Chambers County solar project now serving Walmart
After months of construction, one of the state’s largest solar energy facilities, built in partnership with Alabama Power, is up and running in Chambers County. The 72-megawatt Alabama Solar A project sits on 1,400 rolling acres, just south of LaFayette. Seventy-two megawatts is an amount of energy equivalent to what is typically needed to power about 18,000 homes. Most of the renewable energy attributes from Alabama Solar A are going to serve Walmart through a long-term contract, to help the retailer meet its renewable energy goals. Alabama Power is marketing the remaining energy and renewable energy attributes from the project to other customers interested in supporting new renewable generation in the state. The project is operated by Boise, Idaho-based Clenera and was built by Swinerton Renewable Energy, based in San Diego. Alabama Power has a long-term power-purchase agreement with the primary owner of the facility, Houston-based Centaurus Renewable Energy, to receive all the energy and environmental attributes from the solar farm, which it can then use for its own customers or resell to others – as in the contract with Walmart. The long-term agreements make the project cost-effective for Alabama Power customers, while also supporting Walmart, one of the state’s most important retailers and employers. “This project is great for Alabama Power customers because it puts downward pressure on rates. It also helps our partner, Walmart, meet its sustainability goals. And it supports the local economy in Chambers County. It’s a win-win-win,” said John Kelley, Alabama Power’s director of Forecasting and Resource Planning. Work began in February on the $140 million project, which began generating electricity a few days ago. More than 450 people were employed at the site during peak construction, many of them local workers. The facility’s permanent employees also are being hired locally. The site, which stretches across gentle, rolling hills, uses more than 338,000 solar panels that automatically track the sun for optimum efficiency. About 57,000 pilings were installed in 4,000 rows to create the solar energy facility. The project was built with sensitivity to the environment. Detention ponds capture rainwater, helping prevent erosion and protecting water quality. Tree stumps removed during construction were ground into mulch and used across the site to also prevent erosion, until grass planted throughout the facility had a chance to sprout and grow. “It’s been a great partnership, all around,” said Vince Longo, project engineer for Swinerton, who hails from Sacramento, Calif. It was the first time Longo was involved in constructing a solar facility in the deep South. He said local officials were helpful throughout the build-out, and treated him and other out-of-towners warmly. “Southern hospitality is real,” he said. “It really has been a good relationship, with all the partners,” said Kevin Winchell, field service manager for Clenera. “Everyone has worked well together, to get this project done.” Alabama Solar A is the third solar project connected to Alabama Power to begin operating in 2017. Earlier this year, Alabama Power unveiled company-owned solar facilities on two of the state’s military bases, Anniston Army Depot and Fort Rucker. The company also has rights to the generation from two wind farms in the Midwest and markets the renewable energy attributes from all these projects to interested parties. Alabama Power also produces clean, renewable hydro power at 14 hydroelectric facilities on the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Black Warrior rivers. “Alabama Power was founded on renewable energy, and we support new renewable energy projects where they make sense for our customers,” Kelley said. He said the company is looking for other opportunities to expand its use of renewable energy for the benefit of customers and the state. Alabama Solar A – Fun Facts $140 million investment 1,400 acres More than 450 workers at peak construction 338,662 solar panels 89 miles of direct-current, underground conductors 26 miles of medium voltage underground conductor 9 miles of fiber cable 34 detention basins for protection of water quality Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Senator-elect Doug Jones announces several senior staff hires
Senator-elect Doug Jones on Tuesday announced the hiring of several key senior staff positions. Jones named Dana Gresham as his Chief of Staff, Sonceria Ann Bishop-Berry as his Transition Advisor, Mark Libell as his Legislative Director and Katie Campbell as his Deputy Legislative Director “Today I’m proud to announce that we have recruited four outstanding individuals to join our team,” said Jones. “Each of them possess long and impressive careers in public service, and as Alabama natives, share my commitment to the people of our state.” Chief of Staff: Dana Gresham Birmingham-native Dana Gresham will take the helm of Jones’ new office. A product of the Birmingham public school system, Gresham graduated from A. H. Parker High School in 1989 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University. A seasoned manager and federal policy and legislative affairs expert with over twenty-two years of experience in the Legislative and Executive Branches of the U.S. Government, Gresham spent the last eight years serving in the Obama Administration. There he led the Legislative Affairs Office at the U.S. Department of Transportation where he served as the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs. He was nominated for this position by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate in the spring of 2009. Additionally, he has over fourteen years of Capitol Hill experience. For eleven of his fourteen years working on Capitol Hill, he served in senior staff positions within the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Specifically, for six years, Mr. Gresham served as Chief of Staff to Representative Artur Davis and for five years he served first as Legislative Assistant and then Legislative Director for Representative Bud Cramer. