Decades after helping launch the original National Wild Turkey Federation chapter in the Pell City area, Barnett Lawley was honored by a new generation of conservationists during the Logan Martin Longbeards’ sold-out Hunting Heritage Banquet at the Pell City Civic Center.
“Barnett has done so much for the state and the county to promote conservation efforts here,” said chapter President Jim Tollison.
“He started the first chapter here. When I was helping organize the chapter again, I did not know he organized the original chapter or what he called it. I ended up picking the exact same name he used – Logan Martin Longbeards.
Board members and organizers Tracy Marcus, Rodney Bunt, Jim Tollison, Brooke Tollison, Tim Smith, Brittany Smith, Karlee Tucker, Logan Tucker, Hanna Grogan and Cameron Edge
“When I found all that out, I said we need to thank him for that” and everything else he has done. “There is no telling how many kids from around here he has taken turkey hunting over the years. Some of them are the same people who are donors and sponsors for this event now. His efforts back then are still helping conservation and the NWTF today.”
Tollison was quick to point out it is not just Barnett, but everyone in his family who deserves thanks for supporting the community.
“He was teaching about conservation, and his wife, Deanna, was teaching students in the classroom. She probably is one of the main reasons I went to college. She kept encouraging me to go. This organization and event, it’s been a great situation having the Lawleys involved,” Tollison said.
The sold-out event moved to a larger venue this year at the Pell City Civic Center, raising more than $40,000 for the program, which covers everything from promoting conservation and hunting to education efforts, including local scholarships, Tollison said.
Participants entering in drawings to win everything from coolers to custom firearms
“We now have money in hand for scholarships, we just need people here to apply. And these scholarships can be used not just for four-year colleges, but for two-year degrees and trade schools, whatever path the students choose.”
Tollison and his wife, Brooke, thanked everyone who supported the Logan Martin Longbeards and the banquet.
“The Pell City Civic Center turned out to be a great venue. We will probably be holding it here again next year. They did a great job working with Hanna Grogan on our board to coordinate set up,” he said. “Complete Catering Company and Mandy Camp also did an amazing job with the food. It’s the only banquet I have ever been to that served turkey. It wasn’t wild, but it was good.
“Everything was well received. Thanks to our sponsors, we were able to give out 24 guns this year. Brian at BG Customs and Engraving put together several guns for us. GNX Gun Exchange and Coosa Guns also contributed,” he said.
The audience applauds all the sponsors
“Thanks to the support of GNX, BG Customs and Coosa Guns we are able to have some very high-quality firearms with some finishes only available at this event.”
Because the banquet is family friendly, every child who came got to take part in a raffle, Brooke, who runs an Alfa agency in Pell City, said. “We gave out $500 worth of stuff to all the kids. They had a great time.”
And that’s the point, Jim said.
“It’s not just about raising money. We wanted to have a fun and successful event that also promotes the National Wild Turkey Federation and conservation efforts,” he said.
“We have a great team putting this event on, and it continues to grow. If you see one of the board members and are interested in being involved let them know.”
Follow the Logan Martin Longbeards on Facebook and the National Wild Turkey Federation online at nwtf.org.
Story by Cherith Glover Fluker Submitted and staff photos
Just off Highway 78 in Moody, a company is quietly doing something remarkable – and not just the millions of pounds of food ingredients it moves across the Southeast every month. Processor’s Choice has earned a spot on USA Today’s Top Workplaces list three consecutive years running, and the recognition isn’t coming from the top down. It’s coming straight from the people who show up there every day to work.
Founded in 1984 by Don Allinder, Processor’s Choice started as a straightforward warehouse operation. Today, under the leadership of President Mark Bales, it has evolved into something far more sophisticated: a leading solution provider for food and beverage manufacturers across the country.
Think of it as a bulk grocery distributor on a much larger scale. Rather than selling finished products to consumers, Processor’s Choice distributes bulk food and beverage ingredients, servicing everything from large Fortune 100 companies to local mom-and-pop businesses. By consolidating orders and maintaining a robust inventory, they can get ingredients to customers quickly, even when demand is urgent.
“We help customers develop and reformulate products to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining performance,” Bales explained. It’s a niche that requires both technical knowledge and a genuine problem-solving mindset. These qualities are baked into the company’s four core values: customer-focused, collaborative, dependable and problem-solving.
The company’s footprint is impressive for a team of 30. With seven sales representatives, Processor’s Choice serves customers from North Carolina to Texas, with reach extending as far as Los Angeles and Jamaica. In 2011, Allinder sold the company to Doug Skidmore, making it part of the Skidmore Enterprise group. This acquisition expanded supplier relationships and broadened the company’s network of facilities, making it an even more reliable partner for its customers.
