Anniston, AL – In 2022, Ann Welch, the owner/operator of Nunnally’s Noble and Frame Gallery in downtown Anniston, achieved a record-breaking year through increased sales in framing and art gallery. Her remarkable success has earned her the prestigious Silver Alabama Retailer of the Year award in the Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million category.
Ann Welch attributes her achievement to the collective efforts of her dedicated team, including her husband, loyal customers, and strong community partnerships with organizations such as the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville State University’s SBDC, Main Street Anniston, and The Spirit of Anniston.
Having assumed ownership of Nunnally’s Noble Frame and Gallery in 1995, Welch acknowledges that her record year was the culmination of years of hard work and a keen ability to adapt to a changing market. Her strategic approach included setting ambitious production goals, expanding services to include design and layout, promoting professional installation, and enlisting a consultant to review pricing strategies. Her team actively pursued community opportunities, securing several substantial contracts.
One of Welch’s standout achievements was outfitting the new U.S. District Courthouse for Alabama’s Northern District, an accomplishment that drew praise from a Retailer of the Year judge. The judge noted, “When the federal government built the new U.S. District Courthouse, Nunnally’s outfitted it. That’s impressive.”
U.S. District Judge Corey Maze, who oversaw the courthouse construction, expressed his appreciation for Welch’s dedication in a letter of recommendation. He recalled numerous collaborative sessions to select custom framing ideas and decide where to hang certain items. Judge Maze asserted, “Ann’s work was a hit, and it will be on display for generations of Annistonians.”
Beyond her business acumen, Welch has been a pillar of support in her community, generously donating her time, talents, and finances to local nonprofits, civic clubs, and other organizations. Ken Grissom, SBDC Center Director for the College of Business & Industry at Jacksonville State University, emphasized Welch’s contributions to the Downtown Anniston Business District.
Linda Hearn, executive director of the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center, commended Welch for her enduring role in the revitalization of downtown Anniston. Hearn noted, “Nunnally’s Noble Frame & Gallery has played an active role in downtown Anniston for many years. Ann Welch has weathered through the competition and continues to adapt and diversify, adding local merchant displays to her shop.”
In reflecting on her accomplishments, Welch shared her passion for striving each day to excel, find innovative approaches, enjoy interactions with people, and contribute positively to the world.
The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards, initiated in 1999, celebrate retailers who have exhibited growth, innovation, and a strong commitment to their communities. This year’s winners were selected from 57 entries submitted from a pool of 86 nominees. Nunnally’s Noble and Frame Gallery is one of 11 businesses honored as the 2023 Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association.
Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown encapsulated Welch’s impact by stating, “Ann Welch is a retailer of the year EVERY year to her customers, her four employees, and the Anniston community.”
