Montgomery Chamber’s 152nd Annual Meeting Celebrates Transformative Growth and Capital Region Investments

Montgomery Chamber’s 152nd Annual Meeting Celebrates Transformative Growth and Capital Region Investments
 
MONTGOMERY, AL – The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 152nd Annual Meeting today, celebrating a year of extraordinary achievements, strategic partnerships, and continued growth in the Capital Region. Over 650 business and community leaders gathered to reflect on milestones, celebrate collaborative successes, and build momentum for the future.
 
This year’s meeting showcased Montgomery’s impressive economic progress, including over $1.1B in capital investments, 600 new jobs, 120 pending projects, and $2.2M in new site development. The tourism sector contributed a $1.3B impact from 80 conventions and 36,000 room nights booked, while the military presence continues to provide a $2.6B economic impact.
 
META’s historic $840 million investment in Montgomery was a highlight of the year, reflecting the region’s momentum as a hub for innovation and opportunity. META representative, Henry Thornton, presented a $50,000 check to the Chamber’s TechMGM initiative, aimed at advancing STEM education and fostering tech talent.


“The META Montgomery Datacenter announcement, and many other significant events such as the Airshow Reception and Olympic Trials, took place at Montgomery Whitewater this year,” said Anna Buckalew, President & CEO of the Chamber. “This is a shining example of how strategic infrastructure investments create ripple effects far beyond their initial vision. Named ‘Project of the Year’ by Business Alabama Magazine and recognized by the Alabama Innovation Commission, Whitewater has become a centerpiece of every economic development visit, showcasing a community that believes and invests in itself.”
 
Buckalew also highlighted the Reconnecting Communities Grant, a record $36M infrastructure project championed by Mayor Steven L. Reed. “This grant is a key component for reconnecting neighborhoods, eliminating blight, and linking parks, trails, and development along the I-65 corridor and Civil Rights Trail.” These initiatives, coupled with private sector investments from organizations like EJI and RSA, reinforce Montgomery’s position as a catalyst for growth in the Capital Region.
 
Keynote speaker Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, delivered a powerful message on leadership and legacy. “Life is about balance and compromise—working together in a bipartisan spirit. One of the things I’ve learned in my role is that, as different as businesses may be, we are connected by a shared desire for a better quality of life for our community and our neighbors. We’ve learned to set our standards high and leave a legacy that will live on for generations,” Bryan said. She also reminded the audience, “You find opportunities in the challenges,” underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership.
 
Military and community recognitions were central to the program. Virginia Whitfield was honored with the prestigious Defense Community Champion Award by the Association of Defense Communities and Navy Federal Credit Union for her exceptional service to military families. In addition, Brenda King of the Montgomery Chamber received the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal from Maj. Gen. David Pritchett for her 15 years of service with the Chamber, fostering civic-military partnerships and supporting the River Region defense community.
 
The ceremonial Changing of the Gavel concluded the meeting as Stacia Robinson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs and President of The BeneChoice Companies, was welcomed as the Montgomery Chamber’s 2025 Chairwoman. Robinson shared her vision for the year ahead, stating, “I am honored to serve as Chair and look forward to building on the momentum we’ve created to achieve even greater success for our businesses and communities.” Outgoing Chamber Chairman, Caryn Hughes, was recognized for her leadership, which defined a year of transformative growth and unprecedented economic progress.
 
The Chamber extended its gratitude to the public and private sector partners who make its mission possible, including Mayor Reed and the Montgomery City Council, Chairman Doug Singleton and the Montgomery County Commission, state and congressional leadership, Innovate Alabama, and regional community leaders. “Economic development is a team sport, and we are grateful for your leadership and support,” said Buckalew.
 
The Montgomery Chamber recognized its generous sponsors, whose support ensures the success of the Chamber’s mission. Presenting Sponsor: META; Gold Sponsors: Montgomery Regional Airport, PCH Hotels and Resorts, ServisFirst Bank, Tier One Media, Warren Averett, LLC; Silver Sponsors: C Spire, 3 Squared Technology Group, PNC Bank, Premier Tech, Southeast Gas, Troy Bank and Trust along with over 40 corporate sponsors.
 
 
For more information about the Montgomery Chamber’s initiatives and programs, visit www.montgomerychamber.com. Photos and video highlights from today’s event are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBVdjA and https://youtu.be/Va8wc4WiKgA
 
ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,600 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.

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Media Contact:
Greta Locke
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
glocke@montgomerychamber.com
(C): 205-862-9307