54 workers at a Dothan cigar manufacturing facility learned this week their jobs are going away, but the global tobacco company closing its doors in Houston County isn’t leaving them empty-handed.

On Wednesday, PMI U.S. announced they will wind down operations in the Wiregrass in the coming months as part of their public health mission to pivot toward a smoke-free future. Roughly 20 employees will stay on to support ongoing needs of the facility and community.

According to the company, all those impacted by the closure will receive a top-notch severance package that includes extended salary continuation, company-paid health insurance for a period after departure, and help finding their next job.

“Everyone impacted will receive strong support,” the company said in a news release today.

Cigars were not actually originally part of PMI’s core business — the Dothan facility came to the company through its 2022 acquisition of Swedish Match, and the site itself has operated as a cigar maker for roughly 25 years.

But today’s announcement is part of a broader shift toward smoke-free, FDA-authorized nicotine products, such as Zyn, which the company says is intended to help the nearly 30 million American adults who still smoke move away from cigarettes.

“The decision to close our manufacturing operations in Dothan reflects our focus on operating efficiently and sustainably across all aspects of our business and on accelerating the growth of our smoke-free business in America,” Peter Luongo, Managing Director of PMI’s cigar business said Wednesday.

“This change does not diminish the pride we have in the work done in Dothan. The dedication, craftsmanship, and teamwork of our colleagues here have had a meaningful impact on our business.”

PMI said its broader U.S. commitment remains unchanged, having invested more than $1 billion in American manufacturing and workforce development since 2022.

The company said those investments are generating thousands of jobs and more than $800 million in annual economic impact nationwide.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

In a big win for the Alabama Wiregrass region, CSX has designated Dothan’s 365-acre Westgate Super Site as a Platinum CSX Select Site, the railroad’s highest readiness rating for industrial development.

The property is now one of only five Platinum Select Sites in Alabama and just the 33rd across CSX’s entire network.

Select Sites are large, rail-served properties that have already cleared key hurdles such as environmental reviews, zoning and air permits, utility capacity, transportation access, and other due-diligence work, allowing manufacturers to move faster from site selection to shovels in the ground.

According to the railroad, since CSX launched the Select Site program in 2012, designated sites have attracted dozens of projects representing a projected $16.2 billion in capital investment and nearly 13,000 new jobs.

“Achieving Platinum CSX Select Site status is a tremendous milestone for Dothan and the State of Alabama,” Christina Bottomley, vice president of real estate and industrial development at CSX, said.

“This region continues to emerge as one of the most competitive manufacturing corridors in the country — and the Westgate Super Site is now positioned to attract the kind of high-value industrial investment that strengthens domestic supply chains, creates quality jobs, and accelerates long-term economic growth.”

CSX partners with Austin Consulting, a nationally known site-selection firm, to vet candidate properties against stringent criteria for infrastructure, workforce and project risk. Platinum is reserved for the most “project-ready” locations in the program.

“It is uncommon to find such a large, attractive greenfield industrial site, which is both adjacent to the railroad right-of-way and within the city limits,” Jonathan Gemmen, senior director at Austin Consulting said.

“The site is a gem.”

RELATED: Alabama solving manufacturing’s real estate problem

The Platinum designation caps several years of quiet but aggressive site work by local and state leaders to transform Westgate from farmland into one of Alabama’s next marquee industrial locations.

In 2024, lawmakers representing the Wiregrass delivered a $3.94 million grant from the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) under the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act to help the Industrial Development Board of Dothan acquire the Westgate Supersite.

The City of Dothan and Houston County Commission paired that with $3.14 million in local funds.

The SEEDS program was created in 2023 as part of Alabama’s “Game Plan” economic development package specifically to replenish Alabama’s inventory of mega-project-ready sites as the state continues to land large manufacturing and logistics investments.

State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) and Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) have both pointed to Westgate as a site with the potential to create hundreds of high-wage jobs and make a generational impact in the Wiregrass once a major employer selects the property.

Local leaders have deliberately designed Westgate to check the boxes for energy- and infrastructure-intensive projects.

The site is bordered by a CSX mainline and is already served by robust utility infrastructure from Southeast Gas, Alabama Power, Dothan Utilities and Brightspeed Internet.

Dothan-area economic development materials note that the Westgate Super Site has some of the best electric support in the Southeast, with Alabama Power capable of serving a range of transmission and distribution voltages, while Dothan Utilities provides surplus water and sewer capacity and Brightspeed offers redundant fiber connectivity.

RELATED: Alabama climbs in key ‘Top States for Business’ metric, stays firmly in national Top 10

Those attributes position the site for advanced manufacturing, data-heavy operations and other projects that demand high volumes of power, water, and broadband alongside direct rail access.

“The Platinum Site designation for the Westgate Super Site is a tremendous achievement for Dothan. We sincerely appreciate CSX for recognizing the potential of this site and for their partnership in helping us reach this important milestone,” said Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba.

Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe said the new status sends a clear message that the Wiregrass is ready for big-league projects.

“The Platinum Site designation is a major step forward for Houston County and the entire Wiregrass region. We are grateful to CSX for recognizing the strength and readiness of the Westgate Super Site. This site will have a generational impact—bringing new opportunities, quality jobs, and lasting economic growth that will benefit families and businesses across our community for decades to come.”

Companies that ultimately choose Westgate will be able to layer that infrastructure with Alabama’s statewide incentive toolbox, including Jobs Act cash rebates on payroll, state and local tax abatements on eligible capital investment, and additional credits for locating in targeted or rural counties, as well as local incentives offered through the City of Dothan and Houston County for qualifying projects.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

Thousands of Alabama folks heading to Panama City have pulled off at Dobbs Barbeque in Dothan for over a century. Now, they will have to find a new food stop that does not have the history and atmosphere of Dobbs Famous Bar-B-Que.

