Union State Bank celebrates 120 years

A legacy stretching
back more than a century

Story and photos
by Carol Pappas
Submitted photos

When Emily Norris heads to work each day, it’s like returning to a home she never left. She grew up coming to Union State Bank, where her mother worked as a teller.  She held her first job there at age 15. In college, she worked there around her class schedule.

As Union State celebrates its 120th anniversary, Norris is now a vice president and represents a new generation at Union State, continuing the legacy of St. Clair County’s oldest community bank.

“It’s like family,” she said. “My great-great grandparents banked with Union State Bank as far back as the early 1920s, and my mother has worked here for the bank for 40 years, so it means a great deal to carry on the legacy here at Union State Bank.

“Union State hired me when I was in high school. I was able to come to work after I finished my classes for the day.”

After high school at Gadsden State Community College, she continued her work at the bank until graduation magna cum laude with a Business Marketing Degree. She went on to graduate from Alabama Banking School located at the University of South Alabama. “I feel as though I gained so much insight about the banking industry during those years,” she said. After working in the banking field at another institution in Birmingham for a few years, she returned ‘home’ – to Pell City and Union State Bank.

“I have so many fond memories of growing up and coming to this bank as a kid. I have enjoyed learning from and working for Mr. Reed,” she said, referring to Reed Alexander, the bank’s CEO. “I am thankful for the potential he saw in me as a teenager, investing in that potential and allowing me to grow as a banker through the years.

“It has just always been like a family here,” she added, citing a group of encouraging mentors over the years – Wayne Adams, David Jackson, Dorothy Golden and Chuck Truitt. But she credits her mother as her most valued teacher. “She has always instilled a good work ethic and to always have a passion to do my best at whatever I’m doing.”

She has apparently learned her mother’s lessons well, now serving in leadership at the bank she worked in as a teen.

And the bank’s deeply rooted history in the community makes her role even more special, she said. “It is an honor to work for a bank that has such a long history here in Pell City. I love working, living and serving in the community where I was raised. Knowing that you are investing back into your community makes you feel good about what you are doing and the lives you touch through it.”

Union State: A storied History

The year was 1903 when a group of businessmen, led by J. Fall Roberson Sr., joined forces to form a bank to serve future businesses and citizens of Pell City and St. Clair County. It formed under the name of Bank of St. Clair County and today, it is the county’s oldest successful bank – Union State Bank..

Sumter Cogswell, credited with founding Pell City, served as president with directors McLane Tilton, E.J. Mintz, Arthur Draper, J. Fall Roberson of Cropwell, J.H. Moore of Coal City, Frank Lothrop of Riverside, and Lafayette Cooke, the entrepreneur who built the Cook Springs Hotel and for whom Cook Springs is named.

In 1910, the bank received a charter to establish itself as a national bank and changed its name to First National Bank of Pell City.

The original bank was located on the corner of Cogswell Avenue and 20th Street and was built at a cost of $20,000. It was later demolished. The name changed again in 1918 to Union State Bank, and it operates under that name today.

A driving force in the bank’s success was Gloria V. Roberson, who served as chairman and CEO of the bank from 1964 until her death in 1999.

The family would continue in her footsteps. Her nephews, Reed and Rex Alexander, have been at the helm continuing the leadership. Reed Alexander is CEO and board chairman; Rex Alexander is president; Reed Alexander Jr., vice president, lender; David Alexander, vice president, lender; Chris Alexander, vice president, brokerage manager and Drew Alexander, president, Union State Insurance.

A dedicated corporate citizen, Union State has been involved in a number of civic endeavors, most notably providing “seed money” to help create the Pell City Schools Educational Foundation in 1992 and endowing the first “Chair of the Foundation,” which represented a gift of $10,000. The chair was dedicated in 1994.

St. Clair officials attend summit in Japan

Economic development officials from St. Clair County joined others from Southeastern states for the 45th annual SEUS (South East United States)-Japan Conference in Tokyo in October.

