Greene County Democrat

Tag: Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Eutaw Chamber of Commerce holds Political Forum for Municipal Candidates

    Special to the Democrat by John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce held a Political Forum on Saturday, August 2nd, on the lawn of the old Greene County Courthouse in Eutaw. The forum was for candidates running in the August 26, 2026’s Eutaw Municipal elections. Over a hundred people turned out to hear the candidate’s views and answers to questions posed by the voters.
    All three candidates for Mayor of Eutaw, incumbent Latasha Johnson, Corey Cockrell and Tyrone Atkins were present. Most of the candidates for Eutaw City Council in Districts 1 to 5 were also in attendance to give their platform and views.
    Mayor Latasha Johnson, in her opening comments said, “ I love the City of Eutaw, and I have lived here all of my life. I have worked as Mayor for unity and progress. When I came into office in November 2022, the city’s finances were in bad shape. With help from a financial advisor, we developed a budget and began regular annual audits. We borrowed $500,000 for needed vehicles and equipment. That loan will be paid in full in September and we can borrow funds again for equipment and road maintenance which are needed.”
    Johnson, continued, “ We have received $9 million in state and Federal grants, with no matching requirements, based on our audits and financial system, to upgrade our water and sewer system, along with Boligee. We also received grant funding from the state to re-pave Highway 14 coming into the city and for the TAP- Streetscape project for sidewalks around the old Courthouse Square.”
    Corey Cockrell, who is currently a County Commissioner for District 3, said “I am the best candidate for Mayor based on my work on the County Commission and in community.” Cockrell, who is also a full time teacher and head football coach at Eutaw High School, passed out a sheet showing $19 million in road work projects the Commission got funded during his tenure on the County Commission.
    Cockrell said he was hardworking holding community events and cock-outs in the community to listen to the voters. He said, ‘I will promote jobs and housing for people in the city; and I will correct the financial problems of the city by getting more grants and revenues.”
    Tyrone Atkins, the third candidate for Mayor said, “ Not much has changed in Eutaw since 1995. Too many empty storefronts downtown. The city officials are not dealing with the everyday problems of people in finding jobs, shopping at one grocery store with high prices and lacking recreation for the children and young people. That is why young people are leaving Eutaw, as soon as they graduate high school and not coming back.”
    There was also a spirited debate among the candidates for Eutaw City Council positions. Tracey Hunter, incumbent candidate in District 3, is unopposed. She spoke briefly about her intentions to continue serving and developing more programs for youth in the community.
    Two candidates for District 1, Ke’Undra Cox and incumbent Valarie Watkins, both spoke and answered questions. Watkins said, “I am not going to make a lot of promises. I am running on my platform of honesty, integrity and transparency. I have helped to deal with an abandoned house on Roebuck and other places around the city. I have pushed for speed bumps for the safety of children in the neighborhoods. I want to cure some of the financial problems of the city. We have too many people paying their water bills late. We have too many city workers for our budget.”
    Cox said, “ I have returned to Eutaw after six years in the Air Force learning leadership skills. I am one of the youngest people running and I want to bring the perspective of young people to the Council. We have the potential to do better, and I want to help the city to serve young people so they will not move away but stay here to live and work.”
    In District 2, incumbent Jonathan Woodruff Jr. and Maurice Walton were present, Charles Naylor, Jr. was in the hospital and could not attend. Woodruff said, “ I will continue to work to improve infrastructure. I will work with a servant spirit and represent my district as well as the entire city. I will work to keep us within our financial commitments in the budget. Walton said, “I will work as a team member with the other council members and the mayor to make Eutaw a better city for all of its citizens. I will work to expand recreational opportunities for youth, beatification and improvement of our city, and recruiting new businesses and jobs.”
    In District 4, incumbent Larrie Coleman was not present because of a previous commitment. Sarah D. Brewer stated, “ I want to improve the infrastructure – too many potholes and exposed culverts; we need to fix the water system – water pressure is low, and the quality of water is often undrinkable. We need to be transparent with the finances, have regular audits and cooperation among the mayor and the council members.” In answer to questions on her vision for the city, she said, “ Build it and they will come, referring to infrastructure development.”
    Lorenzo French, another candidate for District 4, said” I will work to restore trust and accountability in the city council. I will work for more civic engagement by all people. Having worked at the Robert H. Young Community Center, I know the needs for more activities for our youth. You must love the place you live in – and I love Eutaw.”
    In District 5, the incumbent Suzette Powell, was absent due to a prior family commitment with her grandchildren. Carrie Logan, the only White candidate for City Council, and other candidate for District 5, said, “I have lived in Eutaw for the past thirty years and have volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce, my church, the Garden Club and others to improve the image of the city. We must improve our infrastructure and work with other governmental agencies, such as the County Commission and Industrial Development Authority to make things better for all.”
    The election is less than three weeks away, on Tuesday, August 26,2025. If a runoff is needed, in races where one candidate does not get a majority (50% or more) of the vote, it will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd. The last day to register to vote for the August 26th election is August 19, 2025. Absentee voting is going on now until August 19, 2025, to get a mail ballot or walk-in to vote. For more information, contact the city election managers, at City Hall, phone 205-372-4212.

  • Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes citizens and volunteers at annual banquet

    L to R : Corey Martin, Miriam Leftwich, Hodges Smith, Dr.Carol P. Zippert and Carrie Logan, Director of the Chamber. Smith, Martin and Zippert were honored as citizens of the year. Leftwich and Ralph Liverman (not shown) were honored for volunteer of the year.