The famous eatery at the southern intersection of Ross Clarke Circle and highway 231 operated its last day Sunday. The final owner, Art Mayo, announced the closure the day before.

Barbeque historians say that Dobbs was the second-oldest BBQ joint in Alabama, behind Golden Rule BBQ in Jefferson County’s Irondale, founded in 1891, 134 years ago.

Dobbs was started in central Alabama’s Tallassee in 1910 by Euell Lee Dobbs Sr. who moved it to Dothan in 1948, 77 years ago.

Since the news of Dobbs’ closure quickly spread, memories from customers of Dobbs have passed around.

Dothan native Alva Lambert said Dobbs had the best camp stew he ever had. Also, he recalls owner Lee Dobbs in his trademark blue coveralls welcoming customers. Later, Lambert said that Dobbs would ease around to tables and entertain patrons with his “Hooie-Sooie Stick”.

It was a handmade stick about a foot long and had notches carved in it with an ice cream wooden stick propeller at the end and another propeller at an angle above it.

As Dobbs ran his fingers across the notches, he would give the command hooie or sooie and make each of the propellers rotate. He would always preface the act by saying that one propeller was a little slower since that “last cool snap”. Then Dobbs would give a command and make the propellers rotate in an opposite direction in an instant.

You can’t get that type of service in most modern restaurants.

Ron Creel, Sr, founder and chairman of the Alabama Sports Festival Foundation and former Wiregrass resident, said he recalled the drive-up curb service at Dobbs BBQ in the 50s, 60s and even early 70s. He said the strawberry shortcake was the best anywhere and was their signature dessert.

No information has been released on what will be done with the Dobbs property and whether the restaurant could re-open at another location.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com

The City of Dothan has named Jason A. Wright as its new Governmental and External Affairs Coordinator. Jason Wright, a Troy University graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, will bring his academic and professional expertise to the role.

In his new position, Wright will focus on identifying federal, state, and private funding opportunities. The role is designed to support Dothan’s capital projects, community initiatives, and public-private partnerships, all aimed at improving resources and services for residents.

City Manager Randy Morris praised the appointment, saying, “We are pleased to have Jason on staff to assist the City in strengthening legislative relationships and to seek funding opportunities to further Dothan’s ability to create a better quality of life for all of our citizens.”

Jason Wright and his wife, the former Amy Adams of Prattville, live in Dothan with their two children.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has announced the recent opening of her new regional office in Dothan. The office will serve thirteen Alabama counties: Butler, Crenshaw, Conecuh, Covington, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Pike, Bullock, Barbour, Henry, Houston, and Russell.

According to Britt, the office is meant to strengthen constituent services in the Wiregrass region.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Alabamians in every corner of our state, and I appreciate our incredible state team members who work diligently every single day to support local priorities,” said Britt. “I’m proud to be from the Wiregrass. The opening of our Dothan office will allow us to have an even stronger presence in Southeast Alabama as we continue to prioritize timely and effective constituent services. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can ever be of assistance. It is my honor to fight on behalf of Alabama’s people, values, and interests every single day.”

 Britt also has regional office locations in Huntsville, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Mobile, and Anniston.

 The Dothan office information can be found on Senator Britt’s website.

A ‘state of the art’ large-scale Amazon delivery center has opened its doors in the city of Dothan. The 79,000-square-foot facility will create over 100 full- and part-time jobs, in addition to the hundreds of new driver opportunities with Amazon’s Delivery Service  Partners.

At the location, packages will be shipped to the delivery station from neighboring Amazon Fulfillment and Sortation Centers. From there they will be loaded into delivery vehicles and transported to customers.

Mayor of Dothan Mark Saliba and Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe issued a joint statement about the new station.

“We are grateful to see Amazon choose to call Dothan home and construct a first-class facility,” Saliba and Shoupe said. “The jobs that are created by Amazon in our community have the ability to make a significant impact on the quality of life for  those who work for the company.” 

State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) and State Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan), who represent the area in the state legislature, are excited about the opening of the facility.

“Amazon has become a strong partner for the state of Alabama over the years and we know they will continue to be strong community partners in Dothan, Alabama,” the two legislators said. “Our  community is fortunate to have Amazon call Dothan home and Amazon is fortunate to  have our quality people to make up their workforce.”

Colton Cureton, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of economic development, touted the partnership between Dothan and Houston County.

“It is important to note that this project would not be possible if it were not for the strong collaboration from the city of Dothan and Houston County,” said Cureton. “Local governments working together to help strong projects such as this come to fruition are critical in economic development and we are fortunate to have great local leadership.  Welcome to Dothan, Amazon!” 

Amazon’s national average starting pay is $22 per hour. The company offers full- and part-time employees a range of benefits from day one of employment that may support individuals and eligible family members, including domestic partners and children.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Dothan Warehouse announced today that it plans a $5.2 million expansion project that will add 120,000 square feet of temperature-controlled storage space while creating 50 jobs at the company’s Houston County facility.

The project will provide 40,000 square feet of space to store products needing temperature levels at 35 degrees and 80,0000 square feet of capability at 63 degrees, totaling 120,000 square feet of space.

“We have been focused, monitoring market conditions and determined there is more demand for temperature-controlled fulfillment space, and we are very excited to continue to grow,” said Turner Jones, Dothan Warehouse president.

“We expect to be shipping 500,000 parcel shipments out per month by the end of 2026.”

Jones said the growth will give the company 10,000 pallet positions of capacity and allow it to continue to focus on commodities in areas including food, health and beauty products, medical and nutraceutical. This expansion will give it co-packing capabilities.

Significantly, the project will put Dothan Warehouse in alignment with The British Retail Consortium Global Standard for Food Safety, an internationally recognized standard for food safety, quality and traceability used by suppliers in over 100 countries.

