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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Governor Ivey announces new Growing Alabama funding topping $7M for 4 sites
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the Renewal of Alabama Commission has allocated over $7.2 million in new Growing Alabama funding to four economic development organizations across the state, accelerating the development of industrial and agricultural center sites. These funds are designed to boost site readiness, a critical factor in attracting new...
Sierra Pacific marks opening of new manufacturing facility in Phenix City
PHENIX CITY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey joined executives from Sierra Pacific Industries and local officials in Phenix City today to celebrate the official opening of the company’s new manufacturing campus, which will bring 300 jobs to the Russell County community. The $60 million investment in Sierra Pacific Windows, the company’s division focused on high-end...
Advanced engineering firm IS4S plans growth project in Marion County
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc. (IS4S), a small business specializing in advanced engineering and management solutions, plans to invest $2.1 million to establish a new Research and Development (R&D) center in rural Marion County. The project will create 13 high-paying full-time engineering positions over the...
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...
Governor Ivey receives new economic strategic plan to energize Alabama’s long-term growth
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced she has received a forward-thinking economic strategic plan presented by Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. Designed to guide the state’s growth through the next decade and beyond, the plan cements Alabama’s status as a leader in economic development. This comprehensive plan — called Catalyst — replaces the state’s...