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An Astonishing Forecast of the Future

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Wayne Curtis A half-century ago, a noted business journalist made some incredibly accurate predictions about the future.  W.M. Kiplinger, first editor-in-chief of the “Kiplinger Letter,” forecast future events in the form of a December 1963 letter to his grandsons.
Kiplinger predicted trends that were likely to occur during their lifetimes, outlining sweeping developments in demographics, economics, politics, and technology.  Space does not permit a full discussion of the lengthy letter.  But we can look at some of the things he got right and the few he got wrong.
First, he correctly predicted there would be no nuclear or world war in his grandsons’ lifetimes. But he cautioned there would be scattered wars in a turmoil-filled world without much stability.
He also told them they would be more prosperous than their predecessors, but their lives would not be easy. They would face new and tough challenges and problems, including the ravages of inflation.
The past five decades have witnessed several of Kiplinger’s predictions about household items come true.  Kiplinger wrote of new gadgets such as microwave ovens, plastic plumbing, large-screen TVs, irradiated foods, and telephones that can be carried in one’s pocket.
He also predicted that his grandsons would experience global television that extended throughout the world as well as mass selling via television. In addition, he foresaw automated factories with the widespread use of robotics in manufacturing.
Kiplinger predicted more women would be involved in business and other facets of life that were once the domain of men. He foresaw large numbers of married women taking jobs outside the home.
In advising his grandsons on career choices, he forecast a shift from manufacturing and production jobs to those in the services sectors.  He advised that greatest employment opportunities would occur in services.
A final bit of sage advice dealt with the need for his grandsons to develop flexibility in their thinking.  This would be necessitated by the rapid rate of change that would occur in their lifetimes.
His largest “miss” was predicting self-guiding cars and passenger jets that can span the oceans and continents in 90 minutes. The former is not quite here yet, and the latter is not expected any time soon.
Fifty years later, Kiplinger’s predictions are astonishing!

Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., is a former superintendent of Alabama banks and Troy University business school dean.  He is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

CIT Names Sheila A. Stamps to Board of Directors

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Stamps,_Sheila_PhotoNEW YORK (BUSINESS WIRE) – CIT Group Inc.,  a leading provider of financing and advisory services to small businesses and middle market companies, has announced that Sheila A. Stamps has been named to CIT’s Board of Directors effective immediately. She will serve as a member of CIT’s Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Committees.
Stamps served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations at Dreambuilder Investments, LLC, a private mortgage investment company. Prior to Dreambuilder Investments, she served as Director of Pension Investments and Cash Management at the New York State Common Retirement Fund and was a Fellow at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. Prior to this, Stamps served as Managing Director and Head of Relationship Management, Financial Institutions at FleetBoston Financial. Before this, she held a number of executive positions with Bank One Corporation and First Chicago Corporation including Managing Director and Head of European Asset-Backed Securitization and Managing Director and Senior Originator of Asset-Backed Securitization.
Stamps received her MBA from the University of Chicago and her BS in Management Sciences from Duke University. She also serves on the Board of Directors of IES Abroad.

 Obama: Health Insurance Enrollment at 4 Million

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obama_pend_ap-447WASHINGTON (AP) — Pressing for a final rush of health care enrollees, President Barack Obama said Tuesday that about 4 million people have signed up for health insurance through federal or state marketplaces set up under his health care law.
But with a key deadline approaching fast, he urged some of his most steadfast backers to help sign up millions more by then.
“We’ve only got a few weeks left. March 31st, that’s the last call,” Obama said, explaining that anyone not signed up by that date will have to wait until open enrollment begins anew in the fall. In the meantime, they risk being fined for not having coverage.
The White House has set an unofficial goal of 7 million enrollees by the end of March.
Nearly 3.3 million people, or less than half the total, had enrolled through the end of January.
Enrollment was slowed at the start of the sign-up period last October by numerous glitches in the health care website the administration created to help people find coverage. Some states running their own websites encountered problems, too.
Obama blamed the depressed enrollment on the bungled website and on an “implacable opposition” that he said has spent hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars to oppose the signature domestic policy accomplishment of his presidency.
The president promised a “big push these last few weeks” to sign people up. Already, he and first lady Michelle Obama have talked up the health care law in interviews with radio and TV stations that reach largely Black and Latino audiences. Vice President Joe Biden appeared Tuesday on “The View” to encourage its largely female viewership to help get people to buy coverage.
“If they want health insurance now, they need to sign up now,” Obama said.
Besides the 4 million enrollees, Obama said millions more Americans were benefiting from the health care law’s expansion of Medicaid as well as a provision that allows young people to stay on their parents’ plans until they turned 26.
Signing up enough people, particularly those who are young and healthy, is critical for the insurance pool at the heart of the law to function properly by keeping premiums low for everyone.
Obama spoke to more than 300 activists at an Organizing for America summit at a Washington hotel. He later delivered a shortened version of his remarks to about 60 supporters at a by-invitation-only dinner in a nearby room.
Organizing for Action is an advocacy group founded by former Obama campaign aides and supporters.
Obama also sought his supporters’ help to pressure Congress to raise the federal minimum wage for all workers. The president noted his recent action to raise the hourly minimum to $10.10 an hour for people working on federal contracts. But that will make a difference for just a few hundred thousand workers and not until the government awards new contracts or existing ones are renewed.
Obama said a majority of Americans of all political persuasions support a higher minimum wage.
“Let’s get that minimum wage done and give America a raise,” he said.
Two hours before the president spoke, his former Republican presidential rival, Mitt Romney, was seen in the hotel lobby. A Romney adviser said the former Massachusetts governor was in Washington to deliver a speech and was staying at the hotel by coincidence.