“Dothan Warehouse’s expansion is a shining example of how Alabama businesses are stepping up to meet the demands of a changing marketplace,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “This investment in temperature-controlled storage not only strengthens Alabama’s logistics capabilities, but also adds quality jobs for our hardworking citizens in Dothan and beyond.

“I commend Dothan Warehouse for its commitment to excellence, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our state’s economy,” she added.

‘Fostering growth’

Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Dothan Warehouse’s expansion underscores the strategic advantages Alabama offers for logistics and supply chain operations.

“Through partnerships and programs aimed at fostering growth, we’re enabling companies like Dothan Warehouse to innovate, expand and thrive,” Secretary McNair said.

“This project’s focus on food safety and temperature-controlled logistics positions Alabama as a leader in the sector, and we’re proud to support initiatives that bring new jobs and investment into our communities.”

Other partners to assist on this development include the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Grow Dothan, a private/public partnership for economic development; the City of Dothan Industrial Development Board; Dothan Utilities; the state legislative delegation and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority.

Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and Chairman Brandon Shoupe of the Houston County Commission applauded the project in a joint statement;

“We appreciate Dothan Warehouse’s continued investment in our market area and we are really excited to expand capabilities in temperature controlled storage in our market,” they said.

“With so many activities in our economic development efforts and innovation efforts with HudsonAlpha and BioAlabama with ag-tech, food, and medical and nutraceutical, this continues building our foundation to support future initiatives.”

The Dothan Chamber contributed information for this report.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.

The Alabama League of Municipalities launched a new initiative aimed at promoting quality-of-life and civic engagement on a local level. Live Locally Alabama will help instill community pride and highlight the crucial role municipal government plays in the daily lives of citizens.

The initiative, according to ALM, will provide strategic resources and one-on-one consultations for municipalities to help them improve how they showcase their uniqueness and remind citizens of the quality-of-life services they provide. WATCH:

“Every municipality has a story to tell, and we want to ensure we are providing local officials with tools to help them better promote what an incredible state we live in to prospective businesses, visitors and all those that call Alabama home,” ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran said. “Live Locally Alabama is about empowering local officials and their citizens to join together to boost local economies and continue to create a sustainable future for our state.”

ALM President Mark Saliba, mayor of Dothan, asked Alabamians to get involved in their home communities.

“No matter if you live in a small town or a big city, it takes all of us working together to strengthen our communities and elevate the value in each of them. On behalf of Alabama’s 465 municipalities, I encourage the public to support the Live Locally Alabama campaign and invest in being more involved in and supportive of their local communities.”

RELATED: Dothan, Fairhope mayors elected Alabama League of Municipalities president, vice president

Saliba and Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan explained the importance of quality-of-life projects driven by local communities and governments.

“As mayors, we often stand in front of audiences, whether it be at civic club events or city council meetings, and talk about quality-of-life projects we have taking place or that we want to begin,” said the mayors. “Some examples are recruiting and building new grocery stores, restaurants, boutiques, recreational venues, hospitals, schools, fire stations, road improvement projects, sewer systems and so much more.”

“These kinds of things cost a lot of money for our communities, but we want to be able to provide them to our citizens. However, it is so important that people understand how we generate revenue and how we have to adjust our budgets to do so. Local government is at the forefront of this initiative as we work together to improve infrastructure and focus on intentional growth and development that preserves our beautiful natural resources and promotes a healthier lifestyle.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

It was thrilling to be part of the recent groundbreaking of the Wiregrass Innovation Center in downtown Dothan. The Wiregrass Innovation Center will be a place for visionaries to shape the future of the Wiregrass and the world.

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is excited to be part of this journey, and honored to work alongside our Wiregrass colleagues to bring this to reality. Set against the backdrop of the George Washington Carver Research Campus, the Wiregrass Innovation Center will be a haven for entrepreneurs, a laboratory for agriculture technology (AgTech) innovation, and a catalyst for transformative change.

More than just an eye-catching physical space, the Center represents the promise of the possible – the ability to solve problems in new and impactful ways.

At its core, the Wiregrass Innovation Center will be a home of creativity, collaboration, and discovery. It will serve as a platform for hands-on training, learning, and engagement in the realms of science, genomics, and research.

Here, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass and other tenants will find not just a space to work but a community to belong to; a community driven by a shared mission to drive innovation, spark education and propel businesses forward.

As the anchor tenant of the Wiregrass Innovation Center, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is committed to nurturing and supporting AgTech businesses in the region. Agtech is the application of technology and digital tools to farming and encompasses a wide range of technologies, including automation, biotechnology, information monitoring, and data analysis.

We will extend our expertise, resources, and network to empower entrepreneurs and accelerate their growth trajectory. Together, we will cultivate a thriving ecosystem where ideas take root, businesses flourish, and communities thrive.

Research and education will also thrive in the Wiregrass Innovation Center. HudsonAlpha research and education leaders will continue to use genomics to create a more drought-and-disease-resistant peanut plant through the WIREGRASS Peanut Project. This work will be expanded to other crops and products. Our team will host middle and high school student programs year-round and continue to inspire and prepare tomorrow’s bioscience leaders. The journey to this momentous occasion has been paved with dedication, collaboration, and visionary thinking.

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our partners, including the City of Dothan, the State of Alabama, and the Wiregrass Foundation. They, along with so many others, helped turn this dream into reality. Together, we have laid the foundation for a brighter future for the region fueled by innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.

In the Wiregrass Innovation Center, we see not just a building, but a symbol of hope, innovation, and the potential of human ingenuity. It is a testament to what we can achieve with a shared purpose and a collective vision for a better tomorrow.

