News
Alabama job growth gains momentum in December
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Job growth in Alabama during 2014 reached a pace not seen since 2007, and the state’s December unemployment rate fell to 5.7 percent, the lowest rate in six years. During 2014, employment in Alabama swelled by 31,800 jobs, with significant gains in manufacturing and construction, one of the hardest hit sectors during…
Incentives update would spur Alabama job creation, top officials say
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Leaders of Alabama’s economic development team are working with Governor Robert Bentley and other top officials to overhaul Alabama’s incentive laws, enhancing the state’s competitiveness as it pursues new jobs and investment. Governor Robert Bentley and Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield outlined the initiative to members of the Economic Development Association…
Alabama, Peru strengthen economic ties with agreement
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — A trade memorandum signed today will strengthen economic ties between Alabama and Peru, setting the stage for increased cooperation between the state and the South American nation. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Peru’s Ambassador to the United States, Harold Forsyth, formalized the agreement when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a…
‘Selma’ could be break for Alabama film industry
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The director of Alabama’s Film Office hopes the state’s growing film industry will receive a boost from the critically acclaimed “Selma,” which was partially shot in Alabama last year. “Selma,” which depicts pivotal moments in the 1960’s Civil Rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., opened nationwide last week, earning…
Polaris plans Alabama manufacturing facility with up to 2,000 jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Polaris Industries Inc. announced today that it plans to build a manufacturing facility in Alabama that focuses on the production of off-road vehicles, creating between 1,700 and 2,000 jobs. Polaris said Huntsville was an ideal pick for its 600,000-square-foot facility because of the city’s skilled workforce, a history of technology and innovation,…
Alabama November job growth hits highest mark in 8 years
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s unemployment rate dropped to 6 percent in November, its lowest point since 2008, as job growth in sectors such as manufacturing and construction continues at a strong pace. “Alabama’s unemployment rate has not only continued its downward trend, but has reached a level we have not seen in more than six…
Made In Alabama’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is a perfect time to tap into the creativity and innovation of Alabama’s craftsmen and entrepreneurs. With that in mind, Made in Alabama is rolling out its second Holiday Gift Guide showcasing original homegrown products that are ideal for sharing with friends or family members this holiday season. Last year’s list featured…
Made-in-Alabama gift: Pens crafted from Bourbon barrels
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The handcrafted ink pens Joel Lockridge fashions in a small woodworking shop at his Birmingham area home are fueling a mini export boom from Alabama to parts all over the world. “I’ve now shipped to 27 countries and counting — some I’ve even had to Google to figure out exactly where I was shipping,” Lockridge said.…
FreightCar America adding 150-200 jobs in $10 million Alabama expansion
CHEROKEE, Alabama — Chicago-based FreightCar America Inc. announced plans today to expand railcar production in Alabama as part of a $10 million project that will create 150 to 200 jobs in Colbert County. FreightCar America said it plans to launch an additional production line at the operation in Cherokee, allowing it to meet growing demand for its new types…
Chairman: Airbus Alabama production center expands U.S. presence
MOBILE, Alabama — With customer deliveries of Alabama-made Airbus A320 Family aircraft set to begin in 2016, the European manufacturer is counting on its new production facility at Mobile Aeroplex to expand its presence in the world’s largest aviation market, according to Airbus Group Chairman Allan McArtor. “We want to be here permanently and understood to…