Alabama Innovation Fund provides boost for UNA UX center
FLORENCE, Alabama – The Alabama Innovation Fund is providing more than $80,000 to advance plans by the University of North Alabama (UNA) to set up a center that assists entrepreneurs and gives students valuable hands-on experience. UNA’s College of Business is getting $81,300 from the Innovation Fund for a proposed User Experience (UX) Accelerator Center,…
Alabama earns Top 10 spot in State Business Climate rankings
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Site Selection, an economic development-focused publication, ranked Alabama in the Top 10 in its annual State Business Climate survey, based largely on feedback from corporate real estate executives and project activity. Alabama placed No. 9 in the magazine’s overall 2016 State Business Climate rankings, and No. 8 in the survey of corporate site…
Pizitz project providing lift to Birmingham tech community
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – A new downtown Birmingham development that mixes residential and office space with innovative food offerings and a community gathering spot is poised to become another boost for the city’s thriving tech sector. Bayer Properties’ $66 million redevelopment of the historic Pizitz department store is in its final stages, with the first residents…
McLane Dothan to invest $17M in distribution expansion
DOTHAN, Alabama — McLane Dothan, part of the grocery division of McLane Co., announced today that the Houston County Commission approved agreements to support an expansion that will create 50 jobs. “Investing in the communities in which we operate is integral to our success, so we we’re thrilled to hear that support of our expansion…
Alabama Launchpad entrepreneurship program expands reach
FLORENCE, Alabama – Alabama Launchpad, a business plan competition that has helped turn dreams into reality for entrepreneurs and innovators across Alabama, is expanding. The Shoals area will be the first regional site for Launchpad, which was started by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) a decade ago. The University of North Alabama College…
CAE USA on track to open key Alabama Army aviation training center
DOTHAN, Alabama – CAE USA, a company specializing in aviation training, plans to begin offering flight training to U.S. Army aviators at a training facility opening in Dothan next year as part of the company’s $75 million investment in the state. Tampa-based CAE USA also announced it has taken delivery of the first three Grob…
Japanese investment in Alabama fuels many industries
When it comes to Japanese investment in Alabama, auto manufacturers Honda and Toyota and their broad network of suppliers across the state immediately come to mind. But the Asian nation is behind a significant number of non-automotive companies here as well, from chemical and steel producers to pharmaceutical and life insurance firms. In all, there…
Alabama leaders seek to strengthen bonds at SEUS Japan 39
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will join Alabama business leaders in a delegation representing the state in Japan next week at a high-level forum that aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties. More than 30 Alabama government officials, economic development professionals and others who work in finance, manufacturing, medical technology and tourism will attend the 39th…
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…
