In advance of the kick-off of a strategic planning process that will guide the region’s future, the Birmingham Business Alliance is asking for the public to provide input through an online survey.

The survey is open to current BBA investors as well as all residents of the BBA’s seven-county region, including Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, St. Clair, Bibb, Calhoun and Chilton counties.

The survey, available at Birminghambusinessalliance.com, addresses a variety of issues ranging from job opportunities to barriers that stall the advancement of the region.

The public input will be included in the BBA’s strategic planning process that will result in a long-term plan for advancing business and improving quality of life in the Birmingham region.

Input for the strategic plan is also being collected through more than a dozen focus groups involving approximately 500 people in areas including legal, education, small business, large business, workforce development, media and quality of life.

The BBA hired Market Street Services of Atlanta in November to direct an intensive, six-month economic development planning process for the Birmingham region.

The company has conducted similar undertakings in scores of cities throughout the United States.

More information about the strategic plan process will be shared soon.