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256-734-1504
We’ll help you find
your dream home!
Residential & Commercial
An independently owned and operated member of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation
Jeff Hill, Broker Jim Phillips Nancy Wright Sharon Shaver
708-3456 708-5670 339-0258 708-1767
Amy Martinez Sandy Morgan Bruce Farr Robyn Johnson
338-1258 708-9715 709-1654 727-0713
Rita Fromhold Dennis Brown Debby Collins Tammy Hollis Jamie Oliver
338-6956 708-1171 962-4663 339-4766 507-0828
204 4th Ave., SE * Cullman AL 35055
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index 29 welcome
24 42 6 Chamber of Commerce
9 Introduction
11 Letter from the President
12 Chamber Board
contact numbers
13 Quick Reference
lifest y le
18 Faith & Religion
19 Outdoor Living
20 Shopping
education & children
22 Cullman: The best
place to raise children
in Alabama
24 Public & Private Education
27 Wallace State Community
College
health
>> 44 29 Healthcare
About the Cover 33 Physician Directory
38 Healthy Lifestyles
From L to R: Trent Boyd- Harvest Farm,
Shirley Quattlebaum-State Farm Insurance business & industry
and Uriel Cienfuegos- Royal Technologies.
Photo taken at Wallace State Community 40 Cullman Regional Airport
College’s School of Nursing and Center for 42 Agri-Business
Science. 44 Area Industry
Cover photographer/Lisa Jones 48 Top 5 Most Business Friendly
For more information, contact: comm u n it y
The Cullman Area Published by 50 Community Causes
Chamber of Commerce The Cullman Times 53 Suburban Living
55 Lake Living
301 2nd Avenue Southwest 300 4th Avenue NE 57 Senior Living
Cullman, Alabama 35055 Cullman, AL 35055
membership
256.734.0454 256.734.2131
cullmanchamber.org cullmantimes.com 60 Chamber Members
Layout by Jessica Wells
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>>
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What does the Cullman Area
Chamber of Commerce Do?
Monthly Events The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce is the energizing
and vitalizing force of the community. It seeks to unite all
Community Luncheon – A chance for the the agricultural, industrial, commercial, governmental,
community, as well as thought leaders, to gather religious, educational, and civic interests for the purpose
together for food, fellowship, and hear from invited of concerted action in supporting those activates which
guests on a variety of interesting topics. are broader than any single business or industry, but
which promote the welfare of the county as a whole.
Morning Blend – An opportunity for members
and guests to discuss contemporary issues and Quarterly Events
exchange business tips and ideas
Biscuits & Business – a structured, breakfast
Hops & Shops – Brings hundreds of shoppers to and networking event with featured speakers
Cullman - Retailers extend shopping hours and local
breweries offer craft beer sampling throughout the Business After Hours – a fun-filled, social
Central Business District networking event for members
Annual Events
Cullman Area Reverse Business Industry and Trade Montgomery Drive In – an opportunity for local
Expo [CARBITE] – Provides “face-time” for local vendors business and industry professionals to connect with
and service providers to share their services and visit elected representatives on the state level
booths occupied by plant managers, purchasing
managers, and a variety of industry leaders Washington Fly In - an opportunity for local business
& industry professionals to visit our nation’s capital
Industry Appreciation Reception – By invitation only, and connect with representatives on the national level
this event honors local industries and their leaders for
contributing to the local economy and increasing the Membership Appreciation Cook Out – A members-
quality of life for its citizens. only appreciation event
State of the Schools & Student/Teacher of the Year – Cullman Area Tourism Awards - recognizes
This event recognizes the efforts and hard work of remarkable individuals, businesses and organizations
those within our educational field. who contribute to the success of the tourism industry
in the Cullman area.
FARM Y’ALL – a cultural festival and family-fun event
which recognizes the contributions of the agricultural Annual Meeting & Gala – the Chamber’s opportunity
community to celebrate and honor the previous year’s leadership
and accomplishments
Career Awareness Fair – A “school-to-work” event for
area 10th graders to help with career placement President’s Prayer Breakfast – This event brings
together business, community, and faith-based
Farm to Fork Dinner – a community dinner which leaders for a time of sharing and mutual support.
recognizes farmers and local growers
State of the Community – provides the county and
State of the Hospital – This event recognizes the efforts each of the municipalities in Cullman County the
and hard work within our Medical Field. The Health opportunity to share information on their community.
Care Professional of the year is awarded.
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A Little bit about
the CULLMAN
AREA
PO Box 1104 • 301 2nd Ave. SW • Cullman, AL 35056 (35055) • 256-734-0454 • (Fax) 256-737-7443
800-313-5114 • [email protected] • www.cullmanchamber.org
Cullman, Alabama offers the convenience of a growing number of retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, while
maintaining the positives of a smaller community. The wonderful thing about Cullman is that it offers a family feeling you
cannot find anywhere else. Cullman is located in the center of the northern half of Alabama on Brindley Mountain, part of the
Cumberland Plateau. Situated just off I-65, Cullman is 35 miles south of the Tennessee River and approximately 30 minutes
from Decatur, 45 minutes from Huntsville and 45 minutes from Birmingham. Cullman County covers 743 square miles and
includes 11 municipalities: Baileyton, Colony, Cullman, Dodge City, Fairview, Garden City, Good Hope, Hanceville,
Holly Pond, South Vinemont and West Point.
Population Statistics
Cullman County 80,648 Households 31,959
Town of Baileyton 610
Town of Colony 268 Average Household Income $45,312
City of Cullman
Town of Dodge City 14,864 Median Household Income $33,044
Town of Fairview 593
Town of Garden City 446 US Unemployment Rate 7.3%
City of Good Hope 492
City of Hanceville Alabama Unemployment Rate 6.5%
Town of Holly Pond 2,264
Town of South Vinemont 2,982 Cullman County
Town of West Point
Total Incorporated 798 Unemployment Rate 5.6%
Total Unincorporated 749
586 (As of July 2014, AL Dept. of Industrial Relations)
24,652
55,843 Average Home Value $124,773
Average Age 37.4
(2010 Census)
Top Ten Employers
Top Ten Employers Product Number of Employees
Cullman County School System Education 1,225
Cullman Regional Medical Center Health/Medical 1,069
Wal-Mart Distribution Center Retail Distribution
REHAU Inc. Bumpers/Molding 879
State of Alabama Government 744
Topre America Corp. Automotive Metal Stamping 683
Golden Rod Broilers Poultry 649
Wallace State College Education 600
Cullman County Commission Government 550
Wal-Mart Supercenter Retail 524
450
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Introduction photo: jessica wells
Cullman, A Great Place to Call Home
Cullman’s
Founder
Forced to leave his native country of Bavaria, Cullman’s
founder and young revolutionist made his way to America.
He settled in the south, favoring its inherent charm. Stak-
ing his claim in the countryside, he bestowed his surname
as the town’s official name - Cullmann.
Col. Johann Gottfried Cullmann left Europe penniless and
bankrupt, fleeing from a country ruled by a ruthless mon-
arch. He worked on a freight boat to earn enough money
to travel over to the United States, leaving behind his wife
and three children to care for his terminally ill mother-in-
law.
In 1869, just four short years after the Civil War had ended
and the South was busy rebuilding, Cullmann was living in
Cincinnati and began to read about the new opportunities
that lay in Dixie. Cullmann had found the land he wanted
but didn’t have the money to buy it. Eventually Cullmann
met an official of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad who
liked Cullmann’s idea for a new settlement and would help
turn his idea into a reality.
Cullmann took an option out on several hundred thou-
sand acres of land and then narrowed his choice down to
a substantial amount of land that the railroad agreed to
finance. Cullmann advertised for settlers and convinced 15
Cincinnati families to relocate and colonize in Alabama.
In April of 1873, the first families came to what is now
known as Cullman. The very first store went up in the fall
of that year. An incorporation election was held the next
year in 1874, with 23 people voting in favor to form a city
and seven opposed. The decision was made final and Cull-
man officially became a town, choosing to keep its original
name but with only one “n.”
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letter from the president
W elcome to the Cullman Area Chamber
of Commerce and to our community - one of THE
best places in Alabama to live, to work and to raise
a family.
