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Greetings!

 

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:
'Made for Mankind': Acura reveals ad campaign for Alabama-made MDX SUV (video)
Shoals Industry Recruiters Trying New Approach
Record output for Hyundai's Alabama plant, but sales still limited by capacity: When will company expand?
Alabama cities vie for aerospace jobs
Auburn board member pledges $40 million, biggest donation in university history
Alabama Agribusiness Council...County Data on Agriculture's Economic Impact Now Available

 

'Made for Mankind': Acura reveals ad campaign for Alabama-made MDX SUV (video) 


on June 24, 2013 

 

This is one of the print ads from Acura's campaign for the Alabama-made MDX SUV. (Special) 

Acura has unveiled the ad campaign for its redesigned MDX SUV, which is the first luxury vehicle produced atHonda's Alabama plant.

 

The campaign, described as Acura's largest ever -- will include TV, print and digital components.  

Acura, Honda's luxury division, did not pinpoint its spending on the campaign, which is expected to run through the remainder of the year.

 

The 2014 MDX debuted last month at the Honda factory in Talladega County and is now on sale at Acura dealerships. Pricing starts at about $43,000

 

more...

[al.com]

 

 

Shoals Industry Recruiters Trying New Approach 

by Carter Watkins

June 21, 2013

 

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) - It's become no secret how competitive the world of industry recruitment has gotten in this modern age of technology and transportation.

 

Cities, counties and even state leaders put together proposals to entice industry to locate into a particular region.

The Shoals Industrial Development Committee has recently taken a new approach to recruiting industry and jobs to north-west Alabama.

 

"We put a program in place that also allows our existing industries to go through the proper channels, create new jobs, and we will compensate them based on creating those new jobs," said Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock, who sits on the SIDC board.

 

He uses the recent announcement by vinyl flooring manufacturer Tarkett as a prime example of what helping existing businesses can do for job creation in the shoals.

 

more...

[WHNT]

 

 

Record output for Hyundai's Alabama plant, but sales still limited by capacity: When will company expand?
on June 23, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Hyundai's Alabama auto plant had back-to-back record production months in April and May, as workers tried to keep pace with drivers' demand for the Montgomery-made Sonata sedan and Elantra compact.

 

But the Korean automaker's red-hot sales pace in the U.S. market has cooled amid production constraints, and the logical question is: When will the company expand its manufacturing operations?

 

Officially, there's nothing on the horizon. Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said last week that there are no plans for expansion at this time.

 

But some wonder what opportunities the automaker is missing out on, particularly in a growing market that is forecast to top 15 million in vehicle sales for 2013.

 

 

more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 

 

Alabama cities vie for aerospace jobs
Written by Brad Harper
June 22, 2013

It took a lot to rise above the traffic at the Paris Air Show last week as representatives from 22 American states joined an international throng all working to share their messages and land aerospace jobs.

But Alabama had an advantage: It arrived as show darling Airbus was building a major assembly plant in Mobile.

House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said "everyone is aspiring to be like Alabama, which is pretty nice." Hubbard said he and other state officials "made a lot of good contacts."

 

"Some of them are looking to leave other states and come to our state," the speaker said.

 

Gov. Robert Bentley joked Thursday that his feet were still sore from crisscrossing the event to meet with dozens of companies during a whirlwind three-day trip. And the state-level delegation was only one of many Alabama contingents at the show.

 

more...

 

[Montgomery Advertiser]



 

Auburn board member pledges $40 million, biggest donation in university history

on June 21, 2013 

 

A Birmingham businessman and Auburn University trustee has pledged the biggest donation in the university's history.

 

Raymond Harbert, who serves as president pro tem of the board of trustees, pledged $40 million to the school today. In response, the board voted unanimously to rename the Auburn's college of business the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. Harbert abstained from the vote.

 

"This is a historic day for the College of Business," said Dean Bill Hardgrave. "We are proud to forevermore carry the Harbert name as a symbol of quality, hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and the Auburn spirit."

 

more...

 

[al.com]


 

 

Alabama Agribusiness Council

County Data on Agriculture's Economic Impact Now Available

  

County statistics detailing Alabama's $70.4 billion economic impact of agriculture, forestry and related industries are now available at www.AlabamaAgImpact.com. The study revealed Mobile, Jefferson and Marshall counties are top three in the state for economic impact and jobs related to agriculture and forestry.

 

The new website details county-level data from the 2013 Economic Impacts of Agriculture and Forestry Study, including dollar value of economic impact and job numbers related to agriculture and forestry industries. It breaks down the top three commodities for each county.  

 

"This will be a useful tool in bringing much-deserved attention to agriculture and forestry and how critical those industries are to our local economies," said Leigha Cauthen, executive director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council. "Statewide, the impact of these industries is tremendous, but this new information really hits home with county impacts. In many counties, agriculture and related industries account for more than half of all jobs."

 

Other county information includes number of farms, acreage and population. Data can be accessed at www.AlabamaAgImpact.com by clicking on county in the statewide map. The statewide study also is available.

 

Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System conducted the survey with support from state agriculture groups and businesses.

 

                                    

 

 

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Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
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