News
Made (and tested) in Alabama: State-built cars first get test track workouts
Before Alabama-made vehicles hit city streets and neighborhood roads, they get a workout on the test tracks at the state’s three auto assembly plants. Banked curves, bumpy asphalt, smooth straightaways and skid pads are just some of the features that help put the models through paces that are designed to simulate all kinds of driving…
Alabama Launchpad entrepreneurship program expands reach
FLORENCE, Alabama – Alabama Launchpad, a business plan competition that has helped turn dreams into reality for entrepreneurs and innovators across Alabama, is expanding. The Shoals area will be the first regional site for Launchpad, which was started by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) a decade ago. The University of North Alabama College…
Funding wave boosts Birmingham tech startup scene
Entrepreneurs and innovators are getting noticed for their work in Birmingham, attracting millions of dollars in new investment for their technology-based startups. In recent months, there have been at least three major funding announcements involving local firms: On-demand grocery delivery service Shipt announced this summer that it had secured $20.1 million in Series A funding.…
MILESTONE: Honda produces 4 millionth Alabama-made vehicle
LINCOLN, Alabama — If you line up all the Honda vehicles that have been built at the automaker’s Talladega County plant since it opened 15 years ago, they would stretch across the U.S., from New York to Los Angeles, more than four times. That’s what 4 million Alabama-made Hondas look like. Today, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama celebrated…
Japanese investment in Alabama fuels many industries
When it comes to Japanese investment in Alabama, auto manufacturers Honda and Toyota and their broad network of suppliers across the state immediately come to mind. But the Asian nation is behind a significant number of non-automotive companies here as well, from chemical and steel producers to pharmaceutical and life insurance firms. In all, there…
Alabama firms seek foothold with Latin America trade mission
Latin America is the latest target for Alabama trade leaders seeking growth markets for state businesses. Representatives of a dozen companies are participating in a trade mission this week that started Sunday in Mexico and continues Wednesday in Chile. It’s being held in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service’s Trade Winds program, which includes regional…
Alabama auto industry adds jobs, investment in communities big and small
Alabama’s auto industry continues to power new investment and jobs across the state. Over the past year, auto suppliers have announced new facilities and expansions worth at least $924 million and more than 2,500 new jobs in activities ranging from precision machining to engineering. Among the companies growing in Alabama is Lear Operations Corp., which…
Alabama Innovation Awards honor success stories across state
Companies across Alabama, including medical researchers, shipbuilders and a media mogul, are being honored for their commitment to innovation. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama will present the 2016 Alabama Innovation Awards during the sixth annual Alabama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference in Birmingham. All of the recipients were selected because they showed significant achievement in…
Building BLOX: Alabama architecture firm makes mark on healthcare with innovative process
Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio Inc. has played a key role in shaping communities across Alabama. From parks and schools to hospitals and corporate campuses, GA Studio is the author of many of the region’s well-known landmarks. In particular, the 50-year-old firm’s work has helped spur the resurgence of downtown Birmingham, with notable projects including Jemison…
Innovation Week: Birmingham tech sector offers ‘room to run’ for entrepreneurs
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – World class research institutions, along with a skilled workforce, strong financial community and engaged business leadership are among the assets that make the Birmingham region fertile ground for innovation and technology. The sector’s rich landscape here is being celebrated this week, with various forums, open houses and panel discussions that feature entrepreneurs,…