A commission tasked with creating a path to modernize Alabama's workforce competitiveness has released what it calls a "landmark plan" to reshape the state’s workforce development initiatives.

Through a partnership between the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, the University of Alabama, and the most active pre-seed investor in the world, Techstar, Tuscaloosa will now have a new, first of its kind hydrologic innovation-focused accelerator and pre-accelerator program.

Three years ago, Elizabeth “Liz” Pharo acquired the largest processor of uncontested divorces. After processing over 1 million divorces on the previous platform, the need for a hassle-free divorce alternative was essential thus, Divorce.com was launched.  “My purpose is really to pioneer modern divorce – getting rid of unnecessary trauma.” 42% of divorce costs between […]

Growing up the youngest of nine children in Florence, Janice Pride learned early on the value of working with others.   “When you’re in a large family, you don’t know any different,” she said. “So sharing bedrooms and sharing bathrooms and setting your alarm early so that you could take a shower and do your hair […]

At a Leidos facility in Huntsville, the next chapter of the U.S. Army’s warfighting capability is being written.  The company announced its Enduring Shield rocket system, a ground-based technology, capable of eliminating fast-moving aerial threats, successfully cleared a critical milestone in its global delivery.  Days later, members of the Leidos team who helped design, develop […]

Lora McClendon and her career are a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and dedication.  McClendon had an interest in governmental affairs from a young age. She earned her BA in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and attended Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business where she obtained an MBA. After […]

The Alabama Department of Labor has reported that the state's labor force participation rate in December reached 57.2%. Fitzgerald Washington, the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor, discussed those numbers.

Linda Maynor did not plan on being where she is today. “I really wanted to be a psychologist,” she said. “That was always my dream of what I wanted to do.” Maynor, the managing partner for Maynor & Stiers LLC, has spent decades in the political sphere fundraising, managing campaigns, and lobbying on behalf of […]

“There is a seat at the table for you.”  That’s what Lisa DeVine wants all young women coming up to know.   With a 20-year career as an Army officer behind her, including a stint as a paratrooper, DeVine, vice president of Program Integration at Leidos Dynetics, has been seated at tables many of us might […]

Cynthia Crutchfield leads Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots. The Montgomery native may be at the top of her career but it’s only the beginning for her time as CEO of Innovate Alabama.  After just one year, Crutchfield and her team are […]

Ashley Robinett’s appreciation of community and collaboration has led to a career of tangible impact.  When looking to the early moments that shaped her interest in her field, she is drawn to the memory of her late high school calculus teacher, Bev Wilkin. “She saw something in me that I, quite frankly, didn’t see myself,” […]

Baldwin County, Alabama has a lot to show off these days. Thanks to a new groundbreaking talent campaign by the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, more people across the globe will get to hear and see it.  “Belong in Baldwin” will spotlight the wealth of opportunities and unparalleled lifestyle that Baldwin County offers to professionals, […]

Innovate Alabama has announced that it has opened its fourth round of applications to state based small businesses who are interested in the organization's supplemental grants program.

As Regions Bank Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary, Tara Plimpton serves as one of 10 direct reports to the company’s CEO. With extensive and ever-changing responsibilities, Plimpton seeks to serve her team and community with great care in her decision-making. Plimpton’s areas of responsibility are vast, and as a member […]

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, like many other Native American Tribes, have fought hard to preserve their heritage and traditions. They have lived in and around the reservation in Poarch, Alabama for nearly 200 years, and are currently the only federally-recognized Native American Tribe in the state.  Tribal Council Member Sandy Hollinger is ensuring […]

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has continually said President Biden’s overregulation of American energy is driving up prices and killing jobs. In a speech from the floor of the Senate last week, Tuberville underscored that while the U.S. is a global leader in nuclear power production – there’s potential for much more. He criticized the current […]

NASA selected three Huntsville companies and the University of Alabama in Birmingham as part of a nearly $500 million contract to provide research, engineering, and mission integration services for the International Space Station Program. Axient, Tec-Masters, and Teledyne Brown Engineering are among the 11 companies chosen for the program. The $478 million Research, Engineering & Mission […]

Caroline Aderholt is a shining example of the incredible impact that can be created from a lifelong dedication to an industry.  From a young age, Aderholt found interest in politics, economic development, and agriculture. She recalls traveling with parents Albert and Shirley McDonald, spending time on the campaign trail, and attending political rallies as young […]

In her more than 30 years in the banking industry, Rosilyn Houston has never been afraid to be “the first.” Houston has served in various senior management roles, most recently as Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Santander USA. She previously served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Talent and […]

The idea for dignified drug testing started with a personal experience from Liz Read, a 2024 Woman of Impact. As she observed her own family member navigate their options for accountability, the two pathways were to either go into a lab or purchase from a store. Thus, forcing a struggling person into an environment that […]

Maeci Walker combines strategy with a strong will to create a meaningful difference in her field.  After she completed grad school, Walker found herself as a volunteer on Luther Strange’s first campaign for Attorney General. It was during this time that she was connected with Martin Christie on the basis that a colleague decided she […]

How much is Auburn University’s advanced manufacturing expertise worth to the U.S. Army? Up to $50 million. That’s the total of a new three-year project — the single largest prime research contract ever awarded to Auburn University —  designed to help the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center boost its increasing […]

Innovate Alabama, a landmark economic development program, was celebrated by Gov. Kay Ivey, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and State Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, who serves as Vice Chair of the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors. Last month’s event was attended by legislators, business leaders, and dignitaries from around the state and […]

Alabama's favorite pickle company has reportedly been acquired by one of the Southeast's leading consumer packaged goods investment firms. Fenwick Food Group, a division of Fenwick Brands Inc., officially absorbed Wickles Pickles on November 29.