Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama joins growing list of BCA exits
Alabama’s largest health insurer on Wednesday, announced they are joining the growing list of major companies pulling out of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) due to dissatisfaction with BCA’s leadership under President and CEO Billy Canary. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) joins Alabama Power, Regions Bank and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in leaving the council, which gets its primary funding from membership dues. “Blue Cross has consistently participated at a high level of support of the BCA and its activities. At this time, the correct path for our company and our customers is to withdraw from the BCA while the organization considers its future path,” BCBSAL said in a statement. According to BCA Board Chairman Perry Hand, these major companies had requested the BCA remove its Canary, by May 1 or June 1, a deadline they were unable to meet. Instead, the BCA is working to have new leadership by January 1.
PowerSouth joins Alabama Power as second major company quitting BCA, citing leadership concern
PowerSouth, an energy cooperative servicing parts of South Alabama have joined Alabama Power in cutting ties with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). In a letter to BCA Chairman Perry Hand and the BCA Executive Committee, President & CEO of PowerSouth Gary L. Smith indicated that the company believes the BCA has become ineffective under the leadership of Billy Canary. “Our problem with BCA is simply Billy Canary and his leadership. Billy has been effective in the past, but in our opinion Billy is now a severe liability and must be replaced for BCA to again be effective,” Smith said in the letter. PowerSouth’s concerns are similar to those listed by Alabama Power, “[W]e have become concerned that membership in BCA has become a liability rather than a benefit,” wrote Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite in a letter to BCA Chairman Hand and Executive Committee. He continued, “To be candid, BCA has needlessly alienated federal and state officials, failed to communicate with its own members, squandered our collective corporate goodwill, allowed its financial health to decline, and become a divisive force in our State.” Read PowerSouth’s full letter to BCA below: Dear Perry: Power South has been a long, supportive member of BCA. We have supported the BCA political agenda, assisted on many BCA projects and sponsored a number of events for BCA. More recently, I have expressed our concern that BCA has lost its effectiveness and, more importantly, its way. I have described in detail many of our specific concerns about BCA’s activities, shortcomings, and relationships. You are familiar with those concerns and I will not repeat them. They are all symptoms of a more serious issue of leadership. Our problem with BCA is simply Billy Canary and his leadership. Billy has been effective in the past, but in our opinion Billy is now a severe liability and must be replaced for BCA to again be effective. You indicated the BCA Executive Committee agrees a leadership change is needed, but we have serious disagreements about the timing of the replacement, Billy’s continuing involvement in the search for his replacement, and his involvement in the leadership transition. We have no interest in participating or supporting an organization that Billy heads, influences through his choice of successor, or can manipulate through a transitional plan. It is simply time to completely sever the relationship before further damage is done to the organization. Apparently, the Executive Committee doesn’t view the leadership issues as seriously as we measure them. Therefore, you have left us no option other than to withdraw from BCA immediately. Sincerely, GARA Gary L. Smith President & CEO
Alabama Power withdraws from Business Council of Alabama
It’s official: Alabama Power has cut the cord from the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Alabama Political Reporter first reported the move Monday, saying the energy powerhouse delivered a letter to BCA Monday morning stating the company was withdrawing its membership from the organization, “effective immediately.” “[W]e have become concerned that membership in BCA has become a liability rather than a benefit,” wrote Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite in a letter to BCA Chairman Perry Hand and Executive Committee. He continued, “To be candid, BCA has needlessly alienated federal and state officials, failed to communicate with its own members, squandered our collective corporate goodwill, allowed its financial health to decline, and become a divisive force in our State.” The news is hardly shocking for those who have followed the Alabama Power-BCA relationship. For months, the relationship has been strained as first evidenced when Alabama Power officials made a surprise move in August, deciding the company would not support the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) Governmental Affairs Conference in Point Clear later that month.. Neither BCA, nor its employees attended the annual event as the company did not support BCA’s leadership in CEO Bill Canary and said they’re disappointed he’s failed to deliver on the association’s legislative priorities. There’s chatter more companies will soon follow in Alabama Power’s footsteps and also withdraw from the BCA. A source familiar with the situation, says Blue Cross and Regions will announce their exits next. Read Alabama Power’s full letter to BCA below: Dear Perry: Alabama