St. Clair Economic Development Council Executive Director Don Smith, Director of Industry and Work Force Jason Roberts and Commission Chairman Stan Batemon were part of the Alabama delegation led by Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield.

While there, they met met with the new president of Unipres and discussed ways to assist their expansion of the plant in Steele while networking with the Alabama Department of Commerce and Japanese business owners.  Topics of trade and investment between the two companies were also discussed.

Unipres is preparing for a $10 million expansion with 20-25 jobs.  With over 300 employees, Unipres is one of the county’s largest employers and has invested over $100 million in St. Clair County over the past 10 years.  

Unipres is a leader in metal stamping technology for the automotive sector.  They have dozens of plants worldwide with three of those locations in the Southeast.  They include facilities in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Steele, Alabama.   Founded in 1998, they are celebrating their 25th anniversary.  

“The SEUS-Japan summit is a valuable event for us,” said Smith. “It provides incredible data and networking opportunities as well as creating a base camp for us to visit the top leadership positions making decisions regarding our local Alabama companies.”

Secretary Canfield said the annual SEUS Japan gathering allows members of the Alabama delegation to reinforce bonds that have been established over decades and to explore pathways to future collaborations.

“The long-standing partnership between Japan and Alabama continues to spark economic growth, create opportunity and foster deep friendships,” he said. “That’s why I am looking forward to seeing this relationship blossom for decades to come.”

Today, an estimated 90 Japanese companies have established operations in Alabama, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. The roster of Japanese companies includes global names such as Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Daikin, Rheem and Dai-Ichi Life.

“The impact of Japanese investment in Alabama has been massive,” Canfield said. “Back in 1999, Honda announced plans to open an auto assembly plant in Alabama, and since that milestone, nearly $10 billion in Japanese investment has flowed into the state.”

Christina Stimpson, who serves as director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade, said the commercial ties with Japan have become an increasingly important economic driver for Alabama.

“The Japanese-Alabama relationship is stronger than ever. Not only do we have significant foreign direct investment from Japan, but for the first time ever Alabama exports to Japan last year reached over $1 billion,” Stimpson said.

“This is a 42% increase from 2021 and represents the largest percentage increase among our top trading partners.”

Besides Alabama, the states represented at SEUS-Japan are Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida.

Lakeside Hospice

Mike Aiello Day, ribbon cutting
mark hospice celebration

Volunteers traditionally are at the heart of nonprofit works, often going about their business to little fanfare or notice.

But Lakeside Hospice and a group of supporting partners turned one occasion for celebration into one that lauded one of its most dedicated volunteers – Mike Aiello.

In a surprise recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony of Lakeside Hospice’s new renovations, representatives of the hospice and other groups honored Aiello for his selfless acts of offering a helping hand. It was proclaimed, appropriately, “Mike Aiello Day.”

Honoring Mike Aiello

Aiello has been volunteering at Lakeside Hospice for at least 15 years, said Executive Director Paul Garing. He is a person that sees a need and always shows up to fill it. Whether it’s making sure the pump in the fountain is working properly, tree limbs are cleared or checking doors to ensure they’re locked, “he just shows up and does it,” Garing said. “He does everything for us.”

As others attested, Lakeside Hospice is not the only recipient of his good works. He volunteers with ASPCI, volunteered with and served as director of the Love Pantry food bank, works with buildings and grounds at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and is known for good deeds in his community of Pine Harbor.

Municipal Judge Brandi Hufford read a proclamation declaring it Mike Aiello Day and noted she will be presenting it to the City of Pell City for official designation.

“They all came together in a surprise party to honor him,” Garing said. Photos and newspaper clippings were hung in a display to pay tribute, and representatives of ASPCI, Habitat for Humanity, Our Lady of the Lake, Love Pantry, Pine Harbor Association and of course, Lakeside Hospice spoke about him and his good works..

As part of the day’s festivities, Lakeside Hospice did cut the ribbon on renovations to its building, including new paint, cosmetic additions and landscaping to create an inviting and welcoming environment for staff and patients.