To all the dreamers, doers, and disruptors, I extend a warm invitation to join us in shaping the future at the Wiregrass Innovation Center. Together, let us dare to dream, dare to innovate, and dare to make a difference. The possibilities are limitless.

Neil Lamb, PhD, is the President of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Last week, state legislators representing the Wiregrass region presented the Industrial Development Board of Dothan, Alabama with a $3.94 million check from the State Industrial Development Authority to assist in the acquisition of the 446-Acre Westgate Supersite.

The funds were made possible by the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS) legislation passed in 2023. The state funding is paired with funding from the City of Dothan Commission and the Houston County Commission in the amount of $3.14 million to also assist with the acquisition of the Westgate Supersite.

“The state understands the critical need for large quality industrial sites and the Westgate Supersite has the potential to make a generational impact in the Wiregrass region,” State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) told those gathered for the major economic development event.

According to state leaders, Alabama, like many other states, is encountering a symptom of economic development success: Running low on available sites for industrial development.

One component of The Game Plan legislative packaged authorized by Alabama lawmakers in 2023 enables funding to fulfill its mission of securing multibillion-dollar projects to Alabama: The Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act.

RELATED: $40 million in SEEDS could soon take root in Alabama, growing the state’s economic development prospects

“The Westgate Supersite has the potential to help create hundreds of high-wage jobs for hardworking Alabamians and we are fortunate to have such a quality industrial site,” State Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) told the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce last week.

Lee added that prior to the SEEDS Act, the state had gaps in its ability to recruit and retain private sector partners that are capable of spurring economic development regionally. Now, locations like the Westgate Supersite are attractive to companies for its operability, access to transportation and a readymade workforce in the Wiregrass.

“It includes Dothan Utilities, Alabama Power, Southeast Alabama Gas, as well as a railroad, CSX Railroad. We have been told by some consultants, that this may be the best site in the state and it is also for sure, south of Huntsville,” Lee said.

Two local leaders, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe also shared excitement for the milestone.

“The city of Dothan has never been able to compete for very large economic development projects, but now with the Westgate Supersite, our community will be able to be considered for industrial projects that have the potential to facilitate significant economic investment in our community,” Mayor Saliba said.

Chairman Shoupe added, “We are fortunate to have a strong state delegation that works hand-in-hand with city and county officials for the advancement of the community.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On Friday, the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) elected Mark Saliba, the mayor of Dothan, as the ALM’s new president and Sherry Sullivan, the mayor of Fairhope, as its new vice president.

Vice President Sullivan is in her first term as mayor of Fairhope. Prior to running for mayor, she worked for the city of Fairhope for almost 17 years and also worked for Riviera Utilities as director of governmental affairs and economic development. Mayor Sullivan has served as a member of the League’s Board of Directors for the First Congressional District.

President Saliba has previously served as the League’s vice president from 2023-2024, chair of the League’s Committee on State and Federal Legislation from 2022-2023 and represented the second congressional district on the League’s Board of Directors. Saliba was first elected mayor of Dothan in 2017 and was reelected in 2021. He is also president of the Alfred Saliba Corporation, his family’s home building business.

“I am honored to serve as the next president of the Alabama League of Municipalities, and I am eager to continue sharing the importance of municipal government with our members and the public,” President/Mayor Saliba said. “Being a member of ALM is like having an extra department to help you run your cities and towns. From legislative advocacy to municipal training and a variety of member programs, the services and activities they provide are impossible to accomplish alone.”

Sherry Sullivan served on the group’s Committee on State and Federal Legislation and on the organization’s Alabama Municipal Funding Corporation’s Board of Directors.

RELATED: Alabama removes reporting requirement for municipal candidates who raise, spend under $1,000

Vice President Sullivan is in her first term as mayor of Fairhope. Prior to running for mayor, she worked for the city of Fairhope for almost 17 years and also worked for Riviera Utilities as director of governmental affairs and economic development. Mayor Sullivan has served as a member of the League’s Board of Directors for the First Congressional District.

“I am sincerely humbled to represent the League’s membership as vice president as we work to make our communities more attractive places to recruit businesses, raise families and create recreational and work opportunities,” Vice President Sullivan said. “I look forward to working with President Saliba and my fellow local officials to make all of our communities better for the great citizens of Alabama.”

The group met during the League’s 2024 Convention and Expo on Friday at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville – the largest city in Alabama. Over 700 municipal officials from around the state attended this three-day convention to discuss legislative issues, hear from state leaders, share resources and conduct official business.

The president and vice president will serve in these capacities for one year and will represent the organization’s more than 450 member cities and towns at meetings and events that aim to give municipalities a voice on local, state and federal levels.

Greg Cochran is the executive director of the League.

“We are excited to have Mayor Saliba and Mayor Sullivan represent our organization as president and vice president during the 2024-2025 year,” Greg Cochran, executive director of the League, said. “Both of their communities, Dothan and Fairhope, are seeing tremendous growth and projects coming to their areas of the state thanks to their impeccable leadership. We look forward to seeing them bring their unique skill sets to our membership as they lead us into our 90th year of service as the voice of Alabama’s municipalities.”

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

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, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Year after year, the skilled hands working at Alabama’s food production businesses prove there is a good reason the state’s agriculture industry has earned a national reputation,” said Governor Kay Ivey of the news. “Southern Roots Nut Co. is a welcome addition to the business community in Sweet Home Alabama, and I know that its planned facility in Dothan will find success thanks to a dedicated and skilled workforce.”

The company will be investing nearly $16.6 million to outfit an existing building and construct a new facility in Houston County as a hub to process, store and distribute raw pecans.

RELATED: Two Dothan businesses take home 2023 Alabama ‘Small Business of the Year’ award

Brandon Harrell, Southern Roots’ chief operating officer and president of sales, spoke highly of the city which was selected over a competing location in Georgia.

