News
Jasper Lumber’s $135M project signals growth for Alabama’s forestry sector
JASPER, Alabama — Jasper Lumber Co. is nearing completion on a transformative $135 million investment to modernize its sawmill facility, reinforcing its long-term commitment to its Walker County hometown and the state’s thriving forestry industry. The multi-year upgrade, which began in 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2026, is equipping the facility with…
SEEDS program helps position Lawrence County for job creation, growth
A $2.7 million grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will allow the Lawrence County Industrial Development Board (LCIDB) and local officials to expand an industrial site in the North Alabama county. The SEEDS program is a statewide initiative designed to assist local governmental entities with funds for the development of…
Rural Alabama on the rise: Billions in investment driving job creation
Rural Alabama is experiencing a surge in economic growth, with more than $7 billion in new investment since 2020 fueling nearly 9,000 job commitments across the state’s targeted rural counties. The momentum continued throughout 2024, as $1.7 billion in fresh investment flowed into key industries, generating 1,700 new job opportunities and strengthening rural communities across the state, according to a new report from the Alabama…
SEEDS grant to boost economic growth efforts in rural Fayette
FAYETTE, Alabama — Alabama’s groundbreaking SEEDS program is providing a $733,700 grant to enable officials in Fayette to purchase property for a prime industrial site that will accelerate economic growth in the rural region. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Fayette (Fayette IDB) plans to purchase land to establish the North Fayette Industrial…
SEEDS grant fuels expansion of Auburn Technology Park West
AUBURN, Alabama — A SEEDS grant totaling $2.85 million will help the City of Auburn expand Auburn Technology Park West, enhancing the East Alabama city’s attractiveness for new business and investment projects. The grant is funded through the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act, a program launched in 2024 that supports the development of…
Alabama’s economic growth continues with $7 billion in new investment from 2024 projects
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced the release of the “2024 New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report,” highlighting another banner year for Alabama’s economy. The report reveals that economic development efforts last year secured $7 billion in new capital investment across 224 projects, generating more than 8,500 career opportunities for Alabamians. Governor Ivey…
Honda Alabama launches production of new rugged Passport models
LINCOLN, Alabama — The newest SUVs navigating a path down the assembly lines of the Honda Alabama Auto Plant are built for more rugged destinations once they depart the $3 billion plant and dealer showrooms. Honda Alabama leaders and the plant’s 4,500-plus workers recently celebrated the production launches of the all-new 2026 Passport and Passport TrailSport SUVs.…
Alabama defense firms seek growth opportunities on Poland trade mission
WARSAW, Poland — The Alabama Department of Commerce and its partners in Export Alabama have launched an international business development mission to Poland, helping state-based companies explore new opportunities in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. Representatives from six Alabama firms are engaging in high-level discussions and business-to-business meetings with Polish government officials, companies and industry…
Alabama offers free mental health and substance abuse training for employers
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce advises that businesses across the state can now take advantage of free training to help supervisors identify and respond to mental health and substance abuse issues in the workforce. The 8-hour training session is provided by the University of Alabama’s VitAL partnership, which uses education and training…
Alabama Port Authority kicks off Montgomery rail facility project
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Port Authority, in partnership with CSX, today broke ground on the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF), a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance freight mobility and stimulate economic growth throughout the region. Located on a 272-acre site with direct access to Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 31, the Montgomery ICTF…