Power Company has been a member of the Business Council of Alabama since BCA’s inception, and over that time has been a significant supporter of the organization. More recently, however, we have become concerned that membership in BCA has become a liability rather than a benefit. To be candid, BCA has needlessly alienated federal and state officials, failed to communicate with its own members, squandered our collective corporate goodwill, allowed its financial health to decline, and become a divisive force in our State. Since August 2017, we have expressed our concerns over the direction of BCA to the staff and officers of BCA’s Executive Committee. Simply put, we believe the to remedy these issues BCA needs new leadership and a thorough review of the governance of the organization. Despite repeated assurances that our concerns will be addressed, there has been no meaningful response. At this point, further discussions would be fruitless and a waste of everyone’s time. Accordingly, Alabama Power is withdrawing from BCA, effective immediately. Sincerely yours, Mark Crosswhite cc: Executive Committee
Here’s everyone who the BCA has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), considers itself Alabama’s foremost voice for business. It is a non-partisan, statewide, business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians. The BCA works with the Alabama Legislature to promote “pro-business” reforms such as: Tax credits for small business Job creation Incentives for economic development Ethics reform Positive changes in our public education system Here are the candidates who the BCA has endorsed, who they believe will bring the best changes and initiatives for Alabama’s businesses: Statewide Races: Governor: Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General: Steve Marshall Secretary of State: John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Rick Pate Judicial Races: Chief Justice: Lyn Stuart Associate Justice Place 1: Sarah Stewart and Brad Mendheim Associate Justice Place 2: Tommy Bryan Associate Justice Place 3: Will Sellers Associate Justice Place 4: Jay Mitchell Court Of Civil Appeals Place 1: Christy Edwards Court Of Civil Appeals Place 2: Judge Terri Thomas Court Of Civil Appeals Place 3: Judge Terry Moore Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 2: Chris McCool Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 3: Judge Bill Cole State Senate Races Senate District 2: Tom Butler Senate District 3: Arthur Orr Senate District 5: Greg Reed Senate District 7: Mary Scott Hunter Senate District 12: Del Marsh Senate District 13: Randy Price Senate District 14: Cam Ward Senate District 16: Jabo Waggoner Senate District 17: Shay Shelnutt Senate District 18: Rodger Smitherman Senate District 32: Chirs Elliott State House Races House District 3: Humphrey Lee House District 6: Andy Whitt House District 8: Terri Collins House District 9: Scott Stadthagen House District 13: Connie Rowe House District 14: Richard “Bull” Corry House District 27: Wes Kitchens House District 30: Craig Lipscomb House District 36: Randy Wood House District 39: TJ Maloney House District 40: K.L. Brown House District 41: Corley Ellis House District 42: Jimmy Martin House District 43: Arnold Mooney House District 44: Danny Garrett House District 45: Dickie Drake House District 46: David Faulkner House District 47: David Wheeler House District 48: Jim Carns House District 49: April Weaver House District 50: Jim Hill House District 55: Rod Scott House District 73: Matt Fridy House District 87: Jeff Sorrells House District 88: Jeremy Arthur House District 89: Marcus Paramore House District 96: Matt Simpson House District 102: Willie Gray
Business Council of Alabama endorses Steve Marshall for Attorney General
ProgressPAC — the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama — on Monday announced the endorsement of incumbent Attorney General Steve Marshall in the Republican primary. “Attorney General Steve Marshall’s commitment to the rule of law, putting violent criminals in jail and working to put an end to the opioid crisis made our endorsement an easy decision. His willingness to fight federal overreach makes him a tremendous asset to Alabama’s vibrant business community,” said ProgressPAC Chairman Mike Kemp. ProgressPAC’s board of directors said they voted to endorse Marshall because of his character and his support of issues that are important to Alabama’s business community. “For these reasons and others, ProgressPAC is proud to endorse Steve Marshall in the June 5 primary,” explained Kemp. Marshall said he is honored to receive the endorsement. “ProgressPAC understands the importance of fostering a pro-business environment in Alabama and I’m honored to receive their endorsement,” said Marshall. “This support from the business community will give us great momentum heading into the June primary.” Marshall served as district attorney in Marshall County Ala. for 16 years. He built a reputation of fighting crime and was instrumental in the passage of state legislation to track the sale of ingredients used to produce crystal meth. Marshall also took a lead role supporting the passage of the Brody Act which has made it possible to prosecute criminals for two crimes if they kill or injure an unborn baby during an attack on the mother. Marshall also serves as co-chair of Governor Kay Ivey’s Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council. Steve and his wife, Bridgette, have a daughter named Faith and currently reside in Albertville, Ala. Marshall faces Alice Martin, Chess Bedsole, and Troy King in the June 5 Republican primary.