“My family has called Dothan home since early 2018 and I couldn’t think of a better place to continue our family’s tradition shelling and processing pecans than Dothan,” said Harrell. “We are truly excited to partner with business-friendly state, county and city officials who truly want the best opportunities for their respective areas.”

Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary, Ellen McNair, noted the significance of the pecan to the Yellowhammer State.

“Pecans are a trademark product for Alabama’s agriculture industry, with an estimated 9,000 acres of orchards in the state,” said McNair. “The processing facility planned by Southern Roots is good news for those involved in the business of Alabama’s official state nut.”

Alabama is partnering with Dothan to support the project through a package that includes tax credits and AIDT workforce development services. Dothan and the Industrial Development Board are providing the company with assistance through the AMEA Capital Fund Program, local statutory tax abatements, and discretionary support.

Southern Roots is a pecan grower and processor that specializes in delivering pecans and pecan products to customers worldwide. The company focuses on sustainable farming practices and advanced technology to ensure efficiency and quality in its operations.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dentistry announced it has officially opened a new Dothan, Alabama based satellite dental clinic to recruit, educate, train, and retain dentists to help improve overall dental health within the state’s Wiregrass region.

“We are grateful for our state and local leaders and generous supporters who have played such a vital role in helping this clinic come to fruition,” said Nicolaas Geurs, DDS, Interim Dean of the UAB School of Dentistry. “Our mission at the UAB School of Dentistry is to help optimize oral health care across Alabama.”

“We know that our state is facing a rural dentistry shortage, and we are looking forward to alleviating some of the burden of that shortage through this new clinic.”

UAB Dentistry Dothan is staffed by UAB School of Dentistry faculty and features state-of-the-art technology, including a new product that utilizes 3D imaging technology to capture high-resolution digital impressions of patients’ teeth and panoramic radiography that captures the entire mouth in a single image.

RELATED: Blazing a trail: UAB to help service International Space Station

Nancy Hein Covert, DMD, clinic director of UAB Dentistry Dothan, said the new clinic will continue UAB’s high standard of care and training.

“We are excited to provide the same world-class dental care and clinical training that is available at UAB School of Dentistry to the residents in the Wiregrass area,” said Covert. “This clinic allows us to provide a variety of comprehensive dental services to those in this area, alongside vital training to our students as we teach them how to provide quality, dependable oral health care in a rural community.”

The clinic will treat patients of all ages while providing preventive care, restorative treatments, and cosmetic services. Emergency dental care for issues like root canals, extractions, TMJ, and chipped or broken teeth will also be offered.

State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) spoke about the importance of the clinic.

“This partnership between the state and UAB shows the commitment to addressing the dental crisis in rural Alabama,” said Chesteen. “Dothan has 1.4 dentists for every 10,000 people, while the national average is 6.1. This new clinic is providing critical dental services to this region of the state.”

The clinic can be found in the Health Center South, owned by Marnix E. Heersink, M.D. and the Heersink family. Heersink is one of the university’s top donors.

“The bonds forged with UAB have grown significantly in the Wiregrass region and have become a cornerstone in providing essential dental education, care and outreach to our neighboring communities,” said Heersink at the clinic’s opening.

“We express our sincere gratitude to President Dr. Watts and his dedicated team for their support in making this become a reality.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

The world of small business in Dothan, Alabama is booming right now according to the Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association for the state.

“Dothan won big again this year in Birmingham,” said Melia McKean, Director of Communications for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. “Two Dothan area businesses, Engineered Systems Inc. and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, received 2023 Alabama Small Business of the Year awards presented in partnership by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and Business Council of Alabama.”

The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative posted on social media about receiving the award.

“This recognition is an inspiring testament to the power of member support and community service. As we continue to innovate, prioritize safety, engage in economic development initiatives, and support the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, we hope to stand as a driving force in the Wiregrass region,” said the company.

“The cooperative’s enduring legacy reminds us that when we take care of our community, it, in turn, takes care of us.”

The awards recognize businesses based on various civic endeavors, business success, and community involvement. Wiregrass Electric Cooperative won the gold category, for businesses with 51-100 employees. Engineered Systems Inc came out on top in the silver category for businesses with 1-10 employees.

46 Alabama small businesses were named as finalists for this year’s awards. Dothan had four finalists. They were: Oaks on Park (Emerging Business in operation less than five years), Engineered Systems Inc. , Waxing the City (11-50 Employees), and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Downtown OWA in Foley, Alabama, an admission free shopping, dining, and entertainment district just outside of OWA Parks and Resorts, has announced the opening of three new businesses via press release.

The first new business is Fluffy’s Pet Shop, which will provide a wide variety treats, chews, leashes, beds, harnesses, grooming tools, and stylish accessories for pets. Fluffy’s uses ingredients in its products free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

The second new business is Towne Tap, which is described as a “quintessential English pub that offers a unique and interactive drinking experience.” One awesome thing about Towne Tap will be the pour-your-own-beer system, where customers pour their “perfect pint” after making a selection from their wide range of craft beers and ales.

Towne Tap will also offer a wide selection of British and American food “from traditional fish and chips, to a hearty shepherd’s pie, or a mouthwatering burger, Towne Tap offers a wide variety for patrons.”

The third new business opening up will be Jason Will’s Real Estate opening an office on the property. The company already had two centers in Baldwin County and is consolidating into one location.

“When the opportunity arose to be the sole real estate office at OWA, we jumped at the chance, as it gave us high visibility, high foot traffic, and a super fun location for our agents to call home. We’re really looking forward to being a part of all the annual events and helping to promote our fellow small business owners within the Downtown OWA community,” said Jason Will.

