TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Business Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2025 on Thursday, Nov. 13 in a ceremony at the Haven in downtown Birmingham. The Alabama Business Hall of Fame was established in 1973 to honor those individuals that have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama through their business and community contributions.
This year’s inductees include:
Terry C. Anderson
Terry C. Anderson is the chairman and CEO of American Promotional Events, Inc., better known as TNT Fireworks. TNT was founded in 1920 by his grandfather, Clyde W. Anderson, and has grown under four generations of family leadership. TNT is now the largest and most recognized distributor of consumer fireworks in the world, with importation and distribution in the USA, Asia, Europe, Canada, and Puerto Rico. TNT Fireworks product is sold in 49 states. Annually, TNT serves over 40,000 big box retailers, grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and discount stores, and over 5,000 seasonal stands and tents operated by nonprofit groups, individuals, and wholesale customers throughout the USA.
Fournier J. “Boots” Gale III
Fournier J. “Boots” Gale III is Of Counsel at Maynard Nexsen PC, one of Alabama’s leading law firms, and has dedicated his distinguished career to shaping the legal profession, advising businesses, and serving the state of Alabama. Gale was instrumental in founding Maynard Nexsen and served for many years as managing shareholder and chairman. He made a significant impact as general counsel, senior executive vice president, and corporate secretary at Regions Financial Corporation from 2011 to 2020. In addition to his work with Regions, Gale has provided legal guidance and leadership to the wider business community as a long-time board member of the Business Council of Alabama.
Benny M. LaRussa Jr.
Benny M. LaRussa Jr. is the founder and CEO of Sterling Capital Management, a multi-asset holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Sterling Capital owns and operates three primary platform companies: Fenwick Food Group, which invests in and operates consumer-packaged goods businesses; American Pipe and Supply, a regional wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, and fittings; and StoneRiver Company, which specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of multi-family residential properties. Through these businesses, LaRussa has helped grow companies that create jobs, strengthen communities, and contribute to the regional economy.
Tim M. Parker Jr.
Tim M. Parker Jr. is chairman of Parker Towing Company, a commodities transportation company in Tuscaloosa, which transports supplies throughout the southeast and along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. The company transports bulk commodities, including steel, aggregates, coal, forest products, grain, cement, asphalt, and petroleum products.
William J. Stevens
William J. Stevens is the retired CEO of Motion Industries, one of the leading industrial distribution companies in North America, which is based in Birmingham. With Stevens as CEO, Motion Industries’ sales grew from $1.85 billion in 1997 to $4.8 billion in 2014.
Susan N. Story
Susan N. Story is the retired president and CEO of American Water Works, Inc., the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States and a member of the S&P 500. During her CEO tenure from 2014 until her retirement in 2020, Story led the company through remarkable growth, more than tripling its stock price and market capitalization. At the time, she was one of only 23 women leading an S&P 500 company, serving as a trailblazer for women in corporate leadership and inspiring countless professionals in the utility sector and beyond.