First Looks At Chamber's New Downtown Home & New Regions Branch

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Regions Bank held a joint ribbon-cutting Tuesday morning for a pair of concepts in downtown Tuscaloosa that aim to boost workforce and economic development for years to come.

Here's a quick look at the significance of the projects, along with a first look at the changes coming to downtown.

The Context: The project was the brainchild of former Chamber treasurer Elizabeth Winter, who was instrumental in the deal that saw Regions sell the 54-year-old Ninth Street building to the Chamber for below its market value. The goal, as Regions moved to a new state-of-the-art branch next door, was to provide a larger facility for a regional workforce development hub, as the scope and impact of the Chamber and West Alabama Works' efforts continue to expand through the area.

The Status: Tuesday's ribbon-cutting represented the completion of Phase 1 of the renovations to the Chamber's new HQ, as well as opening of the new Regions branch on 22nd Avenue. Phase 1 consisted of renovations to the building's second floor, including revamped office space and the building's main boardroom. Phase 2 is expected to begin in the coming months, which will include renovations to the first floor that houses the Chamber's offices, along with work on the exterior of the building. Regions said its new branch offers its Regions Video Banking ATM service, in addition to face-to-face service. The Video Banking ATMs use real-time video to connect customers with Regions professionals during an expanded set of hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

HQ Notes: Perhaps the most innovative concept within the Chamber's new home in downtown Tuscaloosa will be the inclusion of other businesses and workforce development entities under one roof. Other entities calling the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center home include: West Alabama Works, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County, Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Camgian Microsystems and administrative functions for The Dannon Project — a nationally-recognized nonprofit that partner's with community corrections boards on second-chance workforce program for people who have previously been incarcerated.

Here's a look at both facilities during today's ribbon-cutting event

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