#BoldFemaleEnergy: Seeking to help build community, confidence, and financial success

Sarah Smith has a talent for building community. At the outset of her career, Smith took an active role in creating a network of potential clients, colleagues, and mentors by extending personal invitations to meet over coffee or lunch. As Smith, a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, came into her own, she wanted to create […]

11 North Alabama-based startups awarded supplemental funding

Innovate Alabama has awarded more than $3.3 million in SBIR/STTR supplemental grants to 20 small businesses across Alabama, empowering them to scale cutting-edge technologies and create jobs. Of the 20 grants awarded, 11 will benefit startups based in North Alabama.  The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program provides non-dilutive funding to companies that have previously received […]

Devastating SNAP and Medicaid Cuts Threaten Alabama Families

A recent briefing hosted by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) delivered a stark warning: the U.S. House’s proposed budget legislation could inflict severe damage on food assistance programs and Medicaid, pushing millions of Americans deeper into poverty and hardship. The virtual event brought together policy experts who highlighted how sweeping federal cuts, […]

Merit Bank Adds Familiar Faces to Leadership and Commercial Banking Team

Merit Bank has expanded its commercial banking teams with the addition of several experienced professionals. These strategic hires reflect the bank’s deep commitment to local leadership and relationship-based banking that supports the thriving business community across North Alabama. J.E.P. Buchanan joins as Senior Vice President. Entering his 35th year of banking in North Alabama, J.E.P. […]

Bank Independent Promotes Malania Nesbitt to Senior Vice President – Chief Credit Officer

Bank Independent has promoted Malania Nesbitt to Senior Vice President – Chief Credit Officer. In this role, she will continue to lead the Credit Administration Department and report to Preuit Mauldin, Executive Vice President of Credit Administration. Nesbitt joined Bank Independent in 1994 and has held multiple leadership positions within the organization. She serves on […]

Bank Independent Names Stacy Suggs Executive Vice President — Chief Risk Officer

Bank Independent has appointed Stacy Suggs as Executive Vice President — Chief Risk Officer. In this role, she will be responsible for overseeing a range of risk-related functions, including Credit Risk Management, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Internal and External Audits.  Suggs has been with Bank Independent since 1988 and previously served as Chief Operations Officer. Her […]

ServisFirst Bank Marks 20 Years In Business

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares, is marking its 20th anniversary this May, having first opened in 2005. The bank remains focused on its stated mission of prioritizing customer service. The Birmingham-based bank maintains a disciplined strategy for expansion and growth, focusing on operational efficiency and targeted recruitment within its markets—factors it cites as […]

Kay Ivey Delivers ‘Alabama Update 2025’ in Huntsville: Education, Economy, and the Challenges Ahead

On May 5, 2025, Governor Kay Ivey addressed the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce at the Von Braun Center, offering her “Alabama Update 2025.” Speaking to a crowd of business leaders and sponsors including Meta, Mazda Toyota, Blue Origin, Boeing, and multiple defense contractors, Ivey painted a picture of Alabama as a state on […]

Could Alabama eliminate property taxes? A look at the possibilities

Property taxes have long been a primary funding source for essential public services like schools, roads, and emergency services. However, they also place a significant financial burden on homeowners, even after a mortgage is paid off. Rising property values can lead to increased tax bills, which can strain a homeowner’s monthly budget when rising values […]

Jacob Abbott, Experienced Commercial Lender, Joins ServisFirst Bank Team

ServisFirst Bank has announced the addition of Jacob Abbott as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer for ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. “We are thrilled to have Jacob Abbott join our team in Huntsville,” states Andy Kattos, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. “His experience and commitment to the community make him a great fit for our […]