Alabama Power Withdraws from BCA
Alabama Power is withdrawing from the Business Council of Alabama “effective immediately” amid concerns over leadership. A spokesman for Alabama Power told WBHM there are questions surrounding the organization’s effectiveness. Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite said in a letter BCA has alienated federal and state officials, failed to communicate with its members, and allowed the BCA’s financial health to decline.
Crosswhite went on to say in the letter first published by Alabama Political Reporter that the BCA has become a divisive force in the state. A spokesman for Alabama Power declined to comment further.
BCA Chairman Perry Hand responded to Crosswhite in a letter Monday calling Crosswhite’s letter “extremely disappointing.” Hand acknowledged Alabama Power voiced several concerns in the past about the organization’s leadership. His letter noted Crosswhite’s “list of demands”–including Hand’s removal as president and CEO — to be fulfilled under deadlines Hand characterized as unreasonable. “I have worked to find areas of compromise, but you have made it clear that compromising is not an option,” Hand wrote.
Hand said he the group plans to have a new CEO by January.
The Business Council of Alabama was founded in 1985. It bills itself as the voice for Alabama’s business community and is Alabama’s affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. The group lobbies state lawmakers and members of Congress on issues ranging from infrastructure investments to education reform.
Hand said Alabama Power hasn’t been a member of the BCA since April due to nonpayment of dues.
Opinion: Remembering Ai, a remarkably intelligent chimpanzee
We remember Ai, a highly intelligent chimpanzee who lived at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University for most of her life, except the time she escaped and walked around campus.
The near death — and last-minute reprieve — of a trial for an HIV vaccine
A trial was about to launch for a vaccine that would ward off the HIV virus. It would be an incredible breakthrough. Then it looked as if it would be over before it started.
Bessemer data center developer to request rezoning for additional 900 acres
The city’s attorney informed council members of the request on Tuesday, warning that there may be media scrutiny.
Is RFK Jr.’s Administration for a Healthy America — AHA — in the works or not?
The Administration for a Healthy America is RFK Jr.'s plan to tackle chronic disease, addiction and other persistent problems. But so far it's not being set up like previous new agencies.
They quit their day jobs to bet on current events. A look inside the prediction market mania
Prediction market apps are thriving in Trump's second term, with traders betting on migrant deportations to election outcomes. A community of young, mostly male and very online traders are driving the industry's bonanza.
Major plumbing headache haunts $13 billion U.S. carrier off the coast of Venezuela
The crew of USS Ford is struggling to handle sewage problems on board the Navy's newest carrier.