Man gets 10 years in HIV exposure case

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Pastor HIVJONESBORO, Ga. (AP) — A man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday for knowingly exposing a woman to HIV.
Craig Lamar Davis, 42, of Stone Mountain, was sentenced by a Clayton County judge. He was convicted on two counts of reckless conduct last month.
Davis is a former pastor who had unprotected sex with church members despite being married and having the virus that causes AIDS.
During a hearing, the woman who brought the case told the judge that she’s serving a life sentence because of what Davis did.
Though a prosecutor described Davis as being unrepentant, the man took the stand in a last-minute plea for mercy. Davis said he believes his actions were wrong.

Freedom or oppression? That’s the question for Arizona’s SB1062

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BannerBy Eliott C. McLaughlin, CNN

(CNN) — Arizona’s SB1062 has pulled off a sort of political magic trick, in that warring sides can read the bill’s text and have not only different reactions, but completely opposite ones.
While proponents of gay rights dub the bill oppressive, those in favor of the bill becoming law say it represents freedom.
Freedom vs. oppression: That’s the polar contrast Gov. Jan Brewer must consider as she sits down to “listen to both sides” this week ahead of her decision whether to sign or veto the bill that has divided her state and drawn national and commercial interests into the fray.
Brewer has until Saturday to make her call, and her fellow Republicans in the state Legislature have suggested that a veto is likely.
In short, SB1062 would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs.

The bill’s advocates insist that those claiming SB1062 amounts to bigotry and discrimination have hijacked and misrepresented its aims.

