December 13, 2022
Celebrating progress. Casting a vision. Gaining momentum. That was the theme of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce\’s 150th Annual Meeting where 700 business and elected leaders gathered to celebrate the power of partnership and the Chamber’s integrated approach to economic development that resulted in a record-setting year and a new vision for the capital city.
Highlights included the city’s biggest year on record for capital investment and announced jobs, in addition to military mission growth; a leap towards innovation and entrepreneurship with the Chamber’s new Lab on Dexter; strong tourism resurgence; and building excitement for the new Maxwell Gateway – which includes world-class Montgomery Whitewater and a new entrance into the capital city and Maxwell AFB.
“While we are commemorating the 150th anniversary as certainly a milestone for the Chamber, the real focus today is about this year’s record activity, and the momentum moving forward,” said Anna Buckalew, Chamber President & CEO. “There is a vision for Montgomery and the capital region that sets a faster pace and bolder expectation for progress. The Chamber’s integrated economic development structure is the perfect partnership platform for elected and business leaders who are committed to growth and share a common vision for a greater Montgomery,” said Buckalew.
Cedric Campbell, 2022 Chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and Regional Vice President for Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, attributed 2022’s historic economic development announcements to the partnership of Montgomery leadership. “Mayor Steven L. Reed understands economic development and is aggressive in his vision for Montgomery. Working alongside the mayor and city council, county commission, legislative and congressional leaders, we have a great team,” said Campbell. “With a laser focus centered around very intentional, strategic priorities, along with this powerful network of partners, we celebrated unprecedented economic growth, new investment and world-wide interest to Montgomery that includes more than $1.7 billion announced in capital investment, and I am extremely optimistic about 2023,” said the 2022 Chamber Chairman of the Board.
The meeting’s keynote was Montgomery’s newest corporate citizen, Ulysses Lee \”Junior\” Bridgeman, founding partner of Manna Capital Partners. Bridgeman shared his personal story and why he chose Montgomery for the $600 Million Manna Beverages & Ventures project “Montgomery stood out from every other community we worked with — the leadership here, the commitment of your team, the passion about this place, and your partnership, is truly genuine, said Bridgeman.
LaBarron Boone, Principal with the Beasley Allen Law Firm, took the gavel as 2023 Chairman for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and will begin his term in January. “Momentum is building in Montgomery, and the Montgomery Chamber is eager to seize new opportunities and looks forward to Driving Economic Growth with many partners to create a Greater Montgomery for all,” said Boone.
Major outcomes highlighted in the 2022 year in review video include:
- 23 major projects totaling $1.7 billion in capital investment and 1,500+ announced new jobs including:
- FedEx Announces a $52 million expansion
- Premier Tech announces a new $32 million facility
- Hyundai expands with $300 Million electric vehicle investment
- MANNA Beverages & Ventures announces investment for new $600 million facility
- Hyundai Mobis announces $200 million expansion with electric vehicle battery plant
- Diageo North America announces a new $400 million facility
- The F-35 Red Tails for the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard are on schedule for arrival in 2023, with $100 Million in military construction fully funded.
- The Lab on Dexter entrepreneurial hub on historic Dexter Avenue located at the intersection of tech and social innovation celebrates 1-year and sparks minority and small business growth.
- An elevated tourism experience and resurgence in travelers to the capital city continues to be an economic engine for Montgomery and Central Alabama.
- 1,000,000+ hotel room nights sold; 600 new hotel rooms under construction; $6 million+ in media exposure and more than 1.6 million impressions in tourism marketing
- Curated DE&I and social justice experiences for the Big Life Series representing the Big 10, PAC 12 and ACC Athletic Conferences with $2 million in economic impact.
- The Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyber Conference (DAFITC) returned with 5,000+ registrants, totaling more than 6,000 room nights and $7 million economic impact, bringing global Air, Space and tech leaders to Montgomery.
- Launched a block-by-block comprehensive plan to activate and transform downtown as a catalyst for quality of life, tourism, talent recruitment, and economic growth.
- Announced the $65 Million Inland Port in partnership with the Alabama Port Authority, the centerpiece of Montgomery’s logistics strategy and revitalization of the I-65 corridor.
- Revealed plans for the Maxwell Gateway – a dynamic new entrance to Alabama’s Capital City that highlights the Alabama River and includes corridor redevelopment, bike and walking trails, and the internationally acclaimed Montgomery Whitewater recreation and outdoor conservation district.
- Montgomery Whitewater will open Summer 2023, with international competitive trainings and events already scheduled.
If you have exciting news to share with the Central Alabama business community, send your press releases (and high-quality images) to [email protected].
