Embark on a journey learn how Fort Payne City Schools identified a critical need for mental health support and strategically utilized Kayla Magbie to establish and define the role of mental health coordinator. Explore the innovative approach taken by the school system to integrate mental health services, from recognizing gaps in student support to …

Our latest podcast episode is a game-changer for the future of our community! We unravel the story behind the Senior Year Collective, a groundbreaking program that's reshaping the way high school seniors connect with their community and future careers. Tune in as Jennifer and Stephen discuss the long-term benefits for businesses participating in th…

In this episode of Business is Booming, Jennifer McCurdy and Stephen V. Smith have a conversation about the inner workings of community growth. From identifying 'leakages' to the role of investors, they delve into the efforts that create an inviting and thriving environment for small businesses. Discover the partnership between the city, local busi…

Listen in to this episode with Kerry Wright, NACC's Dean of Workforce Development. You'll gain insight into how community colleges are driving change in workforce development, meeting industry needs, and preparing individuals for high-demand, high-wage careers. Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of education, industry, and economic prog…

In this episode of "Business is Booming," host Jennifer McCurdy sits down with Brian Jett, the superintendent of the Fort Payne City School Systems, to discuss the exciting developments and initiatives in the local education system. They delve into the extensive growth and transformation of the school facilities, with a particular focus on the crea…

In this episode of the podcast "Business is Booming," host Jennifer McCurdy, the director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, engages in a conversation with Mike Shirey, the general manager of Fort Payne Improvement Authority. He shares how the collaboration between public organizations, strategic planning, and grant funds led to the successful …

In this episode of the Business is Booming podcast, Jennifer McCurdy with the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce welcomes Alan Kilgo, a former board president and a proactive member of the community. Jennifer highlights Alan's ability to take action and get things done, making him a valuable asset. She invites Alan to share his insights on why he serve…

In this episode of the Business is Booming podcast, Jennifer McCurdy interviews Darlene Rotch, the founder of Boomtown Makers Market. Jennifer emphasizes the significance of highlighting individuals who drive the local economy and contribute to the community's growth. She explains her personal interest in Boomtown Makers Market, as it aligns with t…

In this episode, Jennifer McCurdy is joined by Stephen Smith who shares his vision for Mental Health Awareness Month focusing on practical tips for small business owners. He challenges perspectives and offers actionable insights for a healthier approach to entrepreneurship. Smith emphasizes that the purpose of these efforts extends beyond productiv…

John Dersham with the DeKalb County Tourism Association shares his insights on the economic benefits of tourism as well as what makes this region such a great tourist destination.By Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

This episode touches on the negative impact the "hub and spoke" mindset can have on a business when you take on too much work yourself, or have trouble handing over projects to your employees. Learn steps to break the cycle, empower your team through delegation, and improve your business and quality of life. This is Part Three of our special Small …

Local real estate developer Jerry Clifton joins the podcast today to talk about the importance of investing in the community by helping to bring more to our residents and visitors. Clifton touched on the switch to investing in commercial businesses and the historical preservation taking place in downtown Fort Payne. Listen now to learn more about C…

This is Part Two of our special Small Business Success Series inside the Business Is Booming podcast. This series looks at some of the challenges small business owners face, examines current trends, and discusses ideas owners can put to work to improve their companies. The series is hosted by Chamber Executive Director Jennifer McCurdy, with guest …

This is Part One of our special Small Business Success Series inside the Business Is Booming podcast. This series looks at some of the challenges small business owners face, examines current trends, and discusses ideas owners can put to work to improve their companies. The series is hosted by Chamber Executive Director Jennifer McCurdy, with guest …

Jennifer sits down with Ken Grissom of Jacksonville State University's Small Business Development Center to talk "all things small business." Grissom emphasizes the importance of our small businesses and breaks down the free services available to them.By Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

Fort Payne Times-Journal Publisher Steven Stiefel brings to light the role newspapers still serve in communities today as the area's storyteller and ways to stay involved in the growth and happenings in and around Fort Payne.By Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

Silvia Hernandez, owner of GO PLAY Therapy in Fort Payne, sits down with Chamber Director Jennifer McCurdy to look back at her early beginnings as a small business owner and the personal stories that led her to opening a practice specializing in pediatric occupational and speech therapies. The two also look at ways business owners can serve and pra…

Mainstreet Alabama president Mary Wirth sits down with Jennifer McCurdy to look back at the strides the organization has made in Fort Payne in recent years, while looking to more growth in the future.By Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine visits with Jennifer McCurdy to discuss the progress being here and the many reasons business is booming in this Northeast Alabama city.By Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

Logan LeGrande, Founder and Director of Marked For Life Ministries, visits with Jennifer McCurdy to talk about bringing hope to people throughout the Fort Payne area.By Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

Brandi Lyles is the Executive Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, for Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative. She joins host Jennifer McCurdy to kick off "Business Is Booming," the new podcast from the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. The two discuss the important role of broadband in our society, and the work FTC is doing to ensure ever…

By Alabama Pioneers

By Alabama Pioneers

Today's story is about some people who were here before 1819 ---Alabama's first people, the Native Americans. Written history on Alabama's Native Americans is limited because they only had mostly oral history --- handed down for generations. Become a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com…

