8 companies grab 2017 Alabama trade awards for exporting success
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Eight companies from across Alabama were honored today with 2017 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards for their achievements in exporting goods and services around the world. Lt. Governor Kay Ivey presented the awards during a ceremony at the state Capitol, which was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Export Alabama Alliance. The…
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…
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…
Zyp BikeShare adds ‘grab and go’ way to travel in Birmingham
Hundreds of bright green bicycles have collectively logged nearly 100,000 miles crisscrossing Birmingham, as the city’s new bike sharing system has become a hit with residents and visitors alike. Zyp BikeShare, an initiative of REV Birmingham that launched in October 2015, gives riders a new way to make a quick trip to the grocery store,…
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…
Santa Alert: Made In Alabama’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
Talent, creativity and innovation run deep in Alabama, and it’s not hard to wrap a bow around them this holiday season. Across the state, entrepreneurs, artists, bakers and other makers are selling their wares. Finding a special Alabama-made gift to fit any budget is no problem, but narrowing it down might be. Alabamians fashion everything…
Alabama’s ‘Sock Queen’ weaves entrepreneurial vision into family business
FORT PAYNE, Alabama – It’s been a big year for Gina Locklear and her Alabama-made socks. The Fort Payne native and her business have turned heads across the U.S., first as a winner of domestic guru Martha Stewart’s American Made Awards and later as the subject of a New York Times feature which dubbed her…
Alabama Innovation Fund provides boost for UNA UX center
FLORENCE, Alabama – The Alabama Innovation Fund is providing more than $80,000 to advance plans by the University of North Alabama (UNA) to set up a center that assists entrepreneurs and gives students valuable hands-on experience. UNA’s College of Business is getting $81,300 from the Innovation Fund for a proposed User Experience (UX) Accelerator Center,…
Alabama earns Top 10 spot in State Business Climate rankings
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Site Selection, an economic development-focused publication, ranked Alabama in the Top 10 in its annual State Business Climate survey, based largely on feedback from corporate real estate executives and project activity. Alabama placed No. 9 in the magazine’s overall 2016 State Business Climate rankings, and No. 8 in the survey of corporate site…
