Business Council of Alabama

Happy Labor Day! Today, we honor the hardworking Alabamians who drive our state’s progress and celebrate the dedication that keeps our communities moving forward!

#BusinessVoicesofAlabama: Tamara Weinert, President & CEO of Outokumpu business area Americas, discussed her move to Alabama, saying, “I moved here from Germany in 2020, and I can say without ANY doubt that our part of the world is the best place to be. Here in Calvert, we have hard-working and wonderful people, an absolutely stunning natural world around us, which we work very hard every day to impact as little as possible with our operations,and government officials who are business savvy and understand and support when support is needed.” According to a recent University of Alabama Economic and Fiscal Impact Study, in 2023, Outokumpu Stainless USA’s total economic impact on Alabama’s economy was over $558.9 million in economic activity or output, including a $212.1 million contribution to the state’s GDP and $256.4 million in earnings to Alabama households from 3,255 direct and indirect jobs. Total earnings from direct jobs in 2023 totaled $93.5 million, while earnings from 2,404 indirect jobs were $162.9 million. When discussing Outokumpu’s success, Weinert emphasized, “Our successful efforts to deliver sustainable stainless steel would not be possible without relying on the diverse talent that comes from the greater Mobile area and surrounding communities. We made a commitment five years ago to reflect the community in which we operate. When recruiting or attracting talent, we reach out to diverse and underserved populations through various associations, community events, career fairs, and more.”  Weinert values its partnership with the Business Council of Alabama, saying, “Outokumpu views the Business Council of Alabama as a partner to help support best-in-class manufacturing and responsible corporate citizenship in Alabama. Our membership connects us to other manufacturers, both in the steel industry and across multiple sectors, so we can focus on staying abreast of the most relevant issues facing Alabama manufacturing. Additionally, BCA supports Outokumpu’s advocacy efforts with state-wide and federal politicians as well as non-governmental organizations.” Under Weinert, Outokumpu is changing lives and driving economic growth in the Greater Mobile area and the state as a whole.

Have you seen our August Business Advocate publication? Learn more about how SEEK AL is spotlighting Alabama’s outdoor assets as a catalyst for growth and innovation by clicking the link below! https://lnkd.in/edjSUigG

ICYMI: CNBC recently named Alabama the most improved state for business. Site Selection Magazine recognized us as the best in the South for workforce development, and Moody’s ranked us as the 5th most business-friendly state in the nation. While we’re making great progress, our work is not done. Our mission is to push even further to claim the #1 spot in every category. Together, we can build a brighter future for Alabama!

Congratulations to several of our outstanding BCA members who were recognized by Forbes as Alabama’s top employers! Your commitment to excellence sets the bar high for all, and this exceptional recognition is well deserved. https://lnkd.in/etZq52Y3

BCA is thrilled to announce that Nick Saban will headline this year’s Evening for Progress on October 16 in Birmingham! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from the legendary coach and Alabama business icon as he shares his unparalleled insights and experiences. Proceeds benefit ProgressPAC, BCA’s political arm. Secure your sponsorship and tickets now—click the link below for more details! https://lnkd.in/eqn_rG-m

Last weekend at our Government Affairs Conference, we unveiled Campaign ‘26 — a new initiative focused on electing candidates who are dedicated to driving economic growth and job creation across Alabama in 2026. Through ProgressPAC, BCA will recruit, endorse, and support pro-jobs candidates at every level of state government. Campaign ‘26 is all about backing visionary leaders who will strengthen Alabama’s economy and build a more resilient workforce, benefitting ALL Alabamians.

Today we kicked off our annual Government Affairs Conference with meetings of the ProgressPAC Board, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. We ended the day with a fantastic welcome celebration. What a great start to #BCA24!

Day 2 of BCA ‘24 kicked off with our Government Affairs Forum, featuring BCA leadership, insights from national pollsters, members of Alabama’s congressional delegation, and an update from Governor Kay Ivey. We ended the day with a round of golf and networking by the pool! #BCA24

Today we kicked off our annual Government Affairs Conference with meetings of the ProgressPAC Board, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. We ended the day with a fantastic welcome celebration. What a great start to #BCA24!