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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:
Alabama in top 25 for business climate
Innovation Depot COO named to NBIA board
Encouraging Alabama's high school students to aim for college (Opinion from Mark Heinrich)
City leaders set date for multi-sector economic summit
Goodwyn Mills & Cawood opens newest office, first in Baldwin County

 

 


Alabama in top 25 for business climate
Brent Godwin-Online editor-Birmingham Business Journal
Nov. 4, 2013
 
The latest rankings from Site Selection magazine give economic development initiatives in Alabama one more thing to brag about for the state.

Alabama has the No. 11 business climate in the U.S., according to Site Selection's 2013 study. The state's highest ranking in the study came from the survey of executives, which pegged Alabama at the No. 8 business climate.

 

In 2012, Alabama ranked No. 6 overall.

 

The report was based on a number of factors, including tax burden, business growth activity and a survey of corporate site selectors.

 
more...

 

 

 


Innovation Depot COO named to NBIA board
Yann Ranaivo Reporter-Birmingham Business Journal
Nov 4, 2013

Innovation Depot Chief Operating Officer Devon Laney has been appointed to theNational Business Incubation Association'sboard of directors.

 

Laney confirmed the move to me in an email.

 

"I am looking forward to working with the other members of the NBIA board to continue the great work of the organization on behalf of incubators and accelerators around the world," he said.

 

As I previously reported, Laney has been at the Depot for seven years and is slated to become the Birmingham incubator's CEO once current leader, Susan Matlock, retires in 2014.


more...

 

[Birmingham Business Journal]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encouraging Alabama's high school students to aim for college (Opinion from Mark Heinrich) 

By Dr. Mark Heinrich

on November 05, 2013

 

When was the first time you thought about attending college? What was it about college that first attracted you to the idea? Was it the football games or the social opportunities? Was it a particular program that specialized in the professional area you wanted to pursue? Did you want to go because you were a legacy? Societal pressure or because you thought it was the right thing to do?

 

Did you consider programs outside of a traditional four-year institution, such as a two-year college? And most importantly, did you finish? If not, you are not alone - and this is a phenomenon we must waste no time to change.

 

According to the U.S. Census, less than one-thir)d of all Alabama workers ages 25 to 64 have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree. That percentage has remained flat despite the fact that the number of jobs statewide requiring a two- or four-year degree is steadily increasing. In fact, some economists are predicting that, by 2018, 55 percent of all Alabama jobs will require a postsecondary degree for employment.

 
more...

[al.com]

 

 

 

City leaders set date for multi-sector economic summit

By WAFF.com Staff 

Nov 04, 2013

 

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -A geo-energy cyber summit is set for later this month in the Rocket City.

Mayor Tommy Battle combined three economic development initiatives - Geo Huntsville, Energy Huntsville, and Cyber Huntsville. The lead for Geo Huntsville, Joe Franicica, said he wants Huntsville to be a magnet for other companies developing this type of technology.

 

He said the summit has national and regional importance to draw companies to North Alabama.


more...

 

[WAFF.com]

 

 

 

Goodwyn Mills & Cawood opens newest office, first in Baldwin County

on November 04, 2013

 

FAIRHOPE, Alabama - Montgomery-based Goodwyn Mills & Cawood Inc. opened recently its newest office in Fairhope, bringing the architecture and engineering firm's total to 13 across the southeast.

 

"Our firm was founded on working with countless cities, towns and other municipalities throughout Alabama and now the southeast," said Regional Vice President Lee Walters.

 

"We believe unprecedented client satisfaction results when the communities you are serving are the same places you've chosen to raise your own family," Lee said.

 

The new location, nestled in the heart of downtown Fairhope at 316 Magnolia Ave., will help the firm meet the increasing demand for services while giving clients improved access to those services.

 
more...

[al.com]

 

 

 

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Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
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