EDPA NewsFlash - Aug. 2, 2018

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.

In this issue:

OVER 3,000 NEW JOBS IN PAST 12 MONTHS SPUR GROWTH IN JEFFCO

Production at GE Aviation plant expected to start 4th quarter

UA to lease office space at Mobile's GulfQuest museum

Alabama's new magnet school taking shape in Huntsville

Harbert Construction contractor on $150 million Atlanta project

OVER 3,000 NEW JOBS IN PAST 12 MONTHS SPUR GROWTH IN JEFFCO

BY BARNETT WRIGHT

THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES

| August 2, 2018

More than 3,500 jobs have been recruited to Jefferson County in the last 12 months and officials expect that number to increase by year's end.

"I expect another 200-job announcement soon and we're a finalist in another more than a 1,000-job project that could be announced later this year," said David Carrington, chair of the Finance, Information Technology and Business Development Committee.

In the past 60 days, the county has participated in three major announcements: Amazon's $320 million advanced robotics fulfillment center that will employ a minimum of 1,500 full-time employees; DC BLOX's data center campus, expected to hire 20 to start with opportunities for additional jobs with clients going forward, is projected to result in $785 million in capital investment over the next 10 years; and Shipt's decision to keep their corporate headquarters in Birmingham, adding another 881 employees.

more...

[ Birmingham Times]

Production at GE Aviation plant expected to start 4th quarter

By Marian Accardi Staff Writer

Jul 28, 2018

Production is expected to start later this year at the new GE Aviation facility in Limestone County, according to a company spokesman.

The company said its factory complex in Huntsville-annexed Limestone will be the only U.S. location to mass produce silicon carbide (SiC) materials.

"The plan is still to start producing materials around the fourth quarter of the year," Nick Hurm said.

more...

[ Decatur Daily]

UA to lease office space at Mobile's GulfQuest museum

By Lawrence Specker

lspecker@al.com

July 31

The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is welcoming a new tenant to its distinctive building on the Mobile waterfront: The University of Alabama.

The university announced Tuesday that it plans to lease some office space inside the facility. The new office "will serve as a nexus for research and programmatic initiatives that will benefit the region, primarily in the area of transportation."

Marietta Urquhart, vice chairman of the GulfQuest board, said it's a win for the museum. "It won't affect exhibit space at all," she said. "They will offer an enhancement for the museum."

more...

[ al.com]

Alabama's new magnet school taking shape in Huntsville

By Lindsey Connell, Reporter

Aug. 1

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - It's full steam ahead for Alabama's new magnet school!

The School of Cyber Technology and Engineering is the state's third magnet school and it will be located in Huntsville.

On Wednesday, board members gathered for their inaugural meeting at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce to approve bylaws, elect officers, review the budget and establish a search committee for an Executive Director for the school.

more...

[ WAFF]

Harbert Construction contractor on $150 million Atlanta project

By William Thornton

wthornton@al.com

July 31

A Birmingham construction company has been named the general contractor on a $150 million mixed-use project in Atlanta.

BL Harbert International has been announced as contractor on 8West, to be built at the corner of Howell Mill Road and 8th Street in Atlanta's West Midtown district.

Gateway Ventures and Atlantic Capital Partners have unveiled plans for the nine-story project, which is expected to open in 2020. It will include 175,000 square feet of office space and 10,000 square feet of retail space, as well as 164 apartment units and a 680-space parking garage.

more...

[ al.com]