Dear BBA Investors,
I hope 2023 is off to a great start. The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has hit the ground running to build on the momentum we created in 2022. Our organization faced some significant transitions in recent years, but the purpose and importance of our work never changed, and our commitment to growing Birmingham is stronger than ever.
The Birmingham region could have one of the strongest economies in this country, but it will take all of us working together to meet our potential. That’s exactly what last year was about: teamwork. The Board, our new leadership team and the staff all worked hard, together, to drive this work forward. And we want all our investors to work with us to ensure that the Birmingham region takes full advantage of the opportunities we have.
The Birmingham Business Alliance helps businesses start, stay and succeed in the Greater Birmingham Region. I believe in that mission wholeheartedly because I have seen it in action since becoming Chairman of the Board. Take a look below at some of the accomplishments in our community over the past 12 months:
Added nearly 1,500 new jobs and $183+ million in capital investment to the region through the support of 22 projects across a variety of industry sectors, including aerospace, automotive, life sciences, distribution/logistics, metals and more
Gathered more than 2,500 community members and business leaders through the activation of the Chamber services and programs such as networking events, ribbon cuttings and virtual learning opportunities
Supported the success of 50 growth-stage businesses through our Business Advisory Services programs, in partnership with Prosper and Jefferson County, the majority of which were minority-and-women-owned businesses
Welcomed 75 interns across 25 different companies to Birmingham through a series of intentional networking events and opportunities and had 120+ unique touch points with local HR leaders to better inform our talent strategies
Onboarded seven new team members and assembled the most diverse team in BBA history, with 50% of the staff representing historically marginalized communities
Developed a strategy to tell our story and cohesively communicate Birmingham as a regional destination through the rollout of the Greater Birmingham Region brand and “Birmingham Has More” campaign
Your investment in the BBA was essential to the achievement of these amazing outcomes. With your continued support, our list of accomplishments will continue to grow. There is so much more work to be done by all of us to drive this region forward, and we will get there only if we all work together. Your investment creates jobs, supports families, increases capital investment, inspires entrepreneurs, stimulates small businesses, builds leaders and attracts more young professionals to our community.
In the weeks ahead, we will hire a new CEO to join an existing management team in leading our organization. The right leader will further amplify the work we’re doing to create a thriving regional economy powered by businesses of all sizes. They will join an accomplished and talented leadership team to further drive the BBA as a successful regional economic development agency and local chamber of commerce.
I hope we can count on your continued commitment through 2023. Whether your renewal is this month, next month or the following, the BBA team is here for you. We want and need you on the BBA’s team – we want you to attend our events, support our programs, refer your colleagues to join, meet with our staff and spread the word that the Birmingham business community is a place where everyone can thrive and feel like they belong.
I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Greg Curran
Chairman, Birmingham Business Alliance Board of Directors