Two-time Alabama Retailer of the Year. Second-generation owner of Cullman architectural salvage business and retail store Southern Accents Architectural Antiques. Son, father, husband. And now, president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate.
Senator Garlan Gudger was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2018. In what can only be described as a meteoric ascension, on Tuesday, Senator Gudger was elected by his peers to lead the body of 35 members. He will bring to that role his experiences as a retailer who cares deeply about fostering a positive climate for small businesses.
“I appreciate the trust and confidence my fellow Republican senators have offered and will ensure that everyone has a voice in how the Senate operates,” Gudger said. “If we bring everyone together, put teamwork first, and unite behind the conservative beliefs, traditional values, and bedrock morals that each of us share, we can make an already great state even greater.”
Senator Gudger is married to Heather Pierce Gudger of Huntsville, co-owner of their store. They have two sons: Tripp, a student at the University of Alabama and Pierce, a student at Cullman High School.
THIS WEEK IN RETAIL NEWS
Simplified licensing and permitting bills filed in Senate (alabamaretail.org)
Expanded regulation of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems proposed (alabamaretail.org)
As lawmakers reassess overtime tax cut, Livingston reports potential shift to further grocery tax relief – ‘It seems to impact more people’ (yellowhammernews.com)
Changes to sales and use tax proposed – SSUT and exemptions for baby, maternity and menstrual products (alabamaretail.org)
Prefiled bill would raise Alabama online sales tax to 9.25% (alabamareflector.com)
Changes to Board of Pharmacy and other pharmacy-related bills introduced (alabamaretail.org)
Employment discrimination legislation introduced (alabamaretail.org)
Greg Reed takes helm of rebranded Dept. of Workforce with renewed focus on labor participation (aldailynews.com)
Ivey proposes record General and Education Trust Fund budgets (aldailynews.com)
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