The University of Alabama System held its 2025 Montgomery Drive-In last week. The event drew more than 80 members of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and also local business leaders. The annual gathering is one of the chamber’s most popular public policy and advocacy initiatives.
According to chamber leadership, the trip promoted the organization’s legislative agenda and provided an opportunity for participants to meet with key leaders in state government while networking with other community leaders.
“It is important for us to understand the priorities of the legislature and advocate on behalf of our community through the legislative process,” said Chamber President and CEO Kyle South, a former representative of House District 16 in the Alabama House of Representatives. “Having a strong presence in Montgomery ensures that our collective voices are heard. We have great relationships with our delegation and look forward to working together for the betterment of all of West Alabama.”
Students from Anchor Tuscaloosa, a new talent retention initiative powered by Fuel Alabama, also attended the first day of the trip. In partnership with Visit Tuscaloosa, the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, this program gives students from the University of Alabama, Stillman College, and Shelton State Community College opportunities to grow personally and professionally while exploring life in Tuscaloosa beyond college.
On day one, attendees first traveled to the Alabama State Capitol to hear from State Finance Director Bill Poole about the state budget and the Ivey administration’s priorities. Following Poole’s presentation, the delegation met with members of West Alabama’s legislative delegation, including Sen. Gerald Allen, Sen. Bobby Singleton, Rep. Cynthia Almond, Rep. Bryan Brinyark, Rep. Chris England, Rep. Bill Lamb, Rep. A.J. McCambell, and Rep. Curtis Travis. Attendees also received a criminal justice update from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward. After the session with the legislative delegation, participants attended the annual legislative reception hosted by the Business Council of Alabama, where they had the opportunity to network with elected and appointed officials from across the state.
Day two of the Montgomery Drive-In began with a session featuring Alabama Legislative Services Agency Director Othni Lathram, followed by workforce updates from Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair and Secretary of Workforce Greg Reed. In the afternoon, the group observed the Alabama Legislature in session from the House and Senate galleries at the Alabama State House. The trip concluded with a luncheon at the RSA Plaza, where Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey provided an update on education.
