Alabama exports regain momentum with 22% increase in 2021
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama’s exports in 2021 surged more than 20% in value compared to the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and indicating the underlying resilience of the state’s economy. New federal government figures show that Alabama’s exports of goods and services totaled nearly $20.9 billion last year, above…
Commerce taps Christina Stimpson to lead international trade efforts
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce announced today that Christina Stimpson, an international business professional with experience in export promotion, foreign direct investment strategy and business recruitment, will take the helm of the department’s Office of International Trade later this month. Stimpson comes to Commerce from the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, where…
Commerce’s Lockhart retires after 24 years of helping Alabama firms go global
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hilda Lockhart, the international business expert who helped countless Alabama companies explore new markets and opportunities in every corner of the globe, is retiring from her position at the Alabama Department of Commerce. For the past 24 years, Lockhart has served as director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade, which is responsible…
Fetch Rewards to create 200 jobs at new Alabama office and support hub
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Fetch Rewards, the nation’s fastest-growing consumer rewards app, plans to open an office facility and customer service hub in Birmingham, where it will create 200 full-time jobs. The project, which involves an investment totaling $1 million, reflects the Madison, Wisconsin-based company’s rapid growth trajectory as it…
Publication names Landing HQ recruitment its Startup ‘Deal of the Year’
Business Facilities, a national publication focusing on economic development, has selected Alabama’s recruitment of Landing’s headquarters relocation project as one of its “Deals of the Year” in a new ranking. Landing, a company building a nationwide network of fully furnished apartments available in a membership model, announced plans in June 2021 to move its headquarters…
FGP Holding, maker of Frios pops, plans $20 million expansion in Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama – Mobile-based FGP Holding, which owns Frios Gourmet Pops and FGP Manufacturing LLC, announced plans today for a rapid expansion and production ramp-up along with a move into the former Crown Products facility at 3107 Halls Mill Road in Alabama’s “Port City.” The project features a capital investment of more than $20 million and is expected…
2021 Made in Alabama Holiday Gift Guide features down-home innovations
Buying local has taken on a new urgency this holiday season, and Alabama’s artisans, manufacturers and other homegrown businesses offer plenty of options to help check off your shopping list. Whether your loved one is a fashionista, budding gardener, avid sportsman or someone with a serious sweet tooth, there’s something for everyone in the 2021…
Bounty of projects sets stage for $1.6 billion in new Alabama investment
Alabama’s economic development team has plenty to be thankful for this November, as growth projects announced during the month are poised to pump over $1.6 billion in new capital investment into the state’s economy. The bounty of projects, involving a range of industries from bioscience to food products and logistics, will create more than 2,000…
FedEx plans $57M logistics facility in Dothan as Alabama hubs multiply
DOTHAN, Alabama — FedEx Ground plans to open a $57 million logistics facility in Houston County, adding another hub to the robust network of distribution and logistics centers that has been expanding across Alabama through a series of new projects. Officials in Houston County said the 317,000-square-foot FedEx Ground facility will stand on a 70-acre…
Growing Alabama Credit spurs $3 million investment at Etowah mega-site
GADSDEN, Alabama – The Growing Alabama Credit program is helping accelerate improvements at the Little Canoe Creek Mega-Site through a $5.7 million, multi-phase project facilitated by a partnership between Norfolk Southern Corp., the Etowah County Commission and the State of Alabama. Railroad company Norfolk Southern is funding Phase II of the improvements at the 1,000-acre…
