Committees
As an investor of the BBA, you and your business have the opportunity to particpate in a number of committees. BBA committees are a great way to network and learn how to grown your business. Below are brief descriptions of the committees along with the appropriate BBA staff contact.
African American Business Council
Organization of African American BBA members who meet monthly to network, share business information, formulate solutions to business challenges as well as offer regional business enhancement recommendations to the BBA's Board of Directors. Chaired by L’Tryce Slade of Slade Land Use, Environmental and Transportation Planning LLC. BBA staff contact is Nan Baldwin at nbaldwin@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Ambassadors Committee
Ambassadors assist in increasing membership retention by making outreach calls new members and attending BBA events each month. Ambassadors also serve as goodwill representatives, volunteering time to represent and inform members of the opportunities through BBA investments. Chaired by Gary Andrich of Diamond Studios. BBA staff contact is Debbie Singer at dsinger@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Birmingham Venture Club
This group provides an informal meeting place for investors, entrepreneurs and others interested in the formation of new businesses or the expansion of young businesses in the Birmingham region. Chaired by Barry McRae of Sterne Agee. BBA staff contact is Victor Brown at vbrown@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Environmental Committee
The members recommend to the Executive Committee policy positions and take action on board-approved matters dealing with the environment. Chaired by Phillip Wiedmeyer of the Applied Research Center of Alabama. BBA staff contact is Libba Miller at lmiller@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Entrepreneur’s Roundtable Program
Multiple groups of business owners meet monthly to share in confidence, their business experiences. It is open to any BBA member business owner, but participation must be approved due to the confidential nature of discussions. Chaired by Dan Pahos of Home Instead Senior Care. Application is available from BBA staff contact Alison Howell at ahowell@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Executive Women’s Roundtables
The roundtables address issues of personal and professional growth for women business owners and top-level executives. Participants attend monthly lunch meetings which include opportunities for information gathering, problem solving and networking. BBA staff contact is Alison Howell at ahowell@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Existing Business Team
The Existing Business Team, which focuses on business retention and expansion, is a partnership of Economic Development Professionals in the Birmingham region. These organizations work closely with the BBA and partner with utilities, government offices, and non-profit organizations to retain and expand small businesses. Staff contact is Jim Searcy at jsearcy@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Finance & Taxation Committee
This group addresses issues relating to tax reform, appropriate funding sources for transit and other public service issues that relate to economic development. Chaired by William Dow of Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC. BBA staff contact is Libba Miller at lmiller@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Governmental Affairs Committee
The committee recommends issues for the BBA's state and federal legislative agendas, working both in Montgomery and Washington to ensure funding and positioning. Chaired by Michael Davis of Balch & Bingham. BBA staff contact is Myla Choy at mchoy@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Hispanic Business Council (HBC)
The council assists Hispanic-owned businesses and Hispanic businesspersons through networking and educational activities. It offers a forum for sharing business information and seeks to increase awareness of the growing Hispanic population within the Birmingham region. Chaired by Wendy Padilla Madden of Balch & Bingham. BBA staff contact is Alison Howell at ahowell@birminghambusinessalliance.com
International Trade Council
This group promotes international trade in the Birmingham area through the education of local companies, special programs and BBA participation in trade missions/fairs. The committee also carries out specific assignments related to international trade as directed by the BBA's Board of Directors. BBA staff contact is Shelly Shores at sshores@birminghambusinessalliance.com
Project Corporate Leadership Steering Committee
A comprehensive nine-month program for middle managers and other professionals nominated by their companies and selected by the PCL Steering Committee. The PCL curriculum includes: leadership development, gender relations, generational differences/similarities, team building, community/civic leaders and much more! Applications are accepted between May and September of each year. Chaired by Kathy Carlisle of Capital Strategies. The BBA staff contact is Victor Brown at www.projectcorporateleadership.com for more information.
Public Safety & Security Committee
The committee works to maintain cooperation between law enforcement and the business community, and provides staff to the Crime Stoppers program. Monitors security issues as well as developments related to fraud, retail crime and employee theft. Chaired by Dennis Blass of Security Engineers. BBA staff contact is Libba Miller at lmiller@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Small Business Committee
Members are responsible for coordinating small business seminars and planning the annual Small Business Week celebration during the second week of May. Meetings are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of each month at the BBA. Committee membership is open to anyone willing to work on projects. Chaired by George Williams of Enterprise Answers Inc. BBA staff contact is Staff contact is Alison Howell at ahowell@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
