LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
This annual award is given to the Alabama Legislator who has demonstrated exceptional and consistent support of specific economic development legislation and worked to continue to foster a positive business climate for Alabama.
Legislator of the year
Past Winners:
Senator Garlan Gudger – 2023
Representative Danny Garrett – 2023
Senator Phil Williams – 2018
Senator Del Marsh – 2017
Representative Mac McCutcheon -2016
Senator Alan Baker – 2015
Senator J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner – 2014
Senator Arthur Orr – 2013
Representative Alan Harper – 2012
Representative Barry Mask – 2011
Speaker of the House Seth Hammett – 2010
Representative Terry Spicer – 2009
Representative John Knight – 2008
Senator Roger Bedford – 2007
DAVE ECHOLS AWARD
This award is given to the economic developer that demonstrates the highest ideals of professionalism and character within the economic development profession. This award is given in honor of David R. Echols who served as a senior project manager for the Alabama Department Office. David set the professional standard for economic development in this state and his legacy continues through this award.
Past Recipients:
Lori Huguley, City of Opelika – 2023
Ted vonCannon, Jefferson County Economic Industrial Development Authority – 2022
Peggy Smith, Strategic Planning Coordinator, Cullman Chamber of Commerce – 2021
David Hutchison, Executive Director, Butler County Commission for Economic Development – 2020
Valerie Gray, Executive Director, Chambers County Development Authority
Jeremy Nails, President & CEO, Morgan County Economic Development Authority – 2018
David Knight, Director – Walker County Economic and Industrial Development Authority – 2017
Forrest Wright, President – Shoals Economic Development Authority – 2016
Dus Rogers, President & CEO of the Jackson County EDA – 2015
Jimmy Durham, Executive Director – DeKalb County Economic Development Authority – 2014
Ellen McNair, Senior Vice President of the Montgomery Area chamber of Commerce – 2013
Phillip Dunlap, Economic Development Director- City of Auburn – 2012
Mike McCain, Executive Director of the Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority – 2011
Greg Barker, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Economic Development for the Alabama Power Company – 2010