Over 60 Local Leaders Attend Chamber Benchmarking Trip to Knoxville
July 16, 2025
More than 60 business, civic, and community leaders from West Alabama traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, this week as part of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s 2025 Benchmarking Trip presented by The University of Alabama.
This annual trip, designed to inspire innovation and foster collaboration, offered participants a firsthand look at how Knoxville—a city consistently ranked among the nation’s top destinations for young professionals—is addressing challenges and driving progress in key areas like public safety, workforce development, community growth, and quality of life.
Attendees explored a wide range of topics throughout the trip, including the city’s innovation ecosystem, public-private partnerships, and talent retention strategies.
“Benchmarking trips are about opening minds to new possibilities,” said Chamber President and CEO Kyle South. “Knoxville gave us valuable insights and inspiration, but more importantly, it reinforced that communities succeed when business and civic leaders work together toward common goals.”
Throughout the three-day experience, participants had opportunities to connect with Knoxville stakeholders, engage in facilitated discussions, and begin conversations on how to translate lessons learned into actionable strategies for Tuscaloosa, Northport and the greater West Alabama region.
For more information, visit westalabamachamber.com/benchmarking.