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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Q&A with candidates in Decatur Mayor Race
(WHNT) — Municipal elections will be held across Alabama on Aug. 26. Voters in North Alabama will be asked to decide on mayoral races, city council races, and, in some communities, school board races. ⭐ News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters! Click here for more election coverage ⭐ In order to provide voters with detailed information about the candidates running for mayor in 12 North Alabama cities, News 19 sent out a number of candidate questionnaires starting in mid-July. We are going to post the answers we received over the next 10 days. Not every candidate responded, and that will be noted. Some answers will also be edited for length, grammar or spelling reasons, but otherwise the content will be published as submitted. Viewer feedback is always welcome. Not every candidate responded, despite multiple requests from News 19 for a reply. The candidates for Decatur mayor are Councilman Billy Jackson, Kent Lawrence, Suzie Wiley and William 'Butch' Matthews. Wiley and Matthews did not respond to our questions. You can read Jackson's and Lawrence's responses below: 1. Please provide a short biography Jackson: Billy Jackson is a lifelong resident of Decatur, representing over five generations of deep community roots. A proud small business owner, Billy is married to a retired school principal, and together they've raised two children and now enjoy time with their three grandchildren, all of whom still call Decatur home. Billy has served the city for 29 years as a dedicated City Councilman, bringing stability, experience, and leadership to every role he's taken on. Lawrence: I grew up in Decatur, Alabama, starting with a newspaper route at 10 and working my way up at McDonald's to Director of Operations, managing 10 restaurants. I owned TVW Electrical Supply for 27 years before selling it. I've served in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and City of Decatur Planning Commission, earning awards like Small Business Person of the Year. Married to Mamie for nearly 40 years, we have two sons and two grandchildren. I attend St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church. Running for mayor in 2025, I'll focus on jobs, schools, infrastructure, and safety, keeping City Hall open to all. 2. What led you to run for Mayor? Jackson: My decision to run for Mayor comes from a deep sense of commitment to our community and the work I've invested over nearly three decades. I want to bring honesty, integrity, and core values back to our city government. This isn't just a campaign, it's a calling to continue serving the place I love. Lawrence: I'm running for mayor of Decatur because I love this city. It's where I grew up and have spent my life working and serving. My experience—from rising through the ranks at McDonald's to owning TVW Electrical Supply for 27 years—has equipped me with the leadership skills to take Decatur forward. Through decades of involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and the City Planning Commission, I've seen what our community needs: more jobs, better schools, improved infrastructure, and stronger public safety. I believe City Hall should be the people's hall, and I'm ready to listen and lead to ensure Decatur's best days are ahead. 3. What will be your top priority if you are elected? Jackson: My top priority is to unite our divided city. Our community has been fractured. We need to unify around the issues that matter most to Decatur residents: quality schools, quality city services and infrastructure, and a plan for growth that helps us preserve our culture while improving our quality of life. We need to move forward as one Decatur. Lawrence: Initially, my top priority will be to earn and restore public trust in local government. Restoring public trust in Decatur's city government starts with transparency and accessibility. I'll keep an open door at City Hall, actively listening to citizens' concerns and ensuring their voices shape our decisions. By fostering honest communication and accountability, we'll rebuild confidence. 4. What are the main challenges currently facing the city? How do you plan to address those issues? Jackson: Leadership has not taken a proactive approach to addressing public concerns, thus eroding public trust. I plan to bring honesty and integrity back to the mayor's office so we can unify Decatur residents around the issues that matter high-quality schools, high-quality neighborhoods, and high-quality of life. I will bring a listening posture to the office and respect every voice and concern, even when I am feeling compelled to take hard positions. Lawrence: Decatur's challenges include strained public safety, aging infrastructure, and the need for economic growth. I'll rebuild trust by making City Hall transparent and responsive, directly engaging citizens. For safety, I'll expand police and firefighter resources with better training and community engagement. I'll work to secure funding to modernize roads and utilities, ensuring sustainability. For jobs, I'll leverage my business experience to attract new innovative 21st century industry while fostering collaboration to move our city forward. 5. Do you have a personal hero? Who is it and why? Jackson: Yes! My father, Lorenzo Jackson. I watched him as a child and learned the power of bringing people together. He led with humility, respect, and quiet strength. People trusted his leadership because he treated everyone with dignity and fairness. He taught me that real progress happens when we focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Lawrence: My Heroes Are My Parents. I was blessed to be raised by two loving parents. Our family was centered around the dinner table and grounded in the church. They instilled in me the values of honesty, integrity, responsibility, compassion, and the importance of hard work. I am so thankful that God gave me such wonderful parents. 6. Tell us something about you that might surprise people. Jackson: I am a direct descendant of President Andrew Jackson. Lawrence: I was the first person to ever cook a Quarter Pounder and Egg McMuffin that was ever served in Decatur. 