The Alabama Department of Commerce has been gearing up for a major economic development announcement in Dothan on March 1. Governor Bentley was set to host a press conference at the Dothan Civic Center along with the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Dothan, and numerous other economic development groups.

Unfortunately, Yellowhammer has learned that the press conference is now off. The reason? Sequester. “The uncertain impact of the sequester is already scaring companies. This could really hurt our ability to create jobs,” one insider told Yellowhammer Thursday afternoon. The press conference is believed to have been to announce new jobs in the aviation sector, which would make sense considering the Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority’s participation in the announcement.

“I appreciate Mayor Schmitz and the Chamber leadership for their hard work in recruiting this new industry to Dothan,” said Rep. Martha Roby who represents the Second Congressional District where Dothan is located. “It is outrageous that President Obama’s sequestration scare tactics are causing this uncertainty and delaying much needed jobs from coming to the Wiregrass.”

This is the first of what could be many negative effects brought on by the sequester. More soon.