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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:
UA's tech incubator to graduate first company in August
Retail touted as viable economic development focus in Alabama
Grant supports launchpad program for Ala. entrepreneurs
Effort to establish Cahaba trail gains momentum
Ensley's Holy Family trains new students, will start new term Aug. 5

 


UA's tech incubator to graduate first company in August

on July 29, 2013 

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The University of Alabama's tech incubator is several weeks away from graduating its first business, the university announced today.

 

Inventure Renewables, which has patented a process that turns plant materials into complex sugars for industrial use, will depart the Bama Technology Incubator next month with 20 employees and $15 million in capital.

 

The company moved in to a 60-square-foot space at the incubator in 2008 with a single employee.

 

"This was exactly what I needed," Rusty Sutterlin, chief scientific offer, said in a prepared statement.

 

more...

[al.com]
 

 

 

 

 


Retail touted as viable economic development focus in Alabama

on July 28, 2013

 

POINT CLEAR, Alabama - A subject that used to get short shrift from economic developers in the state was the key issue to lead off this year's summer's conference for the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

 

And while Wayne Vardaman lauded the gains being made in this area in the past couple of years, the head the rural development committee for EDAA and the executive director of the Selma and Dallas County Economic Development Authoritynoted there is still much to do.

 

Vardaman said his committee identified four key concerns for rural economic development: Incentives, workforce development, healthcare, economic development education, and training of elected officials. As a result, four committees have been formed to address incentives, workforce development, education and communication.

 

 

more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 

 

 


Grant supports launchpad program for Ala. entrepreneurs

July 26, 2103

 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WTVA) -- A program that helps Alabama entrepreneurs turn business concepts into reality is getting a boost from a $733,059 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.

The grant to the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation is helping fund the Alabama Launchpad program. 

The program provides opportunities for individuals with a business idea to receive expert guidance and establish working relationships in the business, academic and banking communities. 


It also conducts annual business-plan competitions with winners receiving a share of a $100,000 prize to develop their businesses.

 

more...

 

[WTVA]  


 

 


 

Effort to establish Cahaba trail gains momentum
By Angel Coker 
Special to The Tuscaloosa News
Published: Monday, July 29, 2013 
 

The Cahaba River Society has joined Alabama Innovative Engine and the Nature Conservancy in Alabama to produce the Cahaba Blueway project, a proposed trail to guide outdoor enthusiasts along the river, bring economic development and raise awareness of the importance of the river.

 

Alabama Engine project director Matt Leavell said the three organizations came together to get the

multiyear project started.

 

"People have been trying to get a trail along the Cahaba for a long time," Leavell said.

 
more...
 

 

 

 


 

Ensley's Holy Family trains new students, will start new term Aug. 5 

on July 26, 2013 

 

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Ensley today concluded its annual Corporate Training Institute (CTI).

 

The mandatory two-week camp for new students began Monday, July 15.

 

The series of classes -- taught by experts, volunteers and Holy Family staff -- helped the students learn a variety of critical workplace skills to prepare them for their corporate work-study jobs this fall.

 

Holy Family -- a private Catholic high school that educates low-income students -- offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and a work-study program in which students work one day a week, earning enough to pay for most of their tuition.



more...

[al.com]

 




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