EDPA NewsFlash

 

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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:
Styrolution closing Massachusetts plant, moving production to Alabama
Heinrich: Dual enrollment helps build workforce
Economic development plan presented
Shelby visits county on jobs tour

 

Styrolution closing Massachusetts plant, moving production to Alabama

By Frank Esposito

SENIOR STAFF REPORTER

Published: February 25, 2014  

 

Materials maker Styrolution will close its polystyrene plant in Indian Orchard, Mass., by the end of the year, moving some of that site's production to Decatur, Ala.

 

Closing the Indian Orchard plant will eliminate 58 jobs. The plant has annual production capacity of 330 million pounds and was opened by Monsanto Inc. in the 1970s.

 

Frankurt, Germany-based Styrolution now will convert a PS line in Decatur over to production of NAS-brand styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA) resin by the end of the year. The firm also is in the process of adding SMMA production at its plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany.



more...



 

 Heinrich: Dual enrollment helps build workforce

By Blake Bell

February 25, 2014


Dual enrollment was paramount on the mind of Dr. Mark Heinrich, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, when he spoke Monday to the Andalusia Kiwanis Club.

 

"Workforce development has become the buzzword of the day," Heinrich told Kiwanis members, calling dual enrollment for high school students a great tool in filling the current and coming gaps in the state's workforce.

 

"All education is workforce development," Heinrich said, adding the need for both "craftspeople" and workers from the academic side of study is increasing as baby boomers retire.

 

"You talk to employers and they'll tell you nearly 50 percent of their workforce could retire today," Heinrich said. "And as the economy improves, more people are going to retire, because they feel more confident about entering the next phase of their lives."


more...

 

[Andalusia Star News]


 

 

 

Economic development plan presented

By Penny L. Pool

February 26, 2014 

 

WADLEY--A good crowd of movers and shakers from Randolph County and elsewhere attended last week's program at Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) to hear about the economic development strategic action plan for the county. The plan has been a year in the making.

 

Randolph County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) in its plan for recruitment, retention and renewal had four components with specific objectives under each component.

 

Recruitment is creation of jobs and investment through locating or re-locating companies. Retention is creation of jobs and investments through expanding existing industry. Renewal is entrepreneurial development, tourism opportunities, and downtown revitalization.

 

more...

 

[Randolph Leader]

 

 

 

Shelby visits county on jobs tour

By Kellie Singleton

Tuesday, February 25, 2014


U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) made a stop in Franklin County this past weekend as part of his statewide jobs and industry tour.

 

The tour is something Shelby has said is important in order to understand what businesses and communities truly need.

 

"Job creation must be our top priority as a nation, and it has been the focus of my statewide travel," Shelby said.

"Visiting with businesses across Alabama has provided me with important information about how federal policies are affecting job creation efforts in each of our 67 counties. This feedback will play a critical role in informing how I vote on issues before the Senate."

 

Shelby and his staff met and talked with employees and executives of Russellville industries G&G Steel and Franklin Manufacturing, which are family-owned and operated industries that have been a major part of the county's economy since 1975 and 1977 respectively. They also took a tour of the facilities.

 

more...

 

[Franklin County Times]

 

 

 

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Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
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