‘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…
Alabama expands entertainment incentives to boost state’s music and creative industries
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey has signed into law a major expansion of Alabama’s entertainment tax incentive program, aimed at accelerating growth across the state’s film, television, and now music sectors. Senate Bill 177 modernizes the Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009 by extending support to music productions, setting realistic thresholds and establishing greater…
Commerce’s Angela Smith named EDAA Young Professional of the Year
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Angela Smith, a Senior Project Manager with the Alabama Department of Commerce, has been honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA). The award was presented this week during EDAA’s Summer Conference held in Point Clear. Smith, who joined Commerce in 2015, served as the department’s Incentives Manager…
Growing Alabama allocations topping $25.9 million to drive statewide economic growth
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that more than $25.9 million in Growing Alabama funding has been allocated to support economic development projects across 15 communities in Alabama, reinforcing the state’s commitment to long-term job creation and site readiness. The announcement comes after Governor Ivey addressed professionals of the Economic Development Association of…
Alabama communities earn national recognition for growth, innovation
Two of Alabama’s most dynamic regions — Huntsville and the Auburn/Opelika area — have been named recipients of the 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, a national honor presented annually by “Site Selection” magazine. Named for “Site Selection” founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the award recognizes top-performing economic development organizations across the country based…
$23 million in new SEEDS funding will accelerate site development across Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced that applications for Round 3 of the state’s SEEDS grant program will open on July 1, with a total of $23.2 million available to support site assessment and development efforts across Alabama. The SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program, administered by the Alabama Department of…
Alabama team uncovers $1.5 billion in project leads at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — What began with a full schedule of 21 pre-arranged meetings quickly evolved into a whirlwind of opportunity for the Alabama Department of Commerce team at last week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, where the state team engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies — surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future investment.…
The Rocket Fleet: ULA’s seafaring path to the stars flows through Alabama
In the vast waters of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing boats skimming the waves and cargo ships charting global courses are joined by a unique vessel — part ocean freighter, part spacefaring accomplice. Her name is ”RocketShip,” and while she may not carry cannons or torpedoes, she’s the pride of an unusual Alabama-based maritime fleet…
Alabama communities showcase aerospace strength at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — Alabama’s aerospace ambitions were on full display this week as a delegation of communities, universities and economic development partners joined forces to promote the state’s growing role in the global aerospace and defense landscape at the 2025 Paris Air Show. From North Alabama’s innovation corridor to South Alabama’s aviation hubs, participants joined the…
Alabama’s universities energize aerospace recruitment at Paris Air Show
PARIS — From deep-space exploration to next-gen aviation systems, Alabama is a national leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. But behind the rockets, aircraft and advanced weapons systems is a powerful network of research universities that provide the fuel for this innovation engine. Across the state, Alabama’s public universities are advancing game-changing research, training…