    March 30, 2023. At Thursday night’s banquet, the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce honored citizens and volunteers of the year. Vaughn Poe, Greene County resident and Director of the Alabama Real Estate Commission in Montgomery was keynote speaker.

     

     

  • Christmas Parade

    NOTICE

    The Annual Christmas Parade in Eutaw, AL, sponsored by the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce will not be held this year, due to the coronavirus.  The Eutaw parade is usually held the first Thursday in December, and involves the entire Greene County community.  Chamber President, Ms. Beverly Gordon is asking the municipalities, local businesses, service agencies and residents to continue to display holiday decorations to lift and share the spirit of the season.

  • Eutaw Chamber hosts annual Christmas Parade and other holiday activities

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 4:40 p.m. in downtown Eutaw. This year’s theme: It’s Christmas, was selected to inspire parade participants to be truly creative in decorating the floats. Former Greene County Probate Judge, Earlean Isaac, served as the 2019 Christmas Parade Chairperson.
    The Christmas Parade Grand Marshals were Jeff Klug, store manager of LOVE’S Truck Stop, Lovie Burrell Parks of the Greene County Extension Office and the Eutaw Garden Club. Eutaw Mayor Raymond Steele is Honorary Grand Marshal.
    The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony followed the Christmas Parade. With performances by children from Eutaw Primary and the GCHS Choir.
    Business owners were encouraged to decorate their storefronts for this festive occasion.
    Approximately 61 participants with floats or decorated vehicles constituted this year’s parade. Local officials, businesses and organizations participating in the parade along with the horse riders closed out the parade.
    Ms. Beverly Gordon, President of the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce, commended Judge Isaac, the Christmas Committee volunteers, and the Eutaw Garden Club for coming together to make this a great success. Toney Nixon and Pastor Joe Webb produced the music. Numerous businesses decorated their store fronts to Let Their Light Shine. Iris Sermon served as coordinator with the parade line up.
    The Chamber’s office was transformed into Santa’s Workshop by Banks and Company’s Holiday Window Designer, Leigh Davidson. Attorney Joshua Sword served as Santa at Santa’s Workshop. Lovie Parks with the Extension Service donated over 150 gifts to children.
    The Chamber and the Eutaw Garden Club will host the Christmas Coffee Shop at Ruby’ throughout the month of December on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. from 7:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Coffee Shop, which opened on December 5th, is sponsored by Greenetrack, Inc.
    Baseball Country will close out the holiday festivities with Christmas Eve on the Square. Christmas Eve on the Square will take place on December 24 from 9 a.m. until 11.am. On December 23, 2019 Children may sign up and wear their pajamas to hear Santa read Twas the Night Before Christmas located at the Coffee Shop. Milk and cookies for a $1.
    It will be a fun time for all. For additional information, please contact Phillis Belcher at 205-372-9769.
    Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Gordan would like to thank everyone for coming together and making this years annual Christmas parade and tree Lighting ceremony a joyous occasion, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Properous New Year.
    Former Probate Judge Earlean Isaac would also like to thank the participants for they support.

  • Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce presents awards at Sue Vance Memorial Dinner

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards at its annual membership meeting and Sue Vance Memorial Dinner on Thursday, March 21, 2019, held at the LAW Center. Among the award recipients were: (L to R) Rev. Christopher Spencer, Pastor of St. Matthew Watson Baptist Church for Religion, Mayor Raymond Steele of Eutaw for Government, Dr. Marcia Pugh, CEO of Greene County Health System for Health Care, Dr. Carol and John Zippert, Co-Publishers of the Greene County Democrat for Communications, Beverly Gordon, Chamber President, Dan Williams, WestRock Paper Co. for Business, Nancy Cole for Education, District Judge Lillie Jones Osborne for Community Service, Delphine McKenzie for the Sue Vance Service Award. Not shown Luther ‘Nat’ Winn, Greenetrack for the Leadership Award. Before a delicious dinner of Italian food specialties, the group heard an inspirational address by Attorney John Stamps III of the Black Belt Law Center in Bessemer, Alabama, who also co-sponsored the event.

  • Annual Christmas parade draws large crowd; heightens holiday spirit

    The annual Christmas Parade for Greene County, sponsored by the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce, was held Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, with the Greene County Baptist District Association’s float winning 1st place. Lighthouse Christian School’s float won 2nd place and the Warrior Academy float won 3rd place. All winners receive ribbons designating their places.
    Eutaw Mayor Raymond Steele served as Grand Marshall. This year’s theme, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas featured the Old Courthouse Square in the center of town beautifully adorned in Christmas and holiday decor.
    Other local officials participating in the parade included District Judge Lillie Osborne with her youth group SPOT (Strategically Preparing Our Teens) and Retire Probate Judge Earlean Isaac.
    Local businesses and organizations sponsoring floats included; Young People Alliance Organization (YPAO); Debutantes sponsored by Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the Eutaw City Fire Department with Santa on board; Dr. Warren Burke and Mrs. Brenda Burke in horse-pulled buggy; Christian Lighthouse School; with the horse riders closing out the parade.
    Following the lighting of the Christmas tree many joined in singing Christmas Carols on the square. The featured groups were Eutaw Primary School students and the Greene County High School Choir.
    Special holiday greetings were shared by Greene County School Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter, Sr. and Eutaw Mayor Raymond Steele.
    Mr. James Lewis, President of the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce, along with a committee of Chamber members and other volunteers organized the Christmas Parade and related events. Numerous businesses decorated their store fronts lifting that old saying: Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
    An exceptionally large crowd was out to view the festivities and purchase snacks from the vendors.