News
Commerce’s Global Business Chief joins board of national trade association
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Christina Stimpson, Chief Officer of the Global Business Office at the Alabama Department of Commerce, has been appointed to the board of directors of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), the leading national association dedicated to supporting the international trade and export programs of U.S. states and territories. Stimpson’s appointment places Alabama at the…
Alabama communities earn national recognition for growth, innovation
Two of Alabama’s most dynamic regions — Huntsville and the Auburn/Opelika area — have been named recipients of the 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, a national honor presented annually by “Site Selection” magazine. Named for “Site Selection” founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the award recognizes top-performing economic development organizations across the country based…
$23 million in new SEEDS funding will accelerate site development across Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced that applications for Round 3 of the state’s SEEDS grant program will open on July 1, with a total of $23.2 million available to support site assessment and development efforts across Alabama. The SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program, administered by the Alabama Department of…
Alabama team uncovers $1.5 billion in project leads at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — What began with a full schedule of 21 pre-arranged meetings quickly evolved into a whirlwind of opportunity for the Alabama Department of Commerce team at last week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, where the state team engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies — surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future investment.…
The Rocket Fleet: ULA’s seafaring path to the stars flows through Alabama
In the vast waters of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing boats skimming the waves and cargo ships charting global courses are joined by a unique vessel — part ocean freighter, part spacefaring accomplice. Her name is ”RocketShip,” and while she may not carry cannons or torpedoes, she’s the pride of an unusual Alabama-based maritime fleet…
Alabama communities showcase aerospace strength at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — Alabama’s aerospace ambitions were on full display this week as a delegation of communities, universities and economic development partners joined forces to promote the state’s growing role in the global aerospace and defense landscape at the 2025 Paris Air Show. From North Alabama’s innovation corridor to South Alabama’s aviation hubs, participants joined the…
Tuskegee University revives flight training legacy with new aviation program
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — For the first time since 1946, Tuskegee University has reinstated flight training at the historic Moton Field, marking a significant milestone in aviation education for Alabama and the nation. This revival is made possible through a partnership with Republic Airways’ Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy, which aims to cultivate a new generation of aviators.…
Alabama’s universities energize aerospace recruitment at Paris Air Show
PARIS — From deep-space exploration to next-gen aviation systems, Alabama is a national leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. But behind the rockets, aircraft and advanced weapons systems is a powerful network of research universities that provide the fuel for this innovation engine. Across the state, Alabama’s public universities are advancing game-changing research, training…
How AIDT’s Aviation Training Center is powering Alabama’s aerospace workforce
When Airbus chose Mobile, Alabama, as the home for its first U.S.-based commercial aircraft assembly plant, it marked a transformative moment for the state’s aerospace industry. But behind the headlines and ribbon cuttings was another critical development: the establishment of the AIDT Aviation Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to build the skilled workforce Airbus needed to…
Mayor Sandy Stimpson reflects on Airbus, economic momentum and his final Paris Air Show
PARIS — As he walks the floor of the 2025 Paris Air Show, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson isn’t just attending another industry event — he’s closing a remarkable chapter in the city’s global aerospace journey. This year marks his final European air show as mayor, and it comes at a moment of both pride and…