Birmingham, AL  — Thursday, February 20, students in the Academy of Business and Finance at Woodlawn High School enjoyed a visit from Bill Horton, North Central Alabama area president for Regions Bank.

Horton spoke to students about the many opportunities that exist in the banking industry. He also invited them to tour Regions Bank locations in the Greater Birmingham area. The classroom visit and introduction to Regions Bank are part of the Birmingham Education Foundation’s Bridging the Gap program.

“As with many other industries, the banking industry thrives when there is a committed, well-educated and prepared workforce available.  The students at Woodlawn’s Academy of Business and Finance are getting a head start in gaining the knowledge needed to help move our industry forward in the future,” said Horton.

Horton encouraged students to take ownership of their career and to always challenge themselves. When asked about advice for students considering a career in business and finance, Horton said that the foundation for any successful career is to work hard, try to make a difference and good things will come.

As part of the Birmingham Education Foundation’s Bridging the Gap program, students gain access to industries that align with their career interests.

“Our students have very high expectations for themselves, and we want to help them realize their goals,” said J.W. Carpenter, executive director, Birmingham Education Foundation.  “Bridging the Gap is designed to help students appreciate just how many career options they have, and help expand their professional networks, and we can only do that through the support of our community and industry partners.”

To learn more visit edbirmingham.org.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Precision High Voltage Systems has opened a new $4 million manufacturing and testing facility in Birmingham, which will create up to 20 jobs.
A division of Birmingham-based Jay Electric Company, Precision High Voltage Systems manufactures formed coils for high voltage machinery used for industrial applications, such as hydroelectric plants, mills and in other industrial uses. The 15,000-square-foot facility is located at 3130 Third Avenue South in Birmingham in the former Mill & Textile Supply building. The building also includes a testing facility for onsite quality testing of its product.
“The combination of the adapted facility and the latest technology in our production equipment gives Precision High Voltage the ability to be a leading U.S. producer of high voltage coils,” said Chad McCowan, chief operating officer of Jay Electric. “We are very excited about this opportunity.”
McCowan said Jay Electric invested significantly to purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment for the facility, including a robotic taper used to wrap insulation protection on the formed coils. Financing for the project was provided by National Bank of Commerce in Birmingham.
Jay Electric has manufactured formed coils for medium voltage machinery in Birmingham since 1984, through its subsidiary Precision Coil and Rotor located on East Lake Boulevard. The company has three motor services facilities in Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. Overall the company employs more than 200 people.
Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell Sr. praised Jay Electric and Precision High Voltage for its commitment to Birmingham.
“Jay Electric Co., through its subsidiary Precision Coil and Rotor, has manufactured high voltage machinery in Birmingham for 30 years, and
continues to grow in the City with Precision High Voltage Systems, 20 new jobs and a $4 million investment,” said Bell. “Our City is enjoying a period of growth unsurpassed in our history, and we are very appreciative of the continued confidence the company has shown in the future of Birmingham.”
Jay Electric’s McCowan said the company’s work in medium-voltage machines led to the formation of Precision High Voltage. The new company will be the only high voltage coil provider in the United States focused mainly on motor service repair, and it has recruited three top-level managers to the Birmingham area, including Patrick Nisevich General Manager, with combined high-voltage experience of 75 years, said McCowan.
Attracting industry specific, top-tier talent to the Birmingham region is a sign of strength throughout the region, according to Dr. Ray Watts, president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who also serves as the Birmingham Business Alliance’s vice chairman of economic development.
“The best of the best are finding a welcome home in the Birmingham region,” said Dr. Watts. “More and more professionals are realizing that Birmingham’s quality of life is superior.”
Jay Electric is a Southeast leader in industrial service repair and sales specializing in electric motors and generators. Jay Electric builds electric motors with coils made by their own company, refurbishes and performs preventive maintenance and provides offsite motor storage. Customers get true end-to-end service at Jay Electric.
For more information, visit www.PrecisionHV.com.
Tours of the new facility are available upon request.

The Birmingham Business Alliance is a dynamic advocate, unifying voice and constant catalyst for economic development and business prosperity for the Birmingham region. For more information about the BBA visit its website at  www.birminghambusinessalliance.com.

