The Connector's Table: Encouraging Young Professionals to Build Their Futures in The River Region

Creating opportunities for young professionals begins with a career. Encouraging them to build their futures here requires something more.

That message was at the heart of The Connector's Table, presented by Leadership Montgomery, the Montgomery Regional Chamber, and FuelAL River Region on July 23 at the Alabama Department of Archives & History.

The event brought together business leaders, educators, government officials, community organizations, and the 2026 FuelAL River Region intern cohort for an interactive discussion focused on one of the River Region's greatest opportunities: encouraging young professionals to build their futures here.

FuelAL River Region is a regional summer internship initiative led by the Montgomery Regional Chamber in partnership with Innovate Alabama. The program complements interns' workplace experiences by introducing college students to the employers, communities, amenities, and leadership opportunities that make Alabama's River Region a place to build a career. Through professional development, networking, and community engagement, FuelAL helps interns establish meaningful connections while encouraging them to consider building their future in the region.

Moderated by Dr. Rhea Ingram, Professor of Marketing at Auburn University at Montgomery and Vice Chair of the Leadership Montgomery Board of Directors, the panel featured Robert Birmingham, Area President for Regions Bank and Chairman of the Montgomery Regional Chamber; Stacia Robinson, with the Governor's Office of Civic Engagement and Immediate Past Chair of the Montgomery Regional Chamber; Catherine Reaves, Chief Policy Officer at the Alabama Port Authority; and Fabian Macias, a FuelAL alumnus and logistics professional with DeWell Group. Together, they explored what it takes to attract and encourage the next generation of talent. While each speaker brought a different perspective, the conversation consistently returned to a common theme: creating meaningful careers is only one piece of the equation. Young professionals are more likely to build their futures in a community where they feel connected, valued, heard, and engaged.

While the panel sparked the conversation, some of the day's most meaningful moments came when the discussion expanded beyond the stage. The FuelAL River Region interns weren't simply there to listen—they became active participants. Alongside employers, educators, and community leaders, they shared ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and discussed what truly influences where young professionals choose to launch, and ultimately build, their careers.

One idea surfaced throughout the afternoon: relationships matter.

Participants repeatedly emphasized that attracting talent isn't simply about recruiting someone to a job. It's about introducing them to people, helping them build friendships and professional networks, and creating a genuine sense of belonging within the community. As one panelist noted, sometimes the difference between someone staying or leaving is simply one introduction that creates the connection, and the reason to stay.

The conversation also challenged employers and community leaders to move beyond simply talking about mentorship. Participants encouraged leaders to remain accessible, follow through on commitments, invite young professionals into civic organizations, and intentionally create opportunities for them to become engaged in shaping the future of the River Region. Others encouraged leaders to "hold the chair for someone else" by inviting emerging professionals to business breakfasts, Chamber events, and community organizations, demonstrating that mentorship often begins with a simple invitation.

One of the afternoon's most memorable moments came when a FuelAL River Region intern shared her passion for expanding financial literacy education for elementary students and asked how the initiative she developed during her internship could continue after she returned to college. Rather than offering a simple answer, business leaders immediately responded with offers of mentorship, introductions, and resources, demonstrating exactly the type of collaboration and support the event was designed to encourage.

Participants also challenged perceptions about the River Region itself. From arts and culture to outdoor recreation, museums, entrepreneurship, and a growing economy, the discussion highlighted the many experiences that make the region an attractive place to live and work. More importantly, attendees agreed that one of the community's greatest strengths is its people and their willingness to welcome newcomers, build relationships, and invest in the next generation.

As the event concluded, one message remained clear: creating career opportunities is only part of the equation. Encouraging young professionals to build their futures here requires meaningful connections, engaged employers, welcoming communities, and leaders willing to invest in the next generation. The Connector's Table reinforced that strengthening the River Region's talent pipeline is a shared responsibility. 

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