Business Alabama publishes 2017 Economic Development Guide
From aerospace, automotive and agriculture to Zilkha biomass pellets, the ABCs of Alabama’s economy are broader and more diverse than ever, according to Business Alabama. The publication’s new 2017 Economic Development Guide provides a comprehensive examination of the important trends and developments that are shaping Alabama’s business world. The 104-page guide takes an in-depth look…
Cullman ranks as a top ‘micropolitan’ for economic development
CULLMAN, Alabama – Site Selection magazine placed Alabama among the top states in a new measure of economic development success, while Cullman ranked No. 2 in the publication’s ranking of top U.S. small cities. Cullman ranked behind only Findlay, Ohio, in the Site Selection “Top Micropolitan” list for the second consecutive year. The economic development-focused…
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…
