Birmingham Business Alliance working to help area
Published 3:10 pm Friday, July 27, 2012
- Alison Howell, Vice President of Public Policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance, told the Leeds Chamber of Commerce about some of the growth challenges and highlights, many of which include this area.
Alison Howell, Vice President of Public Policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), addressed a Leeds crowd with their plan for growth.
Assembled in July of 2009 through the merger of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Board, the BBA “is a dynamic advocate, unifying voice and constant catalyst for economic development and business prosperity for the Birmingham region.”
Looking out for the best interests of its seven county region, the BBA seeks to enhance St. Clair, Shelby, Chilton, Bibb, Walker, Blount and Jefferson counties.
“Birmingham is the economic hub of Alabama,” said Howell.
Focusing regionally, the BBA is working to overcome image problems blemished by the Jefferson County bankruptcy as well as statewide issues regarding education.
Seeking to provide the area with the best quality of life, the BBA looks for what’s prosperous and viable for its communities.
“It’s about attractiveness,” said Howell.
Historically the Greater Birmingham region attracted the metals and steel manufacturing industries with a core base in healthcare services, trade and distribution, along with finance and insurance.
Currently, the BBA is seeing to target economic sectors in biological and information technology, diverse manufacturing, then arts entertainment and tourism.
“Economic development is one of the toughest things we do,” Howell said. “It’s a process that we work on, literally, everyday.”
Pertaining to public policy Howell says the top state issues for 2012 are Jefferson County’s financial crisis, immigration reform, charter schools (an issue she foresees coming back up) and economic development incentives.
“We’re looking to retain, expand and recruit.”
Excited about the region’s future, the BBA has several upcoming events and will launch Alliance Magazine, a business magazine, within in the next few months.
Hosting a young professional expo on August 21, Howell says young professionals are the lifeblood of our communities.
Other scheduled events are the small business awards, congressional forum with Senator Jeff Sessions, Governor’s luncheon, the first ever economic development conference and BBA’s annual meeting.
“The Governor’s luncheon is a great opportunity to hear from Governor Bentley and for him to hear from us,” said Howell.
Encouraged by opportunities for the City of Leeds, Howell said, “You have a lot going on right now.”
Continuing its mission, the BBA looks forward to “creating a much stronger and well-rounded entity to promote dynamic growth and improve the quality of life in the region.”
For more information on BBA visit www.birminghambusinessalliance.com.
