Innovate Alabama debuts SEEK AL campaign to leverage outdoor assets
Innovate Alabama has launched SEEK AL, a digital campaign dedicated to showcasing the rich variety of outdoor recreational assets the state has to offer to its citizens and to innovators looking for a place to play, work, and put down roots. “Alabama is home to a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities,” Innovate…
Commerce’s Stimpson participating in European Union leadership program
BRUSSELS, Belgium — Christina Stimpson, the top trade expert at the Alabama Department of Commerce, is in Belgium and Greece this week to participate in the EU-US Emerging Leaders Visitors Programme, which aims to strengthen ties between the two economic blocs. The five-day event, organized by the European Union and the Embassy of Greece, is…
‘Working for Alabama’ package aims to supercharge state’s economic growth
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today signed the “Working for Alabama” legislative package into law, with the goal of transforming Alabama’s workforce, getting more Alabamians trained for high-paying jobs, streamlining Alabama’s economic development efforts and investing into Alabama communities, especially those in rural areas. The bipartisan, six-bill package aims to streamline and make more…
Meta plans to build $800 million, next-generation data center in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that technology company Meta Platforms plans to open an $800 million data center in Alabama’s capital city that will support 100 operational jobs and build on the company’s previous investment in the state. Meta’s new 715,000-square-foot, AI-optimized data center will be built off Interstate 65 in Montgomery,…
5 Alabama companies claim ‘Trade Excellence Awards’ for export success
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today honored five Alabama companies for their accomplishments in selling products in markets around the world and contributing to the robust exporting activities that are sparking economic growth at home. Governor Ivey presented leaders of the companies with a 2024 Governor’s Trade Excellence Award at a ceremony this morning…
Team developing new strategic economic growth plan selects research allies
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that a consulting firm and two Alabama universities have been selected to assist in the creation of a new strategic economic growth plan that will guide the state into the next decade and beyond. The organizations will gather comprehensive data to help a small team led by…
Montgomery Whitewater takes center stage as new development strategies take shape
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined a team from Innovate Alabama today for a tour of Montgomery Whitewater, a world-class recreational facility that’s now hosting Olympic athletes, as Alabama business development leaders consider new approaches to spark economic growth. McNair, who is spearheading the creation of a new state economic development strategic plan,…
Alabama claims No. 1 spot among auto-exporting states for first time
Alabama has become the nation’s No. 1 auto-exporting state, with international vehicle shipments surging past $11.2 billion in 2023 to overtake long-time leader South Carolina, according to new trade data. Alabama’s auto exports have climbed 45% in value since 2021, when they totaled $7.7 billion, according to figures from the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Alabama’s…
Alabama cities earn spots in Site Selection’s 2023 economic development rankings
Cullman and Selma are among the Alabama small cities and metro areas that received a shoutout from Site Selection magazine for economic development success in the national publication’s extensive 2023 Governor’s Cups analysis. Cullman ranked No. 2 in Site Selection’s round-up of the nation’s Top 100 Micropolitans, based on 11 growth projects that met the…
Report: 2023 growth projects to inject $6.4 billion into Alabama communities
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that companies launching operations or expanding existing facilities in Alabama during 2023 are poised to make investments totaling over $6.4 billion, building on the state’s winning economic development track record with another year of steady job creation. “We continue to make significant progress in our mission to…
