News
Commerce launches ‘RurAL’ campaign to promote rural Alabama
The Alabama Department of Commerce is launching a new digital marketing campaign, including an online site, that focuses on rural Alabama as a great place for doing business and the source of valuable products in demand around the world. The centerpiece of the “RurAL” campaign is a content-rich website that showcases the business advantages of…
Foreign investment sparks growth in rural Alabama communities
Many folks may be unaware of the advantages of doing business in Alabama’s rural counties, but corporate decision-makers from around the world are fully tuned in to the possibilities. Foreign direct investment has been a vital ingredient in Alabama’s economic growth in recent years — and that is true for rural parts of the state…
Alabama exports primed for rebound in 2021 after pandemic challenges
In an unparalleled and unpredictable year of turbulence in global trade, Alabama’s exports of goods and services in 2020 totaled $17.13 billion. Reflecting the declines in export volumes recorded by nearly all states as well as the nation, Alabama’s total exports registered an overall decline of 17.6% in 2020 compared to the prior year, according…
ALDI kicks off construction on $100 million distribution center, regional HQ
LOXLEY, Alabama — Retailer ALDI officially launched construction today on a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Baldwin County that will support the company’s expansion throughout the Gulf Coast region. The project is set to bring approximately $100 million in capital investment, with plans to create more than 200 jobs in Loxley. ALDI announced its…
AIDT teams for unique job-training initiative using virtual reality simulation
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — AIDT, Alabama’s primary workforce development agency, is teaming with Hyundai Power Transformers USA and a firm specializing in virtual reality technologies on a revolutionary jobs training program. The collaboration with immersive learning startup TRANSFR stands to make cutting-edge job training accessible to thousands of unemployed workers and aspiring manufacturing professionals across the…
Biotech firm BioGX to invest $5 million in Alabama growth plans
Birmingham-based molecular diagnostics company BioGX plans to expand its R&D and manufacturing capabilities at a new corporate headquarters location in Shelby County, where it will beef up its workforce. The Birmingham Business Alliance announced today that BioGX has purchased a building on Valleydale Road in Shelby County for the move from its current location at…
Auto supplier Valeo plans manufacturing site in Alabama with 70 jobs
BESSEMER, Alabama — Automotive supplier Valeo North America announced today that it will invest $5 million in a facility in Jefferson County, creating 70 jobs and providing another boost to the Birmingham region’s presence in the auto manufacturing industry. The Birmingham Business Alliance announced Valeo’s plans today. “Valeo North America is pleased to announce the opening a new facility in…
5 trends powering Alabama’s economic recovery and growth in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a monkey wrench in Alabama’s economy last year, interrupting a golden period of substantial growth and casting doubt on whether the momentum could be regained. Fortunately for Alabama, the economic foundation built over the past several years looks resilient. Plus, the economic development pipeline for 2021 continues to flow with high-caliber…
Alabama’s ‘Rocket City’ tapped for U.S. Space Command headquarters
The Secretary of the U.S. Air Force announced today that Huntsville has been selected as the preferred location for the headquarters of the new U.S. Space Command, a move that is a natural fit for Alabama’s “Rocket City” and its longtime support of space and defense programs. Goals of the new command are to better…
Veronica Crock joins Commerce team as senior project manager
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Veronica Crock, an experienced economic developer and former educator who focused on workforce preparedness, has joined the business development team at the Alabama Department of Commerce. Crock, who holds the title of senior project manager, will concentrate her efforts on advanced manufacturing projects statewide. She will also have an initial focus on…