Alabama Business Hall of Fame unveils 2025 inductees

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July 28, 2025

With the addition of six new members, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame is continuing its recognition of excellence and leadership from industry leaders across the state.

The Hall of Fame, established in 1973, bestows the honor of induction upon those who have brought ‘lasting fame’ to the state through success in business.

In an announcement released last week, the organization revealed its Class of 2025.

This year’s inductees include:

Mr. Terry C. Anderson

Florence, Alabama

Chairman and CEO of American Promotional Events, Inc., better known as TNT Fireworks. TNT was founded in 1920 by his grandfather, Clyde W. Anderson, and has grown under four generations of family leadership. TNT is now the largest and most recognized distributor of consumer fireworks in the world, with importation and distribution in the USA, Asia, Europe, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In addition to his role as chairman and CEO of TNT Fireworks, Anderson also serves as chairman of Anco Far East Importers Ltd. in Hong Kong, which provides sourcing and supply chain solutions to global businesses. He is also a director for Anderson Media Corporation, Books-A-Million, Inc., Mahogany Whataburger, Anderson Growth Partners, B.A.S.S. LLC, and Renew Wellness Brands, LLC.

Mr. Fournier J. “Boots” Gale, III

Birmingham, Alabama

Of Counsel at Maynard Nexsen PC, one of Alabama’s leading law firms, and has dedicated his distinguished career to shaping the legal profession, advising businesses, and serving the state of Alabama. Gale was instrumental in founding Maynard Nexsen and served for many years as managing shareholder and chairman. He made a significant impact as general counsel, senior executive vice president, and corporate secretary at Regions Financial Corporation from 2011 to 2020. In addition to his work with Regions, Gale has provided legal guidance and leadership to the wider business community as a long-time board member of the Business Council of Alabama.

Mr. Benny M. LaRussa, Jr.

Birmingham, Alabama

Founder and CEO of Sterling Capital Management, a multi-asset holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Sterling Capital owns and operates three primary platform companies: Fenwick Food Group, which invests in and operates consumer-packaged goods businesses; American Pipe and Supply, a regional wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, and fittings; and StoneRiver Company, which specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of multi-family residential properties.

In 1985, LaRussa joined John Oliver, Richard Anthony, and Tom Broughton in the formation of First Commercial Bank, where he gained six years of valuable experience in the financial industry. In 1991, he co-founded Canterbury Trust Company, Inc., a privately owned state-chartered trust company that was sold to Synovus Financial Corporation, a well-known regional banking company based in Columbus, Georgia.

Mr. Tim M. Parker Jr.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Chairman of Parker Towing Company, a commodities transportation company in Tuscaloosa, which transports supplies throughout the southeast and along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. The company transports bulk commodities, including steel, aggregates, coal, forest products, grain, cement, asphalt, and petroleum products. Parker also served on the advisory board of directors for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.

Mr. William (Bill) J. Stevens

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Retired CEO of Motion Industries, one of the leading industrial distribution companies in North America, which is based in Birmingham. With Stevens as CEO, Motion Industries’ sales grew from $1.85 billion in 1997 to $4.8 billion in 2014. Stevens worked for John H. Harland Co. for eight years before embarking on a 37-year career with Motion Industries. He was named Genuine Parts Company Manager of the Year in 1997 and 2006 and received the 2014 Bearing Specialists Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mrs. Susan N. Story

Gulf Breeze, Florida

Retired president and CEO of American Water Works, Inc., the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States, and a member of the S&P 500. During her CEO tenure from 2014 until her retirement in 2020, Story led the company through remarkable growth, more than tripling its stock price and market capitalization. At the time, she was one of only 23 women leading an S&P 500 company. Story spent 31 years with Southern Company, where she held numerous leadership roles, including serving as president and CEO of Southern Company Services in Birmingham and Atlanta, and president and CEO of Gulf Power Company from 2003 to 2010.

She currently serves or has served on the corporate boards of Dominion Energy, Inc., Carrier Global, Newmont Corporation, Raymond James Financial, and American Water.

According to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, inductees are selected by the organization’s board of directors. The 26-member body is composed of Hall of Fame members, including business leaders who are alumni and/or affiliates of a diverse representation of the state’s higher education institutions, and each congressional district in the state of Alabama.

The induction ceremony will be held on November 13 at Haven in downtown Birmingham.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten