on breaking group on the Eclipse project in downtown Huntsville. This is a 279 unit apartment complex that is part of the CityCentre Development overlooking Big Spring Park.
on being a part of the Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 Class that was just announced.
COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
located in Decatur on being nominated as one of America's 10 Best Museums in USA Today's Best Museum of the Year Competition. This is heady stuff for Samford Alum Brian Cook and his family. Keep up the great work!
on being named a RealtySouth Top Producer for 2019. Scott really is a genuine guy and a great Realtor. If you have something to sell, keep him in mind.
as they continue work on the 1105 West Peachtree Project in Atlanta. The job is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2021. This is just another in a long list of great looking projects B&G that B&G is bringing to life.
Martin Smith, Joe Sandner IV, Bryan Holt, Kevin Jaquess and Claude Tindle
and everyone else who made the Birmingham Business Journal's recent "Who's Who In Commercial Real Estate" Issue.
Les Stuedeman, UAH Softball Coach,
and proud VHHS graduate, on being recognized among the "Women Who Shape The State". She does a fantastic job.
Automatic Seafood and Oysters in Birmingham
on being recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of their "Best New Restaurants in America". It is excellent.
and his wife, Jenni, on the arrival of their new one, the super-cute Clark.
Tim Lower & Home Boss Inspections
on being named the Small Business of the Month by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in Fairhope, AL.
Our friend Mark Edwards
on being named the new CFO at Birmingham's Bradford Health Services.
Brad Davis of Montevallo’s Wayne Davis Construction
on being included in this year's class of Leadership Shelby County.
Will Lochamy of Birmingham Mountain Radio
and his partner Asha Gangolli on their first place finish in the Dancing with the Stars of the Magic City benefitting First Light Shelter. The boy can move. Who knew?
Collins McMurray,
daughter of Melissa & Dan McMurray, on recently being named Miss Auburn.
Birmingham’s Blackwater Real Estate
on the development & recent opening of The Village at Mitchell Ranch shopping center near Tampa, FL.
on both making Money Magazine's recent "Top 100 Places to Live In America" list. Auburn came in at No. 66 and Hoover was listed as No. 84.
on being named one of the BBJ's "Women to Watch" in the September 20th issue. Tammy does great work, is a long-time friend and was WAY ahead of the curve on downtown living and seeing Birmingham's City Center come back to life.
on convincing Lauren Webster to marry him recently. We kid, we kid. Richard is a great guy and we are really happy for them both.
on being included in the Birmingham Business Journal's recent "Women to Watch" issue. Valerie is a power-house and you will be hearing a lot more from her in the future.
Jennifer Andress of the Homewood City Council
on being included in the latest class of Leadership Birmingham. Way to go, Jennifer! Keep up all the great work you are doing.
Shepard Ager of IronVest Properties
and his wife Virginia on the arrival of their newest, Mr. John Shepard Ager, on August 13th.
Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons
on being included in the new class of Leadership Birmingham.
Rich Vanchina of Southpace Properties
on being a featured contributor with his Industrial Snapshot: Birmingham article in the August 2019 issue of Southeast Real Estate Business magazine.
Jordy Henson
on his work with the new THE CANOPY development in Pelham. It is going to be a great addition to the Birmingham area.
Doug Acton
and the folks at D.L. Acton Construction Company on celebrating 30 years in business. That is a great accomplishment for everyone there.
Pet Vet Animal Hospital
in Vestavia on reaching their 20th Anniversary. Pet Vet has been the home-away-from-home of Taz Truitt for most of his spoiled life. Pet Vet does a great job of keeping him in top shape.
Chris Wood
on his new job at Spain Park High School and moving back to Alabama.
Russo Corp’s Lance Kitchens
and his wife Missy on the recent wedding of their daughter, Chandler, to Carson Meadows. Great family.
Progress Bank’s David Nast
on being named the new board chairman of the Alabama Banker's Association. David does a fantastic job leading one of our area's fastest growing banks.
Our old friend Anoop Mishra
on being included in the Birmingham Business Journal's "WHO'S WHO IN BANKING & FINANCE" issue. Anoop does a fantastic job leading the Federal Reserve Bank's Birmingham office.