NAM’s 2018 ‘State of Manufacturing’ Tour stops in Birmingham
The leader of the nation’s premier manufacturing trade group visited Birmingham’s Altec Inc. to provide company leaders and key Alabama officials with a high-level briefing on the industry’s outlook. “It’s a great day to be in manufacturing, and it’s a great day to be in Alabama,” Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), told the group. During the meeting, Altec Chairman and CEO Lee Styslinger III moderated a discussion that included Timmons and other NAM officials and Altec executives. Also included were Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, and Bill Canary, president of the Business Council of Alabama. “The efforts by NAM have been crucial to developing policies that benefit American manufacturers,” Styslinger said. “Altec is proud to take part in discussions with leadership that move manufacturing forward for the state of Alabama and the rest of America.” Timmons arrived in Alabama as part of NAM’s 2018 “State of Manufacturing” Tour, which has already taken him to Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana. Later this month, he’ll be in Kansas, California and Missouri. The tour comes as manufacturers’ confidence in the future has skyrocketed. In the midst of tax reform and regulatory relief, 95 percent of respondents expressed a positive outlook for their companies’ future in the NAM’s latest Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. “Our focus on this tour is telling the story of modern manufacturing and the incredible opportunities we have for well-paying, rewarding careers — whether it’s a first career or a new career,” Timmons said. While in Birmingham, NAM officials also visited Lawson State Community College and Innovation Depot, one of the South’s largest technology business incubators. Manufacturing growth Topics discussed during the meeting at Altec included a proposed federal infrastructure plan, tax reform and workforce development, particularly how to encourage young people to pursue careers in manufacturing. Canfield told the group that the state’s robust manufacturing sector has been a key driver of employment growth in recent years. Nearly 270,000 Alabamians held manufacturing jobs in January, and the sector has gained more than 36,000 jobs since 2011, an increase of 15 percent, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis. “Manufacturing, particularly advanced manufacturing, is a big part of our economy, so we want to do everything we can to support the right business climate, the right tax environment and the right regulatory environment,” Canfield said. “We think that, with NAM’s work and our partnership with them, we will continue to see an improved environment for advanced manufacturing across the U.S., but particularly in Alabama,” he said. Balancing trade In addition, the group discussed thorny issues emerging in the debate over the future direction of NAFTA and global trade, which could profoundly affect industries and companies on many different levels. “We have to tackle this trade issue because there are a lot of concerns and a lot of uncertainly circling trade,” Canfield said. That’s important because many Alabama businesses are involved in exporting, driving the state’s overseas shipments to a new annual record in 2017. Altec, for instance, delivers products and services to more than 100 countries. Founded in 1929, the company produces lift trucks and other products for customers in the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care and other industries. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.
BCA grants award to Torch Technologies John Watson
The Business Council of Alabama has granted the President of Torch Technologies, John Watson, with the Still Ambassadorial Award. Watson is also a member of the BCA’s board of directors. BCA Ambassadors ensure that Alabama businesses are represented in Montgomery and Washington, and advocate for BCA memberships to Alabama’s business community. The Still Ambassadorial Award is named after Stephen W. Still another BCA board member; Still is chairman of the BCA’s Ambassador program, a shareholder of Maynard Cooper & Gale, a ProgressPAC board member. The Still Ambassadorial Award is given to BCA members who show outstanding efforts and have been consistent contributors to the BCA’s Next Level Investor program. “The BCA is a great return on investment,” said Watson. Watson became president of Torch Technologies in 2013 and was appointed to the board of directors in 2014. He has more than 30 years of experience in the defense industry including lead roles in project engineering support, and corporate management. Torch Technologies was founded in 2002 with seven employees, they now employ more than 750 people in 10 states and one foreign country. Torch is a 100 percent employee-owned small business dedicated to quality technical services, competitive costs, and ethical business practices. The BCA featured Torch Technologies in October of 2017 observance of the company’s 15th year.
