The sisters received the honor of Co-Valedictorians due to matching 4.0 GPA’s. Their accomplishments and story has been featured in numerous media sources, including ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, Fox & Friends, Fox 5, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, National Public Radio, Radio One, and Emory University’s radio.
Kristie and Kirstie are inspirational speakers, who work to guide young women, youth groups, and adults at traditional schools, alternative schools, mentoring programs, churches, nonprofit organizations, and other events. They serve as youth pastors at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral and youth event coordinators, planning youth conferences, monthly worship and social events, youth retreats, small group discipleship, and volunteer coordination. In addition, they are directors in the music department, leading the Ignite Youth Praise Team, teaching the 150-voice Ignite Youth Choir, and overseeing the Ignite Youth Band. They are authors of Double Vals: The Keys to Success in College and Life Beyond. This book, endorsed by best-selling authors such as Dr. John C. Maxwell and Pastor Steven Furtick, is a captivating compilation of their wisdom and exciting stories from their extraordinary college journey.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Thursday, September 11th, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. and the City of Birmingham will kick-off its annual Empowerment Week festivities. During Empowerment Week the City pauses to recognize the progress made in the area of civil rights and ultimately the human rights movement. The week of activities will commence with a city-wide day of Service where residents and corporate citizens are encouraged to actively participate in service projects across the city.
On September 11th Mayor Bell will also announce a comprehensive civic engagement plan that encourages individuals and groups work together for the common cause of making a difference in the community. This plan is a part of the RISE strategy. RISE combines community and economic development; promotes civic engagement and workforce development; and leverages public/private partnership as a strategy to positively impact and strengthen the City of Birmingham. RISE addresses the following four (4) areas of development and engagement:
1. Community Development
2. Economic Development
3. Workforce Development
4. Civic Engagement
As a part of the Civic Engagement plan, Mayor Bell plans to implement impact volunteer strategies that:
• Identify priorities and use volunteers to target a community’s critical needs;
• Engage the city’s corporate citizens and business community to play a more active role;
• Use best practices to maximize results and program sustainability; and
• Set clear outcomes and standards to gauge the city’s progress.
The mission of the RISE civic engagement strategy is: (1) to provide opportunities for individuals, community service groups, faith-based organizations and corporate service groups to engage in meaningful service projects that breathe new life into Birmingham’s neighborhoods, (2) improve the lives of our residents and promote growth and activity across throughout the city; and (3) To provide public/private partnership opportunities that increase Birmingham’s overall capacity to engage more volunteers and use collaborative resources to enhance our city’s parks and neighborhoods. The RISE civic engagement strategy includes the following programs and initiatives:
One to One – Neighbor Helping Neighbor is designed to get corporate citizens, neighborhood groups, schools, and other community organizations involved in preserving and enhancing the city’s parks and neighborhoods. Adoption Partners and their members take part in routine volunteer projects such as trash pick-up and graffiti removal and may also assist with larger special projects such as mulching, plantings, bench construction, painting and other work.
Love Your Block is a neighborhood revitalization and beautification initiative where neighborhoods are selected based on application standards which identify a community’s need that can be addressed through volunteer service projects with the goal of creating neighborhood pride and volunteerism. In 2013, mini-grants of up to $1,500 were awarded to 10 neighborhoods. In 2014, almost $20,000 has been awarded to 17 neighborhoods.
Birmingham C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens in Action Ready to Engage in Service) – The Mayor’s Office partners with residents, community organizations, faith based organizations and the business community to plan and implement the MLK Day of Service – Coincides with the federal holiday in January and Empowerment Week Day of Service (September 11th). On each of these days more than 2,000 volunteers will spread across Birmingham to help improve neighborhoods, parks, libraries and more.
