
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…

Southern Roots Nut Co. plans Alabama processing hub with 120 jobs
DOTHAN, Alabama — Southern Roots Nut Co. plans to open a pecan processing facility in Dothan, where the New Mexico-based company will create 120 jobs in Alabama’s Wiregrass region, according to an announcement today by Governor Kay Ivey. Southern Roots will invest nearly $16.6 million to outfit an existing building and construct a new facility…

Site development efforts get $30 million boost with Alabama’s first SEEDS grants
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) has approved over $30 million in grants under the new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS) to speed the development of much-needed industry-ready sites across the state. The groundbreaking grant program — a key portion of the Governor’s…

Alabama exports soar to record total in 2023, topping $27 billion
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama companies exported goods and services worth over $27.4 billion in 2023, setting a new annual record for the second consecutive year and underscoring the resilience of the state’s economy. The value of last year’s exports rose 6% from the previous year’s total of $25.5 billion,…

Primordial Ventures selects Birmingham for medical supplies production hub
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that startup Primordial Ventures plans to launch a manufacturing operation in Birmingham to produce high-quality medical supplies and ensure a dependable domestic production pipeline for these goods. Primordial Ventures, a veteran and minority-owned company, plans to create 30 jobs at the Alabama production facility, which…

Brasfield & Gorrie to expand Birmingham HQ to support 85 new jobs
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, plans to invest $18.9 million to expand its national headquarters in Birmingham, choosing to grow in its hometown over other major markets where it operates. Brasfield & Gorrie’s expansion project will support…

2023 Made In Alabama Holiday Gift Guide showcases homegrown goods
Shoppers across the state, in growing numbers, are seeking out the talent and creativity of fellow Alabamians when it comes to checking off their holiday gift lists. That’s clear from the success of Alabama Goods, the retailer that opened its first shop in Homewood in 2010. Since then, the business has doubled that Homewood space,…

Sec. Canfield to join Birmingham law firm after Commerce departure
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Greg Canfield, who is stepping down as Alabama’s Secretary of Commerce after 12 years, will join Burr & Forman as the Birmingham law firm’s managing director of economic development on Jan. 2, 2024. During his tenure at the Alabama Department of Commerce, the state secured more than $70 billion in new investment…


