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Leadership & Community Engagement

We strive to improve the well-being and quality of life of West Alabama.

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
(205) 758-7588
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    • Board of DirectorsMeet over 50 influential leaders who make up the Chamber's governing body.
    • Our TeamGet to know the talented individuals who make up our dedicated team.
    • AmbassadorsMeet the individuals who make up "the face of the Chamber."
    • HistoryFor over 120 years, the Chamber has represented the unified interests of the business community.
    • Our PurposeOur vision, mission, and values are the foundation for everything we do.
    • Meeting Room RentalsLooking for a spot to host your next meeting? Check out our meeting rooms!
    • Partner TenantsMeet our partner tenants housed in the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center.
    • Investor BenefitsA Chamber investment is a way to support the Chamber in its mission throughout the entire year.
  • Membership
    • ApplicationEnhance your business with a Chamber membership. Join today!
    • Ribbon CuttingsWe want to celebrate you! Shine the spotlight on your business with a ribbon cutting.
    • BenefitsYour membership entitles you to exclusive opportunities to help you connect, grow, and get noticed.
    • DirectoryEasily search and explore our member businesses.
    • Sponsorship OpportunitiesGet the word out about your business by sponsoring a Chamber program or event.
    • Job BoardYour future starts here! View and apply for local open job positions.
    • Member News WeeklyHighlight your success in the Member News section of the Chamber's weekly e-newsletter.
    • Chamber PerksIncrease profit margins by saving on a range of products and services.
    • Member-to-Member DiscountsOffer and receive discounted rates with the Member-to-Member Discounts program.
  • What We Do
    • Leadership & Community EngagementWe ensure interactions within the community that help develop a sense of community and social responsibility.
      • Leadership Development
        • Leadership TuscaloosaLeadership Tuscaloosa (LT) is a nine-month program for professional adults in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, area.
        • Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni AssociationThe Leadership Tuscaloosa program has produced more than 1,000 graduates since its inception in 1983.
        • Leaders to LegendsForerunners is a dynamic, personal development program to help the Tuscaloosa County area youth reach their full potential.
      • Professional Development
        • Smart Series Sessions
      • Community Engagement
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      • Benchmarking
        • 2023 - Raleigh
        • 2022 - The Next Level Summit
        • 2021 - Asheville
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        • 2024 - MobileBenchmarking Mobile 2024
    • Education & Workforce DevelopmentWe provide seamless pathways from the education system into the workforce.
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      • FutureFocus: Education and Workforce Conference
    • Economic & Community DevelopmentWe strive to improve the well-being and quality of life of West Alabama.
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Overview

We offer many programs and events that stimulate, develop, and recognize those who are committed to impacting West Alabama in a positive, collaborative way.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Leadership Development
    • Leadership Tuscaloosa
    • Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association
    • Leaders to Legends
  • Professional Development
    • Smart Series Sessions
  • Community Engagement
    • Diverse Business Council
    • Nonprofit Council
    • Veterans Affairs Council
    • Women's Leadership Alliance
    • Young Tuscaloosa
  • Networking and Special Events
    • Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration
    • Business After Hours
    • Celebrate Local
    • Chamber 101
    • DBC Summit
  • Civic Hall of Fame
    • Overview
    • Class of 2001
    • Class of 2002
    • Class of 2003
    • Class of 2004
    • Class of 2005
    • Class of 2006
    • Class of 2007
    • Class of 2008
    • Class of 2009
    • Class of 2010
    • Class of 2011
    • Class of 2012
    • Class of 2013
    • Class of 2014
    • Class of 2015
    • Class of 2016
    • Class of 2017
    • Class of 2018
    • Class of 2019
    • Class of 2021
    • Class of 2022
    • Class of 2023
    • Class of 2024
  • Benchmarking
    • Overview
    • 2017 - Greenville
    • 2018 - Lexington
    • 2019 - Chattanooga
    • 2021 - Asheville
    • 2022 - The Next Level Summit
    • 2023 - Raleigh
    • 2024 - Mobile
Civic Hall of Fame

Class of 2011

  • Willie

    Willie "Dino" Fort

    1948 - Present

    Read Willie's Bio

    Willie Fort, known by friends and family as "Dino," worked as an instructor at the UA's School of Social Work from 1972-1976 before joining the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority as Director of Social Services. In 1984, he was promoted to Assistant Executive Director of the Housing Authority, a position he still holds today.