Lakeside Hospice was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit hospice, not only serving patients with Medicare or insurance, but also patients regardless of their ability to pay.

A cornerstone of Lakeside Hospice is its volunteers, who provide direct care, respite care, comfort care programs, general maintenance, accounting and office services.

Aiello would certainly be tops on that list, Garing said. “I’ve never seen anyone as dedicated a volunteer as he is.”

Metro’s Jason Dorough honored

Jason Dorough, president of Metro Bank, was awarded the 2023 Chairman’s Award from the St. Clair County Economic Development Council for his work and support of economic development efforts in St. Clair County.

EDC presented it at its annual event, held this year at The Grill at The Farm near Logan Martin Dam.

Dorough joins a prestigious group of honorees for this award that is given once a year to honor a non-elected person who has shown exemplary support for the organization’s mission to create wealth, increase job growth, and improve the quality of life for St. Clair County citizens.

Past honorees include St. Clair County Commissioner Tommy Bowers, St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon, Judge Bill Weathington, Spencer Weitman, Lyman Lovejoy, Ed Gardner, Sr., Carol Pappas, Bill Ellison and former St. Clair County Commission Chairman Paul Manning.

“The St. Clair County EDC has been very fortunate to have the partnership and support of Metro Bank from its inception. As a local banking partner, they have been a supportive part of our team of resources for the entirety of the EDC’s existence,” said Joe Kelly, chairman of St. Clair EDC Board of Directors.

“Jason Dorough has been a tremendous and integral part of that partnership, offering assistance and support when necessary. Knowing our organization and Metro Bank have common goals, to bring new wealth and jobs to the local economy, Jason has always made things happen in a way that is welcoming to local industry and investors.”

“We are always excited to welcome new investment into St. Clair County, and we want to be the bank that our local businesses can rely on,” said Dorough. “Our partnership with the St. Clair County Economic Development Council has been very fruitful through the years, and we have a great working relationship. It was a real surprise and tremendous compliment to receive this honor and appreciation for our work in economic development in St. Clair County.”

The EDC is the economic development organization for St. Clair County and its municipalities, facilitating industrial, institutional, commercial and leadership development throughout St. Clair County.

The EDC team, in partnership with state and local partners, focuses on helping existing businesses grow and compete, diversifying the economy through attraction of new businesses, and supporting newly formed high-growth enterprises.

Pell City Square

New retail ventures taking region to next economic level

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos by Graham Hadley

It was kind of like dominos falling – only in a good way. One by one, ribbons were cut, doors opened, and shoppers rushed in. Pell City Square – 147,900 square feet of retail stores – had finally arrived.

Actually, it’s still arriving. The final openings – Hobby Lobby, Ulta and Pet Smart – were all expected to open by Oct. 9. The early birds signaling a new era for retail development for Pell City and St. Clair County were Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, America’s Best Eye Care and Five Below, which opened in August and September.

Those brand-name retailers are expected to provide more than just a bonanza for shoppers here at home. The dollars they generate are expected to pump more than $25 million in gross taxable sales into the local economy in the first year. When the outparcels are developed, that $25 million is expected to turn into $30 million. And that’s “conservative,” said Pell City Manager Brian Muenger.

“It will have a very material impact,” Muenger said. “It takes our tax base to another level.” The city had been growing incrementally within its retail footprint in recent years, but Pell City Square enables the city to “capture dollars leaving as opposed to moving dollars around.”

OLD NAVY is stocked with merchandise and open for business

The property fronting Interstate 20 has four outparcels in addition to the outdoor mall. On the west side of the property are parcels controlled by the developer, Noon, and City of Pell City. The city-controlled parcel was “earmarked” for a national sit-down restaurant and the other for a fast casual restaurant. Both have tenants committed with announcements coming soon, and construction and completion are expected in 2024.

The parcels on the east side are controlled by the original developer, Bill Ellison, president of I-20 Development. “I’m really excited about the future development potential of the property,” he said in September. “I am waiting to market it until all the stores in the center are open.”

