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:


Alabama manufacturer makes custom vehicles, including life-saving stroke unit
February 19, 2016 

A Madison company is keeping the area's innovative spirit alive through the development of custom ambulances and emergency vehicles for clients throughout the world.

Excellance has been manufacturing vehicles in north Alabama since 1975 for local emergency management companies like HEMSI to the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia. 

The company's Mobile Stroke Unit is one of only a couple existing in the world with technology to help victims receive the fastest, highest-quality care available in the event of a stroke. 

more...



ServisFirst moving 140 jobs to Homewood by 2018 with new corporate headquarters
February 18, 2016 

ServisFirst Bank (NASDAQ: SFBS) will open its new headquarters on Woodcrest Drive in Homewood in early 2018.

The 100,000-square-foot building will house the 140 workers, and by the time of the move ServisFirst plans to add 50 more jobs. The four-story building has the capacity to hold up to 440 workers.

Constructing a new headquarters that will serve our needs for 10 years would not be possible without assistance from these partners." CEO Tom Broughton said in a statement. "No decision has been made on housing the Bank's operations center within the building, but the building design will accommodate an operations center."

more...



Walmart manufacturing commitment means new jobs in Wadley
February 18, 2016 

Wadley isn't big enough to support a Walmart, but the Randolph County town is getting support these days from the retail giant.

Occupying a bank of the Tallapoosa River, Wadley, with a population of around 750 according to the U.S. Census, has seen its largest employer add 50 jobs over the last year, with another 50 slated for 2016. This comes thanks to a $250 billion initiative by Walmart to support American manufacturers over 10 years.

Ken Harbaugh, CEO of Southern Sales and Marketing Group, explained the effect of Walmart on Wadley's Meadowcraft plant.

more...



Alabama Workforce System brand unifies job services
By Dawn Kent
on February 19, 2016 

The Alabama Workforce Council has presented a new set of recommendations to Governor Robert Bentley, including the creation and implementation of a new unified and universal brand for the Alabama Workforce System.

The idea goes beyond just a logo, said Ed Castile, deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, director of the worker training agency AIDT and a member of the Alabama Workforce Council.

"It's really about the content of a program," he said. "We have people at various stages of education and training. Many want to go to a higher level or want a new job, or maybe they're just trying to enter the workforce. At the same time, we have businesses who need workers too, and we hope this becomes their destination to find what they need."

more....



Urban Land Institute to feature Lyric Theatre as case study
By Bryan Davis
on February 18, 2016 

The Alabama Association of Realtors, in conjunction with the Alabama Center for Real Estate and the University of South Alabama's Center for Real Estate & Economic Development, will host the Alabama Commercial Real Estate Strategies Seminar Feb. 23 in Montgomery.

The recently rehabbed Lyric Theatre in Birmingham will be featured by the Urban Land Institute as a case study for historic rehabilitation during the seminar. 

more....





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