By Katie Bohannon, News Editor
Following a prosperous year in the midst of a pandemic, Attalla Mayor Larry Means reflects on 2020 and his vision for the new year.
In October of 2021, Means anticipates the new Koch’s feed mill’s completion. In 2020, Means announced that Koch Foods, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of poultry, will construct a feed mill and distribution facility as part of an $80 million expansion of its Etowah County operation. The mill will supply poultry growers throughout north Alabama and provide 50 to 60 jobs.
New businesses ventured to Attalla, including Bankston Motor Homes’ establishment behind the city’s Walmart. Last week, Mayor Means confirmed a partnership with Alabama restaurant chain Guthrie’s to build a location next to the Attalla Walmart.
Attalla continues to support its schools through partnerships with the school board and city council and invest in the youth throughout the community, who Mayor Means considers the city’s future. He remains active in recruiting businesses and industry for Attalla, partnering with fellow city native and Industrial Development Authority Director David Hooks. He noted that he continues to work with neighboring municipalities, uniting with his fellow mayors and forming relationships with local officials.
Means shared that Attalla is holding its own regarding COVID-19, with its case numbers remaining steady. He commended the city’s police and fire departments, emphasizing that the city’s crime rate stays down. He offered a message to the Attalla community concerning the future.
“We’re doing good,” he said. “We’re able to keep services right now and hopefully, we can continue to do that. [To the community], just keep doing what you’re doing. We get so much support – we’ve got some great city workers. I’m excited for the future.”
