Do or die time for Katie Britt, BCA members and Richard Shelby in CD 1 race
The congressional race down in Mobile and the southern part of the state, district one, is about much more than just the names on the ballot. Much, much more. Let me explain why. There are several other factors at play. Let me tell you about 3 of them. One is will the voters allow as DC based-group come in and tell them who to vote for? Will they let Club For Growth outright lie to them? Make no mistake that’s what the Club is doing when they say Bill Hightower is the most conservative in the race because he’s not.* The Club can be and often is swayed by consultants and power players who want their guy to win even if that means the right guy loses and that’s where they are in this race. Will voters of AL 01 let Club pick their next congressman? They shouldn’t. The Club isn’t most important outside player in this race though. Another major player is the business community and more specifically their lobby the Business Coucil of Alabama. The second factor is one of loyalty and respect. Someone should throw up a flare in the State House (not literally, lest I lose my press credentials and be banned) but legislators there, those who just got back to Montgomery need to be paying very close attention to what happens to Pringle in this race. Because this is a defining moment for the business community, the Business Council of Alabama and Katie Britt. This is their race to lose. This is their shot to miss. This is egg on their faces if they don’t come through. Will they or won’t they show lawmakers who go out on the limb for jobs and the economy the same loyalty and respect when they need it? Let me be clear about what has happened: The best candidate, the most conservative candidate, the right candidate to go to D.C., Chris Pringle took a hard vote for the economic health and wellbeing of Mobile and district one (if not the whole state) and now he’s about to be the case study for the effectivness of the business community. Can business leaders, will business leaders step it up and put their money on the line to tell voters why Pringle’s vote mattered? Will they continue their deafining silence or will they convence them that he did the right thing. All the voters are hearing now is that Pringle betrayed them with his gas tax vote and it’s not that simple and it’s not true. Lawmakers around the state are all about to learn the answer to the question, “If I stand with Alabama’s business community will they stand with me or will disappear when I need them the most?” Will they do the bare minimum or will they go all in? Last year Katie Britt, Mark Crosswhite and all the members of the BCA pushed and proded and had their members push and prod legislators to pass the gas tax bill. Will they provide the calvary that is needed today to help members explain that vote? Will they match the financial investment others are making to get right the wrong message about it or will they watch as Pringle falls on a sword of the BCA’s creation? If they do not fix this. If they do not go all in. If they do the bare minimum of lip service or bullsh*t endorsements that mean nothing without money behind them, big money in this case, backing them up, no legislator can or should trust them again. Lest lawmakers one day find themselves on the wrong side of a BCA sword too. Last year it was the gas tax but what will they ask for this year or next or the one after? The final player in this race can’t be left out. It wasn’t just the BCA either who pushed for the Mobile legislative delegations support. Richard Shelby was instrumental in getting the gas tax passed as he used it for a vehicle to strengthen the economic viability of the Port of Mobile by increasing its capacity. Pringle said it himself about Shelby, in a news story that described the benefits the tax would have on the port, “This is his (Shelby’s) No. 1 priority in getting that ship channel widened and deepened,” Pringle said. The tax bill, also named the “Rebuild Alabama infrastructure package” included language that said funds from the tax increase would be used for the state match for the Alabama State Port Authority’s $400 million ship channel project. It is worth noting that this huge Port project, with lifelong implications of jobs and growth for the state was the only specifically named project in Rebuild Alabama Act that wasn’t a road or bridge. “When that wound up in the bill, there was no way to vote against it,” Pringle said. Pringle was right. He did what was best for Mobile So Shelby got his number one priority and now it’s his turn to help someone who helped