Montgomery Chamber’s 146th Annual Meeting Reveals Continued Growth, Partnerships and Transformation
Montgomery, Ala., December 11, 2018 – Today the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce concluded its 146th Annual Meeting, a signature event for the region’s business community and elected leadership. This year’s meeting recapped the Chamber’s 2018 wins and highlighted economic development and tourism projects underway that will lead to future growth in the region.
“Montgomery’s chamber is unique in that we handle all aspects of economic development – from tourism and business recruitment to military, small business and quality of place initiatives,” said Judge Charles Price, Chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “One of Montgomery’s greatest strengths is its ability to work in partnership to move our city and region forward. This year has brought tremendous growth to our region, and we are poised for further advancements on all fronts.”
The meeting included a keynote address from former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a video overview of Chamber’s accomplishments and updates on initiatives underway. The Chamber also presented its first-ever Impact Maker Awards, which honored individuals and companies making a significant difference in the region.
The Chamber’s efforts have produced several significant milestones this year that are moving Montgomery’s economic development strategy forward:
- A robust industry base in Montgomery led to a record-breaking year for growth, with the creation of 576 new jobs, over $500 million in capital investment and 27 new and expanding companies opening in the region.
- Education, specifically improving the public school system, has been a major focus for the Chamber and Montgomery leadership. Following a diverse, bi-partisan, education-based community initiative known as MGMNext, 4 of 5 seats on the Board of Education have been replaced.
- In January, MGMWERX, an innovation hub resulting from a partnership with Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, launched in the heart of Montgomery. This innovation center will bring together the region’s public and private institutions into a problem-solving environment that develops solutions for the U.S. Air Force and business sector.
- The MGMIX Internet Exchange has become a major catalyst for economic development in the area. In just two years, MGMix welcomed 20 partners, including Alabama State University, which benefit from the program’s 100 Gbps capacity.
- Montgomery landed the new F-35 fleet at the Alabama National Guard 187th Fighter Wing. This move will provide over $100 million in annual economic impact for the area.
- Tourism has continued to be a transformational sector with the internationally acclaimed opening of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum attracting over 300,000 visitors since April. Additionally, hotel occupancy continues to outpace other Alabama metros and over 100,000 more hotel rooms booked year to date over 2017.
- From The New York Times to a live broadcast from NBC News, 2018 has been an unprecedented year in terms of media coverage for the city, with well over $2 million in earned media value.
- Montgomery acquired a nonstop flight to Washington D.C., which was a direct result of the efforts of a unique partnership between Chamber and the Montgomery Airport Authority to improve air service.
For more information on the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce visit www.montgomerychamber.com.
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ABOUT MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, Alabama USA fosters a business-friendly environment and understands that a healthy mix of large and small businesses constitutes the lifeblood of the city and region. A long history of trusted public-private partnership between the city, county, state and local business leadership creates an inviting business ecosystem. Montgomery is built on a dynamic history rooted in revolution as the center of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. On the forefront of cutting-edge development, Montgomery is attracting new businesses with its open internet exchange and opportunities for business growth, and new residents are coming for the city's work culture, transportation options and quality of life, including a revitalization of unique spaces in historic downtown with new attractions and diverse entertainment options. For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
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ABOUT MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, Alabama USA fosters a business-friendly environment and understands that a healthy mix of large and small businesses constitutes the lifeblood of the city and region. A long history of trusted public-private partnership between the city, county, state and local business leadership creates an inviting business ecosystem. Montgomery is built on a dynamic history rooted in revolution as the center of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. On the forefront of cutting-edge development, Montgomery is attracting new businesses with its open internet exchange and opportunities for business growth, and new residents are coming for the city's work culture, transportation options and quality of life, including a revitalization of unique spaces in historic downtown with new attractions and diverse entertainment options. For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Meg Lewis
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
mlewis@montgomerychamber.com
334.261.1104
