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Billy Canary

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PowerSouth CEO explains why companies are leaving BCA

PowerSouth President and CEO Gary L. Smith may have made the most transparent case for why the state’s marquee corporations are in a steady exodus from the Business Council of Alabama. “Our problem with BCA is simply Billy Canary and his leadership,” wrote Smith in the company’s withdrawal letter to BCA Chairman Perry Hand. “Billy … Continued
June 21, 2018

Canary, Hand feel the heat

On Monday, when Alabama Power Company CEO Mark Crosswhite withdrew the company’s membership from the Business Council of Alabama, he was following a pattern long recommended by the 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan, who famously said, “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” For over a … Continued
June 20, 2018

More top companies exit BCA

The BCA exodus has begun. A day after Alabama Power announced its plans to leave the Business Council of Alabama, two more powerhouses — Regions Bank, the state’s only Fortune 500 company, and PowerSouth Energy, an energy company serving south Alabama and northwest Florida — followed suit on Tuesday. More defections are expected throughout the … Continued
June 20, 2018

Breaking News: Alabama Power withdraws from BCA

This morning, a letter was delivered to the Business Council of Alabama stating that Alabama Power is withdrawing its membership from the business organization, “effective immediately.” Alabama Political Reporter obtained a copy of the letter in which Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite makes clear to BCA Chairman Perry Hand and Executive Committee members why the … Continued
June 18, 2018

BCA big primary bet not paying off so well 

Once, an endorsement from the Business Council of Alabama was a clear indication of the frontrunner in a political race, but this changed dramatically during the June 5 primary with BCA losing several high profile races while squandering vast sums of money on losing candidates. Embattled BCA CEO Billy Canary bet big but ended up … Continued
June 12, 2018

BCA is targeting Tim Wadsworth

The powerful Business Council of Alabama has endorsed challenger Richard “Bull” Corry, R-Oakman, in House District 14 over incumbent Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley. In addition, BCA’s PAC has donated $20,000 to Corry’s campaign. BCA said in a statement that, “Elections are a battle to ensure that a pro-jobs majority in the Legislature leads with a pro-jobs … Continued
June 1, 2018

BCA’s Canary pumps money into Senate race pushing candidate to go negative

One of the most closely watched state Senate races is the Republican primary to fill the seat being vacated by independent-thinking Republican maverick Sen. Dick Brewbaker. The showdown for Senate District 25 is between Vice Chair Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker and Montgomery attorney Will Barfoot. Walker was appointed to the county commission by disgraced … Continued
May 28, 2018

APR’s League of Influentials offer predictions in the upcoming Republican primary

During the first two weeks of May, the Alabama Political Reporter asked its League of Influentials to weigh in on upcoming Republican statewide elections. The Influentials are a roster of lawmakers from both parties, political analysts, members of the media, lobbyists and consultants that span the political spectrum. The survey finds Gov. Ivey with a … Continued
May 21, 2018

BCA, ALFA and PCI support candidates with a history of misogyny

In the era of the #MeToo movement, it should be shocking that the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians are supporting men for statewide office who have either protected sexual predators or are themselves accused spouse abusers. The popular novel, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” … Continued
May 14, 2018