Woods Surfside Marina is named the April Business of the Month by the Pell City Chamber of Commerce. Photo by U. Glidewell

Woods Surfside Marina was named the April Business of the Month by the Pell City Chamber of Commerce last week.

Woods Surfside has been in the same location at 37 Marina Drive in Cropwell since 1968. Jerry and Diana Woods purchased the location and started Woods Surfside Marina in 2006. When Jerry passed away two years ago, Diana continued the family business with her daughter, Eva and son-in-law Mark Hildebrant. 

Woods Surfside Marina offers boat repairs, boat storage, and sales, specializing in Bennington Pontoon and Express fishing boats. They are the largest boat dealer on the lake and one of the top 10 dealers in the nation. 

“Customer Service is our focus everyday; The slogan above our door is “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends,” and we truly mean it,” it states on their website. “Whether you are buying your first boat, upgrading, or just need a place to store and enjoy your boat, we want to make your experience enjoyable and relaxing.”

The marina was not only chosen for their business success, but also for their contribution to the community.

“We do a lot of support for our veterans,” said Hildebrant. Woods Surfside Marina sponsors boats and has guides to take veterans fishing every year. The next event will be on May 10.

Jerry Woods was also the organizer of Lakefest, an annual event that continues to grow that is held at Pell City Lakeside Park every year. This year the event will be on May 17, 18, and 19. Woods Surfside Marina will be giving away a boat and a four-wheeler at the event.

Woods Surfside is also a corporate sponsor of Dancing with Our Stars, which raises money for first responders every year. They have raised money for the Pell City Fire Department, Pell City Police Department, and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. Woods also supports the Pell City High School, through sponsorship of the score board, baseball team, and former Pell City High School student Zeke Gossett, who is one of the top collegiate anglers at Jacksonville State University.

For more information about Woods Surfside Marina, visit their website at woodssurfside.com, Facebook-Woods Surfside, or call 205-525-5533,