    Dino works to help the homeless acquire decent, safe, and affordable housing and collaborates with other community and faith-based organizations to provide resources to those in need. He has been involved in many positions of community leadership to ensure that the concerns of the less fortunate are addressed. This is his passion.

    His life's work was never more evident than in the days that followed the April 27 tornado, which destroyed much of the Housing Authority's Rosedale Court. He worked tirelessly to find housing and resources for residents devastated by the loss of homes and property.

    Dino is also an effective advocate in the political realm for causes that improve the quality of life for West Alabamians. He is a man who brings joy and positive forces into the lives of those he encounters. And this community has truly benefited from his giving spirit.

  • P.F.

    P.F. "Fred" Hahn

    1929 - Present

    Read P.F.'s Bio

    Fred Hahn has excelled in the areas of business, philanthropy, and humanitarian works during his long career. He's been in business in Tuscaloosa for 50 years and continues to be successful in his trucking and industrial warehouse firms Service Express Truck Line, Tuscaloosa Warehouse, Inc., and Industrial Warehouse Services, Inc., in addition to building and selling businesses elsewhere in the South.

    Fred is a strong believer in giving back to his community and has been associated with many charitable causes through many years, especially the new hospice facility located next to the VA Hospital, which is named for his wife. He enjoys giving his time and resources to improve our community and to help those in need. And he's known for giving these things without fanfare.

  • James I. Harrison, III

    James I. Harrison, III

    1955 - Present

    Read James's Bio

    Jim Harrison, III is a Tuscaloosa native whose community service resume is exemplary, and his personal commitment to civic, charitable, and cultural organizations in West Alabama gives new meaning to the term "generous."

    Jim's interest in art began as a young boy. Indulging his interest in photography in high school and college, he also studied art history while at the UA. In 1974, Jim began a 23-year career with the family business, Harco Drug Stores, Inc., which ended in 1997 when it merged with Rite Aid. Jim then bought and renovated the first drug store owned and operated by his grandfather. This became Harrison Galleries, a dealer in 19th and early 20th-century American and European paintings and vintage and contemporary photography.

    Jim currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, a board he was initially appointed to by Governor Bob Riley in 2005. Jim is a veteran supporter of nonprofit, charitable, and cultural organizations in our area and has been at the helm of many efforts that have resulted in making Tuscaloosa County a richer place to live.

  • Thomas Joiner

    Thomas Joiner

    1932 - 2019

    Read Thomas's Bio

    Tom Joiner's career as a college student then professional geologist landed him in Tuscaloosa in 1961. Tom's career flourished, and he founded his own geological and hydrological services firm here. A man with strong religious faith and a belief in helping the less fortunate, he became an exceptional citizen leader whose service has touched countless lives in our community.

    His efforts have positively affected education, business and economic development, health care, and our quality of life. But Tom's lasting impact may be best exemplified by his leadership and guidance of a program to help disadvantaged children get a better start in life through improved early education: he helped guide the United Way's Success By Six program from the very start and continues to guide it today. The City of Tuscaloosa expanded on this and is now home to a nationally recognized Pre-K program.

  • Rev. Ray Pradat

    Rev. Ray Pradat

    1930 - 2017

    Read Rev.'s Bio

    Rev. Pradat graduated from the UA in 1952 before attending divinity school in Tennessee. After serving several churches there, he returned to Tuscaloosa and began serving as priest of Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa in 1973, where he stayed for almost 25 years.


    He immersed himself in our community and, in these early days, was selected to be on a committee making an effort to enhance race relations in the city school system. He was seen as open-minded and committed to social justice for all. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Tuscaloosa County DHR in 1979, an agency serving our most impoverished citizens. He was elected chairman in 1990, a post he still holds to this day.

    He has a reputation for fairness, respect for others, and a sincere desire to eliminate hunger in his community. The latter led to the formation of the first Soup Bowl in 1982, which has grown over the years. He was also a founding partner of Operation Warm Up, providing shelter for the homeless in inclement weather, as well as the first hospice for our area. His fingerprints on our community help us to remember that the most noble of all work is that done for those who cannot do for themselves.

To choose a Staff member to display below, click the header at the top of the page, then "Header" at the top of the left sidebar, then choose a Staff member.
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Questions?

Please reach out to

Alicia Gregory

Senior Director of Programs and Operations

(205) 391-0561

alicia@westalabamachamber.com

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