PIKE ROAD, AL – A Town of Pike Road economic development initiative is connecting local employers with student workers, customer-service training, stronger communication channels and new opportunities to learn from other business leaders.
Pike Road IGNITE brings four programs together to support the long-term success of businesses operating in the community. Economic Development Director Bryan Parker said the initiative took shape over roughly a year as the Town considered how to provide meaningful resources for small businesses and their employees.
The effort complements the Pike Road Business Association, a collaborative network of business owners, organizational leaders and entrepreneurs. The association hosts quarterly lunches and after-hours events where participants can meet, exchange information and learn about developments affecting the community.
“It’s so important for businesses to connect with other businesses,” said Jennifer Atkins, owner of New Waters Realty. “It’s kind of a chamber model, but there are no membership fees. Anybody can join and be a part of it.”
Connecting Students and Employers
Employ-A-Patriot is a partnership between the Town and Pike Road High School that connects students with employment and work-based learning opportunities at local businesses. Students can gain professional experience and explore career paths while employers help develop future members of the local workforce.
Parker said the collaboration helps the school “plug in small businesses that are looking for students to work there” and gives students opportunities to pursue careers with small and medium-sized companies.
Strengthening Communication and Service
Best Management Practices for Businesses establishes a working relationship between individual businesses and the Town. The program is intended to clarify expectations, improve communication and identify ways the Town and business community can work together to serve residents.
The Blue Ribbon Customer Service Program adds a professional-development component to IGNITE. Created with Auburn University at Montgomery’s Office of Continuing Education, the program includes two hands-on training sessions and an implementation plan built around eight customer-service standards: presence, initiative, kindness, empathy, responsiveness, ownership, approachability and dependability.
The inaugural class is planned for fall 2026 and is expected to include 20 to 30 participants. Businesses that complete the training and implementation process can earn recognition as a Blue Ribbon Certified location. Enrollment is available online.
“We want the customers that come to a small business, or any business in Pike Road, to feel comfortable and feel like they got a really great service experience,” Parker said.
The Town is providing funding so Pike Road small businesses can take advantage of the workforce-development opportunity at no cost.
Building Relationships for the Future
A Small Business Mentee Initiative is also in development. Details will be announced as the program moves forward.
Atkins said the relationships created through the business association and IGNITE can help owners find information, exchange resources and support one another.
“Nothing can replace personal connections,” Atkins said. “Having a personal connection with someone else in the business world — you can share resources, share information and just help support each other.”