By Sam Prickett Frank Brocato’s first year as mayor of Hoover coincided with the city’s 50th anniversary, and Brocato spent most of that milestone year, he said, refining and implementing a vision for what the city’s next half-century will look like. Brocato was elected mayor in August 2016 with 52 percent of the vote, beating out incumbent Gary Ivey and challenger Steve … [Read more...]
You Can’t Get Around: Hoover Long-Time Hoover Chamber Leader Reflects on 22 Years of Growth
By Sam PrickettHoover Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Powell has seen the city and the chamber grow “quite a bit” during his 22 years in that position. “We’ve quadrupled our membership since I’ve been here,” Powell said of the chamber, which during his tenure expanded from roughly 300 members to 1,200. Part of that, he jokes, is due to the chamber’s … [Read more...]
Going Native: City of Hoover Partners With App to Promote Shopping Local
By Emily Williams Smartphones and tablets keep the internet almost always within reach, making it easier than ever to shop. But the shift toward e-commerce has drawn consumers away from local small businesses. When sales drop and local businesses close, it isn’t just the owner and employees who suffer; the city loses tax dollars the store would have generated. Those tax … [Read more...]
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer Speaks to Chamber
By Kaitlin CandelariaHoover merchants gathered Oct. 15 to hear U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer speak at the monthly chamber of commerce meeting at the Hyatt Regency-Wynfrey Hotel. Palmer was elected as the representative for Alabama’s sixth congressional district in 2014. He is a Hoover resident. Palmer spoke at length about his work in Congress. He sits on the budget … [Read more...]
Mike’s Message: Royer Brings Laughter, Tears to Hoover Chamber Luncheon
By Kaitlin Candelaria Mike Royer brought on laughter and tears at this month’s Hoover Chamber Luncheon, at which he was the featured speaker. Royer, a prolific Birmingham newscaster, left his position at NBC 13 in June. He is now honoring the six-month no-compete clause of his contract, during which he is fulfilling speaking engagements. Although Royer has said not to rule … [Read more...]