BCA throws support behind Kelvin Datcher in Birmingham special election
As reported by Yellow Hammer News, in the crowded primary to replace former State Representative John Rogers, the Business Council of Alabama’s ProgressPAC has chosen to endorse Kelvin Datcher. A BCA-supported candidate would be a drastic shift from the legacy Rogers leaves. In an article describing Rogers and his career AL.Com writers noted that, “Rogers is known for his bombastic, quotable comments and colorful clothing just as he is for his longevity in public office.” In 2019, during a debate over abortion when Rogers said Republicans were against abortion but refused to support children. His comment, “So you kill them now or you kill them later. You bring them in the world unwanted, unloved, you send them to the electric chair. So, you kill them now or you kill them later,” was widely condemned on both sides of the aisle with then Democrat Senator Doug Jones and even Donald Trump Jr. weighing in. In their statement, ProgressPAC Chairman Will Wilson said, “ProgressPAC proudly endorses leaders focused on growth and solutions, dedicated to moving Alabama forward. Our commitment lies in fostering a business-friendly environment that strengthens communities and generates employment opportunities across the state. We stand behind candidates devoted to safeguarding and empowering employers who drive quality job creation for all Alabamians.” The release goes on to say, “BCA’s endorsement of Kelvin Datcher is a decision rooted in his proven commitment to his community and his vision for a more prosperous future for all residents. With a track record of advocacy and service, Datcher embodies the qualities necessary to represent the interests of the district effectively. His dedication to addressing key issues facing constituents, like economic opportunity and education, reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing Alabama families. Kelvin Datcher’s experience and vision uniquely position him to enact positive change and advance the interests of House District 52. His collaborative approach to governance, coupled with a commitment to bipartisanship, offers a promising path forward in addressing the complex issues that affect the district and the state.” Datcher has already received the support of Mayor Randall Woodfin, who posted a video message endorsing him on Datcher’s Facebook page. The House District 52 special primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024; the special primary runoff, if necessary, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024; and the special general election on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Gov. Kay Ivey announces special election dates for Senate District 9
On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation setting special election dates for Alabama Senate District 9. This seat was previously held for the last 13 years by Sen Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville), who resigned Monday to take a position as the Vice President of the powerful Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Governor Ivey set the special primary election for Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and the special primary runoff, if necessary, for Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The special general election is set for Tuesday, April 23, 2024. “Majority Leader Scofield has been a strong voice for the people of Senate District 9 for more than 13 years, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve our state well in his next chapter,” said Gov. Ivey. “Clay and I have worked together both while I served as lieutenant governor and now as governor. Certainly, I can attest for all he has done for the people in North Alabama and Alabamians all across our state. I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election and send another strong voice to Montgomery.” Gov. Ivey set a very short qualifying period of just seven days for this special election. The deadline for qualifying with major political parties will be Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and minor parties to submit their paperwork, including ballot access petitions, is Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Senate District 9 represents portions of Blount, Madison, and Marshall Counties. State Representative Brock Colvin (R-Guntersville) has already announced his intention to run for this position, as has State Representative Wes Kitchens (R-Boaz). At least three other candidates are reportedly strongly considering running for this open state Senate seat. On Monday, the GOP state senators elected Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) to replace Scofield as Senate Majority Leader. The Alabama Senate pays $53,913 a year and is a part-time position. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Clay Scofield reported to be leaving Alabama Senate
Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) is expected to resign his position in the Alabama Senate this week – perhaps as early as Monday – sources say. Scofield is expected to leave the State Senate to accept a role with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Sources claim that the Alabama Ethics Commission has reportedly approved Scofield’s acceptance of the powerful position most typically associated with the BCA’s lobbying efforts, with the understanding that he will not personally lobby the State Senate until the two-year revolving door period has passed. Scofield, 43, is a poultry farmer with a degree in agricultural economics from Auburn University. The BCA, which represents both small and large businesses, is one of the most influential lobbying forces in Montgomery. Their most recent success, however, comes not from a lobbying win but from the election of their past president, Katie Britt, to the U.S. Senate. After years of supporting failed candidates for the U.S. Senate, Britt’s campaign found its footing running not as the BCA