Rep. Juandalynn Givan, House District “60” proudly announces her candidacy for re-election to the Alabama House of Representatives on June 3. “It is my esteemed honor to announce that I will be seeking re-election to House District “60” in 2014. I have been so blessed to serve all the people of House District “60” and the State of Alabama.” House District “60” is comprised of  the following cities and neighborhoods: Forestdale, Ensley, Pratt City, College Hills,  Brookside, Gardendale, Fultondale, Graysville, Bush Hills, Southside, Smithfield, and Graymont.
Since being elected, Givan notes that she has been honored to serve as a vessel for the people, to fight for educators, and education, to sponsor and co- sponsor legislation for small business incentives, land banking, tax incentives, Medicaid Reform, and job creation.” I have fought for the oppressed and disenfranchised, standing and serving as a voice for the people leading with “Voice! Vision! and Leadership!”
Givan is a very proud graduate of Miles College where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, and the Miles School of Law where she received her Doctorate of Juris Prudence from the Miles School of Law.
She most recently led the fight to save George Washington Carver Cemetery which closed suddenly in September 2013, as well as leading the fight to stop several post offices in District “60” from closing. Givan is no stranger to hard work, she has sponsored and was successful in having passed several pieces of legislation, most notable was the amendment to include a mandatory sentence for habitual offenders to the Domestic Violence Act during her first year as a legislator in 2011 and then in 2013 Givan sponsored and received bi-partisan support for the Caylee’s Law Bill and legislation granting the City of Birmingham as a Class 1 municipality to change the start of its Fiscal Year from July to October. “This was a rare victory and accomplishment for a freshman legislator to be able to have within one legislative session to get multiple pieces of legislation passed,” said Givan.
Givan sights her ability to work both sides of the aisle as one of her biggest strengths. Since being elected, she was named by her peers;  Freshman Legislator of the year by the Democratic Caucus, Legislator of the Month, Outstanding Leader by the Domestic Violence Council, as well as numerous awards and recognitions.
Upon her re-election Givan will focus on the following:
•    Work to provide visionary and servant leadership to District 60
•    Work to repair our damaged economy
•    Work to identify and address problems that impact District 60
•    Work to establish a cooperative bipartisan relationship
•    Work to reform Medicaid
•    Work to rebuild our neighborhoods and our educational system in District 60 by creating student mentoring programs
•    Work as an advocate for new Alabama Constitution Work to establish and sponsor bills that are fair and balanced
•    Work to bring new jobs in industry by working with ADECA and other state agencies
•    Work to bring about collaboration and regional support for accessibility and reliable mass transportation
•    Work to secure grants for affordable housing
•    Work to enhance senior citizen recreation in independent living programs
•    Work for vocational educational programs to help prevent student drop out
•    Work to have quarterly town hall meetings for citizens and stakeholders in District 60
•
Givan looks forward to running a very aggressive campaign; she is the owner of Givan & Associates Law Firm. Most recently she expanded her practice to include governmental relations and program management consulting services. She is also a mentor and public speaker and is no stranger to public service. Upon graduating from Miles she became a Political Appointee serving as an Administrative Cabinet Member to Birmingham’s first African American Mayor Dr. Richard Arrington Jr., where she was responsible for Capital Projects and Development in the City Center. She also served as HOPE VI Coordinator for the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District HOPE VI Revitalization Projects at Metropolitan Gardens and Tuxedo Court. She also provided political commentary and analysis for the Birmingham View Television which aired on WABM My/68. Givan works in the community to improve the quality of life for all citizens. She is recognized as a leader in the community by the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Omicron Omega Chapter, and Tri-County Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Museum of Urban Arts Board Member and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) where she served as the inaugural “For the Love of Learning Masked Gala Chair.”  Givan was also named professional woman of the year by the NAACP and received the Margaret Tucker Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Joyce E. Brooks, local author, artist and stress awareness expert, is hosting a Reception and Book Signing Tuesday, February 18th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on the First Floor at the Birmingham Public Library to introduce her new collection of acrylic paintings entitled “Release of the Inner Artist.”

The exhibition will be open to for the public from Feb. 4th, – March 29th.

Copies of her well-received book, “Self-Inflicted Overload” and the collection of acrylic paintings will be available for purchase at the event.

