SEEDS program helps position Lawrence County for job creation, growth
A $2.7 million grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will allow the Lawrence County Industrial Development Board (LCIDB) and local officials to expand an industrial site in the North Alabama county. The SEEDS program is a statewide initiative designed to assist local governmental entities with funds for the development of…
Rural Alabama on the rise: Billions in investment driving job creation
Rural Alabama is experiencing a surge in economic growth, with more than $7 billion in new investment since 2020 fueling nearly 9,000 job commitments across the state’s targeted rural counties. The momentum continued throughout 2024, as $1.2 billion in fresh investment flowed into key industries, generating 1,700 new job opportunities and strengthening rural communities across the state, according to a new report from the Alabama…
SEEDS grant to boost economic growth efforts in rural Fayette
FAYETTE, Alabama — Alabama’s groundbreaking SEEDS program is providing a $733,700 grant to enable officials in Fayette to purchase property for a prime industrial site that will accelerate economic growth in the rural region. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Fayette (Fayette IDB) plans to purchase land to establish the North Fayette Industrial…
Alabama’s economic growth continues with $7 billion in new investment from 2024 projects
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced the release of the “2024 New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report,” highlighting another banner year for Alabama’s economy. The report reveals that economic development efforts last year secured $7 billion in new capital investment across 224 projects, generating more than 8,500 career opportunities for Alabamians. Governor Ivey…
Alabama offers free mental health and substance abuse training for employers
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce advises that businesses across the state can now take advantage of free training to help supervisors identify and respond to mental health and substance abuse issues in the workforce. The 8-hour training session is provided by the University of Alabama’s VitAL partnership, which uses education and training…
Alabama’s $36 billion forestry industry powers rural growth and innovation
Alabama’s forestry industry is a vital economic engine, particularly for the state’s rural areas. By generating billions in economic activity, creating thousands of jobs and promoting sustainable practices, the industry not only supports local economies but also positions Alabama as a leader in forestry and natural resource management on a national and global scale. The…
8 Alabama-made holiday gifts that celebrate local craftsmanship
You already know that all kinds of great products are made in workshops, factories, studios and kitchens across Alabama. Even better, many of them make perfect gifts for the special ones on your holiday shopping list. Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide highlights the creativity of Alabama companies, artisans, entrepreneurs and others producing one-of-a-kind items ideal…
SEEDS grant elevates growth potential of Atmore Industrial Park
ATMORE, Alabama — Atmore officials say a $703,000 grant from Alabama’s new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will advance industrial development in the rural Escambia County city. Atmore will use the SEEDS grant to purchase land, primarily from Swift Lumber Co., that was either inside or adjacent to Atmore Industrial Park. With…
Alabama’s ag/food products sector surges with major investment projects
When the J.M. Smucker Co. celebrated the opening of a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in McCalla days ago, it marked another milestone in a long-running growth spurt that’s energizing Alabama’s key agriculture and food products sector. Since early 2021, over 50 growth projects in this sector have launched statewide, paving the way for more than…
Gov. Ivey: Rural Alabama making ‘exciting progress’ as growth builds
PRATTVILLE, Alabama — Economic momentum is accelerating in Alabama’s rural counties, with new investments and job creation reaching impressive levels in the past year, Governor Kay Ivey announced today. This progress underscores a promising outlook for the state’s rural communities. Speaking to a gathering of rural economic developers in Prattville, Governor Ivey highlighted the rollout…
