MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — The brand new president of the influential Enterprise Council of Alabama has hit the bottom operating since beginning in December.

President and CEO Helena Duncan is not any stranger to the council or the enterprise wants of Alabama. Earlier than becoming a member of the BCA, she constructed a 35-year profession as a banker within the Montgomery space, working with companies to determine their wants — a talent she mentioned transferred into her present position.

“I used to be capable of convert that over right here and take that data and apply it to what BCA’s mission is,” Duncan mentioned.

Duncan joined the BCA in 2020, ultimately working her means as much as president. Since taking the helm, Duncan mentioned she’s frolicked assembly with state leaders, pushing for funding to incentivize companies to maneuver to Alabama.

“Alabama is open for enterprise, and the businesses which are listed here are rising they usually’re thriving due to these incentives and due to the eye that the laws is paying to the companies in our state,” Duncan mentioned.

Duncan mentioned workforce growth points are a high precedence, however she’s optimistic the tide is popping on that entrance because the state continues to report low unemployment and job development. The state nonetheless has one of many lowest labor participation charges within the nation, although.

“However once more, there are issues being put in place daily that’s going to assist with that,” Duncan mentioned. “I really feel just like the momentum is shifting the place it’s nonetheless a high precedence for all of us, however I do really feel prefer it’s getting higher.”

Duncan mentioned working with leaders in Washington can also be necessary. She mentioned having Sen. Katie Britt in workplace — a former BCA president — is massive.

“She is pro-business,” Duncan mentioned. “She understands the battle higher than most and she or he understands what must occur right here higher than most, so having her there advocating for Alabama in any capability, however particularly for the enterprise group is big for us.”

Duncan mentioned the council can be watching the legislative session carefully and advocating for these financial incentives for companies. Duncan can also be the primary Black president to steer the BCA. Earlier than her management, Robin Stone was the interim director after then-president Katie Britt entered the U.S. Senate race.