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:

 


Morgan Commission approves $300,000 for Polaris plant incentives

By Keith Clines Staff Writer |  

May 26, 2015 

 

The Morgan County Commission this morning agreed to kick in $300,000 as part of an $80 million state and local incentive package for the Polaris plant under construction in Limestone County.


 

The commissioners agreed that the plant, which will employ up to 2,000 workers, will be good for the county. Commission Chairman Ray Long said up to 500 of those workers could be Morgan County residents.


 

"I think it's going to be positive for Morgan County," District 1 Commissioner Jeff Clark said.

 

more...

 

[Decatur Daily]

 

 


Dothan expands pursuit of foreign industry
by Lance Griffin\
May 26, 2015

Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz believes the success or failure of the city's pursuit of international industry will be determined by manufacturing jobs.

However, a little hedging never hurt anyone.


 

Schmitz returned recently from another trip to China in pursuit of jobs for the Wiregrass. While part of the trip was comprised of meetings with potential manufacturing companies, Schmitz said he also met with several tech companies looking to create a U.S. presence.

 

"You know manufacturing continues to be a priority," Schmitz said Tuesday. "But there was an opportunity to make some contacts in the tech community and we're happy to take advantage of that. And of course these are very good paying jobs."


more...

[Dothan Eagle]

 


Airbus confirms June arrival of first major components for Mobile's A320 facility


With the first major aircraft components slated to arrive in a matter of weeks, Airbus' A320 final assembly line in Mobile should begin production officially almost three years to the day after plans for the facility were made public.

 

"I can confirm the first components are due to arrive in June, and there will be a special Mobile-style welcome for them," Airbus spokeswoman Kristi Tucker told AL.com Tuesday, noting more details will be made available in "the coming weeks."

 

Officials with the Mobile Airport Authority have been planning for and coordinating the aircraft components' arrival for months, but details regarding the actual path the integral aircraft sections will take once they arrive in the Port of Mobile from Hamburg, Germany, and make their way to the $600 million facility nearing completion at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley were not immediately available.



more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Chambers County Development Authority commissions a comprehensive workforce analysis 

By THE TIMES-NEWS

May 26, 2015

 

LANETT - The ability to attract and retain employers in communities across the country is a fierce competition that requires innovative and proactive thinking. Understanding these issues, the Chambers County Development Authority has taken action to put their communities a step ahead of the rest by commissioning a comprehensive workforce analysis.

 

Prepared by Garner Economics, LLC of Atlanta, Ga., the analysis provides a holistic assessment of the critical underlying characteristics of Chambers County's complete workforce, including developed or acquired skills, knowledge of specific principles, occupations, education levels, age, level of self-employment and workforce participation. For potential and current employers, this analysis provides a real-world view of the county's workforce capacity and potential, reveals unique strengths and marketing opportunities, and outlines distinct information prospects require for expansion and location decisions.

 

The CCDA is the first and only economic development organization in the state of Alabama to posses such a comprehensive study and can now better market its workforce assets and strengths and mitigate gaps to address and leverage in order to improve the county's competitive position.

 

more...

 

[The Valley Times-News]

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Supplier EFI Automotive opens N.A. headquarters in Alabama

Automotive News
May 26, 2015 

French supplier EFI Automotive opened its first North American headquarters, in Elkmont, Ala., after spending $2.5 million to expand the site of its plant there.

 

Improvements to the site included additions to the factory floor and expanded office space, an EFI Automotive spokesman said. The headquarters opened May 4.

 

The expanded operation will add about 125 jobs, including engineering, technical and other administrative positions, CEO Patrick Thollin said in a statement.

 

more....

 

Automotive News]

 

 

 

 

 


 

One-day boot camp in Birmingham aims to help recent college grads hone job-seeking skills

on May 27, 2015 

The Birmingham Business Alliance will host a one-day career boot camp for recent college graduates looking to enter the workforce in June.

 

The College-2-Career Intensive is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 8 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel in Uptown. Registration is $10 for job seekers.

 

The program will cover topics from Birmingham's economy and job market to how to land a job, going over interviewing and resume skills. It will end with a pitch fair, giving participants a chance to meet with possible employers, and a networking reception.

 

more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Worthy Promotional Products, Inc. has grand opening for its expansion  

 

Eclectic, Ala.,- Worthy Promotional Products, Inc.held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 20 to celebrate its expansion and move into its new 15,000 square ft. facility at 1515 Kowaliga Road. 

 

The company, incorporated in  2011, manufactures over 25 different products from lip balm to nail polish to toothbrushes which are scheduled to rollout in Summer of 2015. Worthy Products are registered with the FDA.

 

Worthy currently employs 22 at the Eclectic, AL facility and has over 50 sales brokers representing the product line throughout the US.

 

Worthy now has multi-year licenses with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and over 300 collegiate teams through licensing affiliates including CLC, Fermata, Learfield, SMA and LRG with over 2500 customers in all 50 states and Canada.

 

Assisting in the expansion were the Town of Eclectic, Eclectic Planning Board, Eclectic IDB, CARPDC (Central AL Regional Planning Commission) and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Join Our Mailing List