News
Alabama leaders seek to strengthen bonds at SEUS Japan 40
GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Business leaders from across Alabama are participating in an international conference that seeks to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the Southeastern U.S. and the country of Japan. The 40th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations, known as SEUS Japan 40, is being held in Greenville,…
Alabama universities plug into industry with auto research projects
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama isn’t only a major center for auto manufacturing, it’s also a growing hub for research and development projects that drive future industry technologies. At the University of Alabama, the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies offers interdisciplinary education, as well as research projects to prepare the next generation of automotive engineers. The…
Job training programs fuel growth of Alabama auto industry
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama’s worker training efforts have helped build the state auto industry into a juggernaut, and the growth shows no signs of slowing. Worker training agency AIDT’s success can be attributed to its talented staff, as well as state leaders who provide resources and flexibility for them to do their jobs well, said…
Southern Automotive Conference brings industry leaders to Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Key auto industry decision makers from across the Southeastern U.S. and beyond will be in Alabama this week to learn about new innovations, share solid business practices and build stronger relationships with their colleagues. The Southern Automotive Conference, which kicks off Wednesday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, features a lineup of industry…
Toyota to invest $106M in Alabama engine plant, add 50 jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Toyota today announced plans to invest $106 million and add 50 jobs at its Alabama engine plant, the latest expansion for the Huntsville facility that is a key part of the automaker’s global operations. The investment will provide for a complete replacement of the current four-cylinder engine line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing…
2017 Innovation Awards honor ingenuity of Alabama companies
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Three Alabama businesses will be honored this week as leading innovators in their fields. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) will present the 2017 Innovation Awards at its “imerge” program today in Birmingham. Among this year’s winners is ZeroRPM of Cullman, named Corporate Innovator of the Year in the small company…
Innovation Week to showcase Birmingham’s dynamic innovation ecosystem
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Birmingham’s rich entrepreneurial landscape will be in the spotlight this week, as inventors, investors and the new technologies they created are celebrated. Innovation Week Birmingham events include a solar eclipse viewing party, a panel discussion on how technology is changing Birmingham’s hospitality industry and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama’s “imerge” event…
INNOVATION: New UAB Accelerator to power startup growth
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – A new effort at the University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks to provide critical support for startups when they are in the earliest stages of development. The UAB Commercialization Accelerator will officially launch next week during Innovation Week Birmingham, an annual event that spotlights new technologies and inventions, along with the entrepreneurs…
‘Minnie Van’: Redesigned Alabama-built Odyssey makes memorable debut
The latest transformation of the Alabama-made Honda Odyssey is turning heads. The redesigned, 2018 edition of the top-selling minivan hit dealer lots this summer and is already earning high marks from reviewers for its performance, technology and other new and improved features. Adding to the buzz, Honda also teamed up with Disney-ABC to create a…
Alabama forest products industry poised for gains after strong year
After a banner year for the forest products industry in Alabama, the sector is primed for even more growth and innovation. Last year, Alabama recorded forest products industry projects involving $1.2 billion in new investment and more than 1,000 anticipated jobs, according to the Alabama Forestry Association and the 2016 New and Expanding Industry Report…