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Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and trail runners teamed up Saturday, November 5, to compete in the inaugural Treadhoofalon — a triathlon-style event that is the first known of its kind in the United States. The event showcased the successful collaborative efforts of the Back Country Horsemen of American McClellan Chapter, the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, and the Anniston Runners Club Trail Running Division, including volunteers, spectators, and race participants from each organization. Event creators and organizers, Lain and Julie Hawk, prepped each group on what to expect for their section of the course, before they tagged off with their teammates. Horseback riders kicked off the race at 8 AM, one-by-one in 30-second intervals, who then tagged off to the mountain bikers, who then tagged off to the trail runners. The team with the shortest combined time at 2:15:03s consisted of horseback rider Lisa Henson, mountain biker Wes Hodge, and trail runner Hayley Long. All finishers received a Treadhoofalon medal, and the members of the top three teams received custom, hand-made trophies featuring a bike gear and horseshoe on a wooden foot sole. In total, the Treadhoofalon welcomed 41 participants across Alabama and Georgia, divided into 9 competitive teams and 5 just-for-fun teams. The event ended with fellowship and lunch provided by the BCHA, and attendees sharing in the Hawks’ excitement for next year!

The Annual Prisoner-of-War Memorial Ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at the German Italian Memorial Cemetery in Anniston, AL, honoring the lives of 26 German soldiers and 3 Italian soldiers who are buried there. The ceremony will feature German and Italian military representatives and the family of one of the interred German soldiers. The POW Memorial Ceremony has been held at McClellan each year for more than four decades. This year, the public is invited again to join in honoring these fallen soldiers, following a few years of private ceremonies. Once conducted by the U.S. Army, local civilians assumed the responsibility of the annual event after Fort McClellan closed, upholding the traditional format established by the military. Of the 29 soldiers buried in the German Italian Memorial Cemetery, only four were interned at Fort McClellan as a POW. The others were moved to McClellan’s German Italian Cemetery from various POW cemeteries in the Southeast United States following closure or consolidation. Peter Goelhaeuser, the grandson of interred German Obergefreiter Peter Gnau, will be travelling with his daughter Anna-Sophie and sister Hedwig from their home in Marburg, Germany to attend the ceremony. Though he never knew his grandfather, he strives to keep his memory alive. “Even though I have attended this Annual Memorial Service for many years, I am always moved by the honor and respect given these former enemies,” said Joan McKinney, former Fort McClellan employee who has been researching the POW Camp and Cemetery for more than three decades. “As one dignitary said at a previous service, ‘Somebody loved these men and they are not here to remember them, so we will.'” “We are honored to have this historic ceremony back open to the public this year,” said Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority. “This ceremony is an important part of the history of the former Fort McClellan. The McClellan Development Authority is pleased to see as many traditions as possible continue to take place on the former Army base.” “It’s been a long two years for everyone. As we try to get back some semblance of normalcy, we first venture out to things that mean the most to us. For hundreds of us, we’ll be back at the ceremony at the German Italian Prisoner of War cemetery [on] November 20th,” said U.S. Army Sergeant-Major (Retired) Thom Cole. “This is always a very touching commemoration. Everyone attends for their own reasons. Out of bitter enemies, we have become staunch allies. As we mourn the loss of these men and their families, we come together to commemorate their sacrifice and loss.” The German Italian Memorial Cemetery is located at 3541 Shipley Rd, Anniston, AL 36205. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Cane Creek Community Gardens at 77 Justice Ave, Anniston, AL 36205. For more information, visit the POW Memorial Ceremony Facebook event listing at http://rb.gy/7hvvtw. Ceremony Schedule POW Memorial Ceremony Schedule: 1. Welcome – Thom Cole, Moderator 2. Introduction and Opening Remarks – LTC Easterling, PMS JSU ROTC 3. Invocation – JSU ROTC Chaplain 4. Presentation of Colors – Jacksonville State University Army ROTC 5. History of the POW Camp and Cemetery – Tom Gilbert 6. Introduction of Honored Guests: Family of Obergefreiter Peter Gnau – Thom Cole 7. Wreath Laying – German Representative LTC Siegfried Domabyl • Italian Representative LTC Andrea Lopreiato • American Representative LTC Travis Easterling 8. Remarks by the German Representative – LTC Domabyl 9. Remarks by the Italian Representative – LTC Lopreiato 10. Remarks by the American Representative – LTC Easterling 11. Closing – Thom Cole POWs Buried at the German Italian Memorial Cemetery Alfred Adler (Died November 11, 1944) Albert Heinrich Barthelmess (Died December 4, 1944) Marcel Beck (Died November 14, 1943) Paul Bornmann (Died July 20, 1944) Alfred Christoph (Died September 28, 1944) Fritz Clemens (Died February 7, 1944) Werner Elflein (Died July 18, 1944) Willy Fischer (Died January 31, 1945) Karl Frank (Died August 21, 1945) Peter Gnau (Died November 11, 1944) Gunter Hoever (Died August 25, 1943) Giuseppe Iacoboni (Died March 4, 1944) Otto Jaeckel (Died September 16, 1945) Richard Jaeckel (Died November 3, 1945) Kurt Knopf (Died May 1, 1945) Josef Kohl (Died January 25, 1944) Karl Krause (Died June 8, 1945) Walter Lienert (Died April 30, 1944) Erich Nachtigall (Died February 20, 1946) Waldemar Ott (Died July 20, 1944) Friedrich Rauschenberg (Died August 18, 1943) Heinz Reinke (Died September 13, 1944) Rolf Schneider (Died August 6, 1943) Heinrich Schorr (Died May 28, 1945) Hans Schuberth (Died April 4, 1945) Resorie Spera (Died August 24, 1943) Otto F. Ulrich (Died September 12, 1943) Vincenzo Vernacchio (Died February 17, 1944) Willi Waechter (Died July 29, 1943)

Military representatives, local historians, journalists, and the family of an interred solider were among the 45 or so guests that met at McClellan’s German Italian Memorial Cemetery Sunday afternoon to honor the 26 German and 3 Italian soldiers who are buried there. The dignified annual ceremony welcomed the public to attend for the first time in three years to hear the testimonies of German Military Rep. Lt. Col. Siegfried Domabyl; Italian Military Rep Lt. Col. Andrea Lopreiato; American Military Rep. Lt. Col. Travis Easterling; and Peter Goelzheuser, grandson of interred WWII German Obergefreiter Peter Gnau. Each representative presented a wreath from their respective countries to show support and solidarity for these men who were once our enemies. A banner decorated the Italian wreath, which read “ai caduti per la patria” — “to those who died for the country.” “We honor the soldiers who are buried in what, for them, was an enemy country, and that now is a friend country — a former enemy who honors Italian fallen soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Lopreiato in his remarks. “The message which Anniston…bring to us, is that one day may mankind be friend and ally.” Peter Goelzheuser first visited the U.S. in the 1990s, when he discovered his grandfather is buried there. Since then, he has returned numerous times, bringing different family members to Pete Gnau’s gravesite to pay their respects. This time, his sister Hedwig and daughter Anne-Sophie joined him. “We are impressed that this memorial service takes place, especially since these foreign soldiers were once enemies to your country,” said Goelzheuser in his address. “In the name of my family, we say thank you very much to all who take care of maintaining this ceremony and the cemetery like it is.” Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Tom Gilbert and Sergeant-Major (Retired) Thom Cole organized and led the event under the mentorship of local historian and former public outreach coordinator for Fort McClellan, Joan McKinney. McKinney is passing the baton to Gilbert and Cole, after several years of organizing the service and collecting extensive records and artifacts from the Prisoner-of-War Camp and all the men buried there. “Her dedication goes above and beyond,” said Lt. Col. Domabyl of McKinney. “During my visits the last two years, I had the chance to learn more about the soldiers, who they were, where they came from, and what the reason was for their death,” Domabyl added. “To be honest, I was impressed how engaged the Anniston community is to preserve and commemorate…this cemetery.” McClellan will be honoring fallen American veterans and their family members who are buried in the Fort McClellan Post Cemetery on Dec. 17th for the annual Wreaths across America event.