Statement about OWA Parks and Resort:

“OWA Parks & Resort features Tropic Falls with 23 theme-park rides, outdoor wave pool and indoor water park plus Downtown OWA, a dining, shopping & entertainment destination—all just minutes from Alabama beaches on the Foley Beach Express. Downtown OWA is open seven days a week; check website for Tropic Falls seasonal hours, special offers and calendar of events!”

The mayors of Alabama’s 10 largest cities launched a statewide photography competition to showcase the distinct character and beauty of the state. Photographers welcome: A $500 Visa gift card and recognition is in it for the top pic. 

The competition runs until Sept. 4, following Labor Day weekend.

Residents from Auburn, Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa are asked to submit their best pictures of their respective cities. 

How to enter

Contest participants are asked to submit their entries via direct message to the Alabama Big 10 Mayors’ Facebook page.

The mayors will share these posts through social media. The photo that garners the most likes will be declared the winner. The winner will receive a $500 Visa gift card and recognition from the Alabama Big 10 Mayors’ platform.

“From the mountains of the Tennessee Valley to the Alabama Gulf Coast and everything in between, our state – and our state’s cities – are some of the most individually unique as any in the country,” the group said in a collective statement. “Whether it’s history, culture, architecture, entertainment, or natural beauty, Alabama’s ten biggest cities have something to offer for everyone.

RELATED: Sweet Trails Alabama: Connecting the gulf, mountains and everywhere in between

“The unique character of each of Alabama’s largest cities is important and worth showcasing. We want to give each of these cities’ residents the opportunity to show their city pride and share their city’s beauty through the lens of a camera. We urge all Big 10 residents with an artistic eye for the camera to snap some photos of their city and submit it for this competition and give your city a chance to win this contest.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Wiregrass Innovation Center, a collaborative effort by the City of Dothan, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and the Wiregrass Foundation, was recently awarded $20 million by the state and $10 million by the Wiregrass Foundation, Dothan officials announced.

Mayor Mark Saliba said the funding will have a significant effect on Dothan and the entire Wiregrass region.

Related story: https://stage.yellowhammernews.com/hudsonalpha-growing-our-future-in-the-wiregrass/

“New enterprises, products, businesses, partnerships, innovations, and growth are right here at our doorstep,” he said. “I, along with the city commissioners, are committed to working with local, regional, and statewide leaders to expand this area’s potential to provide high skilled, high wage jobs, right here in the Wiregrass.

“This will benefit not only Dothan and the Wiregrass area, but the state of Alabama as well.”

Saliba also made sure to thank those who played a role in acquiring and providing the funding.

“I want to thank Governor Kay Ivey and State Finance Director Bill Poole for seeing our vision and helping us to make it a reality,” he said. “I would also like to thank our local legislative delegation including Senators Donnie Chesteen and Billy Beasley, and State Representatives Paul Lee, Steve Clouse, Jeff Sorrells, and Rick Rehm. I want to offer them our sincere gratitude for their hard work on this very important project.”

Troy Fountain, president of the Wiregrass Foundation, was excited for his organization to play a role in the funding

“The Wiregrass Foundation is honored to come alongside the state of Alabama and the City of Dothan to help build an innovation center in downtown Dothan that will serve our region well into the future,” said Fountain. “In addition, the opportunity to energize our local community, along with the City’s partnership with HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, is a generational chance to improve the health, education, and quality of life for citizens living right here in the Wiregrass.”

The new center will:

• Be a home for hands-on training, practical learning, and engagement in the world of science, genomics, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
• Create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovators where they can start their businesses, launch their products into commercial markets, and provide job opportunities along with career options for local citizens.
• Provide a space for the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass partnership to conduct activity around its three specific area goals – research, education, and economic development.

“The City of Dothan’s work to build a Wiregrass Innovation Center is about growing the economy of the Wiregrass, adding the field of genomics to the agricultural heritage of the community, and providing educational opportunities for students and adults that connect to tomorrow’s careers,” said HudsonAlpha President Dr. Neil Lamb.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this center and look forward to partnerships and collaborations to enhance economic growth.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

The City of Dothan, Mayor Mark Saliba, and the Dothan City Commissioners recently said yes to building a new economy based on scientific discovery, innovation, and education.

In doing so, they said yes to future opportunities, yes to a better quality of life, yes to better jobs for local young people, and yes to an official partnership with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

HudsonAlpha is thrilled to expand our footprint beyond Huntsville and into Dothan and the Wiregrass to launch HudsonAlpha Wiregrass.

Opened in 2008, we are a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Or, as I often say, using the power of DNA to help solve some of society’s most pressing challenges in human health and plant science.

Our founders, Jim Hudson and Lonnie McMillian, envisioned a place where scientists, researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs would all work together to improve the human condition around the globe.

Over the past 15 years, our efforts have made a substantial impact. The HudsonAlpha team has added $3.2 billion to the Alabama economy, secured more than $300 million in federal grants, authored more than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications, helped sequence more than one-half of all plant genomics in the public record, recruited more than 50 biotechnology companies to locate on our campus, and reached more than 5.5 million people with educational programs.

We are excited to bring this track record of success to the Wiregrass region.

HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is a public-private collaboration between HudsonAlpha and the City of Dothan, that will extend HudsonAlpha’s agricultural focus into the Wiregrass region. Activities at HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will center around three specific areas: research, education, and innovation.

1. Research: HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will use the power of genomics to develop more drought-and disease-resistant peanut varieties and other agriculturally important crops in the Wiregrass region. We will work with local farmers, schools, breeders, and others to pursue scientific breakthroughs in food, fuel, feed, and fiber production. These genomic projects will engage local high schools in a “first of its kind” research/education collaboration.
2. Education: HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will partner with K-12 and higher education institutions to build a robust STEM workforce pipeline through educator professional learning workshops, student experiences, and internships. Town halls, seminars, and science nights will introduce genomic concepts and technologies to the wider community.
3. Innovation: HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will work closely with regional leaders to recruit ag-tech companies and foster an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses, strengthening and diversifying the area’s economy. HudsonAlpha’s economic development team will utilize a collaborative approach to identify areas of promise within the ag-tech field, implement strategies to build partnerships with existing companies and startup ventures, and emphasize the overall advantage to doing business in the region.

