Birmingham Business Alliance

08/16/2024

Looking for something to do this month? Whether you are looking for food, entertainment or family-friendly fun, we have a recommendation for everyone. 👇

🍽️ Birmingham Restaurant Week 🍽️
The 15th annual event has two days left of this culinary celebration, presented by Spire, featuring $5 to $60 meal deals at over 50 local restaurants. BRW supports local eateries and addresses food insecurity while showcasing Birmingham’s vibrant food scene. Learn more at www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

🎬 Sidewalk Film Festival 🎬
The 26th annual event, presented by Regions Bank, will take place Aug. 19-25 in downtown Birmingham's historic theatre district, offering screenings of more than 200 films, filmmaker Q&A's, panels, workshops, networking, events and parties! Learn more at www.sidewalkfest.com.

🎷Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival 🎷
The 21st annual event, presented by Urban Impact Birmingham, will take place on Aug. 24 and is a free, family-friendly festival open to the public that will include live music, a health and wellness area, a kids zone and food and merchandise vendors. Learn more at www.4thavenuejazz.org.

08/16/2024

You're invited! 🥂 On Friday, Aug. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m., join us as we celebrate the grand opening of Synovus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located at The Frank Building, 201 20th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203, we are so excited to share this monumental moment with all of you!

08/14/2024

Week one of Supplier Scale was a success! We learned about entrepreneurship and its key elements like mindset, drivers of activity, innovation, economic impact, challenges and future impact. 👏

We extend our gratitude to our speakers, Miles College Chief Innovation & Growth Officer and 2150 Innovation Center Founder In Residence for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth Erskine "Chuck" Faush, Samford University Business Instructor Kathryn Boyd and CModel Data Inc. CEO Teasha Cable for providing invaluable resources and insight to our session.

CModel is generously donating assessments from their Business Intelligence product to all Supplier Scale participants to help them determine the stage of the business life cycle where they reside.

We also want to thank BBA Small Business Director Victor Brown and Economic Development Director JC Matthews for their expertise and inspiring contributions to the evening.

We are looking forward to session two of Supplier Scale next week Tuesday, Aug. 20! 🙌

08/14/2024

We'd like to extend a special congratulations to our President & CEO, Steve Ammons, on being recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as a Power 60 honoree for Birmingham's most influential leaders for 2024! 🏆 This annual list includes dealmakers, powerbrokers and top executives who make big moves and are shaping the Magic City. Many of these leaders have an impact that stretches far beyond their company or their industry like several of BBA's Executive Committee Members, Board of Directors and Officers who were also recognized.

Ed Aldag - CEO of Medical Properties Trust
Rich Bielen - President and CEO of Protective Life
Greg Curran - Chairman of Maynard Nexsen
Matthew Dent - President and CEO of Buffalo Rock Company
Jim Gorrie - CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie
Joe Hampton - President of Spire
Raymond Harbert - Founder, Chairman and CEO of Harbert Management Management Corp.
Mike Kemp - President and CEO of KMS
Bobbie Knight - President of Miles College
Ronald Mathieu - CEO of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Jeff Peoples - Chairman, President and CEO of Alabama Power
Jimmie Stephens - President of Jefferson County Commission
Lee Styslinger - Chairman and CEO of Altec Inc.
Mike Suco - President and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.
Mark Tarr - President and CEO of Encompass Health
John Turner - Chairman, President and CEO of Regions Bank
Tim Vines - President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Nick Willis - Greater Regional President of PNC Bank
Ray Watts - President of UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Randall Woodfin - Mayor of the City of Birmingham Government

Congratulations to all! Birmingham has an impressive list of change makers, and we're glad to be a part of it! 👏 Read more about this esteemed acknowledgment at https://heyor.ca/kKevQa.

08/12/2024

Tickets are still available for you to come and hear from Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth at our upcoming luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club, Inc..

This bi-partisan event will focus on the state of our economy and state or federal legislation, supporting the advancement of economic growth in our region. 📈

Thank you to AmFirst, Balch & Bingham, LLP, Drummond Company, Inc., Regions Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Avadian Credit Union for being generous sponsors of this event!

🎟️ Purchase tickets now at https://heyor.ca/UsekL2!

08/08/2024

Leap into growth with the help of our Supplier Scale program! 🐸🚀

Hear from Gary Parisher, President of Cheeriodicals, about his experience with the Birmingham Business Alliance and how our Small Business department led by Victor Brown helped him scale up his business. Thank you to Gillian Brooks WBRC with WBRC FOX6 News for spotlighting our Supplier Scale program and helping to spread the word about our call for applications and the next 12-week intensive starting Tuesday, Aug. 13.

To apply for Supplier Scale, visit https://heyor.ca/7m6B2z. The deadline has been extended to Sunday, Aug. 11 at 11:59 p.m.

08/08/2024

A $20 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Distressed Area Recompete Program has been awarded to the City of Birmingham. 👏 Here's what you need to know:

🤝 The award will go to the city and partners committed to workforce investments in the four persistently distressed communities of North Birmingham, Northside, Smithfield and Pratt.