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for Representative Eva Clayton from North Carolina. Immediately prior to joining Jones’s staff, he worked in the private sector as a consultant for Federal City Council. Legislative Director: Mark Libell A native of Florence, Ala., Libell previously served as Legislative Director to Senator John D. Rockefeller IV of West Virginia. Since Senator Rockefeller’s retirement in 2014, Libell has been Assistant Congressional Liaison at the Federal Reserve Board. He has also worked for Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, and Representatives Bart Gordon of Tennessee and Linda Sanchez of California. He got his undergraduate degree from from Maryville College and received his JD from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Tax LLM from Georgetown University Law Center. Transition Advisor: Sonceria Ann Bishop-Berry Another Birmingham-native Bishop-Berry moved to Washington, D.C. in 1979 to work for the late Senator Howell Heflin. Since the retirement of the Senator, she worked for many Senators including Daniel Patrick Moynihan, John Edwards, Tom Carper and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Patrick Leahy. Ann has a wealth of Capitol Hill experience and she and the Senator-elect worked together on the Heflin team many years ago. Bishop-Berry graduated from J.H. Phillips High School and the University of North Alabama. Deputy Legislative Director: Katie Campbell Katie Campbell is a native of Montevallo, Ala. She earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and earned a Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University. Campbell has extensive legislative experience having worked for members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, most recently handling health policy for Senator Joe Donnelly and serving as the policy director for the Blue Dog Coalition. Jones will be sworn-in to the U.S. Senate by Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Sen.-elect Doug Jones to become only Democratic senator with black chief of staff
U.S. senator-elect Doug Jones owes a great deal of gratitude to a group of Alabama organizers who played a critical role in securing the black vote for him in the special election earlier this month. On Tuesday, Jones tipped his hiring hat their way as he heeded their advice to hire people of color to lead his Senate staff, when he announced Dana Gresham would be his Senate Chief of Staff. Gresham, a former assistant secretary for government affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be the only African-American chief of staff in a Democratic Senate office this Congress. A Birmingham native, Gresham has over fourteen years of Capitol Hill experience. For eleven of his fourteen years working on Capitol Hill, he served in senior staff positions within the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Specifically, for six years, Mr. Gresham served as Chief of Staff to Representative Artur Davis and for five years he served first as Legislative Assistant and then Legislative Director for Representative Bud Cramer. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for Representative Eva Clayton from North Carolina. Alabama’s sole Democrat in the House, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, tweeted her support of Jones’ hiring decision. “Great News! Birmingham’s own stand out Dana Gresham chosen to be Chief of Staff to Alabama’s Senator Doug Jones! Looking forward to working with them to move Alabama forward!! @GDouglasJones,” she tweeted. Great News! Birmingham’s own stand out Dana Gresham chosen to be Chief of Staff to Alabama’s Senator Doug Jones! Looking forward to working with them to move Alabama forward!! @GDouglasJones pic.twitter.com/eyfZm6ZdAd — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 2, 2018 Jones will be sworn in on Wednesday at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Birmingham warming stations remain open for those seeking shelter
Due to the extreme cold, the Magic City is continuing to keep open warming stations for those in the community to take haven and keep warm. The City of Birmingham’s warming station will remain open all day on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at the BJCC South Hall, due to a continued cold snap in the area. On the Wednesday, Jan. 3, the city will move the warming station to Boutwell Auditorium, across from Linn Park, to make way for a pre-planned trade show at the BJCC’s South Hall. “We thank the BJCC for allowing us to use its South Hall as a warming station since Dec. 25. Each night, we’ve served more than 200 people. The last two nights, we have had more than 300,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “We remain committed to putting people first and working with agencies that serve the homeless community.” Currently, the plan is to operate the Boutwell warming station on Wednesday, Jan. 3, Thursday, Jan. 4; and Friday, Jan. 5. The Boutwell warming station will close at 9 a.m. and reopen at 5 p.m. on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5. Because the warming station will be open all day on Jan. 2 at the BJCC, and Jan. 3-5 at the Boutwell, additional volunteers are needed. At this time, volunteers are needed on Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Don Lupo, director of the Mayor’s Office of Citizens Assistance, said he is thankful for all of the donated supplies, food and coats. But currently, the warming station has enough clothes, coats, shoes and hygiene products. What is needed now are scarves, gloves and knit caps. Supplemental food to stretch the main meals in the evening, is also needed. Donations may be made on Jan. 2 at the BJCC South Hall from 12 to 5 p.m. The door to the South Hall faces Ninth Avenue North and is between Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard and 19th Street North. Since crews will be moving cots and supplies from the BJCC to the Boutwell during the day on Jan. 3, it is suggested that donations are made at 5 p.m. or later on Jan. 3.