him. Pringle didn’t just take the vote he stood by it and explained it. Don’t get me wrong, I wish he hadn’t made the vote and he’d be running away with this race if he hadn’t but I understand why he did and if the business community were to go all-in in this race they way they should voters may understand a little better too. Without that vote his record would have made him a a shoe in for Congress. His record reflects a rare “true believer.” Pringle is as big a small government champion as any tea party candidate I ever met. His intentions are as pure as they come and the gas tax vote has all but ruined his otherwise lifelong record. A record that has been largely overlooked by his opponents who have painted his one vote as a defining one. In a story about the gas tax vote Alabama State Port Authority CEO Jimmy Lyons said,
BCA backs Kay Ivey’s gas tax, infrastructure improvement plan
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Wednesday praised Governor Kay Ivey’s newly unveiled plan to raise the state’s gas tax 10-cents to pay for infrastructure improvements. Dubbed, the Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan, the plan will provide additional funding to enhance and improve Alabama’s transportation system at both the state and local levels. “The road to our future must be paved,” said BCA President and CEO Katie Boyd Britt. “Alabama’s transportation system is the backbone of the state’s economy and is crucial to our economic growth, and I commend Governor Ivey for making this a priority of her Administration.” “Alabama’s drivers are more likely to be killed in a traffic accident in Alabama than 44 other states. Last year, 282 people lost their lives in Alabama because of our road conditions,” Britt added. “Alabama’s current infrastructure challenges create a serious safety concern for all those who travel our roadways while also hindering job creation and eroding our businesses’ bottom lines. An investment in our roads and bridges is an investment in the safety and quality of life of all Alabamians.” “Economic development and infrastructure go hand in hand. We are on an unsustainable course and can no longer afford to do nothing, and I urge the legislature to pass the governor’s package,” Britt concluded. The BCA has produced a fact sheet that outlines their belief in the for need for an investment in our state’s infrastructure system. “Alabama must be competitive with our sister southeastern states, many of which have already addressed this issue,” said Jim Page, the chairman of the Alliance for Alabama’s Infrastructure, a grassroots advocacy coalition focused on fixing Alabama’s infrastructure crisis. “It’s imperative in the 2019 legislative session that we finally address this issue for the first time since 1992.”
Personnel note: BCA snags top talent with Molly Cagle, David Cole as Katie Britt rebuilds and rebrands
New Business Council of Alabama (BCA) President and CEO Katie Britt is wasting no time in building a star-studded team ahead of the 2019 legislative session — she announced two big name hires on Friday as she works to rebuild and rebrand the organization. Britt is bringing Molly Cagle, current Director of External Affairs at Manufacture Alabama (MA) on board to serve as BCA’s Vice-President of Government Affairs. Her last day at MA is Wednesday, Feb. 20. Cagle announced her departure via an email to her colleagues, coworkers and friends. “My time at Manufacture Alabama over the last four and a half years has been incredibly rewarding. The friendships, lessons, and advice are things that I cherish and will take with me throughout my career,” said Cagle. At MA, Cagle assists the president and organization in their lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and in implementing and executing MA’s various proactive initiatives. She is the chief liaison to BIPAC and oversees the Alabama Prosperity Project. Cagle also serves as a staff resource to our councils and committees as well as a resource to the president regarding Workforce Development and Membership. Cagle received her bachelor’s in Political Science, with a minor in Broadcast Journalism, from Troy University. Before MA, she was the Senate Liaison for Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh. Considered a rising star in the world of government affairs, Cagle was named to Yellowhammer Multimedia’s “Power and Influence: Who’s Next?” list in 2018 and is a major addition to the BCA team. Britt has also hired David Cole from the Alabama Farmers Federation. He will be joining the BCA team as the new Senior Vice-President of Government Affairs starting Thursday, Feb. 28.
