Weekly newsletter: Startups, smart homes, and summits of sorts (April 26th, 2017)
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Literally Parking Food, Real Life Hot Wheels Vending Machine, Buck Up + more.
It’s the last full week of April and there’s so much going on in the ‘ham! Find out:
April 26th.
Poop Water Petition Update
Remember “poop water”? There’s an update. The Sewage Spill “Right to Know” petition was filed by nine water protection groups to say, “Hey, let’s initiate some rules to make sure our water-wading friends will know if they’re swimming in sewage.” It was presented to the Alabama Environmental Management Commission (EMC), and was denied. Yup. But, the EMC did acknowledge that Alabama needs better public notification regulations. Small victories. The water protection groups anticipate working with the EMC in the coming months to craft public notification rules.
For Science!
An estimated 2,000 marchers gathered at Linn Park on Earth Day in a March for Science. A variety of speakers, booths, exhibits and activities were on display for all the scientists and science enthusiasts in attendance. Community partners included McWane Science Center, Alabama Rivers Alliance, 500 Women Scientists, and AIDS Alabama. Read interviews with some of the marchers. Oh, and you know the signs were on point.
4th Annual Concussion Summit
We love sports. We hate concussions. Bill Clark, head football coach at UAB, is set to speak at the Concussion Summit this Friday, April 28th. Center for Disease Control estimate that between 1.6-3.8 million sports related concussions occur in the US each year. Children’s of Alabama wants to work with sports officials, health professionals, leadership, athletes and concerned parents on concussion education. Renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Gerard Gioia from Children’s National System will also be a guest speaker. Topics you’ll learn about include UAB’s new football helmet concept, concussion care and recovery efforts at school. Learn more and register for the event here.
Sponsored by: 
Pomp and Circumstartup
Velocity Accelerator Demo Day last week was a big day for the 9 startups that graduated from the Velocity Accelerator. Each company gave their presentations to hundreds of guests including investors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, businessmen and women, young professionals, media, and others who just get so darn excited about Birmingham’s startup culture. Watch Bham Now’s special interviews with the startup companies to learn more about them and what it’s like to work with Velocity Accelerator.
The Birmingham Venture Club Investor Conference also took place in conjunction with Demo Day. Companies ripe for venture capital raises gave their presentations. Read about those presenting companies here.
Butterflyin’
If you’re planning on going to the butterfly garden at the Zoo this summer, we found the perfect tool for you to learn all the species. Brush up on your Alabama butterfly knowledge and learn to identify all the critters by name! In the new Alabama Butterfly Atlas, you’ll find life history accounts, distribution maps, gardening tips, flight charts and more. I’m all about some comprehensive databases (especially with pictures of butterflies), so I’m loving this.
Buck Up
This week, our #SmallBizSpotlight shines on multiple business owner, Danny Winter. For now, though, we’ll focus on Buck Mulligan’s, his Irish pub in Five Points. Whether it’s all day breakfast or good ol’ fish and chips, this is the go-to for legit Irish fare. AND it is Birmingham’s only Irish pub! Buck Mulligan’s also has one of the most extensive entertainment calendars I’ve ever seen. Learn more about the Five Points staple and Winter’s thoughts on small business in Bham.
Real Life Hot Wheels Vending Machine
If you’ll be in the market for a car within the next year or two, you just might be in luck with Carvana—essentially, a vending machine for cars. Carvana lets you skip the dealership to save money and do it all on your own terms, if you so choose. The company is eyeing a spot in Midtown across from Publix. Start saving your quarters now. Learn more about the new way to shop for a car.
Literally Parking Food
Food Halls are popular; Pizitz is proof. Food trucks are popular; festivals are proof. Mix the two, and you get a Food Park. It could be a thing coming to 1st Ave N in the loft district. Plans are for 5 food truck spots with a rotating lineup. The Birmingham Design Review Committee must finalize the plans first, which is expected to come “very soon”. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this project. Feel free to email me.
On the Grid
Alabama Power is gearing up for a “Smart Neighborhood” to be placed in Ross Bridge. The tech-based ‘hood is on a micro-grid, which is where the Power Company comes in. Basically, what makes this neighborhood smarter than yours is that it will have all energy efficient amenities to keep that power bill on the low-low. Construction is set to begin this summer. I’m having flashbacks to Smart House, the original Disney Channel movie. Google it.
Savings That Go, “BAM!”
We’re halfway through Books-A-Million’s Millionaire Club Card Appreciation Week! Members, go ahead and pull out that Club Card and check your email for a 20% off total purchase coupon. Total purchase, meaning it counts toward that Eleven (Stranger Things) Funko bobblehead, or even a new vinyl record. If you’re not a member, go ahead and become one! It’ll be your favorite week of the year.
Sponsored by: 
You Betta (Nationally) Recognize
This past week, Rotary Trail was featured in USA Today’s travel section alongside other abandoned rail lines-turned-popular parks. Another sweet detail? The featured photo of the Rotary Trail was taken by Bham Now’s Larry O. Gay. Rotary Trail just celebrated its 1st birthday on April 6th, so be sure to eat a cupcake in its honor.
Taking the “pain” out of “campaign” Learn about these candidates for City Council.
Top 3 Events This Week
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Magic City Art Connection @ Linn Park. April 28-30. $2-10.
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Derby Days Cocktails @ Homewood Public Library. Friday, April 28 6:30 pm $10
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Warrior Challenge @ University of Montevallo Disc Golf Course. Saturday, April 29th. 9AM-3PM. $35.
PLUS: Check out Producer Vicky’s top 10 picks for the week.
Want more? We’ve been busy adding over 2,200 events to the Bham Now calendar.
Bite-sized
Guide: Birmingham Comic Book Shops
Weather: Highs in the mid 80s, lows in the low 70s to mid 60s. Chances of rain and chilly temps tomorrow, Sunday and Wednesday. So pleasant.
Eat: Fried bologna biscuit from Alabama Biscuit Company + strawberry ice cream sandwich from Big Spoon Creamery. Both have new stores.
Job: Web Development Sales Rep @ Zeetek Solutions LLC. Apply.
Adorable and Adoptable: Meet Tucker! He’s a sweet 11-month old hound mix, and he’s waiting just for you.
P.S. Remember last week’s featured pup, Nitro? He got adopted! Thanks, y’all.
Last week for #ProducerHunterdoesBham, I didn’t really get out because I was busy moving into my new apartment. Will there be random boxes strewn across the living room and guest bedroom for weeks to come? The world may never know.
If you’re planning on hanging out around UAB this Saturday (or eating literally anywhere downtown), good luck with parking. The Class of 2017 will be grabbing those degrees at Bartow. Welcome to the real world, kids! As always, thanks for reading Bham Now.
Hunter Holland, Producer
Let me know what’s up – hunter@bhamnow.com
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