Ashley McMakin, founder and chief executive officer of Ashley Mac’s, has been named Alabama’s Gold Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category, according to a press release from the Alabama Retail Association.The fast-casual café, catering and gourmet-to-go business with five Birmingham-area locations is one of 11 businesses being … [Read more...]

Blessed Brokenness has changed its name to Carrywell and launched Carrywell Groups and Grants. The faith-based organization supports women and couples struggling with infertility by offering support groups and financial assistance for medical treatments. Support groups meet weekly for about 10 weeks. Registration for sessions beginning in September and … [Read more...]

Samford University celebrated the renovation of Buchanan Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 1.School officials, students, faculty and staff, alumni and civic leaders attended the ceremony, which was held on the quad. The university’s marching band and A Cappella Choir performed for those gathered.The 15-month renovation transformed Buchanan Hall, which has … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiSome type of health care facility could be in the Riverchase Galleria’s future, as Hoover city officials look into redevelopment of the largest enclosed mall in Alabama and the adjacent Patton Creek shopping center. The city’s Health Care Authority has hired an attorney with expertise in the health care industry to prepare the paperwork for a … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiIn its 81 years, the Homewood Public Library has had just seven directors, with Judith Wright as its newest leader. “It’s an all-encompassing position. There are a lot of things you don’t learn about when you’re in library school,” Wright said, such as dealing with bills, and the painting and carpeting that are components of the library’s upcoming … [Read more...]