Strong makes time; Ivey impresses; an Alabama Congressional candidate takes the stage and more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

Strong sticking to his roots

Congressman Dale Strong has been busy during the annually-scheduled August recess. In addition to his speech on Monday to over 1,000 Huntsville-Madison County Chamber-goers, he’s been crisscrossing North Alabama, visiting industries in Decatur and Greenbrier, farmers in Lauderdale County, with Lee Marshall at Kids to Love in Madison, and a whole host of leaders and constituents. While his seat is not up for grabs this year, I’ll tell you this right here: His schedule shows that he is committed to keeping that grassroots support that helped him win his seat in Congress.

Ivey impresses

Governor Kay Ivey’s speech yesterday at the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the State Luncheon was a masterpiece. The governor hit all the high notes speaking on economic achievements and educational efforts while also mentioning Keith Urban’s recent Buc-ee’s concert and the new rocket coming to the welcome center.  By all accounts, Ivey was energetic and engaged in front of a packed crowd at the Carter Physical Education Center in Athens. 

Marathon goes the distance

Marathon, a company that designs, manufactures, and operates autonomous robotic target systems, continues to gain ground.  The autonomous robots provide live fire training with realistic moving targets and even flinch and groan when wounded or shriek and fall when “killed”.  While the “game-changing” systems are already used by US Marine Corps, Navy, SOCOM as well as federal and local law enforcement, additional partners are reportedly coming on board.  Great news for their robot production facility right here in Huntsville.   

Figures that Alabama is on Stage

Candidate for Alabama’s newly-drawn and competitive 2nd Congressional District, Shomari Figures, took the stage of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night to proclaim that he is the historical ancestor to the region’s representation in Congress, referencing Rosa Parks and the late congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis. He factored in a style of speech reminiscent of Barack Obama circa 2007, a Kendrick Lamar lyric, and a “Roll Tide” to boot. Although the first-time candidate made his debut on the national stage for the first time last night, his connections to party politics go back a long time. We hear it was an absolute given for the party to offer a primetime moment to a blue candidate in a ruby red state that could influence the majority balance of Congress for the years to come.

Shockney continues to shine

Bethany Shockney, president and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association, has once again been elected to represent Alabama on the Southern Economic Development Council Board of Directors as a State Director.  Representing 17 states, Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) is North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association.  Shockney’s reelection comes as a shock to no one.  “Bethany has been a powerhouse in workforce and economic development for the entire region,” one Limestone County insider shared.