News
Mercedes held keys to start Alabama auto industry boom
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – In the 20 years since Mercedes-Benz began producing the M-Class SUV in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama’s auto industry has roared to life in communities across the state. Vehicle production has steadily risen to make Alabama one of the Top 5 auto-producing states in the U.S. Last year, for the second year in a…
Shoals’ Forrest Wright receives top Alabama economic development award
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce recognized Forrest Wright, president of the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA), with the David R. Echols Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service in economic development. This award, presented annually at the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) winter conference, is the highest statewide recognition available to the…
20 years ago, Alabama’s auto industry started rolling with first M-Class
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Twenty years ago today, the first customer-ready M-Class SUVs began rolling off the Mercedes-Benz auto assembly line in Tuscaloosa County, launching new eras for both the automaker and the state of Alabama. For Mercedes, the M-Class was the first mass market SUV, and its success helped spin off a full range of…
Florence culinary incubator stirs entrepreneurship dreams
FLORENCE, Alabama – Entrepreneurs looking to break into the highly competitive food industry have found invaluable tools and support in northwest Alabama. The Florence-based Shoals Entrepreneurial Center is home to a culinary incubator that offers a fully equipped, FDA-approved commercial kitchen for fledgling startups to rent at reasonable rates. Beyond that, the center’s staff provides…
Tuskegee researchers’ discovery could protect food supply
TUSKEGEE, Alabama – Researchers at Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine have been awarded a patent for a faster and more efficient way to detect live bacteria that could contaminate the nation’s food supply. U.S Patent No. 9434976 was issued for the rapid and more reliable detection of viable foodborne, biothreat pathogens and other infectious…
Accelerate Alabama 2.0 updates state’s strategic growth plan
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Accelerate Alabama, the strategic economic development growth plan that has driven the creation of more than 75,000 jobs since its adoption, is being updated with refined targets and tactics. Accelerate Alabama 2.0, as it’s called, aims to amplify the success of the original strategic plan, which went into effect in 2012, said…
Milestone: Airbus Engineering celebrates decade in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – Airbus today marked a major milestone in Alabama as it celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the engineering operation that was the forerunner to its aircraft manufacturing facility here. Employees of Airbus Engineering were joined by state and local leaders to recognize the success of the Airbus Engineering Center in Mobile. “Our success…
Chambers County 2016 scorecard: 119 new jobs, $171M investment
LANETT, Alabama – Building on a solid period of rejuvenation, Alabama’s Chambers County attracted more than $171.3 million in new capital investment last year, spurring the creation of 119 new and future jobs, economic development officials said. In addition, the Chambers County Development Authority (CCDA) reported that it has developed an active pipeline for 2017.…
Made in Alabama brand evolution brings new look to Commerce website
The Alabama Department of Commerce has launched an upgraded version of its Made in Alabama website as the strategic centerpiece in an all-encompassing evolution of the state’s economic development brand. The redesigned Made in Alabama site features a clean, modern look and incorporates new features such as lead-generation elements to support Commerce’s primary economic and…
Zyp BikeShare adds ‘grab and go’ way to travel in Birmingham
Hundreds of bright green bicycles have collectively logged nearly 100,000 miles crisscrossing Birmingham, as the city’s new bike sharing system has become a hit with residents and visitors alike. Zyp BikeShare, an initiative of REV Birmingham that launched in October 2015, gives riders a new way to make a quick trip to the grocery store,…