Business Council of Alabama applauds Richard Shelby
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Wednesday voted to commend U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby for his service to the state of Alabama. “Senator Shelby has always conducted himself on the national stage in a way that reflects the values, decency, and strength of the people of Alabama,” said Perry Hand BCA chairman. “During his service in the Alabama Legislature, his 39 years in Congress, including 31 in the U.S. Senate, Senator Shelby has significantly increased critical support for Alabama medical research and has transformed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at our colleges and universities.” Shelby has served as an Alabama Senator since he was elected in 1986. The BCA board of directors voted unanimously to approve a resolution extolling Shelby’s virtues and his advocacy for the conservative principles of smaller government, lower taxes, free enterprise, the right to keep and bear arms, and his pro-life stance. Shelby has increased funding into Alabama’s college and universities, transforming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at Alabama’s colleges and universities, and has increased critical support for medical research throughout the state. The group also cited several of Shelby’s more recent accomplishments including Toyota and Mazda’s announcement to invest $1.6 billion in a plant in Huntsville Ala. resulting in 4,000 new jobs, the announcement to locate the F-35 fighter jet with the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery, as evidence of Shelby’s excellence as a legislative bread-winner for the state of Alabama. “The BCA commends Senator Shelby for his extraordinary contributions, his dedication to our national security, and his service to the state of Alabama, its economy, and most importantly, its people,” said William J. Canary, President and CEO of BCA.
AT&T expands high-speed internet across Alabama
AT&T has expanded it’s high-speed internet service across the Sate of Alabama, impacting over 37,000 Alabama locations in parts of 32 counties. “The thousands of dedicated men and women who work for AT&T and call Alabama home are proud to provide the connectivity Alabama’s residents and businesses demand,” said president of AT&T Alabama, Wayne Hutchens.“ The expansion is in compliance with the FCC’s “Connect America Fund” which has committed to providing the approximately 23 million Americans, in rural areas without access to the internet, access to at least 10/Mbps fixed broadband. “In today’s digital economy, access to high-speed internet is critical, and I’m excited to see AT&T’s continued investment and innovation,” added Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. “Using multiple technologies to enhance internet access across our state, we can close the remaining gaps and continue competing for the best jobs and grow economic opportunity for all Alabama.” The expansions take place mostly in rural areas, with few urban area expansion. AT&T has also expanded their AT&T Fiber network to over 150,000 locations in Alabama. Customers who purchase the “internet 1000” service can download 25 songs in one second, or a 90-minute HD movie in less that 34. “I am thankful for the leadership of our elected officials who work to ensure a pro-consumer business environment and am delighted to see so many Alabama residents benefiting from this innovative technology made possible by private investment,” said Business Council of Alabama President and CEO William J. Canary. According to a press release, parts of these counties in Alabama are now eligible for this service from AT&T: Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Cullman, Elmore, Escambia, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.
Steve Flowers: the field is beginning to formulate for 2018
As I mentioned last week, we will have a plethora of political contests to follow next year and the field is beginning to formulate. The governor’s race is always the marquee event. However, the most important races will be for the 35 State Senate and 105 House of Representatives seats. These legislative races will be where most of the special interest money will gravitate. There will be an unprecedented number of state senators not running for reelection. However, the nucleus and bulk of the State Senate leadership is planning to return. Veteran leaders Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia), Del Marsh (R-Anniston), Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Jimmy Holley (R-Coffee), Arthur Orr (R- Decatur), Cam Ward (R-Shelby), and Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair), will all run for reelection. Along with rising stars, Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro), Clay Schofield (R-Marshall), Clyde Chambliss (R-Autauga), Shay Shelnut (R-Trussville), Slade Blackwell (R-Jefferson), as well as Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) and Tom Whatley (R-Auburn). This cadre of Republican leadership returning portends that the State Senate will be where the power will be concentrated when the next quadrennium begins in Montgomery. The same scenario will occur in the House. There will also be a good deal of turnover in the lower chamber However, the nucleus of leadership will return and will more than likely all stay in their leadership positions. The top five leaders will remain intact. Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville) as Speaker, Victor Gaston (R-Mobile) as ProTem, Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) will continue as Chairman of the Education Ways and Means Committee and Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) will be Chairman of Ways and Means General Fund Committee. Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) will steer the Rules Committee. One center of special interest power that will diminish significantly is the once vaunted Business Council of Alabama, unless they replace Bill Canary, their much beleaguered CEO. It has been rumored for over a year that he will be replaced. In the past few months, the omnipotent power in Alabama politics, Alabama Power, made it perfectly clear that either Canary goes or the Company would have to reconsider its participation. The company’s last minute withdrawal from the annual BCA Governmental Affairs Conference was a clear message. But just to make sure the message was received, Alabama Power President, Mark Crosswhite, met with Canary in a gentlemanly fashion. He summoned Canary to the company’s downtown Birmingham headquarters and politely explained to the New Yorker that BCA’s failures and lack of leadership are a major concern to the company. Crosswhite then met with some key members of BCA’s board to make Alabama Power’s position clear. Canary is telling his BCA bosses that the meeting with Crosswhite was a great success and everything was just a misunderstanding. But the only one who misunderstands, it seems, is Canary. Alabama Power was the integral factor in organizing the Business Council several decades ago. Their financial contributions to the BCA comprise over 25 percent of the group’s income. In addition to the Power Company’s disenchantment with Canary, our senior Senator, Richard Shelby, has made it clear to BCA members that Canary is so out of favor with him that he is no longer welcome in his office and furthermore should not bother to call his office for an appointment. Folks, what that means is that the BCA with Billy Canary on board has absolutely no power in Washington. All seven of our Congressmen and whoever our new senator is pales in power to Shelby. Shelby is more powerful that all eight put together, and believe me none of them want to offend him. He not only trumps them, he trumps Trump. Canary is not only a pariah in Washington, he is a joke in Montgomery. Most folks thought he would be indicted with Mike Hubbard. His credibility has continued to diminish since that time. His cavalier, sinister, overbearing, and boorish New York behavior has made him a caricature. In private conversations with most Republican and Democratic legislators, they will snicker and say if the BCA board is stupid enough to allow Canary to stay we will take their money during the 2018 election cycle and then ignore him for four years just like Shelby. The BCA with Canary is a dead-man walking. They are a powerless joke. If a business were smart they would give their contributions directly to the candidates, rather than through a defunct organization led by a has been. You can bet your bottom dollar that is what ALFA and the Alabama Power Company will be doing. Kay Ivey has made it official that she is a candidate for governor. She enters the race as the clear favorite. 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.
Alabama Power cuts the cord from BCA Governmental Affairs Conference
In a surprise move, Alabama Power officials have decided the company would not support the upcoming Business Council of Alabama (BCA) Governmental Affairs Conference in Point Clear this weekend. Alabama Political Reporter first reported the abrupt move Wednesday, saying that neither BCA, nor its employees would attend the annual event. According to APR, the power giant does not support BCA’s leadership in CEO Bill Canary and they’re disappointed he’s failed to deliver on the association’s legislative priorities.
William J. Canary: Public charter schools provide value to business’s future
Citizens from across Alabama again this month will gather in Montgomery for School Choice Week scheduled Jan. 22-28 to show support for improving the quality of education and expanding access to highly effective schools. The Business Council of Alabama will participate in Alabama’s National School Choice Week rally at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center on Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. Please join hundreds of students, parents, educators, legislators, and business leaders who believe that no child in Alabama should receive less than an adequate education simply due to his or her ZIP code or street address. With the BCA’s urging, the Legislature passed the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act in 2015. Alabama is now the 43rd state with a charter school law that allows parents to enroll their children in adequate schools without having to move. The potential is great for two public charter schools this fall. Stay tuned. In schools where the absence of student achievement is obvious and previous efforts to improve performance have failed, parents and students should be offered options for likely success. Competition forces businesses to improve quality, services, and products. School choice does the same by providing failing schools incentives to improve or risk losing students. If Alabama is to continue to attract the aerospace, automobile, and rocket manufacturing facilities that have made us the envy of the rest of the nation, and if we are going to foster growth of our biotech, high-tech, and research industries, we must provide our children the education and skills that those jobs demand. The future is for all of us. At the BCA we are dedicated to doing our part. ••• William J. Canary is president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama.
