Alabama exports climb to near record in 2014
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama exports climbed in 2014 to a near-record level, powered by shipments of Alabama-made automobiles to almost 100 countries, as well as rising overseas sales of products such as industrial machines, plastics, and iron and steel. Alabama’s exports totaled $19.518 billion last year, a gain of nearly 1.2 percent from 2013’s figure,…
Super Bowl XLIX turf has Alabama roots
FOLEY, Alabama — When Doug Lipscomb settles in to catch Super Bowl XLIX, he won’t be focusing on the heroics of two top quarterbacks, the titanic tussles of burly linemen, or even the pyrotechnics of the halftime extravaganza. Nope, his mind will be on the turf. “We will have a little get-together at the house, and…
Alabama job growth gains momentum in December
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Job growth in Alabama during 2014 reached a pace not seen since 2007, and the state’s December unemployment rate fell to 5.7 percent, the lowest rate in six years. During 2014, employment in Alabama swelled by 31,800 jobs, with significant gains in manufacturing and construction, one of the hardest hit sectors during…
Incentives update would spur Alabama job creation, top officials say
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Leaders of Alabama’s economic development team are working with Governor Robert Bentley and other top officials to overhaul Alabama’s incentive laws, enhancing the state’s competitiveness as it pursues new jobs and investment. Governor Robert Bentley and Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield outlined the initiative to members of the Economic Development Association…
Alabama, Peru strengthen economic ties with agreement
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — A trade memorandum signed today will strengthen economic ties between Alabama and Peru, setting the stage for increased cooperation between the state and the South American nation. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Peru’s Ambassador to the United States, Harold Forsyth, formalized the agreement when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a…
‘Selma’ could be break for Alabama film industry
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The director of Alabama’s Film Office hopes the state’s growing film industry will receive a boost from the critically acclaimed “Selma,” which was partially shot in Alabama last year. “Selma,” which depicts pivotal moments in the 1960’s Civil Rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., opened nationwide last week, earning…
Alabama November job growth hits highest mark in 8 years
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s unemployment rate dropped to 6 percent in November, its lowest point since 2008, as job growth in sectors such as manufacturing and construction continues at a strong pace. “Alabama’s unemployment rate has not only continued its downward trend, but has reached a level we have not seen in more than six…
Made In Alabama’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is a perfect time to tap into the creativity and innovation of Alabama’s craftsmen and entrepreneurs. With that in mind, Made in Alabama is rolling out its second Holiday Gift Guide showcasing original homegrown products that are ideal for sharing with friends or family members this holiday season. Last year’s list featured…
Made-in-Alabama gift: Pens crafted from Bourbon barrels
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The handcrafted ink pens Joel Lockridge fashions in a small woodworking shop at his Birmingham area home are fueling a mini export boom from Alabama to parts all over the world. “I’ve now shipped to 27 countries and counting — some I’ve even had to Google to figure out exactly where I was shipping,” Lockridge said.…
4 Alabama metros rank in Top 100 of ‘America’s Smartest Cities’
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Four Alabama metropolitan areas ranked among the nation’s 100 “Smartest Cities” in an analysis that examines which metro areas are gaining brainpower in the 21st Century. To compile its list, researcher NewGeography scored the nation’s 380 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) based on three criteria related to gains in educational attainment since 2000.…