Personnel note: Katie Britt leaves Richard Shelby’s office to lead Business Council of Alabama
It’s official: Katie Boyd Britt is leaving U.S. Senator Richard Shelby to serve as President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) — a non-partisan, statewide, business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians. Shelby’s office announced Britt’s departure on Friday following the official notice of her decision to leave. “Katie Britt is an exceptional choice to serve as CEO of the Business Council of Alabama,” said Shelby. “She has been invaluable as my chief of staff over the last several years. Although I am disappointed to see her go, I know that my loss is BCA’s gain.” “Throughout Katie’s time in my office, she demonstrated a unique ability to solve any problem. Not only did she work as my top advisor on all matters, but she also developed bipartisan relationships with lawmakers, top committee and leadership staff, and stakeholders to successfully negotiate complex issues and legislation. Katie understands the intersection of business and politics. I have no doubt that her experience in Alabama and the Senate will establish her as an asset to BCA,” Shelby added. Britt succeeds William Canary, who announced his retirement from the BCA in July in order to take a position with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome Katie as the BCA’s new president,” said Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power CEO and chair of the BCA Executive Committee. “As the top staff member for Senator Shelby, she has worked daily with businesses and elected officials from around Alabama and the country. She also has a special ability to work with and unite people from all walks of life. She has all of the tools we were looking for to support the business growth across the state that will drive our economy in the years ahead.” About Britt Britt, a native of Enterprise, has served as chief of staff to Senator Shelby since 2016 following her role as deputy campaign manager and communications director during the Senator’s most recent reelection campaign. “My heart is in Alabama,” said Britt. “Our state has made significant progress in recent years, and I am honored to have been chosen to lead BCA during this time of growth. I look forward to building on that momentum through collective efforts with our BCA members, elected officials, and business allies across the state – identifying opportunities every day in which we can provide and advance real, tangible solutions. BCA’s successes are Alabama’s successes, and our unique ability to take on big challenges and deliver strategic results will advance our economy and best serve the men and women who make up the backbone of our state. “It has been my life privilege to serve and assist Alabama’s greatest statesman. I am very eager to apply the lessons I learned from him in this new position. I am certain the invaluable experiences of touring every county in Alabama with Senator Shelby, and meeting so many Alabamians, will serve me well as I work to create opportunities for all Alabama business.” Britt first joined Shelby’s staff in May 2004, holding the position of deputy press secretary and later press secretary until 2007. After working on Capitol Hill, she served as special assistant to The University of Alabama President, Robert E. Witt. Britt went on to earn her law degree at The University of Alabama School of Law – where she also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in Blount Liberal Arts. Following graduation, Britt practiced law at Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose LLP in Birmingham and later Butler Snow LLP in both Birmingham and Montgomery. Her practice was focused on general corporate law, specifically Mergers and Acquisitions. During her time at Butler Snow, Britt started and led the firm’s government affairs practice in the state of Alabama. Britt will begin her new role at the BCA Jan. 2. She will be the first woman to serve as the president of the organization.
Steve Flowers: More than election going on in Alabama politics
Our gubernatorial election year politics ended yesterday. However, there have been other political maneuverings and developments going on behind the scenes, which may ultimately have more long-term ramifications in the Heart of Dixie’s political future. The selection of a new Business Council of Alabama leader is imminent and will probably occur in the next few days. In addition, the jockeying and wrangling for the U.S. Senate Seat in 2020 has begun. Alabama Power President, Mark Crosswhite, prudently cleaned house at the BCA earlier this year. He organized a team of Cardinals to interview and select a new leader. Much like the vetting process for a new Pope, the Cardinals meet in total secrecy and send out smoke signals from the Vatican that they have not yet reached a decision. However, there are smoke signals that a new leader of the BCA is about to be named. The process has been very private with no leaks. This entire year long process of removing Billy Canary, who had reigned for 12 years, and selecting a new CEO has been a battle of business titans in the state. It has been a battle waged behind an iron curtain. The role of Mark Crosswhite in this change has been clear. Mr. Crosswhite has emerged as the clear leader of the Alabama Business Community. The original BCA was forged under the leadership of former Alabama Power President, Elmer Harris, several decades ago. It had become a toothless tiger in recent years through poor leadership. Mr. Crosswhite has picked the organization out of the junk pile and given it new life. Chances for a new beginning happen very few times. Like in politics, after the election, you must govern. My belief is that with a new leader and a fresh start the Business Council of Alabama will emerge bigger and better than ever. You can rest assured that the business community of Alabama, and indeed the nation, will be looking forward to defeating Doug Jones in 2020. It is a glaring anomaly that one of the most conservative Republican states in America