Business Alabama Magazine

A new chapter is starting for young adults in Birmingham. Ascend Birmingham has opened its multi-family housing section, offering 40+ young adults (ages 18-24) transitioning from foster care to a stable home and essential life skills training. Located along Highway 280, this development is a partnership between Nequette Architecture & Design, Signature Homes, and Big Oak Ranch—a powerful example of how architecture, business, and community organizations can come together to create lasting change. ?? Learn more about this initiative! Link in comments. #AscendBirmingham #FosterCareHousing #CommunitySupport #AffordableHousing #BusinessAlabama

With over 23 million acres of forestland, Alabama’s $36 billion forestry industry plays a key role in the state’s economy. But with rising concerns over soil health and long-term productivity, new approaches are needed. Conservation Resources, a New Hampshire-based investment firm, is bringing regenerative forestry to 15,000 acres of Alabama timberland. As the first institutional timberland manager certified by Regenified, they’re committed to the 100 Million Acres Initiative, a nationwide effort to transition timberland to sustainable management practices. ?? Why does this matter? ? Healthier soil = higher timber yields ? More sustainable practices = long-term economic benefits ? Better forestry management = a stronger Alabama timber industry ?? Read more about this shift in Alabama’s forestry industry: ?? Link in comments! ?? How do you see regenerative practices shaping the future of Alabama’s economy? #SustainableForestry #AlabamaBusiness #TimberIndustry #EnvironmentalSustainability #RegenerativeAgriculture #BusinessAlabama

Birmingham, Alabama, will take the global stage as it hosts the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, a 10-day international competition featuring over 8,500 first responders from 70+ countries. June 27 – July 6, 2025 35 venues across Birmingham 60+ sports, including traditional and first responder-specific events These games aren’t just about competition—they honor the bravery, skill, and resilience of our global first responders. With an expected $75 million economic impact, this event will bring thousands of visitors to Birmingham, providing incredible opportunities for local businesses, tourism, and community engagement. How to get involved: Attend as a spectator Volunteer (2,500+ volunteers needed) Support first responders in your community More details and ways to participate: Link in comments. Are you planning to attend, volunteer, or get involved in another way? Let’s discuss. #WPFG2025 #BirminghamAL #FirstResponderGames #BusinessAlabama #Leadership #CommunityImpact

Looking beyond traditional boardrooms for your next business meeting, conference, or corporate event? Alabama is home to some truly one-of-a-kind venues that can make your event both productive and unforgettable. ?? Want history & inspiration? Try American Village in Montevallo. ?? Looking for a high-speed setting? Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a dynamic choice. ?? Need an interactive space? The National Maritime Museum in Mobile offers immersive experiences. ?? Prefer a natural backdrop? The Birmingham Zoo provides a unique, open-air setting. As businesses rethink how they engage employees and clients, venue selection matters more than ever. These locations offer more than just a space—they provide experiences. Explore Alabama’s top meeting destinations: ?? Link in comments! ?? What’s the most unique venue you’ve attended a business event at? Share your thoughts below! #BusinessEvents #CorporateMeetings #EventPlanning #AlabamaVenues #BusinessAlabama

Credit unions have long been valued for their member-first approach, but as financial markets evolve, they’re facing new challenges. From digital banking enhancements to cybersecurity upgrades and more competitive lending rates, these institutions are working to stay relevant in today’s economy. ?? Key questions for businesses and consumers: ?? Are credit unions keeping pace with banks in terms of financial services? ?? How are they adapting to economic shifts and regulatory changes? ?? What do businesses need from credit unions in today’s market? ?? Read more about how Alabama’s credit unions are adjusting to today’s challenges: ?? Link in comments! ?? Do you think credit unions can remain competitive in today’s financial landscape? Share your thoughts below! #AlabamaCreditUnions #BusinessBanking #FinancialTrends #EconomicShifts #BusinessAlabama #FinanceLeadership

MAJOR INVESTMENT: GE Aerospace commits $73M to Alabama facilities As part of a nationwide $1B manufacturing investment, GE Aerospace will inject: $51M into Auburn for additional 3D printers and equipment upgrades $22M into Huntsville for machines creating materials for ceramic matrix composite engine parts These investments support GE's commitment to "keep the United States at the forefront of aerospace leadership" while creating 5,000 new U.S. jobs. #AerospaceManufacturing #AlabamaJobs #AdvancedManufacturing #EconomicGrowth

JUST ANNOUNCED: Alabama Launchpad reveals Cycle 1 finalists for 2025! For the first time, the competition features three industry-specific tracks with over $100,000 in non-dilutive funding available. Finalists span diverse sectors including AI-driven mental health tools, nanodelivery systems, talent attraction platforms, and innovative consumer brands. See the list: https://lnkd.in/gZEckge5 #StartupAlabama #InnovationFunding #EconomicDevelopment

ALABAMA INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT: How tragedy sparked life-saving weather technology After the devastating 1989 Huntsville tornado struck without warning, meteorologist Bob Baron vowed to build better forecasting tools. Today, Baron Weather employs 100 people and provides critical weather software globally. Their innovations deliver 15-minute tornado warnings (up from just 5 minutes decades ago) and serve clients from TV stations across Alabama to the Panama Canal Authority and Cape Canaveral. "He totally changed the game when it comes to broadcast meteorology," says James Spann, Alabama's renowned chief meteorologist. Link in the comments #WeatherTech #DisasterPreparedness #AlabamaInnovation #BusinessSuccess

BREAKING: $150M Huntsville Hospital expansion underway. Robins & Morton building 154,000-sq-ft tower with 120 new beds, specialized ICUs, and improved emergency access. Completing 2027. #HealthcareConstruction #AlabamaGrowth See the link in the comments.

?? NEW: $50,000 Startup Pitch Competition at Sloss Tech 2025! ?? Sloss.Tech/Ideas debuts at the expanded three-day conference (June 25-27). Funded by Regions Foundation, 16 Southeast startups will compete across four tech sectors with additional prizes of $10,000 (people's choice) and three $5,000 category awards. Early-bird tickets available mid-March. #StartupFunding #SlossTech #BirminghamTech