News
Alabama Workforce System brand unifies job services
The Alabama Workforce Council has presented a new set of recommendations to Governor Robert Bentley, including the creation and implementation of a new unified and universal brand for the Alabama Workforce System. The idea goes beyond just a logo, said Ed Castile, deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, director of the worker training…
EDPA names Steve Spencer president as Bill Taylor retires
Former Alabama Power executive Steve R. Spencer has been elected president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, succeeding Bill Taylor, was has served in that role since 2009. The EDPA board today announced the move, which is effective April 1. Taylor is a former president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance, and…
Alabama 2015 exports hover near record amid global struggles
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Despite headwinds in global markets, Alabama exports in 2015 held steady at near-record levels on growing overseas shipments of products such as transportation equipment, primary metals and machinery. Figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce show that Alabama exports totaled $19.37 billion last year, just below the all-time record of $19.58 billion…
Alabama-built Elantra stars in Hyundai Super Bowl 50 ads
Hyundai is showcasing the features of its redesigned 2017 Alabama-built Elantra sedan in Super Bowl 50 commercials starring actor Ryan Reynolds and a pair of frightening but chatty bears. The two spots are part of a Super Bowl blitz by the automaker, which has produced a total of four commercials for Sunday’s game. Hyundai is…
Alabama-made Ridgeline Super Bowl 50 spot leads the flock
Honda is using a flock of sheep to sing the praises of the automaker’s all-new 2017 Alabama-made Ridgeline pickup in a 60-second commercial during Sunday’s Super Bowl 50. Honda this week offered a sneak peak of its “A New Truck to Love” spot featuring a talking dog and sheep singing the classic Queen tune “Somebody…
Mayor Bell: Birmingham’s $1 billion year sets stage for growth
Made In Alabama asked Birmingham Mayor William Bell to share his thoughts on the economic development successes recorded by the state’s largest city in 2015 and where Birmingham is headed in the new year. Here’s what he said. Q: What are the 2015 highlights for you? A: The City issued 700 new business licenses in…
Mayor Stimpson: ‘It’s a great time to invest in Mobile’
Made in Alabama asked Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson to share his economic development priorities for 2016, which is shaping up to be a monumental year for the Port City. Here’s what the mayor said. Q: What are your economic development priorities in 2016 and what would you like to see happen? A: Our economic development…
Mayor Battle: ‘Huntsville’s conversations are never dull’
Made In Alabama asked Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle to outline his economic development priorities for 2016 and provide insight on why the city has been able to land a series of major projects in the past couple of years. Here are his remarks. Q: What are your economic development priorities in 2016 and what would…
Alabama mayors share 2016 growth priorities
Made In Alabama checked in with the mayors of the state’s four largest cities to get an idea of their 2016 economic development priorities and how their growth strategies paid off last year. Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange believes Alabama’s capital is primed for growth in the technology and automotive sectors in 2016. For Huntsville Mayor…
Montgomery Cyber Connection will provide technology boost
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Officials today unveiled an initiative called the Montgomery Cyber Connection that will permit blazing-fast Internet speeds, positioning the region for growth in the technology sector and fueling economic growth. At the heart of the initiative is what’s known as the Montgomery Internet Exchange, which will provide the physical infrastructure to link the…