“The attacks on SB1062 show politics at its absolute worse. They represent precisely why so many people are sick of the modern political debate. Instead of having an honest discussion about the true meaning of religious liberty, opponents of the bill have hijacked this discussion through lies, personal attacks, and irresponsible reporting,” said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which lent a hand in scribing the bill.
Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which also helped craft the bill, called SB1062 a “balancing test” that would protect all religions and sexual orientations while prohibiting Arizonans from “coercing someone to violate their sincerely held beliefs.”
“This bill has nothing to do with discrimination. It’s protecting basic freedoms that belong to everyone,” she said, explaining that it would protect a gay photographer’s decision not to work for Westboro Baptist Church, or Muslims who don’t want to sell “pork sandwiches on a Saturday.”
Brewer has a history
A dreadnought of the conservative cause, Brewer rarely shies from controversy and, often in the face of staunch political and economic backlash, has boldly defended her stances on the economy, gun rights, regulation, taxation, immigration and even wagging her finger in the face of President Barack Obama.
“I don’t rely a whole lot on my gut because I have to look at what (the bill) says and what the law says and take that information and do the right thing,” she said from the National Governors Association’s winter meeting in Washington. “I will do the right thing for the state of Arizona.”
But since Thursday, when the state House of Representatives OK’d the bill by a 33-27 margin and sent it to Brewer’s desk, what’s right for Arizona has become somewhat amorphous.
Already, three GOP senators who voted in favor of SB1062, including a co-sponsor, Sen. Bob Worsley, have changed their minds. The bill passed the state Senate 17-13 with the “yea” votes of the three senators.
“While our sincere intent in voting for the bill was to create a shield for all citizens’ religious liberties, the bill has instead been mischaracterized by its opponents as a sword for religious intolerance. These allegations are causing our state immeasurable harm,” Worsley and Sens. Adam Driggs and Steve Pierce said in a letter sent to Brewer on Monday.
“As Arizona leaders we feel it is important to loudly proclaim that we strongly condemn discrimination in any form,” the letter said.
Backlash bubbles up
The National Football League, which has scheduled Super Bowl XLIX for the Phoenix suburb of Glendale next year, has a like stance, and league spokesman Brian McCarthy issued a Monday statement to that effect, saying, “We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so should the bill be signed into law, but will decline further comment at this time.”
The state’s own Super Bowl Host Committee was more blunt in its statement, which said it strives to promote “economic vitality” and “adoption of this legislation would not only run contrary to that goal but deal a significant blow to the state’s economic growth potential. We do not support this legislation.”
A few Fortune 500 companies concur, as Marriott warned Brewer in a letter that the legislation “would have profound negative impacts on the hospitality industry,” and American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told the governor that signing the bill “would jeopardize all that has been accomplished so far.”
Apple, which is building a glass plant in Mesa that’s slated to create hundreds of jobs, said Monday that it, too, was urging Brewer to veto SB1062.
The state Chamber of Commerce and Greater Phoenix Economic Council have come out against the bill as well, and local businesses in Tucson and Phoenix have also taken strong stances.
Scott Koehler of Phoenix FASTSIGNS has printed off dozens of signs saying “Open for business to everyone,” which he’s giving away to businesses. In Tucson, Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria took to its Facebook page to post a photo of a sign reading, “We reserve the right to refuse service to Arizona legislators.”
Arizona bill: Discrimination or freedom?
But while opposition to the bill has been loud — and has included the condemnations of John McCain and Jeff Flake, the state’s Republican U.S. senators — there are those who say the bill is vital in a nation that has increasingly turned hostile toward religion.
Whom does it protect?
Said the Center for Arizona Policy’s Herrod, “Simply put, the fear-mongering from opponents is unrelated to the language of the bill, and proves that hostility towards people of faith is very real. It’s a shame we even need a bill like this in America. But growing hostility against freedom in our nation, and the increasing use of government to threaten and punish its own citizens, has made it necessary.”
State Sen. Al Melvin, a hopeful to succeed Brewer, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that Arizona was a “people friendly” state and that SB1062 was merely a “pre-emptive” measure that would prevent attacks on religion in the future.
“All of the pillars of society are under attack in the United States: the family, the traditional family, traditional marriage, mainline churches, the Boy Scouts, you name it,” he said.
Asked if he could cite specific examples of attacks on Arizonans’ freedom of religion, Melvin replied, “Not now, no, but what about tomorrow?”
Pressed further about whether the bill could be used to deny service to divorcees or unwed mothers on religious grounds, he scoffed.
“I think you’re being farfetched,” he told Cooper. “Who would discriminate against them? I’ve never heard of discrimination against people like that. … I don’t know of anybody in Arizona that would discriminate against a fellow human being.”
Arizona constitutionally outlawed same-sex marriages in 2008, and legal experts say nothing in present Arizona law would prevent a business owner from discriminating against gays and lesbians, making SB1062 unnecessary.
Brewer alluded to these provisions in an interview after SB1062 was passed last week.
“I think anybody that owns a business can choose who they work with or who they don’t work with,” she said.
While Arizonans on both sides of the issue, as well as the nation at large, keep keen eyes on Phoenix as Brewer ponders her decision, the governor has hinted that the issue, for her, may come down to whether the ban or protection of freedom — depending on how you view it — needs to be enshrined in state law.
“I don’t know that it needs to be statutory. In my life and in my businesses, if I don’t want to do business or if I don’t want to deal with a particular company or person or whatever, I’m not interested. That’s America. That’s freedom.”
fic examples of attacks on Arizonans’ freedom of religion, Melvin replied, “Not now, no, but what about tomorrow?”
Pressed further about whether the bill could be used to deny service to divorcees or unwed mothers on religious grounds, he scoffed.
“I think you’re being farfetched,” he told Cooper. “Who would discriminate against them? I’ve never heard of discrimination against people like that. … I don’t know of anybody in Arizona that would discriminate against a fellow human being.”
Arizona constitutionally outlawed same-sex marriages in 2008, and legal experts say nothing in present Arizona law would prevent a business owner from discriminating against gays and lesbians, making SB1062 unnecessary.
Brewer alluded to these provisions in an interview after SB1062 was passed last week.
“I think anybody that owns a business can choose who they work with or who they don’t work with,” she said.
While Arizonans on both sides of the issue, as well as the nation at large, keep keen eyes on Phoenix as Brewer ponders her decision, the governor has hinted that the issue, for her, may come down to whether the ban or protection of freedom — depending on how you view it — needs to be enshrined in state law.
“I don’t know that it needs to be statutory. In my life and in my businesses, if I don’t want to do business or if I don’t want to deal with a particular company or person or whatever, I’m not interested. That’s America. That’s freedom.”