📈 The $20 million in funding will assist the City of Birmingham to deploy an intentional place-based strategy focused on increasing labor force participation.

🚗This funding will also include support for small businesses, expanding access to transportation and childcare in those target neighborhoods.

🏆 Birmingham is one of SIX recipients from the Recompete Phase 2 awardees nationwide, which the Economic Development Administration deemed as the most competitive grant program in agency history.

We were happy to have been involved in both phases of this project, alongside City of Birmingham Government, Lawson State Community College, AIDT, Central Six AlabamaWorks, The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, YMCA of Greater Birmingham, Childcare Resources, Prosper, Regions Bank and The Black Business Initiative!

08/07/2024

We are inspired and motivated after last night's Supplier Scale Information Session! 🚀

Supplier Scale is a free 12-week intensive program designed to help your business scale, thrive and succeed! 📈

Are you ready to take the leap? Learn more and submit your application at https://heyor.ca/7m6B2z. Deadline is Friday, Aug. 9!

08/03/2024

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Supplier Scale Program! 🔊

The BBA is accepting applications until Aug. 9 for small businesses to participate in our Supplier Scale, a free 12-week intensive program designed to GROW your business.

Ideal participants are small businesses that are based in Birmingham/Jefferson County that employ two (2) or more people and/or generate between $100,000 and $1M in annual revenue; however, any company that wants to grow can apply, regardless of revenue. 👏

Are you a small business owner looking to SCALE UP? Learn more and apply now at https://heyor.ca/69b6j5.

We invite you to join us Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the BBA Auditorium for an information session, meet instructors and to learn more. Contact Victor Brown at [email protected] to RSVP.

08/02/2024

BBA was pleased to support the ribbon cutting of Crestwood Pickers! 🎉 This expansive 70,000 sq.ft antique mall boasts over 300 vendors offering a diverse selection of unique treasures. Crestwood Pickers is now open at its new location within the Crestwood Festival Center at 7001 Crestwood Blvd., Suite 900, near Home Depot.

08/02/2024

First Round was a success! 🥂 Cheers to fostering new connections and partnerships. Thank you to Synovus for their generous sponsorship and to Uptown Jazz Lounge for providing a great venue! 👏

08/01/2024

The sky's the limit for our economic development team! ☁️ We are excited to see how today's retreat will inspire fresh perspectives and propel our region to new economic heights.

07/29/2024

📆 Join us this Thursday, August 1 at 5 p.m. at Uptown Jazz Lounge for First Round! Enjoy networking and community, PLUS your first round is on us. Thank you to our sponsor, !

Register here: https://heyor.ca/AHkGqd

07/26/2024

Please join us at the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Crestwood Pickers Antique Mall & Indoor Market tomorrow, Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. With over 300 amazing vendors spread throughout the 70,000 sq.-ft. antique mall, you'll be sure to find some treasured pieces at the new store located in the Crestwood Festival Center at 7001 Crestwood Blvd., Suite 900, near Home Depot.

Read more about Crestwood Pickers in this article from Bham Now - Birmingham’s modern media here: https://heyor.ca/4Tt8x3!

07/24/2024

📆 Save the Date! Our next First Round is Thursday, Aug. 1.

Join us at 5 p.m. at Uptown Jazz Lounge for networking and community, PLUS your first round is on us.

Thank you to our sponsor, Synovus!

Register now: https://bit.ly/4eJB1eX

07/23/2024

Our crew is having a great time in London at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow this week. We had the opportunity to hear from WIll Ainsworth (Lt. Governor of Alabama), Daniel Harris (Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission), members of the Alabama delegation, Katie Britt (Alabama Senator), and Angela Till (Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce), along with aerospace organizations throughout the world. We look forward to seeing how the aviation and aerospace industry grows in Alabama.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Wk4BPX

07/19/2024

CALLING SMALL BUSINESSES: Don’t miss this informative webinar on the Corporate Transparency Act.

BBA wants small businesses to know the importance of complying with the Corporate Transparency Act by January 1, 2025. Fines and penalties will be assessed for noncompliance. Get all the information you need to be ready for January.

Register for the webinar and learn more about the act here: https://bit.ly/4cLnCBK

07/19/2024

Our FuelAL event at Mayawell on Wednesday with Made in BHM was a huge hit! Interns and attendees had the opportunity to network with young professionals who are working to help Birmingham grow. Our hope is that more young people choose to live and work in the Greater Birmingham Region. To find out more about this program, email Caroline Mungenast at [email protected].

07/18/2024

We are taking off soon for London! The Birmingham Business Alliance will be attending this year’s Farnborough International Airshow. We are pleased to be participating as part of the State of Alabama delegation located at their booth during the trade days July 22-26. Visitors to the booth will be able to speak directly with BBA's team and discuss the possibilities in the Greater Birmingham Region for Aviation and Aerospace.

