King addresses ABC Alabama Chapter at January officer installation

Alabama Attorney General Troy King told the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama recently that his office is working to remove the tarnish of scandal that has settled over business in recent years.

Addressing ABC's installation of officers and board meeting in Birmingham, King said, "Private enterprise is the light of service in Alabama, and builders such as you are working to build opportunities, prosperity and security."

King said he comes into contact daily with "those who scam folks from their money. No one is immune to either temptation or to being cheated, but I honor heroes of Alabama like you."

Past ABC president Michael Goodrich, BE&K of Birmingham, administered the oath of office to ABC 2005 Chairman John Redmon, also of BE&K.

Other officers inducted include Bruce Hooper of Brice Building Co., first vice chairman; Clinton Smith of the Stewart/Perry Co., second vice chairman; Lynn Jones of Brasfield & Gorrie, secretary; John Connor of The Robins & Morton Group, treasurer; and Cathy Caddell of Caddell Construction Co., Central Alabama Advisory Board chair.

Talladega airport breaks ground

Groundbreaking ceremonies recently commemorated the first phase of a $5 million expansion at Talladega Municipal Airport (TMA) under the airport's Capitol Improvements Plan. Local officials said the improvements should increase aircraft operations and economic benefits.

TMA Board Chairman Ray Miller said this first phase includes upgrading the airport from a basic utility and visual approach f/news/al/archive/acility to an "all weather" airport that can accommodate corporate, air cargo and air passenger aircraft.

Completion of the airfield expansion program is expected by 2007 and includes the new instrument landing system being installed by the Federal Highway Administration (FAA), Southern Region.

The improvements were made possible with grants acquired through the Federal Aviation Administration, the Alabama Department of Transportation Aeronautics Bureau and the TMA Board (on behalf of the city of Talladega).