MONTGOMERY/BIRMINGHAM – The Alabama Retail Association in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business will honor 13 retail businesses with stores in 51 Alabama cities as Retailers of the Year during the 2015 Alabama Retail Day Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Birmingham. The October luncheon will mark the 34th Annual Alabama Retail Day and the 16th presentation of the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999.
Stu Crum, president of Bridgestone Retail Operations, will be luncheon keynote speaker. Bridgestone has been the lead sponsor for Alabama Retail Day since 2006.
A panel of judges with representatives from the media, chambers of commerce, retail developers, former Retailers of the Year and the academic community chose the Retailers of the Year from a large pool of deserving Alabama retailers who have demonstrated a blend of sound business practices along with commitment to their communities, customers and employees. The level of the individual awards will be announced at the Oct. 6 awards luncheon. Detailed news releases on each winner will be issued on the day of the awards ceremony.
The 2015 Alabama Retailer of the Year honorees are:
- Chet Chappelle, Rountree Outdoors, Selma
- Terry Finley, Books-A-Million, 258 locations, 20 in Alabama, Birmingham-based
- Todd and Sonya Jackson, CKJ Eateries LLC (Newk’s Eatery), six Birmingham area locations, Hoover-based
- Tommy and Ann Messer Glasscock, MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry, Clanton
- Will Haver Jr., Otey’s Tavern, Mountain Brook
- Anna Marie Heard, Jireh’s Boutique and Gifts, Gadsden
- Steve Maddox, Wireless Advantage Communications, a Verizon Wireless premium retailer, 47 locations, 24 in Alabama, Dothan-based
- Matt Meyer, Hiley Cars Huntsville (Mazda–Volkswagen–Audi), Huntsville
- Melissa McAleer Cross and James S. McAleer, McAleer’s Office Furniture, Mobile
- Betsy McAtee and the Dreamland Holding Co. LLC managers, six locations, five in Alabama, Birmingham-based
- Marco and Elan Morosini, Silvertron Café, Birmingham
- Shane Spiller, Spiller Furniture & Mattress, 13 locations, 11 in Alabama, Tuscaloosa-based
- Jim Watkins, Steel City Pops, nine locations, six in Alabama, Homewood-based
Photos of the 2015 Retailers of the Year can be found on the Alabama Retail Association’s facebook page and are available upon request.
The Retail Day luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6 at 400 Beaumont Drive, Birmingham. Media representatives wishing to attend the luncheon should contact Nancy Dennis or Melissa Warnke by Friday, Sept. 25.
The cost for individual seats at the Retail Day luncheon is $50. To register, go to alabamaretail.org/retaildayregistration/
The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers, the largest private employer in the state of Alabama, before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Our 4,000 independent merchant and national company members sell food, clothing, furniture and other general merchandise at more than 6,000 locations throughout Alabama. Alabama Retail promotes what is best for the retailing industry in Alabama and has been doing so since 1943. From legislation to education, through communication and member services, Alabama Retail members benefit from the value of membership in their association. Retail works!
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nancy King Dennis | 334.551.0643 | 800.239.5423
Melissa Johnson Warnke | 334.551.0631 | 800.239.5423
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