We are thrilled to announce that Tquila Automation, a leading automation software company, is expanding its map to the Greater Birmingham Region. This new location will create 200 new high-quality jobs with an average wage of $65,000 and expects to generate up to $21.51 million in overall economic impact over the next 20 years.
Opportunities Ahead: BBA's Q1 Report & Forecast
It’s been a strong start to the year, and the Birmingham Business Alliance team is proud to share the results of our first quarter efforts. We are pleased to announce several new projects generating 278 new jobs and nearly $178 million in capital investment to our region.
Moving forward into the next quarter, we remain committed to building on those successes and continuing to provide exceptional value to our stakeholders. Thank you for your continued investment and partnership in driving economic growth for the Greater Birmingham Region.
A few key findings before you dive deeper…
BBA's Supplier Scale Program Launches Their Second Cohort
The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has launched its Supplier Scale program for the second year in a row, aimed at helping small businesses in Jefferson County grow and succeed. This six-month-long program is designed to provide business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to take their companies to the next level.
BBA’s Onboard BHM Program Returns to Give Young Professionals a Deeper Connection to Greater Birmingham Region
Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has announced the return of Onboard BHM, a community-driven program for young professionals seeking to explore and establish roots in the Greater Birmingham Region.
Top BBA legislative priorities announced for 2023
In anticipation of the upcoming session of the Alabama legislature, the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has released its legislative agenda for the coming year, which includes new lead, support and long-term priorities.
“Pro-economic development legislation is critical to moving our region forward,” said Jim Proctor, vice chair of public policy for the BBA and general counsel at McWane, Inc. “BBA’s continued success hinges on a unified approach to advocating for key issues that advance competitive business recruitment and job creation.”
“In order to enhance our region’s competitiveness and overall quality of life, we must unite economic development with strategic public policy”
BBA’s agenda features combined local, state and federal priorities. Many of the items in BBA’s agenda focus on supporting site and infrastructure development. This year’s lead priority issues that the BBA will advocate for in the upcoming state legislative session include:
· Brownfield Authority: BBA supports legislation that would expand eligibility for ADEM’s Brownfields Program and allow local authorities to create brownfield redevelopment zones that will have the ability to compete for public and private dollars for the purpose of cataloging and examining potential brownfield projects.
· Investing in Birmingham’s Biotech: Where there’s critical mass in the seven-county region, BBA supports the creation of biomanufacturing zones and R&D districts to better leverage state and federal dollars.
· Northern Beltline: BBA supports the construction, full funding and timely completion of the Northern Beltline as an essential component of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) to support economic development and additional job creation in the region and state.
· Historic Preservation Tax Credits: Due to a high demand for projects involving historic tax credits, BBA strongly supports and encourages the state legislature to reauthorize and raise the cap for the rehabilitation, preservation and redevelopment of qualified properties to stimulate private investment, downtown and neighborhood revitalization and job creation.
· Birmingham Southern College: BBA is acutely aware of the position that Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) holds in nurturing and educating our future leaders. The BBA wholeheartedly supports BSC in its efforts to seek funding from the State Legislature and other fundraising efforts the institution is initiating. We understand the significance of BSC, and should the institution be forced to close, it will be a loss to not only the City of Birmingham but to the entire State.
BBA’s legislative priorities were formed by the organization’s Governmental Affairs Committee, which convenes monthly to identify what matters most to the region. Following input from the group, BBA’s public policy committee works to finalize the agenda each year.
“In order to enhance our region’s competitiveness and overall quality of life, we must unite economic development with strategic public policy,” said Nan Baldwin, who leads BBA’s chamber and advocacy efforts. “We are proud to advocate for the development of assets that benefit the entire business community. Advancing solutions for these issues will increase both the marketability and accessibility of the Greater Birmingham Region.”
BBA’s full legislative agenda for 2023, including support and long-term priorities, is available to view here. Further details around each priority issue listed will be released closer to the start of the state’s legislative session, which convenes on March 7, 2023. To see the agenda and learn more about the BBA’s public policy efforts, visit our Public Policy page.
Kristen Holder joins Central Six AlabamaWorks! as Executive Director
Kristen Holder has joined Central Six AlabamaWorks! as the new Executive Director. In this role, Holder will strategically position the organization as a leader in the workforce ecosystem, by collaborating with regional partners to envision and implement talent development strategies. In addition, Holder will oversee the merger of Central Six with Innovate Birmingham, ensuring the sustainability of the reimagined organization and increasing its effectiveness in meeting the needs of local business and industry.