7. Why should people vote for you? What makes you stand out from the other candidates in the race? Jackson: Experience, education, and commitment define my candidacy. With 29 years on the City Council, I have served longer than any other elected representative in Decatur's history, bringing unparalleled insight and leadership. I hold a business degree, a master's in employment law, and I am currently completing my Ph.D. in criminal justice. These achievements, combined with decades of service, give me the expertise to lead Decatur toward a stronger, more prosperous future. This election isn't about personality; it's about preparation and proven qualifications. Mine aren't exaggerated; they're earned through years of dedication, study, and results. I am ready to lead on day one. Lawrence: I think those running for office should earn every vote they get. No one is entitled to another person's vote. I'm asking people to vote for me because I believe I am the candidate that is most prepared to move Decatur forward. I'm tired of the constant crisis and political side show that constantly takes center-stage in our city. This is my home. These are my neighbors, friends, family, people I go to church with, work with, and more. I care about the people of this city. I want Decatur to harness its potential and become the city our people deserve it to be. I promise no one will outwork me. I will be the most transparent, responsive, and proactive Mayor Decatur has ever had and I'll do it because that is what the people of Decatur are asking for and that is the kind of Mayor we deserve. News 19 will be posting more candidate Q&As for mayoral races across the Tennessee Valley in the coming days. You can visit to see Q&As with candidates in mayoral races in other cities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Wire
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Simpro Group Hires Industry Veteran to Help Drive Strategic Field Services Transformation in North America
BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simpro Group, a global leader in field service management solutions, today announced the appointment of Amy Carnrick as Senior Advisor, Field Service Transformation. This strategic hire reinforces the evolving market landscape surrounding private equity-backed FSM consolidation and Simpro's mission to empower trade and field service businesses with innovative software solutions that drive growth and operational success. 'Amy embodies everything we value at Simpro – she's a hands-on operator who understands the real challenges facing field service businesses because she's lived them,' said Gary Specter, CEO of Simpro Group. Share Since acquiring Foster Plumbing in 2018, Carnrick has demonstrated extraordinary vision and expertise in the trades industry. Drawing on her entrepreneurial mindset and deep operations expertise, she spearheaded the strategic adoption of Simpro technology at Foster Plumbing, doubling business revenue, expanding into new markets, and earning national accolades, including the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year (U.S. Small Business Administration, Colorado) and the 2024 Top 50 Colorado Companies to Watch. 'Amy embodies everything we value at Simpro – she's a hands-on operator who understands the real challenges facing field service businesses because she's lived them,' said Gary Specter, CEO of Simpro Group. 'Her proven ability to scale businesses and deliver impactful results aligns perfectly with our mission to help trade and field service organizations thrive.' In her new role, Carnrick will play a pivotal part in amplifying Simpro's presence in the North American market. Focusing on the digital transformations happening across the trades industry, she will work closely with Simpro's go-to-market, product, and partner teams to deliver best-in-class, actionable solutions that address customer needs, including expanding the company's growing partner ecosystem. Additionally, she will drive initiatives to shape product innovation and strategy, further cementing Simpro's position as a trusted field service leader. 'I'm passionate about helping trade businesses achieve their full potential,' Carnrick shared. 'Having experienced first-hand how transformative the right field service management solution can be, I'm looking forward to now helping Simpro tell powerful, peer-grounded stories that show other operators what's possible when they have the right tools and strategy in place.' About Simpro Group Simpro Group provides best-in-class SaaS field service management solutions to trade and field service businesses worldwide. The group comprises four industry-leading companies, Simpro, BigChange, AroFlo and ClockShark with offices across North America, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Simpro, BigChange and AroFlo provide comprehensive field service management software for growth-minded trade and field service businesses, while ClockShark specializes in time-tracking and scheduling software solutions. Together, these companies seek to drive businesses forward with solutions that empower teams to work smarter, provide foundations for business scaling, and offer data-driven insights to fuel decision-making. Ready to transform your business? Explore our products at and
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stephanie Vanderbilt Named SBA Business Person of the Year as Coastal Windows & Exteriors Celebrates 15 Years and National #1 Ranking
Beverly-Based Woman-Owned Business Named #1 Woman-Owned Contractor in the U.S. by James Hardie BEVERLY, Mass., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Windows & Exteriors, a Beverly-based woman-owned remodeling company, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with national recognition. James Hardie has named the company the #1 Woman-Owned Contractor in the U.S., marking a major milestone in Coastal's journey from a one-desk startup to one of New England's most awarded exterior remodelers. Owner Stephanie Vanderbilt, recently honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Massachusetts' Small Business Person of the Year, leads one of the most awarded companies— a milestone made even more meaningful by their deep community roots and regional impact across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Founder Stephanie Vanderbilt launched Coastal in 2010 after a career teaching the deaf, bringing her passion for education into the remodeling space. "Our success started in a classroom," says Vanderbilt. "That mindset of putting education first is still