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 congressmen push for companies to invest in training skilled workforce

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH BESHEARS

ON APRIL 20, 2015  

 

WASHINGTON - Two Alabama members of Congress from different parties are teaming up to sponsor a workforce development bill focusing on filling 2 million jobs across the country with skilled American workers over the next decade.

 

Workforce Development Tax Credit Act, which was reintroduced by Reps. Bradley Byrne (R-AL1) and Terri Sewell (D-AL7) last week, would create federal tax credits for businesses that offer apprenticeship programs and additional credits for companies that hire apprentices.

 

"The workforce needs in the United States are rapidly changing, and skills training is becoming more important than ever before," Rep. Byrne said in a recent press release. "That's why I am proud to join my friend and colleague Terri Sewell in introducing the Workforce Development Tax Credit Act. By encouraging businesses to partner with community colleges and universities to advance workforce training initiatives, we can help connect Americans with the skills they need to get a job and meet growing industry demands."

 

more...

 

[yellowhammer]

 

 


Anniston City Council appoints members to industrial development authority

By Patrick McCreless, Star Staff Writer, [email protected]

April 20, 2015

 

The city of Anniston named five residents Monday to help attract industry and jobs to the area.

 

The Anniston City Council acted during its regular meeting to fill five of seven seats on the city's industrial development authority. The city now has three recently established organizations - a commercial development authority, a downtown development authority, and the industrial development authority - that should help it react quickly to develop any sector of the local economy and meet the needs of any potential business, city officials say.

 

The council created the industrial development authority earlier this month. Two of the board's seven seats were not filled because the appointees were not present at the Monday meeting for confirmation. Those members will be appointed at a later meeting. The members are to serve six-year terms.

 

more...

 

[Anniston Star]

 

 


Ala. Food companies keep exports growing

Brad Harper, Montgomery Advertiser
April 18, 2015

But that has changed as demand for the health-conscious product has taken off, and now Black Belt-based To Your Health Sprouted Flour has followed that demand overseas. The company started selling its products to a few businesses in France and the U.K. in 2011 and now ships on a massive scale to Australia, United Arab Emirates, and other countries.

The Bullock County company recently broke ground on an expansion that will triple its capacity.

 

"The exports are playing a big part," president and founder Peggy Sutton said.

 

more...

 

[Montgomery Advertiser]

 

 

 



 

The Chambers County Development Authority (CCDA)  names new Community Development Manager

 

LANETT, AL April 20, 2015 - The Chambers County Development Authority (CCDA) has named Chris Busby as the organizations new Community Development Manager.

 

Busby will serve multiple roles as part of the CCDA, including coordinating marketing and public relations efforts, assisting Chambers County's municipalities and towns with downtown development and growth and the continued economic recruitment for the county as a whole. He will also spearhead the CCDA's retiree and veteran recruitment and attraction initiative.

 

The CCDA actively recruits industrial, commercial and retail opportunities for Chambers County and works daily to improve the quality of life through retaining and adding new, quality jobs, providing leadership and encouraging economic and community development throughout all of the county.

 

"The opportunity to work with an organization the caliber of the Chambers County Development Authority is one that is both a honor and privilege, and I'm excited to further expand on their astonishing success," Busby said. "As a lifelong resident of Chambers County, the prospect of contributing to the future strength of my home is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I am eager to have this chance to make an impact not just on this generation, but on the many generations that will follow."

 

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to add Chris to our team," CCDA Executive Director Valerie Gray said. "Chris brings with him an in depth knowledge and love for Chambers County and its small towns. I have no doubt that with the team we now have in place at the CCDA, the momentum of growth and development for our area will continue. I think the area is fortunate to have local dedicated staff members who live, love and breathe Chambers County."

 

Busby comes to the CCDA with a wealth of knowledge on the county and it's citizens, having spent that last seven years as news editor for The LaFayette Sun, where he managed both the content and design of the publication. He is a 2004 graduate of The University of Alabama and currently resides in Waverly.

 

"I have seen firsthand the tremendous progress and growth brought about by the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Gray and the staff of the CCDA and I intend to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid here at the Chambers County Development Authority," Busby continued. "I have high expectations for what Chambers County and its residents are capable of achieving and it is my goal to continue bringing opportunities to this county for those expectations to be met.

 

 

 

 



River Region rakes in tourism dollars

Marty Roney, Montgomery Advertiser
April 21, 2015

The Alabama Tourism Dept. runs the numbers each year based on overnight hotel stays.

 

 Lodging tax collections are the best way to gauge the economic impact of the tourism industry, said Brian Jones, director of public relations for the state agency.

 

And the high points?

 

more...

 

[Montgomery Advertiser]

 

 

 



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