The Metro Birmingham Branch NAACP Presents the 14th Annual Salute to Outstanding African Americans a Black History month Tribute at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Rev. Horace Blunt, III, Senior Pastor; Mr. Hezekiah Jackson IV, President & Chair, Mrs. Myrna Carter Jackson, First Vice President, Mr. Terry G. Collins, Second Vice President, The Honorable Juandalynn D. Givan Honorary Chair.
photo credit:  Skyye Womack

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Renasant Bank Mortgage has announced that Chip Adkins has joined the Company as Eastern Divisional Manager. In his new role, Adkins will be developing relationships with community banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers in the markets of East Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Prior to joining Renasant, Adkins served as a Regional Manager of the Southeast for a large regional mortgage company. He brings over 20 years of mortgage and financial services experience to Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending.
David Mays, Executive Vice President and of Director of Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending, said, “We are extremely pleased to have Chip join the Renasant Bank Mortgage team. His experience throughout the Southeast compliments our strategic growth plans in correspondent and wholesale lending.”

Miles College Officials presented the inaugural George T. French, Jr. Lyceum Speakers Series and unveiled the Historic Civil Rights Markers, Monday, February 24. This event was in honor of Black History Month and to pay tribute to the Miles College students, faculty and staff that marched in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Geraldine Bell chaired the committee to establish the French speaker series and State Representative Juandalynn Givan chaired the Civil Rights Marker unveiling committee.
The Lyceum Speaker Series featured Congresswoman Terri Sewell who encouraged listeners to stay true to themselves in the pursuit of their endeavors. The series, named for the current president of Miles College, Dr. George T. French, Jr., intended as an annual event, is patterned after the W.E.B. DuBois Lectures at Harvard University, and will serve as a means of student development, by presenting scholars and their body of work for intellectual stimulation, inspiration and encouragement. These lectures will recognize persons of outstanding achievement who contribute to our better understanding of African-American life, history and culture.
The unveiling of the Civil Rights Markers took place on campus in Centennial Park located in front of Brown Hall, where many foot soldiers and other esteemed guests were in attendance. Dr. Jonathan McPherson, spear- headed the initiative a year ago through the State Department of Tourism to acquire these markers and to recognize the unsung heroes of Miles College.
These Historic Civil Rights Markers are commemorative symbols to honor and salute the Miles College Students who participated in the Civil Rights Movement for their courageous efforts and undying determination. In the Spring of 1962, a group of students from Miles College led by Frank Dukes, their 31 year old Student Government Association President, created and launched a Selective Buying Campaign. The campaign was a boycott of Birmingham’s downtown merchants. Supporting the students were Miles College President Dr. Lucius Pitts, selected faculty, local housewives, and members of Birmingham’s white community. These factions brought about significant desegregation before Dr. King’s arrival to the city in 1963.
We must never forget the selfless sacrifices of the Miles College Students who marched in the Civil Rights Movement and contributed to the freedoms and prosperity that we enjoy today. These Miles College Foot Soldiers set aside their own comfort, safety and aspirations to answer the call to arms at a time when our nation was still plagued with the horrors of Jim Crow Laws. These individuals helped to halt the tide of racism that threatened Human Civil Rights. Today African-Americans across the state of Alabama and all over the nation, realize a prosperous, vibrant and more democratic society because of their courage and selfless sacrifice.
The Miles College French Lyceum Speaker Series and the unveiling of the Civil Rights Markers served as a fitting Black History Month Celebration on the heels of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, Council:
Passed an Ordinance “To further amend the zoning district map of the City of Birmingham” (Case No. ZAC2013-00023) to change zone district boundaries from B-6, Health and Institutional District to R-6, Multiple Dwelling District, filed by David G. Ellis of Arlington Properties, Inc., representing the owner, Baptist Health Systems, Inc., for property located at 801 Montclair Road, and situated in the NE¼ of Section 33, Township 17 South, Range 2 West, and the hearing of all interested parties. For more information, contact the office of Council President Pro Tempore Jay Roberson at 205.254.2418.
Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:
Placed on consent a resolution relative to the application of Rafiki’s LLC for a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to be used at Rafiki’s Grill, 367 Valley Avenue, Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties. For more information contact the office of Councilor Steven Hoyt at 205.254.2304.
Placed on consent an ordinance “To further amend the General Fund budget” by transferring $60,000.00 from Economic Incentives – Highway 280 Cooperative, $529.89 from Economic Incentives – Honda Project, $8,951.56 from Economic Incentives – Phoenix Arts Project, $8,353.19 from Economic Incentives – City Federal, $5,121.63 from Economic Incentives – Infinity Call Center, $13,737.00 from Econ9omic Incentives – Intermark Group, Inc., $3,306.73 from Economic Incentives – Marino’s, and appropriating $75,000.00 to Economic Incentives – Momentum Telecom and $25,000.00 to Economic Incentives – Black Market Bar and Grill. For more information please contact the office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
Placed on consent an ordinance to rescind Ordinance No. 14-22, adopted by the February 4, 2014, and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Real Estate Exchange Agreement with the Birmingham Board of Education under which the Board will convey to the City, property known as the “Service Center” and located at 2320 8th Avenue North, which has a value of $806,250.00, and the City will convey to the Board, certain City-owned properties located at 3900 8th Avenue North, 6910 Georgia Road, 701 13th Street SW, 1241 Tuscaloosa Avenue, 125 63rd Street North and 1240 12th Street SW, which have a combined value of $876,856.00, with the difference in the appraised value of the properties to be deemed a donation by the City to the Board for educational purposes. For more information please contact the office of the City Council president Johnathan Austin at 205.254.2678.
Placed on consent an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 14-18, adopted by the Council January 28, 2014, to extend the 2014 Amnesty Program for the payment of outstanding minor traffic and parking tickets until April 11, 2014. For more information please contact the office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
Placed on consent a resolution authorizing the Mayor to issue, on behalf of the City, a firm commitment to allocate $980,000.00 of the City’s Federal funds to REV Birmingham for the development of fifty-three (53) units of affordable senior housing in downtown Ensley in support of REV Birmingham’s application to the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) for Low Income Housing Tax Credits and, if the project receives tax credits from the AHFA in the 2014 funding round, to enter into an agreement and disburse the $980,000.00 from the City’s Federal funds. For more information please contact the office of Community Development at 205.254.2483.

