Big Thinking for Birmingham – A Letter from BBA CEO Steve Ammons

As we reflect on the evolution of our community over the past few decades, it's essential to acknowledge the visionaries who have shaped the Greater Birmingham Region into what it is today. While we celebrate the successes of all that we enjoy here, we must also consider the opportunities that have slipped through our fingers. And, more importantly, why we must strive to seize future opportunities before it’s too late.

Birmingham’s quality of life is something to be proud of. In my role leading the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), I have a front-row seat to experiencing first impressions of our community from the countless number of visitors, site developers and business leaders we bring in regularly.

Time and time again, our team is told how impressed visitors are by the city’s charm and potential. Just recently, a prominent business leader from Atlanta shared with me, “‘I haven’t been to this city in 15 years, and the Birmingham of yesterday pales in comparison to the Birmingham of today. You have something special here.” Such testimonials highlight the progress and the importance of pushing for more.

To build on this momentum, it's time to reignite the spirit of innovation and ambition that has driven Birmingham's success. This is why the BBA has revived the “Big Trip,” now known as the Leadership Exchange. After a 15-year hiatus, this year’s Leadership Exchange will make its long-awaited return in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

In the past, these trips have sparked transformative ideas and collaborations that have directly contributed to Birmingham's growth. Landmark projects like Railroad Park and Regions Field both originated from previous “Big Trips” to Denver, Co., and Pittsburgh, Pa., respectively. These developments gave new life to our city and created gathering spaces that will continue to pay dividends for generations to come.