By james art 
The Alabama Economic Development Partnership is expanding an initiative initially aimed at turning Birmingham into a technology center into a state pursuit.
EDPA acquired Birmingham bound for an undisclosed amount.
Established in 2018 by Shipt, Birmingham Bound has attracted more than 20 technology companies in Magic City since its inception. The idea behind him was to market Birmingham as a place for early -stage companies, based on the assumption that many would choose the city as a destination, given their low costs of life and local support.
The idea was not only to recreate something like Shipt, which was born locally, but also to become a multi -million -dollar technology company, but also to create the type of economic ecosystem that would naturally support other companies.
EDPA President Miller Girwin said the idea is to spread what works in Birmingham throughout the country.
“This development allows us to use proven methods that we have refined with our AL Intel Business Intelligence Team in order to focus on specific companies, to pursue high -ranking positions, and to emphasize the unique proposal for the value of alabama for business at an early stage. ”
Lauren Hyde, CEO of the Alabama Business Intelligence Center in Alabama, said the acquisition was based on “things we are doing well”.
Hyde will lead the initiative throughout the country, with the leadership of the founder of Birmingham Bound Britney Summerville and other founding advisers.
In a statement, Summerville said this move “harden Alabama’s commitment to become a leading destination for innovation and technology.”
“By using the inertia and talent we have cultivated, we open doors to companies and persons to thrive in our country.”
Hyde said throughout the country a version of Birmingham Bound will upgrade only part of the work that EDPA is already doing.
“We (EDPA) already have a generation of lead as a pillar,” Hyde said. “We already have business intelligence as a pillar. We already have innovation and entrepreneurship. It just helps to connect all three. “
For example, the initiative may work to connect companies to cities where they can thrive. For example, Defense Tech may find a home near Huntsville or Montgomery. Extended production can find a better home in the Birmingham subway area.
“If you are a technology company for defense, that you are closer to this ecosystem is really valuable,” Hyde said. “We are already working throughout the EDPA country. Our people travel through the country. This person will do exactly the same by traveling throughout the country, connecting with ecosystems where there are existing resources that make sense to their company. ”
EDPA is currently looking to hire a director of the business attraction of the technology company.