City dubbed "Community of Excellence"

Staff Report

Tallassee is among a select group of cities designated as an "Alabama Community of Excellence" (ACE). Bay Minette and Hanceville were also recognized at the opening session of the Alabama League of Municipalities Annual Convention in Mobile last week.

The graduation of Bay Minette, Hanceville and Tallassee brings the total number of Alabama communities that have achieved designation as Alabama Communities of Excellence to 39. 

Mayor Johnny Hammock was in Mobile to accept the honor on Tallassee's behalf.

"A lot of work went into it. A lot of people played key roles - probably 100 different people," Hammock said. "It's a great award for Tallassee. It puts us on the map. I'm glad we went through the process because it gives us vision now. We didn't have any vision before. Now we, have a comprehensive plan, a strategic plan and an action plan. We've just got to execute it."

(Left to right): City Councilman Darrell Wilson, ACE President Brandon Bias, ACE Coordinator for Tallassee Suzannah Solomon Wilson, Kim Hammock, Mayor Johnny Hammock, Alabama League of Municipalities Director Ken Smith.

To be designated as an ACE community, cities must successfully complete the comprehensive three-phase approach to economic and community development.

“We commend the leadership and many stakeholders of the designated communities for their dedication to ensuring long-term economic success for their communities through the Alabama Communities of Excellence process,” said ACE President and Chairman of the Board, Brandon Bias.

ACE was created in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation organized to provides technical assistance to select communities with populations ranging from 2,000 to 18,000 that helps to strengthen the communities’ long-term economic success. 

Learn more about ACE by visiting the website: www.alabamacommunitiesofexcellence.org.