Addie McCluskey

Elmore Autauga News

Local leaders, business owners, and community members gathered for the Elmore County Economic Development Authority’s annual Unity Breakfast, Oct. 21, 2025, at The Fieldhouse at 17 Springs in Millbrook.

The Unity Breakfast is a long-standing tradition that brings together business leaders, elected officials, and residents to celebrate Elmore County’s shared values and strengthen community connections.

Featuring Doug Amos as master of ceremonies and keynote speakers Walter Lewis, Charlie Trotman, and Valerie Gray, this year’s program underscored the county’s commitment to creating spaces that foster growth, unity, and opportunity.

“This venue right here is helping to create a possibility to be able to come back to Elmore County and live your life the way you live it as a youngster,” said Walter Lewis, Managing Director of Piper Sandler.

The vision for 17 Springs began in 2017, when the City of Millbrook, Grandview Family YMCA, Elmore County Board of Education, Elmore County Commission, and ECEDA came together with a shared goal of developing a first-class sports and recreation complex.

“The leaders of this community have made a choice, and the choice was to invest in your youth,” said Charlie Trotman, owner of The Trotman Company, Inc. “That investment is going to come back, and it will benefit everyone for years and years.”

The Marketplace at 17 Springs, now under construction, will soon offer multiple dining options to the popular sports complex, boosting Elmore County’s growing economy even more.

“People coming through and leaving their money here positively impacts the goods and services that you provide for your citizens here in Elmore County,” said Valerie Gray, owner of The Grayter Group.

Bringing leaders together from across the county, the Unity Breakfast underscored the power of collaboration and community pride, celebrating past achievements and a shared vision for the future.