Pelosi Joins Spelman College President Tatum for Conversation on Public Service and Leadership

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ATLANTA, Ga. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Spelman College President Beverly Tatum at the 2014 Spelman Convocation for a conversation on leadership, service and the role of women in public life.  At Spelman, the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women, Leader Pelosi encouraged students to take on an active role in combatting injustice and moving the country forward.  Acknowledging the many obstacles facing women in America, Leader Pelosi challenged students to believe in their power to make a unique contribution to the common good. “Indifference,” said Pelosi, “is the greatest opponent of all.”
Leader Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives, also urged the audience to develop a vision and a strategic plan for progress, calling on all women to engage in the crafting of public policy.  Indeed, Leader Pelosi advocated for common-sense policies that will unleash the power of women and grow the economy.  Specifically, she highlighted House Democrats’ When Women Succeed, America Succeeds, which includes policy to ensure equal pay for women, access to paid sick leave and affordable child care.
Speaking before a vibrant and energized crowd at Spelman’s Sisters Chapel, Leader Pelosi reminded students of a truth that President Obama reiterated in his State of the Union Address: when women succeed, America succeeds. Spelman students responded to the Leader’s call to action with optimism and enthusiasm, recognizing, as the Leader said today, that “women are the answer.”

Community wrestles with unhealed wounds 2 years after death of Trayvon Martin

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Tray-minutesLast summer, as the nation awaited a verdict in the murder trial of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, msnbc reporter Trymaine Lee and award-winning photographer Wayne Lawrence spent time in the historic African-American community of Goldsboro, not far from where Martin was killed, to examine the social and economic state of the neighborhood before and after the teen’s death.
In interviews and images, the people of Goldsboro tell their stories of struggle, resilience and what’s it’s like to be Black in Sanford.
It’s been two years this week since 17-year-old high school student Trayvon Martin was shot to death in Sanford, Fla. And just about seven months since his killer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted of murder charges in Martin’s death.
Zimmerman claimed he killed the unarmed teen in self-defense. Over the summer, a jury of six believed him, clearing him of any wrongdoing in Martin’s death. While the criminal case against Zimmerman was put to bed with the verdict, the broader social implications of the case continue to ripple from Sanford and beyond.
But long before Martin’s killing sparked anger and protests across the country and drew thousands to this central Florida city once known as the “Celery Capital of the World,” Sanford’s Black communities had been wrestling with racial strife and economic inequality.
Like so many other American towns, Sanford is two largely distinct worlds: one white and one Black. Most of Sanford’s African-American residents live in a handful of neighborhoods like Goldsboro and Midway, where employment opportunities are few and poverty and hopelessness run high. Violence, including gunfire, is common. And many Black residents complain of harsh, unfair treatment by the police.
It was in Goldsboro, a community haunted by generations of segregation and oppression, that the first protests after Martin’s killing began.
Income and achievement gaps in Sanford have widened in the decades since Civil Rights era victories had theoretically thinned the boundaries between the races. And more recent efforts to highlight and celebrate the vast contributions of Sanford’s Black community have been a welcomed respite from a history fraught with as much pain as hope.
MSNBC  Trymaine Lee, Amy Pereira and Maria Lokke,  contributed to this story.

Travel Around the World – Right Here in Chattanooga

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Turn Station CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Spring Break is just around the corner and that means nine days of vacation! Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari offers a great way to get out of the house, recharge and spend some quality family time together.
The special, inclusive Spring Break Safari is anything but ordinary. The city has been transformed into a place where kids rule and adventure is everywhere. Kids can’t resist exploring the world with lots of hands-on activities designed just for them.
What if kids could be… a Keeper Kid and feed and mingle with sharks and sea turtles; Spelunker deep in a cavern; Sword Fighter on an enchanted trail; Pirate and navigate the Tennessee River; Art Explorer and uncover hidden treasures; Conductor aboard a traincar; Zoologist encountering chimpanzees, jaguars, reptiles and camels; indoor Fort Builder in a giant living room; Engineer on a trolley; or a Culinary Creator whipping up sweets?
Families can also explore Chattanooga on the 13-site Scavenger Hunt, an exciting way to learn more about each attraction and different areas throughout the city. There are a series of clues – both outside and inside the attractions as well as around the city – that need to be answered and then documented by taking pictures. The Scavenger Hunt can be accessed on the mobile site or viewed in the official Spring Break Safari Guide located at any of the participating attractions. The Guide can also be downloaded online.
Take advantage of exclusive Spring Break Safari Packages that include overnight accommodations and a variety of the Spring Break Safari adventures.
 Get the full scoop on Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari.
For a complete listing of events in Chattanooga, view the Events Calendar.

