Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
EDPA Partner .
Thomas Friedman headlines EDPA's 'imerge' event Aug. 23 at Alabama Theatre
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman will headline the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama's 2017 "imerge" event Aug. 23 at the Alabama Theatre.
Friedman, the author of six bestselling books, including "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century," will be the keynote speaker.
Friedman will speak at 4 p.m., and a networking reception follows at 5 p.m. The EDPA's 2017 Innovation Awards celebration is at 6 p.m.
New report shows high confidence from Alabama businesses
Alabama's business executives appear to have a confident outlook for the economy in the third quarter of 2017.
A report from the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama indicates the current business confidence index is 12 points higher than the 10-year average.
While confidence is down slightly from the second-quarter outlook, experts are not concerned. The findings line up with
national trends , which have shown record business confidence in 2017 with the expectation of a Republican federal government to deliver pro-business reforms on taxes and regulation.
more....
EDPA's Steve Spencer is excited about Alabama's future
It's been a good week for Alabama.
As good as that news is, Steve Spencer believes there are better stories on the horizon.
more....
O'Neal Industries leader takes on national trade role
A Birmingham business leader has started his term leading a national industrial trade association board.
O'Neal Industries President and Chief Operating Officer
Holman Head will head up the Metals Service Center Institute board of directors as its chairman and vouch for the industrial field with metal supply chains in Washington and Ottawa.
His appointment began July 1 on the heels of the organization wrapping up a year of long-term visioning and planning.
more...
Alabama Power among 15 most trusted utility brands in new report
A Birmingham electric utility that serves more than 1.4 million customers across the state is among the country's most trusted utility brands in a new report.
The overall industry score is 743 on a 1,000-point scale.
more...
Last Week to Register for Alabama's Basic Economic Development Course
The first week of the 2017 Intensive Economic Development Training Course will be held July 10-14. The second week will be conducted September 11-14. The annual two-week Intensive Course will be held at the Auburn Alumni Center, located at 317 South College Street in Auburn.
About the Course: Presented by the Auburn University Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), the Intensive Course introduces participants to all phases of economic development. Program leaders and faculty have proven success in economic development practices and techniques. Instructors represent the field's most effective practitioners from throughout the state and nation. The first week of the Intensive Course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the exam for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation; it provides an intensive overview of general economic development concepts and principles. The second week focuses on important issues and resources and is especially valuable to economic developers and community leaders practicing in Alabama.
For more information, click
here .
