Navigating Breast Health: Why a Personalized Screening Plan Is Needed
Gadsden, AL – (September 29, 2026) – With varying news reports about breast cancer screening, many women are left wondering: When should I actually start? The team at Gadsden Regional Medical Center is encouraging women to work with their physician to develop a personalized roadmap for breast health. The consensus among breast imaging experts at Gadsden Regional remains clear: early detection is the single most effective tool for survival. However, the screening schedule isn't always the same for
Gadsden State receives $200,000 Home Depot Retool Your School grant for Valley Street Campus
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College has been awarded a $200,000 Campus Improvement Grant through The Home Depot’s Retool Your School program to support facility improvements at the Valley Street Campus. Gadsden State was announced as one of 10 institutions selected to receive a 2026 Campus Improvement Grant. The funding will be used to expand and modernize facilities supporting the Dental Assisting program at the Valley Street Campus.“We are incredibly grateful to The Home Depot and the Retool
2026 ACCS/AAMA Open Scholarship Applications for Automotive Manufacturing Programs
Gadsden, Ala. – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) are offering $400,000 in scholarships for Alabama residents interested in pursuing careers in the state's automotive manufacturing industry. Applications for the scholarships, which are capped at $4,000, are now open to students enrolled in an eligible program at an Alabama community college. The scholarships will cover tuition, books, and fees for the 2027 spring, summer, or fall
Gadsden State Echocardiography Certificate Program helps sonographers advance their careers
Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College is offering current sonographers an opportunity to expand their skills and career options through the Echocardiography Certificate Program at the Valley Street Campus.The 21-credit-hour short-term certificate is designed for sonographers who want to gain specialized training in echocardiography, which uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the heart and assist healthcare providers in evaluating cardiovascular conditions. The program is offered
Recovery Is Here event coming to Gadsden State Sept. 22
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College will host Recovery Is Here, a community event connecting individuals with recovery resources, education and support, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Wallace Drive Campus.The event is free and open to the public, including Gadsden State students, faculty and staff, and will be held in Helderman Hall Auditorium, located on the Wallace Drive Campus at 1001 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, AL 35903.Recovery Is Here is part of a statewide initiative
Gadsden State and City of Centre to Sign Memorandum of Understanding Strengthening Public Safety Par
Centre, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College and the City of Centre will formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding at 9 a.m. Sept. 23 in the front lobby of the Academic Building on the Gadsden State Cherokee campus.The agreement will strengthen cooperation between the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department and the Centre Police Department. It establishes a framework for the departments to combine personnel, equipment and other available resources when additional public safety support is
Gadsden Regional to Host 3rd Annual Brake for Breakfast to Promote Breast Cancer Screening
Gadsden, AL (September 21st, 2026)— Gadsden Regional Medical Center will host its 3rd Annual Brake for Breakfast on Thursday, October 1st, from 7-9 AM at Gadsden Regional Imaging, located at 3502 Rainbow Drive in Rainbow City, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Community members are invited to stop in, pick up breakfast, women’s health information, and a pink gift while learning more about the importance of routine mammograms and early detection. Gadsden Regional is partnering with Never
Gadsden State alumnus Dalton Hamby takes journey from community college classroom to ‘The Amazing Ra
Gadsden, Ala. – For Dalton Hamby, the journey from a Gadsden State Community College classroom to a nationally televised reality competition is one he never could have imagined when he was a high school student trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life.A Weaver, Alabama, native and 2020 Gadsden State graduate, Dalton is now a professional videographer and co-owner of Dhamby Productions with his fiancée, Daisha Wilks. The couple creates video content for businesses, weddings, organizations and
Gadsden State Police and Public Safety to Host Free Annual Civilian Firearms Class
Gadsden, Ala. – The Gadsden State Community College Police and Public Safety Department will host its annual Civilian Firearms Class on Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus. The free training is open to individuals 18 and older and is designed to increase participants’ confidence in firearm handling while providing instruction in firearm safety, self-defense and situational awareness.“At Gadsden State, we are dedicated to empowering our
Is Your Business Phone System Keeping Up With 911 Requirements?