The Cullman Area is an eclectic mix of industry, re-
tail business, banking, healthcare, education, food
service and agricultural production – all working
together for the common good.
The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce under- photo: Shannon Federer >>
stands that in order to have a strong economic en-
vironment, you must have a strong community that facing our community and help develop potential
supports and encourages growth and innovative solutions to those problems.
thinking. We are truly blessed in Cullman Coun- As the Chamber President, I am honored to serve
ty to have leaders, business owners, educators and alongside the army of volunteers that work out-
a wealth of private citizens who recognize that we front and behind the scenes to build a better Cull-
all share in the responsibility of creating economic man Area for all its citizens. That is the unique-
success and stability as well as a healthy communi- ness of our community. We think outside the box,
ty environment for our children and grandchildren. we work together to make things happen and we
Voted the #1 place in Alabama to raise children, this support the efforts of all.
is a true testament to our commitment. We hope you enjoy this publication. Whether you
As a community, we share the vision. We work, we are looking to stay a day or a lifetime, we look for-
volunteer, we support and serve as we build on the ward to seeing you in Cullman, Alabama!
successes of those who came before us and develop
new and innovative strategies that will make Cull- Leah Bolin
man even better.
For the past 70 years, the Cullman Area Chamber President & CEO
of Commerce has diligently fulfilled the mission of
the founding fathers to create, enhance and promote
the economic environment, employment opportu-
nities and the quality of life in our community and
to advocate and create solutions for business and
community issues. The CoC works with local civic
and private groups to encourage new business de-
velopment. We help create awareness of problems
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2014-15 executive committee
chamber of commerce Chamber Chair and Chair-Elect Vice Chair, Membership & Marketing
Mr. Jason Grimmett Ms. Gloria Williams
Drinkard Development, Inc. Freedom Insurance, The Gloria Williams Agency
Chamber Staff Vice Chair, Business Development Vice Chair of Tourism & Community
Ms. Susan Guthrie Development
Royal Technologies, Inc. Ms. Sammie Danford
The Chamber staff is Vice Chair of Industry & United Way of Cullman County
here to assist you at any Workforce Development Immediate Past Chair
time. Please feel free to Mr. Perry Shields Ms. Melissa Cartee
call or e-mail us with ATN-Cullman/Hanceville Cullman Electric Cooperative
questions, concerns or Vice Chair, Finance & Administration
ideas for improvement. Mr. Jason White
The Final Touch
Leah Bolin
President & CEO 2014-15 board of directors
[email protected] Mr. William W. Cooch, P.G. Mr. Jimmy Cockrell Ms. Kristen Holmes
Highland Technical Services, Inc. Peoples Bank of Alabama Wallace State Community College
Cecelia C. Smith Mr. Bill St. John
Tourism Director Mr. Jeff Curtis Mr. Mike Manning St. John & Associates, Inc.
Cullman Area Career Center Cullman Power Board Mr. Austin Hall
[email protected] Nearen Construction Company, Inc.
Mr. Tim Johnson Mr. Wade Bentley
Debbie M atthews Edge Investments Inc. Eckenrod Ford
Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Jackie Moore Mr. Keith Lann Hon. Barry Willingham Dr. T.J. Franey
Director of Finance Guthrie’s Co. Revenue Commissioner Cullman Co. Commission on
& Administration Mr. Jamie Speakman Ms. Frances Cooper Education
Liberty National The Community Shopper’s Guide, Mr. Shawn Crider
[email protected]
Magan F. Bartlett Mr. Jeb Williamson Inc. HH Technologies, Inc.
Director of Membership
& Marketing Jeb Williamson CPA, LLC Mr. Ben Harrison Mr. Mike Donaldson
Cullman Regional Airport Quality Staffing Solution, Inc.
>> [email protected] Mr. Albert Von Pelser Ms. Emily Niezer Johnston Rev. John Bussman
Derek Lane REHAU Automotive, LLC
Director of Small Business & Emily Niezer Johnston, LLC St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Workforce Solutions Dr. Donna Bryant
[email protected] St. Bernard Preparatory School Mr. Jason Spann
American Proteins, Inc.
Natalie F. Bonner
Administrative &
Media Specialist
[email protected]
301 2nd Avenue SW,
Cullman, AL 35055
Open Monday – Friday,
8 AM - 5 PM
Phone:
256-734-0454
Toll Free:
1-800-313-5114
Fax:
256-737-7443
Email:
[email protected]
www.cullmanchamber.org
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Quick Reference
Cullman Area Contact Information
Airport Board...............................256-775-1011 • Child Support, Domestic/Teri Easterwood:
............................................................256-775-4799
Better Business Bureau of North Alabama • Circuit Civil, Circuit Garnishments/
............................256-533-1640/800-239-1642 Cheri Griffin........................................256-775-4800
• Child Support, Domestic/Leigh Ann Hinkle
C. A.R.T.S.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-734-1241 ...........................................................256-775-4689
• Domestic/Gail Hooper..........................256-775-4939
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce •Traffic/VanessaLindsey.........................256-775-4690
....................................................256-734-0454 • Misdemeanor/Amber Mardis................256-775-4693
• Circuit Clerk/Lisa McSwain..................256-775-4941
Cullman City Board of Education....256-734-2233 • Bookkeeper/Debbie Nelson.................256-775-4691
• Deputy Clerk, Passports, Absentee Voting/
CULLMAN CITY HALL....................256-739-1212
Susan Richardson...............................256-775-4770
• Juvenile/LindseyWatson-Self...............256-775-4675
• Building Permits • District Criminal/Joan White.................256-775-4688
• Building Department • Circuit Criminal/AshleyWilhite.............256-775-4798
• Business licensing • Front Counter/Crystal Wright................256-775-4694
• City Clerk
• Fire Department Cullman County Detention Center...256-775-4713
• Mayor’s Office
• Municipal Court Cullman Post Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-734-6633
• Police Department
• Sanitation or Street Departments Economic Development Agency....256-739-1891
• Economic Development
• Water/Sewer Departments Environmental Services.................256-734-0243
• Police or Fire Dispatch
Folsom Field.................................256-775 -1011
CULLMAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE,
Main Number...............................256-739-3530 Humane Society............................256-734-5448
Board of Registrars: Legal Services of Alabama..............866-456-4995
• Lisa Mullancy......................................256-775-4699 Soil & Water Conservation District..256-734-6761
• Nan Auston..........................................256-775-4697
•CarolynFine.........................................256-775-4698 COMMUNITY INFORMATION RESOURCES
Clerks Office Directory Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-734-0454
• Bookkeeper, Passports, Absentee Voting/
Lisa Andrews......................................256-775-4938 Cullman County Public Library
• District Civil, Small Claims/Amy Bailey: (Main Branch)...............................256-734-1068
.........................................................256-775-4287
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quick reference CullmanSense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-297-1847 • Baldwin Mutual Insurance...............877-943-8526
The Cullman Times.....................256-734-2131 • Farmers Insurance...........................800-435-7764
• GEICO Insurance.............................800-841-3000
DISASTER ASSISTANCE/RESOURCES • GMAC Insurance...............................800-468-3466
• Grange Insurance............................800-445-3030
• Infinity Insurance............................800-334-1661
• Liberty Mutual Companies..............800-225-2467
Document Replacement: • Mercury Insurance...........................800-987-6000
• National Security Fire & Casualty
• Alabama Dept. of Public Safety
(driverslicense).................................334-242-4371 ..............................800-798-2092/877-427-2986
(after hours emergency claims)
• FDIC for cards/safety deposit boxes
.......................................................877-275-3342 • Nationwide Insurance......................877-669-8877
• Progressive Insurance......................800-274-4499
• American Express............................800-992-3404 • USAA Insurance...............................800-531-8222
• Discover..........................................800-347-2683 • FEMA..............................................800-621-3362
• Master Card....................................800-622-7747
• Visa................................................800-847-2911 or TTY: 800-462-7585
• Social Security (and Medicare)
......................................................800-772-1213
• Alabama Dept. of State Health Services
(birth, marriage)..........................800-ALA-Licenses
• U.S. Dept. of State (passports) EDUCATION
.......................................................202-955-0430
• U.S. Dept. of Treasury (savings bonds) C.A.R.E.Alternative Program.......256-737-7155
>> ......................................................800-4US BOND
• Internal Revenue Service (tax returns) Child Development Center........256-739-0486
.......................................................800-829-1040 Cold Springs Elementary...........256-298-1247
Cold Springs High......................256-287-1787
• National Archives and Records Cullman Area Career Center.......256-737-7740
Administration (military records)
.......................................................866-272-6272 Cullman Christian......................256-734-0734
