As the Working for Alabama legislative package moves through the legislature to address a range of workforce and economic development opportunities currently faced by the state, the Business Council of Alabama is rolling out a statewide campaign complete with digital advertising, billboards and video endorsements from leaders. The first video features a leader who has […]

This week, both chambers of the Alabama Legislature advanced bills to address a vulnerability in Alabama’s workforce and economy: Almost half of the state’s working-age individuals are neither employed nor seeking to participate in the workforce, reflected by one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation.  A seven-bill package entitled “Working for […]

A state-of-the-art sawmill is coming to Coosa County, thanks to a recent $115 million investment from Demopolis-based Two Rivers Lumber Co. The new operation in Kellyton will be the business’ second location in Alabama and will reportedly create 130 jobs. “This growth project will have a significant impact on Coosa County and cast many economic […]

Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen addressed the Business Council of Alabama on Tuesday regarding the looming UAW threat to Alabama’s “crown jewel” industry. During his remarks, Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) drew on personal experience to illustrate the severity of the situation currently confronting the automotive manufacturing industry within the state. “I truly feel passionate about this,” […]

The business community is united in its belief that expanding access to quality affordable childcare is essential to alleviating some of the burden caused by the skilled labor shortage we experience today. Currently, parents in Alabama make up 35% of the workforce. We know that when parents have access to high-quality, affordable childcare, employers benefit […]

As Mayor of Mobile, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges Alabama faces in attracting and retaining a strong workforce. Local businesses are eager to expand, and others are interested in locating to Alabama. However, our state’s critical shortage of affordable housing often stands in the way. In the Mobile area alone, 6,362 new jobs are […]

United Auto Workers (UAW) president Shawn Fain took his war of words against Alabama Governor Kay to new heights on Tuesday during a rally in North Carolina. Fain’s heated comments directed toward the Yellowhammer State come during a time the UAW is closer than ever to unionizing Alabama’s automotive manufacturing industry via the Mercedes-Benz plant […]

Alabama Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston addressed the Business Council of Alabama on Tuesday morning to discuss Working for Alabama, the Alabama Workforce Transformation Act, and the thirteen days remaining in the 2024 legislative session. In his first session as Majority Leader, Livingston (R-Scottsboro), said now the Senate has passed legislation addressing of some of […]

Across Alabama, businesses of all sizes are facing a crucial challenge: Finding skilled workers. More than 5,000 businesses who collaborate with the Alabama Community College System to train workers know this fact: Every in-demand position within the state of Alabama can be started with training from one of Alabama’s community and technical colleges.  Amy Price, […]

As an entrepreneur who started a humble, two-man business nearly 55 years ago that today employs more than 2,000, I am well aware that the backbone of any enterprise is its workforce. No business, big or small, has any chance of success if it doesn’t have good workers. The same is true for our state. […]

Childcare is an essential resource for Alabama’s working parents, yet the supply of quality, affordable, and accessible childcare is not keeping up with the growing demand. Currently, parents in Alabama make up 35% of the workforce. When parents have access to high-quality and affordable childcare, our employers benefit from reduced absenteeism and productivity loss, increased […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced some exciting economic news for the state on Tuesday. Ivey revealed that in 2023, companies from across the globe invested over $6.4 billion into the Yellowhammer State. She also said that the investments primarily came from companies launching operations in Alabama or expanding existing facilities. “We continue to make significant progress […]

Now over halfway into the 2024 state legislative session, Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed visited with Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal last week and shared excitement for efforts coming to fruition that address workforce development in Alabama. As lawmakers seek to streamline the state’s approach as a whole, they’ve proposed a range of solutions to […]

Every parent knows that raising a family comes with important decisions: where to send your child to school, what after-school activities they will participate in, or where you’ll take them to daycare. These decisions come at a significant cost, especially in an economy marked by Joe Biden’s soaring inflation rates. As inflation continues its upward […]

A facility to educate and train prospective energy sector professionals is set to be built in Jasper, Alabama. Beyond a new state-of-the-art building, a comprehensive program will also provide aid to employees and job seekers all the way through their pathway into a strong, lifelong career. The Alabama Energy Infrastructure Training Center and Network will […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Former President Donald Trump and head of the United Auto Workers union, Shawn Fain, have exchanged words in a long conflict that is dusting up once again after Fain announced his endorsement of President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election. According to The Hill, “Biden campaign officials believe the president can strongly contrast his support […]

LiTHOS has applied for a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to upgrade its 55,000 square-foot plant in Bessemer to produce lithium hydroxide and create hundreds of jobs, the Canada-based company announced. Lithium is among one of the world’s most in-demand metals due to aggressive ambitious electrification efforts to limit CO2 emissions, […]

The Women’s Foundation of Alabama this week hosted their annual research showcase that brought together Alabama leaders to address the business case for child care, and the benefits that expanding access to child care would have on Alabama’s economy.  The event, “Clearing the Path: The Business Case for Child Care,” featured speakers including U.S. Chamber […]

A commission tasked with crafting a path to modernize Alabama’s workforce competitiveness has released what it calls a “landmark plan” — featuring a range of recommendations to reshape the state’s workforce development initiatives. The 21st Century Work Force Commission, created by the Alabama legislature in 2019 and led by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, is pushing […]