Located in the heart of the Southeast, the Birmingham region (aka the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area)
has a population of 1.1 million and is Alabama’s largest commercial center. The seven county metropolitan area is home to Alabama’s top public school systems plus Alabama’s largest concentration of universities and colleges, including The University of Alabama at Birmingham a top ranking research university.

Positioned at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham-Hoover boasts scenic vistas, large historical districts together with some of the best cultural arts and outdoor recreational amenities found in the Southeast. A remarkably diversified economic base, highly skilled workforce and competitive cost of living make Birmingham a tailored location for business development. For eight consecutive years, economic analysis firm POLICOM has ranked the Birmingham economy in the top 40 out of 318 U.S. metropolitan areas for economic strength. The region’s solid economic base has developed into a leading Southeastern economy. From bioscience and technology development to the location of automotive suppliers and distribution centers, a wide range of business developments and expansions continue to lay the foundation of Birmingham’s economic growth for the next century.

More information on the latest business announcements and overall economic development of the Birmingham region is available at the 2004 Economic Development Projects link at the Chamber’s site. A study released in December 2005 by the Boyd Company, a New-Jersey consulting firm, gives Birmingham a strong rating as a location for biotechnology companies. Comparing costs of operating a bio-research and -production facility in 50 large and small cities across the U.S. and Europe, Boyd analysts say Birmingham has the right size and work force for the growing the changing biotech industry. We’re mid-range in costs ($9.1 million to run a 75,000 sq. ft. facility). We rank lowest in corporate travel costs, 43^rd in annual operating costs, and 44^th in annual labor costs ($5.5 million). For information on relocating or growing your business in Birmingham – Hoover, visit the Economic Development Contacts link on the chamber’s site.