Cullman City Board of Education.....256-734-2233
Insurance:
• Alfa.................................................800-964-2532 Cullman City Head Start, Primary....256-775-0234
• Allstate..........................................800-54-STORM Cullman County Board of Education
....................................................256-734-2933
• Cotton State.....................................866-714-6902 Cullman High.............................256-734-3923
..............................800-220-2740 or 256-739-8182 Cullman Middle.........................256-734-7959
.................................................FAX 800-341-7311 East Elementary.........................256-734-2232
• State Farm........................................800-SF-CLAIM Fairview Elementary, Middle, High
....................................................256-796-6304
(800-732-5246) Garden City Elementary............. 256-352-5051
Good Hope Primary, Elementary..256-734-3824
• Travelers: Individuals/Personal Property
.................800-252-4633/Business 800-238-6225
• American Family Insurance.............800-MYAMFAM
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quick reference
Sue Carter
Owner/Broker
(256) 709-1165
>>
Wendy Childers Ronnie Scott Jeff Taylor
Realtor Realtor Realtor
(256) 708-9467 (256) 339-2783 (256) 708-0044
Dusty Gibbs Karen Pitzing Damon Monk
Realtor Realtor Realtor
(256) 338-0977 (256) 531-3131 (256) 620-1397
Teresa Rothermel Jeffrey Harper Steve Carter Vicki Shiflett
Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor
(256) 595-3740 (256) 595-7003
(256) 531-8569 (256) 507-1511
636310
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Good Hope High.........................256-734-3807 Hanceville City Fire & Rescue.....256-352-9830
Good Hope Middle......................256-734-9600 Hanceville Police Department....256-352-9811
quick reference Hanceville Elementary...............256-352-9196 MASA (find-a-doc).......................800-239-6272
Hanceville High.........................256-352-6111 Poison Control............................800-222-1222
Hanceville Middle......................256-352-6175 Red Cross (local)..........................256-734-0921
Harmony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-747-1427
Holly Pond Elementary...............256-796-0046 FUNERAL HOMES (local)
Holly Pond High.........................256-796-5169
Holly Pond Middle.....................256-796-5898 Cullman......................................256-734-3144
Parkside School.........................256-796-5568 Cullman Heritage........................256-734-0208
St. Bernard Preparatory..............256-739-6682 Hanceville.................................256-352-3130
St. Paul’s Lutheran......................256-734-6580 Holly Pond..................................256-796-0333
Sacred Heart..............................256-734-4563 Moss-Service..............................256-734-1821
Vinemont Christian Academy.....256-734-2882 Nichols of Addison......................256-747-6063
Vinemont Elementary................256-734-0314 Peck of Hartselle.........................256-773-2541
Vinemont High..........................256-734-0571
Vinemont Middle.......................256-739-1943
Wallace StateCommunityCollege...256-352-8000 PARKS & RECREATION
Welti Elementary.......................256-734-4956
West Elementary........................256-734-4271 Cullman City Parks and Rec..........256-734-9157
West Point Elementary...............256-775-6178 Cullman Golf Course...................256-739-2386
>> West Point Middle......................256-734-5904 Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center
West Point High.........................256-734-5375 .................................................256-775-7946
West Point Intermediate.............256-734-8019 Donald E. Green Sr. Center...........256-734-4803
Festhalle Market Platz................256-739-1212
EMERGENCY SERVICES Heritage Park..............................256-739-9931
Hurricane Creek Park...................256-734-2125
Cullman City Fire & Rescue........256-775-7186 McGukin Civic Center...................256-734-9157
Cullman City Police Department...256-734-1434 Sportsman Lake Park...................256-734-3052
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office....256-734-0342 Cullman County Parks and Rec....256-734-3369
Cullman Emergency Medical Services Hanceville Recreation & Wellness Center
..................................................256-734-1524 ..................................................256-352-8961
Smith Lake Park...........................256-739-2916
Cullman Regional Medical Center Stony Lonesome OHV Park...........256-287-1133
............................................256-737-2600/2000 Clarkson Covered Bridge..............256-739-2916
E-911 Board................................256-734-0911
Emergency Management Agency..256-739-5410
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PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/CHARITABLE TOURISM & HISTORICAL
RESOURCES RESOURCES
Child Supports Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-735-2000 Ave Maria Grotto.........................256-734-4110 quick reference
ConnectsAlabama..........211(UnitedWayassists)
CommissionOnAging..................256-734-1241 Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce >>
Committee on Church Cooperation. .256-739-1578 & Visitor Center..........................256-734-0454
CullmanAreaWorkforceSolutions..256-352-8143
Cullman Caring For Kids..............256-739-1111 Cullman County Museum...........800-533-1258
Cullman County Health Department
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-734-1030 Our Lady of the Angels Monastery/Shrine of
Cullman Department of Human Resources the Most Blessed Sacrament......256-352-6267
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-737-5300
Food Stamp Office.......................256-737-5370 TOWN HALLS
Good Samaritan Health Clinic......256-775-1389
Homeless Hotline.......................855-775-8009 Baileyton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-796-6447
Mental Healthcare of Cullman. . . . . .256-734-4688 Garden City................................256-352-5408
NARCOG (Council of Governments)..256-355-4515 Holly Pond.................................256-796-2124
RedCross(local)..........................256-734-0921 Colony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-287-1192
The Link of Cullman County.........256-775-0028 Hanceville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-352-9830
United Way of Cullman County.....256-739-2948 Vinemont...................................256-737-5411
DodgeCity..................................256-287-0364
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Fairview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-796-5424
Good Hope.................................256-739-3757
Apollo Limousine Service............256-734-3177 West Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-734-0006
C. A.R.T.S.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-734-1241
UTILITIES, ETC.
(special restrictions apply)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car................256-739-9227 AT&T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .855-637-9527
GuardianAngelTours andTravel...256-734-9287 Technical Support (consumer)
Perfect Choice Taxi......................256-737-7122 .............................................800-246-8464
Charter Communications............888-438-2427
SENIOR CENTERS Appointment Confirmation.........480-263-4005
Cullman City Sanitation..............256-737-7560
Contact the Cullman County Commission On Cullman CityWater/Sewer. . . . . . . . . . .256-739-1212
Aging office at 256-734-1241 Cullman County Landfill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-287-0487
Cullman County Water Department:
.............................................256-734-2900
Cullman County Sanitation..........256-287-1142
Cullman Electric Cooperative.......256-737-3200
Cullman-Jefferson Gas................256-734-1911
(after-hours emergency 256-734-0565)
Cullman Power Board.................256-734-2343
East Cullman Water Service........256-796-5828
VAW Water Authority..................256-734-2413
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Faith & Religion
Grace Episcopal Church, on the edge of downtown, is one of many churches offering a wide variety of
worship services and activities for families.
Photo: The Cullman Times
As Cullman lies in the heart of the South, it also lies in the Congregational Christian, Disciples of Christ, Nazarene,
middle of the acclaimed Bible belt. Assemblies of God, non-denominational, Church of
Cullman County features multiple religious denomina- Christ, Seventh Day Adventist and Mormon churches are
tions in its community of churches. all available in Cullman County.
Germans who were seeking their own religious freedom First Baptist Church of Cullman provides homebound cit-
founded the land, and that ideal has carried over to pres- izens with online sermons through their website and also
ent day through the various options that residents have for enables the community to get involved with their children
church services on weekends. and youth events through their ministries. The church is
located in downtown Cullman along U.S. Highway 31.
Southern Baptist churches dominate the area, but they are Crosshaven Church, which formed nearly 11 years ago,
accompanied by Free Will, Independent, and Missionary has also added educational facilities for children, teens and
Baptist churches. young adults at its campus located in between Hanceville
The Catholic influence remains strong as the area hosts and Cullman.
three monasteries: St. Bernard Abbey and Sacred Heart of Contemporary services often accompanied by creative and
Jesus Christ in Cullman, and the Shrine of the most Blessed dramatic performances are available at Daystar Church.
