News
Airbus lifts employees’ lives, transforms Alabama industry
MOBILE, Alabama – When the first Alabama-made Airbus A321 passenger jet took to the skies on its maiden flight a year ago, the pride in the air was palpable. Company executives cheered the creation of a new center for commercial airplane production in the U.S., while state leaders hailed the launch of Alabama’s aerospace industry…
Alabama Launchpad expands reach with new regional competitions
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The startup competition that has pumped millions of dollars into innovative companies across Alabama is poised to accelerate its impact. Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, is looking for communities that want to replicate the statewide competition on a local level. EDPA is accepting requests for proposals…
Alabama Small Business Development Center has big impact
The Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is being recognized this week for its role in helping thousands of small businesses in Alabama, as part of national “SBDC Day” to share the impact SBDCs have in communities across the country. The Alabama program is an accredited member of America’s SBDC, the largest and most…
Montgomery landmark Chris’ Hot Dogs approaches 100th birthday
“People always ask us the secret to being in business for 100 years,” said Gus Katechis. “I always tell them, you just gotta be here. You’ve got to be here every day.” It’s a motto that Gus Katechis and his father, Theo, certainly live out; there’s rarely a day you don’t see both of them behind the counter at Chris’…
Hyundai marks 5 million Alabama-built engines — and counting
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Hyundai today celebrated the production of its 5 millionth Alabama-made engine, a key milestone for the company’s Montgomery auto operations. The event comes less than 12 years after the plant assembled its first Lambda six-cylinder engine in May 2005. Hyundai says its engine shops achieved this milestone faster than any other engine…
Study: Toyota engine plant supports 9,700 Alabama jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Global automaker Toyota is a key contributor to Alabama’s economy, supporting an estimated 9,700 jobs at its Huntsville engine factory and its suppliers and spinoff operations. Those findings are part of a new study by the Center for Automotive Research, which also shows that one out of every 200 workers in Alabama…
Business Alabama publishes 2017 Economic Development Guide
From aerospace, automotive and agriculture to Zilkha biomass pellets, the ABCs of Alabama’s economy are broader and more diverse than ever, according to Business Alabama. The publication’s new 2017 Economic Development Guide provides a comprehensive examination of the important trends and developments that are shaping Alabama’s business world. The 104-page guide takes an in-depth look…
Cullman ranks as a top ‘micropolitan’ for economic development
CULLMAN, Alabama – Site Selection magazine placed Alabama among the top states in a new measure of economic development success, while Cullman ranked No. 2 in the publication’s ranking of top U.S. small cities. Cullman ranked behind only Findlay, Ohio, in the Site Selection “Top Micropolitan” list for the second consecutive year. The economic development-focused…
8 companies grab 2017 Alabama trade awards for exporting success
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Eight companies from across Alabama were honored today with 2017 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards for their achievements in exporting goods and services around the world. Lt. Governor Kay Ivey presented the awards during a ceremony at the state Capitol, which was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Export Alabama Alliance. The…
GD Copper USA adding 40 jobs at Alabama manufacturing facility
THOMASVILLE, Alabama — GD Copper USA, the first U.S. manufacturing facility operated by China’s Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group, said today that it is adding as many as 40 workers at its plant in Wilcox County. GD Copper’s facility in the Pine Hill community opened in 2014 and now employs 300 people. The 500,000-square-foot…