OneWorld Pet Resort will open for business with a ribbon cutting ceremony open to the public at 11 AM January 30, 2023 at 315 Rucker St, Anniston, AL. The newly-remodeled facility sits on 200 acres, with 130 climate-controlled kennels, designed with modern materials for safety, cleanliness, and comfort. Our mission is to be the “home away from home” for your pet. OneWorld representative Paul Hammond said, “We want to truly create a pet resort, which members of the public can visit with their pets at any time. Whether to walk the trails, meet other pets and owners in the dog parks, board your pets at our wonderful facility, take dog obedience classes or treat your [pet] to a doggie spa day — our facility is yours.” OneWorld Pet Resort’s initial services include day boarding (half a day or one day) and full boarding (full day and night), but will expand to include grooming appointments and obedience training sessions. No matter the service or length of stay, our specialized staff ensure your dog will be welcomed as a part of the OneWorld family. “We’ve been working on this concept for a long time, and we’re excited to finally open it to the public. We’ve got an excellent team that’s really passionate and eager to care for your pet while they stay with us,” said Billy Westphalen, Kennel Manager for OneWorld Pet Resort. OneWorld Pet Resort plans to open two additional dog parks in the first few months of operation, featuring scenic walking trails far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city and main roads. Clients of OneWorld Pet Resort can also expect to see dog and owner meet and greets, social events, and obstacle course events. There are also plans to add individual webcams to each kennel for a “watch-in” boarding experience, allowing clients to check on their fur babies any time and place. “We are excited to welcome OneWorld Pet Resort to the McClellan area in Anniston,” said Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority. “They have an exciting vision and business plan that will be an excellent economic driver and job provider for the area. We look forward to seeing them grow and prosper at McClellan.” OneWorld Pet Resort currents rates are $10 for boarding less than 5 hours, $20 for one day boarding over 5 hours, and $40 a day for full day and night boarding; however, we are running a special full day and night boarding rate of $30 a day for anyone who books within the first 60 days of opening. Clients can book by calling (256) 403-0557, emailing info@oneworldpetresort.com, or utilizing the OneWorld website, which should launch at the end of January.

(The following text was pulled from the CDP’s Facebook page: https://rb.gy/xihepl) FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness has numerous construction projects planned during the remainder of 2023. Within the next few months, the final updates to training bays at its Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility (COBRATF) are set to begin. During this phase, the remaining vinyl wall coverings and props will be installed, completing the new training scenarios. A backup generator will also be added to the facility, ensuring the safety of students and staff in the event of a power disruption. Renovations at the CDP’s Advanced Responder Training Complex should begin within the next few months as well. The renovations will involve the complete demolition of the interior of the complex’s main building and are expected to be completed in about two years. Work on another dorm in the Responder Lodging Complex, Bldg. 78, is also set to begin. The renovation of all nine dorms on the CDP campus began in 2010 and has included the installation of new carpet and furnishings, bathroom fixtures and security controls in each room, as well as a new heating and cooling system for each building. The new heating and cooling system allows students to adjust the temperature of their individual rooms. To ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, one room in each dorm has also been prepared to ADA standards. Also in the Responder Lodging Complex, the cafeteria will receive a new roof this year and the road through the site will be reconfigured and paved to form a complete loop. At the Noble Training Facility (NTF), meanwhile, work is beginning on the second phase of a project on the building’s brick envelope. During this project, the brick exterior of a section of the building will be removed, structural repairs will be made to the wall behind the bricks, and then the bricks will be replaced. During the year, two of the CDP’s largest parking areas — the main parking lot at the NTF and the rear parking lot at the CDP headquarters building — will also be replaced. These lots will be closed to parking for extended periods while the new pavement properly cures. Please note: Students and CDP staff must not enter work areas, even if workers are not present. If an area is closed for renovation, it is a safety hazard to enter it.