Adam Pierce
of Bancorpsouth and his wife, Melissa, on their latest creation, Thomas Adam Pierce, on July 1st.
Luke Newell
of Dunn Building Company on his recent promotion to VP-Central Area Manger. Great job, Luke.
Jon Vogel of Wealth Designs
and his wife, Lauren, on the birth of their latest issue, Wyatt Edward Vogel on July 2nd. Lucky kid born into this family.
Trey Stone & FCCI Insurance
on celebrating the company's 60th anniversary this year.
Dan Lovell
of Graham & Company on his role in the sale of the old Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Birmingham to developer Michael Mouron. Way to get it done, Dan!
Nick Willis of PNC Bank
on being included in the 2019-2020 Class of Leadership Alabama. Well deserved for the Alabama Regional President of PNC.
C.S. Beatty Construction
on winning the $4.9M grading & soil testing package for sitework on what will become Protective Stadium by the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Congrats to Craig Beatty and his team. This is great news for Birmingham.
Myrick, Gurosky & Associates (MG+A)
on moving into their great looking new offices in the Vestavia Hill's City Center development. MG+A is a powerhouse in the church building marketplace and also does a great job on other types of projects throughout the Southeast.
NelBran Glass
on being awarded the glass package and working with the Brasfield & Gorrie team to bring the new DC BLOX data center to life.
Brick & Tin
on their braised beef brisket sandwich recently being named as one of "The 50 Best Sandwiches in America" by Big 7 Travel (bigseventravel.com).
Chris Kunze
on his new job with Hayward Flow Control, a major player in the valve industry. He will be a powerhouse for them. Way to go, Chris!
Method Mortage’s Adam Stoffregen
on being named President of the Alabama Mortgage Professionals Association.
Samford Baseball Coach Casey Dunn
on being named Southern Conference Coach of the Year. Great work by the former Vestavia Hills Rebel and Auburn Tiger.
Zach Truitt
on recently receiving an award for being on the "All Year A Honor Roll" at Pizitz Middle School. Great work, Zach!
Vince Truitt
on picking up a good citizenship award this week at Pizitz Middle School.
RCP’s Max Grelier
on the work they are doing with the really great MidCity Huntsville development which is bringing a lot of excitement to The Rocket City. Max and MidCity was featured in the May 2019 issue of Southeast Real Estate Business Magazine.
our CPA, Mike Baker,
of Birmingham's Dent Moses on being named UAB's Collat School of Business 2019 Accounting Alumnus of the Year. Mike is super-sharp.
Jenna Bedsole of Baker Donelson
on her recognition in the Birmingham Business Journal's "Best of the Bar" issue.
Craig Fravert & Fravert Services Inc.
on being awarded the signage package for the Davie Hospital & Medical Center in Davie, FL. This is part of the overall project being handled by our neighbors over at Brasfield & Gorrie.
Our friend Don McKenna
of Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton on his recognition in the Birmingham Business Journal's recent "Best of The Bar" issue.
The golfers from Construction Labor Services in Eight Mile, AL
on coming in 1st place in the recent Alabama Utility Contractors Association Spring Meeting & Golf Tournament.
Our friend Bobby Lorino
on announcing a new location of his The Filling Station restaurant in Trussville. He is going to do HUGE business in an area that just keeps-on growing!
Tracy Bennett-Smith,
wife of Foremost Insurance's Steve Smith who we have worked with for years, on becoming the new CEO of Make-A-Wish Alabama. This is a fantastic organization. We look forward to supporting her and Make-A-Wish in her efforts there.
Our friend Jerry Bishop in Reel Town, Alabama
on the great article about him in Lake Martin Living Magazine. Jerry has accomplished a rare feat in the turkey hunting world, the Grand Slam. This involves harvesting four specific sub-species of turkey: Eastern, Merriam, Osceola, and the Rio Grande and has taken him across the country to accomplish it.
Rob’e Mans in Homewood
on winning the Automotive Training Institute's 2018 Top Shop Award and also the ATI's humanitarian award. This is a big deal as the ATI reviews over 1,500 shops across North America and Canada each year and it is the highest automotive award given nationwide. Way to go Trish, Eddie and the whole team!
