News
Alabama launches a tax incentive to attract and support music creators
MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – A major expansion of Alabama’s entertainment tax incentive program is turning heads in the music industry. Representatives of the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Alabama Entertainment Office have been promoting the new opportunities, and the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival was a recent stop. The festival, held in November, drew more than…
Growing demand drives expansion for Calhoun County business
JACKSONVILLE, Alabama – A longtime family-owned business in Calhoun County is expanding amid significant growth in demand for its products and services. Bryant Machine Co. is investing $3.26 million in the project, which includes 12 new jobs, a new 22,000-square-foot facility and machining equipment. The company specializes in high-quality turning, milling, assembly and engineering services for…
Wire manufacturer plans $176 million expansion in Cleburne County
HEFLIN, Alabama – Wire and cable manufacturer Southwire is launching a $176 million expansion at its plant in Cleburne County, a move that highlights the successful business partnerships in rural Alabama that are fueling prosperity in communities across the state. The project, which will enhance medium voltage cable production and further modernize operations, is expected to create…
Aquatic Leisure Technologies to Launch First U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Opp
OPP, Alabama — Aquatic Leisure Technologies Group (ALT), one of Australia’s largest and most innovative fiberglass swimming pool manufacturers, has announced plans to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Opp. The project represents a major milestone in the company’s North American expansion and will bring new, advanced manufacturing capabilities to Covington County. The new…
AAMA: Alabama celebrates automotive industry success, highlights continued growth
HOOVER, Alabama – The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association recognized success across the state industry at its annual appreciation dinner last week, highlighting advancements in innovation, strong community partnerships and continued growth in jobs and production. Alabama’s auto industry has roared to life since Mercedes-Benz selected the state for its first U.S. auto plant in 1993, and today…
Alabama and Japan celebrate economic, cultural ties at annual JASA Dinner
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The enduring partnership between Alabama and Japan took center stage Thursday evening as business leaders, diplomats and community members gathered for the Japan-America Society of Alabama’s 2025 Annual Celebration Dinner at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. The event, one of the state’s most anticipated gatherings spotlighting Alabama’s international…
Remembering Jerry Underwood
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A veteran Alabama journalist who covered the state’s biggest business news for decades is being remembered by friends and colleagues for his far-reaching influence in the media industry and economic development. Jerry Underwood, who was 65 when he died on Nov. 2, was a former reporter and business editor at The Birmingham…
Westgate Super Site Receives CSX Select Site Platinum Designation
DOTHAN, Alabama — CSX today announced that the 365-acre Westgate Super Site in Dothan, Alabama, has been designated as a Platinum CSX Select Site. Select Sites are development-ready properties along the CSX network where standard land use considerations and comprehensive due diligence items have been previously addressed. These properties can meet the needs of a…
Report: New investment drives growth and opportunities for rural Alabama
PRATTVILLE, Alabama — On Wednesday of this week, Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair applauded the significant strides being made to attract transformative investment and high-quality jobs to Alabama’s rural regions — a cornerstone of the economic development strategy for Governor Kay Ivey’s administration. The results speak for themselves. Since 2020, economic development projects landing in Alabama’s…
Southeast Gas Brings Together State Leaders to Discuss Regional Growth
TROY, Alabama – Southeast Gas convened elected officials, business leaders and stakeholders from across the state for the first annual Southeast Alabama Economic and Policy Summit on Wednesday at Troy University. Together with presenting sponsors Southeast Energy Authority, Troy University, Poarch Creek Indians, Energy Southeast and Grow Southeast Alabama, the event aimed to highlight the economic…