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:

Erin Koshut to take the helm at Cummings Research Park in Huntsville

Hiring underway for new jobs in Limestone County

Austal efficiency outfitting U.S. Navy's 21st-century fleet

FORT PAYNE Participates in Sustainable Communities Development Program

Erin Koshut to take the helm at Cummings Research Park in Huntsville

By Lucy Berry | lberry@al.com

on June 08, 2015

Crisp Communication's vice president for client services and special events will take charge of Cummings Research Park when she becomes its new director next month.

Erin Koshut, who worked 14 years with AkinsCrisp Public Strategies and led the award-winning Tennessee Valley Corridor technology and economic development initiative, will replace former CRP Director John Southerland, who resigned in February to work for Madison County Schools. Koshut starts her new role July 6.

Working within the Chamber's economic development department, Koshut will be responsible for recruiting, marketing and managing the park, which has over 300 companies and 26,000 employees specializing in engineering, technology, research and design.

more...

[al.com]

Hiring underway for new jobs in Limestone County

By Gwen Albers Staff Writer |

June 8, 2015

ATHENS - Kevin Stephens has at least one person daily apply for a job at P&T Welding and Trailer Sales, which in November moved much of its operation from Huntsville to rural Belle Mina.

"I don't know how the word gets out," said Stephens, a purchasing agent with the company.

P&T Welding, which manufactures commercial and retail trailers, is one of six companies setting up shop in Limestone County. Another dozen existing companies in the county are expanding.

In all, they are expected to create 2,363 jobs, according to Tom Hill, president for Limestone County Economic Development Association. Of those jobs, 1,700 to 2,000 will be with Polaris, which plans to open a plant by March in the Greenbrier area for manufacturing off-road vehicles.

more...

[Decatur Daily]

Austal efficiency outfitting U.S. Navy's 21st-century fleet

By Kelli Dugan | kdugan@al.com

on June 08, 2015

From modest maker of yachts and ferries to premier defense contractor. From dowdy shipyard to manufacturing powerhouse dominating Mobile's downtown waterfront. From Australian outsider to key orchestrator of the U.S. Navy's 21st century fleet.

And Austal USA, having accomplished all this in barely 15 years, shows no signs of slowing down.

It's Mobile's largest private employer now, and it's still growing.

more...

[al.com]

FORT PAYNE Participates in Sustainable Communities Development Program

THE CITY OF FORT PAYNE and the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority (DCEDA) have applied and been accepted to participate in the Valley Sustainable Communities Program.

This program, now in its third year, is being sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and managed by Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA).

The Valley Sustainable Communities Program was initiated by TVA Economic Development in 2013 as part of its community preparedness offerings. Sustainability has become a key issue for economic development organizations and communities as more corporations have demonstrated an increasing commitment to sustainability. In addition, more than 90 percent of corporate real estate executives who responded to a CoreNet Global survey said that sustainability is a consideration in their company location decisions. The typical reasons for this corporate commitment are reduced operating costs for increased profitability and greater employee satisfaction.

The goal of the program is to increase the likelihood that communities will be viewed as progressive and competitive by companies planning to invest in new or expanded business locations. BSA and TVA staff will be administering the program and meeting in person with communities' sustainability teams to help develop and implement sustainable initiatives and increase awareness of existing programs.

"FORT PAYNE and its various businesses and entities have already made a significant commitment to sustainability. This new program provides us with the opportunity to document, further develop and be recognized for our sustainable initiatives, which will help differentiate us in the tough competition for new corporate investment and job creation," said Jimmy Durham, DCEDA.