07/18/2024

BBA’s July Inclusive Procurement Council meeting at the Birmingham Airport Authority drew 40+ attendees, with small businesses invited to do business with the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport and explore contract opportunities for bid in a variety of categories. Attendees heard from purchasing leaders from Birmingham Airport Authority and concessionaires such as Enterprise, Hudson News and Host, who have a desire to spend with small minority and women-owned enterprises.

07/12/2024

📆 Save the Date! Our next First Round is Thursday, Aug. 1.

Join us at 5:00 p.m. on August 1 at Uptown Jazz Lounge for networking, and community, and your first round is on us.

Register here to secure your spot now before it's too late: https://bit.ly/4eJB1eX

07/12/2024

‼️ Attention Inclusive Procurement Council (IPC) Members ‼️

The next IPC meeting will take place on 📅 July 15, 2024 at 10 am at the Birmingham Airport Authority. Look out for an email with a copy of the details of the meeting, the agenda, and additional information, e.g., location for parking, etc. Thank you for your leadership as a member of the IPC. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

If you have any questions, email Victor Brown at [email protected].

07/12/2024

🗣️ It's official! Alabama has been ranked America's Most Improved State for Business in 2024 by CNBC.

Alabama surged 22 places to finish No. 20 overall in the CNBC rankings. That is due in large part to a 20-place jump in the state’s Workforce rank. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/11/alabama-most-improved-state-business.html

Alabama climbs in CNBC's Top States for Business rankings in 2024, propelled by workforce gains and solid infrastructure.

07/11/2024

We are excited to have Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth as our guest speaker for our upcoming luncheon on Thursday, August 22.

BBA's luncheons provide a platform for Birmingham businesses to engage in conversations that matter, make great connections with other business leaders and shape our community's thriving future.

This bi-partisan event will focus on the state of our economy and state or federal legislation, supporting the advancement of economic growth in our region.

🗓️ Thursday, August 22 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍 The Club

🎟️ Grab your tickets today: https://bit.ly/3XTR2ZK

Thank you to AmFirst and Drummond Company, Inc. for being early sponsors!

‼️ There are still open sponsorship opportunities for this event. If you are interested, please contact Meredith Drennen, [email protected].

07/09/2024

📈 Exciting news for Alabama's job market! Job openings are on the rise, with a diverse range of industries ramping up their hiring efforts. From healthcare companies to manufacturing giants, opportunities are growing across the Greater Birmingham Region and throughout the state. BBA's own Market Intelligence Manager Tatianna Turrentine-Long weighs in in this latest article by al.com: "Job Openings in Alabama are Up: Who is Doing All the Hiring?" Dive into the details, and see which sectors are leading the charge.

Huntsville Hospital is one of the state's employers with the most open jobs, per the Alabama Department of Labor.

07/09/2024

Birmingham, The Magic City, is proud to host the 2024 Transplant Games! We think Forbes writer Gus Alexiou said it best:
"The U.S. city currently hosting this year’s edition of the Transplant Games of America couldn’t be more apposite. Birmingham, Alabama is known to many as the 'magic city' and when it comes to giving people a second shot at life and encapsulating humankind’s capacity for generosity and altruism – you can’t get much more magical than the practice of organ donation."

This prestigious event celebrates the incredible journeys of organ transplant recipients, the generosity of donors and the support of families and medical professionals. It’s a time to honor the power of giving and the strength of those impacted by organ donation. As the games come to a close this week, we hope we've shown the world why Birmingham is the perfect place for such a momentous, and magical, occasion. 🌟💚

A big thanks to Forbes for shedding light on organ donation and all the issues surrounding it. Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2024/07/09/transplant-games-2024-honor-living-and-giving-for-those-impacted-by-organ-donation/

Transplant Life Foundation | UAB Medicine | City of Birmingham Government | City of Birmingham: Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the Birmingham Business Alliance! 🇺🇸 Wishing you and yours a fun and safe celebration! Whether you're watching fireworks atop Red Mountain at Vulcan Park and Museum, on the water at one of our amazing lakes or rivers, or attending a festive event, enjoy celebrating our great nation's freedom by taking part in one of the many offerings throughout the Greater Birmingham Region!

06/28/2024

📆 FuelAL Interns: Join us July 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for a serve day at Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. This is a great opportunity to give back to your community while meeting other interns.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3XGliqO

06/27/2024

Congratulations to the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport on their grand opening of the new Air Cargo facility. ✈️ Airport stakeholders, partners, and community leaders were able to get a first look at the new facility on the South Cargo ramp of the airfield. This new building will now be home-base for a new line of business at the airport that is bringing weekly cargo flights to Birmingham from Stuttgart, Germany. 🇩🇪

06/26/2024

Congratulations to David Russell Jr., BBA's Director of Economic Development of Business Retention and Expansion, for being appointed to the board of directors of Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway Association (WTWA). 👏

DID YOU KNOW? Birmingham has an inland waterway, Birmingport, which stretches 400 miles from the Gulf of Mexico via the Black Warrior River. Birmingport plays a vital role in Alabama’s supply chain, supporting importing and exporting with an economic impact of $128 million. Reach out to David or visit https://www.warriortombigbee.com/index.php to learn more about the WTWA.