For information contact:
jepettwa@bellsouth.net
www.selfinflictedoverload.com
(205) 529-6471

by Josh Moon
Mongomery Advertiser

Gwendolyn Boyd began her stint as Alabama State University’s first female president on Monday morning with a warm welcome.
Students, staff and faculty lined the entryway into ASU’s Councill Hall, where Boyd’s new office is located, to welcome the new president with applause and balloons. Boyd stopped, shook hands and chatted briefly with a number of people on her way in.
She also told the crowd that Monday marked “a new day at ASU.”
“We will continue to move this university forward in new and exciting ways,” Boyd said. “I’m excited about doing this job. I’m excited about where we can go together.”
Boyd, who didn’t take questions from the media, said her goal is to make ASU’s students “great citizens of the world.”
Not coincidentally, Boyd’s first day coincides with the start of ASU’s Founder’s Week, which honors the university’s formation in 1867.

Cardell Davis to replace the seat of Charles Townsend
By: Elle Petties

On Tuesday, February 4, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District welcomed its newest member, Cardell Davis.

Davis has worked with a variety of housing projects. He is the founder of New Start Community Development, LLC, and serves as the Executive Director of New Start Neighborhood Validation, LLC. whose main goal is to bring quality affordable housing to urban areas.

Davis has also serviced the entire state of Alabama as the Director of the Birmingham office for Neighborhood Assistant Court of America (NACA) which focuses on saving homes with financial mortgage assistance programs including tasks such as assisting distressed homeowners with loss mitigation and foreclosure prevention services.

Davis was appointed by Mayor William Bell to replace the seat of Charles Townsend and will serve a term of 2 years before his seat is eligible for reappointment.

The following are photos of the YWCA’s “Building Communities, Bettering Lives” AmeriCorps members serving on MLK Day rebuilding a community garden in the Woodlawn area as part of YWoodlawn. Joining them in one of the photographs is the YWCA’s new CEO Yolanda Sullivan.

 BIRMINGHAM – The Internal Revenue Service on Jan. 31st opened the 2014 tax filing season by highlighting a growing number of online services at IRS.gov and encouraging Alabamians to check out a variety of tax benefits, such as the often-overlooked Earned Income Tax Credit.
“As Alabamians start filing their returns now, we hope those who worked any part of last year won’t forget to see if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit,” said IRS spokesman Dan Boone.
Workers who earned less than $52,000 last year may qualify for EITC, worth up to $6,044. They can use the EITC Assistant at IRS.gov or their tax software to check eligibility. One-third of the population eligible for EITC changes each year as their personal circumstances change.
Last year about 518,000 Alabama workers claimed $1.4 billion in EITC. Average payments were over $2,600 per tax return.
About three out of four filers get refunds, and the IRS issues more than nine in 10 of these refunds in less than 21 days. Filers can check the status of their refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov or using the free IRS2Go app on a mobile device.
Boone reminded Alabama filers that e-file, when combined with direct deposit, is the fastest, safest way to get a refund. About 1.4 million Alabama filers qualify, based on income, to e-file using the free brand-name tax software at www.IRS.gov/freefile. All filers qualify to use the free Fillable Forms option there.
Lower-income and elderly filers who need help with their taxes can visit one of 150 free tax help sites staffed by IRS-certified volunteers in 45 Alabama counties. Filers can call 1-800-906-9887 or visit IRS.gov to find the closest help site.

 The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will mark the 50th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 during Black History Month with special events that are free and open to the public.  For more information about events, please call 866-328-9696 x 234.
“Fifty years later, the impact of the landmark legislation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 continues to shape America into a more equitable society,” stated Ahmad Ward, BCRI Head of Education and Exhibitions. “During Black History Month, we should all take a moment to reflect on the monumental efforts and bravery of those in the 1960s who took a stand for a better future.”

BCRI events associated with Black History Month include:
Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m.
Annual Helen Keller Art Show Awards Ceremony -Vann Gallery. Art show featuring visually and hearing impaired children in the State of Alabama will run through February at BCRI. Grand prize winners will be displayed in the historic Helen Keller birthplace in Tuscumbia, AL.  Until 5 p.m.  Free to the public.

Thursday, February 20 at 6 p.m.
Black History Month program – “What are the Civil Rights Issues in 21st Century America?”  Public Forum—Rev. Abraham L. Woods, Jr. Community Meeting Room. Until 8 p.m.  Free to the public.

Friday, February 21at 6 p.m.
Community of Readers family literacy program—Rotunda–recommended for families with young readers. Until 8 p.m. Free to the public.
Saturday, February 22 at 3 p.m.
Gallery talk for the exhibition Numinousneoism by artist, John Solomon Sandridge – Odessa Woolfolk Gallery.  Until 4:30p.m. Free to the public.