Classifieds

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ClassifiedsEmployment

Position:  Sales Representative (2)
Resume Deadline: March 8, 2014

SummitMedia WAGG-AM Birmingham and WALJ-FM Tuscaloosa are looking for Full Time Sales Professionals. This is a position that involves the sale of advertising on air, on line and on site through sponsorship opportunities offered throughout the year. The candidate will be expected to establish relationships with clients that are strong enough for the clients to converse comfortably with the seller and share their most pressing challenges with the seller so that the seller will be able to bring back a well thought out solution for the client. Other responsibilities include: finding and acquiring new business opportunities, attending networking events and generally presenting a professional and polished image of the company they represent. Candidate will also work closely with internal departments (ie: programming, promotions, business and traffic) to help fulfill the client’s expectation with regard to all areas of their business relationship with the company.

The successful candidate must be flexible, personable and able to orchestrate sales and promotional plans developed for clients successfully. The successful candidate must also be organized, dependable, self-motivated and project a professional appearance and friendly demeanor.  A valid driver’s license and background check are required.
If interested in applying for this position, please forward a resume to SummitMedia Sales Department, Attention Linda McNeal, 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 115, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, or forward electronically to Linda.McNeal@summitmediacorp.com.

It is the policy of SummitMedia, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all
qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex
in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion,
compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency.
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Director, Malone Center for Excellence in Teaching – FT, 12 mos. professional staff; plan & deliver faculty development; oversee campus teaching center; coordinate selection & funding for faculty development grants, awards, sabbaticals; teach classes in instructional technology; earned doctorate required; experience working with faculty across all disciplines required; budget & personnel management experience required.   Apply to:
https://jobs.montevallo.edu
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CHIEF FINANCIAL  OFFICER

Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals.  We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a Chief Financial Officer.

The CFO will supervise, control, interpret and communicate the results of operations of the organization to provide information and guidance to the business operators and management, corporate officers, Board of Directors and financial institutions.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career.  Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veterans.  To apply please visit online at
www.royalcupcoffee.com
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(logo)
CSD SALES SUPPORT
Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals.  We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time, CSD Sales Support.
Sales Support will assist our Convenience Store Division with all aspects of selling new accounts as well as provide administrative support to our existing accounts.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career.  Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disability/Veterans.  To apply please visit online at
www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
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Systems Analyst: Analysis, design, implement,
optimize and enhance of wireless networks
in supply chain planning.. Proficient in SAP SCM Functional
Consulting. Associate’s Degree plus 4 yrs exp.  Certified in SAP.
Travel required nationally.  My Supply Chain Group,
Birmingham Alabama.  Send resumes to:
resume@mysupplychaingroup.com
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DRIVERS

Drivers:  $10,000.00 Bonus to Teams with Hazmat!
Dedicated Run get home weekly, 4500 to 5600 miles
a week, great benefits, equipment!
Teams Call Transco Lines Today: 1-866-423-4367
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AUTOMOBILE

2006 B.M.W. 325-I
Loaded Call Ivory
205-821-0491
2007 Chevy Avalanche
Bose stereo Fully loaded
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313
2009 Kia Optima LX
Black
Call Sammy
205-814-8454
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Yellow Hard to Find
Call Ivory
205-821-0491
2006 Chevy Silverado
Extended cab
Real Work Truck
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313
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RESIDENT MANAGER

Resident Manager.  Hueytown, live in 2 bedroom, 40 unit complex.  Approximate salary $1,000.00 per month.  Need paint, sheetrock, plumbing, heat & air skills.  Provide your own tools.  Must pass background check.  Call 205-879-2177 ext. 213.  Apply in person at 2710 20th Street South, Homewood AL 35209.
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APARTMENT FOR RENT

Hueytown.  2 weeks Free Rent! Pay 1 month rent, plus $300.00 deposit.  Edenberry Apartments. Total electric, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, central a/c. Residence private on-site laundry. No washer/dryer hook-ups. 1 bedroom $495 water furnished. 2 & 3 bedroom starting at $550, tenant pay water on 2 & 3 bedrooms. 425 Oakwood Avenue, Hueytown 35023. Call 205-879-2177 ext. 200 or 213.
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LEGALS

PUBLIC NOTICE
The Jefferson County Housing Authority will distribute Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher applications:

Date:         Thursday, March 6, 2014
Time:         8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location:
Jefferson County Housing Authority
3700 Industrial Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35217

Completed applications must be returned to the address below and postmarked no later than March 18, 2014 (closing date).  Persons with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation in picking up an application may call the Jefferson County Housing Authority at 205-244-1321 to make special arrangements to complete their application.

