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Alabama economic developers, educators team for new workforce development strategies
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Top Alabama education officials and economic developers increasingly are on the same page when it comes to workforce development strategies, crafting initiatives that align classroom learning with critical workplace needs. At a forum sponsored by the Birmingham Business Alliance, Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield and high-ranking state education officials described how…
Mobile, Huntsville among top metros for economic growth potential, Business Facilities says
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Two Alabama cities with growing aviation and aerospace sectors – Mobile and Huntsville – rank near the top of Business Facilities magazine’s Economic Growth Potential Rankings of U.S. metro areas. Mobile ranked No. 2 in the publication’s analysis, while Huntsville is No. 4 on the list. Business Facilities said Mobile earned its…
Alabama scores high in Business Facilities ranking as ‘rising automotive powerhouse’
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Expanding production in Alabama’s auto industry means the state is “coming on strong as a rising automotive powerhouse,” according to a new Business Facilities ranking. The publication, which targets site consultants and economic developers, ranked Alabama No. 2 in its annual state Automotive Manufacturing Strength ranking, up from No. 7 in the…
Alabama unemployment rate declines in June as labor force expands
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s unemployment rate moved lower in June as the state’s labor force continues to grow from the levels of a year ago. Jobs were gained in sectors including construction and transportation. Governor Robert Bentley today announced that Alabama’s preliminary June unemployment rate is 6.5 percent, down from last month’s rate of 6.8…
Infinitus Energy to build $35 million advanced waste recovery facility in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Infinitus Energy will build a technologically advanced waste recovery facility in Montgomery as part of a $35 million project that will create 110 jobs and bring long-term environmental benefits to the area. Representatives from Infinitus Energy joined Mayor Todd Strange, elected leaders and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce officials in a groundbreaking…
Airbus Americas Chairman: Why Airbus chose Alabama for A320 assembly line
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — In a column for CNBC’s web site, Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas, explains why Airbus chose Alabama as the home for its most advanced A320 assembly line – a project he calls the “most significant, game-changing event in U.S. aerospace in decades.” While McArtor points to several factors that made Alabama…
Alabama earns spot as Top 10 state for business in Pollina survey
CHICAGO — Alabama has been ranked a Top 10 state for business by Pollina Corporate Real Estate and the American Economic Development Institute, thanks in part to economic development efforts that demonstrate how state officials understand the needs of businesses. The Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study sizes up how well each state has or has not…
Alabama showcases high-tech capabilities at trade conference in Canada
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – From a sustainable energy research firm based in Brownsboro to a materials management company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama’s delegation at this week’s trade conference in Canada will demonstrate the state’s high-tech economy. A delegation of 19, including economic development leaders and business representatives, will travel from Alabama to Halifax this weekend for…
Update: Port of Huntsville sees surge in international air cargo, improves runway
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — When you think of a port, images of water, piers, docks and ships usually come to mind. When someone mentions the Port of Huntsville, however, those images aren’t present. And while this key component of Alabama’s transportation infrastructure is just as active and economically vital as a standard port, that’s where the similarity…
Supplier Donghee America to open $48 million Auburn manufacturing plant
AUBURN, Alabama – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said today that auto supplier Donghee America Inc. plans to invest $48 million to open an Auburn manufacturing plant, creating 80 jobs. “Alabama has a strong workforce and a positive business climate, and that helps us recruit well-paying jobs for the people of this state,” Governor Bentley said.…