A few times a year, McClellan trail goers and passersby can see a helicopter wavering overhead, while Anniston Fire Department trainees on the ground below secured dummy bodies to an aerial gurney suspended from the aircraft. This training is part of a 40-hr Wilderness Rescue Certification course through the Alabama Fire College in cooperation with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which prepares trainees for packaging and flying victims out of wilderness sites. Anniston Fire Department trains at the McClellan Multi-Use Trails quarterly to stay familiar with the skills and procedures associated with the specialized rescue. This particular training course through the AFC has anywhere from 12 to 25 students, with two instructors per 12 students (a Lead and an Assistant). In the past five years, Anniston Fire Department has helped train students from 16 states and three different countries. “We hope to offer such an exclusive course with the MDA’s cooperation,” said Assistant Fire Chief Johnnie Phelps, “that we can host this [training] multiple times a year.” To earn their certification, students must accomplish a long list of criteria in their wilderness emergency response, including conducting a search of and navigating the wilderness environment, stabilizing and removing a victim from the site, conducting witness interviews, collecting evidence, and demonstrating basic survival techniques. If students successfully complete training objectives and pass by at least 70% on the AFC written exam, they receive dual certification with Pro Board and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, which also meets Department of Defense requirements and is recognized by 48 states. Anniston Fire Department has 20 personnel with these certifications and, according to Assistant Chief Phelps, they use these skills fairly often in the community. “They come in handy for lost/injured victims in any rural environment. It requires a whole new set of skills when outside the urban environment of the municipality — Coldwater Mountain, McClellan, or even a lost child in a neighborhood in Saks with a couple of acres of woods. Our goal is positive outcomes.” For wilderness search and rescue operations, Anniston Fire Department uses various specialized equipment, including ATVs, electric bikes, trail blazing equipment, and, of course, a helicopter. “The MDA has been very supportive,” said Assistant Chief Phelps. “They provided $20k [towards] support equipment to help our response — equipment that AFD couldn’t afford and was vital to a successful rescue. I think it is imperative that we work together to provide the highest level of response to our citizens. They expect it and deserve it. We are appreciative of MDA’s support and couldn’t be prepared without it.” When heading out into the wilderness, AFD recommends the following tips to ensure a safe trip: Be situationally aware. Study the area you are planning to enjoy (maps, topography, exit routes, and dangers). Make sure you understand self-rescue techniques. Understand how emergency response works in wilderness environments and the amount of time and manpower it can take. Always be prepared for survival with water, shelter, warmth, food, and communication. For more information about wilderness safety, contact Assistant Fire Chief Johnnie Phelps at the Anniston Fire Department at jphelps@annistonal.gov and 256-231-7644. For inquiries about the McClellan Multi-Use Trails, contact the McClellan Development Authority at info@exploremcclellan.com and 256-236-2011. *Photos taken during training session in Fall 2022

I stood in the breezeway of the Oxford Civic Center, my Worlds of Work volunteer lanyard tangling up in the wind, holding the sign given to me at check-in which indicated the school I’d lead around the exhibition the morning of Wednesday, March 8. As buses pulled in, a woman called it out to the crowd of volunteer guides I stood in, and one by one people would shout, “That’s me!” and run out to greet their school. Even though I was a tour guide at Jacksonville State University for four years, I didn’t know what to expect as a Class Guide volunteer at Worlds of Work; when I was in 8th grade myself, the fast-paced, educational event hosted by East AlabamaWorks did not exist yet. Now, as the marketing specialist for the McClellan Development Authority, my director encouraged me to attend and see firsthand what the future of the Alabama workforce looked like. The woman in the bus lot called out for Woodland High School, and that was me. As I rushed to greet them on the bus, I reminded myself of WoW tagline: “Find your future.” As a Class Guide, I knew I’d be playing a part in that as I led my class through each zone and guided their participation in the interactive presentations set up all around us. I explained my role to the chaperones, introduced myself to the class, and we set off! For 8th graders, Worlds of Work was divided into five zones with 20-minute intervals. The first three zones my class visited featured interactive booths in automotives, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and public safety — and my students hardly needed a nudge to participate. I watched as a few ran to operate stationary farm equipment, some toured the cab of a semi-trailer truck, and others tested car seats in a Honda driving simulation. My class was quick to tell me about the alpacas at the Blackberry Hill Alpaca Farm booth and the headless robot dog with Oxford PD. Plus, they fearlessly took on the rock wall! The group truly seemed to explode with interest in Zone 2. This area featured healthcare presentations from RMC Health Systems, Gadsden State Community College, Jacksonville State University College of Health Professions and Wellness, Gadsden Regional Medical Center, and Coosa Valley Medical Center — plus lots of engaging technology! Students could perform CPR on a dummy, explore prop intestines with an endoscope, and look at cells under a microscope — but the talk of the whole event was the birth simulation dummy, which prompted students to experience a whole array of emotions (at a volume that could be heard throughout the venue). At the end of the day, I asked them if they had fun, and they responded with genuine enthusiasm. Trying to make 8th graders interested in anything is a feat of its own, but Worlds of Work seemed to have it down to a science — and by allowing kids to physically interact with potential careers, WoW got them that much closer to finding their own future. I said goodbye to my class, turned in my Woodland High School sign, and, as I sat waiting for the shuttle, I found myself thinking about my own favorite exhibits and how cool it was to get a glimpse at other people’s careers who were my own age. If these students are truly the future workforce for East Alabama, these industries are in good hands — and I’m thankful to have experienced it.

