PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jina Miniard
MANAGING EDITOR
Kinsey de Torres
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Heather Ruddock
DESIGN Heather Ruddock Jessica Barganier
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Kinsey de Torres
PHOTOGRAPHY
Buck Jordan Aubrie Lemon Moates
WEB MASTER
Kelsey Womack
SALES / ADVERTISING
Christina Bennett Angie Jordin Courtney Lowry
DIGITAL CONTENT / SOCIAL MEDIA Alexis Stafford Anna Lynn Grant
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jina Miniard
ENEWSLETTER
Kinsey de Torres
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the July issue of CentrAL INC! Summer in the River Region is always buzzing— and this season, we’ re spotlighting some of the people, institutions and industries that are helping our area thrive.
We’ re celebrating some of the Great Places to Work right here in the River Region. These local businesses are doing more than offering jobs— they’ re creating cultures where people feel valued and supported as they grow.
We’ re also taking a look at the powerful role Higher Education plays in shaping our economy and workforce. From innovative programs to campus expansions, our colleges and universities are preparing students— and the region— for what’ s next!
And finally, we’ re diving into the Business of Travel Ball— and trust me, it’ s more than just a weekend hobby. From hotel bookings to restaurant traffic, youth sports are making a serious impact on our local businesses. Whether you’ re a parent spending your summer at the ball fields or a business owner seeing the boost, you’ ll want to check this one out.
Thanks for reading and for continuing to support the people and places that make Central Alabama such a special place to call home!
Pam Mashburn Publisher, CentrAL INC! President, exploreMedia pam @ exploremedia. com
CentrAL INC! is published by exploreMedia. Copyright ® 2025 exploreMedia. All Rights Reserved. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us. Thank You.
THANKS TO OUR 2025 EDITORIAL BOARD exploreMedia. com( 334) 578-7810
Brooke Glover Prattville Chamber of Commerce
Ann Harper City of Millbrook
Andrew Stieb City of Wetumpka
Caroline Hale Town of Pike Road
Bob Parker Dreamland BBQ
Kindell Anderson Montgomery County Commission
Valerie Smedley Tours of Montgomery
Anita Carter Jim Wilson & Associates
Kadie Agnew Baptist Health
Bradley Clark 908th Flying Training Wing
8 CentrAL Inc!