The Pell City Square represents the completion of a 10-year effort to redevelop the old county hospital site. “A large retail center with major brands missing from our community was always the vision for that site,” said St. Clair Economic Development Executive Director Don Smith. “But removing the old hospital, obtaining a purchase option on surrounding property, and finding a development team with the experience and resources to build it took time and patience.” 

Because of Pell City’s size compared to other markets where these retailers locate, Smith described the years long efforts as a “bit of a challenge.  Bill Ellison and Noon Development did a great job in showing that Pell City is much larger than just its population with the visitors to the lake and others living in the surrounding area.” 

Officials say the project was one of the most complicated in the county’s history and required all involved to work in the same direction. But the dividends of teamwork are evident. “It has already started to attract the attention of other major retail brands that had turned down the market in the past,” Smith said.

Making progress on Hobby Lobby construction

Muenger agreed, saying, businesses recruited in 2015-2017 that declined to approve Pell City as a location are now approving sites quickly. “It demonstrates the growth in our market. People are seeing that we’re a natural hub of commerce between Anniston and Birmingham.”

“One of the things that set the leaders in St. Clair County above others is our ability to work together strategically on economic development projects,” Smith added.  “The new retail center at Pell City Square and the QT travel center at the Eden exit are just another example.”  The City of Pell City worked closely with the St. Clair County Commission and the developer from beginning to the end of the project to overcome infrastructure upgrades and other challenges. “It was a collaborative effort the entire time.”

Despite the challenges, Muenger noted, “It has been enjoyable to watch this project progress. It’s fun to see the reception the center is getting and bringing that space to life.”

QT: QuickTrip opens

Eden project signals new era of development

Story and photos by Carol Pappas

For years, even decades, the Eden interchange of Interstate 20 has been like a blank canvas – a perfect place for commercial development but lacking in the infrastructure to make the picture complete.

There were many suitors over the years, but without sewer service, they turned away. But three years ago, Quik Trip, a Georgia-based travel center, eyed the property and secured an option.

There was still the hurdle of sewer service, but eventually a partnership among QT, City of Pell City and St. Clair County swung a deal that not only paved the way for the travel center but future development in that entire area.

The city joined with the county to leverage the investment by QT that would be scalable to other properties near the interchange – close to 200 acres. They built a lift station and made infrastructure improvements worth $1 million.

The investment should be well worth it, according to Pell City Manager Brian Muenger and St. Clair Economic Development Council Executive Director Don Smith.

“The Eden exit has always been an area of potential, but it lacked sewer service at that interstate interchange,” Smith said. “The executives at QT understood this and were willing to partner with the city and county to extend a sewer line over 1,000 feet and large enough to handle fully developing the interchange for the future.” 

St. Clair EDC Executive Director Don Smith addresses the positive impact the development will have on future

So, what does that investment and partnership mean? “This opens up hundreds of acres for development in the future. QT’s motto, ‘More than a gas station,’ is exactly what this project means to that interchange.”

Muenger agreed. The entire area around it – 200 acres – is now ripe for development in both commercial and residential. As an example, Muenger called nearby Roberts Mill Pond Road area “ideal for higher density residential subdivision. It’s commutable. You can get to any company headquarters in Birmingham in 30 minutes. We continue to get looks as an exurb,” an area beyond suburbs where people can live and work.

“When you plant the seeds of future growth in infrastructure investments,” Muenger continued, short and long term goals of the city are all within reach. With the $10 million total investment already made, which includes QT, Eden is quickly moving up on the priority list for future development projects. Case in point: This is only the third or fourth QT venture into Alabama for this national brand travel center. And business tends to breed business.

While the U.S. 231 interchange is a major thoroughfare with massive development, having an appropriate travel stop at the Eden exit is “value added” for Pell city, Muenger said. “It’s consistent, it’s immaculate. They have great food and great coffee.” In addition to the hefty return from gasoline tax for a center that size that caters to trucks and passenger vehicles, “we’ll be capturing our share of that revenue.”

While it has been a few years in the making, Muenger said, “we are proud to have QT in Pell City. We knew it was a great fit for us.”