Chamber Holds Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting Event for New Facility

Joint event with Regions Bank commemorates West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center and new banking center

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony with Regions Bank Tuesday, May 18, to celebrate the grand opening of the West Alabama Workforce and Community Center, as well as Regions' new downtown branch. Located in adjoining spaces at 2222 9th Street and 800 22nd Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa, respectively, the facilities mark a partnership expected to make impacts on the West Alabama region.

Regions Bank sold the Ninth Street property, the bank's longtime home, to the Chamber at price below market value for the purpose of realizing the vision of creating a regional workforce development, economic, and community development center.

Phase one of the renovation project is complete, and partners that include Camgian Microsystems, Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County, and the Junior League of Tuscaloosa have joined the Chamber and West Alabama Works in the facility.

Just east of the center the new Regions branch features the latest in modern banking technology and personalized service. “Today, we are doing more than cutting a ribbon to open a new bank branch and a new workforce development center. Today represents significant new investments in the local economy that will impact our community and businesses in West Alabama for years to come,” said Elizabeth Winter, Tuscaloosa market executive for Regions Bank. “We know the improved functionality and look of our new, state-of-the-art branch will provide a pleasant and efficient banking experience for our customers. And we are honored that the Chamber is repurposing our former home around the corner to support more business expansion and job opportunities throughout the area.”

Read more about the center here.