This is an opinion column
Today’s guest columnist is Steve Ammons.
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Birmingham is bringing back one of its most successful initiatives.
An initiative that brought great profits to Birmingham but was discontinued 15 years ago.
But now it is being revived and promises big profits.
As we celebrate the successes of all that we enjoy here, we must also consider the opportunities that have eluded us. And, more importantly, why we must strive to seize future opportunities before it is too late.
The quality of life in Birmingham is something to be proud of. In my role as head of the Birmingham Business Alliance, I have a front row seat to the first impressions of our community from the countless visitors, site developers and business leaders we regularly attract.
Our team continues to hear how impressed visitors are with the city’s charm and potential. Just recently, a prominent Atlanta business leader told me, “I haven’t been to this city in 15 years, and the Birmingham of yesterday pales in comparison to the Birmingham of today. There’s something special here.” Testimonials like this underscore the progress we’ve made and the importance of doing even more.
Birmingham’s Big Trip is back
To build on this momentum, it’s time to reignite the spirit of innovation and ambition that has driven Birmingham’s success. That’s why the Birmingham Business Alliance has revived our ‘Big Trip’, now renamed the ‘Leadership Exchange’. The trip hasn’t been organised for 15 years, which is why this year’s trip to Raleigh, North Carolina is particularly meaningful.
In the past, these trips by our business, community and political leaders have generated groundbreaking ideas and collaborations that have directly contributed to Birmingham’s growth.
Landmark projects like Railroad Park and Regions Field both came about as part of previous “Big Trips” to Denver, Colorado and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, respectively. There is no doubt that these developments have breathed new life into our city and created gathering spaces that will continue to pay dividends for generations to come.
The Leadership Exchange trip is another step in the right direction, providing a platform for our community’s business leaders to learn from a city that has experienced the kind of dynamic growth we would like to emulate.
With the Research Triangle Park and three major universities within 20 minutes of the city, Raleigh is best known for its innovation ecosystem and successful urban planning.
Our upcoming trip will provide local business leaders with valuable insights into how Birmingham can continue its growth trajectory – particularly in the life sciences sector. By learning from Raleigh, our community leaders will discover new strategies to strengthen our local economy and quality of life.
As we prepare for this exciting journey, it is critical to have the support of all the visionaries in our community who can lay the foundation for Birmingham’s future success.
The Leadership Exchange trip symbolises our commitment to the pursuit of excellence for the Birmingham region. This experience will enable us to attract breakthrough investment, develop and retain world-class talent and drive sustainable, dynamic growth.
By participating in the success of another thriving community, we are not just observing – we are actively shaping Birmingham’s next chapter together.
Steve Ammons is President and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), the region’s chamber of commerce and economic development organization. For more information about the BBA and how you can get involved, visit www.birminghambusinessalliance.com
David Sher is founder and editor of ComebackTownHe is a former Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham) and the City Action Partnership (CAP).
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