Meet Chris Black: A Dedicated Voice for Wetumpka's Future
Hello, Wetumpka! I'm Chris Black, and I'm ready to bring real-world experience, transparent leadership, and a common-sense approach to our City Council. My wife, Hope, and I proudly made Wetumpka our home in 2015, drawn by its wonderful small-town feel, its clear stage for growth, and its central location to everything that matters to us. We moved into the city limits nearly two years ago and moved our business not too long after, solidifying our commitment to this community.
As President of DCCI, a local, family-run business specializing in advanced communications and vehicle solutions, I've honed the very skills our city needs. I lead a team dedicated to excellence, and my professional life is a testament to my expertise in:
- Strategic Budgeting: I've successfully managed diverse client budgets, ensuring financial accountability. I once took a failing product line, shifted resources to a better-suited alternative, and saw a 300% increase in that product's performance the following year. This ability to strategically reallocate resources and drive results is what I'll bring to city finances.
- Efficient Project Oversight: From upfitting emergency vehicles and installing school bus radios to building complex radio systems for local industries, I oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring efficiency and success.
- Building Strong Relationships: My work has fostered crucial connections with police chiefs, fire chiefs, and many leaders within local government and organizations. We often partner clients with specific needs to those who can provide solutions, demonstrating my ability to build the rapport and collaborations necessary for Wetumpka's growth.
My dedication to Wetumpka extends far beyond my business. Hope and I are active members of Redland Hills Church, where I serve on the praise and worship team and volunteer with the youth program. Our family's passion for the community shines through our dedicated involvement with Friday Night Lights, supporting various arts programs, and eight-years dedicated to the Wetumpka High School Band Boosters. Each year, we actively partner with local businesses for the band's silent auction, assisting with fundraising to keep costs low for students and provide a quality program. You'll also find me pulling the equipment trailer every Friday night and working with other dedicated parents loading and unloading equipment and of course servicing equipment as needed. I am also a proud member of Business Alliance of the River Region and the Lions Club of Wetumpka, further demonstrating my deep roots and desire to contribute.
I deeply understand the needs and immense potential within our city. I recognize the critical importance of our schools, the Elmore County Tech Center, and the Board of Education that call Wetumpka Home. My involvement with our neighboring facilities gives me a unique perspective on how we can collaboratively develop and properly monetize our city spaces, including the Civic Center and other resources. By attracting consistent traffic for sporting events, conventions, and shows, we can attract the right businesses to be supported by these visitors, ensuring these assets are properly funded. This would generate revenue streams without additional cost to the residents of Wetumpka.
My primary vision for Wetumpka is clear: to generate sustainable revenue streams, significantly increase our tax base with quality businesses, and create a genuine relationship between Elmore County, the Board of Education, and neighboring jurisdictions. This will support and expand our thriving sports, arts, and education sectors. As a resident and business owner, I inherently understand the challenges businesses face when establishing themselves here and know strategic growth is inevitable.
I am running for City Council because I believe it's time to find out the truth about what's going on in Wetumpka and build trust with all residents. Let's put the rumors to bed once and for all and move forward, together, to build a more prosperous and responsive Wetumpka for everyone.