The unique thing about Blue Springs Park is that old-timers will tell you that the spring first appeared north of the highway approximately 300 yards from the present site. They said that the spring suddenly dried up and reappeared just south of the highway at the west end of Choctawhatchee river bridge. The question is why? Become a part of our co…

A short (approximately 30 minute) drive on Highway 10 in southeast, Alabama from Clio in Barbour County to Abbeville in neighboring Henry County, takes, you through three historic sites; the birthplace of Gov. George Wallace, a famous spring that has moved twice and a childhood home of Rosa Parks. If you travel a little further within Barbour Count…

Entrepreneurship among women must have been strong in early 1900s in Alabama. We had a previous podcast on the Birmingham, Alabama woman who invented the windshield wiper now one who invented the Alabama indestructible doll. ......During its peak, a doll factory in Roanoke, Alabama, operated by a woman, produced ten thousand of her dolls each year.…

The town of Elberta in Baldwin County, Alabama was settled in 1904 by German pioneers. Today, the small town is also known for DINOSAURS IN THE WOODS, a collection of dinosaurs created by Mark Cline. an artist who also created Bamahenge and other sculptures in the area. In 1938 a WPA writer wrote about the unique history of this historic town. Elbe…

There is a small, remote, community of Gees Bend where hundreds of quilt masterpieces date from the early twentieth century. The quilts of Gee's Bend have been created by the African American women and their ancestors in the community of Gee's Bend along the Alabama River in Wilcox County. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers c…

Early on the morning on March 15, 1926, the town of Hartselle in Morgan County, Alabama was held hostage for almost four hours while “thieves stripped the bank of all its cash and gold and some silver coins.” The robbers were never caught. Hartselle Depot Days Festival Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabam…

The war had liberated nearly four million slaves and destroyed the region's cities, towns, and plantation-based economy. It left former slaves and many whites dislocated from their homes, facing starvation, and owning only the clothes they wore. The challenge of establishing a new social order, founded on freedom and racial equality, was enormous. …

Alabama is home to one of the densest concentrations of ancient Native American monumental architecture in all of North America. And there are hundreds of Native American mound sites across Alabama, most of which lie hidden away in forests and fields. Choccolocco Valley, Alabama – some historic sites destroyed https://alabamamoundtrail.org/ Alabama…

In the early days of Alabama, it was like the wild west, and one thing that was often explosive was political fever. Many people were vying for positions of governing the State. It was especially controversial between the old Whig and Democratic parties. Political fever was so high that a man would not vote for a personal friend or brother if they …

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families as part of the New Deal. Originally for young men ages 18–23, it was eventually expanded to young men ages 17–28. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers com…

Sheffield, city of Senators and home to history has a historic village laid out in the form of a liberty bell, we discuss the history and how it all came about in this episode. WC Handy Music Festival Google maps link to see the bell Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com…

Old St. Stephens was the capital of the Alabama Territory. The ruins of the former capital now lie across the river above Jackson, yet the city was probably the largest in the state in early days. There are actually two St. Stephens, the Territory's capital called Old St. Stephens and new St. Stephen which are only a few miles apart. Be a part of o…

Fountain Heights is one of Birmingham's historic neighborhoods and was home to some of Birmingham's most prominent business leaders, the city's first permanent weather station, and the start of WBRC and St. Vincent's Hospital. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com…

The struggle for women's voting rights and being allowed to serve on juries was long lasting for the women of Alabama. The struggle lasted longer than people think. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

Did you know that Geronimo was held a prisoner in Mt. Vernon, Alabama? Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

In the 1830s many Native-Americans were divided in their opinions about moving west. Some voluntarily moved with the first treaties, and others delayed in their old homes until forced to remove by the encroachment of white settlers, and the power of the federal government. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@al…

Arley in Winston County, Alabama, is almost completely surrounded by Lewis Smith Lake. Many people have weekend homes in the area, and 357 call it home. This is the story of Arley. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

In the year 1861, when America was beginning the struggle over Civil War issues, a little town, named Utopia, was started about three miles northeast of the present site of Ariton in Dale County, Alabama is today. This is a story of how the unique town of Arition was formed. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@…

Christopher Columbus discovers America in 1492. Some historians are beginning to question this date and a stone found in Alabama in 1817 adds to these doubts. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

Inventor of something we use in our cars every time it rains – invented by woman from Alabama, only to never profit from it. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

A fateful conversation between a white southerner named and a former-slave, named took place in 1880 in the little town of Tuskegee, which was the capital of Macon County in Alabama and it started what became Tuskegee University. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com…

The lyricist of the Alabama State song, Julia Tutwiler was a woman with progressive ideas who contributed much to the education of women and was influential in reforming the penal system in Alabama. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

Trails, paths and even roads in Alabama had a historic path. Roads run quietly through the woods of Alabama but are not often recognized for their history. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

Which city of Alabama was one of the properties on the 1910 version of the board game The Landlord's Game, a precursor of Monopoly? It is the city of Fairhope, originally a single tax town and home of the Jubilee. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com…

University of Alabama was burned a week before the end of the War between the states – probably because it was a military school at the time. Also discussed the University of Alabama Bottle Corps Band. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.comBy Alabama Pioneers

Many people know that Auburn was once called Alabama Polytechnic College at Auburn but they may not know why so I thought I'd share a little history. The idea of Auburn actually began in the town of Glennville, Russell County, Alabama. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com…