
Commerce’s Global Business Chief joins board of national trade association
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Christina Stimpson, Chief Officer of the Global Business Office at the Alabama Department of Commerce, has been appointed to the board of directors of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), the leading national association dedicated to supporting the international trade and export programs of U.S. states and territories. Stimpson’s appointment places Alabama at the…

Alabama delegation to build bonds at SEUS-Canada Business Forum
The Alabama Department of Commerce will lead a delegation to the 2025 Southeast U.S.-Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) Business Forum, beginning Sunday in Saint John, New Brunswick. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ed Castile will head the three-day mission, which focuses on expanding trade and investment opportunities across three key sectors: food and beverage, advanced manufacturing and energy.…

Alabama team heads to SelectUSA to expand foreign investment wins
Businesses based in countries around the globe continue to find a welcoming home in Alabama, as the state’s foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $3.5 billion last year, driving job growth in several key industries. Communities across the state attracted 50 FDI projects during 2024, resulting in more than 3,700 job commitments in automotive manufacturing plants,…

Governor Ivey salutes Alabama exporters driving growth with Trade Awards
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today recognized five outstanding Alabama companies for their international success, presenting them with the 2025 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards during a ceremony at the State Capitol. The awards honor companies whose global achievements are elevating Alabama’s economy and extending the reach of the “Made in Alabama” brand. In addition…

Commerce trade team leads Alabama mission to MEDICA in Germany
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — The Global Business team from the Alabama Department of Commerce is leading a delegation of Alabama small and mid-sized businesses at this week’s MEDICA 2024, the world’s largest event for the medical industry, being held in Germany. Following MEDICA, the Alabama team will extend it bioscience-focused mission in Europe with a visit…

Commerce Sec. McNair leads Alabama delegation to SEUS-Japan joint meeting
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation at the 46th Annual Southeast U.S.-Japan (SEUS-Japan) Alliance joint meeting in Charlotte this week to reinforce ties with one of the state’s key economic partners. The three-day event, which began Sunday, brings together leaders from the Southeast U.S. and Japan to strengthen…

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…

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…

Alabama trade mission targets connections at FIDAE air show in Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile — An Alabama delegation including five companies is in Chile’s capital city for this week’s International Air and Space Fair, or FIDAE, seeking to develop business connections at South America’s foremost aerospace exposition. The Alabama Department of Commerce is heading the trade mission delegation to Santiago and hosting a “Made in Alabama” exhibition…

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…