The JCHA will have a lottery drawing for 300 applicants to be placed on the waiting list.  The applicants drawn will be notified in writing.

DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Mail applications to:
Jefferson County Housing Authority
Section 8 Department
3700 Industrial Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35217
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TO:
Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-05

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance                                 Services

BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED AT:
HABD Central Office

Procurement Administrator

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL  35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE:
March 14, 2014

TIME:
10:00 a.m. CST

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB.  The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369).  In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above.  All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB.  Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract.  This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated.  If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid.  Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section.  Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing within ten days prior to the date and time set for the bid opening.  Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
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_______________
TO:

Prospective Bidders
DATE:
February 5, 2014

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-06

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Waste Removal Services

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME:
February 18, 2014 / 10:00 A.M. CST

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE:
March 4, 2014

TIME:
10:00 a.m. CST

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB.  The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369).  In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above.  All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB.  Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract.  This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated.  If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid.  Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available  at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section.  Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing within ten days prior to the date and time set for the bid opening.  Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
BT02/27/14
______________________________
DATE:
February 18, 2014

TO:
Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-07

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Moving Services

BID OPENING:

DATE:
March 13, 2014

TIME:
10:00 a.m. CST

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB.  The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369).  In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above.  All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB.  Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract.  This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated.  If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid.  Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section.  Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing within ten days prior to the date and time set for the bid opening.  Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
BT02/27/14
______________
ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION and
NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS from
PRE-QUALIFIED BIDDERS

The Jefferson County Commission requests Submittals from General Contractors to identify qualified Bidders for:

Renovation and Restoration
Jefferson County Courthouse Parking Deck

WBA Project  No.: 13-092

Pre-Qualification submittals will be received by the Architect’s Project Manager, Kyle Kirkwood, on behalf of the Owner’s Representative, Mr. Jeff Calvert, and the Jefferson County Commission at the Architect’s office: Williams Blackstock Architects, 2204 1st Avenue South, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL  35233, until 4:00 PM CDT on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.  The original and three duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval. Facsimile and/or email copies may be transmitted and then followed up within 24 hours with 3 originals. In addition, submit an electronic copy of complete submittal in PDF format on a labeled CD.

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The general description of work includes:

Scope:  The project is comprised of the renovation and restoration of the existing Jefferson County Parking Deck located at southeast corner of the intersection of 8th Avenue North and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North and includes the following; selective demolition, repair of spalling and cracking concrete, replacement of expansion joints, installation of elastomeric traffic coating, replacement of existing metal panel screen wall, restoration and/or replacement of structural and miscellaneous steel, minor membrane roof replacement, addition of a structural column the full height of the parking structure to correct excessive deflection.

Work includes: management, general safety and security of the demolition and construction areas, and other items described in the project plans and specifications. Pre-Qualified Bidders will be notified of changes to project scope, documents, plans and specifications by formal Addendum from the Architect/Engineer.

B. GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent General Contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Only General Contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project.

General Contractor Bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975.  A copy of current Alabama Contactors License is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal.

A Pre-Qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request. To be considered, the completed application must be received as specified in the Pre-Qualification Requirements Information Package. Requests for information or clarification shall be submitted to the Architect’s Project Manager in writing at least two days prior to the due date. In order to expedite the process for information or clarification from the Architect requests may be submitted by facsimile and/or email transmission.

Pre-qualification submittals shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the prospective bidder’s name, address, and Alabama Contractor’s license number, name of the project, and time and place of the submittal deadline. Pre-qualification application and support documents shall be submitted in sealed envelope or package. Submit an electronic copy of complete submittal in PDF format on a labeled CD.

Each prospective General Contractor Bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than Tuesday, March 11, 2014 by 5:00 PM CDT via email and facsimile.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any technical errors in application or to abandon the Pre-qualification process if the interest of the Owner appears to be promoted thereby.

Architect:
Kyle Kirkwood
Williams Blackstock Architects
2204 1st Avenue South, Suite 200
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: (205) 252-9811    Fax: (205) 252-9812

Owner’s Representative/Project Manager:
Mr. Jeff Calvert, Chief of Building Maintenance
Jefferson County Department of General Services
Room 1
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 214-5504    Fax: (205) 325-5144

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS:

