Chamber to host Legislative Breakfast

The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Legislative Breakfast Nov. 8, providing an opportunity for local leaders, business owners and community members to engage in meaningful discussions about key legislative issues and regional developments affecting the area.

The event will feature Greg Barker, president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), as the keynote speaker. Barker is expected to share insights into economic strategies and growth opportunities that could strengthen both Hartselle and the surrounding regions.

Barker has had a career in economic development spanning decades and has served in his current role at the EDPA since June 2020. He previously held leadership roles at Alabama Power Company, including executive vice president of customer services, and has worked with local and regional development organizations, such as the Calhoun County Economic Development Authority and the Metropolitan Development Board in Birmingham.

A graduate of Mississippi State University, where he was named an Alumni Fellow in 2018, Barker also attended the University of Georgia’s Institute for Organizational Management and the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. His contributions to economic development have been recognized with the Dave Echols Distinguished Service Award, and he is actively involved in various industry councils and boards, including Opportunity Alabama and Innovation Depot.

HACC president Jasmine Sanderfer said the Hartselle community is committed to attracting talent, supporting innovative businesses, and providing valuable information for economic growth.

“We are excited to have Greg Barker as our keynote speaker at the Legislative Breakfast. His insights will help us address challenges and unlock Hartselle’s potential for a bright future,” Sanderfer said.

“Greg will discuss EDPA’s initiatives, like Alabama Launchpad, which pro-vides seed funding and training for entrepreneurs; FuelAL, which connects university students to career opportunities; and ALEX, which showcases job opportunities across our state. Additionally, the HBCU Innovation Internship diversifies the tech talent pipeline, while Entrepreneurship 101 offers essential workshops for startups in rural areas. This is an event you won’t want to miss.” The breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at The Venue, located at 315 Main St W, Hartselle.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.hartsellechamber.com. For more information contact the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce at (256) 7734370.