would have an ultra-liberal, leftwinger in one of our senate seats. In last year’s Special Election against Roy Moore, Jones received $22 million from the most liberal zip codes and enclaves in America, especially from the left coast of California and San Francisco. It was the only show bill in town, and Roy Moore energized liberal money from throughout the country. Thus, the two truisms, “more people vote against someone than for someone,” and “money is the mother’s milk of politics,” combined to create Alabama’s accidental anomaly, Senator Doug Jones. Our anomaly senator has done nothing to remedy the uncertainty about who he is since taking office. He has done no campaigning or visiting around the state. He has shown a disregard and disinterest in basic political practices, like getting out among the rank and file Alabamians. Jones seems to just go to Washington to vote, then back to Mountain Brook. The book on Jones is that he will not be elected to a full term in 2020. It is a presidential election year and Alabama will vote for the Republican nominee, probably Donald Trump, overwhelmingly. This is a Republican senate seat and it will be won by a Republican. Jones seems to know this, therefore, he appears content to represent California during his tenure. As soon as Jones was sworn in, the race to be the Republican nominee began. The obvious candidates are one, if not all, of our six Republican members of Congress. Speculation abounded that the three best potential congressional horses would be Robert Aderholt, Bradley Byrne and Mo Brooks. The horse that has emerged as the favorite is Bradley Byrne. He has started early and has staked out the inside track. He has crisscrossed the state building an organization and is collecting and tying up the Washington establishment money. Aderholt will probably defer to staying in the House. He has over 20 years of seniority and is in line to chair the Appropriations Committee. Congressman Mike Rogers is moving up in seniority and is on Armed Services. Mo Brooks is expected to defer to Byrne in 2020 and look to run for Senator Shelby’s seat in 2022 if he retires. This stealth campaign for the 2020 Senate race has been going on this entire gubernatorial year. Byrne is indeed laying his stakes. There is a maxim in life and politics, “the early bird gets the worm.” See you next week. ••• Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Kay Ivey receives coveted BCA 2018 Chairman’s Award
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) presented Gov. Kay Ivey with its 2018 Chairman’s Award for her for her steadfast support of pro-business initiatives throughout her professional and political career. The award was presented to Ivey by BCA Chairman Perry Hand, chairman of Volkert Inc. in Mobile, at the BCA’s Chairman’s Dinner , which is held each year to support the BCA’s political action committee, ProgressPAC on Tuesday night. “This is indeed a high moment for me,” Ivey said. “This is a very significant award.” Hand said since Ivey took office, more than $8 billion has been invested in Alabama, resulting in 16,000 jobs. Unemployment during her term is the lowest in state history and the number of jobs the highest. “Governor Ivey’s support of a thriving business climate has been key to landing coveted economic projects including the new Toyota-Mazda plant and its 4,000 anticipated jobs to north Alabama,” Hand said. “Governor Ivey supports a business environment which grows tech companies and she continues to be a strong recruiter of companies in the automotive, aviation, and aerospace sectors.” The BCA Chairman’s Award is given to a recipient of the BCA chairman’s choice during the closing months of his or her tenure as the volunteer leader of the statewide business advocacy organization.
Steve Flowers: BCA is back, bigger and better than ever
Alabama Power is and has always been a force in Alabama politics. Some entities may have influence in the Legislature, but the power company has the ear of folks in all three branches of State government: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. If you sat down with all 35 state senators, especially the veterans who know the ropes and the system, and you had an extensive off-the-record private conversation with each of them, and you asked them if you had to have one special interest group in your corner and you were in a tough race to get reelected or wanted to get something accomplished, who would you call. In other words, to quote the great Dr. Paul Hubbert, who would you call if your ox got into a ditch?It would be an overwhelming vote for Alabama Power. Alabama Power is the friend, and confidant that both Democratic and Republican senators and representatives would name. The company is known for listening to legislators and treating them fairly and honestly, and it is truly nonpartisan in its approach. Typically, the power company prefers anonymity. It certainly does not seek attention or accolades. However, legislators, judges, and governors have never been reluctant or ashamed of being aligned with the interests of the company or seeking contributions from its employee-operated political action committee. Over the years there has been a shell game of attempting to hide campaign contributions from some corners; not so with Alabama Power and its employees PAC. They do not play nefarious, clandestine, hiding-the-money shenanigans. They play by the rules. When you inquire of those 35 senators why they want and are proud of the power company’s support, they will quote an old saying used among Goat Hill veterans, “What’s good for Alabama Power is good for Alabama,” because if Alabama grows and prospers, if the state is drawing new industry and existing businesses are expanding, and Alabamians are using more electricity, Alabama Power prospers. During the 1960’s, George Wallace had demagogued the race issue and had become the Emperor of Goat Hill. The issue of race was a powerful tool. Wallace was a brilliant politician and knew how to use power. When African Americans gained the right to vote Wallace had to find him another