Nick Saban tapes message encouraging Alabamians to get vaccinated
Alabama football coach Nick Saban and other sports figures have taped a public service announcement encouraging Alabamians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Alabama Department of Public Health says Saban and others, including former NBA star Charles Barkley, participated in the PSA saying vaccinations are the way to make sure sports stadiums are filled and “loud again” this fall. “College football fans and players both want full stadiums this fall. Let’s make sure we can safely make this happen by getting vaccinated. Please get your COVID-19 vaccine,” Saban says in the spot, according to a script provided to The Associated Press. “We want Bryant-Denny Stadium loud again this coming season and Roll Tide!” The public service announcement is expected to be released next week. It comes as state health officials are looking for ways to boost lagging vaccination rates and persuade people to sign up for shots. Less than 25% of Alabamians have been fully vaccinated, which ranks last nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The public service announcement is part of a campaign by the Alabama Department of Public Health to address vaccine hesitancy, State Health Officer Scott Harris said. University of Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne has said the school intends to allow 100% capacity next season for the defending national champions. Byrne posted a tweet saying he appreciated “Coach Saban’s leadership encouraging vaccination.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
CARES Act funds used to air COVID ads in Alabama
The ads will begin airing as the state sees a dramatic increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley among big names behind Alabama venture capital fund
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is one of several big names behind a venture capital fund in Alabama. The Alabama Futures Fund announced this week that it has closed a $25 million early-stage venture capital fund that will focus on the state’s growing entrepreneurial culture. Investors include Barkley, Protective Life Insurance Company, HOAR Construction, Raymond J. Harbert, G. Ruffner Page Jr., and Benny M. LaRussa Jr. “Protective is proud to be a part of the Alabama Futures Fund,” said Carl Thigpen, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Protective. “We see this as an investment in the future of Alabama and look forward to seeing how it contributes to the state’s ever-growing business community.” The fund will only invest in companies that are headquartered in Alabama, or willing to move to the state, Al.com reports . The fund’s portfolio investments will be managed by Birmingham-based Redhawk Advisory through its principles, Matt Hottle and Mickey Millsap. Hottle said Alabama startups have had grit and resourcefulness, but not the money needed to grow. “The funding, strategic partnerships, and support AFF will provide has the opportunity to be game-changing, not only for the individual companies, but for the economic growth of the entire state,” said Matt Hottle. The fund is calling the venture the largest seed-stage investment fund in Alabama history. It will focus on companies “across a broad range of industries that exhibit the potential for high growth.” The Alabama Futures Fund was conceived to address Alabama’s historically low ranking in funding for early-stage startups. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
