POWERGRAMS

2 and hospitality Birmingham has to offer, the World Games is expected to have a massive economic impact on the city business community – particularly for businesses owned by minorities, females, veterans and disadvantaged people. Porter said there is a diversity spending goal of 35% for minority and women-owned companies. "This is a huge opportunity for Birmingham small business owners to propel their companies to the next level," said Porter, emphasizing the unprecedented exposure the city's businesses will have around the world. "If they get a contract from the World Games, that can change the trajectory of their company forever, and put their name on the map as a certified vendor of the World Games." The World Games is the first major worldwide sporting event that will be open to full capacity audiences post-pandemic, so the economic boost from the event could not come at a better time. The Birmingham Organizing Committee has given small businesses a competitive advantage by establishing World of Opportunity. The program will create a sustainable supplier diversity database – part of the World Games 2022 legacy to Birmingham – including transportation, event production, security, signage, merchandise, equipment, food service, printing, fencing, waste removal and construction services. Excitement for the upcoming World Games has been a bit understated until recently. Porter said marketing continues to be one of the organization's biggest challenges, particularly because Birmingham is only the second U.S. city to host since the first World Games in Santa Clara, California, in 1981. "The World Games is a top-notch organization that partners with the International Olympic Committee and works collectively with the Olympics," said Porter. Porter is directing efforts for only the second World Games ever held in the U.S.

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