Ala. business leaders down about economy
Tuscaloosa News – July 6
A University of Alabama survey of state business leaders finds them becoming more pessimistic about the economy going into the third quarter of 2011, which started Friday. “I think what is happening is the economy is growing, but payrolls are not growing at the pace that they expected,” said Ahmad Ijaz, an economist at UA’s Center for Business and Economic Research, which conducts the survey and compiles the quarterly Alabama Business Confidence Index. About 250 to 300 business leaders across Alabama responded to the survey between June 1 and June 15. The participants were asked how they thought the economy would perform from July through September. Ijaz said the respondents see a slowing of the moderate growth that the economy exhibited earlier this year. The decreased expectations might be linked to higher gasoline prices and the impact of the April 27 tornadoes, he said…The CBER has been doing the quarterly surveys for seven to eight years, Ijaz said. The highest confidence index recorded was 68.7 for the third quarter of 2004. The low point was 31.9 for the first quarter 2009…
Huntsville Times – July 6
Mobile Press-Register – July 6
10 Least Expensive Public Business Schools for In-State Students
U.S. News and World Report – July 6
…Business programs at some of the nation’s largest public universities, including the University of Alabama Manderson Graduate School of Business, the University of Connecticut School of Business, and the University of Missouri—Columbia Trulaske College of Business, all placed amongst the top 10 least expensive business schools.
Internship program offers disaster relief
Crimson White – July 6
While many students spend their summers building their resumes as interns, the tragedies and destruction following the April 27 tornado provided UA students with unique opportunities for internships not normally available. More than 70 students are participating in the Disaster Relief Internship Program throughout the summer at various relief agencies like Temporary Emergency Services, Project Team-Up, Project Blessings and the City of Tuscaloosa Planning and Development Offices… According to Faculty Director Norman Baldwin, DRIP interns are not just running errands and getting coffee, but being placed in management positions like Joe. “We’re putting students in very responsible jobs – they’re not just sorting clothes and unloading trucks,” he said. “They’re directing warehouses, giving out aid to people that have lost everything.” For students returning to Tuscaloosa at the end of the summer or for the fall, there will still be opportunities available…While most DRIP interns are working on a volunteer basis, there is opportunity for academic credit. According to Baldwin, students will work around 150 hours and then finish their experience with an academic exercise like a term paper that will relate their internship to their academic pursuits…
Student learns to walk again after tornado injury
Crimson White – July 6
After suffering a spinal cord injury during the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa on April 27, UA junior Chelsea Thrash is getting back in full physical form and learning to walk again. Thrash was at Charleston Square Apartments when the EF-4 tornado was pummeling through the city…Chelsea Thrash has been considered an inspiration to many because of her positive attitude and outlook, including members of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. “Chelsea is an amazing, inspiring young woman who has inspired her sisters not only from the moment we learned of her life-altering injuries, but from the minute she pledged herself a sister of Gamma Phi Beta,” said Lauren Whitten, president of the sorority. “…Kelle Thrash said Gamma Phi Beta, the University and many other people have provided assistance to Chelsea and her family financially and emotionally…The UA Acts of Kindness relief fund has helped the Thrash family…
Gone with the Wind exhibit at UA’s Gorgas Library
FOX6.com (Birmingham) – July 5
David Williams, a local “Gone with the Wind” collector presents famous replica dresses and even original copies of the book celebrating its 75th year of publication as of June 30. Williams has even hosted lectures at the Gorgas Library where the items are still on display at the University of Alabama.
New student group sets sail in Tuscaloosa
Crimson White – July 6
The UA Sailing Club, founded by a group of UA students in April, is the latest attempt by the Tuscaloosa Sailing Club to expand membership and interest into the UA community…Justin Stier, treasurer of the UA Sailing Club, said he has great expectations for the small club. “We’re pretty open about who can join,” Stier said. “Many of our members don’t have much experience; some had never sailed before joining. It’s really all about gaining some experience and having a good time.”…