boogeyman. He took a page from Huey Long and started cussing the big utilities. During this Wallace vendetta, Alabama Power had a president named Joe Farley, who was a great business leader, but not particularly enamored with Montgomery politics. Fortunately, he had a real pro representing the company on Goat Hill in the form of Walter Johnsey. Walter stood toe-to-toe with Wallace. After Wallace, a triumvirate of power made up of AEA/Labor and trial lawyers ruled the roost. The plaintiff trial lawyers became greedy and made Alabama the laughing stock of the Nation with outrageous, ludicrous judgements. We were called “Tort Hell” by “Time Magazine.” No industry would come to Alabama when they were going to be routinely shaken down by litigants and their own workers for millions of dollars. The power company had to come to the rescue. Under the leadership of President Elmer Harris, the Business Council of Alabama was created. The BCA ran the trial lawyers from the Temple and led Alabama into a pro-business environment. Over the next 30 years the BCA became the leading business governmental group. In actuality, it remained closely aligned with the power company. An arrogant, Yankee, named Billy Canary, had been the titular president of the BCA for close to 10 years. He had parlayed a friendship with Governor Bob Riley and Speaker Mike Hubbard, into garnering the job. It became apparent that he had run the organization into the ground about three years ago. He and the BCA had become a joke and toothless tiger. About a year ago, the power company President, Mark Crosswhite, called Canary to Birmingham and suggested it was time to move on. Canary lied and procrastinated and refused to depart. Crosswhite ultimately lost patience. He brilliantly pulled the plug and left BCA along with some of the company’s business allies Regions, Blue Cross, and Power South. Crosswhite had grown up in the power business, even at one point in his career he led the governmental affairs department and also did a stint as President of sister Gulf Power. He knew how to handle the situation. He employed the Teddy Roosevelt adage that also applies to the power company: “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” Crosswhite and his allies reconstituted the Board of BCA and brought everybody back into the fold in one fell swoop. He earned himself a place in Alabama Power and Alabama political lore. The BCA is back bigger and better than ever. See you next week. ••• Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
BCA announces new governance structure, companies return
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Wednesday announced a new plan to strengthen and improve the association’s governance structure. Several major corporations including Alabama Power, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and Regions Bank left the organization this summer siting problems with BCA’s leader Billy Canary. The BCA has stated in June that they would be replacing Canary. “The wholesale governance and leadership changes made today show what is possible when businesses come together with a common goal,” said CEO of Alabama Power Company, Mark Crosswhite in a press release. “While the hard work of moving this organization forward remains, I am pleased with this progress and look forward to working with businesses across our state for a stronger BCA and a better Alabama.” The BCA’s new structure consists of an executive committee made up of 11 individuals. According to the BCA, five committee members represent larger businesses, five represent smaller businesses, and one trustee represents the Alabama Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund. The new executive committee elected today includes: Rey Almodovar, CEO, Intuitive Research and Technology Mark Crosswhite, CEO, Alabama Power Co. Perry Hand, Chairman, Volkert Inc. Denson Henry, Owner/Vice President, Henry Brick Co. Carl Jamison, Shareholder, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC Johnny Johns, Executive Chairman, Protective Life Corp. John Mazyck, Principal, The Frazer Lanier Co. Gary Smith, CEO, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative John Turner, CEO, Regions Bank Bobby Vaughan, Chairman of the Board, Alabama Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund Tim Vines, CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama “We are fortunate in Alabama to have a business community that understands the importance of providing strong leadership on matters that affect our state’s economic success,” Heather Brothers New, chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama said in a press release. “Individuals, families and communities can’t thrive if our state doesn’t provide an environment where businesses can thrive. Everyone in Alabama benefits from this effort to ensure a unified and effective BCA.”
For fourth year in a row, Jim Zeigler excluded from annual BCA conference
For the fourth year in a row, State Auditor Jim Zeigler has yet again been excluded from the annual“Governmental Affairs Conference hosted by the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) at the upscale Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala. Zeigler was the only statewide official to be left off of the invitation list this year. Zeigler, now accustomed to the annual snub is taking the news in stride. “Maybe they were going in alphabetical order and ran out of invitations before they got to the Z’s,” he joked. The annual conference includes complimentary receptions, dinners, and hotel rooms for officials. Zeigler calls it a badge of honor to be left out of the “Montgomery Insiders” event. “I wear it as a badge of honor when I am left out of things by Montgomery Insiders. I have been left out of meetings, polls, political analyses, and campaign contributions,” Zeigler opined. “I would like to pay my own way and go to the BCA conference as a speaker rather than as an attendee. I could explain to them some things that are wrong in state government and how they need to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.
