“It’s no secret that one of my biggest priorities is to bring new, exciting opportunities to our state so that any Alabamian who wants a high-wage career can get one,” the governor said. “Whether it be education, infrastructure or economic advancement, all of these priorities lead to our overall goal of making Alabama the best place to live, work and raise a family.

“And when it comes to accomplishing this from an economic standpoint, each of you — the rural developers — are the boots on the ground,” she added. “Thanks to your hard work and dedication, the progress we have made in our ‘targeted’ counties is nothing short of remarkable.”

She cited some of the high-impact projects announced last year that are heading to rural areas.

• Arizona-based First Solar Inc, plans to build a $1.1 billion factory with 700 workers in Lawrence County, the largest investment project to land in a rural county in recent years.
• Valdosta, Georgia-based Advanced ATC is rolling out a remote air traffic control tower center at Selma’s Craig Field that aims to revolutionize air space management in the U.S. through its technology to serve multiple airports from one location.
• Pennsylvania-based Ecore International is investing $25.5 million to open a state-of-the-art manufacturing and recycling facility in Ozark, where it will create 84 jobs.

“Folks, that’s how you develop your economy,” Governor Ivey said.

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the state’s lead economic development agency has elevated driving growth in rural areas to a top strategic priority.

“Working with our allies across the state, we made significant progress last year toward our goal of fully unlocking the growth potential of rural Alabama,” he said.

To accelerate growth, Brenda Tuck, Commerce’s first Rural Development Manager, said the department has launched initiatives like the annual Summit and the Simulated Training and Readiness Program (STAR) to better prepare rural economic developers.

“Alabama’s rural communities offer companies from around the world all the essentials they need to find long-term success with their ventures,” Tuck said. “Opportunities are flourishing in the state’s rural communities, and the business world is paying attention.”

FOND FAREWELL

During her remarks, Governor Ivey paid tribute to Secretary Canfield, who is departing  Commerce at year’s end after 12 years in charge.

“Anytime I have asked, he’s delivered. He’s someone I know I can always count on because when he sets his sights on something, he doesn’t stop until the job is done,” she said.

“This is a man who has given everything to move Alabama forward, and that’s why, in my opinion, he will go down as one of the best Commerce Secretaries in our state’s history.”

Governor Ivey said Commerce is in good hands with his successor, longtime Montgomery economic developer Ellen McNair.

“Ellen is a battle-tested economic developer with a proven track record of reeling in the big fish here in Alabama,” she said.

Read about the transition.