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 automakers built nearly 1 million cars in 2014, setting a new state record

New ALDOT office in west Alabama will generate 135 jobs

Tuskegee receives $525K STEM grant

BBA's Jeff Traywick Receives 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development

Alabama automakers built nearly 1 million cars in 2014, setting a new state record

By The Associated Press

on January 28, 2015

Alabama automakers set a production record last year.

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama says Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz combined to manufacture 997,270 vehicles in the state in 2014. That's 80,000 more vehicles than the previous high set in 2013.

Hyundai led state producers by turning out 398,851 Elantra and Sonata sedans at its factory south of Montgomery.

Honda was next with 363,419 vehicles produced at its plant in Talladega County. The factory makes the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot SUV and the Acura MDX.

more...

[al.com]

Hexcel expansion will add 20 jobs

By Eric Fleischauer Staff Writer |

January 27, 2015

Decatur's Hexcel plant could see construction begin on a $145 million expansion next month that will add 20 jobs, according to documents it filed with the Industrial Development Board of Decatur.

It would be the second major expansion at the company's Mallard Fox Creek Industrial Park plant in three years.

"Maybe more important than the 20 jobs being created, it is an assurance that they have a long-term commitment to be in the area," Mayor Don Kyle said. "It's a signal they will retain the jobs for a long time when they're putting that much money into their facility."

more...

[Decatur Daily]

New ALDOT office in west Alabama will generate 135 jobs

Jan. 27, 2015

FAYETTE, AL (WBRC) -A new Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) office means new jobs for west Alabama.

ALDOT is opening a new area headquarters in Fayette's industrial park and will generate 135 new jobs including clerical and maintenance workers, laborers, warehouse employees and engineers.

If you are interested in a job, you can call the Alabama Career Center in Fayette at 205-932-3221 ext. 5171 or for entry level positions call ALDOT's area office at 1-800-291-5856.

more...

[WBRC]

Tuskegee receives $525K STEM grant

Special to the News

January 27, 2015

The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Tuskegee a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) grant for $175,000 per year for three years to bring learning activities and tutorials the university's students and children in local K-12 schools.

For Tuskegee students, the funds will help build critical thinking skills with a new Peer Group Tutorial. The grant will also help establish an outreach program with local K-12 schools that will feature a STEM Saturday academy and hands-on science projects for middle school students.

Dr. Ben Oni, the principal investigator for the grant and associate profess in the Electrical Engineering Department, said the tutorial program for the grade school students would be for 12 weeks in the spring and fall semesters. Held on Saturdays, the program will reinforce chemistry, physics, and math skills. High school math and science teachers as well as Tuskegee University students will serve as tutors.

more....

[Opelika-Auburn News]

BBA's Jeff Traywick Receives 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -January 27, Palm Beach, Fla. - Jeff Traywick, Senior Project Manager for the Birmingham Business Alliance's (BBA) economic development division, has been selected as a a recipient of the economic development profession's 40 Under 40 awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development profession.

A five-member selection committee chose the recipients from a pool of more than 157 candidates based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry. The award's program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing.

"Jeff has worked with the BBA as Senior Project Manager since 2011, and during those four years his work has had a significant impact on Birmingham," said Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the BBA. "Economic development requires teamwork, careful thought, a strong desire to win, and perhaps most important, a genuine desire to bring benefit to the community we serve. Jeff has all of those attributes. The companies, consultants and other economic developers who work with Jeff really appreciate how he works tirelessly and gets things accomplished."

During the last five years in economic development, Traywick has managed or worked on 56 announced economic development projects that have resulted in more than $199 million in announced capital investment and 1,786 jobs. Before joining the BBA, Jeff served as the Manager of Parks and Properties for the City of Bessemer, Alabama's Industrial Development Board, where he carried out the economic development mission of the city and managed the industrial development board's portfolio of 34 industrial properties and other assets.

"I am thankful for this recognition from DCI," said Traywick. "I have been blessed to have worked in economic development in the Birmingham region for the past 13 years. It has been a wonderful opportunity to work with our regional economic development allies and elected officials to showcase the assets of the Birmingham area to new companies and also to work with our much appreciated existing industries."

Another economic development professional from Alabama, Christina Stimpson, director of international trade for Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, also received DCI's 40 Under 40 award.

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Enjoy the day,

Val Walton

vwalton@edpa.org