News
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The "why" behind historic preservation + REV's key tools for making it happen
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Historic Preservation, Yaysayers
Happy Historic Preservation Month, Birmingham! Every year in May, this special celebration ushers in an exciting flurry of conversation around one of our favorite topics: Saving places. The Magic City is full of historic treasures (especially our charming City Center), and REV is a longtime advocate for preserving and utilizing these spaces. But if you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of this worthy cause, a crash course might first be in order.
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Main Street Now shines a spotlight on the Magic City
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Events, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, Yaysayers
You may notice some new faces exploring downtown Birmingham early next week. Nearly 1,900 leaders in commercial district revitalization from across the country will convene from May 6-8 for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference.
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The Key Tool for Urban Revitalization: Downtown BHM's Business Improvement District
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
By the time REV took on BID management in 2018, downtown had a new set of needs from its BID. Downtown Birmingham in the ‘90s had a population mainly of 9 to 5 employees. But the downtown of 2018 had a whole new population of residents and visitors throughout the day and night. We had new opportunities to create positive experiences, inviting them into more downtown businesses and public spaces, and to keep them coming back for more.
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REV's 2024 resolution (and how you can help the Magic City grow)
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, REV Team, Why BHM, Yaysayers
The new year has arrived, and with it comes the power of a new beginning. All throughout the city of Birmingham, individuals and organizations alike are assessing and reflecting on accomplishments of 2023, while determining what work is still left to be done – and we are no exception.
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NiEl' Atelier Grand Opening Showcases Inspirational Journey of Ukrainian Family Achieving the American Dream
Filed Under: Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Get Involved, Small Business
In less than a year after arriving in the United States, the Vyshyvanyuk family, who recently fled from Ukraine, is now launching NiEl’ Bridal Atelier, a custom wedding dress and alterations business in Forest Park. Olena and Mykola Vyshyvanyuk, along with their three children – Viktoriia Vyshyvanyuk, Eva Vyshyvanyuk, and Loanna Vyshyvanyuk – made the courageous decision to leave Ukraine on November 7, 2022. This family’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the boundless opportunities that small businesses can achieve in Birmingham.
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Season 2 of Magic City Match is ready to help Black entrepreneurs grow
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Downtown Birmingham, Events, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Get Involved, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business
Magic City Match is a program that transforms lives and opens doors for Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Led by REV Birmingham and powered by Prosper, this initiative aims to create opportunities for Black-owned businesses by matching them with brick-and-mortar spaces where they can thrive. After a successful pilot program in 2022, Magic City Match is back in action and ready to empower a new wave of entrepreneurs.
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Learn how Salena Lee can take your small business to the next level
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Get Involved, REV Team
Meet Salena Lee, the Business Outreach Coordinator for REV Birmingham. Salena, a Birmingham native who attended Ramsay High School, has always been intrigued by the history and cultural significance of her hometown. Combining her passion for history and business, she found her perfect fit at REV, where she can connect with the community and help businesses thrive. In this blog post, we’ll delve into Salena’s background, her role at REV Birmingham, and REV’s commitment to fostering Birmingham’s small business ecosystem.
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Your guide to a family-friendly day downtown
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Family Friendly, Front Page, Get Involved, Small Business, Yaysayers
With summer just around the corner, kids will soon be out of school and insisting on getting out of the house. Luckily, Downtown Birmingham has an abundance of family-friendly activities that will keep your kiddos entertained and create lifelong memories. We know taking kids out for extended periods can be challenging; that’s why we have curated a list of experiences designed to be enjoyable within a manageable 3 – 4 hour timeframe.
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Get to know your City Center District Manager, Michael Symes.
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, REV Team, Yaysayers
Meet Michael Symes, the new City Center District Manager for the Business Improvement District (BID). As a long-time resident of Birmingham, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having been an active member of the community since graduating from the University of Alabama. In this article, we will explore Michael’s journey and learn about his “accidental roots” in the city, as well as his passion for working with the Business Improvement District (BID) of the Magic City. Follow along as we get to know the person behind the job title and uncover the unique perspective he brings to the role.
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Why your voice on historic preservation is essential
Filed Under: Front Page, Get Involved, Historic Preservation, Residential
President and CEO of REV Birmingham David Fleming writes about the importance of historic preservation and highlights the advocacy efforts that saved the French Quarter in New Orleans and the Forest Park neighborhood in Birmingham. The article concludes with a call to action, urging for new leaders and the implementation of various strategies to protect and celebrate Birmingham’s historic buildings and places.