Each month the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce selects a town or city to highlight current events, plans, and projects. To gain better insight into the progress taking place in the city of Abbeville, we interviewed Mayor Jimmy Money

Tell us about any new projects you are working on in the community. (e.g., new sewer systems, building/improving roads, creating/renovating new facilities, etc.)

We are in the design phase of a new Fire and Rescue Building and the final stages of

construction for our Airport expansion. We are also in the process of renovating some of

our recreational facilities.

Tell us about any upcoming community events happening. (e.g., festivals,

parades, etc.)

We have some exciting events in the 4th quarter of the year and would like for everyone to mark their calendars now and join us for the following:

October 7, 2024 - Scarecrows on the Square

December 4, 2024 - Santa Claus Open House at Abbeville Chamber

December 4, 2024 - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

December 9, 2024 - Christmas Parade

Tell us how the city is working to attract businesses and create job opportunities.

We are working on several street improvements, and the airport expansion, and always strive to keep our city clean.

What is your vision for the city?

The vision for Abbeville is to work together with citizens to have a city we can all be proud of.

Are there areas you are looking to improve or enhance?

We are planning to broaden our outlook on keeping a clean city.

In the Wiregrass, there exists a group of young professionals who are making waves and leaving a lasting impact! They are the Dothan Area Young Professionals (DAYP).

Each month, we will share inspiring stories, highlight achievements, and showcase their dedication to making a positive difference. Get ready to be amazed by the extraordinary individuals and businesses that make the Dothan Area Young Professionals community shine. Welcome to DAYP VIP!

DOTHAN AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL V.I.P.

Full Name: Mark Krystyn

Company/Organization: Edward Jones Investments

Position/Title: Financial Advisor

From Hannah Shiver:



Mark Krystyn is an outstanding nominee for DAYP VIP due to his steadfast commitment to the growth of the organization and his active participation in events and networking. He consistently engages with members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. Mark's dedication to networking not only strengthens our internal bonds but also opens new opportunities for growth and development. His relentless pursuit of professional excellence and community engagement makes him a deserving highlight in our organization.

How long have you been a member of DAYP?

I have been a member of DAYP for about 2 years.

What has being a member of DAYP meant to you? 

Being a member of DAYP has been one of the most enjoyable parts of chamber membership for me. I love having the opportunity to meet and get to know other people that are going through the same things as I am in our lives and careers.

In what ways has your involvement in DAYP positively impacted your organization? 

My involvement in DAYP has had a positive impact on my business because of the networking

opportunities it provides. On top of the direct business generated, I have met some of my best referral partners through DAYP because of the relationships that we have built. In addition, there are a ton of great opportunities for professional development that have a direct impact on my business and personal skills.

How has DAYP contributed to your professional growth and development? 

Some of my favorite DAYP events are the Professional Development Luncheons. We always have excellent speakers who share information about our community and the great things going on in Dothan and surrounding areas. We also get the opportunity to tour some of the local businesses and institutions that you might not otherwise have access to. I also love being involved in the planning and execution of our larger events, like Aces for the Arts, because it gives me valuable experience that I can apply to my business and other community organizations.

Have you gained any new skills or knowledge through DAYP that you have applied in your professional life? 

I feel that DAYP has helped me learn more leadership skills through my participation on the board. I can apply that to my business, and it gives me the confidence to be a contributing member of civic organizations and local non-profits. It has also helped me further develop my interpersonal and public speaking skills through all our different programs and events.

Can you share a specific experience where DAYP’s community involvement made a positive impact? 

Our Aces for the Arts event is a great fundraiser for the local Cultural Arts Center every year. This funding helps them with multiple programs that create a vibrant art community here in Dothan. Our DAYP Eats event every week highlights a local member restaurant to help drive business and more visibility to their establishment. We also have several after-hours events each year that help to promote different businesses in the Dothan area.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your personal experience with DAYP and its impact on you professionally or personally? 

I highly encourage any young person in Dothan who is working and looking for ways to get plugged into the broader community to get involved! It has been one of my favorite things to participate in and I know there is a place here for everyone. Whether you are looking to network, develop your professional skills, give back to the community, or just mingle with like-minded people your age, DAYP is a fantastic place to be!

Tidbits is bits and pieces of projects or questions that may come to mind in our community. We thought this addition to Insider would be of interest to those wondering about movements in the market:

• Jim ‘N Nick’s barbeque is being constructed at the former O’Charly’s restaurant site
• Wing Stop will be locating next to Jersey Mike’s on 231 North
• A lot of questions have been asked about work being done at the former Sony property site, to answer this question, a process called LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment process is being done with FEMA dealing with floodplain management.

In memory: Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda McGhee’s family and friends due to her recent passing. Ms. McGhee worked at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce for 5 years and then continued her excellent work and service at the Houston County Commission as administrative assistant for 28 years before her retirement. Upon retirement, Ms. McGhee was honored as a lifetime member of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and brought much joy and happiness to all who had the chance to work with her. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

A message from Business Council of Alabama's President & CEO, Helena Duncan

Dear Members,

Alabama's automotive manufacturing sector has become a cornerstone of our economic success, driving growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. With auto plants that lead the region in production and exports, our state has established itself as a key player in the industry.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union recently launched a two-year, $40 million campaign to unionize auto plants in the southeast, and nearly six months ago, the Business Council of Alabama was made aware that the UAW was gearing up to make a significant play in Alabama. 

Given the grave consequences that could result from the UAW’s presence in Alabama, BCA chose to take the lead on a campaign to keep 'Alabama Strong' by opposing their efforts.

Today, after the conclusion of a week-long election at Mercedes, I am proud to say that BCA and our allies were successful in our efforts to keep the UAW out of Alabama. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Governor Kay Ivey for her support and commitment to the prosperity of our state. When the Governor speaks, Alabama listens, and this victory would not be possible without her leadership.

The employees at the Mercedes facility in Vance have spoken, and the right to work without strong-arm influence or undue pressure from the UAW has carried the day. These results ensure that our state’s economic development and industrial recruitment efforts will continue to grow, and Alabamians will have more jobs, prosperity, and opportunities as a result.

It is important for workers on both sides of the issue to come together and continue producing the world-class vehicles that have made Alabama the nation’s leading state in automotive exports.

We remain confident that Alabama’s best days and brightest economic prospects still lie ahead. 

Best,

Helena

Alabama lawmakers approved legislation to provide state tax breaks to businesses that help their employees afford childcare. The bill would set aside $15 million in tax credits that could be claimed by companies that provide childcare stipends, on-site daycare, or reserved spots at licensed facilities. 

The City of Dothan recently broke ground on the construction of the Wiregrass Innovation Center. Located on the George Washington Carver Research Campus in downtown Dothan, the center will be the future home to entrepreneurs, cutting-edge research, educational programming, and innovative ideas. Building on George Washington Carver’s rich legacy of innovation, the Wiregrass now takes the next step to become one of the top AgTech centers in the nation.