
Condoleezza Rice to address SEUS Japan 38 joint forum in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, will deliver the keynote address at a November joint meeting of groups that seek to promote trade, investment and cultural exchange between seven Southeastern states and Japan. Dr. Rice, a Birmingham native who served as the chief U.S. diplomat from 2005 to 2009…

TPA fast track would remove trade barriers, expand Alabama exports
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s economy stands to gain investment and jobs if new trade agreements with Asian and European countries go into effect, but the fate of those treaties is caught up in the contentious debate over whether President Obama should be given fast-track authority to negotiate deals. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday approved…

Alabama wins Silver Shovel Award for 2014 economic development
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – For the second year in a row, Alabama claimed a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine for its strong record in economic development. The publication, targeted at economic development professions and site selection experts, noted that Alabama beat out more than two dozen other states in 2014 to land Remington Outdoor…

Report: 2014 projects yield 18,000 new jobs across Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Companies planning new facilities or expanding existing operations in Alabama announced more than 18,000 new jobs and nearly $3.4 billion in new investment during 2014, reflecting growing momentum in sectors including automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The 2014 New & Expanding Industry Report, released today by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and the…

United Airlines special section features Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama and its place in the global economy will be the focus of a multi-page special section in the July issue of Hemispheres, the in-flight magazine of United Airlines. The special section, titled “Dossier” will examine Alabama’s diverse businesses and industries, and showcase the economies of the state’s major metropolitan regions. It…

Dominican trade mission showcases Alabama seaport expansions
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Mobile’s expanding seaport is being positioned as a prime new commercial gateway for Dominican shippers during a trade mission led by the Alabama Department of Commerce to the Caribbean nation this week. Denson White, director of APM Terminals at the Port of Mobile, said maritime companies in the Dominican Republic…

Alabama launches Dominican Republic trade mission
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – An Alabama delegation led by Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield arrives in the Dominican Republic today on a four-day trade and business development mission that focuses on ports, education and tourism. This week’s trade mission follows a visit last year by the Dominican Trade Facilitation Group to Alabama, where the group received a…

Birmingham tops Zagat’s ‘Next Hot Food City’ list
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Zagat ranked Birmingham No. 1 on its new list of the nation’s up-and-coming food cities, singling out the city’s tasty mix of high-end and casual dining spots and a growing cocktail culture. Zagat – a national authority on where to eat, dine and stay for more than three decades — announced its…

Birmingham area 2014 scorecard: 3,000 new jobs, $370 million in investment
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The seven-county Birmingham region gained more than 3,000 jobs and $370 million in capital investment in 2014 thanks to companies locating new facilities or expanding existing operations in the area, according to the Birmingham Business Alliance. The BBA made the announcement this morning at its annual Regional Growth Summit, held at The…

Regions Bank renews $1.5 billion commitment to Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – It’s a source of capital that has financed nearly $3 billion in business activities since it was launched. It has helped Alabama land major new employers. It is helping small businesses expand their operations. And it is helping create or sustain thousands of jobs. But ask Kirk Barrett what he sees as…


