ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

• Announced new jobs. 2,462.
• Announced new capital investment. $401,548,102.
• Dollar General announces $100 million, 1 million sq. ft. facility in Oxmoor Valley to employ 650.
• Norfolk-Southern announces $98 million Intermodal Center in McCalla to employ 200.
• Amtex announces location in Jasper. 1st Tier 1 supplier to the new Toyota Corolla plant in Tupelo, MS.
• B.A.S.S Corporate HQ announces new HQ in Birmingham.
• Onvia: The Daily RFP Report. Millions in potential RFP awards made available to investors through the daily electronic feed of Requests for Proposal in the region.
• Real Business Solutions Center endorsed by BREC. The Birmingham Regional Enterprise Council recommended in August that BBA recognize a local, online, small business resource center as a way to provide small business owners with a "one-stop" location for their business developmental needs. BREC members reviewed a Blueprint "Best Practice" but found an even better resource provider already established in the region. The RBSC, operated by local entrepreneur Terry Justice, is now the BREC's recommended resource center for small businesses in the Birmingham region.
• Blueprint Birmingham included in UAB's Strategic Plan. The Blueprint is referenced five times in UAB's own 5-year growth plan.
• Hispanic Business Council's Spring Gala.
• African American Business Council's Annual Luncheon.
• Small Business Council's Small Business Week Awards.
• "After the Storm" Tornado Relief Seminar.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LEADERSHIP

• 2011 Legislative Session Accomplishments:
  • Passed a pro-business, competitive business license tax for Jefferson County (BBA top priority).
  • Passed the "ETF Rolling Reserve Budget Act" (first bill signed into law in 2011).
  • Passed the "Constitutional Right to Secret Ballot" (Protecting Alabama's Right-to-Work status).
• State and Federal Legislative Agendas created in 2011; strategically aligned with Blueprint objectives.
• Washington Fly-In secures commitment from Congressional leaders to keep Northern Beltline project funded with top priority.
• BBA joins Coalition for Regional Transportation in push for the Northern Beltline.
• Montgomery Legislative Reception for Birmingham region's legislative delegation.
• Governor-elect Robert Bentley keynotes BBA's 2nd Annual Meeting.
• BBA Public Policy Newsletter created. Weekly format during legislative session/monthly otherwise.
• Ethics Reform seminar at Bradley Arant law firm for newly-elected county leaders on March 7.
• Immigration Act seminar for BBA Investors on September 14.
• Young Professionals Events/Accomplishments.
  • Fiscal Update on Jefferson County with Commissioner David Carrington (May 24).
  • Creation of YP Roundtable and YP President's Council.
  • YP Street Fair (June 23) showcased more than 50 booths, sponsored by YP groups, encouraging YP involvement in a variety of boards and agencies.

COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL STEWARDSHIP

• Westin/Downtown entertainment district announced.
• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport announces $200 million expansion/modernization.
• Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament raised $15,000 during June 3rd tournament for CS reward fund.
• Cultural Alliance Website created and linked with BBA.
  • This was the result of a $20,000 contribution from the BBA Foundation to the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

• Secured Geoffrey Canada, nationally-known and respected charter schools advocate, as keynote speaker for 2011 Annual Meeting.
• Screened three showings of "Waiting for Superman," nationally-acclaimed charter schools documentary.
• Neighborhood Appreciation Reception for 99 Birmingham neighborhood leaders held April 26. Leaders pledged support for Blueprint initiatives.
• Hosted Alabama Two-Year College Chancellor Dr. Freida Hill for May 20 "Chat with the Chancellor" event in Birmingham.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Development Counsellors International (DCI) hired to promote Birmingham and boost the region's image.
• Railroad Park featured in Wall Street Journal and Fast Co.
• "Birmingham is Open" campaign launched.
  • Began September 23, 2010
  • Pro bono media valued at $250,000
  • Established the "I'm Open" brand
  • Unprecedented cooperation from local media
• New websites launched.
  • BBA website replaced the Birmingham chamber site
  • Blueprint Birmingham – all plan documents in one location
  • Volunteer sign-up capability
  • Bham is Open – online venue for all ad campaign elements

BBA Team Members Recruited and Promoted

• Brian Hilson, President and CEO
• Rick Davis, VP-Economic Development
• Mark Brown, VP-Business Retention and Expansion
• Steven Ceulemans, VP-Innovation (first position of this nature in a chamber in the US)
• Marcus Lundy, VP-Workforce Development
• Victor Brown, VP-Minority and Small Business Development
• Jeff Traywick, Senior Project Manager
• Marvin Price, Project Manager
• Lauren Cooper, Director-Communications
• LeNá Powe, Manager-Minority and Small Business Development
• Meredith Davidson, Manager-Regional Development
• Laura McCraney, Social Media Editor/Receptionist