Economic Development, Featured, Government, Uncategorized, Upcoming Event

Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley has proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month in the city of Bessemer.

A proclamation from the Mayor celebrates the passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. The city of Bessemer is a partner agency with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a recipient of federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

As part of this month’s commemoration, the city of Bessemer’s Economic and Community Development Department is partnering with the United Way of Central Alabama and United Way’s Priority Veteran to host a Landlord Networking and Informational Event on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at the Bessemer Recreation Center. The event will last from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will provide an opportunity for landlords, rental owners and property managers to network and learn how to grow their business while protecting their assets.

Registration is required at Eunited.org/landlord.

Economic Development, Featured, Government, Uncategorized, Upcoming Event

11th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival presented by Premiere Chevrolet is set for April 30, 2022 at DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer, AL. Expect great BBQ & BLUES music!

Barbecue and Blues are a great combination so start planning for the 11th Annual Bob Sykes Bbq & Blues Festival set for Saturday, April 30, 2022. The festival is presented by the City of Bessemer, BLOX, and Premiere Chevrolet.  The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bar B Q from 12-8pm. Gates open at 11 a.m. Be sure to bring your chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day to enjoy talented blues musicians.

Bob Sykes is proud to announce the music line-up that includes Grammy winning blues legend Bobby Rush, AMG Album of the Year winner Robert Kimbrough Sr. Blues Connection and award winning blues musicians including Tullie Brae, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues, Hurricane Elaine Hudson, John Bull Trio and Reggie Yarbrough and Company.

Since 2010, the event has been a local favorite for festival goers. Attendees of the festival range from youth to adults. Second generation owner and pit master of Bob Sykes Bar B Q Van Sykes says “Each year the festival grows and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and the support of the community.”

Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley says “The Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival has been a great event for the City of Bessemer. We’re looking forward to many more great years of barbecue and blues music in downtown Bessemer.”

The festival has been chosen for numerous years as one of the top food festivals in Alabama by al.com. There is something to do for the entire family including a large kids corner with activities and games. Children eight and under are free with a ticketed adult. Besides great music and barbecue the festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, and a diverse selection of vendors selling tempting offers.

General admission tickets can be purchased at www.bobsykesblues.com or visit Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant. The festival will give a portion of the proceeds to a local Alabama charity “Caring Men and Caring Women” that motivates, empowers, and encourages boys and girls through mentoring and various other resources to be positive decision makers and to help facilitate the process that will shape them into successful and responsible adults. Since 2010, the festival has provided funding for local charities including Red Mountain Grace, Children’s of Alabama, Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation, Clay House, Hands On Birmingham, Ady’s Army and Latch and Live Foundation.

Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant has been a staple in Birmingham, Alabama for decades and is celebrating its 65th anniversary! Bob Sykes Bar B Q is proud to announce the release of a new book called “From the Pit to the Plate.” The book release date is set for April, 2022. The book is a story told by the Bob Sykes family of how Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant has kept a family owned local tradition since 1957. Three generations of the Sykes family has proudly served authentic southern barbecue that literally goes from the pit to the plate.  The late Bob and Maxine Sykes founded the restaurant and today their son Van runs the family business with the help of his nephew, Jason Jewell. Bob Sykes Bar B Q has been the benchmark for others to match for true southern barbecue. Times may have changed, but nothing has changed in the way Bob Sykes prepares and cooks their famous barbecue oven an open fire pit located in the center of the dining room for guests to watch.

Event Information:

11th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival

Saturday, April 30, 2022

12pm-8pm. Gates open at 11am

$20 Tickets can be purchased at www.BobSykesBlues.com

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bob-sykes-bbq-blues-festival-tickets-153383075909 or visit  Bob Sykes Bar B Que Restaurant

$25 tickets day of event

For More Information contact: elaine.lyda@gmail.com or call 205-426-1400

Economic Development, Featured, Government, Uncategorized, Upcoming Event

The city of Bessemer has unveiled its prospectus for its federally-designated Opportunity Zone. 

STRADA Professional Services recently completed an Opportunity Zone prospectus for the city of Bessemer. Opportunity Zones are an economic development tool that allows people to invest in distressed areas in the United States.

Their purpose is to spur economic growth and job creation in low-income communities while providing tax benefits to investors.

Opportunity Zones, or OZ, were created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Public Law No. 115-97). Thousands of low-income communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories are designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Taxpayers can invest in these zones through Qualified Opportunity Funds.

The city of Bessemer’s Opportunity Zone includes Downtown Bessemer, the Westlake community and portions of the Jonesboro Community along Fourth Avenue North to Ninth Street.

To review the city’s OZ Prospectus: See Attachment Click Here