Ask Lisa Gaither about the potential she sees in Pell City, and she immediately lists the community’s assets.

“There’s our close proximity to Birmingham,” she begins. “There’s the fact that we’re so close to the interstate.  We have room for small businesses as well as room for larger-scale industries to come in and build or be relocated here.  We have our schools, the VA center, and a nice hospital.  With all these components in place, I see a lot of potential here.”

As the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director, Gaither hopes promote those components as she encourages economic development in the area.  A recent report published by the Alabama Policy Institute naming Pell City among the top 10 most business-friendly cities in the state doesn’t make her work any harder.

Released in March, the report ranked Pell City 10th in Alabama based on such factors as economic vitality, business tax burden, transportation infrastructure, and community allure.  The full report is available at www.alabamapolicy.org.

“We were up against some cities that are larger than we are – Millbrook, Prattville, Foley, Fairhope, Pelham, Vestavia Hills – but we had a higher ranking,” Gaither said.  “It’s great that this independent non-profit research organization which has no bias toward us sees the value of Pell City, and I feel it’s my responsibility to let people know about Pell City and what’s going on here.”  

With a degree in economics and background in postsecondary education and real estate, Gaither said she looks forward to her new role, explaining what she hopes to accomplish and why Pell City is poised for growth.

Her goal as chamber director:  “The elevation of our community.  I want to build on the work (former executive director Erica Grieve) did by working closely with the city and the economic development council to have a cohesive working environment to elevate the city to the potential it has.”

Pell City’s potential:  “A lot of times, people from Pell City don’t realize what a jewel we have here, because we see it every day.  But there are so many positive comments I hear about Pell City from people who visit.  I would like to highlight those.  We have things in place here that are usually found in a big-city environment:  new upscale facilities that I’d like to see more industries take advantage of, a business-friendly tax base, schools, a community college, rail service, and close proximity to the Birmingham airport.  It’s a great place to be a hub of industry, and that’s not to forget the businesses we already have here.”

Location, location, location:  “As a city in central Alabama, we offer easy access to Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. I can’t explain enough how valuable our location is.”

What she enjoys about living in Pell City:  “It’s a close-knit community.  If you don’t know everybody in Pell City because you didn’t grow up here, you know somebody who does.  I also like the proximity to Birmingham, although I rarely go to Birmingham to shop because I can find what I need here.  Pell City is an eclectic town that has a lot to offer.”

Logan Martin Lake:  “I love the diversity of people who come from out of town to be at the lake.  There are always fresh faces and new friends to make.  And I love being on the water.”

How she describes herself:  “I am a woman of faith who deeply loves her family.  I am driven to live a full life to the best of my capability.  I am fun, compassionate, caring, encouraging, and loyal.”

The best advice anyone ever gave her:  “A very wise woman used to always tell me that ‘this too shall pass.’  That was so important because it conveys that the circumstances of your life will always be dynamic and challenging, but just know that the lesson remains the same.  It won’t always be this way, good or bad.  Have the courage to remain steadfast, and you can survive the storms of life.”