Bids will be received from Pre-Qualified Bidders until 2:00pm CST on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the Commission Chamber, Second Floor  Room 270, Courthouse Complex, 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35263.
No bids will be accepted after the time stated for receipt of Bids.  This requirement will not be waived.  The clock in the County Commission chamber will be used to determine the time.  At the time stated above, the Proposals will be opened and publicly read aloud.
All Bids must be on a lump-sum basis.  Submit two copies of the Bid on the Proposal Form provided, without changes, in a sealed envelope bearing the Contractor’s name and current Alabama license number.  Bids that do not bear the contractor’s current license will be returned without being opened.
Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Formal pre-qualification for bidders is required, and, bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-3-(e) of the Code of Alabama.
A bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to Jefferson County in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the Bidder’s Proposal. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Owner.
A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 18, 2014 at 2:00 pm CST in the Jefferson County Courthouse, Room 22, Ground Floor, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, Alabama. All Pre-Qualified General Contractor bidders must be present for the Pre-Bid proceedings. If the number of bidders who attend the pre-bid conference decreases so there is little or no competition, others may be allowed to bid or the bid may be postponed at the discretion of the Owner.

Bid documents (Drawings and Project Manual) will be available for examination at the Plan Room of McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, at the Alabama Association of Minority Contractors, at AGC Internet Plan Room, at The Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, at the F.W. Dodge Company Plan Room in Birmingham, and Construction Market Data in Birmingham.

Two sets of the Bid documents will be provided to each pre-qualified General Contractor at Alabama Graphics & Engineering for a deposit of $300.00, made payable to the Architect. Deposits will be refunded in full to pre-qualified General Contract bidders, upon return of all documents in good condition. Deposits will be forfeited if bid documents are not returned within ten (10) days after the Bid Opening.

No Bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of Bids for a period of 60 days.  Only Bids submitted by pre-qualified General Contractors licensed as required by applicable State and Local laws and bearing the license number of the Contractor will be considered.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to waive formalities and technicalities; and to proceed in its’ own best interests.

David Carrington, President
Jefferson County Commission
Birmingham, Alabama
BT02/27/14
_______________________________
ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Ms. Susan Thompson, on behalf of the Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and The University of Alabama Board of Trustees at the Project Manager’s office in Room 245E of  the Facilities Administration Building, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time on March 3, 2014.    The original and five (5) duplicates of submittals, together with a pdf-formatted electronic version are required for pre-qualification approval.

Bevill Biomedical Research Building Shared Equipment Room Renovations
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabam
UAB Project #110009AP

SCOPE OF WORK:

The project scope consists of renovation of the existing shared equipment rooms for the Bevill Biosciences Research Building system including relevant architectural renovations, mechanical piping for the equipment, and electrical and fire alarm work in the areas of renovation. The work will require full coordination with the previously awarded Mechanical Package Vendor (P & M Mechanical, Inc.).  All above ceiling mechanical work will be completed per the Mechanical Package. All areas within the scope of work will be unoccupied, but all other areas outside the scope of work will remain fully occupied and operational during the modifications and the work may require use of environmental containment units. The work will be phased with the contractor having access to 2 rooms per phase, with a total of 3 phases. The contractor must have experience with working in a clean & contaminated biomedical research environment and will be responsible for implementation of interim life safety measures including constructing and maintaining required barriers, coordinating shutdowns and maintaining a clean and organized work area without interfering with normal operations.

CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project.  Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by Project Manager/Owner’s Representative no later than 4:00 PM CST, March 3, 2014, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request sent by mail or scanned into an email to  HYPERLINK “mailto:jbw@simsarch.com” jbw@simsarch.com HYPERLINK “mailto:”  with a copy to  HYPERLINK “mailto:sfthompson@uab.edu” sfthompson@uab.edu.  The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project described.  Each prospective contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification by the tentative date of March 7, 2014, by 5:00 PM CST.
The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined by appointment at the architect’s office.

Architect:

Brad Wardlaw, AIA
Sims Architectural Studio
2318 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233
205-326-0727

BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Bid Documents:  After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified contractor bidders may purchase bid documents from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (John Davis, telephone 205-252-8505 or email  HYPERLINK “mailto: jdavis@algraphics.com).  Additional document sets for pre-qualified general contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers or dealers may be obtained in afore described manner.  Documents purchased for this project are non-returnable and purchases are non-refundable.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given.

By appointment at the Office of the Architect

Sims Architectural Studio
2318 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233

Birmingham Construction Industry Authority
3600 Forth Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35222

McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Internet Plan Room
3000 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL  35233

Associated General Contractors Internet Plan Room
5000 Grantswood Road
Irondale, AL  35210

Reed Construction Data Office
30 Technology Parkway South, Suite 500
Norcross, GA  30092-2912

Disclaimer:  The Owner and Architect shall not be responsible for errors or erroneous information related to the Bid Documents copied and/or reproduced from sources other than previously listed.  It shall be the responsibility of each pre-qualified bidder, subcontractor, vendor, supplier or other service provider to verify the correctness of Bid Document issue dates, addendums and all information related thereto, prior to preparing and submitting construction bids on the projects listed and/or described within this public advertisement.