MURPHY MCMILLAN of Baker Donelson
on being recognized in the Birmingham Business Journal's Best of the Bar issue.
Denise & John Launius
on welcoming the new grand-baby, Savannah Jane Aaron, to the world yesterday, 4/18/19 at 6:01PM.
All the folks at Method Mortgage
in Vestavia Hills, AL on picking up a Top Tigers Award from the Auburn University Harbert College of Business at last month's banquet.
Joe Strauss and Scott Von Cannon
of Retail Strategies for picking up their CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) pins at the recent national CCIM Awards in San Antonio, meaning they have completed all course work and are now official CCIMs. Very impressive.
John Richter and the folks at Richter Landscape
on picking up a Top Tiger Award for fast-growing businesses led by Auburn alumni at the recent 2019 Entrepreneurship Summit sponsored by Auburn University's Harbert College of Business. John is a great guy and is building a really good business. If you need landscape help in the Birmingham area, give Richter Landscape a call.
Joy Daugherty, Tammy Cohen, Chad Hagwood and Joe Sandner IV
and everyone else who was recently recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal in their Executives of Influence issue.
Real estate pro Tripp Alexander
and his wife Rosemary on the birth of their newest issue, Charles "Banks" Alexander who joined the world on 3/13/19.
Charles Fry
on serving as this year's President of the Birmingham Bar Association.
Birmingham’s Seasick Records
on being the recognized as the best record store in Alabama by Vinyl Me Please.
Local CoStar Power Broker award winners including:
David Plummer of Retail Specialists (Retail Leasing); Martin Smith of SRS Real Estate Partners (Retail Leasing); Rich Vanchina of Southpace Properties (Industrial Leasing); and Tripp Alexander of Colliers International (Industrial Leasing). The CoStar Power Broker Awards include the industry leaders who closed the highest transaction volume in sales and in leasing in the various CRE sectors.
Paula Reaves of Allstar Financial
on her way-to-early retirement. She has been a great working partner and we wish you the best. Enjoy it.
Skelton’s Heating & Air
on being awarded Trane's Top Ten Dealer Award for 2018!
David Ashford of The Shopping Center Group
on his part in the Milo's lease that was recognized as one of the Birmingham Business Journal's "Commercial Real Estate Deals of the Year".
on being named to Forbes "Best-In-State" Wealth Advisors List. This really is an outstanding accomplishment. If you are looking for financial planning help, you will not go wrong contacting either one of them.
on being recognized by Golf Digest on its 2018 list of Best New Courses. The recently rebuilt course was awarded fourth place in the Best Private Course category.
on joining commercial real estate powerhouse, Shannon-Waltchack. Tyler brings a great background to their team.
Ron Holt of Two Maids & A Mop
on being presented the 2019 Michael J. Bryan entrepreneurial spirit award from the University of Georgia. Great recognition for a guy doing a tremendous job developing a brand that is becoming more recognizable across the country by the day.
Orange Beach, AL
on being listed as one of the 25 Coolest Small Towns in America by MatadorNetwork.Com along with the likes of Bozeman, MT, Greenville, SC and Taos, NM.
on being recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) CenterBuild Conference as one of its Rising Retail Leaders Under 40 for 2018. ICSC is a fantastic organization with an international reach. This says a lot about Clayton.
on the great news their daughter, Brooke Herrin, has signed to play tennis at Spring Hill College.
on his new position within Harbert Management Corp as part of their Harbert Discovery Fund investment operations.
on joining the Cleveland Browns coaching staff of new head coach Freddie Kitchens. We used to coach Joe in little-league basketball at Auburn. Luckily, he overcame that and has gone on to a successful career.
Auburn-based Rabren Construction
on getting the contract to build the new 17-story student housing project scheduled for the 5 Points South neighborhood where The Break has long been located.
Big-time architect Louis Nequette
on being the cover boy of the November issue of BHMBIZ magazine. Louis is a really good guy and massively talented architect.
The Summit at Fritz Farm
in Lexington, Kentucky had the cover shot and a nice article about it in the January issue of Thoroughbred Daily News. The Summit at Fritz Farm is another wildly successful retail-based development from Birmingham's Bayer Properties.
