PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jina Miniard
MANAGING EDITOR
Kinsey de Torres
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Heather Ruddock
DESIGN Heather Ruddock Erika Tracy
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Kinsey de Torres
PHOTOGRAPHY Aubrie Lemon Moates Grace O’ Connor Frank C. Williams
WEB MASTER
Kelsey Womack
SALES / ADVERTISING
Christina Bennett Angie Jordin
DIGITAL CONTENT / SOCIAL MEDIA Savanna Pruitt Anna Lynn Grant
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Pamela Greer
ENEWSLETTER
Kinsey de Torres
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.
exploreMedia. com( 334) 578-7810
Dear Readers,
We’ re so glad you picked up this issue of CentrAL INC! This one’ s packed with some really exciting stories that shine a light on the River Region and all the ways it’ s growing and thriving.
First up— tourism is booming, and it’ s doing more than just bringing in visitors. In our feature on The Transformative Power of Tourism, we take a closer look at how the Equal Justice Initiative and Montgomery Whitewater are changing the game for our local economy. These aren’ t just places to visit— they’ re putting Montgomery on the map in powerful, lasting ways.
We also pulled together a fun and helpful restaurant guide to some of the best spots around the River Region. Whether you’ re grabbing lunch between meetings or planning a dinner out with friends, there’ s something here for everyone.
And if you’ re looking to learn or level up this year, check out our list of 10 Best Business Books— these picks are full of ideas, inspiration and solid advice, no matter what field you’ re in.
As always, thanks for being part of this community. I’ m so proud of the stories we get to tell— and even more excited about where we’ re headed together.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May Launch Party Little Donkey- Downtown Montgomery May 15th at 4:30 p. m.
Pam Mashburn Publisher, CentrAL INC! President, exploreMedia pam @ exploremedia. com
THANKS TO OUR 2025 EDITORIAL BOARD
Brooke Glover Prattville Chamber of Commerce
Ann Harper City of Millbrook
Andrew Stieb City of Wetumpka
Caroline Hale Town of Pike Road
Kindell Anderson Montgomery County Commission
Anita Carter Jim Wilson & Associates
Valerie Smedley Tours of Montgomery
Kadie Agnew Baptist Health
Bob Parker Dreamland BBQ
Bradley Clark 908th Flying Training Wing
6 CentrAL Inc!