Business phone systems have changed dramatically over the years, and so have the requirements surrounding emergency calling. Two important federal measures—Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’S Act—help ensure that people using modern multi-line phone systems can quickly reach 911 and that emergency responders receive useful information about where the caller is located. Kari’s Law generally requires applicable multi-line telephone systems to allow users to dial 911 directly, without first dialing a prefix such as
Etowah Chamber Hosts Workforce Development Summit Focused on Manufacturing Careers and Workforce Growth
The Etowah County business community gathered on May 20, 2026, for the Etowah Update: Workforce Development Summit hosted by the Etowah Chamber at Gadsden State Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center. Sponsored by Gadsden State Community College, the summit brought together community leaders, elected officials, educators, and industry professionals for a candid discussion on the future of workforce development in Etowah County and the growing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing and
Etowah County Leaders in Industry Meet for Workforce Summit
Gadsden, AL – The Etowah Chamber recently hosted The Etowah Update: Workforce Development Summit, presented by Gadsden State Community College, at the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Center. The event brought together educators, industry leaders, and workforce experts for a panel discussion on career opportunities and workforce development in Etowah County and the surrounding region. Gadsden State President Alan Smith opened the summit by emphasizing the college’s commitment to preparing students for
Two Students Awarded Scholarships at Victory 500
Victory Cheer & Tumble proudly awarded two local high school students with scholarships during its annual Victory 500 Cheer Competition, held on October 5, 2025, at the Gadsden State Arena. Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Winners: Amari Ward, Oxford High SchoolAddison Friedberg, Southside High School Each student was awarded a $500 scholarship in recognition of their outstanding applications, highlighting their dedication to academics, leadership, and community involvement. The Victory 500 is
The Salvation Army of Gadsden Opens First Family Unit at Local Shelter
The Salvation Army of Gadsden recently commemorated the opening of its first Family Unit at the shelter, a milestone addition that will provide local families in need with a safe and dignified place to stay. The ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed Lieutenant Fisher, the newly appointed director, along with Miss Oxford Volunteer, Kaitlyn Funk, who joined in celebrating this important step forward for the community. The creation of the Family Unit was made possible through a collaborative effort of community
Etowah Chamber Announces Finalists for 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards
The Etowah Chamber is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Etowah Small Business of the Year Awards, a program that honors outstanding local businesses and organizations making a lasting impact on our community. Finalists were nominated and reviewed based on criteria including business growth, community involvement, customer service, and innovation. Winners will be announced at the Etowah Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, where each finalist will be recognized with a bronze, silver, or
Leadership Begins with Awareness - Announcing Professional Leadership Academy 2026 (PLA)
*By Richard E. Mobley, Guest Columnist, PLA Facilitator – The Seven Four Group | Be Far More! Over the years, I've coached hundreds of professionals who’ve all asked some version of the same question: How can I become the kind of leader others want to follow?The answer begins with one principle: awareness. Before you can lead others, you must first understand yourself—your values, your habits, your blind spots, and your strengths. That’s the foundation of meaningful leadership. It’s also why I’m honored
Women's Health Physicians & Surgeons Celebrates Grand Opening
Gadsden, AL – The Etowah Chamber was excited to welcome Gadsden Women’s Health Physicians & Surgeons to the community with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. The clinic, which also has a location in Anniston, opened in Gadsden to better serve patients who travel for specialized women’s healthcare. Led by Dr. Ricky Patel, a board-certified OBGYN trained in both general OBGYN and Advanced Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, the practice offers high-quality care for women of all ages. Dr.
Gadsden to Unveil New Popeye Sign
Gadsden, AL – The Etowah Chamber is excited to join Coosa Riverkeeper and the community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marker installation honoring Tom Sims, the comic artist who continued the legacy of Popeye the Sailor Man. The event will take place on October 15 at 12:00 p.m. at Jack L. Ray Park in Gadsden, located near the boat ramp and dock. Tom Sims took over creating and writing Popeye stories following the death of the original creator in 1938. According to historian Beverly Crider, author of
Indoor Playground in Glencoe is SO much fun!
GLENCOE, AL. – Etowah Chamber is thrilled to welcome The Confetti Collective to Glencoe with a celebratory ribbon cutting! This new indoor playground offers a fun and safe space for children ages eight and under to play, explore, and celebrate. Owned by Skyler Evans, who also operates Balloons by Sky, The Confetti Collective provides a colorful and interactive environment designed to spark imagination and active play. Young visitors can run through a pit of confetti shapes, climb ramps, navigate slides,
Gadsden hosts largest event for women in Northeast Alabama
GADSDEN, AL – September 25, 2025 – The Etowah Chamber proudly hosted the 10th anniversary of Advancing Women to the Top: A Perfect 10 at The Venue at Coosa Landing, bringing together more than 350 professional women from across Northeast Alabama and beyond for a day of leadership, connection, and inspiration. This milestone event, one of the largest gatherings for women in the region, shined a spotlight on Etowah County as a hub for professional growth and community leadership. Attendees enjoyed
Beautiful Renovations and Rebrand for Thomson Health Insurance Advisors
GADSDEN, AL – The Etowah Chamber proudly joined Thomson Health Insurance Advisors (THIA) for a ribbon cutting and open house celebrating their newly renovated office and refreshed brand at 601 South 5th Street inside The Professional Workplace on Fifth. The event marked a major milestone for THIA, a family-focused business led by Lacy and Marcus Thomson, who have guided hundreds of clients through the Medicare process with care and expertise. While the team now welcomes guests into a beautifully updated
Candie Factory Opens in Downtown Gadsden!
