Birmingham Business Alliance Launches BHM IQ, a Data-Driven Intelligence Center to Strengthen Regional Business Growth

New initiative will power proactive economic development strategy; Irina Pritchett joins as senior director of business intelligence

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) today announced the launch of BHM IQ, a new business intelligence initiative designed to strengthen the region's economic development strategy through advanced analytics, industry research, and competitive intelligence. 

As Birmingham continues to attract investment across biosciences, advanced manufacturing, corporate operations, and emerging technology sectors, BHM IQ will serve as the region's centralized hub for economic and workforce intelligence—providing actionable insights that help recruit new companies, support existing employers, and inform long-term growth strategies. 

"Economic development has entered an intelligence era," said Steve Ammons, President and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance. "Companies evaluating locations today expect communities to understand their industry, their workforce needs, and their competitive landscape before the first meeting even happens. BHM IQ ensures Birmingham can meet that expectation with precision, insight, and confidence." 

The new initiative reflects a broader shift among competitive U.S. regions toward data-driven economic development, where detailed market intelligence, workforce analysis, and company research guide business recruitment and expansion efforts. 

A New Intelligence Platform for Economic Growth 

BHM IQ will power a more innovative era of BBA's business attraction, retention, and expansion strategy by introducing a dynamic, data–driven framework that integrates industry intelligence with targeted company outreach and real–time research support for active economic development projects. 

By combining regional expertise with advanced analytics platforms and vetted economic data, the initiative will help position Birmingham more effectively in national and global site selection and business expansion conversations. BHM IQ will add a new, progressive approach to the BBA's tried and trusted legacy of economic development. 

The intelligence center will also collaborate with economic development organizations across Alabama, creating a coordinated research ecosystem that helps communities across the state compete for high-value investment opportunities. 

"Increasingly, the regions winning transformative economic development projects are the ones able to deliver deep, tailored intelligence about their markets," Ammons added. "BHM IQ allows Birmingham to anticipate opportunities rather than simply react to them; giving companies a clearer, faster understanding of why this region is positioned for their success." 

Supporting the Next Generation of Industry and Innovation 

Birmingham's economy has evolved from its industrial roots into a diverse mix of advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation, logistics, and entrepreneurial growth. The region is home to globally recognized research institutions, expanding startup resources, and legacy companies that continue to modernize their operations. 

Programs like BHM IQ will help ensure the region can continue to compete for investments that strengthen supply chains, accelerate innovation, and create well-paying jobs for the region's growing workforce. 

New Leadership for Activating the Initiative 

To lead the effort, BBA has hired Irina Pritchett, Ph.D. as Senior Director of Business Intelligence.

In this role, Pritchett will oversee the strategy, development, and execution of BHM IQ, including industry research, competitive benchmarking, and the creation of intelligence tools that support BBA's economic development priorities. 

"As Birmingham looks toward the future, initiatives like BHM IQ ensure we're telling our story with clarity, precision, and deep credibility," said Pritchett. "This program gives our region a powerful new tool to showcase the talent, innovation, and collaboration that make Birmingham one of the South's most compelling markets for business investment." 

Pritchett, who grew up in the Birmingham region and holds a Ph.D. in Economics, will work closely with BBA's economic development, workforce, and small business teams, as well as regional stakeholder partners across government, education, and the private sector. 

To receive upcoming research releases and insights from the BHM IQ team, sign up for email updates at https://members.birminghambusinessalliance.com/contact. 

About the Birmingham Business Alliance

The Birmingham Business Alliance is the region's leading economic development organization, working to grow the economy of the Greater Birmingham region by recruiting new businesses, supporting existing companies, and advancing strategic initiatives that strengthen the area's competitiveness. Through partnerships with public and private stakeholders, the BBA drives investment, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity across the region. To learn more, visit birminghambusinessalliance.com.

SOURCE Birmingham Business Alliance