Sacrament of Our Lady of Angels in Hanceville. With a variety of programs and facilities for all ages, and
Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Church of God, campuses in Good Hope and Hartselle, Daystar offers a ca-
sual environment
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Outdoor Living
The peaceful waters of Lewis photo courtesy of smith lake paddle boards
Smith Lake afford tremendous
opportunities for recreation and
enjoying one of the South’s top
scenic destinations.
Cullman city and county governments have two parks and remaining covered bridges is preserved for the public. With
recreation departments, each with separate missions and the help of grant funds, the county completed restoration
different kinds of parks. work on the bridge this year.
Cullman County Parks and Recreation is in charge of three Cullman City Parks and Recreation oversees Heritage Park,
parks: Smith Lake Park, Sportsman Lake Park and Clarkson featuring tournament-caliber ball fields, a walking trail, pic-
Covered Bridge Park. nic pavilions, soccer fields and more.
Smith Lake Park is on the shores of one of the state’s best In addition to Heritage Park, there is also Ingle Park, where
lakes. Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre reservoir that’s great for kids come to play basketball and seniors come to play games
water skiing or fishing. The deep waters of the lake provide a at the recreation center, and Nesmith Park, which features
cool water environment for a vast variety of fish. youth ball fields, tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Smith Lake teems with bass, crappie, bream and catfish, and Heritage Park is home to Relay for Life, an annual event rais-
plans are underway to construct a handicapped boat dock at ing money for the American Cancer Society.
the park this summer.
Camping accommodations are available year round. The
park has 9 cabins, 199 full sites, 5 water and electric sites,
and 61 tent sites.
Sportsman Lake Park is in the heart of Cullman, featuring Complete Line Of Hunting &
a lake, picnic pavilions, walking trails, a train and children’s Fishing Supplies
rides. Sportsman Lake also includes paddle boats for a lei-
surely trip around the feeding the ducks. The park also has a 2045 Co. Rd. 222 • 9-6 Mon. - Sat.
new walking trail around the lake.
Clarkson Covered Bridge Park is where one of the state’s last 256-775-4031
635613
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Shopping Opportunities
Cullman boasts a wide selection of retail op-
tions from big box retailers to family-owned
shops. And it’s just getting bigger and better.
Several eclectic boutiques with sophisticat-
ed styles for women and adorable outfits
for children can be found at the Warehouse
District downtown while other specialty
stores, gift shops and consignment shops
line the historic downtown area. The Cull-
man Downtown Merchants Association is
comprised of business owners who volun-
teer their time to generate interest down-
town and its shops.
Residents and small businesses, such as
Bessie Mae Vintage Boutique, pictured,
benefit from special events that encourage
shopping locally.
Photo: Chamber Staff
P.O. Box 1484 2024 Main Ave SW
3304 3rd Ave S Cullman, AL 35055
Jasper AL 35502
(205) 384-9768 (256) 734-9762
00489501
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Plans are already under way to completely remod- Outside the city, other retail opportunities can shopping opportunities
el and expand Cullman Shopping Center along be found around the county as well as cities like
U.S. 31 in the heart of Cullman. Belk, J.C. Penney Good Hope and Hanceville. Jack’s Western Wear
and Books-A-Million anchor the shopping center outfits cowgirls and cowboys in Wranglers, boots
at this time, but new retailers such as Dick’s are and button down rodeo shirts. Premium outdoor
on the way. Along Alabama 157, a new Wal-Mart brands like Columbia, Carhartt and Merrell are
will be built, along with other new businesses. also sold there.
Town Square Shopping Center on U.S. 31 con- Hanceville, which sits about 10 miles south of the
tinues to be a popular destination for various city of Cullman, has held onto its historic cen-
shopping needs. In the past few years, a string tral business downtown with the help of a revi-
of brand-name retailers have popped up along talization grant, and property owners have been
Cherokee Avenue, including T.J. Maxx, Walmart improving their buildings there to attract new
and Maurices, along with eateries like Five Guys, tenants. Several retailers operate along U.S. 31 in
Yogurt Mountain, Chick-fil-A and Bojangles’ Fa- Hanceville and count as customers the city’s res-
mous Chicken and Biscuits. idents as well students attending at Wallace State
Long standing businesses such as Johnny’s BBQ Community College.
continue to be a mainstay of the dining scene. A new addition to Cullman is the Hops & Shops
Johnny’s celebrated 50 years of business in Cull- event in downtown Cullman, a cooperative effort
man during 2013. of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and
City officials know the importance of maintain- merchants. The event gives residents a chance to
ing a vibrant retail atmosphere by supporting enjoy the many stores and sales while sampling
locally-owned storefronts while simultaneously a variety of unique beverages. The event is held
encouraging new chain stores to open up shop. monthly and continues to attract crowds to each
event.
>>
(256) 775-0302 169601
2017 4th St SW • Cullman, AL 35077
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The Best Place to Raise
Cullman: Children in Alabama
Cullman area students enjoy schools that
are among the top in the state. Teachers
use technology and classroom skills to help
students achieve their goals.
Image iStock Photo
Cullman was recognized nationally in 2011, as the talks about schools, park and recreation, employment,
publication Bloomberg Businessweek named the city and numerous things we have to offer here ... This is
the best place to raise children in Alabama. just a magnificent place to live and raise children.”
The national business magazine cited the success of West Elementary School in the city and West Point
the Cullman City Schools system as one major factor, Elementary School in Cullman County were both re-
as well as the size and location of the city. cently named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the
“As a lifelong resident of Cullman, I’ve always known it U.S. Department of Education.
was a good place to raise children, but what this does In the city school system, the average math score is
is verify that,” Mayor Max Townson said. “The article 93.88, more than 10 points over the state average of
www.C U L L M A N C H A M B E R .org 22 C L A S S I C C U L L M A N | 2 0 1 4 - 1 5
81.06. Reading scores are also consistently above best pXlXaXcXeXtXoXrXaXisXe kids
the state average, with the latest numbers at 95.54,
compared to the state average of 84.98.
“I didn’t need a magazine to tell me this, because
I already knew it was the best place to raise chil-
dren,” former Cullman City Schools Superinten-
dent Dr. Jan Harris said at the time. “Never have
I seen a community that embraces its young peo-
ple like the citizens of Cullman do.”
The piece also notes the city population of 14,697,
and median family income of $52,207. The fact
that Cullman residents recently voted to allow
alcohol sales within the city limits is also men-
tioned.
The magazine evaluated 4,169 places with a
crime index less than 10 percent above the na-
tional average, populations between 1,000 and
50,000 people, and median family income within
20 percent of the state median. Factors such as
school scores, economic indicators, crime, parks,
air quality and ethnic diversity also played a role
in the selection process.
>>
A new splash pad at Sportsman Lake Park is just the
right place to let kids cool off in the summer heat
while having fun.
photo: The cullman times
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Public & Private Education
Mrs. Perry’s Chemistry
Class St. Bernard
Photo: contributed high academic standards and increased roles in their schools and communities.
student success; preparing graduates who Students may attend the Cullman Area
Cullman County Schools are college and career ready. Career Center where they may earn their
Special partnerships with the University high school diploma with a career/tech-
Cullman County Schools, providing a of Alabama in Hunstville and NASA offer nical endorsement in the areas of Archi-
quality education for every student, every students the opportunity to explore career tecture and Construction, Health and
day! choices in Engineering. Cullman County Human Services, Manufacturing, Pre-en-
Voted Alabama’s number one communi- students have won numerous INSPIRESS gineering/ Electronics, Transportation,
ty to raise a family, the Cullman County awards and have earned the opportuni- and Drafting and Technology. Students
School System consists of 29 schools in ty to present their projects at the NASA may also participate in the Jr. ROTC pro-
grades K-12 with over 9,500 students and headquarters in Washington, D.C. gram. The Cullman Area Career Center
is the home of two nationally recognized A leadership initiative, the Student Ad- is excited to add Mechatronics to their
Blue Ribbon Schools, West Point Elemen- vanced Leadership Teams (SALT), was programs this year.