choice but by distancing her from the powerful organization she ran beginning in 2018 and emphasizing her ability to show independence from their moderate agenda. Britt bucked the BCA publically against the COVID Vaccination Mandates. BCA, while often at odds with the pulse and tone of voters, has remained one of the strongest campaign and lobbying powerhouses of the state. Other entities wielding comparable influence include the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), the Alabama Education Association (AEA), and the Alabama Forestry Association. Should Scofield deflect from the legislature to the BCA, leaving an open position in the State Senate, a special election would have to be called by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. Sources report to Alabama Today that both Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Guntersville) and Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Boaz) are expected to seek the position. The part-time position in the Alabama Senate pays $53,913 per year. The regular legislative session is a maximum of thirty legislative days. Republicans presently control 28 of the 35 seats in the Alabama Senate. The 27 remaining Republican state Senators will have to select a new Majority Leader. The Majority Leader is second in power in the Senate to only the President Pro Tem. – currently Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper). Scofield was elected in the Republican wave election of 2010 – which saw the GOP gain control of both Houses of the Alabama Legislature for the first time in 135 years. Scofield was unopposed in 2018 and 2022. Scofield has denied reports by 1819 News that he intends to leave the Senate to become a lobbyist. However, it is still possible that this is true. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt makes U.S. Senate candidacy official
U.S. Senate hopeful Katie Britt made her candidacy official as she filed qualifying paperwork for the Alabama Republican Party primary election ballot. During her comments to the media, Britt spoke about the response to her grassroots campaign. “Since announcing our Alabama First campaign in June, the response from Alabamians in all 67 of our state’s counties has been incredible,” stated Britt. “I am proud to be running a grassroots campaign focused on growing opportunity for all hardworking Alabamians, and our message is clearly resonating. With every passing day, our momentum continues to grow strongly. I truly believe that the future and the image of our state is on the ballot, and we will not stop working on the campaign trail until the finish line is squarely in the rearview mirror.” She concluded, “As Alabama’s next U.S. Senator, I will fight tirelessly to protect our Christian conservative values, preserve the American Dream and ensure our state always has the best possible seat at the table. It is clear that Alabamians want fresh blood to shake things up in D.C. and put America and Alabama first – not the Washington special interests. Together, we will save the country we know and love from ineffective career politicians.” Britt, a Republican and former CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, has had her credentials called into question, with other candidates asserting that she is ‘unqualified’. Britt, however, seems unfazed by the commentary. In a recent interview with radio host Apryl Marie Fogel, Britt recently commented, “I think as far as qualifications go, I believe qualifications are fighting tirelessly for Alabamians and listening to what issues they have and looking at what we’re facing in our country and knowing how to achieve results. Putting Alabama first and delivering real results for hard-working Alabamians is what I’ve done day in and day out throughout my career.”
Katie Britt urges lawmakers to protect workers against vaccine mandates
U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt is urging Alabama Legislators to protect workers against the Biden administration’s vaccine mandates. It was announced today that Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 4 or get tested for the virus weekly. The Alabama Senate passed two anti-vaccine discrimination bills earlier this week, and the Alabama House of Representatives will see those bills on Thursday, Yellowhammer News reported. Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 15 are two of several bills the GOP-led legislature filed during the special session. Senate Bill 9 will provide workers the ability to claim exemption from the vaccine mandate. Senate Bill 15 will authorize the attorney general to pursue civil action against violators of the state’s ban on vaccine passports. The bill also requires parental consent for minors to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Chris Elliot, who authored Senate Bill 9, told the Alabama Daily News, “We’re trying to make this as easy as possible for the rank-and-file employees that don’t have a law degree or don’t want to go out and hire an attorney to be able to claim their exemption without an undue burden.” Britt, former chief executive of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), is publicly disagreeing with her former employer. BCA is against Senate Bill 9, arguing that it puts employers in a “no-win position” by forcing them to comply with conflicting state and federal laws. Robin Stone, the BCA’s interim executive director, stated, “This legislation would prevent Alabama employers from making their own personnel decisions and place that authority in the hands of state government.” Britt stated, “Joe Biden’s tyrannical mandate threatens the livelihood of countless Alabamians and the freedom of every American. This vast overreach and coercion is not a solution to a problem; it only causes problems. Real leadership would find a way to simultaneously protect the lives of Americans while preserving their jobs and safeguarding their freedoms.” Senate Bills 9 and 15 now move to the full House for a vote.
