Rural Alabama. Known Throughout the World.

There are plenty of assumptions about rural Alabama. Well, we’ve got ‘em too. We assume that everything we produce is the highest caliber, and that everyone knows it. We assume that our neighbor is working just as hard as we are. And we assume that everyone knows our neighbors: from Mercedes-Benz and Honda to Conecuh Sausage and Wickles Pickles.



First Solar inaugurates $1.1 billion Alabama manufacturing facility



TRINITY, Alabama — First Solar Inc. inaugurated its new $1.1 billion solar panel manufacturing facility in rural Lawrence County, which is expected to create over 800 new energy technology manufacturing jobs and boost the state’s profile in the green energy industry.

Read More


Rural Economic
Development

$5.8

Billion

New Capital Investment

7,100

New and Future
Jobs Created

*Based on 2020-2023 data.

Rural News

8 Alabama-made holiday gifts that celebrate local craftsmanship

You already know that all kinds of great products are made in workshops, factories, studios and kitchens across Alabama. Even better, many of them make perfect gifts for the special ones on your holiday shopping list. Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide highlights the creativity of Alabama companies, artisans, entrepreneurs and others producing one-of-a-kind items ideal…

Read More

SEEDS grant elevates growth potential of Atmore Industrial Park

ATMORE, Alabama — Atmore officials say a $703,000 grant from Alabama’s new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will advance industrial development in the rural Escambia County city. Atmore will use the SEEDS grant to purchase land, primarily from Swift Lumber Co., that was either inside or adjacent to Atmore Industrial Park. With…

Read More

Alabama’s ag/food products sector surges with major investment projects

When the J.M. Smucker Co. celebrated the opening of a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in McCalla days ago, it marked another milestone in a long-running growth spurt that’s energizing Alabama’s key agriculture and food products sector. Since early 2021, over 50 growth projects in this sector have launched statewide, paving the way for more than…

Read More

Resources

All the tools you need, all right here

Economic developers, rejoice. Quick access to our rural industry directory, workforce resources, and annual report data is all right here. Coming soon: Additional resources by project category.

View Resources