July 2009 Archives

The deadline for early registration for the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism is August 1.  Early registration is available for the discounted fee of $350 - after August 1 registration will be $450.  Register online at http://www.algovernorsconference.com/  The tourism conference is being held Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear. The focus of the conference will be on social media, creative marketing and new trends in the travel industry.
 
The featured speaker will be nationally-known tourism marketing expert Peter Yesawich who is chairman and chief executive officer of the Ypartnership agency. Yesawich is a frequent commentator on travel trends in such publications as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Time, Newsweek and Business Week, on the CNN, CNBC and MSNBC cable television networks and on National Public Radio. Other speakers include Lee Sentell- director of the Alabama Tourism Department, Berkeley Young- president of Young Strategies Inc., David Griner- social media strategies at Luckie & Company Advertising and David Stutts - VP/Director of Brand Planning Luckie & Company Advertising. Added highlights of the conference are tourism and legislative updates, Trade Show and Silent Auction, and the Alabama Tourism Department Awards Banquet.

145th Anniversary of the Battle of Mobile and Siege of Fort Morgan
Gulf Shores; Aug 1-2
Fort Morgan State Historic Site Artillery fire and infantry sharpshooting, along with presentations by site historians on the battle and its significance in the history of the Civil War. Sat., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun., 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission charged. (251) 540-7127

World's Longest Yard Sale
Fort Payne; Aug 6-9
Lookout Mountain Parkway "America's Most Scenic Shopping Mall," featuring more than 450 miles of yard sale bargains stretching from Gadsden, Alabama, to Covington, Kentucky. Enjoy scenic vistas, waterfalls and canyons, and meet friendly people along the way. Free admission. (888) 805-4740; www.tourdekalb.com

Piney Chapel Antique Engine & Tractor Show
Athens; Aug 7-8
Piney Chapel Community One of the largest antique engine and tractor shows in North Alabama. Delicious food, arts and crafts, and much more. 8 a.m. until. Free. (256) 232-5411; www.tourathens.com

Franklin County Watermelon Festival
Russellville; Aug 14-15
Downtown Arts, crafts, 5K run, bike ride, golf, tennis tournament, antique car and truck show, beauty pageant, music, games, food and a watermelon contest. Fri., 6-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. 9 p.m. Free. (256) 332-1760; www.franklincountychamber.org

Killen Founders Day
Killen; Aug 21-22
Killen Park Celebrate the 51st anniversary of the town of Killen with a parade, 5K run, artisans, food vendors, live entertainment, children's activities, a working Colonial village, Native American demonstrations, classic vehicles and fireworks. Free. (256) 757-1158; www.visitflorenceal.com

Stokin' the Fire BBQ & Music Festival, 5th Annual
Birmingham; Aug 21-22
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. At the cornerstone of the two-day event is a world-class barbecue competition, sanctioned by the prestigious Kansas City Barbeque Society. The competition will pit over 80 local amateur barbecue teams. Each will compete for the braggin rights to the best Q in Birmingham. The festival has something for everyone! In addition to the barbecue battles, visitors can enjoy all-day headliner music at the Stokin stage, purchase barbecue from nationally acclaimed barbecue vendors, enjoy global grilling demonstrations by chefs from some of Birmingham's best restaurants, and participate in a Sloss metal arts iron pour. Kids will also have plenty of rib ticklin fun in the kids zone, with a variety of free activities and entertainment under the water tower stage. Admission charged. (205) 324-1911; www.slossfurnaces.com

Black Belt Folk Roots Festival
Eutaw; Aug 22-23
Old Courthouse Square, Main Street Handmade quilts, baskets and crafts, with blues on Saturday and gospel on Sunday. Down-home cooking, soul food, fish and homemade ice cream. Children's tent with dancing, drumming, storytelling and face painting. Sat., 11 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sun., 2-7 p.m. Free. (205) 372-0525; www.eutawonline.com/festival.htm

Fort Mims Battle of 1813 Reenactment
Stockton; Aug 27-28
Fort Mims Historic Site, off state Highway 59 on County Road 80 W. See a reenactment of the battle of Burnt Corn and the battle of Fort Mims, where 500 settlers, American Indians, and militia lost their lives. Enjoy arts and crafts, music, and food. Sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission charged. (251) 937-5896; www.fortmims.org