tary and the Exemplary Reading Pro- formed to instill leadership qualities in Students have opportunities to participate
gram Award, Parkside Elementary. The students and prepare them for leadership in various activities such as academic
Cullman County School System received
district wide AdvancEd Accreditation
(SACS Accreditation) and is focused on
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teams, band, fine arts, athletics, ro- to two nationally recognized Blue environment to Preschool 3 years-6th public & private education
botics, engineering (INSPIRESS) and Ribbon Schools and has been named grade. Our teachers guide students as
many others. Students may participate Alabama’s number one city in which they serve their neighbors, work and >>
in the Fast Track and Dual Enrollment to raise children. Earning over $4.5 develop projects, take part in Student
programs. million in academic scholarships this Council, Robotics Club and the Fine
Cullman County Students continue to past year, students also find focus Arts. Visit www.stpaulscullman.com
receive state, national and internation- through state award winning athletic to learn more about our school.
al recognition, along with numerous teams, band, choral, theatre, art and
team and individual honors; and are community service, having donated St. Bernard Prep School
awarded millions of dollars each year more than 24,000 hours of volunteer
in scholarships. The most recent efforts since 2007. Administered by the Benedictine
recognitions include: the West Point All five schools in the system — Cull- Monks of St. Bernard Abbey, the
High School Scholars Bowl Team man High, Cullman Middle, East and purpose of St. Bernard Preparatory
which received 7th place in the Na- West Elementary, and the Primary School is to help students in grades
tional Scholars Bowl Competition, the School — are fully accredited by 7-12 become fully alive intellectually,
Cullman Area Career Center’s Mars AdvancED and house approximately socially, physically and spiritually; to
Land Rover Team which received 7th 3,200 students. Additional programs become independently thinking and
place in the International Mars Land include Pre-K and Head Start. Stu- socially responsible Christ-like mem-
Rover competition, and the Culinary dents leave the Primary School with bers of society.
Arts Team which received first place a firm foundation in reading, writing, St. Bernard Preparatory School has
in the state culinary competition. and math setting them up for success been educating young men and wom-
Cullman County Schools…focusing in the upcoming years. Newsweek en since 1891 in a Christian-based
on high standards and expectations has identified Cullman High School environment, providing a college-pre-
for excellence! for inclusion in their “2013 America’s paratory curriculum that emphasizes
For more information about Cullman Best High Schools” listing. Only about the ability to think, to read with
County Schools, please visit the sys- 5 percent of the more than 36,000 understanding, to express oneself
tem’s website at www.ccboe.org public and private high schools in the with confidence and grace, and to
nation are included on this prestigious solve problems creatively. Courses
Cullman City Schools national listing. Newsweek identified not only provide the transmission
20 Alabama high schools as America’s and reception of pertinent facts, they
The Cullman City School System, na- Best High Schools from the more than encourage the development of mental
tionally recognized for its innovative 360 public secondary high schools and physical discipline, of breadth and
technology and instructional pro- located in the state. depth of view, of responsible thought
grams, is proud to be Alabama’s first Cullman High School has been and action, and of critical thinking.
school-wide 1:1 Laptop Initiative site. through a rebuilding and renovation What does a St. Bernard education
Cullman City Schools continues to in- program, which provides students and offer?
novate through technology with its re- teachers with enhanced technology • SACS full accreditation
cent announcement of a 1:x Initiative abilities. The rebuilding also includes • Day school and boarding school options
which will give every student access several storm safety features for stu- • College preparatory curriculum
to multiple devices and will depend- dents and staff. • Small classes: 12 to 1 student/teacher
ing upon the task at hand. Students The mission of Cullman City Schools
can now take hands-on responsibility is to inspire students for lifelong ratio
for their education, equipped with success through character, citizenship • Disciplined, directed instruction from
the best 21st Century tools that will and scholarship. For more informa-
enhance the learning process and con- tion regarding the school system, go highly educated and experienced faculty
nect them to a future of opportunity to www.cullmancats.net. • Advanced Placement and
and achievement.
Rated among the top two school St. Paul’s Lutheran School Dual-enrollment classes
systems in Alabama on comparative • ACT and SAT scores consistently rank
test data (PARCA), CCS is home St. Paul’s has been Growing Chris-
tian Leaders for more than 60 years. above the national average
We teach academics in a Christian • Acceptance to prestigious colleges and
universities
• Extensive athletics program. Member
of the Alabama High School Athletic
Association. Sports include: Cross
Country, Track and Field, Volleyball,
Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Softball,
Tennis, and Swimming.
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public & private education • Fine Arts program include: Music Not just for Catholics, Sacred Heart Wallace State
Ensemble, Jazz Band, Drama and welcomes children of all faith back- Community College
Theater, Visual Arts grounds without prejudice or prereq-
uisites. Educating children from 3 At the heart of Cullman County’s eco-
• Foreign Languages: Latin and Spanish years old through 6th grade, the fully nomic base is Wallace State Commu-
• Average of $2.5 million in scholarships certified faculty prepare the children nity College, serving a wide range of
well for continuing education beyond educational needs throughout north
per 25 graduates per year the walls of Sacred Heart School. Alabama.
• Foreign travel opportunities for all Described by some as “Cullman’s Best
Kept Secret,” Sacred Heart currently
students has 138 children. Enrollment for
• Cultural diversity promoted through our next year indicates an increase in
international student population
• Safe, secure environment on the
picturesque 800 acres of St. Bernard Featuring state-of-the-art technolo-
Abbey gy for a booming nursing program
“St. Bernard has changed me by its this number. Tours and information and two-year degree programs that
constant beckoning to me…it calls me may be obtained by calling the school prepare students for the region’s work-
to be someone greater. In my studies, at 256-734-4563. We are located in force, Wallace State is producing able
in my prayers, and with my friends, I town at 112 Second Avenue Southeast, employees in many professions.
am challenged to be greater.” (2014 St. “The small school where big things Located in Hanceville, off U.S. High-
Bernard graduate). happen!” way 31, WSCC’s student body ranges
For more information about St. from adults seeking to improve skills
Cullman Christian School or embark on new career paths, to
Bernard Preparatory School visit our Cullman Christian School provides recent high school graduates who are
website at www.stbernardprep.com. Christian secondary education from targeting transfers to four-year col-
an evangelical, Protestant perspective leges or entry into specific job fields.
Sacred Heart School for students in K5 through twelfth While strongly supported by local
grade.
Sacred Heart School (www.shscull- residents, students come in from
man.net) has met the educational
>> needs of Cullman children for over The school is independent and across north Alabama to continue
135 years. Accredited by both the non-denominational, governed by a their education at WSCC. Students
State and Southern Association of board of parents who are members in complete associate degrees or transfer
Colleges and Schools, the school good standing of various churches in to four-year universities across the
continues to offer a strong, viable cur- Cullman. The school’s website is state and region.
riculum in a Christian environment. www.cullmanchristian.org. Construction on the college’s
125,000-square-foot new nursing
and biology building, situated on the
northern end of the campus finished
up last year Doster Construction
in Birmingham began work on the
14-month project last fall.
The new building features a state-of-
the-art simulation center for nursing
students, two computer labs for all
Wallace State students, a 500-seat
auditorium and café for students and
faculty. About 1,750 biology students
and 600 nursing students will attend
classes there.
Students find time for some interesting and fun activities on local
campuses.
Photo: contributed
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Wallace State Community College
New School of Nursing and Center for Science building. Photo: Wallace state community college
Nestled in southern Cullman County sits Wallace Founded in 1966, Wallace State is constantly striving
State Community College whichboasts nearly 100 to modernize its facilities and update technological
programs of study in academic, health and techni- options for its students.
cal programs and roughly 7,000 credit and noncredit The new School of Nursing and Center for Science
students. building, unveiled last spring, was designed by ar-
The 300-acre college campus is home to a new $25 chitects in the shape of a chromosome and includes
million state-of-the-art nursing and biology building a simulation lab designed to replicate a hospital
and soon, the state’s longest disc golf course. and emergency room for interdisciplinary learning
among health care students. It also has two comput-
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wallace state community college Students can learn a
wide variety of skills
including Collision
Repair.
