MONTGOMERY, AL – The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce proudly represented Fort Payne and DeKalb County this week at the 2025 Montgomery Drive-In, an annual advocacy event bringing together business and community leaders from across the state to engage directly with Alabama’s top decision-makers.

The Fort Payne Chamber joined forces with the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce (Jackson County), the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and fellow DeKalb County representative, the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce, forming a united voice for Northeast Alabama. Together, the coalition advocated for the needs and priorities of the region while building relationships with state officials.

Throughout the visit, chamber representatives received key updates and insights from prominent state leaders, including:

  • Governor Kay Ivey

  • Connie Rowe, Senior Advisor to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth

  • John Cooper, Director, Alabama Department of Transportation

  • Attorney General Steve Marshall

  • Clay Scofield, Executive Vice President, Business Council of Alabama

  • Paige Hutto, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama

The delegation also met with a number of elected officials dedicated to supporting local communities, including:

  • Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston

  • Senator Andrew Jones

  • Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter

  • Representative Mike Kirkland

  • Representative Ritchie Whorton

“Opportunities like the Montgomery Drive-In allow us to elevate the voice of Fort Payne and DeKalb County,”said Jessica Townsel, Executive Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to stand alongside our regional partners to grow relationship that will help us advocate for the future of our communities.”

The Fort Payne Chamber extends its sincere thanks to the generous sponsors who made this trip possible. Special thanks to Fort Payne Water Works, our Fort Payne Reception Sponsor, and to:
Farmers Telecommunications, Fort Payne Improvement Authority, Heritage Wire Harness, PuroClean, MySupply, Nucor Vulcraft, ReMax Properties, DC Gas, and the City of Fort Payne.

The Chamber was honored to be represented by a strong delegation of community leaders and advocates:

  • Mike Shirey – Fort Payne Improvement Authority

  • Mary Reed – Heritage Wire Harness

  • Brett Johnson – DeKalb County Economic Development

  • Jennifer McCurdy – Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial Center

  • Magan Hammet & Laura Hicks – Fort Payne Housing Authority