The Reed Building in downtown Russellville hosted a special guest when it held its open house on Sunday afternoon. The recently renovated building, which consists of a downstairs office space and two upstairs loft apartments, was packed with people, among which were many elected officials.
Mayor David Grissom, whose company Made in USA Properties, LLC. owns the building, was there, as well as many members of the Russellville City Council and Alabama state senator Larry Stutts. But the man people came to see was Huntsville Republican mayor Tommy Battle, who has mounted a 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
Prior to announcing Battle, Grissom thanked a number of individuals and businesses for their help in getting the building renovated and ready for occupants. Then, the Russellville mayor introduced his Huntsville counterpart, who received a long applause from the open house attendees.
“It’s great to be here in Russellville,” Battle said, speaking to the crowd gathered in the first floor office space.
Battle opened up by thanking everyone for showing up and bragged on the city, mayor and city council for their effort to add jobs in Russellville.
“The high tide raises all ships,” he said, adding that the creation of jobs in one city or town benefits surrounding cities and towns.
Battle also congratulated Grissom and his partner Chris Wallace on contributing to the redevelopment in downtown Russellville.
“This is a great accomplishment and the city of Russellville should be proud,” Battle said. “Before long there will be no where to put the restaurants and businesses. That’s a good problem to have.”
Battle went on to address his campaign positions, emphasizing the need for state officials to “start working for the people.”
“State leaders have become Montgomery centric and have forgotten about the rest of the state,” he said. “It’s time to return state government to the people.”
Battle finished his speech by once again thanking everyone in attendance and asked for their support in the coming months.