“Kristen has deep experience designing and deploying innovative workforce solutions in partnership with employers. With her at the helm of this newly merged organization, we are positioning Central Alabama’s workforce ecosystem to be a national leader in creative approaches to building the workforce of the future,” said Emily Wykle, Board Chair of Central Six.
Central Six’s mission is to form and foster partnerships between industry, education and workforce agencies to identify career pathways, discover skills gaps, and work with training providers to fill those gaps. Holder will leverage local, statewide and national relationships, as well as workforce data, innovative best practices and funding to address critical employer talent pipeline needs. Holder’s vision is to cultivate a competitive and viable workforce that guarantees economic prosperity of the region and upward mobility for its citizens.
“I bring vision and energy that will enhance the great work that is already in progress, as well as advance the organization with a collaborative mindset.”
One of the key priorities for Central Six will be leadership of the nearly $11M Good Jobs Challenge award in conjunction with the City of Birmingham and other community partners, which will train 1000 Central Alabama residents for careers in digital health and healthcare. Holder’s experience developing apprenticeships and other employer-driven solutions will be critical to this work.
Holder jumpstarted her career in Birmingham as the Industry Cluster Coordinator for Central Six AlabamaWorks!, facilitating conversations with diverse industry sectors to better understand their workforce needs and develop solutions. Prior to accepting the role of Executive Director of Central Six, Holder served as the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship Project Manager for Workforce Regions 2 and 4, where she expanded the use of registered apprenticeship programs throughout the state. Holder managed over 40 apprenticeship sponsors, serving 70+ employers across 13 counties. Holder has had the opportunity to present on her work in talent development at the national level, including at the 2019 National Fund for Workforce Solutions Leadership Convening and the 2022 State Apprenticeship Expansion Virtual Institute.
“My firsthand knowledge of Central Six’s initiatives, in addition to my long-term relationships with partners and deep engagement with industry, will strengthen the organization’s role as a positive force for change in the region,” said Kristen Holder. “I bring vision and energy that will enhance the great work that is already in progress, as well as advance the organization with a collaborative mindset.”
Holder graduated summa cum laude from the Florida State University with a B.A. in Political Science. Holder is a Birmingham Business Journal 2020 Top 40 Under 40 Honoree and served as a mentor for Birmingham Business Journal’s 2021 Mentoring Monday. Holder is a graduate of the Auburn University Intensive Economic Development Training Course as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Talent Pipeline Management Academy.
For more information, please contact Kristen Holder directly at kholder@centralsix.org.
Consultants selected to lead Birmingham bioscience industry study
Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is pleased to announce that Deloitte Consulting has been selected to lead a comprehensive bioscience industry study for the Greater Birmingham Region. The three-month project is set to begin next week and is supported by a federal grant BBA received from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration Disaster Recovery Program. The results of the study will provide valuable insight and direction for the future development of Birmingham's bioscience industry and solidify the region’s position as a leader in the field.
"We are thrilled to have Deloitte Consulting leading this important project," said Jacqueline Chandler, BBA’s bioscience program manager. "Their expertise will help us better understand the metro area’s competitive advantages in the sector, identify areas for improvement and create a roadmap for our community’s continued growth and success"
“Our economic development efforts in Shelby County will be well-informed through this collaborative and regional study with BBA, other local partners and Deloitte”
The study will bring together various stakeholder groups, including businesses, government organizations and educational institutions, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the bioscience industry and identify solutions for building a thriving ecosystem. The project will focus on areas such as lab space, a skilled workforce and access to capital.
BBA, Jefferson County and 58 Inc. will serve as core partners on the project, with support from additional partners including Alabama Power, Bio Alabama, City of Hoover, Southern Research and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.
"Our economic development efforts in Shelby County will be well-informed through this collaborative and regional study with BBA, other local partners and Deloitte,” said Amy Sturdivant, President & CEO of 58 Inc. “Existing bioscience businesses and local talent will ultimately benefit from us being better equipped to build the community infrastructure needed for continued success and growth."
Deloitte Consulting expressed their excitement for the opportunity to work in Birmingham, citing the city's potential and promise in the bioscience industry. “The area has variety of foundational assets to build upon” per Matt Szuhaj, Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting LLP.
