Dr. Florencia Behn, a 15-year employee of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, has been named vice president for research administration and development. She will begin her role Nov. 1. Behn will lead the development and oversight of all research administration policies and procedures and will cultivate and shepherd strategic partnerships with external organizations, HudsonAlpha said in […]

Rich McGlynn saw the change coming to college athletics 14 years ago, long before Name, Image and Likeness (or NIL) was widely known. McGlynn is the executive deputy athletic director at Auburn University. Back in 2010, Auburn shocked the world by winning the college football national title behind a record-setting, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. As all […]

Aerostar has announced a $4.7 million expansion of its facility at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile, adding 50 new jobs over the next three years and more than doubling its total employment to 110. Aerostar, established in 2011, is a FAA/EASA 145 Certified Repair Station that specializes in affordable Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electromechanical and […]

The DeKalb County Economic Development Authority announced today that Dr. Brett Johnson has been appointed as its new executive director, marking a pivotal moment for the organization’s future. Johnson, who will begin his role in November, joins DCEDA after serving as the mayor’s chief of staff in Gadsden. “Brett brings a unique perspective to the table with […]

The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) has pledged major ongoing funding for the launch of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (ASHS), scheduled to open in fall 2026. “We’re honored to partner with this leader in healthcare to fulfill our mission, and we’re grateful for the Caring Foundation’s substantial support to […]

A construction industry veteran with over 50 years of experience has been chosen to receive a prestigious award dedicated to those who have shaped the construction business and its workforce in Alabama. Allen Harris of Bailey-Harris Construction will be presented the 2024 Cornerstone Award by The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama and Alabama Construction […]

Media Fusion, a tribally owned business, has been named Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year by the Marshall Space Flight Center. “We are proud of Media Fusion and our employees for earning this well-deserved recognition,” said Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie A. Bryan. “This honor reflects the values of excellence, innovation, […]

Alabama’s automotive industry continues its impressive expansion, with new growth projects and investments from key automotive suppliers adding momentum to the sector. Over the last few years, the state’s auto manufacturing sector has attracted more than $5 billion in new capital investment, generating around 8,500 job commitments in projects tracked by the Alabama Department of Commerce between […]

The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) recognized the state’s top manufacturers at the 2024 ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ awards ceremony held last week in Montgomery. Now in its 25th year, the annual award celebrates excellence in Alabama’s manufacturing sector across four categories based on company size: Small, medium, large, […]

Birdon, a global group of companies providing solutions in the maritime, military, and resource sectors, has made a major investment to expand its newly acquired Bayou La Batre shipyard. The process of expansion at the site on Shell Belt Road is expected to create 136 new jobs over the next three years. The growth will […]

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) announced the recipients of the 2024 PEAK Awards. The program, held at the Jackson Center in Huntsville last week, pays tribute to tourism leaders, attractions, festivals and organizations that set the bar for North Alabama’s $4.7 billion tourism industry. Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the […]

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 previous framework, Accelerate […]

Dozens of electric vehicle (EV) owners showcased their cars and discussed the advantages and cost savings associated with the vehicles at EV showcases in two Alabama cities on Saturday, Sept. 28. A variety of EVs, including SUVs and full-sized pick-up trucks, were on display at showcases at The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham and Tropic Falls […]

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) went on strike at midnight last night, halting operations at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts from Maine to Texas. The Alabama Port Authority, which oversees the Port of Mobile, is one of the many impacted. The strike is the first major labor action by the ILA since 1977. […]

Alabama has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering a thriving business environment, earning a No. 8 ranking in Area Development’s 2024 “Top States for Doing Business” report. This marks another year of Top 10 recognition for the state, as the national publication highlights Alabama’s competitive edge across multiple business-friendly categories. The Area Development rankings, which […]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it has awarded $20 million in State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants to 43 state and territory international trade agencies. The funds will provide financial support to small businesses looking to increase their export volume and value. Alabama small businesses can begin applying for funding now, […]

The Rocket City has been called the economic engine of North Alabama. One of the industries that helps power that engine is, coincidentally, the auto industry. And providing a spark to that is Toyota Alabama which reached a major milestone in its 23 years in Huntsville. The local manufacturing plant recently assembled its 10 millionth […]

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a Coinbase-sponsored Town Hall at Prevail Coffee in Montgomery. It was an eye-opening event where industry experts, business owners, and policymakers discussed the future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. One topic of discussion was how cryptocurrencies are changing the world and rewriting the rules on who can access […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced today that ILJIN, a leading automotive and industrial bearings and chassis manufacturer, is investing nearly $100 million in a new operation in Auburn. The company’s new facility will employ about 160 people and will allow ILJIN to expand into the aluminum forging market. “ILJIN’s decision to locate its next facility in […]

U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined a bipartisan group of senators Monday in putting forward legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) that would prevent the Mexican government from taking over the Vulcan Port. “I strongly condemn AMLO’s threats against Vulcan,” Hagerty said. “No nation or president, and especially one […]

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has received a $3.6 million pledge from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The donation will support scholarships for students in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, School of Nursing and School of Dentistry. These scholarships serve to improve access to quality, affordable health care for all Alabamians and further address health […]

As Chairman of the Board for the Alabama Trucking Association, I ask all Alabamians to join me in recognizing the incredible contributions of our industry’s most valuable players: Professional truck drivers. This week, as America’s trucking industry observes National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 15-21, 2024), it is important to highlight the vital role these […]

In the latest act of Alabama’s years-long broadband expansion effort, Governor Kay Ivey announced an almost $42 million Capital Projects Fund grant to be allocated toward 23 counties across the state. The new funding will help to provide broadband availability to more than 15,000 households, businesses, and community anchors. Once completed, the additional “last-mile broadband” […]

The Regions Foundation has awarded a $150,000 grant to the nonprofit organization STRIVE Birmingham. The group supports education and workforce development opportunities in the Magic City by providing free job training and career support services to those having difficulty finding employment. The grant was presented Friday during one of STRIVE’s first graduation events honoring adults […]