Method Mortgage’s Adam Stoffregen
on being sworn in as 2019 President of the Alabama Mortgage Professionals Association.
Kenneth Till of CommerceOne Bank
on being named one of the Birmingham Business Journal's "30 People To Watch" in 2019. CommerceOne Bank is Bham's first start-up bank in a decade. It has a great future.
in Steele, Alabama on being recognized for making the best cakes in St. Clair County by the Dec 2018/Jan 2019 issue of DISCOVER magazine. You need a good cake for your wedding or other event, you need to call Lorraine.
in Heflin, Alabama on his recent engagement to his sweetheart, Teresa Childers. We wish you much happiness ahead.
on his recent engagement. Really happy for him.
on taking a well deserved sabbatical after 40 years of keeping Birmingham's guys well dressed. His store at The Summit will be closing January 5th. If you get time, swing in and see what he has left while he is still there. Remon is a great guy and we hope he and his family have a blast on their travels.
on his recent engagement to his sweetie, Sarah Dabney Threadgill. Way to go, John!
on the recent news that SPD Accounting Group has merged in with their firm. If you are looking for a good CPA firm for your company, call Mike or Trey. Great guys.
on being included in the Birmingham Business Journal's "Who's Who In Commercial Real Estate" issue.
of Bayer Properties on recently being inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. Jeffrey, developer of The Summit, The Pizitz Building, Cahaba Village, The Sirote Building, UpTown and numerous other projects around the country deserves every honor he gets. Birmingham would literally be a very different place without him.
on welcoming his first grandchild over the holiday weekend. Jordan Lea joined the action at 7lbs 7oz. Randy is a great guy and one of our favorite underwriters. Really happy for him and his family.
on his HUGE field goal during halftime of the Iron Bowl which won the Golden Flake Kick For Tuition contest and gets him free tuition for a semester at the University of Alabama. Way to go, Martin!
on topping out the Inspire on 22nd student housing community project at the University of Texas.
on having a spotlight article on her in the November issue of Shopping Centers Today magazine. Really impressive!
of Hood Creative in Vestavia Hills on being a 2018-2019 Board Member for Leadership Vestavia Hills. If you need a good free-lance graphic design person, you need to get in touch with Lilla.
our neighbors in Birmingham's Lakeview district, on getting their great-looking new location open in Vestavia Hills. If you want some really good pizza, head over to 3104 Timberlake Road near LifeTime Fitness. Check out their other restaurants as well, Sol's Sandwich Shop downtown and Sky Castle which is also in the Lakeview district. All are really good. These guys know what they are doing.
Mark Winters of Hoar Construction
and his wife Janet on not only becoming first-time grandparents but doing it with gusto as they welcomed twin grandbabies, Wells and Campbell Winters.
BHAM attorney Stephen Leara
on becoming a new board member with Birmingham's SouthPoint Bank.
Dr. Scotty McCallum Jr.
on being honored during the recent The Vulcans Community Awards with their 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. The long-time Birmingham powerhouse has served as the President of UAB and Mayor of Vestavia Hills among many, many other accomplishments. He is also the father of our friend, Birmingham attorney & businessman Chip McCallum, who is a pretty good guy in his own right. Way to go, Dr. McCallum!
on getting a deal done to have a SHRIMP BASKET open in Cullman's central business district in 2019. Cullman works with Birmingham based Retail Strategies. Our friends Scott VonCannon & Jeff Sommers of Retail Strategies notified Cullman officials a lease had been signed and things were finalized. Good work done by all.
on recently joining Birmingham-based Hydinger, Stewart & Chew Commercial Properties LLC. Andrew has been a long-time fixture in Birmingham's commercial real estate world and will do great things with his new firm.
on receiving another very positive report and an "A-" rating from A.M. Best. This is the 18th consecutive "A-" rating which signifies impressive financial strength for the Alabama based workers comp fund, as they have over $42,000,000 in members equity. Great things are ahead for these folks as they work with their membership.
of the Birmingham Business Journal on recently being included in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's 2018 class of Birmingham's Finest. Collectively, this group is attempting to raise $125,000 for Cystic Fibrosis research. If you would like to help out by making a donation, contact Alexandra at award@bizjournals.com. Way to make a difference, Alexandra!
