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.
When Tom Hill started his career in economic development 25 years ago, infrastructure was mostly roads, electricity, natural gas, sewer, water and telephone.
Fiber connectivity is now one of the most critical infrastructure needs for companies looking to expand in Limestone County, he said.
"In economic development, you're always competing with other states and other sites," said Hill, executive director for the Limestone County Economic Development Association. "To have something that's fiber ready, that can be connected to the company during their construction period, gives us an advantage over a lot of locations."
New Leadership: David Fernandes Takes the Helm at Toyota Alabama
INTERVIEW BY NANCY MANN JACKSON
April 2017
Since opening in 2001, Toyota's engine plant in Huntsville, Alabama, has undergone a number of changes. The manufacturing facility has expanded four times, the company has invested more than $864 million since groundbreaking and the plant has hired 1,500 workers.
And this past January, the plant underwent another change. Longtime Toyota executive David Fernandes was named the new president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Inc. Fernandes replaces Jim Bolte, who became the plant's first American president in 2009 and will now oversee manufacturing efficiency for all of Toyota's 15 North American manufacturing sites.
Fernandes says he is both "grateful and humbled" to take on this new role, and as the facility continues to grow and the demand for the truck engines it produces continues to increase, his leadership is sure to play an important role in the Southeastern automotive industry in the coming year. In February, for example, the plant celebrated its five million mark in engine production.
The Becker's editorial team selected hospitals for inclusion based on analysis of several ranking and award agencies, including U.S. News & World Report's 2016-17 Honor Roll and specialty rankings, CMS star ratings, Leapfrog grades, Truven Health Analytics top hospitals, Most Wired hospitals, and Magnet accreditation.
"The hospitals included on this list are renowned for excellence," according to the Becker's Hospital Review website. "They are industry leaders in innovation, quality patient care and clinical research and have received recognition across various publications and accrediting organizations."
'Retooled' Marshall County manufacturing base charts new era
GUNTERSVILLE, Alabama - Marshall County has a long history of successful manufacturing operations, and that legacy is helping to shape its future.
Several of the northeastern Alabama county's newer industrial residents have transformed buildings that were operated for decades by companies from another era.
For example, the former Accutek electronics factory in Arab is now the new wheel bearing facility for Progress Rail, which created 100 jobs at the site. And Albertville Quality Foods today employs 400 people in the former Arrow shirt factory in Albertville, following a renovation there.
REGISTER NOW! ONLY 2 COURSES LEFT for the EDAA Leadership Institute
SPRING 2017 COURSE SCHEDULE
Building COMMUNITY
This course will cover topics such as citizen engagement, community leadership, collaborative partnerships, physical infrastructure, strategic planning and community development programs and strategies. The course will be offered on the following dates and locations. Register for the session that best fits your schedule.
9:30 am - 3:00 pm ▪ $75 per person
April 26 at Central AL Electric Cooperative, Prattville
May 4 at the Cullman Chamber of Commerce, Cullman
Call 334-844-3685 for more information or register online by clicking here