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days.  The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner.  The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225).

The Bid Date is April 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM CST at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in the FAB Conference Center Building adjacent to the UAB Facilities Administration Building located at 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal.  Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, non-resident general contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts.  Resident general contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident general contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on  March 17, 2014, at 9:00 AM CST, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Bevill Biomedical Research Building, 1st  Floor Lobby, 845 19th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. All pre-qualified contractor bidders are required to attend the Pre-Bid Conference and attend the scheduled site walk-through.  The Owner (The University of Alabama at Birmingham Board of Trustees) will not accept or consider bids from pre-qualified contractors that have not attended the mandatory Pre-bid Conference and site walk-through.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF ADVERTISEMENT & PUBLICATIONS:

Birmingham News
Birmingham Times
Montgomery Advisor
UAB Facilities Website
http://www.uab.edu/facilities/
BT02/27/14
______________________________

Omicron Omega chapter Hosts “Pink Goes Red” event to Celebrate National Wear Red Day®

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Front row: (L to R):  Jacqueline Carter, Barbara Clemon, Mamie Alexander; Dr. Gwen Tilghman, Chapter President; Stephanie Ayers-Millsap, Cynthia Garrett and Bernadine Roby. Back row (L to R):  Dathia Means, Jana Roland-Williams, Bettie Glover, Carmen Perkins, Lillian Mosley, Sarah Buie, Linda Dumas, Karen Lee
Front row: (L to R):  Jacqueline Carter, Barbara Clemon, Mamie Alexander; Dr. Gwen Tilghman, Chapter President; Stephanie Ayers-Millsap, Cynthia Garrett and Bernadine Roby. Back row (L to R):  Dathia Means, Jana Roland-Williams, Bettie Glover, Carmen Perkins, Lillian Mosley, Sarah Buie, Linda Dumas, Karen Lee
Front row: (L to R):  Jacqueline Carter, Barbara Clemon, Mamie Alexander; Dr. Gwen Tilghman, Chapter President; Stephanie Ayers-Millsap, Cynthia Garrett and Bernadine Roby. Back row (L to R):  Dathia Means, Jana Roland-Williams, Bettie Glover, Carmen Perkins, Lillian Mosley, Sarah Buie, Linda Dumas, Karen Lee

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (“AKA”) hosted a “Pink Goes Red for Women” event at the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on Friday, February 7. Dr. Lee Shelfton Riggins, Cardiovascular Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon for Baptist Health System, was the keynote speaker. He provided valuable information including seven important risk factors and contributors to cardiovascular disease. 
 Members of AKA, who are known for their signature colors of salmon pink and apple green wore red to bring awareness of women’s heart health. “Pink Goes Red” is an international initiative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to support the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day® to fight heart disease.  The American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health because of many misconceptions about heart disease in women.
“This event really provided something to think about,” stated Cynthia Garrett, event co-chair. “Dr. Riggins gave practical insight to prevent and avoid heart disease among women. Various educational materials and resources were provided to attendees to empower individuals to improve the overall health of our community.”
Omicron Omega’s Health Committee organized the event which is led by Chairman, Lois Scott and co-chaired by Cynthia Garrett and Virgil Lea Hayes.  Committee members include Linda Dumas, Pauline Smith, Carmen Perkins, Evangeline Williams, Linda Roberson, Kayla Washington, Nicole Davis Williams, Eva Reedus, Armigene Skipwith, Lillian Moseley, Mamie Alexander, Judith Jones, Tamara Buie, Bettie Glover, Dorothy Hall, LaShonna Stodghill, Stephanie Alexander and Stephanie Ayers- Millsap.
Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha will celebrate 90 years of service in 2014. The chapter was chartered in 1924 becoming the 15th chapter of the sorority. It also has the distinction of being the first graduate chapter to be chartered in the South Eastern Region. Omicron Omega has supported and provided charitable donations to organizations that include, but are not limited to, Children’s Hospital – Magic Moments and March of Dimes, The American Heart Association, Miles College, Sickle Cell Foundation, The American Diabetes Association, and United Negro College Fund. Collectively and individually, our members proudly volunteer and spend hundreds of hours impacting lives at Jessie’s Place, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Pathways and other programs. Our scholarship programs have benefitted hundreds of students in the Greater Birmingham community. Omicron Omega has oversight of five undergraduate chapters on various college and university campuses in Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek – lettered organization established by African- American college educated women. For more information about Omicron Omega Chapter or AKA visit www.akaomicronomega.com  or www.aka1908.org.