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:
"Major economic development" announcement in Stevenson Wednesday with $600 million investment
Looking for work? See top Alabama jobs by most online ads in May
Computer science booming in Alabama
Chancellor Announces Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive Director of Workforce Development Appointment

 

"Major economic development" announcement in Stevenson Wednesday with $600 million investment

By Travis Leder

on Jun 24, 2015

 

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's office has confirmed a major economic development will be announced Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Jackson County. 

 

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) officials andJackson County leaders confirmed this to WAAY 31 Tuesday evening that the announcement will happen at the Willow Creek Fossil Plant near Stevenson.


 

According to a press release from Governor Bentley's office, the project will be a $600 million initial investment, and will create up to 100 jobs for the area.

 

 more...

[WAAYTV]

 

 


Looking for work? See top Alabama jobs by most online ads in May
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on June 23, 2015 

Workers in the nursing, truck driving and retail management industries were in high demand last month in Alabama, according to a new report from the state Department of Labor.

 

The analysis, collected by ADOL's Labor Market Information Division, shows registered nurses, heavy- and tractor-trailer truck drivers and retail supervisors collectively had more than 9,000 online openings in May. Retail salespeople and maintenance/repair workers rounded out the top five jobs with the most ads.

 

The number of online job postings jumped 3.62 percent from April, with 51,388 ads. There were more than 28,000 new listings during that period.



more...

 

Computer science booming in Alabama
By Edward Burch
Jun 23, 2015

TUSCALOOSA - AL -Alabama is leading the nation in bringing computer science courses to the classroom. 

In fact, teachers are going back to school to learn how to instruct students in computer science. This is the third year for computer science training for teachers at the University of Alabama campus. 22 new schools are part of the training.  These teachers know computer science is a fast growing industry, especially in Alabama. 

Nidia Fernandez-Lee teaches at Shades Valley High School in Jefferson County. This will be her first year teaching computer science.  "I have no previous computer programming background," she says. "This year, I am teaching a class that Alabama is offering called CS principles or computer science principles, which will soon become an (advanced placement) class."


more...


 

 

Chancellor Announces Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive Director of Workforce Development Appointment

 

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Dr. Mark Heinrich, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, has appointed Dr. Douglas (Doug) Jensen as Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive Director of Workforce Development, effective July 1, 2015.

 

Heinrich spoke of the experience and leadership Jensen will bring to the position, as well as Jensen's strong belief in the vital role of community colleges.

 

"Dr. Jensen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this crucial position, and I am very pleased to have him on board," said Heinrich. "He has a rich history with community colleges, and he believes strongly in the Workforce Development component of our three-part mission. Dr. Jensen's academic journey began at a community college," he stated. "I believe that Dr. Jensen will be a key asset to our System." 

 

Jensen has more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education. In August 2010, he joined Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, where he served as the Vice President for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer for the Advanced Technology Center. Prior to joining WCCC, he held the leadership position of Vice President of Learning/Chief Academic Officer at Northcentral Wisconsin Technical College. His experience managing academic divisions encompasses over 15 years of direct day-to-day leadership as Vice President of Learning/Chief Academic Officer, Dean of General Studies, Dean of Workforce Development, and Associate Dean for General Education/Basic Education.

 

Jensen's extensive academic experience has been in the administrative, management, and leadership areas of the community college system. This includes working with universities/four-year college partners, the K-12 community, economic development, businesses, and government.

 

Jensen's formal postsecondary education began as a student at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He holds a Doctor of Education with a major in Higher Education Leadership and a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership - Public Administration.

"I am blessed and honored to be chosen as the Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive Director of Workforce Development," said Doug Jensen. "To be able to be part of the Alabama Community College System is a humbling experience" he stated. "My wife Karen, our sons Adam and David, and I are excited to make Alabama our home."


Dr. Doug Jensen

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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