News
DeKalb economic developer Jimmy Durham stepping back after 30 years
FORT PAYNE, Alabama — After three decades of steering economic growth efforts in one of Alabama’s most picturesque counties, Jimmy Durham is stepping down from his position at the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, triggering a search for a candidate to fill what many consider a dream job opportunity. Durham’s memorable career saw Fort Payne…
Alabama’s aerospace industry thriving as new growth projects take off
Alabama’s robust aerospace industry is soaring to new heights, propelled by groundbreaking projects and innovative investments that continue to add new dimensions to the sector across the state. From the production of next-generation rockets and missiles to the exploration of hypersonic technologies, there’s a lot of head-turning developments going on in the state’s aerospace sector.…
Alabama team targets aerospace growth opportunities at Farnborough Airshow
An Alabama delegation that includes high-ranking state leaders, economic development specialists and community representatives is traveling to London to attend next week’s 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, the aerospace industry’s largest trade event of the year. Deputy Commerce Secretary Angela Till is heading a small working team from the Alabama Department of Commerce that will engage…
Growing Humminbird Alabama plant invests in sustainability
EUFAULA, Alabama — Humminbird, a leading maker of marine electronics products, announced on Thursday a renewable energy project as part of the recent expansion of its Eufaula plant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions over the next 20 years. The project included the installation of a solar array to power part of the Alabama plant’s electricity…
Austal to add over 1,000 jobs with expansion of Mobile shipyard
MOBILE, Alabama — Austal USA announced plans today to expand its Mobile shipyard with the construction of an additional waterfront assembly facility to support the growth of shipbuilding in Alabama’s Port City. The expansion project, fueled by a capital investment of more than $288 million, is set to create 1,032 new jobs over the next…
Governor Ivey celebrates Alabama manufacturers on ‘Made in the USA’ Day
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey praised Alabama’s robust manufacturing sector today in honor of “Made in the USA Day,” highlighting its role in driving economic growth statewide through high-quality jobs and products in demand worldwide. Governor Ivey emphasized Alabama’s status as a powerhouse in U.S. manufacturing, ranking in the top 5 states for manufacturing…
Shape Corp. celebrates opening of second Alabama production facility
TANNER, Alabama — Shape Corp., a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, officially opened its second Alabama production facility today after completing a $74 million growth project that will create over 100 jobs in the coming year. Michigan-based Shape, which opened a plant in nearby Athens in 2016, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning at the…
Second round of SEEDS grants becoming available for site development
Communities across Alabama will soon have an opportunity to apply for state grants that could help them develop industrial sites capable of competing for high-impact economic development projects — and the jobs that come with them. The new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act has already been a success, with the first round…
Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator launches as ‘game-changer’
The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) announced the launch of the Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator, an innovative initiative designed to propel small businesses towards growth and long-term success. The program, made available through the collaboration of area chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, aims to revolutionize the trajectory of micro businesses across Jefferson…
Auto parts maker Samkee Corp. opens first U.S. factory in Tuskegee
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined officials of Samkee Corp. and local leaders today to mark the opening of the auto parts maker’s new production facility in Tuskegee Commerce Park. South Korea-based Samkee invested $128 million to build its first U.S. factory, which will employ over 170 people at full operation while providing…