News
Business Facilities: Alabama ranks high for auto manufacturing, workforce development
Alabama got high marks for “Automotive Manufacturing Strength” and AIDT, Alabama’s workforce development agency, ranked high among “Workforce Training Leaders” in Business Facilities magazine’s annual rankings report, released this week. Record output at Alabama’s three auto assembly plants underlined the state’s No. 2 ranking in the magazine’s “Auto Manufacturing Strength” category. Alabama and Tennessee swapped positions…
Auburn University, NASA to explore 3-D printing applications
AUBURN, Alabama – Auburn University and NASA today signed a Space Act Agreement to explore and advance the applications of additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing — a technology that will revolutionize how all kinds of products, from simple items to components in rocket engines, are made. The signing took place during the university’s forum on…
REEL to open facility at Mobile Aeroplex to serve Airbus Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – REEL USA Corp. will open an office and workshop at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, where the company will service the critical jigs and tools used in Airbus’ first U.S. manufacturing facility. Today’s announcement involving REEL is the latest in a string of Airbus-related expansion moves at the Aeroplex, where the France-based…
Renewable energy options will boost Alabama competitiveness
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield says initiatives to expand the availability of renewable energy in the state will enhance Alabama’s ability to compete for some economic development projects. This year, TVA entered into a 20-year agreement to purchase 80 megawatts of solar power from NextEra’s solar facility near Florence, and just last month Google and TVA…
Commerce creating new Workforce Development Division to boost recruitment
Alabama’s key workforce development programs are being restructured into a “One Stop Shop” within the Alabama Department of Commerce to facilitate business expansion and streamline economic development efforts. Following recent action by the state Legislature on guidance by Governor Robert Bentley, Commerce is creating a new Workforce Development Division headed by Ed Castile, the longtime…
Governor Bentley: New ‘Made In Alabama’ incentives already spurring activity
POINT CLEAR, Alabama — Governor Robert Bentley says the state’s new “Made In Alabama” incentives platform is already being used to woo prospects and garner interest from companies with new job-creating projects. Addressing members of the Economic Development Association of Alabama at the group’s annual summer conference, Governor Bentley thanked the developers for their help…
Condoleezza Rice to address SEUS Japan 38 joint forum in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, will deliver the keynote address at a November joint meeting of groups that seek to promote trade, investment and cultural exchange between seven Southeastern states and Japan. Dr. Rice, a Birmingham native who served as the chief U.S. diplomat from 2005 to 2009…
Google Alabama data center will provide boost to state’s tech sector
Top Alabama economic development officials believe Google’s plans to build a $600 million data center in Jackson County will optimize efforts to expand the state’s high-tech industry sector. Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Google is a tech giant whose name conveys instant validity within the industry. Another plus: Google is…
Alabama Innovation Fund to award grants for technology growth
The Alabama Innovation Fund has $4.5 million to support programs that seek to leverage research performed by the state’s universities and other institutions to generate new ventures, create jobs and spur additional economic development opportunities. Created in 2012 as part of the “Accelerate Alabama” strategic growth plan, the Alabama Innovation Fund awards grants to bolster…
6 startup teams advance to Alabama Launchpad final round
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Launchpad, a premier entrepreneurship competition, announced that six startup teams are one step closer to winning a share of up to $250,000 that could help them to take their venture to the next level. Ten teams competed last week at Evonik Industries’ Birmingham location in the first pitch event for the…