Winning USA Today’s Top Workplaces award once is an achievement. Winning it three years in a row is a statement. What makes it even more meaningful is how the honor is earned. Rather than through a company-nominated application, the award is driven entirely through anonymous employee surveys. The people doing the work are the ones casting the votes.
So what are they voting for?
Bales points to a culture built on transparency, trust and genuine investment in people. Profit sharing ensures that when the company wins, everyone wins. A hybrid work model offers flexibility that employees value. And regular check-ins keep communication open between leadership and staff, so no one feels like a number.
But it’s the smaller, more personal touches that seem to define the culture at Processor’s Choice. Every Thursday, the team gathers for lunch. This simple ritual fosters a camaraderie that can’t be manufactured. Quarterly family nights extend that sense of community beyond the office walls, welcoming the people who matter most to employees into the fold.
“We focus on empowering employees and fostering a family-like environment,” Bales said. For a company of 30 people, that’s not just a talking point – it’s a daily practice.
Growth and development are also central to the company’s culture. Processor’s Choice offers tuition reimbursement and a Learning Library to help employees advance their careers, and the company prioritizes local hiring, keeping its investment rooted in the community it calls home.
That community commitment extends beyond the workplace. Processor’s Choice actively supports the Backpack Buddies program, which provides meals to more than 700 children in St. Clair County each week. It’s a cause that aligns naturally with a company in the business of food and one that reflects the values Bales has worked to instill throughout the organization.
“We have a waiting list every month for employees who want to help pack backpacks,” Bales said. “People are always eager to support this project. It’s something we’re all so proud to be a part of.”
In an era when workplace culture has become a buzzword, Processor’s Choice offers an example of what it looks like when a company invests in its people. Three consecutive Top Workplace awards are the result of intentional leadership, a commitment to transparency and a belief that a thriving team and a thriving business are one and the same.
For St. Clair County, it’s a quiet source of pride worth celebrating.
Editor’s Note: Processor’s Choice is located in Moody. For more information, visit processorschoice.com.
Odenville Chamber of Commerce welcomed Tractor Supply in April with a ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the addition of the nationally recognized retailer to its growing community. Local leaders, business representatives, and residents gathered to celebrate the store’s opening and the continued economic development in St. Clair County.
The new Tractor Supply store brings a wide selection of products for home improvement, agriculture, lawn and garden care, livestock, pet supplies and outdoor living. The addition of the store is expected to provide both convenient access to essential goods for residents and new employment opportunities for the area.
Store Manager Ross Coleman expressed enthusiasm about becoming part of the Odenville community. “We are thrilled to open our doors in Odenville and serve the hardworking customers in this area,” he said. “Tractor Supply is committed to supporting growing communities, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with our neighbors while providing the products and services they need.”
Odenville Mayor Buck Christian also highlighted the importance of the new store to the city’s growth. “This is an exciting day for Odenville,” he said. “Tractor Supply is a perfect fit for our community, and we are grateful for their decision to locate here. This store not only enhances the services available to our citizens but also contributes to our local economy and quality of life.”
St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon offered his thanks for the investment into the county. “We are proud to welcome Tractor Supply to Odenville and St. Clair County. This investment reflects the strength of our local economy and the continued confidence that national retailers have in our community. Tractor Supply will be a valuable resource for our residents and a strong partner moving forward.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony marked an important milestone for Odenville’s continued growth and development. Community members were invited to explore the new store, meet the team and take advantage of opening promotions and offers.
Ashville hilltop retreat drawing visitors from around the world
Story by Paul South Photos by Bob Crisp
A picturesque two-story farmhouse nestled against a St. Clair County hillside beckons visitors with a wraparound porch that practically says, “Y’all come.”
Combine that down home feel with culinary masterpieces that include the white tablecloth elegance of eggs Benedict or the salmon or chicken piccata for a wonderful dining experience.
Try the brunch staple Southern comfort of sausage gravy and biscuits, and you get just a bite of the farm to table magic of Corinne Burnham’s Haven on the Hill bed and breakfast and The Crooked Crown Restaurant, all in the same locale on Alabama Highway 23.
But that’s not nearly the whole story of the inn just outside Ashville that has welcomed visitors from across the country and around the world since Burnham rolled out the welcome mat three years ago.
Burnham, a Massachusetts native with more than 30 years of culinary experience, has a story as rich as s steaming bowl of clam chowder from her native New England.
