Category Archives: David Sher posts

Birmingham on a Permanent Emotional Roller Coaster

The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau sign atop Two North Twentieth Building Downtown
The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau sign atop Two North Twentieth Building Downtown

By David Sher

One minute we are at the top of the world.

The next, we hit rock bottom.

Where is our confidence?

Where is our self-esteem?

Why do we think it’s okay to be judged by people who don’t know us and don’t care about us? Continue reading Birmingham on a Permanent Emotional Roller Coaster →

Big Problem: Moneyed People in the Suburbs Love Birmingham Too Much

Another beautiful autumn day in Vestavia Hills
A beautiful autumn day in Vestavia Hills

By David Sher

I recently met with the CEO of a large private company to discuss how greater Birmingham might progress. He’s a well-known name from a well-known firm.

He was totally engaged in our conversation. He took copious notes and asked thoughtful questions about what I presented. Continue reading Big Problem: Moneyed People in the Suburbs Love Birmingham Too Much →

The Idea that Could Bring Excitement Back to Downtown Birmingham

Charles Barkley, basketball legend, TV Personality, & philanthropist born in Leeds, Alabama (al.com)
Charles Barkley, basketball legend, TV Personality, & philanthropist born in Leeds, Alabama (al.com)

By David Sher

Walk down 3rd Avenue North outside the Alabama Theatre.

Look down.

See those stars embedded in rose-colored marble?

Birmingham residents have walked past them a thousand times without a second glance. Continue reading The Idea that Could Bring Excitement Back to Downtown Birmingham →

Birmingham Woman Walked Away from a Dream Job. Now Being Recognized for Oscar-Nominated Film

Birmingham Woman nominated for Academy Award
Beth Shelburne, co-producer of Oscar-nominated documentary, The Alabama Solution

By David Sher,

I have the deepest respect and admiration for people who are brave and unselfish enough to go out and make the world better.

Not people who talk about making the world better.

Not people who share articles about it on social media.

People who actually give something up — real comfort, real security, real stability — to go do the hard, unglamorous, sometimes thankless work that changes lives. Continue reading Birmingham Woman Walked Away from a Dream Job. Now Being Recognized for Oscar-Nominated Film →

Most prominent Newspaper in Canada Declares Canada is Poorer than Alabama

Mercedes-Benz US International plant in Vance, Ala., The beginning of Alabama's transformation
Mercedes-Benz US International plant in Vance, Ala., The beginning of Alabama’s transformation

By David Sher

Quite frankly, I am stunned.

Year after year, Alabama has been a punching bag for the press.

What a breath of fresh air.

Canada’s Globe and Mail — widely regarded as Canada’s most influential national publication —sent a reporter to the Deep South to figure out how Alabama had become richer than their country. Continue reading Most prominent Newspaper in Canada Declares Canada is Poorer than Alabama →