Hockey coming to Decatur!

Decatur's very own Point Mallard Park’s ice skating rink has partnered with Huntsville to host the USA Hockey Southeastern District tournament in 2009. It is estimated the tournament will draw more than 2,400 players, coaches, officials and supporters to Decatur and Huntsville. The tournament is scheduled for March 12-15 and will feature 48 teams. The winning teams will proceed to the national championship. Congrats Decatur!

Academy Sports to Open Spring 2009!

Academy Sports officials said they hope to begin construction January 2009 on their 74,863-square-foot store. Completion is expected to be July 2009. The store will be located on Wimberly Road and is adjacent to Home Depot. This convenient location is just off of Beltline Road and is close to the newly constructed Chili's Restaurant. Academy Sports was founded in 1938 and is one of the country’s largest sporting goods retailers. It employs more than 11,000 people at 105 stores across the southeastern United States. Great news for Decatur! Welcome Academy Sports!

New Retail Stores at The Crossings of Decatur!

Workers are prepping ground at The Crossings of Decatur for a Regions Bank and an AT&T store. Both Regions and AT&T expect their completion in the spring of 2009. AT&T will build a 3,500-square foot store. The Regions Bank branch will replace the branch at Gateway Shopping Center on Sixth Avenue Southeast. It is always exciting to see new businesses coming to Decatur!

Daikin - Decatur beats China!

Daikin Industries chose Decatur over China for a plant expansion! The $66 million expansion will create at least 25 jobs. This will be the largest of Daikin's expansions since 1994. The expansion will increase Daikin's production of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer used in plastic in wire and cable. Japan-based Daikin estimates the expansion will generate $161,000 in one-time revenue for the city because of sales tax revenue on construction employees and the building permit. Daikin Industries employs 19,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 11 countries.

State Convention

Just a few weeks ago I attended the Alabama Association of Realtors state convention in Florence, Alabama. What an experience. I have been to several state conventions and have never been disappointed. Not only were there great speakers and continuing education classes, I witnessed some unusual dance moves from my fellow Realtors! The 2009 AAR convention will be in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I am looking forward to this convention so I can learn more and stay up to date on technology to better serve my customers.