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 .
Powering on: Zero RPM to receive prestigious state innovation award
Jul 25, 2017
Five years ago, a new company emerged in Cullman with a unique technological system to power a vehicle without activating the engine.
Next month, the company - Zero RPM - will be one of three in the state to receive an Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Innovation Awards. The awards celebration will take place Aug. 23 at the Alabama Theater in Birmingham.
"That was truly a community effort, when Zero RPM needed a place to get started and was welcome at Wallace State Community College," said Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency. "This a great honor recognizing the innovation and importance of the work they do. Only a few companies in the entire state are recognized."
more...
Business Facilities gives high rankings to Alabama, cities
Business Facilities magazine gives Alabama high rankings for its workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength and overall manufacturing employment, while touting the economic growth potential of Mobile and Huntsville.
In its 13
th annual
ranking report , the economic development-focused publication singled out Huntsville as the nation's top metro area in aerospace/defense, citing its large concentration of aerospace engineers and plans by
Boeing Co . to expand its longtime presence in the north Alabama city.
Business Facilities noted that Boeing has 2,700 Alabama employees, mostly in Huntsville, where it began operating in 1962. By 2020, Boeing aims to
add 400 jobs while increasing its investment in Alabama's "Rocket City" by another $70 million.
more....
Report on Alabama auto industry shows steady growth ahead
An industry report on the auto sector paints a promising picture of auto manufacturing in the Yellowhammer state.
The
2016 New & Expanding Industry Report shows that the year finished with a total of 68 auto projects, 3,848 jobs, and $907.1 million in new capital investment. Add the projects that have been announced this year, and the figure increases to more than $1 billion and more jobs.
The report covers new and expanding companies that make everything from auto parts to entire automobiles.
more...
Alabama Commerce Secretary: State working projects with more than 11,000 jobs
By Michael Tomberlin
July 25, 2017
Economic development is off to a good start this year, and the state's leading economic developer said Alabama is in a position to add more than 11,000 jobs with projects in the pipeline.
Automotive, aerospace and aviation are leading the way, but forest products and IT are also industries interested in Alabama, Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said.
"I think you're going to see more IT come in 2017," he said. "I believe we're going to have a nice announcement sometime soon in that regard."
more...
Chef Chris Hastings wants Alabama to look at development through prism of food
By Michael Tomberlin
July 25, 2017
Birmingham celebrity chef Chris Hastings wants to use food as an economic development tool, but probably not in the way you would think.
Oh, sure, the owner of
Hot and Hot Fish Club and
OvenBird restaurants is used to having recruiters bringing in company prospects to be wined and dined on gourmet meals.
While that is one aspect of culinary economic development, Hastings sees the bigger picture.
more....
Governor Ivey tours Auburn, impressed with local education
BY KEITH HUFFMAN
Jul 25, 2017
Repeatedly expressing her Tiger pride Tuesday with "War Eagle" references, Gov. Kay Ivey returned to the city of her college alma mater and spoke to Auburn teachers, business leaders and government officials during her "Listen, Learn, Help, & Lead Tour," a multi-stop initiative her administration has embraced while visiting and inquiring about the needs of Alabama communities.
Talking with the media during one of her stops at the soon-to-open Auburn High School, Ivey said the city of Auburn appears to be "thriving" and contributing to the overall well-being of the state. The governor also noted how she was impressed by various innovations in the area, which she regarded as having academic, employment and economic benefits.
Such innovations ranged from advanced manufacturing at GE Aviation and pharmacy research applications at Auburn University to the establishment of the city's newest school that will employ more than 100 faculty members and serve about 1,900 students.
more...
Find out more about the new "Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training Employment
By Chasity Byrd, FOX10 On-Air Personality
Jul 25, 2017
MOBILE, AL (WALA) -
The group "Mobile Works" is changing its name and changing its direction. It's now the "Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training Employment."
The organization provides funding for training programs that help people compete in today's job market. Sydney Raine and Pamela Ware stopped by Studio10 to tell us more:
Mobile Works recently announced a name change and a new direction in operations effective July 1.
more...
Don't Miss the Chance to Celebrate Award-Winning Innovation at "imerge" on Aug. 23!
It's a great encouragem
ent for innovators
and entreprene
urs to be recognized
for their work!
Join us on Aug. 23 for "imerge" at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham to celebrate the "imerge" EDPA
2017 Innovation Award winners:
Quality Filters , Outstanding Achievement in Innovative Manufacturing (Robertsdale) in recognition for its advanced manufacturing methods and lean business processes in cutting the lead time for filter deliveries from three to four weeks to averaging five days or less. ZeroRPM, Corporate Innovator of the Year (small company, 1-50 employees) (Cullman) in recognition for its battery-powered ZeroRPM Idle Mitigation System that allows a vehicle to idle without running the engine. Diatherix , Corporate Innovator of the Year (large company, 50+ employees) (Huntsville) in recognition for its groundbreaking pathogen detection technology, which enables healthcare providers to more accurately determine the cause of an infection and determine multiple infection sources.
A panel of judges, under the chairmanship of ADTRAN CEO Tom Stanton, chose the winners from a pool of 88 nominations submitted by the public from across the state.
Alabama has so much innovation to celebrate!
To check out the full "imerge" agenda and get your tickets,
click here !
