The League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) announced that U.S. Senator Katie Britt was named their 2023 Federal Lawmaker of the Year for Alabama and formally honored this week at the America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. “Local credit unions play a vital role in supporting Main Street communities across Alabama, from equipping […]

I had the privilege of being the Director of the Alabama Development Office during the Hyundai recruitment, Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission when the plant opened, and three-term Montgomery Mayor for many of the plant expansion projects. During our many visits with Hyundai and suppliers and multiple trips to Korea, I have come to […]

Alabama is already known agriculturally nationwide for its pecan production. Now, that profile is set to grow even further after New Mexico-based Southern Roots Nut Co. announced recently that it will be opening a pecan processing facility in Dothan. The new facility is expected to create 120 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $4.1 million, […]

Huntsville’s Toyota Manufacturing Alabama engine plant has set a new facility record for most engines assembled in a single year — and that figure is expected to grow. The company announced the plant produced 770,000 engines in 2023 alone. At maximum production, the facility could manufacture as many as 900,000. “Toyota Alabama supplies over one-third […]

North Alabama entrepreneurs will soon have the opportunity to compete in a Shark Tank-style event that could earn them as much as $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. The third annual Launch Tank Competition, set for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, will allow those entered to showcase their business skills in a format similar to the […]

In an address to the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Tuesday, State Senator and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton outlined the necessity of comprehensive workforce development, equitable economic growth, and significant investment in broadband infrastructure to continue driving Alabama’s competitiveness on a global scale. “Thank you all for your leadership and what you do […]

As Governor Kay Ivey continues her fight against the United Auto Workers unionization effort at the Mercedes plant, officials across the state are sharing appreciation for her effort to keep the issue in focus. Mark Mattox, Chairman of the Board for Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, was that group. “Associated Builders and Contractors of […]

Uniti Fiber announced the completion of a major broadband project that will provide high-speed internet service along the U.S. 31 Corridor in rural Jemison, Alabama. “Uniti Fiber is a committed partner in Alabama’s on-going rural broadband expansion efforts because we understand the economic and quality of life improvements that access to 21st Century technology can […]

Alabama stands at an economic crossroads, and the path we take will determine if the record low unemployment and historic industrial recruitment successes of the past several years will continue or whether we return to the days of decades ago when wages were low, jobs were scarce, and meeting even the most basic financial obligations […]

As the 2024 legislative session advances, the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) announced the addition of two legislative priorities to its agenda: A focus on the expansion of Alabama’s port infrastructure and the enhancement of childcare tax credits. According to BBA, in recognition of the role transportation and logistics play in economic growth, they fully support […]

Meridiam, a sustainable infrastructure investment firm, broke ground on a transformative fiber project that will provide broadband access in the underserved Black Belt region of Alabama. According to a news release, the firm will develop, build, finance, and manage a high-speed fiber-optic network that will extend fiber broadband to 53,000 households and businesses across more […]

Yellowhammer News hosted its annual panel discussion Wednesday with the President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate and Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives. Now in year two of the quadrennium, it was the second installment of the event featuring Pro Tem Greg Reed and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter alongside one another as leaders of their respective […]

On Tuesday morning, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter addressed the Business Council of Alabama to share a range of economic and workforce challenges the Alabama Legislature is tackling in the 2024 session — and the ways in which the state has made considerable gains.  Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), now in his second session as Speaker of […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced today that close to $150 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury has been allocated to sixteen Alabama internet service providers for the purposes of expanding high speed internet into portions of 48 counties in the state. “High-speed internet service continues to strengthen and expand across the […]

Last week, over 200 advocates gathered in Montgomery to ask the State Legislature to address public policy concerns and opportunities around childcare in Alabama. Alabama has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire nation — but it also maintains one of the lowest workforce participation rates in the nation. One primary reason a […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced on Monday that the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) has approved over $30 million in grants under the new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS) to speed the development of much-needed industry-ready sites across the state, according to her office. A key portion of the “Game Plan” package of […]

As Breeze Airways brings the West Coast to the east, north and south Alabama are playing a major role. The carrier announced Tuesday it is adding a non-stop flight to Los Angeles from Huntsville International Airport beginning June 14. Breeze also said passengers will fly on new Mobile-made Airbus A220s built for Breeze. It will […]

President Pro Tem of the Alabama Senate Greg Reed (R-Jasper) addressed a group of business leaders on Tuesday morning to share challenges, accomplishments and opportunities facing state lawmakers now in week three of the 2024 legislative session.  He commended colleagues for their approach so far in tackling key legislative priorities such as the Senate-led effort […]

Over 20 years ago, Montgomery, Alabama’s economy relied mainly on state government roles, due to its capital status, and jobs from the Maxwell/Gunter Air Force bases. Other parts of the state had dramatically benefited from large manufacturing projects, such as Mercedes Benz locating between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Honda selecting Talladega, and Mazda Toyota planting roots […]

AutoZone President and CEO Bill Rhodes has been appointed to serve on the boards of Regions Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Regions Bank. Rhodes’ term on the Regions boards will begin March 1, 2024. Bill Rhodes has more than 20 years of experience in business leadership. Prior to being named as AutoZone’s CEO, Rhodes served in […]

Forbes has named Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama one of America’s best midsize employers in an annual ranking conducted in partnership with market firm Statista. Blue Cross ranked No. 110 out of 400 companies that received recognition. This is the sixth year Blue Cross has been named a Best Employer in the midsize […]

Alabama’s economic development successes in the years to come may be due in large part to up to $40 million in SEEDS sewn this year. The State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) is considering 34 properties throughout the state under the new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act – part of the Game Plan […]

BlueHalo, which has a major hub in Huntsville, has purchased defense technology firm Eqlipse, the companies announced. Details of the deal were undisclosed. BlueHalo has more than 250 employees at its facility in Cummings Research Park. Bolstered by Eqlipse’s high-end technical talent and suite of innovative products, BlueHalo said it will deliver enhanced scale and broader […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced that Alabama’s economy is continuing to shatter records. Two weeks ago, the Governor reported that the Port of Mobile generated $98 billion in annual economic impact for the state. On Monday, she rolled out data that shows the even bigger picture. According to the Governor and the Alabama Department of Commerce, […]