The city of Birmingham, largely through the efforts of the downtown Principal Shopping District, does a terrific job of keeping the central business district clean and inviting, and also markets the downtown area as an attractive alternative to the shopping mall scene.

As great as the downtown area is, however, it is not the only game in town when it comes to shopping and service opportunities in the city. Slowly but surely, the city’s “Rail District” is gaining momentum on its own, with a wide variety of entrepreneurial efforts taking place east of Eton Road and south of Maple.

To help highlight the growing business community, the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber is hosting a “Rail Rally” in the district on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The event kicks off at 3 p.m. with Check-Ins at Laurie Tennent Studios – 929 S. Eton where team passport photos are taken and a trip ticket with all the participating stops is distributed.  Form your own team of up to four or join a team at Check-In.

Teams will then head out to make rally visits, social media check-ins with demos, activities and incentives at Member businesses.  Bring your charged smart phone to capture photos, video & social media check-ins.  Then join us at 5:30 p.m. at GriffinClaw Brewing Company – 575 S. Eton St. to network and socialize.

There will be complimentary appetizers for Rail Rally participants, prizes will be awarded, and pictures and video from the event will be shared.  All are welcome and there is no cost to participate in the RAIL RALLY; simply RSVP at the Chamber Website www.bbcc.com

Even though summer is officially over, there still is plenty of fun to be had in and around Birmingham. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Joe Bauman is President of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. He welcomes feedback at joeb@bbcc.com