Alabama exports set new annual record in 2017, topping $21.7 billion
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama exports totaled a record $21.7 billion in 2017, powered by rising overseas shipments of products such as automobiles, aircraft components, chemicals, paper, and minerals. New government trade figures show that exports of Alabama-made goods and services increased more than 6 percent from 2016’s total of $20.5 billion, the state’s previous annual…
Walker County’s David Knight receives top economic development award
David Knight, executive director of the Walker County Development Authority, remembers the day two decades ago when the Alabama Development Office’s David Echols gave county leaders some harsh truth. At a meeting, Walker County leaders questioned Echols, a senior project manager for ADO, about why they weren’t seeing project activity. Echols replied they wouldn’t see…
Target deal for Shipt showcases Birmingham’s dynamic tech sector
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The vibrant entrepreneurial tech scene in Birmingham is once again in the national spotlight, as Target plans to buy local grocery delivery service Shipt for $550 million in a blockbuster deal. The retail giant, which announced the acquisition in December, said it will have a major impact on efforts to increase convenience…
Air Force selects 187th Fighter Wing for F-35 jet program
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The U.S. Air Force has selected the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing for the new F-35A fighter jet program, a decision that’s expected to spur significant job creation and new investment. Governor Kay Ivey joined state and local officials to announce the decision today at a press conference at the…
Alabama ranks high in Site Selection’s 2017 Business Climate rankings
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Site Selection, an economic development-focused publication, ranked Alabama No. 6 in its annual State Business Climate survey, a healthy improvement over rankings in the previous two years. The magazine’s closely watched rankings are based largely on feedback from site selection consultants and corporate real estate executives, as well as the level of…
Alabama Launchpad selects 2 innovative startups for funding
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Two Birmingham firms prevailed in the latest round of the Alabama startup competition that has pumped millions of dollars into innovative ideas across the state. The Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition Finale, held Wednesday night at Iron City, featured six teams that made pitches in front of a panel of judges and a…
New business incubators to spark innovation across Alabama
Alabama universities are providing new launch pads for entrepreneurs and their innovative business ideas across the state. Several new incubators have opened or are in the works, and all of the projects have the potential to help spin out new jobs and investment for local communities. At the University of Alabama, the Technology Villages program…
Alabama leaders seek to strengthen bonds at SEUS Japan 40
GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Business leaders from across Alabama are participating in an international conference that seeks to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the Southeastern U.S. and the country of Japan. The 40th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations, known as SEUS Japan 40, is being held in Greenville,…
SSAB to move U.S. headquarters to Alabama, creating 60 jobs
MOBILE, Alabama – SSAB Americas, a division of global steelmaker SSAB, announced plans this morning to relocate the division’s head office from suburban Chicago to Mobile, a move that will bring 60 jobs to Alabama. Since 2001, the company has operated a steel mill in nearby Axis, which employs nearly 600 workers and produces more…
Alabama Global Supply Chain & Logistics Summit set for Birmingham
The Alabama Global Supply Chain & Logistics Summit, an annual event designed to enhance the competitiveness of state companies at home and abroad, will be held Oct. 17-18 in the Birmingham area. The 6th installment of the Summit represents an opportunity for business people to engage with industry leaders from a variety of companies on…
