Alabama delegation heads to SEUS-Japan meeting in Tokyo to strengthen partnership
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation that includes state legislators and community leaders to an international conference in Tokyo that seeks to strengthen the long-standing economic and cultural ties between seven Southeastern states and Japan. The conference, taking place next Tuesday and Wednesday, brings together senior business and government…
Fast-growing AI tax software firm SmartWiz to add 66 high-paying jobs in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that SmartWiz, a rapidly growing tax software technology company using advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the work of tax professionals, is expanding its operations in Birmingham with plans to create 66 high-paying jobs. Founded in 2021 in Birmingham by a team of tech entrepreneurs and tax…
EDPA launches statewide technology attraction strategy focused on founders
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in coordination with the Alabama Department of Commerce and Innovate Alabama, today announced a comprehensive statewide strategy to recruit and support high- growth technology companies. The approach is organized around the principle of “Alabama Puts Founders First” and brings together new and expanded initiatives to help startups…
National publication ranks Alabama as a top state for doing business
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama has been ranked among the nation’s top 10 states for doing business by “Area Development” magazine, reflecting the state’s strong economic fundamentals and business-friendly environment. In the publication’s 2025 Top States for Doing Business report, Alabama ranked No. 8 overall, scoring especially high in categories that are crucial to attracting…
Meta to expand Montgomery data hub, pushing total investment to $1.5 billion
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Meta plans an expansion of its Montgomery Data Center, bringing the technology company’s total investment in Alabama’s capital region to more than $1.5 billion. The news was shared during a closed construction tour with state and regional leaders, reinforcing Montgomery’s position as one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs, according…
SEEDS grant to speed development of industrial site in Limestone County
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Alabama — A strategic grant through Alabama’s SEEDS program is helping fast-track development at a promising North Alabama industrial site, reinforcing the region’s growing position as a hub for advanced industry and manufacturing. The Frazier-White Site, a 430-acre property in Decatur-Limestone County, has received nearly $88,000 through the Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic…
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…
