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:

110 Alabama schools on list of best high schools in the nation

Alabama Power Foundation provides funds for 21 pre-K classrooms

Faster Internet speeds coming to Calhoun County in third quarter of the year

The Energy Institute of Alabama: Its mission is to keep those light switches working

World-famous Barber Motorsports Park gears up for Indy races

MENTORING MATTERS: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF MENTORING

110 Alabama schools on list of best high schools in the nation

By Ivana Hrynkiw | ihrynkiw@al.com

April 21, 2016

This week, 110 Alabama schools were ranked among the best high schools in the nation.

U.S. News and World Report reviewed 28,561 public, magnet, and charter schools across the nation, and 110 Alabama schools made the 2016 list. Out of those, two schools received a gold medal, 27 received silver medals, and 81 received bronze medals.

Last year, 118 made the list.

There are 365 public, charter, and magnet high schools in the state.

The top ten according to the report are...

more...

[al.com]

Alabama Power Foundation provides funds for 21 pre-K classrooms

By Press Release: Alabama Power |

Apr 21, 2016

ALABAMA (WTVY) The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded 21 pre-K programs across the state with classroom grants.

The grants are part of the foundation's Brighter Minds education initiative. The $10,000 grants will enable these pre-K programs to improve their learning environments.

"Early-childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success," said Myla Calhoun, Alabama Power vice president of Charitable Giving. "Children who have access to high-quality pre-K programs are better prepared for elementary school, high school and, ultimately, the workforce. This is an investment in our state's future that we can't afford to overlook."

more...

[WTVY]

Faster Internet speeds coming to Calhoun County in third quarter of the year

By Patrick McCreless, Star Staff Writer, pmccreless@annistonstar.com

April 19, 2016

Calhoun County computer users could have access to some of the fastest Internet speeds available in the U.S. by the end of the summer.

Telecommunications company Cable One expects to offer gigabit Internet speed to residential customers in the third quarter of the year, a company spokeswoman said. The rare, fast Internet service seen mainly in larger markets like Nashville and Atlanta could help attract business to the area, some economic experts say.

Patricia Niemann, spokeswoman for Cable One, said her company began launching the service, branded as "GigaOne," in January and will continue to do so through the year.

more....

[Anniston Star]

The Energy Institute of Alabama: Its mission is to keep those light switches working

By Charles J. Dean | cdean@al.com

on April 20, 2016

Flip a switch and there is light in the middle of night.

Press a start button and there is coffee to help clear the morning cobwebs. Push the up arrow on the thermostat and there is heat to chase away the cold. Hit the down arrow and there is cool air that replaces hot.

The list could go on but you get the point. The simple uncomplicated action of flipping a switch or button that lights our way, turns cold to heat and heat to cold or opens our computers and televisions to endless sources of information and entertainment is second nature. We almost never think about it. We take it as a given.

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[al.com]

World-famous Barber Motorsports Park gears up for Indy races

Author Dawn Azok

April 20, 2016

Barber Motorsports Park is preparing to welcome about 80,000 visitors this weekend for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, the annual three-day event that showcases the Birmingham racing venue.

Many will take in the sights at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of motorcycles and is undergoing a major expansion.

Days ago, Barber officials and Birmingham-based contractor BL Harbert International held a topping out celebration for the project, which is expected to be complete this fall and is slightly ahead of schedule, said Jeff Ray, the museum's executive director.

more...

[madeinalabama]

MENTORING MATTERS: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF MENTORING

By Val Walton

April 20, 2016

For budding entrepreneurs, starting a company can be an isolated endeavor, full of unknowns and risks.

A look at the survival rates of new businesses show that startups need all the help they can get. According to the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, about half of new establishments survive five years or more and about one-third survive 10 years or more.

Alabama Launchpad's mission is to make sure entrepreneurs in Alabama have access to the necessary resources to flourish, including non-financial support in the form of mentorship.

In its 10-year history, Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, has presented opportunities for startups participating in Launchpad competitions to get acquainted with experienced entrepreneurs and executives in their communities who serve as mentors and can help them shape their startups into an investible company.

more...

[AlabamaLaunchpad]