This chef’s kitchen journey began at 14 when she landed a job frosting doughnuts at Adam’s, a local shop in Greenfield, Mass.
“When I was 15, I was old enough to work the counter,” she said. “Then I became a waitress, and I just absolutely loved it. I decided to follow through with the cooking end of things and moved forward in that direction.”
Then came a successful catering business in 1998. She opened her first restaurant in 2003. Rooster’s Bistro in Northfield, Mass.
What attracted her to the demanding, highly competitive restaurant industry?
“I enjoy the adrenaline rush from it.” Burnham said. “I love to create beautiful food and I’ve always had constantly changing seasonal menus in all my restaurants. I like when I look out into the dining room and see all the happy faces. I like the rush of that.”
Relax and enjoy a bite on the front porch
And she’s seen beaming faces from everywhere. Keep in mind. This is not a typical bed and breakfast. The restaurant is open for dinner on the weekends and also offers box lunches on request.
“I keep a canvas map of the world in an upstairs bathroom,” she said. “It’s really beautiful. I put a pin in the map every time someone visits, you know, from different states and different countries.”
Visitors have come from Ukraine, Australia and across western Europe. It’s a testament to how technology has revolutionized global tourism. On the morning of this interview, her Leibnitaz, Australia guest booked what will be her 12th visit to Haven on the Hill.
“She went to college over here and comes to visit her husband’s family and her college friends. She visits three or four times a year. After her 10th visit, I gave her a T-shirt,” she said.
“I put myself out on social media, Booking.com, Travelocity, and I think that those networks are where I get a lot of my overseas guests.”
Burnham also draws her share of domestic travelers. Every seven weeks, a father and son travel over from Georgia so that the Dad can lunch with his high school classmates.
Haven on the Hill features comfortable bedroom and bath accommodations
Her own journey to St. Clair County began in 2015 when her son Kyle joined the Navy, making her an empty nester.
“I had wanted and had always been attracted to living in the South and had done some traveling in the South throughout my life, and I told myself that if the opportunity ever came up … I was definitely going to get myself out of the snow. People here are just so friendly.”
She sees a spark of the Divine in her St. Clair story.
“I put my restaurant up for sale on a Thursday and had a cash offer that following Monday,” Burnham said. “I thought, ‘God’s telling me to do something,’ so I moved to Chattanooga first and became the number one caterer in Chattanooga in the first six months I was there.”
Then she explored Alabama and “fell in love” with Mentone, the closest thing the state has to an alpine village. She opened Plowshares restaurant there. After that, she opened a restaurant in Ft. Payne called 33. Haven on the Hill, her fourth restaurant, opened three and a half years ago.
The idea of a bed and breakfast in Ashville initially met with some skepticism. Burnham started slow as she converted the former private home to what it is today.
Haven on the Hill can also be the perfect venue
“It took about six months to change the carpet and the décor, and I thought I would just continue to cater, and we will see what happens,” she said. “I put a sign at the bottom of the hill, and it was just three or four months, and I was selling out all the rooms upstairs. So I ended up converting my two-car garage into an innkeeper’s suite so I’d have another room to rent out.”
The name for Haven on the Hill came naturally, she recalled.
“You can’t see another property from this property, and it’s on a hill. I just thought it was such a peaceful haven. You sit and listen to the birds. The people I bought the property from have a 200-acre cattle farm and sometimes through the trees you can see the farm animals. It’s really a true haven.”
Over time, as word spread about breakfasts at the inn, Burnham began getting requests for dinners, not just from overnight guests, but from staycationers as well, who would day trip from places like Birmingham and Odenville. A side porch – called The Crooked Crown was opened last November.
Overnight guests are served breakfast in the dining room from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. On weekends, The Crooked Crown opens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation only for the general public. Dinner is served Friday and Saturday nights from 5 until 8.
Asked her philosophy of the restaurant business after 35 years in the kitchen, Corinne Burnham put it simply. “Food is my love language.”
She elaborated with a story. One morning, three couples were enjoying breakfast at Haven on the Hill. They began to talk about what their career paths might have been and drew Burnham into the conversation. One woman asked, “What would you have done?”
Crooked Crown table setting
She instantly responded. It seemed in an instant she was 14 again, gleefully icing doughnuts at Adam’s.
“A chef. I love what I do. I’m extremely passionate about what I do. It brings me so much joy to watch people enjoy the experience that I can create for them; I’m truly blessed that God has given me the ability to do what I have done.”
And she still remembers a lesson from Brad Smith, her boss at the first restaurant where she worked as a waitress. In her early days as a restauranteur, she would call him on Sunday afternoons, exhausted and on the verge of tears.
