We explore how AO Tourism attracts visitors while improving daily life for locals, from sports tournaments and conferences to art, food, and outdoor events. Cat shares her path from intern to Director of Communications and Marketing, clears up misconceptions, and tells a moving story of turning hardship into a community run.

• AO Tourism’s mission and lodging tax funding
• Key drivers: University, Grand National, Chewacla, downtown Opelika
• Why tourism benefits residents as well as visitors
• How the team differs from a chamber model
• New Auburn office, Opelika visitor experience, local art gallery
• Cat’s career path and leadership approach
• How to bring conferences and tournaments to Auburn–Opelika
• Growing staff and capacity to serve the region
• Where to connect: aotourism.com and social channels

www.aotourism.com

We trace Dr. Susan Westerlund’s path from delivering babies to leading a thriving gynecology and wellness practice focused on menopause care and hormone therapy. We break down what modern evidence says about estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone for women and men.

• office-based gynecology focus after years in obstetrics
• expansion from Columbus to Auburn and growing demand
• perimenopause explained as a gradual transition
• wide symptom range including sleep and mood changes
• WHI study myths clarified and corrected
• benefits of bioidentical estradiol and micronized progesterone
• heart, bone, and brain protection with timely therapy
• role of testosterone for women’s libido and focus
• organic growth into men’s care and couples wellness
• how to get in touch and where to find appointments

westerwellhealth.com

We share how Ru's Roots Foundation became a free adaptive gym serving preteens through adults with different needs and why community after high school matters. Hannah opens up about turning grief into a legacy, breaking access barriers, and inviting volunteers and donors to join the work.

• free adaptive fitness for teens and adults with different needs
• location and how to visit the facility
• why post-school community and structure matter
• origin story rooted in faith and loss
• breaking ADA fears and building inclusive design
• volunteer-powered classes with one-to-one support
• programs like boxing, jiu-jitsu and weight training
• how to donate, volunteer or enroll

rus-roots.org