The City of Dothan’s investment will allow us to implement the programs, personnel, and research necessary to achieve these goals across a 5-year timeframe. Regular progress reports, together with a local HudsonAlpha Community Engagement Committee will help build collaboration, communication, transparency, and continuous improvement as the initiative takes shape.

I have had numerous opportunities to be in Dothan this past year to meet and talk with elected officials, community leaders, businesses, educators, farmers, and many others about this unique opportunity. Every time, I have been heartened by the excitement, can-do-attitude, community pride, and love for Dothan and the Wiregrass region.

We are at the germination phase of a transformative partnership, one that will place the promise of DNA and emerging technologies into the hands of Wiregrass farmers, students, and entrepreneurs.

This partnership will not be based in the traditional biotech settings of the East Coast, West Coast, or a research university. It will live here, in the middle of Alabama’s Wiregrass, where ideas sprout, take root and flourish.

When I first met Mayor Saliba, he told me “Dothan is the right place, right people, and the right time for a partnership with HudsonAlpha.”

He was absolutely right. Together, our teams can and will do the work of
growing our future in the Wiregrass.

Dr. Neil E. Lamb is the president of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame songwriting legend Mike Stoller says he wants to help honor Alabama native Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, who made a hit of the now-classic “Hound Dog.”

Stoller and songwriting partner Jerry Leiber wrote the song for her seven decades ago when the two men were still teenagers.

Thornton, a native of Ariton in Dale County in southeast Alabama, has been called the Mother of Rock ‘n’ Roll for the influence she and her music had during the dawn of the genre in the 1950s. Thornton was 57 when she died in Los Angeles in 1984. She is buried with two other people in a paupers grave in Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Stoller, in an interview with blues historian Gil Anthony of Dothan, who has been working for two-plus decades to bring recognition to Thornton, suggested placing a monument honoring her at the Inglewood cemetery. “I think we should try, and I will certainly help, to put a monument there,” said Stoller, who lives in Los Angeles.

Anthony mentioned his ideas for paying tribute to Thornton. They include bringing her remains back to Alabama, turning a building that was the old bus station in Ariton into a museum and erecting a monument in her hometown.

“A monument, I think it could be done. I’ll help you with that project,” Stoller said.

Anthony pushed the recent effort to rename a street in Ariton, which is now Big Mama Thornton Circle. Stoller saw a story on Alabama NewsCenter about the Oct. 22 renaming ceremony and wanted to get in touch with Anthony to see how he could help.

Stoller was disappointed that when he read the story, the ceremony had already taken place, said Bobbi Marcus, Stoller’s longtime publicist. Otherwise, Stoller would have tried to attend. Marcus contacted Alabama NewsCenter to help connect Stoller and Anthony, resulting in the interview.

Anthony aired portions of the interview Nov. 28 on his “Blues Power” radio show on WDIG in Dothan.

‘Talking about Big Mama’

“I’m happy that we’re talking about Big Mama because she was a fabulous, fabulous singer,” Stoller said.

He recounted when he and Leiber, both just 19 years old at the time, met Thornton. They had written a few songs for Little Esther, who later became known as Esther Phillips and sang with Johnny Otis’ band.

Because of that connection, Otis called Stoller in August 1952 and asked the pair to come meet Thornton with the idea they would write some songs for her.

“So we met Big Mama, who was extremely impressive. She was a big woman. She wore overalls and heavy boots and we started to talk to her about songs,” Stoller recalled. “She didn’t seem too interested at first. Johnny came running over and he said, ‘Listen, Mama, these boys write hits,’ which was a little bit premature, but at any rate she started to sing and knocked us out.”

After the meeting, the two hopped into Stoller’s car and raced back to his house. “By the time we got to my house, Jerry was already working on some lyrics and singing. I didn’t even get to sit down at the piano. I started playing, and we wrote ‘Hound Dog’ in about 10-15 minutes, jumped in my car and went back and presented the song to her.”

When Thornton picked up the lyrics, “she started sort of crooning it,” Stoller said, which wasn’t what he and Leiber had in mind. The next day on the way to the studio for a recording session, the pair agreed that Thornton needed to growl the song. The question was, who was brave enough to tell her.

“It was Jerry who summoned up his … strength and said, ‘Big Mama, I think you ought to growl it.’ And she said, ‘Listen, boy, don’t be telling me how to sing the blues.’

“However, immediately, the idea was implanted and she growled the first take,” Stoller said. “It was fabulous, and the second take was even better. The second take is the one you’ve all heard.”

Thornton’s – and Presley’s – biggest hit

That second take, released in February 1953, became Thornton’s biggest hit. “Hound Dog” topped the R&B chart for seven straight weeks, according to Billboard, and sold 2 million records. Three years later, Presley’s version became his best-selling song, hitting No. 1 on the U.S. pop, country and R&B charts at the same time and selling 10 million copies.

“Even though I became a big Elvis fan, for me, ‘Hound Dog’ was Big Mama’s record,” Stoller said. “No question.”

Leiber and Stoller became more than Elvis fans; they wrote “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me,” “Loving You,” “Don’t” and “King Creole,” among others. Dozens of their songs charted for artists including the Coasters, the Drifters, Ben E. King, Jay and the Americans, the Clovers and Peggy Lee.

The songwriting duo also wrote three other songs specifically for Thornton: “Nightmare,” “I’ve Searched the Whole World Over” and “I Smell a Rat.”