“Always have faith in yourself,” Smith told her. “And you have to continue to push through and get that last ticket out, regardless of what the situation is. And be kind to yourself, even when times are stressful in a very difficult industry.”
And for customers?
“People don’t want to eat the same thing. You have to keep customers curious about what’s around the next corner.”
And, for new diners who are uncertain of what to order, she has a gentle instruction.
“I’ll make it for you, and if you don’t like it, I’ll make you something else. And I’ve never had to make something else.””
When the St. Clair County Commission and Partnership for Tomorrow, a coalition of business, industry and local governments, invested in the St. Clair County Economic Development Council back in 1999, the most likely question was: What will be our return on investment?
Turns out, the county’s ROI has been sizable year after year since EDC’s inception – numbers that other communities would be hard-pressed to match even if they span multiple years, let alone a single one.
Proof of that was evident when 150 county leaders gathered for the EDC’s Annual Investor Breakfast this year, hearing a recap of the past 12 months and getting a glimpse at the future.
One of major players in the success story has been the county’s grant resource center headed by Candice Hill. In its first two and a half years, it has secured $12.75 million in grants, $2 million in appropriations and applied for $15 million in additional funds that do not have to come out of city funds. It is providing “solutions and funds for those solutions.”
EDC Executive Don Smith at the Annual Investor Breakfast
A $3.8 million grant awarded through the Growing Alabama program will spur development of a new commerce park in Springville that is expected to be a hub for regional economic growth.
In Pell City, TownePlace Suites by Marriott opened in February, representing a $12 million investment and approximately 20-25 new jobs to the local economy.
City, county and state officials in March cut the ribbon on Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse in Pell City, bringing new dining options and more than 300 jobs to Pell City and St. Clair County.
The common thread running through all these projects are the key components to the county’s success over the years – collaboration and partnerships.
Springville Commerce Park
Springville’s $3.8 million grant partners the City of Springville with the St. Clair County Commission, the Industrial Development Board of St. Clair County, the State of Alabama and donors, including Norfolk Southern and Alabama Power, which provided the funds to clear and prepare sites for a rail-served commerce park off Interstate 59.
“Springville’s new commerce park will provide jobs and opportunity for hundreds of Alabamians, and its impact will surely be felt across St. Clair County and in surrounding communities,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.
“Alabama is open for business, and one of the key ways we show that support is by helping local governments prepare industrial sites to welcome world-class companies,” she said. “The Growing Alabama program has been a vital tool in that mission.”
Aerial view of the Springville Commerce Park development site
Growing Alabama is a public-private partnership that supports local industrial development efforts by providing resources for site development, infrastructure improvements and community readiness. Companies and individuals receive state income tax credits for donations made to approved economic development projects through the program.
Collaboration is the key ingredient behind the program’s success, said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“The most successful economic development projects happen when everyone works together toward a common goal,” she said. “Growing Alabama is an example of that kind of teamwork, and great things happen when we all share a vision and strategy for building prosperous communities.”
McNair described St. Clair’s “secret sauce” for success as its ability to work together in regional cooperation. “Growth knows no city or county boundaries,” she said, and St. Clair is “unique” in keeping that culture of cooperation together. “It’s why you are so successful.”
The latest grant will provide site readiness at the Springville Commerce Park, strengthening the county’s ability to attract new industries, create jobs and support long-term economic growth.
The new park, located on property known as the Riley Farm, has the potential to provide more than 1,000 new jobs across multiple employers.
“This is not just a Springville commerce park but an I-59 commerce park,” said Springville Mayor Austin Phillips. “It will help employ citizens from all the surrounding counties. I am looking forward to what the future holds.”
Economic development is about partnerships, said St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon. “We couldn’t have better partners. We work closely to support all our communities in the county.”
St. Clair Economic Development Executive Director Don Smith pointed out that this will be one of only a few parks that are rail served, noting that the county lost some industries in the past by not having sites served by rail.
Tyler Preast, Senior Manager of Industrial Development for Norfolk Southern, said the company’s support for the project reflects its commitment to fostering growth by attracting forward-thinking companies to create high-quality jobs.
“We’re proud to champion St. Clair County’s vision for building an industrial hub on Norfolk Southern’s rail network,” he said.
Marriott brand location speaks volumes
February saw community leaders, business partners and residents celebrating the official ribbon cutting of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, marking the opening of Pell City’s first Marriott-branded hotel and a major milestone in the city’s continued growth.