Graham & Co. Commercial Real Estate
on building a great company that is now celebrating 40 years in business. Involved in a ton of projects across Birmingham and now in a lot of other areas, they have an outstanding future from here.
Sage Lebanese Cafe in downtown Fairhope
on having Vince Vaughn stop by for a bite and, apparently, a lot of conversation as well while he was there last Friday. In town while filming 'Arkansas' along the gulf coast, Vaughn stayed with them around 3 hours and left a great note for the owner. I like him even more now. You can also bet I am checking out Sage next time down.
Manci’s in Daphne, AL
on being named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine earlier this year. I have seen it. Never been in. Plan to stop by some time.
Gavin Jones of Bama Utility Contractors
on being a Board Member of the Alabama Utility Contractors Association, voted on at their Annual Meeting held October 18th.
Tim Blair of the Shannon Waltchack commercial real estate firm
on winning his bid to be CCIM's (Certified Commercial Institute Member) 2019 First Vice President for their national organization during CCIM's annual meetings held recently at the Swissotel in Chicago. This puts him in line to be the 2021 National President. Great job, Tim. Keep the Alabama connection going.
Vestavia Hills Elementary Central’s Heather Hurt
on being awarded the 2018 Milken Educator Award yesterday. That was awesome but it was even more awesome that it came with a $25,000 check! The Milken Family Foundation supports top educators around the country each year and targets early to mid-career education professionals. Way to go, Heather! Vince Truitt loved 5th grade with you but is asking if he gets any of that cash?
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC.
on their Charlotte office being recognized as a "Top Places to Work" by the Charlotte Observer. This is another job well done by our across the street neighbors.
on being asked to speak at today's Association of Life Insurance Counsel's regional round-table meeting held in New York City at Guardian Life. John does great work. Impressive to add this to the resume.
on receiving a Good Citizenship Award during a ceremony this morning at Pizitz Middle School. This kid is a good citizenship award powerhouse as this makes 3 straight years. Proud of him.
Lorraine Smith & Edible Memories in Steele, AL
on being recognized in DISCOVER magazine's "Best of St. Clair" listing for Best Cakes. We agree! Lorraine provides us with the cakes we deliver each month to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. She is a master with her designs and all the cakes are delicious.
Rodney Hall
on his retirement from the Birmingham Police Department after serving for many years. He is now working with Jefferson County as a school resource officer at McAdory Elementary School. Rodney has been a friend for a long time and we absolutely wish him the best. Those kids at McAdory are lucky to have him there.
of Southpace Properties on recently obtaining his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation at the CCIM Institute's annual meeting in Chicago. Joseph is a really good guy and a very good commercial real estate broker. This is a big achievement as you not only have to pass all individuals courses, but also pass an overall comprehensive test on all subjects and have a qualifying portfolio of your work that meets CCIM standards. This is something to be really proud of accomplishing.
Gerriann Fagan
is one of the best people we know. Really proud of her as she takes on a new career path with UAB. Gerriann is the long-time owner of The Prism Group, which she started in 2001, and successfully sold into a large local consulting group. Things are looking even brighter at UAB with Gerriann on board.
Covenant Presbyterian Church
in Homewood on celebrating the church's 40th anniversary this month. I always hear great things about this church and wish them much future success.
Brian Atkins of R.B. Atkins & Associates
on recently being recognized with The Chishenhall Award, the highest award given by the Subcontractors Association of Alabama (SubAla). Brian has distinguished himself by exhibiting a high level of achievement in his industry (metal roofing), for contributing to the success and growth of the association and for being a great guy. Congrats, Brian!
our friend Elam Holley
has a new business opening in January. The Neutral Solution will be a one-stop shop offering support to the Birmingham mediation and arbitration community. Elam and his partners, Allen Schreiber & Thomas Skinner, will have their offices in downtown Birmingham. Elam was one of the founders of what was originally known as SouthCity Bank. The bank sold to Huntsville's Progress Bank last year under Elam's leadership.
