Alabama is a state filled with economic opportunity and promise. Every county is a priceless treasure, encompassed with an abundance of history and heart.
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One of the greatest blessings of my life has been the ability to travel across our 67 counties (#Our67), work with a team to build our state, and help folks share their history and stories with others. More good news awaits Alabama. Here is to an incredible bicentennial year and beyond!

Christmas Eve Tradition - Candlelight Service #Our67
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It was on this day 200 years ago that folks first sang Silent Night.

I​n every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. ;)
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Over the next two weeks I will be playing Mary Poppins at various venues - hospitals, nonprofits, businesses, etc. If your organization would like Mary Poppins to stop by, please drop me a note. #Our67

GOOD NEWS: The Alabama 200 initiative provides an opportunity to recognize the people, past and present, who have shaped our state. Scores of groups in the public and private sector have donated time and resources to plan 400 events over the course of the next year. 

Read more here in the Alabama Political Reporter: http://www.alreporter.com/2018/12/18/governor-ivey-launches-alabamas-bicentennial-year-celebration/

Thank you to all who sang and acted in the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival! This pageant began in England in the 1300s and is the oldest continuing festival of the Christmas season. All sing carols as the story of the English manor house is portrayed in pageantry and musical splendor.

The Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival at Huntsville First United Methodist Church is the oldest running continuous pageant in the world and the only Christmas play of its kind in Alabama. #Our67

Many more photographs: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicole_jones_huntsville_al/albums/72157701446432682

GOOD NEWS: Happy Birthday, Alabama! Let us each take a moment to participate in our own unique ways and share our history, our story, with others.

Learn more about the Alabama Bicentennial here: http://www.alreporter.com/2018/12/13/alabamas-marks-199-years-as-a-state-on-friday/

GOOD NEWS: Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw Industries, Inc. is a global flooring provider with a presence throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The company employs approximately 22,000 associates worldwide, including 1,000 Alabamians, and is Covington County's largest employer. The newest investment of over $250 million will include a building expansion of Plant 65 in Andalusia as well as a substantial addition of new manufacturing equipment.

Shaw Industries, Inc. attributes its success to remaining focused on the core values recognized at its inception in 1967 - quality, service, and performance - values many Alabamians hold dear and live up to every day.

Read more in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
http://www.alreporter.com/2018/12/12/shaw-industries-expands-andalusia-plant/

Tonight the children performed at the Huntsville First United Methodist Church musical and filled the room with joy!
Thank you to Mrs. Jennifer Williams for directing for ten years now. Hayden and Sheridan started out as the little ones and now are the oldest... time sure does fly. Merry Christmas! #Our67

Agriculture has always been one of Alabama's dominant industries. Nationally, Alabama ranks second in freshwater fish production, third in poultry production, third in peanut production, and among the Top Ten in cotton production. The 97th Annual Meeting provided farmers from Alabama's 67 counties an opportunity to share best practices. Thank you to the Alabama Farmer's Federation for recognizing folks across various generations who have dedicated their lives to such a vital part of our economy. 

Read more in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
​http://www.alreporter.com/2018/12/06/mcmillan-gets-service-to-agriculture-award-from-alabama-farmers-federation/

Winner - Service to Agriculture (Lifetime Achievement Award): John McMillan
Winner - Young Farm Family of the Year: The Upchurch Family 

Thank you to the Alabama Farmers Federation for hosting a memorable 97th Annual Meeting with keynote speaker Newt Gingrich, who emphasized the importance of understanding history and economics as well as participation in the political process. #Our67

This is how Alabama friends celebrate Christmas - Roll Tide! ;)
#SECChampions