On November 9, 2017 at Haven in Downtown Birmingham, six individuals were inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame for their outstanding business and civic leadership contributions. Charles E. Adair, Dr. James R. Andrews, William R. Battle, Dorothy S. Davidson, John D. Johns, and Don Logan were all inductees for this year’s event, joining a group 216 members strong.
The banquet was attended by over 400 of the State of Alabama’s most prominent business and civic leaders, including a number of former Alabama Business Hall of Fame inductees. Among the 400 in attendance were distinguished guests were Dr. and Mrs. Robert Altenkirch, President of The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Bell, President of The University of Alabama, Lieutenant General Ronald Lee Burgess, Jr. of the United States Army, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hayes, Chancellor of the University of Alabama System.
The night began with an introduction by the Master of Ceremonies and Chairman of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, Donald W. Nalley, Jr.
After a break for dinner, Dean Kay Palan, of the Culverhouse College of Commerce at The University of Alabama, introduced the inductees. Each inductee has been highly successful in business: growing organizations, providing steady leadership, and offering inspiration to colleagues.
In addition to their success in business, they have also dedicated themselves to public service with involvement in organizations that aim to better serve its constituents and build community programs.
Dean Palan noted that each individual came from “vastly different career paths” and “have had extraordinary and positive impacts within their communities and on the profile of the State of Alabama.”