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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – County Manager Chad Scroggins, alongside other representatives from Shelby County, engaged with federal policymakers, representatives and discussed matters important to Shelby County’s growth during the 2025 Shelby County Washington, D.C. Fly-in.

On Sept. 15 and 16, a delegation of public and private sector organizations made the journey to Washington, D.C. to discuss Shelby County’s opportunities and future for the third installment of the fly-in.

“It was really good, it was probably the best one we’ve had,” Scroggins said. “When we go up there, we want to educate them on what’s going on in the county. It’s important to give them an update on what we have going and what we are doing good and what we need a little help with.”

Included in the discussion were specifics on what Shelby County needs out of the federal government in the transportation and workforce sectors, as well as the areas of rural health care and emergency transportation. Among the topics of interest to Shelby County were highlights on federal grant opportunities, including Safe Streets and Roads for All and the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.

Scroggins shared that they also expressed their gratitude to federal representatives for the investments that have been made already in Shelby County, including waterline extensions, The American Rescue Plan Act funds, emergency communications and the federal highway funds that have enabled the Interstate 65 expansion.

“(The fly-in) lets them know where we are, what we have going on, tells them what we need and shows them some appreciation for what they have already sent our way,” Scroggins said.

The fly-in was planned by The Shelby County Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group and included a breakfast meeting with the Alabama Congressional Delegation and individual meetings with Sens. Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt and Congressman Gary Palmer’s staff.

“We appreciate the business and community leaders who took time from their schedules to join us on this important trip to Washington,” said Kirk Mancer, president and CEO of The Shelby County Chamber. “The opportunity to discuss these matters with our federal delegation—and most importantly their key staffers—continues to be valuable to our businesses and communities here in Shelby County. Speaking with one voice and collaborating with our partners at 58 INC and the county leadership ensures that those representing us up in Washington know what is needed for our continued positive growth.”

Among the attendees of the fly-in were representatives from 58 INC, Shelby County’s economic development corporation, who continue to work with key businesses and government stakeholders on several issues and projects important to Shelby County’s continued growth. Among the organization’s areas of focus for the county’s growth are infrastructure, workforce development, a strong business climate and economic development readiness.

“As one of Alabama’s highest growth counties, it is increasingly important that we maintain strong relationships with all of our representatives and their staff in Washington, D.C., in order to ensure that our growing needs are known and advocated for,” said Amy Sturdivant, president and CEO of 58 INC. “We also feel that it is valuable for them to see the healthy relationships shared among our public and private partners. We are fortunate to have a well-aligned community with leaders across all sectors that work together to ensure that we grow in a healthy, sustainable way.”

The following representatives from Shelby County were present at the 2025 Shelby County Washington, D.C. Fly-In:

• Amy Sturdivant – 58 INC
• Anna Catherine Roberson, Alabama Power Company
• Brian Massey, Children’s of Alabama
• Jason Harper, Goodwyn Mills Cawood
• Keith Strickland, Goodwyn Mills Cawood
• Jennifer Gilbert, Galactic Inc.
• Jack Veitch, Galactic Inc.
• Leah Bigbee, Jefferson State Community College
• Jim Meads, Sain Associates
• Becky White, Sain Associates
• Chad Scroggins, Shelby County
• Jesslan Wilson, Shelby County
• Kendall Williams, Discover Shelby
• Charles Smith, Vulcan Materials Company
• Will Koepsel, Specification Rubber Products
• Mike Swinson, Vianimo
• Kirk Mancer, The Shelby County Chamber