News
Gallup: Alabama has nation’s most engaged workforce
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A new Gallup poll finds that Alabama has the nation’s highest percentage of “engaged” workers who are enthusiastic about their jobs. Gallup’s survey found that 37 percent of Alabama workers are engaged, ahead of Delaware, Kentucky and Louisiana at 36 percent and nine other states at 35 percent. The U.S. average was…
Alabama exports accelerate to $20.6 billion in 2016, breaking record
Alabama exports rose to a record level in 2016, topping $20 billion for the first time on gains from overseas shipments of Alabama-made products such as transportation equipment, chemicals and paper products. Figures from the U.S. Commerce Department show that Alabama exports totaled $20.55 billion last year, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2015’s results.…
Shoals’ Forrest Wright receives top Alabama economic development award
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce recognized Forrest Wright, president of the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA), with the David R. Echols Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service in economic development. This award, presented annually at the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) winter conference, is the highest statewide recognition available to the…
Accelerate Alabama 2.0 updates state’s strategic growth plan
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Accelerate Alabama, the strategic economic development growth plan that has driven the creation of more than 75,000 jobs since its adoption, is being updated with refined targets and tactics. Accelerate Alabama 2.0, as it’s called, aims to amplify the success of the original strategic plan, which went into effect in 2012, said…
Chambers County 2016 scorecard: 119 new jobs, $171M investment
LANETT, Alabama – Building on a solid period of rejuvenation, Alabama’s Chambers County attracted more than $171.3 million in new capital investment last year, spurring the creation of 119 new and future jobs, economic development officials said. In addition, the Chambers County Development Authority (CCDA) reported that it has developed an active pipeline for 2017.…
Made in Alabama brand evolution brings new look to Commerce website
The Alabama Department of Commerce has launched an upgraded version of its Made in Alabama website as the strategic centerpiece in an all-encompassing evolution of the state’s economic development brand. The redesigned Made in Alabama site features a clean, modern look and incorporates new features such as lead-generation elements to support Commerce’s primary economic and…
Scorecard: Montgomery 2016 capital investment totals $411M
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Montgomery officials said today that the area attracted $411 million in new capital investment this year, with a lion’s share of that total coming from existing businesses. Led by significant investments from companies such as Alfa, Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital, existing businesses announced plans for $319.7 million in new investment in…
Lenzing Alabama expansion: $293M investment, 163 jobs
MOBILE, Alabama – Austria-based Lenzing AG announced plans today to invest $293 million to expand production at its Alabama fibers plant, creating 163 new and permanent positions over three years. The Mobile County factory was the first commercial operation in the world to produce and market Lyocell, an eco-friendly, botanic fiber used in clothing and…
How Mercedes is Preparing for the Future in Alabama
Mercedes-Benz’s Alabama operation recorded important milestones in 2022 when the automaker opened a battery plant and launched production of its first electric vehicles in the state. Of course, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, as the Alabama operation is known, is accustomed to venturing into new territory. After all, MBUSI blazed the trail for Alabama’s auto industry when…
Innovate Birmingham partnership creates pathway to tech jobs
A program called the Innovate Birmingham Regional Workforce Partnership will deploy $6 million in federal funding to train young adults in Alabama’s largest metro area for 925 high-paying technology-focused jobs. The Innovate Birmingham partnership is supported by a broad coalition of business, community and education leaders who are committed to spurring economic growth in the…