By Jeff Devine
Dale County Chronicle
Governor Kay Ivey was honored Wednesday with the inaugural Capital Legacy Impact Award during the Montgomery Regional Chamber’s annual meeting, recognizing her long-standing leadership and influence on the Capital Region and the state of Alabama.
The Montgomery Regional Chamber established the Capital Legacy Impact Award to recognize leaders whose service has made a generational impact on Montgomery, the Capital Region, and the state of Alabama. Chamber officials said Governor Ivey was selected as the first recipient due to her consistent efforts to strengthen communities and promote long-term economic growth.
Chamber President and CEO Anna Buckalew praised Ivey’s record, noting that the governor’s priorities closely align with the Chamber’s mission. “Throughout her distinguished career – and especially as Alabama’s longest-serving governor – Governor Ivey has championed initiatives that align closely with the Chamber’s mission,” Buckalew said. She added that Ivey’s leadership has helped secure major investments, accelerate job creation, and elevate Montgomery’s role as Alabama’s Capital City.
After receiving the award, Governor Ivey thanked the Chamber and emphasized the importance of collaboration in moving the city forward. “Our success in Montgomery depends upon the partnership of everyone here,” Ivey said. “Y’all, to have a strong Alabama, we must have a strong Capital City.”
Ivey also stressed the need to continue improving schools and health care, strengthening public safety, and recruiting new businesses. A longtime Montgomery resident, she said the city holds special meaning for her. “Montgomery is my home – and has been for many years,” Ivey said. “I care a lot about this city… and most importantly, I care about its future.”
The governor concluded her remarks by thanking the Chamber for the honor and expressing optimism for the year ahead, wishing those in attendance a Merry Christmas and continued blessings for the state of Alabama.
*Governor Ivey Accepts Inaugural Capital Impact Legacy Award at Montgomery Regional Chamber meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