Katie Britt dominates fundraising in Alabama Senate race
Katie Boyd Britt has piled up a significant cash advantage over Donald Trump-backed Rep. Mo Brooks and other candidates in the Alabama race for U.S. Senate. Britt, the former chief of staff to retiring Sen. Richard Shelby, is seeking to fill his seat in the 2022 election. Britt stepped down as head of the Business Council of Alabama to run for Senate and has so far dominated fundraising ahead of the June Republican primary. Britt has raised a total of $3.76 million for her campaign, including $1.5 million in the last quarter, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. She has a $3.3 million campaign balance. Shelby, one of the Senate’s most senior members, announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection in 2022, igniting what is expected to be a messy GOP primary in the red-leaning state. Shelby has called Britt the “best-qualified candidate to come along in a long time” but has not played any public role in her campaign. Brooks comes to the Republican primary armed with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Brooks has raised a total of $1.79 million for his campaign, including $663,074 in the last fundraising quarter. He entered the race with $1 million left from his last House of Representatives race and has $1.8 million on hand. Lynda Blanchard, a businesswoman who was Trump’s ambassador to Slovenia, has the most cash in the race, after taking out $5 million in loans earlier in the campaign season. Businesswoman Jessica Taylor reported raising $150,848. The other candidates in the race have raised nominal amounts. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Home Builders Association endorses Katie Britt after unprecedented fundraising campaign
U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt has announced that she has received the endorsement of the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA). The endorsement follows Britt’s address at the association’s summer meeting in Baldwin County recently. HBAA is a trade association of nearly 8,000 members, serving as an advocate for Alabama’s housing and construction industry and as a unified channel through which home builders contribute time, money, and services to local community service projects and education initiatives. “The Home Builders Association of Alabama is proud to be the first major trade association to formally endorse Katie Britt for U.S. Senate,” stated 2021 HBAA President Blake Corder. “We believe in Katie’s ability to put the knowledge and experience that she gained as Senator Richard Shelby’s Chief of Staff and as President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama to work for the people of Alabama.” “The home building industry is the backbone of Alabama’s economy, employing thousands of hardworking Alabamians,” he continued. “Her understanding of the importance of Alabama-based small businesses makes her the best candidate qualified to represent our great state.” Britt said in a statement that she was proud to have earned this early endorsement, which is indicative of her campaign’s growing momentum. The endorsement comes after Britt’s record-shattering fundraising haul in June, of which 90% was from Alabama. “I am excited and proud to have earned the endorsement of the Home Builders Association of Alabama,” said Britt. “The home builders are dedicated to strengthening their respective local communities in every corner of Alabama. I am extremely grateful for their endorsement and will fight tirelessly to preserve the values that make our state great and work diligently to create opportunities for growth for the next generation of Alabamians. It is humbling to see the reaction that our Alabama First campaign is generating, and I look forward to continuing to bring this message directly to the people of Alabama. While the momentum we are experiencing is incredible, I know we are only just getting started.”
BCA announces three internal promotions
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) recently announced three internal promotions. Michelle Hopson has been named Vice President of Finance, Kellie Hope has been moved to Vice President of Community Engagement and Director of Regional Affairs, Southern Region, and Andrea Hutchings has been promoted to Manager of Political Affairs. These internal changes will enhance the organization’s overall effectiveness in membership, political advocacy, and economic development activities. Robin Stone, interim executive director of BCA stated, “BCA has a tremendous team that is focused on supporting our members and serving as the organization that brings businesses of all sizes and sectors in the state together. Kellie, Michelle, and Andrea are dedicated to our members and our mission, and these promotions are reflective of the quality of their work and the expanded roles that these new titles carry.” Hopson has been with BCA since 2020 as the Director of Finance. A graduate of Troy University, she has 24 years of experience in finance and accounting. Hopson stated, “I am honored by this recognition and am proud to work alongside this great team at BCA. I’m excited to continue in my role as we work to support Alabama and its business community.” Hope worked for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce prior to becoming BCA’s Director of Regional Affairs, Southern Region, in 2019. Hope earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Social Work from Tulane University. Hope commented, “I’m excited to continue our mission through this new role and honored to work with our team and many partners throughout the state.” Hutchings joined BCA in 2020 as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO and previously served in Governor Kay Ivey’s administration as Director of Scheduling. Hutchings graduated from Auburn University Montgomery with focuses in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Hutchings stated, “It is an honor to continue to serve BCA and begin serving ProgressPAC in this new capacity. I look forward to working alongside the PAC, ensuring that BCA stands ready to support and endorse pro-business candidates.” BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of working Alabamians.
Email Insights: Business Council of Alabama (BCA) announces new board
The ups and downs of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) have been steep over the last several years.
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.