Yard Party for Art
Dothan; Aug 29
Wiregrass Museum of Art--Museum fundraiser in the gardens showcases the live tunes of amazing bands! Must be 18 to enter; cash bar. Tickets go on sale August 1. 6:30 p.m. until. Free. (334) 794-3871; www.wiregrassmuseum.org

The Red Clay: 2009 Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Southern Art
Huntsville; Aug 30-Nov 8
Huntsville Museum of Art The works in this exhibition range in style from the traditional to the avant-garde, and encompass painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, fine craft, photography and more. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission charged. (256) 535-4350; www.hsvmuseum.org

Books for Babies, an initiative of the American Library Association, are a national literacy program that acquaints parents of newborns with the important role they play in the development of their children. Books for Babies Matching Grants of $500 are available to Friends of Libraries groups, women's groups, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations to be used for the purchase of Books for Babies kits. Grants will be awarded to organizations that currently have a Books for Babies program in place as well as organizations starting a new program. Priority will be given to organizations that effectively use the kits to connect new parents with their local library. Applying organizations must raise matching funds of $1,000. The next application deadline is October 1, 2009. Visit the ALA website for more information about the program.
      http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/altaff/outreach/booksforbabies/index.cfm

When the Old Meets the New: Mixing Preservation with Progress
 
This seminar provides annual training for local historic preservation commission members and staff to meet Certified Local Government (CLG) requirements. Communities interested in establishing a local historic preservation planning program in accordance with CLG requirements are also encouraged to attend.
 
When:
July 23, 2009
Registration: 8:00 - 8:45 AM
Program: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
 
Where:
Historic Bama Theatre
600 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL
 
Featured Speaker:
David Schneider, Executive Director of the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation
 
Will also include:
Ethics training for Preservation Commissioners provided by City of Tuscaloosa Office of the City Attorney & a visit to the Historic Queen City Bathhouse
 
Cost: $40 (includes refreshments, lunch and training materials)
Registration is limited to first 50
Contact Mary Shell for more information at 334.230.2691
 

The Alabama cities of Madison, Calera, Alabaster, and Helena are all featured on a new CNN/Money magazine list of "America's best small towns." Madison, which ranked number 49 on the list, is credited with having a strong economy, thanks to employers such as Boeing and NASA. Madison's main recreation strength lies in its 34 parks, each of which encompasses several acres of land. Calera ranked number 83 on the list. Although it's only 20 miles from Birmingham, Calera offers plenty of country scenery nestled between the hills of central Alabama. Typical outdoors activities like hunting and fishing are popular. Alabaster, about 25 miles from Birmingham, ranked number 85 and scored well on green space and the quality of its schools. It also boasted a low unemployment rate with its biggest employer being Shelby Baptist Medical Center. Helena, which ranked number 90 on the list, combines small-town charm with natural beauty. While Old Town Helena was built around railroads in the late 19th century, the downtown still brings the community together. Performances are hosted in an outdoor amphitheatre and local food vendors collect in town for Helena Market Days. See the full list of towns at: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/top100/  

The Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Northport was chosen by Time magazine as one of the "50 Authentic American Experiences 2009." The editors looked for places, things, and activities that speak to the real America for the state-by-state list. The Kentuck festival takes place Oct. 17-18 in Northport. www.kentuck.org
 
From the article by Reed Tucker in Time magazine:
"Not just anyone gets invited to the Kentuck Festival of the Arts. Artists have to be chosen by a jury to display their wares there, and the pickiness appears to pay off. You'll see some of the South's finest quilters, woodworkers, painters, sculptors and other folk artists. Kentuck continues to grow in popularity after nearly 40 years, with tens of thousands of visitors descending on the October festival to eat, buy art and listen to blues, bluegrass, country and gospel music." http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1909343_1909285,00.html

Mark your calendar now and plan to bring your family to the second annual Leeds Downtown Folk Festival & John Henry Celebration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Admission and parking are free to the public.

The Alabama Tourism Department has named this two-day festival in Leeds, Ala., one of the top 10 tourism events in Alabama during the month of September.

This festival is held each year on the third weekend of September and celebrates the roots, richness and variety of traditional and contemporary American culture. The event will feature folk music and entertainment, exhibits and demonstrations by fine artists and folk artisans, a variety of children's activities and down-home Southern food, along with special events and activities celebrating the life of John Henry, a local legend and steel-drivin' man.

