News
EDPA names Miller Girvin as its next president as organization enters new era
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Miller Girvin as its next president, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The transition follows the retirement of Greg Barker, who will step down as EDPA’s president at the end of the year, after more than four years at the organization’s…
Two St. Clair County communities receive SEEDS grants totaling $2.5 million
SPRINGVILLE, Alabama — Two communities in St. Clair County have received a major boost in their efforts to attract new business and industry with the latest round of funding from the Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The initiative, launched earlier this year, is designed to help local governments and development authorities prepare strategic…
Alabama leaders kick off EV Technology Center project to boost training
TANNER, Alabama — Alongside state and local leaders, Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair today celebrated the official launch of construction on a cutting-edge $30 million workforce training center at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park near Decatur. This new facility is set to propel the state’s automotive industry into the future by equipping workers with the skills…
NEAR Megasite gains momentum with $4.6 million in SEEDS funding
GADSDEN, Alabama — Etowah County is making significant strides toward enhancing the Northeast Alabama Regional (NEAR) Megasite, thanks to a $4.6 million grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The SEEDS funding will be used to construct a 3-mile water transmission main to support the industrial site, enabling the county to…
Johnson named DeKalb County EDA’s new executive director
FORT PAYNE, Alabama —The DeKalb County Economic Development Authority announced today that Dr. Brett Johnson has been appointed as its new executive director, marking a pivotal moment for the organization’s future. Johnson, who will begin his role in November, joins DCEDA after serving as the mayor’s chief of staff in Gadsden. “Brett brings a unique…
Advanced engineering firm IS4S plans growth project in Marion County
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc. (IS4S), a small business specializing in advanced engineering and management solutions, plans to invest $2.1 million to establish a new Research and Development (R&D) center in rural Marion County. The project will create 13 high-paying full-time engineering positions over the…
Enterprise receives $5.7 million SEEDS grant to develop industry-ready sites
ENTERPRISE, Alabama — Today, officials in Coffee County celebrated a $5.7 million grant through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program that will enable the purchase of nearly 300 acres to expand and develop industry-ready sites at the Enterprise Commerce Park. Enterprise received the largest SEEDS grant approved by the State Industrial Development…
Alabama’s auto supply chain growth accelerates with major investments
Alabama’s automotive industry continues its impressive expansion, with new growth projects and investments from key automotive suppliers adding momentum to the sector. Over the last few years, the state’s auto manufacturing sector has attracted more than $5 billion in new capital investment, generating around 8,500 job commitments in projects tracked by the Alabama Department of…
Governor Ivey receives new economic strategic plan to energize Alabama’s long-term growth
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced she has received a forward-thinking economic strategic plan presented by Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. Designed to guide the state’s growth through the next decade and beyond, the plan cements Alabama’s status as a leader in economic development. This comprehensive plan — called Catalyst — replaces the state’s…
SEEDS funding topping $475,000 to speed site development in Henagar
HENAGAR, Alabama — Today, officials in Henagar celebrated a major milestone with a substantial grant from the state’s new Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program, which is accelerating the transformation of a portion of the DeKalb County city’s existing 90-acre industrial tract into a “shovel-ready” site. The SEEDS grant award amount is $475,609, which…