Tag Archives: Nashville

Nashville punished, a cautionary tale for Birmingham

Nashville BIG Trip luggage tag
Luggage tag from Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce BIG trip to Nashville in 2005

By David Sher

I’m sometimes criticized for comparing Birmingham to Nashville.

But in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, when I was growing up, Nashville was a smaller city than Birmingham.

My dad used to take me to Rickwood Field to watch the Birmingham Barons play baseball with the Nashville Vols. Continue reading Nashville punished, a cautionary tale for Birmingham

Can Birmingham put Humpty Dumpty back together again?

Brenda Starnes
Brenda Starnes

Brenda Starnes is guest columnist today.

I have the unique experience of having lived and worked in Nashville, Charlotte, and Birmingham.

I love Birmingham—that’s why I moved back—but Nashville and Charlotte have one big advantage over Birmingham. Continue reading Can Birmingham put Humpty Dumpty back together again?

Nashville’s goof may be Birmingham’s big break

Jefferson County Mayors Kenneth Gulley, Bessemer; Stan Hogeland, Gardendale; Randall Woodfin, Birmingham; Stuart Welch, Mtn. Brook; Ashley Curry, Vestavia Hills; Frank Brocato, Hoover (photo courtesy BBJ)
Jefferson County Mayors Kenneth Gulley, Bessemer; Stan Hogeland, Gardendale; Randall Woodfin, Birmingham; Stuart Welch, Mtn. Brook; Ashley Curry, Vestavia Hills; Frank Brocato, Hoover at BBJ Mayors’ Roundtable (photo courtesy BBJ)

There’s an old joke about the highly addicted smoker who complains, “I’ve read  so much about the dangers of smoking that I’ve decided to quit reading.

That is how I feel about Nashville.

I read story after story about Nashville’s continued economic successes—recruiting companies—large and small to their city. Continue reading Nashville’s goof may be Birmingham’s big break

Nashville Mayor has advice for Birmingham

Nashville Mayor Megan Berry speaking to Kiwanis Club of Birmingham
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry speaking to Kiwanis Club of Birmingham

If you think you’re good looking, but few people ask you for a date, you might suspect you have a problem.

You may think you’re ‘cool,’ but if all your friends give you the same advice, then maybe they see something you’re unable to recognize in yourself. Continue reading Nashville Mayor has advice for Birmingham

Why Nashville is whipping Birmingham’s butt

Stephen MaloneComebackTown is published by David Sher to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham.

Today’s guest blogger is Skip Malone.  If you’d like to be a guest blogger, please click here.

Please excuse the above title, but I’m writing in response to your article, Nashville whipping Birmingham’s butt.

I’ve lived in Nashville since 1978, but I grew up in Birmingham and still consider Birmingham my home.

I only want the best for my hometown and thought I could add some insight since I’ve lived in both cities.

I’m aware of Birmingham’s recent renaissance, but Nashville has a huge advantage over Birmingham. Continue reading Why Nashville is whipping Birmingham’s butt

Nashville whipping Birmingham’s butt

I’m jealous.

I recently read a piece in the Nashville Business Journal that made me ill.

The nausea was amplified by the memories of a humiliating Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA) trip I took with about one hundred corporate, community, and political leaders to Nashville ten years ago.

None of us were prepared for the way we were mistreated.  One Nashville speaker called us racists; another attacked our healthcare industry; and third referred to Birmingham as ‘Bombingham.’  (Nashville spits on Birmingham)

Continue reading Nashville whipping Birmingham’s butt

Birmingham’s real image

Jake McKenzie
Jake McKenzie – CEO Intermark Group

ComebackTown is published by David Sher to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham.

Today’s guest blogger is Jake McKenzie.  If you’d like to be a guest blogger, please click here.

A little over a decade ago, the head of Nissan North America, Carlos Ghosn, made an announcement that shocked nearly everyone – Nissan was moving their headquarters from southern California to Nashville, Tennessee. When publicly questioned why, he cited savings in operational costs and large tax incentives.

But in private discussions, Ghosn began his answer rather differently. He shared how Nashville is simply Continue reading Birmingham’s real image

Is Steven Hoyt evil?

Councilor Steven Hoyt
Councilor Steven Hoyt

When you read some of the remarks by (I assume) white commenters on al.com, you almost have to come to the conclusion that Steven Hoyt is the devil—some kind of black racist.  Councilor Hoyt is the City Council representative from Birmingham’s District 8.

Councilor Hoyt regularly seems to be in the headlines standing up for African-American inclusion when there are economic opportunities for individuals or businesses created by the City of Birmingham.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Continue reading Is Steven Hoyt evil?

The one big thing Birmingham could learn from Nashville

David SherHow’s it possible for similar Southern cities three hours apart to have totally different outcomes?

Amazingly the fortunes for both Birmingham and Nashville changed drastically in one pivotal year.

The year was 1963—exactly 50 years ago.

1963 was the year the city of Nashville consolidated with Davidson County.   In April, Nashville celebrated 50 years of unified government.

1963 was also the year that Birmingham became infamous Continue reading The one big thing Birmingham could learn from Nashville

Uprising of young professionals propel Birmingham

Andrew Patterson
Andrew Patterson

ComebackTown published by David Sher & Phyllis Neill to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham.

Today’s guest blogger is Andrew Patterson. (We love when young professionals are guest bloggers)

I am a big Birmingham fan and have lived here for the better part of 12 years.  Birmingham truly is a great city and I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else.

However, growing up in Nashville and seeing its growth over the last 30 years, I can’t help but wonder Continue reading Uprising of young professionals propel Birmingham