Renewed Momentum

The recession put a damper on sales of automobiles, but Alabama's OEMs are now experiencing some growth, creating new jobs at all levels of the industry.  

Even when times are tough, Alabama's economy is strengthened by the automotive industry in the state. Often the effects of the industry can be felt in unexpected places.

Most folks in Alabama are aware of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). When a recognizable, successful global company moves to the state of Alabama, it makes the news. But the economic impact of these companies isn't only felt in the communities where they are located. The effect of the investments made by OEMs, like Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa, Honda in Lincoln, Toyota in Huntsville and Hyundai in Montgomery, can be felt all over the state. Suppliers who provide parts and services to these plants are all over Alabama and keep the supply chain of the automobile industry strong. When all the links in the chain work together, the strength of the chain is reflected in the economy of the entire state.

Steve Sewell is executive vice president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, a nonprofit organization that works to attract new business and industry and support existing industry. Sewell also serves on the board of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. According to Sewell, the industry hit its all time high in 2007, producing 738,000 vehicles in Alabama. In 2008, when the global economic crisis hit, the automobile industry was impacted. Consumer demand diminished and automobile sales dropped, both globally and in the United States. By 2009, only 468,000 vehicles were produced in Alabama. However, the numbers began to rise again in 2010 with the production of 711,000 vehicles, and continued to rebound in 2011 with 730,000.

Despite the decline in production during the past few years, the companies remain committed to their workers, community and state. In times of crisis, like the aftermath of tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, several companies donated funds to help with cleanup. Moreover, some let their employees use company time for volunteer cleanup work. Charities, nonprofit and civic groups have benefited from the generosity of the automotive industry in Alabama at one time or another

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Jeremy Arthur to Head Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama

RELEASE - The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama has named Jeremy Arthur, current president of the Prattville Chamber of Commerce, as its new executive director. Arthur will assume the position in mid-May.

"We are extremely pleased and fortunate to have a person with the unique blend of experience and professional ability that Jeremy Arthur brings to the executive directorship of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA)," said CCAA board member William J. Canary, president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. The BCA and the CCAA, through a unique relationship known as The Partnership, together represent the interests of some one million working Alabamians through its member companies and over 120 local chambers of commerce. "We have known and enjoyed working with Jeremy for the past eight at the Prattville Chamber," said Canary, "and we look forward to working even closer in our new partnership on all matters important to our state in his new capacity at CCAA."

Arthur brings several years of experience in chamber of commerce work to the CCAA job. In 2004, he was named executive vice president of the Prattville Chamber, and subsequently was named president of the organization that has more than 875 members in one of the fastest-growing areas of Alabama. Before joining the chamber, he was an outreach research assistant for the Economic Development Institute at Auburn University. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science, a master's degree in public administration, and is a doctoral candidate in public administration and public policy, all from Auburn.

"I am excited about the new opportunity that awaits me," said Arthur. "Under the leadership of CCAA Board Chairman Jan Wood and the entire CCAA Board of Directors, I look forward to helping achieve the CCAA's goal of 'building a better Alabama through strong chambers of commerce.'"

Arthur is a member of several national organizations, including the board of directors of the Auburn Alumni Association, the American Society for Public Administration and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. He was also elected vice-chairman to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Regents representing the Southeast Institute for Organization Management (IOM). He is an active member of numerous statewide organizations, including the board of directors of the CCAA, and the Economic Development Association of Alabama, where he is currently serving on its Conference Committee.

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