Each of the RISE Civic Engagement initiatives work in concert to stimulate community revitalization, growth and pride; provide more family friendly and affordable housing solutions for residents; as well as ignite a boom of economic development in this city that is unprecedented and unparalleled. This initiative provides an opportunity for residents and local volunteers to partner with the City of Birmingham to transform blighted areas into community assets. In doing so, the City will:
• create a safe environment for families to thrive;
• residents will become more empowered and exhibit a better sense of pride in their community;
• neighbors will work together and more closely with the City to address and solve community needs; and
• attract business to the area
Through the design and implementation of RISE, Mayor Bell has engaged a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, grassroots community groups, faith-based communities, the Birmingham City Schools, other private schools, local colleges and universities and the business community in the process of working together – with sweat equity and community reinvestment to build the best Birmingham ever. The initiatives outlined in RISE capitalize on the City’s strong service infrastructure and is supported by a dynamic combination of partners committed to community reinvestment and collaboration.
For information, please go to www.birminghamal.gov
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the 600 Block of 3rd Avenue South.
The victim has been identified as:
Linda Albritton, W/F, 71, of Birmingham, Alabama
The suspect has been identified as:
Jeffery Justice, W/M, 36, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with a no bond has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
Detectives were able to locate the suspect after a witness came forward and identified the suspect as the person they saw driving the victim’s car. Upon making the arrest, the suspect was in possession of the victim’s car keys. Also, detectives learned the suspect had prior contact with the victim. This investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
If there is anyone who has additional information pertaining to this case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 254-7777
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred August 29, 2014 in the 3000 Block of 1st Place West.
On Friday, August 29, 2014 around 1:30 p.m., Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the incident location on a fire call after being notified by a citizen. After the fire was extinguished, the victim was found inside the abandoned house lying on the floor suffering from what appeared to be several stab wounds to the chest area. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Friday, August 29, 2014 in the 1900 Block of Greensprings Avenue (George Ward Park).
The victim has been identified as:
McDaniel Watson, B/M, 50, of Birmingham, Alabama
On Friday, August 29, 2014 around 10 p.m., South Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a person shot call. Upon officers’ arrival, the victim, who apparently suffered a gunshot wound to the head, was transported to UAB hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue. The victim was later pronounced deceased by the UAB Medical Staff. Detectives were informed that the victim was walking in the park with his wife when they were approached by an unknown Black male who requested his wallet. A shot was fired striking the victim in the head. The suspect fled the scene on foot. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the 600 Block of 39th Street South.
On Sunday, August 31, 2014 around 6 p.m., South Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a person down call. Upon officers’ arrival, they were met by a neighbor who stated she attempted to do a welfare check on the victim. Upon entering into the victim’s residence the neighbor found the victim lying on the floor unresponsive. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased. Officers entered the residence and observed the victim lying on the floor suffering from what appeared to be stab wounds to the chest and neck areas. Detectives believed the incident stems from a burglary of the residence. Detectives are looking for the victim’s vehicle that was taken from the location (1994 Tan Buick Park Ave.,4dr; tag# 1AA7513). Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a double homicide investigation. The incident occurred Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the 900 Block of Coosa Street.
On Sunday, August 31, 2014 around 10:20 p.m., South Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a call of several people shot. Upon officers’ arrival, they observed both victims suffering from gunshot wounds to the back and chest areas. One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue and the other victim was transported to UAB hospital where he later died from his injuries. Also, there were two additional victims that were shot and both of their injuries are non-life threatening.
Detectives believed the incident stems from a verbal altercation that took place between several members belonging to two different motorcycle clubs. There were shots fired by several individuals that left four people shot and two of those were fatal. Detectives are investigating the deaths as a homicide.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred September 2, 2014 in the 1500 Block of 52nd Street Ensley.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2014 around 1 a.m., West Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a person down call. Upon officers’ arrival, they observed the victim lying on the ground suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the body. The Victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
Detectives received information that the victim was standing outside this location talking to several men when apparently an unknown Black male approached the victim and shot him several times. The suspect, along with the other males, fled the scene in two different cars. One car was a black Cadillac and the other car was a silver Cadillac. Detectives are investigating the deaths as a homicide.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
Ray Clark of Birmingham has been appointed to the Housing Authority of Birmingham District (HABD) Board of Commissioners. He will serve as a Commissioner under his five- year term appointment.