APPLY NOW! About the Job The Ground Crew position is full time. The ground crew member works under the direct supervision of the Director. This person performs manual work including grounds upkeep, maintenance and improvements and will assist with more involved task and projects on the property. The person in this position will be expected to follow directions, work independently, as well as, with a team and focus on the details. Ideal candidate is versed in the basic methods and practices of building and ground/landscaping maintenance and repair. Duties and Responsibilities Operates tractor, back hoe, lawn mowers, weed eaters and trimmers for various ground maintenance activities. Assists in the performance of minor repairs and routine maintenance on trucks, tractors, motorized machinery and attachments. Uses a variety of equipment, hand tools and power tools to perform assigned duties. Drives MDA vehicles for hauling tools, fuel, utility trailer and other equipment to job site. Assists with maintenance and cleaning tasks performed on all vehicles, equipment and maintenance shop. Ensures regularly scheduled preventive maintenance tasks are performed on all vehicles and equipment. Immediately reports any problems with vehicles or equipment. Performs minor building repairs and maintenance on MDA buildings. Loads, unloads and moves supplies, materials and equipment to and from work sites. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Any item with an asterisk will be taught on the job) Ability to communicate with supervisor and co-workers. Ability to follow instructions. Skill to read and understand operator manuals, directives, procedures and instructions. Ability to follow verbal instructions. Skill to operate and do light maintenance on trucks and tractors. Working knowledge of safety rules including accident prevention.* Working knowledge of first-aid procedures.* Requirements: Must be able to perform all essential job functions. Must have and maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Must be able to work Monday – Friday from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm Willing to be prompt and prepared to work. Willing to work overtime and weekends in emergencies. Willing to comply with the following dress standards: neat personnel appearance with appropriate foot, head and hand gear. Clothing must be clean, without tears or holes. Physical Requirements Must be able to perform strenuous tasks requiring strength and coordination. Must have the vision, hearing, ability and dexterity necessary to operate motorize vehicles, equipment, tools and power tools. Must be able to bend, talk, walk, hear, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift and move heavy objects. Must have the dexterity to sufficiently operate levers, gears, etc. Must have required body mobility to climb on top of and crawl under various types of equipment. Work Environment The work involves moderate risks or discomfort which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors in various climatic conditions, working in areas with a variety of wildlife; working around moving parts, carts or machines; working with various saws, blades and power tools and working on ladders to make repairs. Experience Five (5) years of experience in grounds keeping and maintenance is preferred. Salary / Benefits Salary Based on Experience 13 Paid Holidays 20 Days PTO How to Apply Apply in person between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday or email your application to info@exploremcclellan.com McClellan Development Authority 4975 Bains Gap Road, Anniston, AL 36205 Last day to apply is Friday, July 15, 2022 Click below for copy of the application. APPLY NOW! #groundscrew #hiring #jobopening

This Request for Proposal is for the purchase and development of housing in a residential section of McClellan property that lies between Coxwell Avenue and Ossington Avenue. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, November 12, 2021 by 4:00 p.m. CST. The goal of the MDA is to select a respondent within 30 days of Proposal submissions, with a contract following within 60 days. Redevelopment activity must begin within six months of the contract date. Please call the Director at 256-236-2011 or send an email to jmoss@exporemcclellan.com to request a copy of the RFP.