Leiber died at age 79 in 2011, while Stoller, 89, continues to create music.

“I’m busier now than I’ve been in a long time,” Stoller told Anthony.

Stoller is writing the music for a musical based on the novel “Beaches,’’ by Iris Rainer Dart, which was made into the 1988 film of the same name starring Bette Midler.

Dart has written the song lyrics “and she asked me to write the music,” Stoller said. “I am really enjoying it.”

As they were wrapping up their conversation, Anthony said he would send Stoller a Big Mama Thornton T-shirt from the annual Wiregrass Blues Festival in Dothan.

“Oh, wonderful. I’ll wear it with pride,” Stoller said.

Anthony asked Stoller to send a picture of himself wearing the shirt.

“I would be happy to do that,” Stoller said.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

Gateway Tire announced Wednesday it would undertake a $9 million expansion of its distribution hub in Dothan.

The retail and wholesale tire distributor’s project will create 30 jobs at its Houston County facility, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.

The company’s 200,000-square-foot warehouse, constructed at Westgate Industrial Park in 2017, will be expanded by an additional 100,000 square feet. Gateway Tire’s original project in Dothan amounted to an $11 million overall investment, the department noted.

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield touched on the collaborative effort by department personnel to attract investment to the Yellowhammer State.

“The distribution/logistics sector is one of the foundational business targets in Alabama’s overarching strategic economic development effort,” said Canfield. “The Gateway Tire expansion project showcases how our team works to recruit new investment, as we did when the company selected Dothan back in 2017, and how we support their continued growth over the years.”

General manager Bryan Dismukes hailed his company’s partnership and support from local and state leaders in enabling the project to come to fruition.

“We appreciate the State of Alabama, City of Dothan, Houston, the Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan, and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce/Grow Dothan for their continued support in our growth and success,” said Dismukes.

In a joint statement, Mayor Mark Saliba and Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver expressed their intentions to support the company’s future growth plans.

“Gateway Tire has been a great fit for our community, and we are proud to be a partner in their continued growth and development in Dothan and the Wiregrass,” they said.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Forbes has named Alabama-based AAA Cooper Transportation as one of “America’s 2022 Best Midsize Employers.”

This marks the sixth consecutive year that the Dothan-headquartered truckload freight carrier has been recognized in the category.

According to a release, Forbes partnered with Statista to discover which businesses are best at making their employees feel happy, inspired and well-compensated. Statista surveyed 60,000 people working for companies with 1,000-plus employees.

The respondents were asked how likely they would be to recommend their employer to others, and then they we asked to nominate organizations in industries outside of their own. The final list ranks the 500 midsize companies that received the most recommendations.

Scott Bowers, AAA Cooper Transportation’s vice president of Human Resources and Risk Management, expressed gratitude to company workers and leadership in enabling it to obtain the recognition.

“AAA Cooper Transportation® is thrilled to be on the 2022 Forbes Best Mid-Size Employers list. Being recognized for a 6th consecutive year reflects a commitment to creating strong relationships based on respect, trust, and decency,” said Bowers. “I am grateful to all our team members that exhibit these values, making this recognition possible.”

AAA Cooper Transportation, which is one of the top 50 largest ground transportation companies in the nation, holds around 5,000 employees that serve customers across the Southeast, Southwest and Midwest.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced a public-private partnership with the city of Dothan to create the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Institute to advance education, agricultural research and economic development through entrepreneurship.

Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba said the partnership has the potential to chart a new course for the Wiregrass region’s economy and future.

“Our city, county and community are at the crossroads to embrace growth and opportunities that we have never seen,” he said. “We are at the place to make big and bold decisions that can transform our community.”

HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will focus on three areas:

• Genomics education in region schools to include workforce certifications and internships in the ag-tech sector.
• Genomics research on Alabama peanuts to create new drought- and disease-resistant varieties.
• Recruitment of agriculture tech startup companies, and the creation of an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, welcomed the collaboration between Huntsville-based HudsonAlpha, a national powerhouse in genomics research, and Dothan, an important economic hub for Alabama’s agricultural and forest products industries.

“HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will be able to plug into the region’s key economic drivers and unlock growth potential by spurring innovation and new avenues of exploration,” Canfield said.

“This partnership will unleash brainpower that can accomplish amazing things.”

We are proud to partner with @CityofDothan & the Wiregrass to create HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Wiregrass!

The partnership is will spark innovation, enhance STEM education and inspire economic growth in the region🧪🥜🎒

Learn more: https://t.co/6UQx7sLxIP

— HudsonAlpha (@hudsonalpha) August 2, 2022

The work will take place in a new Wiregrass Center of Innovation in downtown Dothan. This facility will include wet labs, offices and other infrastructure required in a modern space of innovation.

“Working closely with the city of Dothan, Wiregrass leadership and other regional partners, such as the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will serve as a catalyst to spark innovation, enhance STEM education, inspire economic growth and create jobs across the region,” said Neil Lamb, president of HudsonAlpha.

Greenhouse opening

The Dothan partnership represents another milestone for HudsonAlpha, which days ago formally opened a 14,000-square-foot glass greenhouse on its campus.

The highly sophisticated facility is equipped with two lab spaces, seven grow rooms with 15-foot ceilings and several technologically advanced features rarely found in greenhouses.

The facility will help researchers in the HudsonAlpha Center for Plant Science and Sustainable Agriculture advance their mission to use genomics to help sustainably feed and fuel the planet.

The project was announced in May 2021.

(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)

DOTHAN, Alabama — Officials in Dothan have formally kicked off a project to build a 100,000-square-foot speculative building in the Sam Houston Industrial Park to better prepare the Southeast Alabama city for industrial prospects.

(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)