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.
Ulrich Weber, vice president for Airbus' Mobile facility, confirmed prior to Sunday's festivities that actual production will not begin until July as the wings, stabilizers and fuselages move through testing stations upon arrival at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.
"After hard work for three years, now things come together," Weber said, calling Sunday's celebration an "important day" because "now we're coming very close to the start of production in Mobile."
The state's construction labor force rose slightly in May year-over-year.
According to new data by the Associated General Contractors of America, Alabama saw an increase of 1,300 jobs over the last 12 months.
"Construction has outpaced the overall economy in adding workers nationally but the mix of states with construction job gains keeps changing," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "The top 10 states for job gains from April to May had previously lagged in adding construction workers, while energy-producing and other states that had record construction employment a few months ago have slipped.
Small-business owners in the Birmingham area who wish to take part in a free financial education program sponsored by Regions Bank, the Birmingham Business Alliance and others have until June 30 to apply, according to a recent news release from Regions.
The program, Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC), connects entrepreneurs with experts in finance, marketing and other areas and is designed to help small businesses in economically distressed areas gain access to capital, grow larger and hire more people.
An executive education seminar for business owners who apply and are accepted into the program will be held at Regions Field in Birmingham on August 6.
Local executives have said one way to increase the amount of investment capital flowing into Birmingham focuses on improving the city's perception as an attractive environment for high-growth industries.
"I don't think we're going to change our ecosystem until we have a blockbuster success that stays in Birmingham. I look at any other city that has a thriving ecosystem around technology, and there is a billion-dollar plus company they can point to," Gray said. "Birmingham needs that company it can hang its hat on."
