EDPA NewsFlash

 

home       about edpa        relocation     resources for     resources for     entrepreneurship &
                                          assistance     companies        communities            technology    

 

 

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:
Anniston business expansion to create 359 jobs
Turkey hunt a tool for economic development in Alabama
Birmingham leaders react to Top 10 ranking
Small high-tech companies in need of federal funding sought for March 28 workshop in Mobile

 

 

Anniston business expansion to create 359 jobs
 By Patrick McCreless
Mar 17, 2014 | 

An Anniston business expansion announced in January will create 359 jobs, at least 150 more than previously expected, officials learned Monday.

During their regular work session Monday, Anniston City Council members learned International Automotive Components at McClellan will possibly generate 359 new manufacturing jobs due to its planned $22 million expansion. The company, which injects plastic into molds to create automotive parts, mentioned the updated job figure in a city application for tax abatements for the expansion. 

When the company's plans were first revealed in January, the expansion was expected to create around 200 jobs. The company currently employs 270 workers. 


more...




 

 

 

 

Turkey hunt a tool for economic development in Alabama
By Marty Roney
Mar. 18, 2014  

PRATTVILLE - Gov. Robert Bentley was in Prattville on Monday afternoon to talk turkey and economic development.

 

He announced the resumption of the Alabama Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt at a news conference at the Marriott Legends. The goal of the governor's hunt is to showcase Alabama as a preferred destination for business, industry and nature-based recreation.

 

Participants in the hunt include industry leaders, industrial prospects, elected officials and media celebrities. About 75 people are expected to take part in the hunts, which will be today and Wednesday morning.

 

"This turkey hunt is a great economic development tool," Bentley said. "Because it allows people to experience this great state of Alabama in a way that would never be seen if they were in a corporate board room."


more...

 

[Montgomery Advertiser]

 

 


 

 Birmingham leaders react to Top 10 ranking

on March 17, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Leaders see downtown Birmingham's appearance on a national ranking of the Top 10 in the nation as a signal that the Magic City's city center has turned a corner.

 

Livability.com has ranked Birmingham at No. 10 in its "Top 10 Best Downtowns of 2014," putting it in the mix with the downtowns of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Indianapolis; Frederick, Md.; and Fort Worth, Texas.

 

Citing an increase in retail, population growth, unemployment rate and a number of developments either planned or started, Livability.com said Birmingham is an emerging downtown. Much credit is given to the Birmingham Railroad Park for the surge.

 

"Our list begins with a comeback story that's still being written. Downtown Birmingham, Ala., is on the rise after suffering from years of economic loss stemming from a dwindling population and industry decline," the site's description of Birmingham reads. "The redesign and renovation of a park kick-started a series of ongoing revitalization projects that continue to attract new businesses, visitors and residents."


more...

 

[al.com]


 

 

Small high-tech companies in need of federal funding sought for March 28 workshop in Mobile

 

Alabama Launchpad and the University of South Alabama are offering a workshop March 28 in Mobile to help small high-tech companies secure funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. 

 

Those programs make more than $2 billion a year available to promising research and development companies.

 

Got a small company in need of funding or know of a company?

 

The Alabama SBIR/STTR Assistance Program's Proposal Preparation Workshop will offer information to help companies get the tools needed to write competitive proposals for high-tech, innovative projects.

 

The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28, in the 3rd Floor Board Room at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

Cost: $50 ($100 for out-of-state attendees)

Deadline for registration is Friday, March, 21.   Register here

 

 

Contact Austen Parrish at aparrish@edpa.org or 205-943-4727 or Mark Weaver at markweaver@southalabama.edu or 251-460-6702.

 

More information about the Alabama SBIR/STTR Assistance Program, a project of the Economic Development Partnership, is available on the Alabama Launchpad website.  

 



Please feel free to forward along to someone who can use it by clicking on the "I'd like to forward this to a contact" link below the green bar. Note also, that you can now make changes to your e-mail address and contact information through the link at the bottom.    
 
If you have news or suggestions, please forward them along to me.
 
Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
Join Our Mailing List