Alabama cities rank among some of the worst in America to find a job
Even with the national unemployment rate at a 17-year low and employers expecting to hire 4 percent more college graduates from the Class of 2018 than from the previous graduating cohort, Alabama’s biggest cities might not be the best places for job-seekers to look for employment in 2018. According to a new study by personal financial website WalletHub, 2018’s Best Places to Find a Job, Birmingham ranked the 5th worst city in America to find a job, closely followed by Montgomery ranked 9th, and Mobile ranked 10th. Huntsville, Ala. fared little better than the state’s southern cities, ranking the 20th worst on the list. To determine the strongest local job markets in the U.S., WalletHub compared more than 180 cities across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from job opportunities to employment growth to monthly average starting salary. Finding work in Birmingham (1= best; 91= avg.) 31st: Housing affordability 64th: Job opportunities 74th: Industry variety 74th: Avg. work and commute time 127th: Monthly average starting salary* 136th: Employment growth 162nd: % of workforce living in poverty 164th: Median annual income* 170th: Unemployment rate *Adjusted for cost of living Finding work in Montgomery (1= best; 91= avg.) 48th: Housing affordability 146th: Job opportunities 148th: Industry variety 58th: Avg. work and commute time 173rd: Monthly average starting salary* 98th: Employment growth 135th: % of workforce living in poverty 98th: Median annual income* 143th: Unemployment rate *Adjusted for cost of living Finding work in Mobile (1= best; 91= avg.) 87th: Housing affordability 157th: Job opportunities 84th: Industry variety 84th: Avg. work and commute time 138th: Monthly average starting salary* 102nd: Employment growth 134th: % of workforce living in poverty 133th: Median annual income* 170th: Unemployment rate *Adjusted for cost of living Here’s how Alabama compares to the rest of the country: Source: WalletHub
Tuscaloosa’s Tonya Moran used a life-changing health scare to produce better cosmetics
After becoming seriously ill, Tonya Moran was determined to live a naturally healthier life. “Ten years ago, I came down with Legionnaires’ disease and spent several days in an intensive care unit,” Moran says. “It scarred my lungs. I’ve also always had problems with skin allergies, so when I left the hospital my doctor advised me to be careful about the cleaning products I used around my house and the cosmetics I put on my skin.” Moran went home to Tuscaloosa, got rid of all of her household cleaning supplies and makeup, and started studying natural ways to stay healthy both inside and out. The result was her Mitzz Natural Skin Care line of linen sprays, soaps, sugar scrubs, moisturizers, mouthwashes and more, all made without chemicals or artificial ingredients. “I spent 18 years as a pharmaceutical salesperson, so I knew a lot about the chemicals that are in many of the things we use every day,” she says. “I decided to get out of that line of work — so, in 2013, I left the profession, got married and started my company. That was a busy year.” From her home in a Tuscaloosa historic district, Moran started studying soap-making techniques and locating natural ingredients. “I read a lot and did hours of computer research, attended seminars on how to make and use natural products, and went to farmers markets to find organic fruits and vegetables,” she says. “Then I started making soaps. At first it was just for my benefit, but when I shared some bars with my friends and family I got a very good response.” After deciding to start her company, Moran named it “Mitzz” by reaching back into her past and planning her future. “Mitzz was the nickname my older brothers gave me when I was growing up,” she says. “And I’m presently building a website — and it’s one of the few domain names that hadn’t been taken.” While she still makes all her soaps, scrubs and lotions at home in her kitchen and studio, Moran spends a lot of time away from Tuscaloosa looking for new natural fans. In addition to presenting Mitzz products on her Facebook page, she also offers them at Alabama shops such as Fine Things in Arab, Images Hair and Nail Salon in Northport, and Vintage Vibe Boutique, Johnson’s Garden & Cafe and Pat’s Florist and Gourmet Baskets (all in Tuscaloosa). She’s a regular artisan at the Tuscaloosa River Market and travels around the region, exhibiting her items at markets and art shows. While women are her main customers, many men also swear by Moran’s natural notions. “After doing some research on how activated charcoal can remove toxins, I created an activated charcoal and frankincense soap bar,” Moran says. “Men like painters and exterminators who work around chemicals all day will buy 10 bars at a time — and they tell me as soon as they get home they jump in the shower to wash off with it.” Even though she can’t claim that her chemical-free creations have medicinal powers, Moran knows they’re healthier for her customers than the usual store-bought stuff. “According to FDA rules, I can’t say my products can cure allergies or skin problems,” she says. “But from my personal experience, I know they certainly can’t hurt.” The Product: Handmade all-natural soaps, moisturizers, sugar scrubs, bath salts, soy candles and more. Take Home: Body moisturizers available in Blood Orange, Grapefruit & Lime, Lavender and Spearmint & Eucalyptus. ($15 for a 9.4-ounce jar). Mitzz Natural Skin Care | (205) 792-2108 Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Alabama beats Clemson, will take on Georgia in the National Championship game
Monday night Alabama’s Crimson Tide beat the Clemson Tigers 24-6 in the Sugar Bowl just hours after the Georgia Bulldogs bested the Oklahoma Sooners 54-48 in an exciting double-overtime in the Rose Bowl, advancing both teams to the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship next Monday night. For the second time in seven seasons, two teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) will go head-to-head for a national title. Alabama will be playing in its sixth championship game in nine seasons, while Georgia is aiming for its first title since 1980. Here’s what you need to know: Who: Alabama vs. Georgia What: College Football Playoff championship When: Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Time: 7 p.m. CT TV: ESPN Livestream: WatchESPN