Photo: wallace state
community college
er labs, a 500-seat auditorium and café for stu- tion and GED preparation, short-term training
dents and faculty. Biology department chair Fred programs, continuing education and lifelong
Halstead, Ph.D. said the new building was a huge learning classes are some of the many ways Wal-
benefit for the students, but he emphasized it was lace State serves its communities.
Wallace State’s teaching philosophy that set it
apart. “As a rural community college, developing Its athletics program includes baseball, basket-
students is important, and it’s unique at Wallace ball, cheerleading, golf, soccer, softball and vol-
that students have access to us at all times.” leyball as well as intramurals. Between academ-
ic and student life, Wallace State has achieved a
>> This spring, officials plan to open the first on-cam- retention rate among students that exceeds the
pus disc golf course at any community college state and national average.
statewide. Students and the college are raising
money for the project which is expected to bring “We have a sincere focus to serve students,”
in out-of-town tournaments. The college has also said President Vicki Hawsey Karolewics.
established itself as a regional center for the arts
through the Ottis and Evelyn Burrow Center for Wallace State has been recognized for its inno-
the Fine and Performing Arts, Evelyn Burrow vations in teaching and learning on the state and
Museum, and Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. national levels. An Achieving the Dream institu-
tion, Wallace State has been rated the first choice
Wallace State is accredited by Southern Associ- among community colleges by high school se-
ation of Colleges and Schools Commission on niors taking the ACT, designated by the Aspen
Colleges to award the Associate in Arts, Asso- Institute as one of the top 120 community col-
ciate in Science, and Associate in Applied Sci- leges in America according to student outcomes,
ence degrees. Many programs have additional ranked among the “Top 100 Community Col-
accreditation from organizations appropriate to leges” and among the “Top 50 Associate Degrees:
the particular disciplines. Classes are offered day, Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences”
evening, weekend and online. Dual enrollment by Community College Week, and ranked No.
opportunities for high school students, including 2 in the South for Workforce Development by
an on campus Fast Track Academy, adult educa- Southern Business and Development magazine.
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Healthcare
Photos By Lindsey Dossey
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
at Cullman Regional Medical Center
By Lindsey Dossey 1939 at its first location downtown before relocating to its
current location in 1995. In October 2014, CRMC cele-
Marketing & Public Relations Manager at brates 75 years of healthcare in the community. The new
Cullman Regional Medical Center campus features three professional office buildings and is
currently undergoing a complete renovation thanks to the
Cullman area residents enjoy top-rate medical care with an CRMC Foundation’s Refresh-A-Room Campaign which
award-winning hospital as well as an array of private clinics launched in 2013. The funds raised by the campaign are
that provide specialized health care services. currently being used to create a more comfortable environ-
ment with modern aesthetics which are designed to facili-
Cullman Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is fully ac- tate a relaxed, less-clinical-feeling environment for patient
credited by The Joint Commission and is currently li- guests and their families while also upgrading to produce a
censed for145-beds. Located on Alabama Highway 157, higher standard of care. In 2011, a new Emergency Services
the medical center serves more than 175,000 residents in Center was unveiled following the CRMC’s Foundation’s
a five-county area with some of the most up-to-date med- Golden Window Campaign. The existing 5,000-square-foot
ical equipment and technology currently available. The emergency center was renovated and expanded by anoth-
hospital is solely owned by the Health Care Authority of er 3,000 square feet, bringing its total of emergency treat-
Cullman County and employs approximately 1,000 with ment rooms up from 16 to 24. An upgraded Trauma Room,
nearly 300 physicians on the medical staff providing care
in more than 30 specialties. Cullman’s hospital opened in
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Chest Pain Center and Stroke Center were also
added. The center also added an Express Care
area for non-emergent care which is open from
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. CRMC is
a BlueCross BlueShield Tier 1 hospital in quality
Healthcare care, patient satisfaction and cost containment
and a Tier 1 provider of heart and stroke care
by the American Heart Association and Amer-
ican Stroke Association. It consistently ranks
in the top 10 percent in the nation for patient
satisfaction and quality outcomes for patients.
In 2013, the hospital launched the Good-to-Go
Patient Discharge Education tool leading the
way for patient discharge education in the Unit-
ed States. This leading-edge technology gained
the hospital nationwide recognition and awards,
including the 2013 Modern Healthcare Spirit of
Excellence Award for Patient Safety; the 2013
Nursing IT Informatics Innovation Gold Award
for Patient Safety; the 2013 Robert Wood John-
son Foundation Care About Your Care Patient
Safety Award; and the 2013 Dorland Health
Case In Point Platinum Award for Discharge
Planning. In 2012, the hospital received the
Hospital & Health Care Network’s Most Wired
Innovator Award for Surgery Electronic Patient
Tracking System created by its own in-house in-
formation technology department. The system A child gets special attention from a staff member at
allows patients’ families to track their loved ones Cullman Regional Medical Center.
through the surgical process via a personalized Photos By Lindsey Dossey
>> Marketing & Public Relations Manager
at Cullman Regional Medical Center
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healthcare
Volunteers at the hospital make sure pa- >>
tients and families have the comforts they
need to make their experience at CRMC
comfortable.
patient pin number. A variety of inpatient ser-
vices are provided at CRMC including heart care
and interventional cardiology as well as trauma
care, inpatient surgery and critical care. Addi-
tionally, the maternity and nursery center de-
livers around 1,000 babies a year. In addition to
inpatient services, the hospital offers a fully-ac-
credited sleep disorders center, diagnostic imag-
ing center, pain management clinic, outpatient
surgery as well as outpatient physical therapy
and rehabilitation services through ONE Rehab,
a CPAP Care Center, a new Center for Wound
Healing opened in 2012 and a women’s diagnos-
tic center that houses the latest technology for
digital mammography and stereotactic breast
biopsy. CRMC’s Nurse Navigators offer special-
ized services to cancer patients in the commu-
nity, helping patients and their families navigate
their cancer diagnosis and treatment plan with
a physician of the patient’s choice. Nurses fol-
low patients every step of the process in order
to make sure they understand all aspects of their
care plan, from doctor visits to follow-up ap-
pointments. They serve as the patient advocate
throughout their treatment. The hospital also
reaches out to inform the community through
routine educational health seminars and bene-
fits to women of all stages of life as well as active
seniors 50 years old and up through the Wom-
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Healthcare The ambulance service at CRMC is
staffed with skilled medical workers who
respond to emergencies throughout the
area.
Photos By Lindsey Dossey
Marketing & Public Relations Manager at Cullman Regional Medical Center
enFirst and SeniorChoice membership programs. Cullman County who are without access to primary
healthcare. The clinic grew out of an idea from Rev.
Part of CRMC’s mission is to promote wellness in the Brent Norris, former rector of Grace Episcopal Church
community, and to accomplish that objective, the med- and quickly evolved to include 12 churches. The first
ical center has created an extensive employee wellness patients were seen in 2004. Since beginning as a one-
>> program as well as a community partnership effort with night-a-week clinic, the Good Samaritan Health Clinic
the Cullman County Health Coalition which launches now offers medical care Monday through Friday. It of-
in the Fall of 2014 called Get Movin’ Cullman County. fers a dental extraction clinic two nights per month, eye
CRMC is also a proud partner of the Good Samaritan disease exams for diabetics at local ophthalmologists’
Health Clinic. The clinic, located on Arnold Street in office, a once-a-month hearing clinic, diabetic supplies
the old hospital Emergency Department is available and referrals to specialists in Cullman and Birmingham.
to serve the uninsured and underinsured people of
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physician directory
>>
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physician directory
>>
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physician directory
>>
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physician directory
>>
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physician directory
>>
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Healthy Lifestyles
photo:
City Parks & Recreation
Cullman Catfish swim team
host swim meet at Wellness
and Aquatic Center 2013.
Cullman offers its residents multiple ways to become riding to ATV enthusiasts that includes mud and fun
healthier through area gym memberships, recre- for the entire family on 1,456 acres of off-highway
ational sports and many other activities. park.