The McClellan Development Authority (MDA) was selected to host next year’s Alabama Cycling Association (ACA) State Championship Race on May 7-8, 2022 at the McClellan Bike Trails. Phase I of the McClellan trail system was specific designed for ACA races and the first in the state of Alabama. It has been the MDA and the biking community’s hope that the State Championship would land on these trails. After two years of regular season races all the hard work seems to have paid off. The local teams Cheaha, Donoho, Jacksonville and Oxford call this trail home and are excited to have the Championship here is Anniston, AL at McClellan. “The MDA is excited about hosting the ACA Alabama State Championship at the McClellan Bike Trails,” said Julie Moss the Director of the MDA. “It has been the goal to have a venue and trails that would accommodate all the elements needed to hold the State Championship. With our strong partnership with the City of Anniston, Anniston Park and Recreation Department and Jacksonville State University our goal has humbly been achieved.” ACA 2022 Race Schedule: 2/26-2/27 TT- Munny Sokol Park, Tuscaloosa, AL 3/12-3/13 Race 1- Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden, AL 3/26-3/27 Race 2- Tannehill State Historical Park, McCalla, AL 4/9-4/10 Race 3- Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL 4/23-4/24 Race 4- John Hunt Park, Hunstville, AL 5/7-5/8 Championship- McClellan Bike Trails, Anniston, AL “The Alabama League is tremendously thankful for all the hard work and support from the MDA, NEABA and other partners. We are excited to be coming back to McClellan for our championship event in the spring of 2022”, said Adam Crews the Alabama League Director. Phase I of the trails are ideal for someone that is new to mountain bike riding with smooth climbs and fast smooth descents while Phase II provides the next level full of fast descents, rugged terrain and climbs to beautiful views. With the construction of Phase III it will provide steeper tread grades, technical trail features with longer sustained climbs and descents. Expected completion of these additional 7 miles is this fall. MDA is also happy to report the creation of a sponsorship with North East Alabama Bike Association (NEABA). Their members will be volunteering to taking care of the maintenance and clean-up of the McClellan Bike Trails. People will still notify the MDA of any down trees or issues and then NEABA will be given the details to address the situation.

Walking through the quaint brick downtown of Anniston, Alabama, one could be excused for slipping back into another era of Main Street, USA. A small city with a daytime population just over 37,000, Anniston almost seems poised for larger things. Just as modern structures tower over the turn of the century brick, the Anniston Airport lies waiting in the wings as well. “Honestly, we’re dealing with a huge airport infrastructure that’s treated as a general aviation airport,” reports David Arnett, Public Works Director/Airport Manager. “We have over 600 acres of land left to develop and I would like to get the fullest use out of our 139 certification as possible. And whatever it takes to get there is what we want to do. There is just so much potential there.” A Part 139 Airport certification allows for use by larger seat capacity air carriers. Anniston Airport has what it takes to bring in larger commercial flights. Conveniently located near Interstate 20, highways 431, 21, and 78, the Anniston Regional Airport is just 80 miles north of Montgomery, 55 miles east of Birmingham, and 80 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. With an asphalt runway 7,002 feet by 150 feet and over 500,000 square feet of paved apron and seal–coated tile ramp, this facility accommodates dual wheel aircraft up to 500,000 pounds. Toby Bennington, City of Anniston Director of Economic Development & City Planning, shares, “Anniston is the county seat for Calhoun County and the center for banking and the hospital and other activities. But there is an elevated level, a higher sense of purpose for the airport that relates to a broader regional economic development. Having a general aviation airport is a catalyst for building your marketing tool for business and industry. For example, it serves as an airport that provides a lot of freight delivery for Honda and other industries in the area. That is a great marketing tool when you’re talking to industrial prospects and you’re focused on the airport as an asset: what that service could be to either an existing industry that wants to expand or a new industry that is looking at the area; and the proximity and the easy access to the airport of what that freight shipment and delivery can provide to all industries in the area.” There are also businesses and industries located to the south of Anniston, particularly in the rural counties and in Ashland, Alabama and Talladega. Anniston Regional serves the same purpose for them – a GA airport in close proximity that they can utilize for freight purposes. Many of these companies are tied to head offices and industry offices from out of state. Whether it be in the Midwest, the north, or out west, it provides an opportunity for their business associates and clients, marketing departments, other connections in the industries to fly their corporate jets in and out of Anniston Regional Airport, as opposed to going to Atlanta or Birmingham. Bennington notes, “Having that access is key because a lot of industries have their corporate teams utilizing their company aircraft. With the pandemic, a lot of that is not being practiced – although, there is