Alabama’s defense sector enters a new era of strategic growth
When it comes to national defense, Alabama is not just keeping pace — it’s accelerating the trajectory. With the announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be permanently based at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the state enters a new frontier of strategic importance. The decision, made official days ago by the Trump Administration, caps a…
Alabama team to spotlight defense capabilities at DSEI 2025 in London
LONDON — The Alabama Department of Commerce is leading a state delegation at this week’s DSEI UK 2025 in London, one of the world’s premier defense and security events, to spotlight the state’s advanced defense industry and forge connections with global partners. The biennial Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) conference serves as a major platform for showcasing cutting-edge defense…
SEEDS grant fuels infrastructure improvements at Childersburg Industrial Park
CHILDERSBURG, Alabama — A new round of infrastructure improvements is set to bolster the Childersburg Industrial Park thanks to a $1.7 million SEEDS grant awarded to support critical upgrades in Talladega County. The funding will support the construction of 12,470 feet of gravity and force main sewer lines, along with a new pumping station —…
‘Business Facilities’ ranks Alabama a national leader in key sectors
Alabama and several of its metro areas have earned high marks in the 2025 “Business Facilities” Annual Rankings Report, reinforcing the state’s status as a national leader in key industries and a prime destination for business growth. The influential report — now in its 21st year — evaluates states and metro areas across more than 25…
Alabama expands entertainment incentives to boost state’s music and creative industries
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey has signed into law a major expansion of Alabama’s entertainment tax incentive program, aimed at accelerating growth across the state’s film, television, and now music sectors. Senate Bill 177 modernizes the Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009 by extending support to music productions, setting realistic thresholds and establishing greater…
Commerce’s Angela Smith named EDAA Young Professional of the Year
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Angela Smith, a Senior Project Manager with the Alabama Department of Commerce, has been honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA). The award was presented this week during EDAA’s Summer Conference held in Point Clear. Smith, who joined Commerce in 2015, served as the department’s Incentives Manager…
Growing Alabama allocations topping $25.9 million to drive statewide economic growth
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that more than $25.9 million in Growing Alabama funding has been allocated to support economic development projects across 15 communities in Alabama, reinforcing the state’s commitment to long-term job creation and site readiness. The announcement comes after Governor Ivey addressed professionals of the Economic Development Association of…
Alabama communities earn national recognition for growth, innovation
Two of Alabama’s most dynamic regions — Huntsville and the Auburn/Opelika area — have been named recipients of the 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, a national honor presented annually by “Site Selection” magazine. Named for “Site Selection” founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the award recognizes top-performing economic development organizations across the country based…
$23 million in new SEEDS funding will accelerate site development across Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced that applications for Round 3 of the state’s SEEDS grant program will open on July 1, with a total of $23.2 million available to support site assessment and development efforts across Alabama. The SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program, administered by the Alabama Department of…
Alabama team uncovers $1.5 billion in project leads at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — What began with a full schedule of 21 pre-arranged meetings quickly evolved into a whirlwind of opportunity for the Alabama Department of Commerce team at last week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, where the state team engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies — surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future investment.…
