Note from the editor
Saluting our industries
It ’ s no accident that Cullman County attracts
businesses big and small . The combination of location , workforce development and a business-friendly environment makes Cullman fertile ground for new and expanding businesses . Add in the innovation and resiliency of business owners , and you ’ ve got the recipe for success .
This year was not what anyone anticipated . Coming into 2020 , Cullman had one of the lowest unemployment rates at 2.2 percent . In March , a week before businesses shut down for a novel coronavirus virus , there were 25 unemployment claims for the week in Cullman County . A few weeks later , that number would be more than 1,600 .
But six months later , Cullman ’ s unemployment rate is once again one of the lowest in the state and companies are competing for employees as their operations have adapted and expanded .
Our cover story on HomTex is just one example of a Cullman industry pivoting to meet the needs of the new economy . They saw the demand and opportunity , and with the help of state and city governments , switched production to making masks in just a week . Today , the company is the only 100 % American-made producer of masks and is supplying masks to the United States Capitol complex .
The company would not have been able to expand its operations without the support of state and city leaders . The city provided a $ 1.5 million loan that helped HomTex acquire the machines needed to produce disposable masks , a risk that paid off when the company repaid the loan - with interest - in less than two months .
CEO Jerry Wootten noted the generosity of Cullman - that the community has a history and culture of giving . That characteristic was evident when residents rallied around small businesses impacted by social distancing requirements .
We saw the innovation of business owners as they found new ways to continue operations in this new environment . Some , like the owners of the 412 , are expanding their business , showing an entrepreneurial spirit that can ’ t be defeated by a virus .
The story of Cullman ’ s farm community is also one of entrepreneurship and innovation . There are many examples of growers experimenting with crops , perfecting their herds and produce and finding new ways to increase yields . Science and technology may have changed the industry , but the commitment of the growers to providing food for the nation remains unchanged . These men and women take seriously their responsibility as growers and never has their importance been more evident as families across the nation struggle with food insecurity .
Wallace State Community College , along with Cullman ’ s top-notch schools , continue to prepare students to enter the workforce . Ranked as one of the top community colleges in the state , WSCC ’ s Department of Nursing has earned the National League of Nursing ’ s designation as a Center of Nursing Education .
Many graduates of the nursing program are working in Cullman ’ s health industry . Cullman Regional Medical Center employs over 1,000 health care professionals , a number that is growing as the medical center continues to add specialities . Where other rural areas of the state struggle with healthcare , Cullman County resident ’ s access to medical care is one more factor in making the county a desirable place to live and work .
In improv , there is the maxim that a performer should never say “ no ” to where their fellow performer is taking a scene . Instead , the response is “ yes , and . . .” Cullman County ’ s government and business leaders seemingly operate under the same directive . Whatever comes their way , they embrace the opportunities and make the most of changes .
For their ingenuity , adaptability and contributions to our community , we salute Cullman County industries .
Amy Henderson Editor
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Salute 2020