Cullman Heritage Park is still expanding to meet the Enabling rock crawlers, dirt bikes, Jeeps, OHVs and
needs of the community. It hosts baseball and soft- ATVs, trails are labeled and easy to accommodate
ball tournaments and concerts, as well as basketball beginners and advanced riders.
courts, soccer fields, several miles of walking and The park hosts multiple events throughout the year,
running trails, an outdoor beach volleyball court, including midnight rides and motocross races. It also
and an 18-hole disc golf course. It also features a kids’ is a venue for campers as it includes a 20-cabin camp-
playground and an outdoor splash pad. ing area for visitors with pavilions, 16 RV site hook-
OHV Stony Lonesome Park, the first public park of ups and bathhouses.
its kind in the state, opened in 2009 and provides trail
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HealthFit of Cullman is the only 24-hour gym in yoga, Dance-Fit (Zumba), spinning and person- healthy lifestyles
the city and offers its members exercise through al training classes. The facility hosts an Olym-
fitness classes such as: yoga, kickboxing, weights pic-sized swimming pool, saunas, steam-rooms
and personal training. Talk to the staff at Health- and whirlpools in both locker rooms. They offer
Fit for information about reaching your fitness four racquetball courts, tanning, and an indoor
goals. Call HealthFit at (256) 734-3300 for more walking track, alongside Cybex equipment, car-
information. dio equipment, weights and personal trainers. For
The Cullman Wellness and Aquatics Center is a more information, contact Sports Fit at 256-739-
fitness center complete with weights, cardio, spe- 0039.
cialized equipment and professional training. It The Field of Miracles complex at Chester Free-
hosts an indoor rubberized walking track, ex- man Park opened in 2007 and created a field to
ercise classes, indoor and outdoor competition allow those with all abilities and special needs to
pools, whirlpool spa, gymnasium equipped for enjoy recreational activities. It was an effort met
volleyball and basketball, and an outdoor water by the City of Cullman’s Parks and Recreational
park featuring water slides, diving boards and a Department in order to provide opportunities
lazy river. for those with special needs. The community has
Cullman Sports Fit and Wellness center offers been impacted greatly with the productive addi-
tive the park provides.
>>
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Cullman Regional Airport
The Cullman Regional Airport hosts traffic from
recreational pilots to corporate clients coming to
the area on business.
Photos: contributed
Airport growing as key factor
in economic growth
The Cullman Regional Airport is increasingly be- With additional land under control of the airport, the
coming a major focus in economic development for potential to build more hangars to serve corporate
the region. clients and create business opportunities is increas-
Situated between two large metropolitan areas — ing. Efforts are also under way to expand the runway
Huntsville and Birmingham — the local airport is by 700 feet to handle the landing of heavier aircraft.
drawing interest as a site suited for aviation based Cullman Regional Airport currently has 10 Corpo-
businesses. Additional hangars have been added to rate hangars and 56 T-Hangers.
the facilities in recent years. “We have been looking at the airport’s potential for
A Federal Aviation Administration grant helped a long time, and now, with Huntsville growing, Cull-
fund a $1 million, 12,000-square-foot apron at the man has started to see more interest in the airport
airport, adding the potential for increased traffic and from outside,” said Dale Greer, assistant director of
business in Cullman County.
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cullman regional airport
An expanded landing area for helicopters and the presence of a wide range of
hangars has increased the traffic and value of the airport in recent years.
Cullman Economic Development Agency. “In Photo: contributed >>
particular, there’s more interest in MRO [main-
tenance, repair and overhaul]. There is a demand The Cullman Regional Airport has also been a
for facilities that are within a one-hour flight time winner of the Nationwide Airport of the Month.
from Huntsville, and we’ve begun seeing interest Funded as a joint venture of the City of Cullman
in that. and Cullman County, the airport was established
The airport board is comprised of five officials: in the 1950s when land was purchased from local
Cullman Mayor Max Townson, County Com- families in the Vinemont area. The airport was
mission Chairman Kenneth Walker, Dr. Vince orginally named Folsom Field after the late Gov.
Karolewics, Dr, Rex Smith, and Dr. Ben Gomez. Jim “Big Jim” Folsom.
Townson said the use and potential of the airport
is increasing. He said the airport has long been The airport’s website can be found at www.cull-
a valuable asset in attracting investors to Cull- manregionalairport.org. It has been updated and
man County and is frequently used by corporate is now live. Staff can be contacted at the airport
guests and potential developers. at 256-775-1011, seven days a week from 7a.m.
until 5 p.m.
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Agri-Business
Cullman County ranks at
top of state’s ag business
Alabama is known for its rich farmlands, but no-
where in the state compares to Cullman County.
With the distinction of being the state’s largest
producer of poultry and egg, farmers across this
county of more than 80,000 residents are a valu-
able supplier of vital food products to the entire
nation. Broiler production alone in Cullman
County contributes nearly 85 percent of the ar-
ea’s total agricultural production.
Cattle are also an important part of the agricul-
tural community. While raising cattle is second
in the county, it typically ranks at or near the top
in the state.
While the presence of carefully crafted and con-
trolled poultry houses and fields of cattle are
common in the county’s farmlands, Cullman is
also the state’s big producer of sweet potatoes.
This hand-harvested crop has long been a major
part of the farming community and finds their
way to stores and tables across the country.
Local farmers are also finding great success in
growing melons and vegetables in the rich soil
of Cullman County. Some area farmers are even
specializing in certain vegetables to supply di-
rectly to fine dining establishments in the re-
gion.
Cullman County is the top agricultural Forestry production is also on the rise in the
county in the state of Alabama. Poultry Cullman area, opening the door to continued
and beef production are lucrative busi- business opportunities.
ness here. Fairview farmer Ben Haynes
pictured on his farm.
photo: The cullman times
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955 Co. Rd. 437 Agri-business
Cullman, AL 35055
(256)734-1213
M-F: 9 am - 6 pm • Sat: 9am - 5pm • Sun: C
1729748
Mammoth pumpkins and watermelons on display in 955 Co. Rd. 437 M-F: 9 am - 6 pm
downtown Cullman during Farm Y’all, a local event Cullman, AL 35055 Sat: 9am - 5pm
that celebrates local farms and farmers.
(256)734-1213 Sun: Closed
Photo: contributed
SAVE 1,000s BUY FACTORY DIRECT!
Alabama’s agricultural community has an economic 29770
impact reaching into the billions of dollars. Cullman www0.c70la2y0t0o1n34h1o5m0.ecsrtor f-cPualglme 1an- C.coommposite
County carries a huge share of that impact because of
its diverse production. >>
Efforts to increase markets for Alabama farmers are
being pushed by state leaders. Former Alabama First 906 Perry Street
Lady Marsha Folsom and a company she is involved Cullman, AL 35055
with are pushing for bamboo farming in another area (256) 734-6564
of the state, which could open other opportunities in
spinoff businesses across the region. 134150 www.standardfurniture.net
While farming is big business across Cullman Coun-
ty, many farm families still delight local shoppers by 17133
bringing a portion of their harvested crops to the Fes-
thalle in Cullman to sell. The popular market is often
crowded with residents and visitors looking to find
the best of locally grown food.
Cullman’s rich agricultural history is taking hold
across the region, evidenced in the popular Farm Ya’ll
event that features a wide range of food grown locally
and the handiwork of chefs using these products.
A special treat in the event is arrival of giant pumpkins
from the farms, including a state record for two years
in a row. Crowds are also delighted by the pumpkin
drop, which send a thousand pounds of the delicacy
crashing to the ground.
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Area Industry
Industries such as REHAU have New and expanding industry capital invest-
been experiencing tremendous ment and job creation for 2013 ranked Cull-
growth in Cullman’s healthy man in the top 10 in almost every category
economic environment. among Alabama’s 67 counties.
The Alabama Department of Commerce
PHOTO: Courtesy of REHAU said companies establishing new operations
in Cullman and local companies expanding
existing facilities invested a total $97,521,000
last year. That injection of capital created 554
new jobs.
The 2013 Cullman total of 52 expansions and
four new industries ranked Cullman #1 for
the second year in a row in the Total New &
Existing Industry Category. Cullman Coun-
ty ranked above #2 Jefferson County and #3
Madison County, the state’s largest counties.
