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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:
Jacksonville plant to expand, adding 106 jobs
Myer Marine Services building $2.8 million, next-generation fabrication, repair shop in west Mobile
Business accelerator sees potential in Selma
Sen. Shelby returns to central Alabama for jobs tour
Global future: International focus reshapes Montgomery, business community
Six local companies to be recognized by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

Jacksonville plant to expand, adding 106 jobs
By Laura Gaddy
Feb 20, 2014 

JACKSONVILLE - Workers in hard hats, a few international business people and local elected officials encircled Gov. Robert Bentley in a Jacksonville plant Thursday to hear that Shelco Foundries is expanding.

The announcement had been expected for several months. The company, which makes iron components for large engines, plans to add 106 jobs by the end of 2015. The workers who take the new jobs will fill a new 65,000-square-foot machining facility to be built at the company's current location on Francis Street.

"This has been a good week," said Bentley, referring to the 2,000 new jobs expected for a Remington Arms manufacturing plant in Huntsville. "One hundred and six jobs here in Jacksonville are just as important to Jacksonville as 2,000 jobs are to Huntsville."

more...

 

 Myer Marine Services building $2.8 million, next-generation fabrication, repair shop in west Mobile (photos)

on February 21, 2014 

MOBILE, Alabama - Just ahead of its first anniversary, Myer Marine Services will soon launch a $2.8 million expansion that includes building a new state-of-the-art fabrication facility and more than doubling its staff within the next four years.

 

The 43,000-square-foot facility near Airport Boulevard off Blackburn Road will include two  fabrication bays and a machine shop.

 

Brandon Myer started the company in March 2013, and was joined two months later by his father David Myer, a co-founder of Alafab Inc.

 

The younger Myer said Myer Marine currently employs 32 and plans to hire 10 additional employees each year for the next four years with average annual salaries of around $42,000.


 

more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 

 

 

Business accelerator sees potential in Selma

By Josh Bergeron

February 20, 2014

 

A two-story, brick building on the corner of Alabama Avenue and Church Street will soon be home to a half dozen businesses as a part of the Arsenal Place Accelerator.

The accelerator's staff is putting the finishing touches on the building and its official launch will be 5:15 p.m. on March 18 at 900 Alabama Avenue.

 

Many cities have business incubators - supporting entrepreneurs' ideas - but the Arsenal Place Accelerator is using a slightly different method to grow local companies. Arsenal's website says it plans to take a hands-on approach to growing local, small business. The accelerator has already secured a few tenants, including Selma Good owner Robert Armstrong.

 

Arsenal's chairman of the board Dane Shaw said the accelerator would be an important addition Selma's economy.


more...

[al.com]


 


 

 

 

 

Sen. Shelby returns to central Alabama for jobs tour
By Robyn Sirmans 
 Feb 21, 2014 

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) is stopping by four more central Alabama counties today as part of his Alabama Jobs and Industry tour.

Sen. Shelby began his day at 8 a.m. in Blount County. The senator met with employees at Tyson Foods in Blountsville.

From there, Shelby will head to St. Clair County to visit workers at Eissmann Automotive of North America in Pell City.

At noon today, the senator has a stop planned in Shelby County at A.C. Legg, Inc. in Calera.

more...

 

 

 

 

Global future: International focus reshapes Montgomery, business community
Ena Park is a Montgomery businesswoman.

The 28-year-old just happens to be from China. And as a descendant of Korean immigrants to China, she speaks three languages.

 

That's not as unique here as it was when she arrived as an Auburn Montgomery student five years ago.

"Even in school you could see that there were very few international students," Park said. "But now if you go to AUM you can just walk around and see people from all over the world."

 

The arrival of Hyundai's auto assembly plant changed more than just the manufacturing landscape here. The shift to an international focus triggered a cascade of changes that continue to ripple through the culture and community of the business world and other aspects of life in central Alabama.



more...

 

 


Six local companies to be recognized by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Online editor-Birmingham Business Journal

Six Birmingham companies have been named as Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

 

"As the business community has worked hard to do its part in moving the country forward economically, small businesses have continued to be the driving force responsible for much of our progress," U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said, in a press release. "Our Blue Ribbon Award winners are the best of the best-growing and succeeding despite significant challenges."

Here are the six local businesses:

 

  • Bhate Geosciences Corp.
  • McSweeney Holdings
  • Proventix Systems Inc.
  • Relax, It's Handled
  • Silvertron Café
  • Urban Cookhouse

 

more...

 

[Birmingham Business Journal]

 

 

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Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
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