Jack Ward, president and CEO of Russell Corp., told a crowd of close to 200 Tuesday that the corporation would always have a presence in Alexander City, but that presence could be significantly impacted by a trade agreement before Congress.

Ward was the keynote speaker at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday. In addition to discussing the corporation’s move from an athletic apparel producer to an authentic athletic and sporting goods company, Ward also discussed the company’s future in Alabama and Alexander City.