When I was Board Chair of Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (now BBA), in 2005, we hired an economic development consultant.
He flew to town the night before our first meeting and stayed at the Tutwiler Hotel. While sitting at the bar that evening he engaged in conversation with one of our locals. Continue reading The Birmingham story we never expected to tell
A friend from Mountain Brook recently sent me an article about Southlake, Texas that turned my stomach.
Southlake is a city that appears to have a lot in common with Mountain Brook. Continue reading Fingers crossed for Mountain Brook
The What’s happening in Mountain Brook Facebook page is a powerhouse.
More than 23,000 members—when there are only about 20,000 men, women, and children who live in all of Mountain Brook. Continue reading Banned from Mountain Brook Facebook group
The pandemic hit and unexpectedly a few of my friends’ children moved back home to Birmingham—some temporarily and some permanently.
Cities like New York were in lockdown leaving many unfortunate souls imprisoned in their apartments or condominiums. Continue reading Did it take a pandemic to ignite Birmingham’s economy?
These are trying times.
A stubborn pandemic and social unrest.
Words matter, but action is required.
The Mountain Brook Board of Education has an opportunity to take an action that could ultimately begin to change the dynamics of our region. Continue reading Mountain Brook could quell critics–benefit its children, parents, and community
Chattanooga saw the future and acted.
Now it’s Birmingham’s turn.
While we’re in the midst of a pandemic, it’s time for Birmingham to stop, take a breath, and develop a bold vision. Continue reading What Birmingham can learn from a once dirty smoggy neighbor
I’m regularly asked, “Are you optimistic or pessimistic about Birmingham?
I always respond, ‘optimistic.’
The reason I’m optimistic is because we have a unique advantage.
Moments after the violent unrest rocked Birmingham the following Twitter messages appeared.
“David Sher’s Comeback Town doesn’t look too nice this morning!
”“So much for David Sher’s ComebackTown.”
Is this the end of our Birmingham renaissance? Continue reading Is this the end of Birmingham’s future?
Remember when we were scared to death to eat Romaine lettuce?
That was just a few months ago.
As it turns out, E. Coli was the good ole days.
“Who knows what is good or bad at the time it happens?”
This quote helps me maintain my sanity during challenging times.
I’m not going to make the case that the Coronavirus is good—it’s not.
But it could be a game changer for Birmingham. Continue reading Now it’s Birmingham’s turn