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:
Alabama Jack Daniel cooperage opens, creating 200 jobs in Lawrence County
L.A. firm to buy Fruit of the Loom screen print operation, more jobs promised
Chamber, UA partner for business course
Manufacturers looking at the Wiregrass, but when will the next one commit?
ECDI's Intensive Course Accredited as an IEDC "Basic Course"

 


 

 Alabama Jack Daniel cooperage opens, creating 200 jobs in Lawrence County


TRINITY, Alabama - An ultra-modern facility that produces oak barrels that help give Jack Daniel's whiskey its color and flavor officially opened today in Lawrence County.

 

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, state economic development officials and Brown-Forman/Jack Daniel's leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the Jack Daniel Cooperage in Trinity, a community near Decatur.

The brand new facility, located at the Mallard Fox West Industrial Complex, will employ 200-plus workers when fully operational. The cooperage produces the solid American white oak barrels that are toasted and charred for maturing Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, the No. 1-selling whiskey brand in the world that's enjoyed in more than 160 countries.

 

"The American whiskey category is booming with exports of Tennessee Whiskey and bourbon eclipsing $1 billion for the first time last year," said John Hayes, senior vice president, managing director of Jack Daniel's. "We want to be able to satisfy the world's thirst for our premium Tennessee Whiskey, and having this state-of-the-art cooperage will help us meet that demand. We couldn't be happier with this new facility and the great welcome we've received from the people of Alabama."


more...

 

[madeinalabama.com]

 

 


L.A. firm to buy Fruit of the Loom screen print operation, more jobs promised

By Mitch Sneed

 July 7, 2014


The Fruit of the Loom garment decoration and screen print operation, located in the Old Russell Plant 9, is being sold to Los Angeles-based Aprinta Group LLC. -  a giant in the promotional products printing industry.

 

While news of corporate sales hasn't always been reason to smile, this one appears to be. Aprinta Chief Executive Officer Billy Dolan said not only will the 60 or so current employees working there now keep their jobs, as many as 500 new jobs could be created here by 2018.

 

"It is a great facility," Dolan said. "But more than that is the people - 100 percent - it was the people.  You can buy buildings anywhere, but the people here is what sold us on Alexander City.

"You just don't find a trained workforce of people who are dedicated to the level  that the people here are. We are excited about being here and what the future brings."

 

more...

 

[Alex. City Outlook]

 

 


Chamber, UA partner for business course

By Scottie Brown

The Selma Times-Journal

July 5, 2014

 

Beginning Tuesday, youth wanting to know how to create their own business, will have access to a great program thanks to a partnership brought about by the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce.

 

The Chamber, partnering with the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce's Real Entrepreneurship through Active Learning Program, will host a 4-week program aimed at helping youth get their start in business.

 

Tommie Syx, the coordinator for Alabama's Culverhosue REAL program, said the goal of Tuesday's in July: Biz 1.0 Youth Entrepreneurship is to expose students, ages 13 through, to what it takes to be an entrepreneur.


more...

 

 


 


Manufacturers looking at the Wiregrass, but when will the next one commit?
by Lance Griffin
Jul 5, 2014

It was Memorial Day weekend. The temperature would reach the mid-90s that day in Henry County, but grilling would have to wait.

 

Three wealthy Chinese investors were in the Wiregrass. They wanted to see buildings, property, farmland and cotton gins.

 

When investors are interested in pouring more than $100 million into economic development in the United States and possibly in your community, you drop your tongs, turn off the grill and play host.

And, make banana pudding.

 

About a dozen people including farmers, farm experts, business leaders and local government officials took the trio on an impromptu but comprehensive tour. They walked in the middle of cotton fields, rode giant tractors, felt plush, soft Wiregrass cotton, received a lecture on Wiregrass farming and toured a 500,000-square-foot vacant building.


more...

 

[Dothan Eagle]

 

 

 


 

ECDI's Intensive Course Accredited as an IEDC "Basic Course"

 

The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) at Auburn University is pleased to announce that the Intensive Economic Development Training Course is now a "Basic Economic Development Course" accredited by the International Economic Development Council.  The first week fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the examination for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. 

 

This is a big advantage for all of those wishing to pursue the prestigious CEcD designation: economic development practitioners no longer have to leave the state in order to attend an IEDC-accredited Basic Economic Development Course.

 

This year also marks the 30th Intensive Course.  ECDI has a few slots open for new registrants.  The first week will be held July 14-18, 2014, and the second week will be held September 8-12, 2014.  The course will be held at the Hotel at Auburn University, located at 241 South College Street in Auburn.

 

With over 1,000 alumni, this two-week course is Alabama's top choice for economic and community development training. You will not find a better introduction to the basics of economic development! Click Here to see all of the incredible speakers and topics featured in Session I.  Session II focuses on economic development in Alabama and features leaders of statewide economic development organizations.

 

Who Should Attend: Economic developers, Chamber of Commerce staff and board members, state and local elected officials, community leaders, utility company representatives, community and regional planners, economic and industrial development board members, workforce development representatives, and County Extension Coordinators.

 

Accommodations: The course will be held at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.  Hotel reservations are not included in the course registration fee. ECDI has reserved a limited block of rooms for a special rate of $104 per night plus tax.  This rate only lasts through July 2nd, so make your reservations today!  Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Hotel at Auburn University at (800) 228-2876.

 

Questions?: Contact Amelia Stehouwer: [email protected] or (334) 844-5394, or Click Here to visit the course website to register online or learn more about the course.


 





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Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
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