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:
5 early-stage startups to advance to final round of Alabama Launchpad competition
First Flurry of Airbus Arrivals
Thousands of students expected at Worlds of Work Career Expo in Tuscaloosa
Auburn named one of the 25 best cities to retire
Alabama Retail, UAB's Collat School of Business Honor 2015 Retailers of the Year
ACE 2015 Star Awards Announced

5 early-stage startups to advance to final round of Alabama Launchpad competition
on October 07, 2015

Several early-stage companies from across Alabama will advance to the final round of the Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition in December.

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, which runs Alabama Launchpad, said five startups from Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Florence were selected out of 10 teams Friday, Oct. 2 during a pitch session at Evonik Industries in Birmingham.

This month's winners will compete for a share of up to $250,000 in funding at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Design Lab at Lincoln Mill on 1300 Meridian St. in Huntsville.


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First Flurry of Airbus Arrivals
TEXT BY ALYSHA SHERTZ * PHOTO BY DAN ANDERSON
October 2015

While Airbus is projected to have a $409 million annual impact on the state's economy, residual impact of Airbus suppliers has yet to be measured. According to Alabama commerce officials, it's sure to be great. 

"Airbus is just beginning to launch its assembly operation in Mobile, so it's still early in the game as far as how the supply chain for its Alabama manufacturing facility develops," says Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "We have worked diligently with our allies in Mobile and around the state to position Alabama as the ideal spot for Airbus suppliers and service providers. We'll continue targeting the Airbus supply chain, and we're confident that the strategy will pay off."

While there are no hard dollar amounts to attest to the growth, a recent economic report completed for the Alabama Department of Commerce estimates the multipliers for the state to be 2.1, 2.8 and 4.7 for output, earnings and employment.


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Thousands of students expected at Worlds of Work Career Expo in Tuscaloosa
Oct. 8, 2015

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC) -Thursday and Friday in Tuscaloosa, students as young as eighth grade have a chance to get a jump start on their future careers.

The first "Worlds of Work" (WOW) career experience will be held at Shelton State Community College (9500 Old Greensboro Road in Tuscaloosa) on October 8 - 9. More than 4,000 eighth grade students from Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar and Pickens counties are scheduled to attend. High School students and their parents or guardians are invited and encouraged to attend October 8 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Organizers describe this as not just a one-time event, but the creation of a pipeline for the future, skilled local workforce. 


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Auburn named one of the 25 best cities to retire
Ryan Phillips Digital ProducerBirmingham Business Journal
Oct 7, 2015

Looking for a place to settle down after retirement? One Alabama city may have what you are looking for.

Auburn was recently ranked as the second best U.S. city to retire at, according toa report from NBC 13.

The college town - which has a population of roughly 60,000 - was ranked for its upbeat economy, warm weather, low cost of living, cheap housing, low crime.


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Alabama Retail, UAB's Collat School of Business Honor 2015 Retailers of the Year
By Kaitlin Candelaria 
October 7, 2015

The Alabama Retail Association in partnership with the UAB Collat School of Business honored the 2015 Retailers of the Year at a ceremony at the Vestavia Hills Country Club on Oct. 5.

Out of 70 statewide nominations, 13 businesses were selected in categories including annual sales less than $1 million, annual sales $1-5 million, annual sales $5-20 million, annual sales more than $20 million and the Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year.

Businesses were nominated by their chambers of commerce and other respective organizations. Stu Crum, president of Bridgestone Retail Operations, spoke at the luncheon, detailing his appointment to the job last year and how he's used his retail background to revolutionize the company's marketing strategies and customer service goals.


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ACE 2015 Star Awards Announced
 
AUBURN, ALABAMA- The Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) presented the 2015 ACE Star Awards at the annual Alabama Community Leadership Network (ACLN) Conference Award Luncheon, Oct. 6 in Auburn.

The ACE Star Awards recognizes individuals who have performed above and beyond the call of duty and embody the principles of the ACE Program, a comprehensive development program designed to assist Alabama's smaller communities in their efforts to plan, grow and prosper.

The 2015 ACE Star Award recipients are:

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