Chamber Names Shelton State's Koh Member of The Year At 125th Annual Meeting

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama recognized several of the region’s top volunteers and business leaders Thursday night during its 125th annual meeting.

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The event was presented by Northport Sports Development, LLC, bringing together business and civic leaders to celebrate individual and organizational achievements and to mark the transition to the Chamber’s 2026 leadership team.

Shelton State Community College President Jonathan Koh was named the Charles H. Land Member of the Year, the Chamber’s highest honor for an individual member.

“We are proud to recognize Dr. Koh as our Member of the Year,” Chamber Executive Vice President Donny Jones said. “His tireless dedication to bridging the gap between education and workforce development has strengthened our local talent pipeline and directly contributed to the economic vitality of West Alabama.”

The Honorable Richard C. Shelby Leadership Award was presented to to former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell.

The Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award, recognizing corporate leadership, philanthropy and community service by a member entity, was presented to The Westervelt Company.

Marvin Turner of Choice Salon Suites received the Ambassador of the Year Award, while Ashley Wheat of the Alabama Blues Project was honored with the Collective Business Council Trailblazer Award.

The Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation was named Nonprofit of the Year.

The Chamber also presented two Distinguished Service Awards, which recognize exceptional organizational leadership and service. These were presented to Blake Madison of Rosen Harwood and Glenda Webb, who recently retired as Northport city administrator.

Catch A Taste's David Grant Jr. received the Entrepreneurial Rising Star Award, while the H. Pettus Randall Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Hinton Howell and Larry Howell of Hinton Lumber Products.

Following the awards ceremony, the Chamber also formally transitioned to its 2026 leadership team.

To complete the transition, Carl Jamison of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC passed the gavel to Heyward Gould of BankFirst, who now serves as chair of the Chamber’s board of directors.

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