a lot of charter activity – but that is something that will come back into play as we move away from COVID–19.” The other aspect of the airport being a catalyst for economic development is the ability to have a quick turnaround in terms of commercial development – site locators, tenant reps – people who might be considering a site for a national chain grocery store or a series of restaurants, and other sundry type stores. According to Bennington, “It’s another means of convenience. Time saving is very important in marketing of economic development sites. There are times when a tenant rep or a leasing agent are looking at five or six cities in the course of a day or two. Using our airport means they don’t have to fly into Atlanta or Birmingham and then drive in a rental car or be chauffer driven to Anniston to look at sites. It’s about time saving and that’s critical. It’s a strong facet in the marketing of properties and the region, when you have people coming from all parts of the country looking at sites.” Having a runway length of 7002 feet allows access to converted 727s and other large aircraft that are utilized to haul freight. And the location right off the interstate provides a convenience factor, if there’s going to be a fly–in for a manufacturing plant or another industry along the interstate corridor.Just the regional geographic location is an extremely valuable tool that Anniston Regional offers to marketing for economic development. The entire region is steadily growing, which is another reason the airport has so much potential. “Calhoun County is a destination for eco–tourism,” says Arnett, “and we have some of the best bike trails in the world. When COVID hit and people stopped coming, it was noticeable. Before the pandemic, we had people flying in to experience our trails. We are also right next to the Talladega International Raceway, so we get race traffic. Jacksonville State University football team flies in and out of our airport, and then there is the military traffic out of Anniston Army Depot. The Regional Medical Centre also flies medical flights from the airport, as it is the medical hub of the county but before the pandemic, race traffic and military traffic were our two biggest users. We also have about 19 single–engine planes, 5 multiengine and 2 jets that call this place home.” The military has played a role in Anniston since 1917, when the federal government purchased 18,952 acres adjoining Anniston for the development of Camp McClellan. Renamed Fort McClellan in 1929, it was used as an Army training center until being closed in 1999. The Anniston Ordnance Depot, Anniston’s largest employer in the 1980s, continues to be the Army maintenance facility for most of its tracked vehicles. “We have five employees at the airport and an FBO, Anniston Aviation, who handle the day–to–day operations,” Arnett explains, “They have the military fuel contract and also manage the fuel farm. There is a pilots lounge and they have internet there. They also have hangar and ramp space available. We have an airport development plan, and when our grants are approved we hope to be doing a $4,000,000 resurfacing of our runway. We have also been working on smaller infrastructure improvements and drainage work for part of our land.” Once COVID is over, Arnett believes “people will come back to flying. We want to start taking an aggressive partnership with our FBO and ask some tough questions about what we need to do to grow this airport into what it already has the capacity to be. I think of it as a diamond in the rough just waiting, I think we have something special here. So I guess our wish list starts with growing service. We want to get out there and see if we cannot convince some of those commuter services to utilize the airport on a daily basis. Basically, I want to up our enplanements. “Then we have to work at bringing the community on board, as well as the city. We need to start thinking about the importance of this airport economically, but also as a driver of tourism and perhaps even a destination, itself, where people want to come. Right now we have been doing our best with what he have. But if we just got the buy–in and investment, we would be on our way to sharing what we have to offer here in Anniston to even more people.” PREFERRED VENDORS Department of Planning and Economic Development RMC Health System

Team Sports is joining the McClellan neighborhood and has landed in the perfect place just steps away from the McClellan Recreational area. The company provides team sales and services to schools, colleges, youth leagues and travel teams across the state of Alabama. In addition, Team Sports will be offering a mix of athletic/fitness attire and equipment for retail sales. “We believe the McClellan area has a bright future and feel that the central location in the county and the proximity of our building site to the Aquatic Center, sports fields and biking trails will be convenient for our team sales and retail customers”, said Kristin Laymon with Team Sports. This new project brings another diverse business to McClellan helping to enhance the mixed-use development that makes this area unique and welcoming. Having Team Sports locate here will have a strong impact on the area and will help bring future growth. “Working with Team Sports has been a pleasure, said Julie Moss Director of the MDA. “We look forward to their presence and the synergies that they bring to the McClellan Recreational area. The company currently carries brands such as Adidas, Mizuno, Schutt, Wilson, Easton, Rawlings and many more. Visit https://teamsportsal.com/ for more information.