News Summary
The Alabama Business Hall of Fame has announced the induction of six prominent individuals for the Class of 2025. This annual recognition celebrates leaders who have made significant contributions to Alabama’s business community. The formal ceremony will take place on November 13 in Birmingham. The inductees include executives from various sectors, highlighting their achievements and lasting impact in the state’s economic landscape.
Alabama – The Alabama Business Hall of Fame has announced the induction of six new esteemed members as part of its Class of 2025. This recognition honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and notable accomplishments within Alabama’s business community. The new inductees will be celebrated at a formal induction ceremony scheduled for November 13 at Haven, located in downtown Birmingham.
The Alabama Business Hall of Fame was established in 1973 to acknowledge the contributions of distinguished business leaders in Alabama’s economic landscape. Inductees are selected based on their significant impact and the lasting legacy they have created through their professional endeavors.
Class of 2025 Inductees
The following is a list of the distinguished individuals joining the Hall of Fame this year:
- Chairman and CEO of American Promotional Events, Inc. (TNT Fireworks) – Based in Florence, Alabama, this executive leads one of the world’s largest distributors of consumer fireworks. Established in 1920 by his grandfather, Clyde W. Anderson, the company has become a mainstay in the industry. In addition to his role at TNT Fireworks, Anderson chairs Anco Far East Importers Ltd. in Hong Kong and serves on the boards of various organizations, including Books-A-Million and Renew Wellness Brands.
- Of Counsel at Maynard Nexsen PC – This Birmingham-based legal expert has played a pivotal role in shaping Alabama’s legal landscape. As a founding member of Maynard Nexsen, he served as managing shareholder and chairman. His influence extended to Regions Financial Corporation, where he was general counsel from 2011 to 2020, providing critical legal advice to the financial institution.
- Founder and CEO of Sterling Capital Management – Operating out of Birmingham, this leader has built a multi-asset holding company that encompasses numerous subsidiary ventures. He has previous experience as the founder of both First Commercial Bank and Canterbury Trust Company, further emphasizing his robust background in finance.
- Chairman of Parker Towing Company – Based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this executive oversees a firm specializing in commodities transportation throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions. Through his career, he has engaged in significant public service, including terms in the Alabama Legislature, showcasing a commitment to both business and civic duty.
- Retired CEO of American Water Works, Inc. – Originally from Gulf Breeze, Florida, this former CEO steered the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States from 2014 to 2020. During her leadership tenure, she successfully tripled the company’s stock price. Her career also includes various leadership roles at Southern Company, indicating her extensive experience in the utility sector.
- Retired CEO of Motion Industries – Residing in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this business leader has been recognized multiple times for his impactful contributions to the industrial distribution sector. Under his direction, Motion Industries experienced significant sales growth over a span of 17 years, highlighting his effectiveness in steering the company toward success.
Selection Process and Significance
The board of directors of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame is responsible for selecting inductees from a diverse array of business leaders affiliated with Alabama’s higher education institutions. Their decision is rooted in recognizing those who have brought lasting fame to Alabama through their business success, providing a benchmark for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals within the state.
This year’s inductees exemplify the spirit of innovation, leadership, and community involvement that the Hall of Fame seeks to honor. As these individuals are formally inducted in November, they will join a prestigious roster of previously recognized leaders who have paved the way for future generations in Alabama’s business arena.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Yellowhammer News
- AL.com
- Alabama Daily News
- Patch
- Alabama News Center
- Wikipedia: Alabama
- Google Search: Alabama business
- Google Scholar: Alabama business leaders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- Google News: business in Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