GADSDEN, AL. – The Etowah Chamber was delighted to host the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for The Candie Factory Bakery & Brew House, owned by Ceandra James, at 546 Broad Street, Suite A in Downtown Gadsden. The celebration was extra special as it coincided with Ceandra’s 45th birthday, making the event a true milestone for both the business and its owner. Founded in 2009, The Candie Factory is a family-owned specialty shop offering fresh-baked gourmet cookies, pastries, and sweet treats
Riverview Celebrates Opening of Riverview Pulmonology Associates
Gadsden, AL – The Etowah Chamber was excited to join Riverview Regional Medical Center and the local community in celebrating the grand opening of Riverview Pulmonology Associates. The practice, led by Dr. Sikander Zulqarnain, provides specialized care for conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. Pulmonology focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases that impact breathing, including chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea,
This Attalla Business hosted Customer Appreciation Day
Attalla, AL – The Etowah Chamber was thrilled to join Giles & Bobo Insurance Group – Alfa Insurance for a ribbon cutting and Customer Appreciation Day in Attalla. Agent-owners Sy Giles and Hollie Bobo welcomed the community to celebrate their new office and share their commitment to providing personalized insurance solutions. The team at Giles & Bobo Insurance Group offers coverage for home, auto, health, and life, helping individuals and families protect what matters most. Guests enjoyed a festive
The Most Perfect New Home Store in Rainbow City
RAINBOW CITY, AL – The Etowah Chamber was proud to welcome Gracevines, a brand-new retail destination, to Rainbow City with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Owned and curated by Leann, Gracevines officially launched in September 2025 and offers a thoughtfully handpicked collection of items to style and refresh any space. Shoppers will find an array of floral arrangements, garden accents, gifts, and home décor—all chosen to help customers create beautiful, inviting environments. “Gracevines was created to be
New innovation at Alabama Cancer Care is a first for the State
GADSDEN, Ala. – Etowah Chamber is proud to recognize Alabama Cancer Care of Gadsden for expanding its services beyond oncology and hematology to include state-of-the-art Alzheimer’s care and support. This innovative approach positions Gadsden as the first location in Alabama to offer early, highly accurate Alzheimer’s detection with advanced imaging technology. Alabama Cancer Care of Gadsden is now using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans with Vizamyl, an FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical that binds
Leaders weigh in on the State of Healthcare in Etowah
GADSDEN, AL - The Etowah Chamber hosted its first-ever Etowah Update: Healthcare Summit at Gadsden State Community College on August 20th, 2025 bringing together leaders in healthcare, higher education, and workforce development to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of local care. Chamber President & CEO Philip Hall opened the program by thanking sponsors and highlighting the Chamber’s role in convening leaders around critical issues. Gadsden State President Alan Smith welcomed
The Chill Spot of Attalla Celebrates BIG for One Year
ATTALLA, AL - Etowah Chamber, along with the City of Attalla, recently joined The Chill Spot to celebrate its one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting and community event. Since opening in 2023, The Chill Spot has quickly become a local favorite for sweet treats, offering ice cream, shaved ice, brownie sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, and more. In addition to its shop on 5th Avenue, The Chill Spot also operates a mobile snow cone truck, serving events throughout the community. At the celebration,
New Therapists in Downtown Gadsden
GADSDEN, AL - The Etowah Chamber proudly welcomed Buckner Morgan Therapy with a ribbon cutting ceremony at their new location in downtown Gadsden. Buckner Morgan Therapy is a women-owned psychotherapy practice serving both children and adults through a wide range of mental health services. Licensed therapists Bree Buckner, LPC and T. Michelle Morgan, LICSW, MSW bring more than 15 years of combined experience, offering individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Their specialized services include
LilyPad Represents State of Alabama at Mid America floral Cup Competition
GADSDEN, Ala. — Shannon Rollins, owner of The Lily Pad Florist in Gadsden, has been selected to represent the State of Alabama at the upcoming Mid America Cup floral competition in Arkansas, one of the industry’s most prestigious events. Rollins has been crafting floral arrangements for more than 20 years, building a reputation for artistry that doesn’t just fill a room, but transforms it. Since opening The Lily Pad Florist in 2014, she has been named “Best Florist” year after year and has become a
City of Gadsden Unveils Phase 4 Expansion of Gadsden Sports Park and Teases New Additions
The City of Gadsden marked another milestone in its commitment to recreation and community growth with the unveiling of Phase 4 of the Gadsden Sports Park. Local leaders, city officials, and members of the construction and parks teams gathered to celebrate the newest additions to the facility. This exciting new phase includes two brand-new turf baseball fields, new soccer practice fields, a modern concession stand, a tournament office, and expanded pickleball courts. The improvements are designed to
Smokeneck Farm and Garden celebrates 4th anniversary
SOUTHSIDE, AL — Smokeneck Farm & Garden/General Store marked its fourth anniversary on Saturday, July 19, with a celebration featuring food trucks, local small businesses, and plenty of the laid-back, friendly atmosphere the store is known for. Opened in July 2021 by George and Patsy Illif, Smokeneck Farm & Garden set out to be more than just another store. From day one, the goal was to create a place where customers feel like family. “When Patsy and I decided to open Smokeneck Farm & Garden, we wanted
Rodney Austin of Gadsden Warehousing honored for 50 years of service
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden Warehousing Inc., a trusted name in warehousing, logistics, and distribution services, is celebrating an impressive milestone: 50 years in business. Owner Rodney Austin was recently honored with a surprise celebration at the historic Pitman Theatre in downtown Gadsden. Hosted by his family, the event recognized his decades of leadership, the company’s contributions to the region, and the strong relationships built with customers and community partners over the years. Founded in