Sunday, February 23 at 3 p.m.
Book signing for “Behind the Mic” by former WENN radio disc jockey, Roe Bonner. Chronicles important events from the history of the legendary Black-owned Birmingham radio station. BCRI Gift Store. Until 4:30 p.m. Free to the public.

Tuesday, February 25 at 6 p.m.
95.7 Jamz / McDonald’s Civil Rights Art Awards Ceremony – Rev. Abraham L. Woods, Jr. Community Meeting Room. Until 8 p.m. Free to the public.

Thursday, February 27 at 6 p.m.
BOB MARLEY: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND film screening and discussion–Rev. Abraham L. Woods Community Meeting Room. Based on footage shot in the early seventies and lost for more than thirty years, NAACP IMAGE AWARD winner Esther Anderson takes us on a journey to Jamaica and into 56 HOPE ROAD, Kingston, to see and hear the young BOB MARLEY before he was famous. Free to the Public. Until 8 p.m.

Utility places higher ranking in Training magazine’s Top 125

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB)
ranked 75th at the Training Magazine Top 125 Awards Gala held on February 3, in San Diego, Calif. Training magazine is a leading business publication with a focus for learning and development professionals. Each year the magazine ranks 125 leading organizations in employer-sponsored training and development programs.
“The utility ranked higher than a lot of larger companies, and achieved a higher ranking than last year,” said BWWB General Manager, Mac Underwood. “It is a great accomplishment.”
Last year, the utility ranked 95th for its Leadership Development Program. Participants in the program tackled actual organizational challenges through completing a work-related team project that was approved by executive management.
Each year the Top 125 include rankings based on a multitude of benchmarking statistics, such as total training budget; percentage of payroll; number of training hours per employee program; goals, evaluation, measurement, and workplace surveys; hours of training per employee annually; and detailed formal programs. Rankings are determined through assessing a range of
qualitative and quantitative factors, which include financial investment in employee development, the scope of development programs, and how closely such development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives.
Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Water Works Board serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair, and Walker counties. The BWWB operates four filtration plants, a certified testing laboratory, and has more than 4,000 miles of pipe in its distribution network; it ranked among the top five water systems in the United States. For more information about your
Birmingham Water Works Board, please call 205-244-4000 or visit
www.birminghamwaterworks.com.

Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool helping finance business expansions at companies across the state
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –  Regions Bank has announced the company exceeded its Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool commitment for 2013 and will expand its loan pool commitment in 2014.
“The Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool reflects Regions’ commitment to serving as the economic development bank of Alabama,” said John Turner, South Region president for Regions Bank. “We are committed to helping companies grow and create more jobs. We are providing access to capital that helps drive business expansion and strengthen our economy. Already, this loan pool is supporting business growth and new opportunities for people across the state, and we will build on our commitment in 2014.”
Regions established the loan pool in February of last year and earmarked $1 billion to provide economic development capital and support job growth in Alabama in 2013. In September, Regions exceeded its billion-dollar commitment. Preliminary estimates show loan pool activity topped $1.3 billion by the end of the year. Based on initial data provided by participants, loan pool financing is supporting approximately 2,000 new jobs in addition to existing jobs at more than 350 companies and entities throughout the state.
For 2014, Regions is renewing and expanding its commitment by earmarking $1.5 billion for the Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool. The funding will support businesses and entities that are growing, modernizing or expanding in Alabama.
“Economic development is truly a partnership among many different groups,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Regions Financial made a significant commitment last year to help Alabama companies continue to create jobs by establishing a loan pool for companies to have access to the financial capital needed for growth. I am honored that Regions Financial is going to extend the loan pool into 2014 and commit an additional $1.5 billion. This loan pool will help us build on our job creation efforts, and I appreciate Regions’ commitment to Alabama businesses.”
Regions works closely with the business community and the Alabama Department of Commerce to identify projects that could be candidates for financing.
“Our goal is to help new and existing companies succeed and expand here in Alabama,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield.  “In order for that to happen, companies large and small need access to capital. As businesses grow, more jobs are created in our communities, and our entire economy grows stronger.”
Currently, the Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool is fueling growth and expansions among a variety of employers. Consider these examples:
•    Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority:
Alabama landed a major new employer when Commercial Jet announced it would move into a large hangar facility at the Dothan Regional Airport, bringing 500 new jobs to the area by the end of 2017.
But before Commercial Jet could begin operations, the hangar needed a series of renovations and repairs. The Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority, which was working with local and state leaders to recruit Commercial Jet to the facility, turned to Regions to help finance the hangar upgrades. Regions allocated $6 million from the Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool for the hangar renovation project.
“The whole area pulled together as a team to make this project a success, and Regions was a valuable part of that team,” said Art Morris, director of Dothan Regional Airport. “These new jobs will have a very significant impact on our community.”
Commercial Jet provides commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services and passenger-to-freighter conversions for leading airlines and aircraft owners around the world.
•    Deshazo:
Based in Metro Birmingham, Deshazo is a family-owned business that develops high-tech overhead cranes as well as complex robotic systems for a variety of companies.
Deshazo needed a new facility to increase production and introduce new services to the marketplace. The company announced an expansion in early 2013. Through the Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool, Regions is providing financing to support the expansion as Deshazo enhances its production capacity and hires more employees.
“We’ve been up and running at our new facility since June,” said Phil Mazur, Deshazo’s vice president of finance. “We have hired 15 new, full-time employees now and have the capacity to hire up to 50 before the end of 2014. This is a major project, and there could have been a lot of headaches, but working with Regions, it hasn’t been difficult at all.”
•    Horizon Shipbuilding:
Horizon Shipbuilding was founded in 1997 by a father-son team who turned their passion and skill into a thriving company.
Today, from its headquarters in Bayou la Batre, Horizon designs, builds and repairs ships, boats and barges for customers around the world.
“We were awarded the largest single contract in our history last year,” said Travis Short, Horizon’s president and general manager. “That made it clear it was time to expand.”
Horizon turned to Regions to help finance the expansion with capital from the Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool. The expansion is resulting in 127 new jobs.
“Regions Bank had been advising me on potential lending opportunities and helped me put it all together,” Short said. “We purchased the best available property and refurbished the dormant shipyard across the bayou from our present facility. Regions facilitated the loan and made it possible for Horizon to begin construction in less than 60 days.”
The expansion is helping Horizon grow its marketability for larger vessels and more projects in the future.
•    Selma Urgent Care:
Economic development is not only about new jobs and business expansions. It is also about providing access to vital services for people in Alabama communities. Selma Urgent Care was established by emergency room doctors who recognized a need for greater access to urgent care in a region that had few options.
“Both my partners were ER physicians and felt the need for immediate care to bridge the gap between the overloaded ERs and the overbooked primary care physicians,” Sagar Vadlamudi, co-founder of Selma Urgent Care explained. “We realized that unless you had an open primary care physician, you had to drive to Montgomery, Prattville or Birmingham for immediate medical care short of major trauma. Because of that, we felt there was a need for more medical care in Selma.”
With funding from Regions’ Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool, Selma Urgent Care is now able to serve patients not only from Selma, but also from nearby Chilton, Wilcox and Perry Counties. Vadlamudi’s team is also developing plans for an urgent care center in Clanton, which recently lost its only hospital.
•    Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus:
Nineteen years ago, James Wessel started working as a volunteer firefighter in North Alabama. He felt it was his calling, and he loved the excitement. But he also ran into a major challenge.
It wasn’t easy to find a good fire truck.
“Trying to purchase equipment opened my eyes to some of the inefficiencies and the lack of inventory for used fire trucks, particularly ones that had warranties,” Wessel explained.
So an idea was born. Wessel founded a company, Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus, which would connect fire-rescue agencies with the life-saving equipment they need. Since then, his business, located in Union Grove near Huntsville, has grown to serve departments across the country and around the world.
Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus recently expanded through a line of credit from Regions’ Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool. The expansion is helping Wessel increase his inventory to meet the needs of fire-rescue personnel worldwide.
“That meant everything to us,” Wessel said. “I can’t sell a product that I don’t have for sale. The only way to accomplish that is to have credit. And Regions has been a fantastic partner for us.”
Regions Bank is invested in Alabama. A recent study from economic development researcher Tripp Umbach showed Regions had an overall $7 billion impact on the Alabama economy in 2012, supporting nearly 22,000 jobs both directly and indirectly. Also, Regions recently named Jeff Rabren to manage economic development initiatives with a focus on encouraging capital investment and job creation in Alabama. Regions is Alabama’s only Fortune 500 company and is the largest private employer in its headquarters city of Birmingham.
Companies interested in learning more about Regions’ Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool or applying for financing are encouraged to contact a Regions banker or visit a local branch for a referral.