ORANGE BEACH -- The new head of the Alabama Development Office told economic developers on Wednesday that he is going to need their help to bring new industry and jobs to the state in a real team approach.

 

Greg Canfield of Vestavia Hills acknowledged that his career as a legislator and in insurance sales and other positions does not include economic development experience. He took over at ADO on Aug. 1.

 

"I'm not a professional and you know I'm not a professional," he said. "But that doesn't matter because professionals exist at ADO. I'm here to lead. I'm here to promote Alabama."

 

Canfield said the nation's economic problems impact every state, so Alabama can't use that as an excuse for not expanding its economy.

 

"We don't know what the future economic climate holds based on what's happening in Washington, D.C.," he said.

 

"We're not going to let that stop us. Alabama is going to remain focused on what's right for Alabama."

He said the greatest obstacle to growth for companies is uncertainty, and it's the job of Alabama economic developers to reduce or eliminate that.

 

"We want to create a more certain environment in Alabama," Canfield said.

 

He said Gov. Robert Bentley is similarly focused, talking or meeting with him every day as Bentley tries to live up to his campaign pledge of returning Alabama to full employment before he receives a salary. Alabama's jobless rate rose to 9.9 percent in June, higher than the 9.3 percent recorded in the prior year.

 

Canfield said early results show some encouraging signs, because more than 4,000 jobs have been created in the state since January, spread out in 24 counties throughout Alabama.

 

 Energen Corp. Chief Executive James McManus, head of the metro-area's chief economic development and industrial recruiting organization, told member companies in an email this afternoon that filing what would be the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history is not the answer.

 

The message comes as Jefferson County commissioners decide if they can accept a package of rate increases and loan modifications on $3.2 billion of delinquent sewer bonds. The alternative is filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy and letting a judge referee negotiations with bondholders who lent money for the expansion and repair of the sewer system.

 

"There can be no assurance that in bankruptcy the ultimate level of rate increases will be lower, and there is a substantial risk that they could be much higher than in a proposed settlement," reads the email obtained by The Birmingham News and signed by McManus and Protective Life Corp. CEO John Johns, BBA chairman-elect.