Business Council of Alabama CEO William Canary announces retirement, new job
After a tumultuous month of member company exits from the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the organization’s President and CEO William Canary announced Friday afternoon he’s retiring in order to take a position with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. According to a release from the BCA, Canary will become a senior fellow at the U.S. Chamber. “I am announcing today that I am retiring from my position as president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama to pursue an opportunity as senior fellow at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” Canary said. “It has been my great privilege to lead the BCA these past 15 years. During my tenure, we have worked every day to make the BCA the most relevant and effective business advocacy association in Alabama. It has been an honor to work alongside men and women from all segments of Alabama’s economy, who invest hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the BCA, for what is in the collective best interest of Alabama’s business community.” The move is not entirely unexpected as the Montgomery-based nonprofit issued a statement last month saying it would replace Canary no later than Jan. 1 after four of the state’s largest companies quit the organization. Alabama Power Co., Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative all left the BCA in June. Until a new CEO is named, BCA Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs Mark Colson will take over the day-to-day leadership of the organization.
After major departures, Business Council of Alabama plans for its future
Following a wave of high-profile member-company departures, the Business Council of Alabama Board of Directors met via conference call Monday to be apprised of the ongoing work of its Executive Committee the last several months to implement its plan for the transition and succession of executive leadership at the organization. “Today’s meeting brought the Board up to date on the efforts to identify a high-quality, dynamic leader and on-board that individual by September 1, 2018, but not later than January 1, 2019,” said BCA Chairman Perry Hand. “Throughout this process, it’s always been about what’s in the best interest of the organization as a whole and not just meeting arbitrary deadlines. Our organization has never had a smooth transition of power, and it’s imperative that we get this right.” Last week, Alabama’s largest health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) joined Alabama Power, Regions Bank and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in leaving the BCA due to dissatisfaction with BCA’s leadership under President and CEO Billy Canary. The selection committee, which is comprised of members of the Executive Committee, will begin their work immediately to identify and hire an individual to lead the organization into the 2019 legislative session and into the future. Former BCA Chairman Carl Jamison was named chairman of the selection committee. Other members of the selection committee are BCA 2017 Chairman Jeff Coleman, BCA 2018 Chairman Perry Hand, BCA Vice Chairman Denson Henry, BCA Executive Committee Member Wayne Hutchens, and BCA 2016 Chairman Tommy Lee. Members of the transition committee were also named. The transition committee is tasked with overseeing all the tasks essential to a successful transition of power, including the on-boarding process for a new president and CEO. “The BCA has achieved major successes through the years under the leadership of Billy Canary and the entire team at the BCA” added 2017 BCA Chairman Jeff Coleman. “There is definitely more work to do, which is why the BCA is focused on being a catalyst to bring growth and prosperity to our great state. We are currently in the middle of an election year that will see a new Legislature elected – a Legislature that will have to develop effective solutions for infrastructure, education, and health care, to name a few. As an organization that respectfully represents over 1 million working Alabamians, we are strongly committed to the work ahead of us to move Alabama forward.” On May 21, the BCA Executive Committee adopted a formal Transition and Succession Plan, the first in the organization’s 33-year history. The plan established guidelines to provide for an orderly transition of leadership. Monday, the BCA Board of Directors accepted that plan with unanimous support.
BCA seeks to replace Billy Canary after several high-profile departures
The Business Council of Alabama says it’s looking for a new chief executive following a wave of high-profile departures. The Montgomery-based nonprofit issued a statement Thursday saying it will have a new leader to replace president and CEO Billy Canary no later than Jan. 1. The move comes after four of the state’s largest companies quit the organization, with some openly questioning its leadership. Alabama Power Co., Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative all left the organization in recent days. The Montgomery Advertiser reports the moves came after the Business Council refused demands to remove Canary by Sept 1. Officials with the organization say they wanted an orderly transition to replace Canary, who’s run the business group since 2003. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