the foundation of everything we do. We lead with empathy and transparency to help homeowners make confident decisions." Over the past 15 years, Coastal has installed thousands of energy-efficient windows, doors, roofing, and siding systems across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. These accolades reflect a long-standing commitment to exceptional workmanship, customer satisfaction, and team excellence. "Coastal has demonstrated impressive job creation and community impact through programs like Roofs for Heroes." said SBA District Director Robert Nelson. "Stephanie is the finest example of a small business in today's business world," added Michael Bevilacqua, VP of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. "Her dedication to her customers and community — especially veterans — is especially noteworthy." But for Vanderbilt, recognition is only part of the story. "Our mission is to serve," says Vanderbilt. "We just happen to install siding, roofing, windows, and doors." That service-first mission extends to the broader community through programs like Roofs for Heroes, which provides free roof replacements to local veterans, and Coastal has also donated over $375,000 in products and services to Habitat for Humanity. With a 4.8-star Google rating and 7,000+ homes transformed, Coastal continues to build more than just beautiful exteriors. "When you lead with passion and empathy," Vanderbilt adds, "you create real impact, break barriers, and shape a legacy." About Coastal Windows & Exteriors Founded in 2010, Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned, family-operated home remodeling company based in Beverly, Massachusetts, serving homeowners across MA, NH, and ME. The company specializes in energy-efficient replacement windows, insulated/James Hardie fiber cement siding, GAF-certified roofing, and fiberglass/steel entry doors. Coastal is nationally recognized for excellence and customer satisfaction with awards including: SBA Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year, James Hardie President's Club, GAF President's Club, Qualified Remodeler HIP Top Satisfaction Leader, Inc. 5000 #1 Woman-Owned Replacement Company in New England, and Family Business of the Year. Coastal combines industry-leading products with a mission to educate and empower homeowners. Contact: Stephanie Vanderbilt (Owner)Coastal Windows & Exteriors395817@ Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915(978) 304-0495 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Coastal Windows & Exteriors Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Journals
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Vested Metals founder Viv Helwig honored by SBA
Viv Helwig of Vested Metals International was named the Small Business Person of the Year by the SBA North Florida District.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three win small business awards at annual Chamber event in Decatur
May 15—Larry Little, Kyle Pike and Megan Schwindling were all winners of small business awards Wednesday from the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. Little is the founder, CEO and executive coach for Eagle Consulting, which was established in 1999 and includes Eagle Counseling and Eagle Center for Leadership. He was named the Raymon Baker — John Cook — Ralph Jones Small Business Person of the Year. "Life is about relationships, and I believe business is about relationships," Little said. "I've devoted my life to studying relationships, to helping people grow stronger relationships personally and professionally. When I think about growing a business, it starts and stops with those relationships." Little is a seven-time author of relationship-based books that have reached over a million people. He leads a team of counselors, coaches and support staff who have a mission of making a difference in others' lives. Little has worked worldwide through his business. He is married to Melanie and has two children. The chamber held its annual Small Business Awards Celebration on Wednesday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. The award recipients were chosen for their leadership, creativity and commitment to the local business community. Kyle Pike is the business development manager at Fite Building Co. and the Decatur City Council District 2 councilman. He was named the Arthur Orr Young Professional of the Year. Pike said he lives by three things: faith, family and community. "None of this is possible without having a strong faith and relying on the Lord and the blessings he gives us," he said. "Your family is the backbone of your support system. I'm fortunate enough to have a large family that will support me in a lot of things I do. Specifically, my time in office. And the community is where I spend a lot of my time, and I couldn't do that without the support of the first two." Pike previously served as president of the Decatur Jaycees and has held roles with the Decatur Kiwanis Club, One Decatur, and the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation. He is married to Patricia and has two children and is expecting a third. Maegan Schwindling has been the facilitator of the nonprofit Decatur Morgan CEO program, which started in 2019, for five years. The program mentors and assists young people in starting their own business. Schwindling was named the Lynn C. Fowler Nonprofit Professional of the Year. "I think the most important thing we can do as adults is invest in younger students and college students to ensure that they stay in Alabama and start businesses here in Decatur and Morgan County," she said. "We might have the valedictorian from Decatur Heritage (Christian Academy) with a student that hates school from another high school (in the CEO program). It's a weird mix of kids, but they all end up learning to work together. That, I think, is the most valuable thing we can give them, and how to model for them, is just how to work with people who are different from you." Schwindling started out in social work and later launched the North Alabama office of Lifeline Children's Services. In her work with the CEO Program, she has helped over 50 students start their own business, while connecting them with more than 60 local business mentors. There was a national documentary done on the program that showcased the program's success. Schwindling is married to TC and they have three children. — or 256-340-2460.
