News
Alabama students blast off to victory in largest rocketry competition
A team of students from Russellville won first place in the world’s largest rocketry competition, earning the right to represent the United States in an international fly-off at the Paris International Airshow in June. The RCS Engineers Rocketry Team beat out 100 competing teams to claim victory in the 2015 national finals of the Team…
United Airlines special section features Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama and its place in the global economy will be the focus of a multi-page special section in the July issue of Hemispheres, the in-flight magazine of United Airlines. The special section, titled “Dossier” will examine Alabama’s diverse businesses and industries, and showcase the economies of the state’s major metropolitan regions. It…
Dominican trade mission showcases Alabama seaport expansions
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Mobile’s expanding seaport is being positioned as a prime new commercial gateway for Dominican shippers during a trade mission led by the Alabama Department of Commerce to the Caribbean nation this week. Denson White, director of APM Terminals at the Port of Mobile, said maritime companies in the Dominican Republic…
Alabama Launchpad Innovation Awards nomination deadline looms
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Nominations are open for the 2015 Alabama Launchpad Innovation Awards, which recognize significant contributions to the state’s innovation economy. Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, will accept nominations through May 17 for the annual awards. Winners will be honored at the Fifth Annual Alabama Launchpad Innovation and Entrepreneurship…
Alabama launches Dominican Republic trade mission
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – An Alabama delegation led by Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield arrives in the Dominican Republic today on a four-day trade and business development mission that focuses on ports, education and tourism. This week’s trade mission follows a visit last year by the Dominican Trade Facilitation Group to Alabama, where the group received a…
Birmingham tops Zagat’s ‘Next Hot Food City’ list
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Zagat ranked Birmingham No. 1 on its new list of the nation’s up-and-coming food cities, singling out the city’s tasty mix of high-end and casual dining spots and a growing cocktail culture. Zagat – a national authority on where to eat, dine and stay for more than three decades — announced its…
Birmingham area 2014 scorecard: 3,000 new jobs, $370 million in investment
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The seven-county Birmingham region gained more than 3,000 jobs and $370 million in capital investment in 2014 thanks to companies locating new facilities or expanding existing operations in the area, according to the Birmingham Business Alliance. The BBA made the announcement this morning at its annual Regional Growth Summit, held at The…
Honda launches new automated engine assembly line in Alabama
LINCOLN, Alabama – A new $71.4 million engine assembly facility at Honda’s Alabama plant is so advanced that its 250 workers and 92 robots can turn out 1,500 V-6 engines per day, thanks to automated systems that can handle tasks such as assembling and installing pistons. The sophisticated new engine line at Honda’s facility in…
Regions Bank renews $1.5 billion commitment to Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – It’s a source of capital that has financed nearly $3 billion in business activities since it was launched. It has helped Alabama land major new employers. It is helping small businesses expand their operations. And it is helping create or sustain thousands of jobs. But ask Kirk Barrett what he sees as…
Secretary Canfield to deliver keynote at Alabama Auto Show dinner
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will deliver the keynote address at the Alabama Auto Show Industry Dinner on April 30 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The dinner is meant to signify the important role auto retailing plays in the Birmingham area economy. An analysis by the Birmingham Auto Dealers Association pegs that impact at $2.5…