Announcements and Reminders:
1.    The Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held on Wednesday February 26, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in, Conference Rooms D&E.
2.    The Public Safety Committee Meeting will be held Monday March 3rd at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
3.    The Transportation and Communications Meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room A.
4.    The Public Improvement and Beautification Committee Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 340. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.

The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact Chiara Morrow, Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing chiara.morrow@birminghamal.gov or by calling 205-254-2055.

By Eleanor Cox
In conjunction with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities), Carver High School students received valuable financial literacy knowledge through the Career Countdown Project on February 19-21, in celebrating Career Technical Education  month. This real-world effort developed provoking thought processes when budgeting, making career choices/educational planning, as well unexpected circumstances (life happens).
The follow-up activity generated amazing dialogue. Some students said they have a better understanding of what their parents go through when trying to make ends meet.  One student admitted to becoming homeless twice when making his decisions maneuvering through the Career Countdown maze.  It was the first time many students had ever created a monthly budget. This was a great experience for all students.
Much thanks to Ms. Cynthia Whittaker and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Center.  We also extend appreciation to the many volunteers and Roly Poly who donated lunch for them.

One of the Many Reasons to Support the UNCF Birmingham MASKED Ball on March 8, 2014

It’s no secret that the quest for higher education is an uphill battle. With budget deficits, rising tuition rates and a slowly maturing economy amongst key disadvantages affecting America’s next generation of leaders, it’s more imperative than ever that organizations with the power to help college students succeed have the resources they need to sustain — and even more vital that scholars with low to moderate-level incomes cloak themselves in strength to withstand challenging times.

That’s where this story begins. Meet UNCF Scholarship Recipient, Rasheed Miles.

