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It is 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at a deli in Birmingham, Alabama and a group of six business leaders are greeting each other as the rest of the city begins to awaken. Curious about the diverse group of businessmen, a customer asks a waitress about the group. Her only reply is that “they meet here every week from 6:30-7:30 a.m. without fail.” There is Jim C., a white CEO of a construction company; Thomas, the principal of one of Birmingham’s largest African American employers; Lant, a principal in a software company; Jim M. a first year executive with Southtrust; Patrick, a Caucasian engineer and manager with a construction firm and Kelvin, a successful African American attorney. They represent an increasingly growing group of leaders in Birmingham that are young and old, black and white and committed to “doing business by the book”… and they are not alone. Each week hundreds of business leaders gather in restaurants and corporate offices in small groups across our cities.

For more than twenty years, Young Business Leaders (YBL) have worked quietly behind the scenes with a goal of making Birmingham a city where the leaders are above reproach. With the many demands and choices in our lives, choosing the most valuable and productive paths can be confusing. Time spent with YBL also helps leaders discover the value of God’s guidance and direction as you make life decisions. Young Business Leaders provides a gathering place for businessmen—businessmen who are committed to integrity and quality in their lives. YBL encourages leaders to build relationships with men from a variety of backgrounds, ages and life experiences.

We recently caught up with Frank Woodson, The Assistant Director, and asked him about opportunities for business owners and other chief level officers. “While the bulk of our organization services involves over three thousand businessmen, we have created a special place in our organization for decision makers. We call it our Key Leaders group.

This is an opportunity for tier one leaders to expand their sphere of influence in the community and their business base as well. This group also sponsors the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast for the 40 surrounding municipalities as a way to show support and provide encouragement to our elected officials. With leadership development, a need in every community, this group has a mentoring program that matches proven leaders with established leaders. This type of discipleship is important because you don’t learn how to be a CEO in corporate workshops; it comes from walking with a proven leader.”

When I asked about helping the college to career group, this is what he had to say. “We host quarterly banquets with powerful keynote speakers who are nationally recognized for significant accomplishments in areas such as business and professional athletics to share their insight into and strategies for successful living. We coach, counsel, mentor and encourage these young leaders to embrace exceptional character. YBL is committed to helping these leaders discover a healthy perspective on life and their roles as businessman, friend, father and husband. As your understanding of these issues increases, you will be encouraged as you apply your knowledge in a very tangible, practical way.”

There is more to Young Business Leaders than meeting with others and exchanging ideas. Time spent with YBL is an investment in our future as leaders learn and apply principles of God’s Word. As they see these truths affect their lives, they are encouraged to help others apply these same principles. YBL identifies and develops leadership qualities for effective relationships at work and at home. One thing is for sure, it is a lot easier when you do not have to figure it all out by yourself. It is great to have a friend in the Market Place. For additional information on Young Business Leaders, call Phil Reddick, Executive Director, at (205) 933-0090.