Site consultants rank Alabama a top state in Area Development survey
Site selection professionals surveyed by national publication Area Development once again ranked Alabama in the top five states for doing business, citing its strong labor climate and workforce development programs. Alabama ranked No. 5 in Area Development’s 2015 “Top States For Doing Business” analysis, appearing this week online. It’s the sixth consecutive year that Alabama…
Alabama trade mission to South Africa targets business opportunities
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading a trade and business development mission to South Africa and Tanzania that will permit Alabama businesses to explore partnership and export opportunities in a fast-growing region. Representatives from six Alabama companies joined Secretary Canfield and international trade specialists from around the state on the 10-day mission that officially kicked…
Time Inc. test kitchen investment adds to Birmingham culinary scene
With new restaurants opening every month and a massive Time Inc. test kitchen on the way, Birmingham’s dynamic food scene is gaining national exposure and positioning the Alabama city as a premier culinary destination. In the latest development, New York-based Time Inc. plans to make a multimillion-dollar investment to set up what’s being called its…
‘Alabama the Beautiful’ filmmaker documents artisan movement in Sidewalk premiere
Premiering at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival this Saturday, the documentary “Alabama the Beautiful” showcases six Alabama artisans, offering a glimpse into the revival of Southern makers that’s bringing creativity to cities and small towns across the state. The film’s director, 22-year-old Corey Carpenter, found inspiration in his subjects’ stories. “All of these people absolutely…
Business Facilities: Alabama ranks high for auto manufacturing, workforce development
Alabama got high marks for “Automotive Manufacturing Strength” and AIDT, Alabama’s workforce development agency, ranked high among “Workforce Training Leaders” in Business Facilities magazine’s annual rankings report, released this week. Record output at Alabama’s three auto assembly plants underlined the state’s No. 2 ranking in the magazine’s “Auto Manufacturing Strength” category. Alabama and Tennessee swapped positions…
Governor Bentley: New ‘Made In Alabama’ incentives already spurring activity
POINT CLEAR, Alabama — Governor Robert Bentley says the state’s new “Made In Alabama” incentives platform is already being used to woo prospects and garner interest from companies with new job-creating projects. Addressing members of the Economic Development Association of Alabama at the group’s annual summer conference, Governor Bentley thanked the developers for their help…
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…
