Mayor Kenneth Gulley, Reverend Douglas Caddell and Bobbie Caddell
The highlight each year of the annual Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting is the announcement of the recipient of the Charles A. Long Outstanding Civic Award.
The Chamber’s 104th annual meeting was held on January 29, 2026, at the Bessemer Civic Center.
Tonya Hill-Mitchell, owner of Inspired Action Coaching and Consulting Company, was the guest speaker.
The 2026 Charles A. Long Outstanding Civic Award was awarded to Rev. Douglas Caddell of Bessemer. Former recipient Claire Mitchell made the presentation.
For 22 years, Rev. Caddell has been the pastor of Canaan Baptist Church at 824 15th Street, North in Bessemer.
A true man of God, he has a strong, unwavering commitment to serving others, the church, community, and youth development and leadership. A good, kind, humble man, he lives each day guided by God’s word.
Rev. Caddell has been married for 47 years to Bobbie Caddell, and they have a son, Matthew, and his wife, Lori, and one grandson, Michael Owen.
He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master’s Degree from Alabama A&M University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Birmingham-Easonian Bible College, and a leadership certificate from Auburn University.
A mentor to many, Rev. Caddell has served faithfully as a member of Sav-A-Life Bessemer, the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Bessemer City Ministerial Alliance, and Scouting America.
Rev. Caddell is an ardent supporter of education and youth development, having worked as a high school teacher in the Marion and Jefferson County School Systems.
He has lived his life as a man of character and principles, guided by the word of God.