BBA is seeking to connect with regional bioscience companies who would like to be involved with the study and share their feedback with the consultants. For more information, please contact Jaqueline Chandler by emailing jchandler@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is the first stop destination for businesses currently operating or considering an operation in Birmingham. The BBA is the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region and local chamber of commerce for the city of Birmingham. Our mission is to help businesses start, stay and succeed in Birmingham.
2023 New Board of Directors Members
Birmingham Business Alliance is looking forward to a great 2023 with the announcement of nine new members of its Board of Directors. Our board is a huge source of insight and differing perspectives for us, and we couldn’t be happier with the work they’re doing to help us succeed.
CMC Steel Alabama to invest nearly $68 million in Birmingham plant modernization and upgrades
CMC Steel Alabama will invest $67.75 million to expand and update the capabilities of their Birmingham facility. The investment includes a modernization of more than two-thirds of their rolling mill and will add 10 new jobs.
“From bridges to buildings and everything in between, CMC’s product bolsters modern infrastructure around the world”
CMC Steel Alabama employees close to 400 employees in the Greater Birmingham Region and has served as a dedicated corporate champion in the community for nearly 40 years. As part of their investment, the company also plans to work with Lawson State Community College to develop a maintenance apprenticeship program. The City of Birmingham and Jefferson County both supported the project, which is estimated to generate significant regional economic benefits over a 20-year period.
“Jefferson County is thankful for CMC’s continued investment in their Birmingham operation,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons, chair of economic development committee. “They are an important part of our manufacturing ecosystem and have been a long-time corporate citizen. I look forward to seeing their operation continue to thrive and employ the citizens of Jefferson County.”
CMC Steel Alabama is a Commercial Metals Company (NYSE: CMC) affiliate. Commercial Metals Company and its subsidiaries manufacture, recycle and fabricate steel and metal products and provide related materials and services through a network of facilities that includes seven electric arc furnace ("EAF") mini mills, two EAF micro mills, one rerolling mill, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses and metal recycling facilities in the United States and Poland. Through its Tensar operations, CMC is a leading global provider of innovative ground and soil stabilization solutions selling into more than 80 national markets through two major product lines: Tensar® geogrids and Geopier® foundation systems.
The company worked closely with the Birmingham Business Alliance throughout the duration of the project. BBA continues to support CMC Steel as part of its business retention and expansion efforts.
“From bridges to buildings and everything in between, CMC’s product bolsters modern infrastructure around the world,” said Jaqueline Chandler, Partner, Business Attraction at the Birmingham Business Alliance. “Their continued commitment to our region strengthens our community’s workforce and future-proofs Birmingham role as a strong hub for builders.”
The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is the first stop destination for businesses currently operating or considering an operation in Birmingham. The BBA is the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region and local chamber of commerce for the city of Birmingham. Our mission is to help businesses start, stay and succeed in Birmingham. To learn more, visit www.birminghambusinessalliance.com
A Message from BBA's Board Chairman Greg Curran
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
Pack Health to Expand Birmingham Operations and Add 200 New Jobs
The Birmingham Business Alliance team is excited to share the news about Pack Health’s recent expansion, adding 200 new high-quality jobs into our community. Pack Health’s growth is expected to generate up to $27 million in overall economic impact over a 20-year period.
Nearly one year ago, BBA began working with Pack Health to solidify the company’s future in Birmingham when the news broke about their acquisition. Quest Diagnostics, the world's largest health information and diagnostic laboratory company, acquired Pack Health for its expertise in comprehensively addressing chronic conditions and comorbidities that are influenced by mental health, lifestyle behaviors, access to care and social determinants of health. In Spring of 2022, the company’s site consultants reached out directly to BBA to initiate the project and accelerate the plans for growth in Birmingham.
How the BBA team supported:
Primary project manager for company and consultants, which included developing project plans/timelines, answering questions, managing partnerships and developing key stakeholder relationships
Connected company and consultants to each incentive granting jurisdiction and organizations
Supported the company and consultants through the Industrial Development Board (IDB) process
Connected company with Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA) to develop minority contractor hiring plan related to their build-out
Served as a communications liaison for public relations and marketing efforts of the announcement
BBA Team Spotlight
Energy Pipe & Supply to invest $1.5 million to open new facility in Birmingham
““Birmingham has proven to be a leader in all forms of industry, and we look forward to being a part of this thriving community.”