Site Selection Magazine has cited Cullman
County as the #3 Micropolitan Area in the
United States for New and Expanding Indus-
try for major projects in 2013. The magazine
annually rates more than 750 non-metropol-
itan areas in America that have a population
between 10,000 and 50,000. The judging cri-
teria is based on industrial projects in the
12-month period that resulted in a capital
expenditure of at least $1 million. Wooster,
Ohio ranked first with 27 qualifying projects
and Tupelo, MS finished second only one
project ahead of Cullman.
Cullman Economic Development Agency
Director Peggy Smith said the new numbers
continue a decade-long growth pattern that
has resulted in more than $1.1 billion invest-
ed in Cullman County. “I doubt any com-
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munity in the country comparable to Cullman area industry
can match the industrial base and remarkable
growth that has occurred in Cullman County.” >>
The diversity of the companies located in Cull-
man has contributed to the sustained industrial
progress here. “Their success speaks volumes
about the quality of the companies we attract
and how they continue to prosper once they
settle in Cullman and Cullman County.”
Workforce availability, skills, productivity and
dependability are important elements to any
successful economic development program, ac-
cording to Smith. However, she said teamwork
and partnerships in this community have also
played a significant role in Cullman’s progress.
Other factors include: A pro-business attitude;
support for business and industry; effective
education systems; local government commit-
ment to invest in infrastructure; transportation
arteries; and a strong quality of life.
“Where I think Cullman outshines the compe-
tition is working together as a community to
help meet the needs of industry,” Smith added.
“We are so fortunate that we can call on oth-
er industry, our education leaders, elected of-
ficials, utilities and any other segments of our
community to provide information, answer
questions and help showcase this community.”
Smith noted the Cullman Economic Develop-
ment Office takes the lead on new and expand-
ing industry, but says the County Economic
Development Office, city and county industrial
development boards, city and county govern-
ment and the Cullman Area Chamber of Com-
merce all maximize efforts to keep the commu-
nity progressive.
The energy and enthusiasm for growth in this
community is contagious, Smith said. “Eco-
nomic developers in many other Alabama com-
munities and many parts of the country are en-
vious of the united effort they see in Cullman.”
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Area industry No single industrial project dominated the Cull- Schulte Building Systems, a pre-engineered metal
man numbers like 2012 and 2011 when Topre and building manufacturer;
REHAU each had a project in excess of $100 mil- Jimmy Sanders, Inc., Purchased Federer Farm
lion and more than 200 jobs.
Automotive companies were again high on the list Supply;
for growth last year. Topre America, a Japanese Royal Technologies Corporation, injection mold-
metal stamper, spent $25 million on building and ing, urethane foam and light assembly equipment
equipment expansion; Alabama Cullman Yutaka used in the automotive and office furniture indus-
Technologies, a tier one supplier to Honda, invest- tries;
ed more than $11.1 million in a building addition
and new equipment; while REHAU, Inc., invest-
ed $6 million at its automotive plant for injection Advanced Rotors Inc., in Hanceville invested in
molding, paint equipment and building upgrades. facilities to manufacture and repair electric motor
rotors and stators;
Other companies that made significant capital
investments in 2013: Serta Mattress, equipment to produce mattresses
American Proteins, a poultry rendering facility; and bedsprings;
Louisiana Pacific Corporation, a manufacturer of HessAire Products, Inc., related to the production
Oriented Strand Board; of industrial fan blades and HVAC/AG fans;
Kennedy Galvanizing, a hot dip galvanizing op- Apel Steel invested at the structural steel fabrica-
eration in Hanceville, finished the startup of the tion plant;
new Hanceville facility; Webb Wheel Products, equipment to produce
Perfection Chain Products Inc., a producer of hubs and drums for the heavy truck and trailer
weld less chains, built addition and purchased industry;
>> new equipment at Vinemont; NAFCO, a metal fabricator specializing in large
Magnet Paints, a new paint manufacturer located conveyor systems;
in West Point, new building and equipment; McGriff Industries, Inc., tire manufacturing;
Cullman Casting Corporation, a foundry produc- Wal-Mart Distribution Center, equipment up-
ing gray iron castings as counterweights for fork grades; and,
lifts and off road vehicles; Mach III Inc., firearm part production.
142127
Logistics
Distribution Center#6006
Transportation Office#6806
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>>
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Top 5 Most Business Friendly
Employees of local Chick-Fil-A PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Cullman among top business places to
grow business, raise children in the state
Over the past few years Cullman has been named years,” the study notes.
among the best places to live, as well as grow a busi- Cullman was also selected the third best “micropoli-
ness, in the state of Alabama. tan” in the United States for new and expanding in-
Earlier this year, the Alabama Policy Institute named dustries by the prestigious Site Selection Magazine in
Cullman the Top 5 friendliest community for business recent years.
growth. Cullman was just behind second-place Tupelo, Miss.
“Alabama’s most business friendly cities possess re- and first-place Wooster, Ohio among the nation’s 576
sponsible limited governance, reasonable tax rates, micropolitan areas, according to Site Selection Maga-
quality school systems, low crime, access to transpor- zine. “Micropolitans” are cities with 10,000 to 50,000
tation infrastructure and a thriving economy despite people and cover at least one county.
significant economic challenges over the last several
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What put Cullman, Cullman County and its mu- sions of local companies to “a true partnership top 5 most business friendly
nicipalities at the top was robust growth in 2013 with the community.”
with 52 existing company expansions and four In 2011, Cullman was named by Bloomberg Busi-
new companies. The activity created 571 new jobs nessweek as the top Alabama city to raise children,
and represented more than $93 million in new in- thanks in large part to the highly-rated school sys-
vestment, said Peggy Smith, director of Cullman tem and low crime.
Economic Development Agency.
“Our industries are paying taxes which support West Elementary School in the city and West Point
our schools, our retail, our local government Elementary School in Cullman County were both
coffers and Cullman Regional Medical Center,” recently named National Blue Ribbon Schools by
Smith said. “They keep us above and beyond, and the U.S. Department of Education.
that’s why we have the best industry in the state of In the city school system, the average math score
Alabama.” is 93.88, more than 10 points over the state aver-
The backbone of Cullman’s economic growth has age of 81.06. Reading scores are also consistently
been its thriving existing industries and compa- above the state average, with the latest numbers at
nies, said April Gray, senior project manager with 95.54, compared to the state average of 84.98.
the Alabama Department of Commerce. Gray “As a lifelong resident of Cullman, I’ve always
oversees existing industrial expansions for Cull- known it was a good place to raise children, but
man County. what this does is verify that,” Cullman Mayor Max
“Three-fourths of Cullman and Cullman County’s Townson previously said. “The article talks about
jobs and investment comes from our existing in- schools, park and recreation, employment, and
dustries,” Gray said. “We’re here to support you.” numerous things we have to offer here ... This is
Cherrie Haney, director of the Cullman County just a magnificent place to live and raise children.”
Economic Development office, attributed expan-
>>
Cherokee Avenue in Cullman is home to many new businesses. P H OTo tiffen y owens/ the cullman times
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Community Causes
United Way Girlfriend Gala
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
The citizens of Cullman County come through in a big The best way to describe the Relay would be one big block
way when it comes to charitable endeavors. And they party. For 24 hours, nearly 100 teams gather at Heritage
have fun doing it. Park as the finale of several months of fundraising. Prior
Three of the county’s biggest events are the annual Relay to the relay, each team member is required to raise at least
For Life for the American Cancer Society, the fall Unit- $100, allowing the team to meet a goal of at least $1,000.
ed Way campaign and the annual Heart Walk. Each year, The 2009 event raised more than $300,000, with more
the campaigns raise thousands of dollars for these worthy teams than ever participating.
causes aided by the selfless volunteers who give of their Relay’s main purpose is to raise funds for cancer research,
time and energy to help accomplish these goals. but it is also a celebration of life.
Relay For Life Heart Walk
Thousands of people from businesses, churches and com- This event is a lot like Relay For Life. Survivors of heart
munities gather overnight at Heritage Park to raise mon- diseases and strokes work together to raise money for the
ey for the American Cancer Society. The Cullman Relay American Heart Association.
is a 12-hour event and is one of the most successful of its Local businesses are involved in raising money to help in
kind anywhere in the United States.
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