Forty-five artisans will display and demonstrate their craftsmanship. You can watch basket weavers, a metal smith, felters, woodcarvers and potters at work, and take home one-of-a-kind items. Folk musicians and musical groups will perform outdoors on Saturday and Sunday. A special area will be set aside for children ages 4 to 12 to enjoy a variety of activities and make crafts to take home.

From the Governor's Office of Faith Based Initiatives
 
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements
This notice announces that Rural Business-Cooperative Service is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements and to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems for agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas. Funding will be available in the form of grants and loan guarantees. In addition to grants and loan guarantees, applicants may apply for combination loan guarantee and grant funding (combination package). Notice must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 local time July 31, 2009.For more information please click on the link below.  http://www.agi.alabama.gov
 
Economic Development Administration
EDA is soliciting applications that will promote comprehensive entrepreneurial and innovation-based economic development efforts to enhance the competitiveness of regions, resulting in increased private investment and higher skill wage jobs in areas experiencing substantial and persistence economic distress. Proposals are accepted on a continuing basis and applications are invited and processed as received.
Visit the link below for more information. http://www.agi.alabama.gov/uploads
 
USDA Grant and Loan Opportunities: Rural Development, Alabama
Rural Development is an USDA agency that makes funds available in the forms of guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants. The funds may be provided through a local lender or from loans and grants directly from the U.S. Treasury. Many types of projects are eligible for funding through the various programs, including alternative fuels. Two programs, Section 9006 and Section 9008, address alternative fuels specifically.
The USDA Business and Cooperative Program in Alabama accept applications for these grant and loan programs year-round. For more information please click on the link below. www.rurdev.usda.gov/al/rbcs.htm

Governor Bob Riley has awarded $9.26 million, including $4.86 million in federal stimulus funding, to help Alabama's low-income residents cut their utility bills by making their homes more energy efficient.  The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program gives priority consideration to the elderly, those with disabilities and to low-income residents with children. Houses that qualify are modified to improve both energy efficiency and safety. 

"Each month many Alabama families with limited incomes are forced to spend more than they should for utilities because their homes aren't properly sealed and insulated," Governor Riley said. "By making houses more energy efficient, this program saves energy, reduces pollution and leaves residents with more money for other essentials."

To identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, an energy audit is performed. Depending on the results, a home weatherization project may include extra insulation for the attic, walls and floor, sealing leaks in ductwork, repairs and tune-ups for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, and replacement of incandescent lights with highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Families with gross income of 200 percent of the federal poverty level or less are eligible to apply. That means a family of four can have no more than $44,100 a year annually in gross income. The qualifying cap for a family of two is an annual income of no more than $29,140. Alabama's weatherization program is getting a boost this year from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is supplementing $4.16 million allocated to the state by the U. S. Department of Energy.  The Energy division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the state program. The office expects additional stimulus funds to be allocated at a later date.

To carry out the weatherization program, Riley awarded grants to 15 community action or other sponsoring agencies across the state. These agencies administer the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance.   
Below is a list of grants awarded, the counties served by each recipient agency and contact information for applicants:

• $484,976 to Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale) 256-766-4330.
• $550,628 to Community Action Partnership of Huntsville, Madison and Limestone Counties (Madison and Limestone) 256-851-9800.
• $637,338 to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston) 256-355-7843.
• $556,980 to Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair) 256-638-4430.
• $291,066 to Etowah County Community Services Program Inc. (Etowah) 256-546-9271. 
• $533,864 to Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega) 256-362-8147.
• $1.09 million to Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (Jefferson) 205- 458-2626.
• $252,606 to Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa. (Chambers, Coosa and Tallapoosa) 256-825-4287. 
• $692,840 to Community Services Program of West Alabama (Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa) 205-752-5429.
• $586,860 to Elmore-Autauga Community Action Committee (Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Elmore, Perry and Shelby) 334-567-7298.
• $458,988 to Montgomery County Commission (Montgomery) 334-262-4300.
• $532,984 to Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Lee, Macon and Russell) 334-262-4300.
• $884,478 to Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes and Pike) 334-566-1712.
• $671,900 to Community Action Agency of Baldwin, Escambia, Clarke, Monroe and Conecuh Counties Inc. (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox). 251-626-2649.
• $1.03 million to Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile, Choctaw and Washington). 251- 457-5700