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:
Five teams win prize money in Alabama Launchpad competition
Alabama's business recruiters talk technology, manufacturing and catfish on mission to strengthen trade ties in Southeast Asia
Student entrepreneurs get startup money
Dothan area ripe for industry
Innovation Depot companies had $123 million in sales in 2013

 


 


Five teams win prize money in Alabama Launchpad competition
on March 21, 2014 

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Five teams will receive a share of $135,000 in prize money in the Alabama Launchpad entrepreneurial contest, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation announced today.

 

The competition's finale was held today, and seven finalist teams pitched their startup business ideas to judges.
  

The competition promotes, rewards and increases the pipeline of high-growth, innovative ventures in the state. The EDPA Foundation launched the program in 2006.


 

 

more...

 

[al.com]

 


 

 


 Alabama's business recruiters talk technology, manufacturing and catfish on mission to strengthen trade ties in Southeast Asia

on March 22, 2014 

Alabama's top business recruiters are in Southeast Asia on a mission designed to find new markets for state goods and services in countries across the region.

The group, led by Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, includes representatives of companies from across the state.
  

This week, they have visited Indonesia and Thailand. Today, they were to travel to Singapore before returning home on Wednesday.


more...

 

[al.com]


 

 

 

 

 


 


 

Student entrepreneurs get startup money 

By Patrick Rupinski
Business Editor | The Tuscaloosa News
March 23, 2014 

For one young entrepreneur, it's a tablet and a table.

 

Seeing a need in the community and coming up with a plan to fulfill it helps, too.

 

That's what Christian Giggie, 15, discovered this school year in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy or YEA!, an after-school program that fosters entrepreneurship in middle and high school students.


more...

 

[Tuscaloosa News]

 

 

 


Dothan area ripe for industry

By Greg Phillips

March 22, 2014

 

Local leaders say the Wiregrass is ready to sustain any industry that may be brought in by the U.S.-China Manufacturing Symposium.

 

Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Parker said the area's infrastructure is in "pretty good shape" and should prove attractive to manufacturers who attend the symposium.

 

"We've got a diverse amount of property and sites available in our area," Parker said. "Electrical, natural gas, telecommunications, water, sewer - we're in really good shape for just about any type of project."

 

He said Houston County alone has seven designated industrial sites, meaning their infrastructures are sufficient to sustain a development without major changes.

 

more...

 

[Dothan Eagle]

 

 


 

Innovation Depot companies had $123 million in sales in 2013
on March 23, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Innovation Depot's place in the Birmingham economy is well-established but the business incubator's contribution to the Magic City continues to grow.

 

In 2013, the 90 companies operating out of Innovation Depot had $123 million in sales and a $248 million in sales impact, according to a year-end report Innovation Depot shared with The Birmingham News and AL.com. Both figures were higher than a year ago.

 

Over the last five years, Innovation Depot estimates it has had a $1.25 billion economic impact on the Birmingham metro area. More than 540 employees work for Innovation Depot and its client companies.


more...

 




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