Aviation training takes off in rural communities with historic ties to flight
After attracting nearly $6 billion in new investment since 2020, Alabama’s rural counties are becoming a go-to location for companies involved in activities that include solar panel manufacturing, aluminum auto parts and graphite processing. And don’t forget flight training. In fact, two rural Alabama communities are hosting new aviation academies. As part of a project…
Investment firm launching aerospace hub in Northwest Alabama
CHEROKEE, Alabama — A new hub of aerospace manufacturing is on the horizon in rural Alabama. AE Industrial Partners is moving forward with its plans to transform a vast industrial facility in Colbert County into a high-tech center of innovation for aerospace and defense companies. The Boca Raton, Florida-based private equity firm, which specializes in…
Growing Alabama funds heading to 7 communities for site development
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the Renewal of Alabama Commission has allocated over $15.5 million in Growing Alabama funding to seven economic development organizations across the state to speed the development of industrial sites. The Growing Alabama program provides a tax credit to eligible taxpayers who make contributions to economic development…
Growing Humminbird Alabama plant invests in sustainability
EUFAULA, Alabama — Humminbird, a leading maker of marine electronics products, announced on Thursday a renewable energy project as part of the recent expansion of its Eufaula plant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions over the next 20 years. The project included the installation of a solar array to power part of the Alabama plant’s electricity…
Second round of SEEDS grants becoming available for site development
Communities across Alabama will soon have an opportunity to apply for state grants that could help them develop industrial sites capable of competing for high-impact economic development projects — and the jobs that come with them. The new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act has already been a success, with the first round…
Auto parts maker Samkee Corp. opens first U.S. factory in Tuskegee
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined officials of Samkee Corp. and local leaders today to mark the opening of the auto parts maker’s new production facility in Tuskegee Commerce Park. South Korea-based Samkee invested $128 million to build its first U.S. factory, which will employ over 170 people at full operation while providing…
Economic development magazine taps Alabama for its Silver Shovel Award
National business publication Area Development has selected Alabama for its Silver Shovel Award in recognition of major economic development project wins during 2023. “Being awarded the Silver Shovel Award is a strong testament to Alabama’s pro-business environment and to the capabilities of our workers, who can rise to meet any challenge,” Governor Kay Ivey said.…
New venture focuses on pristine spring water in rural Alabama
MINERAL SPRINGS, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey joined the leaders of Alabama Mineral Springs LLC today to celebrate the company’s ambitious five-year project to sustainably distribute mineral-rich water from a free-flowing spring in Chilton County. Alabama Mineral Springs LLC is officially starting production today at a $6 million bottling plant at the location where natural…
Conecuh County receives ‘A’ rating for potential biomass development
EVERGREEN, Alabama — The Conecuh County Commission and Ecostrat Inc., a leading company in assessing and developing biomass supply chains, announced today that the county has received an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass. The Conecuh County Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone is the first ‘A’ rating in the Alabama and extends…
‘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…
