2018 Montgomery Drive-In Sets Record
February 13, 2018
More than 90 Chamber members from a range of industries and occupations traveled to the state capitol February 7 and 8 to meet with elected officials for the annual Montgomery Drive-In.
Tackling a variety of topics, the delegation, which included members of the 2018 Leadership Tuscaloosa class, also attended the Business Council of Alabama's Legislative Reception, where they networked with officials from across the state.
The event kicked off with a luncheon at the Capital City Club, where Rep. Bill Poole was the featured speaker. The group then met at the Alabama State Capitol, where they engaged in a discussion on healthcare with Department of Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear and Sen. Greg Reed.
A budget reform discussion with Department of Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett, Rep. Kyle South and Rep. Rich Wingo followed.
Day two began with an election overview with Secretary of State John Merrill, who also spoke of his office's push for statewide voter registration.
At the State House, attendees joined Department of Commerce Deputy Director Ed Castile, Governor's Office of Minority Affairs Director Nichelle Nix and Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington for a discussion on workforce development. After observing the legislature in action in the House and Senate Galleries, the delegation joined Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn and Attorney General Steve Marshall for a policy discussion on prison reform.
The two-day event wrapped up with a luncheon featuring Governor Kay Ivey at the RSA Plaza Terrace.