
Rising exports of Alabama-made goods expand state’s role in global economy
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — “Made In Alabama” increasingly translates as “Sold Around The Globe” as exports of Alabama-made goods have posted solid gains in recent years. Alabama companies shipped their products to 188 countries in 2012, a record year for exports for the state. With overseas shipments of automobiles leading the way, exports from Alabama have…

Nordic region trade mission builds connections to Alabama (with video)
MONTGOMERY, Alabama –- The headline in the Norwegian financial newspaper — “Look to Alabama” — sent the perfect message for Alabama officials on a Nordic region trade mission. A delegation of Alabama trade officials, business executives and university representatives traveled recently to Norway and Sweden on a weeklong business development and trade mission, prompting coverage…

Alabama film industry moves into spotlight with ‘Space Warriors’ premiere (with trailer)
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – It’s a big week for Alabama actor Grayson Russell and the star-studded cast of Space Warriors, a movie shot at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville that again puts the Alabama film industry in the spotlight. On Thursday evening (April 25), the Space and Rocket Center hosts a red-carpet premiere…

Accelerate Alabama speeding growth in key economic sectors, Business Facilities says
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Accelerate Alabama, the state’s strategic economic development growth plan, is positioning the state to land more jobs in coveted sectors such as automotive and aerospace, according to a report in Business Facilities magazine. “Alabama is moving full speed ahead with a dynamic growth strategy that is rapidly transforming the state into an…

Alabama film industry gets boost from April premieres of 42, Space Warriors
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – After a record year for entertainment production projects, the Alabama film industry is ready for a cinematic close-up with the April premieres of two movies shot in the state — 42 and Space Warriors. 42, the Warner Bros. film about trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson that was filmed partly in Birmingham, had…

Airbus breaks ground for first U.S. assembly line in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama — As community leaders, elected officials, suppliers, construction officials and more spoke at the Airbus groundbreaking for the company’s first U.S. final assembly line (FAL) this morning, each concluded their remarks with the same theme: “It is a groundbreaking day.” It is a groundbreaking day for Airbus, as it expands its global footprint…

Safran Engineering Services, first Alabama Airbus supplier, marks opening in Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama –- The first Airbus supplier to land in Mobile Brookley Aeroplex, Safran Engineering Services, did some celebrating of its own today before the aviation giant staged a groundbreaking ceremony at the site where it will produce the A320 family of passenger jets. At a grand-opening ceremony this morning, Bruno Bernard, chief executive of…

Commercial Jet Inc. to invest $12 million in Dale County aircraft maintenance operation
DOTHAN, Alabama – Governor Robert Bentley, House Speaker Mike Hubbard and Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield joined company and community leaders here today in announcing that Commercial Jet Inc. will invest $12 million to open a new 400,000-square-foot facility at Dothan Regional Airport in Dale County. The facility will employ hundreds of people.…

Alabama ranks among best states for small businesses
MONTGOMERY, Alabama –Alabama is among the best states for small businesses, according to a national survey by Thumbtack.com and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Alabama ranked No. 2 for overall small business friendliness in the 2013 survey, trailing only Utah. Alabama’s rank improved from No. 10 among the states in a 2012 survey. In the…

Department of Commerce unveils Made in Alabama brand at press event
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce this morning launched a new branding campaign – Made in Alabama – designed to build on the economic development momentum that has created more than 38,000 jobs in the past two years. Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield unveiled the brand at a press event this morning, uncovering a…