Mayor William Bell welcomes him for his “willingness to serve and take on very important assignments as Birmingham looks ahead with making notable advancement in housing. Bell said he also looks forward to making the HABD one of the premier housing institutions in this country.
Mr. Clark is the founder of RiverCrossing Strategies, a consortium dedicated to working at the intersection of economic development and environmental conservation. RiverCrossing Strategies clients include American Indian Tribes, counties, cities, and federal agencies. Ray also founded The Clark Group, a Washington based consortium of senior level science and policy professionals specializing in environmental and energy matters. He was formerly the Assistant Secretary of the Army (acting) and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations and Environment) where he was responsible for all the U.S. Army facilities worldwide and steward of more than 14 million acres. He was responsible for military construction, family housing, all real estate transactions and the environmental and natural resource management program. Mr. Clark was also responsible for base closure and transitioning excess military property to economic development. Prior to his appointment to this position, Mr. Clark was Associate Director at the White House Council of Environmental Quality where he acted as advisor to the President, the Chairman of CEQ and Senior White House Staff.
Mr. Clark is a past recipient of the prestigious National Environmental Quality Award. He is co-editor of two books on environmental policy. He holds a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University, where he leads the Duke Environmental Leadership Program in NEPA and is the Chair of Duke’s NEPA Certificate Program.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports (TTS) is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Wilson as the new Manager of Tourism Development beginning September 2nd. In her new role, Mrs. Wilson will be promoting the Tuscaloosa area as a premiere travel destination and managing relationships with tourism-related constituencies in the Tuscaloosa market. As a life-long resident of Tuscaloosa, Mrs. Wilson spent a large portion of her career promoting the City’s top tourism destinations.
“Wilson’s 12 years of experience in the tourism industry within our market is exactly what we were looking for in a candidate,” said Gina Simpson, TTS CEO. “Her previous work at both the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureaus ties directly into her responsibilities and allows her to hit the ground running. I am excited to see how Tuscaloosa’s tourism industry changes and grows under her guidance.”
As Tourism Development Manager, Mrs. Wilson will be stepping into a newly created position for TTS. The new role places an emphasis on community development with the goal of enhancing the area’s tourism assets. In the past, TTS placed large efforts on marketing. However, research reveals successful downtowns and visitor destinations are built on product not marketing. The new role is a fundamental piece in TTS’s strategy to further develop the City of Tuscaloosa into a premier location for residents and visitors alike.
Mrs. Wilson began her career in Tourism at Mercedes Benz US International as the Plant Tour Guide and Museum Guide. Wilson furthered her career in tourism at the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau as the Director of Sales, marketing Tuscaloosa as a tourism, convention and sports event destination. Additionally, she worked for the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau as the National Sales Manager and the Westervelt Warner Museum of American Art and Lodge as the Director of Sales. Throughout her career, Wilson’s work directly related back to Tuscaloosa and the opportunities it provides for incoming tourism.
More recently, Mrs. Wilson has been working with her husband in their business, Green Acres Landscaping Service. She has been active in the community and served as the Chair of the Women in Business Council in 2011. She studied Communication at The University of Alabama and is married to Josh Wilson; they have a 9-year-old son, Fisher.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of Renasant Bank, E. Robinson McGraw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, announced that Greg Rudd has joined Renasant Bank as Senior Vice President and Director of Trust Services in Renasant’s Birmingham Wealth Management Department.
Prior to joining Renasant, Rudd served as Senior Vice President Private Wealth Sales Manager for a large regional bank. He is also adjunct professor for College for Financial Planning.
Rudd graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He holds the designation Certified Financial Planner, Master Planner Advance Studies and Certified Wealth Strategist. Rudd has had papers published in Financial Planner Magazine and the Journal for Financial Planning.
Rudd is married to Tammy and they have two children; Justin, 15 and Makayla, 11. The Rudds reside in Birmingham, Ala.
