Macon County EDA rescues historic newspaper to preserve local voice, community momentum
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — In a show of community commitment, the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) has stepped in to acquire “The Tuskegee News,” the city’s 160-year-old weekly newspaper, preventing the area from becoming another victim of America’s growing number of “news deserts.” With longtime owner Gayle Davis ready to retire after 42 years at the helm…
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 $1.2 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…
Alabama’s $36 billion forestry industry powers rural growth and innovation
Alabama’s forestry industry is a vital economic engine, particularly for the state’s rural areas. By generating billions in economic activity, creating thousands of jobs and promoting sustainable practices, the industry not only supports local economies but also positions Alabama as a leader in forestry and natural resource management on a national and global scale. The…
Gov. Ivey: Rural Alabama making ‘exciting progress’ as growth builds
PRATTVILLE, Alabama — Economic momentum is accelerating in Alabama’s rural counties, with new investments and job creation reaching impressive levels in the past year, Governor Kay Ivey announced today. This progress underscores a promising outlook for the state’s rural communities. Speaking to a gathering of rural economic developers in Prattville, Governor Ivey highlighted the rollout…
Enterprise receives $5.7 million SEEDS grant to develop industry-ready sites
ENTERPRISE, Alabama — Today, officials in Coffee County celebrated a $5.7 million grant through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program that will enable the purchase of nearly 300 acres to expand and develop industry-ready sites at the Enterprise Commerce Park. Enterprise received the largest SEEDS grant approved by the State Industrial Development…
Alabama students target international rocketry crown at Farnborough
A team of high school students from Alabama will compete for global honors in rocket building at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. The students from Tharptown High School in Russellville won the American Rocketry Challenge in May, topping 922 teams in the overall competition and the top 100 that faced off in the national finals…
Aviation training takes off in rural communities with historic ties to flight
After attracting nearly $6 billion in new investment since 2020, Alabama’s rural counties are becoming a go-to location for companies involved in activities that include solar panel manufacturing, aluminum auto parts and graphite processing. And don’t forget flight training. In fact, two rural Alabama communities are hosting new aviation academies. As part of a project…
Growing Humminbird Alabama plant invests in sustainability
EUFAULA, Alabama — Humminbird, a leading maker of marine electronics products, announced on Thursday a renewable energy project as part of the recent expansion of its Eufaula plant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions over the next 20 years. The project included the installation of a solar array to power part of the Alabama plant’s electricity…
Auto parts maker Samkee Corp. opens first U.S. factory in Tuskegee
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined officials of Samkee Corp. and local leaders today to mark the opening of the auto parts maker’s new production facility in Tuskegee Commerce Park. South Korea-based Samkee invested $128 million to build its first U.S. factory, which will employ over 170 people at full operation while providing…
New venture focuses on pristine spring water in rural Alabama
MINERAL SPRINGS, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey joined the leaders of Alabama Mineral Springs LLC today to celebrate the company’s ambitious five-year project to sustainably distribute mineral-rich water from a free-flowing spring in Chilton County. Alabama Mineral Springs LLC is officially starting production today at a $6 million bottling plant at the location where natural…
