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…
Alabama leaders seek to strengthen bonds at SEUS Japan 39
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will join Alabama business leaders in a delegation representing the state in Japan next week at a high-level forum that aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties. More than 30 Alabama government officials, economic development professionals and others who work in finance, manufacturing, medical technology and tourism will attend the 39th…
Alabama firms seek foothold with Latin America trade mission
Latin America is the latest target for Alabama trade leaders seeking growth markets for state businesses. Representatives of a dozen companies are participating in a trade mission this week that started Sunday in Mexico and continues Wednesday in Chile. It’s being held in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service’s Trade Winds program, which includes regional…
Buckle Up: Alabama auto industry accelerates growth (Video)
Alabama’s auto industry is on a hot streak, with record production numbers, rising investment, expanded hiring, and redesigned models rolling off the assembly lines. Last year alone, the auto industry added around 6,500 jobs and $3 billion in new investment in the state, according to a preliminary analysis of data in the Alabama Department of…
Alabama trade mission targets opportunities in Spain, Morocco
Business leaders from across Alabama will be in Europe and Africa next week, seeking new markets for their state-made goods and services. Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading a trade and business development mission to Spain and Morocco that kicks off today with the group’s departure. The 16-member delegation is made up…
Alabama auto exports span the globe to set record
From the Far East to the Arabian Desert, Alabama-built vehicles continue to make their mark across the globe. The value of Alabama auto exports topped $7 billion last year, a record annual total and a 5.8 percent gain from 2014. Meanwhile, overseas shipments of Alabama-made motor vehicle parts reached $1.2 billion, an 18 percent increase.…
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…
Regions Financial CEO Grayson Hall to chair SEUS Japan joint forum
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Grayson Hall, who leads Alabama’s only Fortune 500 company, has been named the 2015-16 private sector chairman for the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association as the group prepares for a joint meeting in Alabama with its Japanese counterpart. Hall, who serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Regions Financial Corp., will lead…
Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards honors export success
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Robert Bentley today honored eight homegrown companies with Trade Excellence Awards for their accomplishments in exporting Alabama-made products and services to customers around the globe, reflecting a key priority of his administration’s economic growth strategy. The companies receiving the award at a ceremony this morning in the Old House Chamber at the state Capitol demonstrate capabilities…
Robert Stackpole: The Global Appeal of Alabama’s Southern Charm
By: Robert Stackpole, director of the International Trade Administration’s Export Assistance Center in Birmingham, Ala. In a business sense, Alabama can’t be pointed out in one location on a map. As the Alabama Department of Commerce is proud to point out, Alabama is everywhere. Our Southern state is a global leader, exporting goods to…
