What Central Alabama leaders discussed at the 2026 economic development summit
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The Birmingham Business Alliance hosted the 2026 Central Alabama Economic Development Summit (CAEDS) at the BJCC on Thursday, Oct. 15. It was held with partners OneEast and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
The all-day event gathered elected officials, site selectors, developers, utilities and other regional leaders to talk about how Central Alabama can compete for investment and talent.
What was on the agenda at the 2026 CAEDS
- Keynote: Greenville, South Carolina, Mayor Knox White shared how that city’s strategic leadership helped it attract investment + talent.
- Global competitiveness: Site selection experts talked about what companies look for when choosing where to invest.
- Lunch keynote: Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair spoke on the state’s economic development strategy.
- Breakout sessions: Nine sessions ran across three themes: site + competitive readiness, talent + quality of place, and growth + attraction.
- Topics: Sessions covered AI infrastructure + data centers, incentives, workforce, tourism, infrastructure funding, place branding + retail recruitment.
Why Birmingham leaders say teamwork matters in economic development
BBA President and CEO Steve Ammons said the summit was designed to get people in one room, especially local officials. Jefferson County alone has 17 new mayors.
“Economic development is a team sport, and we all have to play in the sandbox well together, and the more we do that, the more we’re going to win.”
Steve Ammons, president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance
Ammons also pointed to quality of place, a priority in the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Catalyst strategic plan, as a focus for the region.
“We have to have everybody at the table to make sure we’re singing from the same sheet of music.”
The day closed with a conversation among regional leaders on what the day’s trends mean for Central Alabama, followed by a reception.
