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.
Alabama-Germany partnership shows new strength after decades of growth
Words by Dawn Azok
April 06, 2017
German companies have invested $8.4 billion and created nearly 15,500 jobs in Alabama over the past two decades, and the prosperous relationship is poised to grow even stronger.
State exports to the European nation are on the rise, and at the same time, Germany's foreign direct investment in Alabama remains strong.
There are also new and ongoing efforts to develop more business, cultural, educational and social ties between individuals and organizations with a vested interest in each side.
Germany is one of Alabama's most important economic allies, said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
Samford University, a private, Christian institution based in the Birmingham area community of Homewood, is in growth mode as it celebrates its 175th anniversary this year.
During the past decade, Samford has increased enrollment by 22 percent, raised $200 million, expanded and updated facilities, added more student housing and created a bold vision for the future. That vision will be fueled by its new six-year, $300 million "Forever Samford" fundraising campaign. "We are benefitting from the efforts of those who came before, and we want to lay a strong foundation for future generations," says Samford President Andrew Westmoreland, who has led the university for the past 11 years.
Samford estimates its annual economic impact to the state of Alabama is approximately $335 million, including everything from staff payroll to student purchases. Its students provide about $16.5 million in volunteer services to the community.
New Millbrook Business Park set to open in Elmore County
Words by Jerry Underwood
MILLBROOK, Alabama - Economic development efforts in one of Alabama's fastest-growing cities are poised to get a boost from the opening of a new 90-acre business park just off Interstate 65 in Elmore County.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Millbrook Business Park at 2800 Grandview Road is set for 2 p.m. today. Partners on the project are the City of Millbrook, the Elmore County Commission, the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority.
"We look forward to working with new businesses that will be looking to locate in Millbrook," Mayor Al Kelley said. "A special thanks to the Elmore County Commission for their assistance in getting the entrance in place."
If you're going to Maho Bay, you expect to need sunglasses.
A place of blue skies, pristine beaches and coconut palm trees, this part of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a favorite destination of families and travelers, just as it was a few years ago to Alabama residents Kris and Alex Anderson.
Out for a day of paddleboarding, they both managed to lose their sunglasses and ended up lamenting the exorbitant price of paying $250 or more to keep the sun out of their eyes.