Cullman Economic Development Agency
on recently winning 2 awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for their "Educators in Industry" program and, also, their work on the AGCOR Steel expansion & renovation project. It is great to see them recognized for the solid work they are doing to continue growing our area.
Adam & Erin Snyder
on purchasing 312 18th Street North in downtown Birmingham for their new home. This is a gorgeous building built in 1917 by the Lyric & Alabama Theatre. Adam is a long-time downtown Bham stalwart. Really glad to see this deal come together for them. Man, they are going to love this place!
Chris Zarzaur & Chris Z’s Restaurant
on celebrating 15 years in business. Our crew has enjoyed many a sandwich from them over those years. If you want to grab something good, run by and pick up a meal from Chris.
Donnie Winningham of Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.
on competing in his first Tough Mudder event up in the Nashville area last month. 20 tough obstacles to navigate spread over 12 miles. What a way to spend a day!
Jonathan Coe of O’Neal Industries
on being included in the newly announced class of Leadership Birmingham. Nice work, JC.
Julie Green Wright
on her TWO new jobs she is taking on. Julie will be working with Birmingham's Family Promise on Monday & Fridays and will be serving as the Director of Senior Adult Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. Both employers have made a really wise decision.
on being a co-founder of the new law firm which was established earlier this year. The firm will focus on personal injury and product liability defense; insurance coverage matters; and commercial disputes. If you need a good attorney, give Todd a call or go to www.btnllaw.com for more info. Todd is a sharp guy and a top-shelf lawyer.
on his new position with WatsonBruhn Builders. They picked up a good one.
on their son, Will, placing as an "elite finisher" at the Pizitz Middle School cross-country meet with Spain Park.
on his new position with Birmingham's IronVest Partners. Shepard is a really good guy who hustles. If you are looking to buy or sell some commercial real estate, he is a good one to contact.
on receiving full DBIA certification. He successfully completed all necessary course-work from the Design-Build Institute of America including comprehensive education and their testing program to achieve the industry’s highest designation as a nationally certified Design-Build Professional. Great work, Owen.
on becoming first-time grandparents. Hudson Wheeler joined the fun a couple of months back as the first child of their daughter Carlisle and her husband Jake Wheeler. I'm sure Matt & Sue will be spending a lot of time on the road going to see this little man. On a side note, if you need a good dermatologist, go see Matt at his practice in the St. Vincent's Hospital complex.
on being included in the Alabama Associated General Contractors inaugural "Top 40 Under 40 In Construction" class. Anne, working out of Hartford's Birmingham office, does a fantastic job helping The Hartford's surety clients throughout Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle establish and maintain viable bonding programs.
of Vestavia Hills, AL on being recognized as a 2018 Top Tiger by Auburn University's Harbert School of Business earlier this year. The program awards the fastest-growing companies founded, owned or led by Auburn University alumni.
Allen Payton of Chilton Contractors Inc.
for being recognized in the August 2018 issue of Business Alabama Magazine as one of their "Movers & Shapers" in Chilton, Dallas & Wilcox Counties. Allen has built a great company, is very involved in the Chilton County area and is absolutely deserving of this attention.
Kenneth Till, Scott Mathews, Art Freeman and everyone at CommerceOne Bank
on a successful fist round of funding to get the new bank rolling. These folks have a lot of success in front of them.
Michael Odom
on joining forces with the Birmingham office of legal powerhouse McGlinchey Stafford.
on his new position as Director of Business Development with the Alabama Trucking Association Work Comp Fund.
on the sale of his first official listing in his new career as a real estate powerhouse.
on being included in the 2017 - 2018 Class of Leadership Birmingham.
on the success she is having with her new book, The Hideaway. She was recently informed she had the best-selling book on Amazon which is a GIANT accomplishment. Pick up a copy of The Hideaway and look for new works from Lauren before long. This lady has a future.
(Sept 2017)
on recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. A great accomplishment for some fantastic people.
on his recent promotion to Assistant VP in the Gulf Coast Region.
for beginning their new project in Ohio, the first time they are working in that state.
on the opening of their new office in Orlando, FL.
for being named VP of the Retail Brokers Network, one of the largest national real estate networking associations.