Located at 265 Vaughan Lane, the 89-room TownePlace Suites is owned by Shivaay Hospitality LLC, led by co-owners Darshen Patel and Vishal Patel.
City Manager Tim Kurzejeski, Mayor Bill Pruitt, TownePlace Suites owners Darshen and Vishal Patel, Councilman Jay Jenkins
“We identified Pell City as a growing market and believed this location would be the perfect fit for our guests,” said Darshen Patel. “We are proud to officially open our doors and become part of this community.”
The hotel is conveniently located near Premiere Cinema, national brand restaurants and a variety of retail destinations. Designed for both short- and extended-stay guests, TownePlace Suites offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes, complimentary Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, a lobby bar, outdoor pool and a firepit area.
“Our guests have the flexibility to explore everything Pell City has to offer or enjoy a comfortable, convenient stay right here at the hotel,” added co-owner Vishal Patel.
City officials emphasized the importance of the new hotel in supporting tourism, business travel and ongoing economic development.
“Pell City is always supportive of new investment, and this hotel gives more people the opportunity to experience all the great things happening in our community,” said Mayor Bill Pruitt. “It also provides a high-quality lodging option for the manufacturers and businesses that rely on visiting executives and team members from out of town.”
St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon also praised the project, noting its role in strengthening the county’s tourism and hospitality offerings. “As we continue to market tourism events and attract visitors to our area, having well-known hotel brands like Marriott is essential,” Batemon said. “This investment shows confidence in St. Clair County, and we are proud to support it.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony by the Pell City Chamber of Commerce highlighted the collaborative efforts between Shivaay Hospitality, the elected officials and business community that brought the project from planning to completion. “We have a growing business community in Pell City,” Chamber Director Urainah Glidewell added. “We believe additional brands will draw more people to our community and give them an opportunity to experiences that we enjoy daily.”
With Pell City as home to a half dozen international companies with 2,000 manufacturing jobs, hotels like this for visitors associated with those companies flying in was a definite need. The Marriott brand certainly helps fulfill that need, according to Smith.
“We are grateful for the support from Mayor Pruitt, the City Council, County Commission, and the entire community throughout this process,” Darshen Patel said. “We look forward to serving Pell City for many years to come.”
Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse open
By March, nearly back-to-back ribbon cuttings signaled a new era for dining in Pell City.
City, County and state leaders celebrated the Olive Garden brand’s newest restaurant in Pell City, marking an important milestone ahead of the restaurant’s official opening to the public on March 9. Longhorn followed on March 16.
Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt gives thumbs up to steak at Longhorn
The openings reflect the continued growth and economic momentum in Pell City and St. Clair County. City leaders and developers highlighted the project because of strong collaboration between the private sector and local government.
“This new Olive Garden is another sign of the positive growth happening in Pell City,” said Mayor Bill Pruitt. “We’re proud to welcome a nationally recognized brand that sees the value in our community. Projects like this and other recent projects are possible because of the partnerships between the city, the county, our developers and the businesses choosing to invest here.”
The restaurant was developed in partnership with Bill Ellison, whose work has helped bring new commercial opportunities to the area for decades.
“We’ve seen incredible momentum in Pell City over the last several years,” said Bill Ellison, developer of the project. “The strong market growth, supportive local leadership, and the community’s enthusiasm made this an ideal location for Olive Garden. We’re excited to see this project come to life and contribute to the area’s continued development.”
Officials noted that the new location further strengthens Pell City’s position as a regional retail and dining destination for residents across St. Clair County and the surrounding region.
Jarred Jackson, General Manager for Olive Garden, said the company is excited to join the community with their growing brand and provide a quality service to local guests.
Developer Bill Ellison, the driving force behind Olive Garden and Longhorn, speaks at Olive Garden opening
“We’re thrilled to officially become part of the Pell City community,” Jarred Jackson added. “From the beginning, the collaboration with city leaders, county officials and our development partners made this a seamless process.”
Local leaders emphasized that the project mirrors the continued success of partnerships between municipal leadership, county officials and private developers working together to support responsible growth in St. Clair County.
“We want to commend Bill Ellison, the City of Pell City and Olive Garden for the investment in our county,” echoed County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon. “The Commission and I are happy to be part of this project from the beginning and to celebrate years of hard work.”
Ellison also developed the Longhorn project with the same partners as well as Metro Bank on both developments.
Ellison is quick to give credit to a saying his wife, Dana, shared with him. “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And while he is the spark that fuels the momentum, it’s the team that makes it happen.
Longhorn began in Atlanta, Ga., in 1981 and now nears the 600-mark for locations throughout the country and select territories.
