by: Samuel Crawford, Director of Business Growth, Main Street Birmingham | October 2010 Economic revitalization efforts aimed at restoring vitality and improving the quality of life in inner city communities has challenged communities and political leaders for decades. Many revitalization efforts proved successful in bringing business, jobs and cultural life back to inner cities that [...]

Cleaning the Greener, Cheaper Way! by: Elena White White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar, is a great and inexpensive way to clean your home. It is also a greener alternative to chemically-based products because it’s better for the environment. You may begin by buying an inexpensive spray bottle (24-36 oz.) and mix a solution [...]

Your asset allocation—the way you divide your money among the three basic investment categories of stocks, bonds and cash—helps to determine both the potential return of your account and the risks that its value may fl uctuate dramatically over a short-time period. The right mix for you depends on your personal goals, your time horizon [...]

NEST EGG WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR JOB More Americans will make a key decision in the coming months on what to do with their retirement funds. Some are retiring, some are switching jobs and others have been laid off during the current economic downturn. If you are a member of this growing group, you have [...]

The recent economic downturn has prompted a rise in the number of adults going back to school. If you are headed back to class or have family mem bers whose higher education plans or timetables have changed, 529 college savings plans offer fl exibility to meet evolving needs. NOT JUST FOR KIDS A 529 plan [...]

Wachovia, Wells Fargo donated three branches in May of 2010 to a community college and two local non-profi ts. The Wachovia Bank branch on Bessemer Super Highway in Bessemer was donated to Lawson State Community College. This branch will serve the students and neighboring community. The building will be used as a community center offering [...]

The Foundation is pleased to report that ‘Mission Africa 2009’ was a great success! The Mission consisted of three parts: Medical Mission Africa 2009, Educational Mission 2009, and Youth Empowerment Mission 2009. Medical Mission Africa 2009 led by Dr. MgBodile was conducted in December. This marked the foundation’s fi rst project, raising fi nancial and [...]

At Alagasco, we offer a variety of convenient billing and payment options to fit your lifestyle. You are more to us than simply customers; you are our neighbors. If the need arises and you have difficulty paying your Alagasco bill, we want to help you. We offer our customers a variety of assistance programs and [...]

by: Dr. Ursula Thomas DEFINITION An advocate is someone who speaks on behalf of someone else. In some cases, advocates are simply passionate volunteers, while in other instances, they may have received explicit training, and they are paid by their clients, or by organizations. Working with an advocate can be very valuable for someone who [...]

For more than four decades, the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics have played an important role for families, students, and communities throughout the state of Alabama and around the country. Through affiliations with the UAB Civitan International Research Center and the UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Civitan-Sparks Clinics faculty and therapists collaborate with colleagues and [...]