Consultants rank Alabama among top business-friendly states
Site selection consultants surveyed by national publication Area Development rank Alabama among the top states for business, pointing to strong workforce development programs, a competitive labor environment, and other pro-business factors. Alabama ranks No. 6 overall in Area Development’s 2016 “Top States for Doing Business” analysis, continuing a long streak near the top of the…
Alabama firms seek foothold with Latin America trade mission
Latin America is the latest target for Alabama trade leaders seeking growth markets for state businesses. Representatives of a dozen companies are participating in a trade mission this week that started Sunday in Mexico and continues Wednesday in Chile. It’s being held in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service’s Trade Winds program, which includes regional…
Site selection publication awards high marks to Alabama, Huntsville
Business Facilities magazine rated Alabama among the top states for workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength, and foreign direct investment in its 2016 rankings. In addition, the economic development-focused publication rated Huntsville No. 1 among U.S. cities for STEM job growth, and No. 3 for economic growth potential. The Rocket City was No. 5 for…
Innovation Week: Birmingham tech sector offers ‘room to run’ for entrepreneurs
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – World class research institutions, along with a skilled workforce, strong financial community and engaged business leadership are among the assets that make the Birmingham region fertile ground for innovation and technology. The sector’s rich landscape here is being celebrated this week, with various forums, open houses and panel discussions that feature entrepreneurs,…
Ernst & Young: Alabama ranks in Top 5 for investment
Global consulting firm Ernst & Young says companies from around the world poured more than $5 billion into capital projects in Alabama last year, earning the state a place near the top of its investment rankings. Ernst & Young’s closely watched “US Investment Monitor” ranked Alabama No.5 among the states for mobile capital investment last…
Huntsville targets Dream Chaser landings as Sierra Nevada ties grow
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Huntsville International Airport is moving closer to a goal of becoming the first commercial airport that will be a landing spot for Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Dream Chaser spaceplane. A project team is working to secure funding to conduct additional studies this year and to submit an application for a commercial landing license…
Fresh off expansion, Milo’s Tea Co. brews up new product line
BESSEMER, Alabama – Milo’s Tea Co. is once again expanding its product lineup, the latest growth for the longtime family-owned Alabama beverage giant. The company has launched a line of USDA-certified café style organic teas at retailers across the nation. “We’ve been listening to our customers, and there are opportunities for us to provide more…
Commerce chief Canfield: Alabama team building on 2015 successes
ORANGE BEACH, Alabama – While Alabama’s economic development team registered a record-setting year in 2015, the state’s leading industrial recruiter says the team continues to target game-changing projects. Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, spoke to the Alabama NewsCenter after a Monday address at the Economic Development Association of Alabama summer conference…
Alabama claims Silver Shovel Award for 2015 projects
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s economic development team earned a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine for its strong performance in 2015, keeping alive a winning streak that dates back a decade. The publication, which targets economic developers and site selection experts, announced the award today, noting that Alabama secured 2015 projects involving $7.1 billion…
Walmart Alabama veteran hires top 3,900 in ‘Welcome Home’ program
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – As Memorial Day approaches, retail giant Walmart said it has hired more than 3,900 veterans in Alabama as part of a company initiative called the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment. Across the nation, Walmart has hired nearly 131,000 veterans under the program, which was announced on Memorial Day 2013. In Alabama, the total…