Energy Pipe & Supply, a distributor of industrial & marine piping products, will invest $1.51 million to open a facility in Birmingham to better serve their global customer base with stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel alloy, copper-nickel, aluminum, and brass piping requirements. The company is creating 10 new, Birmingham-based jobs with an average wage of $72,500. The new facility will be located on 1st Avenue north, near Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood.
“As Energy Pipe & Supply started looking to expand, one city was consistently at the forefront of every conversation,” said Robert Rovira, President of Energy Pipe & Supply. “Birmingham has proven to be a leader in all forms of industry, and we look forward to being a part of this thriving community. Over the next several years we plan on entrenching ourselves in Birmingham through job creation, business development, and community involvement.”
Headquartered in New Orleans, LA., Energy Pipe & Supply’s investment in Birmingham will consist of the purchase of land as well as the renovation of an existing building. The project is estimated to generate more than $1.6 million in economic impact over a 20-year period for the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County and the State of Alabama. Additionally, Energy Pipe & Supply has plans to closely work with the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA) to identify and contract with minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged populations-owned contract businesses for the project. The Birmingham Business Alliance worked closely with the company to assist with the approval process as well as critical introductions.
“We are grateful to support Energy Pipe & Supply with their expansion in Birmingham,” said Alex Patrick, Partner, Business Attraction at the BBA. “We’ll continue working with the company to make meaningful connections for them with key partners throughout the Greater Birmingham Region to ensure their success here.”
The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is the first stop destination for businesses currently operating or considering an operation in Birmingham. The BBA is the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region and local chamber of commerce for the city of Birmingham. Our mission is to help businesses start, stay and succeed in Birmingham.
BBA to Host Small Business Webinar, featuring Donald Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development
Join us on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, as we host a free webinar featuring Mr. Donald (“Don”) R. Cravins, Jr., first Under Secretary of Commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency. This new federal agency, created in 2021 by President Biden, serves the nation’s 9.7 million minority business enterprises. Mr. Cravins was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on August 4, 2022.
The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, powered by the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), is pleased to host this special virtual event, where Mr. Cravins will discuss opportunities for minority-owned businesses to grow by mobilizing public and private sector programs, policy and research. He will also discuss funding sources available through the federal government to bolster services that will help minority-owned businesses expand and prosper.
Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) are fast-growing and represented in every industry sector in the United States. MBEs directly contribute to the U.S. economy and create millions of jobs in the U.S. The BBA’s Business Advisory Services program works directly with MBEs and minority-owned small businesses in our area to help them grow and scale their business. This webinar is just one of many services we offer to support our small businesses.
Mr. Cravins brings a wealth of experience to this position, and he is passionate about minority business growth opportunities. In 2004, he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and in 2006 elected to the Louisiana State Senate. While in the Legislature and following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Don served as a voice and champion for business owners, assisting with navigating the challenges related to recovery and rebuilding.
In January 2009, Don left the Legislature to serve as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, where he played a vital role in the successful passage of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. In January 2013, he became the Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana. At that time, he was the only African American Chief of Staff in the United States Senate.
Since leaving the United States Senate in 2015 and prior to assuming his new position as Under Secretary, Don served in key executive positions for some of America’s largest non-profit and for-profit corporations, including the National Urban League where he served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor from the Southern University Law.
The Birmingham Chamber is thrilled to have the Under Secretary be the featured speaker for our webinar on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at noon. The webinar is free but registration is required.
Request For Proposal | Life Science Industry Study
bba seeking proposals for life science industry study - submissions due November 4, 2022
The Birmingham Business Alliance Foundation, in partnership with the Jefferson County and Shelby County Commissions, was awarded a $450,000 grant through The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Recovery Program to conduct a project to identify key life science assets, as well as opportunities for growth and investment; identify opportunities for existing life science businesses to grow capacity; and identify opportunities for economic developers and communities to attract life science businesses within the Birmingham Region.
The Birmingham Business Alliance Foundation is seeking proposals for a consultant to conduct a life science market intelligence study, perception study and implementation plan for the Greater Birmingham, Alabama Region to accomplish the project goals. Additional details of the project can be found in the attached Request for Proposal which is open for submission until November 4, 2022.
Questions not answered in the form below can be sent to Jacqueline Chandler at jchandler@birminghambusinessalliance.com.