Renovated state parks showcase rural Alabama’s advantages
EUFAULA, Alabama — New additions and renovations are under way at several Alabama State Parks, which are showcasing the natural assets and quality-of-life advantages of rural counties. At Lakepoint State Park in Barbour County, recent projects include an archery park and an off-road vehicle course. Both developments, along with newly-renovated cabins, are gaining popularity among…
Summit: Rural Alabama poised for job growth as project momentum builds
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Growing businesses injected nearly $1.7 billion in new capital investment into Alabama’s rural counties last year in a sign of continuing vitality, according to data released today by the Alabama Department of Commerce in conjunction with a summit for the state’s rural developers. These projects will create over 1,600 jobs in rural…
Second ‘Made in Alabama’ Showcase features top homegrown products
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey recognized 14 companies and their exceptional homegrown products at the second “Made in Alabama” Showcase at the state Capitol today. Governor Ivey invited the businesses to exhibit their products in the Old Supreme Court Library during a ceremony today. Eleven exhibitors showcased their products, shared their company history, and…
Microsoft taps Randolph County to lead digital skills initiative in Alabama
ROANOKE, Alabama — Microsoft Philanthropies is teaming with the Randolph County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) on a program that helps job seekers and professionals gain new skills for in-demand roles in the digital economy. The RCEDA received funding from Microsoft Philanthropies to launch the Community Skills Initiative Alabama Region program. A suite of online training…
ISA Corp. selects Geneva County for glove manufacturing operation
HARTFORD, Alabama — Oregon-based ISA Corp., a manufacturer of nitrile and latex gloves, announced plans today to open a production facility in Geneva County, creating 80 jobs over two years at the location in rural Alabama. ISA Alabama Corp., as the new venture is called, will be located in a 45,000-square-foot speculative building in the…
Amazon teams with Tuskegee University for advanced training programs
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Tuskegee University has a new partnership with Amazon that will establish advanced training programs in mechatronics, robotics, supply chain management and logistics operations for students at the Macon County institution. Amazon donated $1.2 million to fund the programs, which will also include scholarships and set up a pipeline for leadership roles at…
Alabama joins top states in publication’s new site selectors survey
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — A national economic development publication reports that site-selection professionals it surveyed have again ranked Alabama among the top states for business, citing a broad range of factors contributing to a fertile growth environment. Area Development says Alabama ranks No. 6 overall in its 2022 “Top States for Doing Business” analysis, the same…
Ecore plans Alabama manufacturing facility with $25 million project
OZARK, Alabama — Ecore International plans to invest $25.5 million to open a state-of-the-art manufacturing and recycling facility in the Southeast Alabama city of Ozark, where it will create 84 jobs, according to Governor Kay Ivey. Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Ecore specializes in transforming reclaimed materials into high-performance flooring and surface products. The privately held company is…
Market Wagon provides new way for farmers to connect with customers
There’s a new avenue for Alabama farmers to take their products to market, and it’s providing a growing number of residents with fresh, local food. Market Wagon, an Indiana-based company that has expanded into the Birmingham area, connects farmers and other food producers with consumers via an online ordering and delivery service. Mitch Hungerpiller, owner…
O’Neal Manufacturing Services plans steel fab center in Fayette with 70 jobs
FAYETTE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield announced today that O’Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) plans to invest $5.5 million to open a 130,000-square-foot steel fabrication facility in Fayette as part of a project that will create 70 full-time jobs within three years after operations commence. OMS provides quality carbon steel and aluminum parts for customers…