Rasheed, a 21-year-old Business Administration and Accounting Student of Miles College, is the first generational male in his family to attend college and pass his freshman year. His story, like that of many UNCF students, inspires many of us to continue to support UNCF’s mission.

WHAT KIND OF TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN LIFE PRIOR TO COLLEGE?

Born August 31, 1992 in Hainesville, AL, I experienced tragedy at a pretty young age. My mother – after unexpected complications from pain medications she was taking for a minor toothache – passed away when I was 5 years old. It was just minutes before my 6th birthday. My aunt raised me and my two-year-old brother after that.

I was young and questioned my mom’s death a lot growing up. But in the end, I resolved that God must have taken her from my life with plans to deliver something even more valuable in my future. I pressed forward with that on my mind.

I graduated from High School on May 22, 2010 with honors (achieving a 3.2 GPA and ranking #13 in my senior class). I was also able to score three academic and community service-based scholarships. I used those to enroll into Troy University the next semester.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE. WHERE THERE ANY ISSUES THAT JEAOPARDIZED YOUR EDUCATIONAL DREAMS?
 
I enjoyed my freshman experience at Troy. I encountered the typical challenges, like saying “no” to peers and balancing friendships and personal life with my educational and professional goals.

I did experience academic challenges. Midway into my experience issues with grades landed me on academic probation. My most substantial financial scholarship was revoked as a result. Low on funds, I picked up a part-time job with [a local soda company]. One night while working, I got caught in the midst of a really dangerous shoot-out. That brush with death kind of changed my life. It gave me a chance to reevaluate where my future was headed in Troy. I realized I wasn’t satisfied with my current situation, and enrolled into Miles College the following semester.

HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO UNCF?

During my first semester at Miles, my advisor – Ms. Mitchell — made the connection that I was the first generational male to attend college that had succeeded past my freshman year. That made me eligible for a $5,000 financial reward, which is just what I needed to get back on my feet in school. So I applied.

HOW HAS THE UNCF SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU LIFE?

UNCF granted me a second chance at life, and if I can do it, anyone can.

Simply put, I’m the meal ticket for my family. I’m trying to move my family above and beyond where they stand right now. After not succeeding at Troy, the scholarship I received gave me a chance to achieve my dreams. None of my cousins have surpassed high school. Thanks to this organization, I’m on the road to being one of the first of my family to succeed in college, to achieve all of the goals my family set in store for me.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR DEGREE AFTER YOU GRADUATE?

I’d like to go to graduate school and get a Masters in Accountancy or Business Administration or Finance. Eventually I’d like to earn my CPA, then move on to a Doctorate in Business Administration or Accountancy.

Ultimately I want to become an Actuary Accountant.

The UNCF Birmingham Masked Ball will take place on March 8, 2014 at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel Ballroom.

UNCF leadership has set a 2014 event fundraising goal of $600,000. Proceeds will allow UNCF to extend thousands of dollars in support of Alabama students like Rasheed Miles, helping them to pursue a college education. More than 1,000 supporters were in attendance at the 2013 event.

For sponsorship or individual ticket inquiries, please contact the UNCF Birmingham office at 205-322-8623 or email walvid.king@uncf.org. You can also visit online at give.uncf.org/Birmingham. Ticket purchases are tax-deductible.

Ninth annual National Pancake Day Fundraiser aims to raise $3 million benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

For the ninth consecutive year, IHOP restaurants® nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of its famous buttermilk pancakes on National Pancake Day in an effort to raise $3 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals programs nationwide.
For every short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. IHOP hopes to raise $3 million this year, with a goal to bring the total amount of funds raised to nearly $16 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.
WHEN:  TUESDAY, March 4, 2014, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
WHERE:  Participating IHOP restaurants in the Birmingham, AL area.
WHO:  National Pancake Day donations in the Birmingham, AL area will benefit Children’s Hospital of Alabama

National Pancake Day Fun Facts:
·      IHOP served 4.5 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2013 and pancake lovers donated nearly $3 million to children’s charities.
·      All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day 2013 would create a stack nearly 13 miles high.
·      Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $13 million and given away more than 22 million pancakes to support charities in the communities where it operates.