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.
"Aerojet Rocketdyne is proud to be able to partner with the University of Alabama in Huntsville on numerous R&D initiatives related to propulsion and space science," said Eileen Drake, CEO and president of Aerojet Rocketdyne.
The first scholar named to the endowed chair Gary Zank, director of UAH's Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research and the chair of the Department of Space Science.
Congressman Robert Aderholt has been to Exxel Outdoor's plant in his hometown of Haleyville so many times, he jokes, he could give the tour that any visitor gets.
The plant employs about 100 people and turns out around 2 million sleeping bags a year, in as many as 300 different varieties - including camouflage and Disney characters. A good portion of those sleeping bags are sold in Walmarts around North America - including the most popular style, which sells for $8.97.
Today Aderholt was once again at the factory for an event in association with Walmart to tout American manufacturing. The Republican representative and the retail giant have both played key roles in keeping the plant functioning, company officials said.
Airbus begins production of first U.S.-built A320 in Mobile
by Keith Lane
May 8, 2017
Mobile, Alabama, May 8, 2017-The Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama, has received the major component assemblies for the first A320 that will be produced in the U.S.
The 27 aircraft delivered from the facility thus far have been A321s.
This marks another important milestone for the manufacturing facility, which began production in July 2015 and is equipped to build three members of the A320 Family: A319, A320 and A321.
In a special ceremony in Birmingham's Railroad Park on Friday afternoon, the first class of students graduated from the Innovate Birmingham Workforce program that trains unemployed or underemployed area young adults for high-demand information technology careers.
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor Education and Training Administration awarded roughly $6 million to the Innovate Birmingham Regional Workforce Partnership, a broad coalition of leaders committed to fostering economic growth for the region and offering better opportunities for young adults, led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
"This graduation is the first of many celebrations to come for credentialed computer technicians and software developers who will complete this program," said Josh Carpenter, Ph.D., director of External Affairs in the Office of the President and principal investigator for the grant. "The collaboration among our broad partnership of 15 public, community, business and education leaders is changing lives, and we are energized to expand opportunities for young adults in Birmingham that benefit our growing knowledge-based economy."
Alabama Launchpad LEAP Alumni Mixer set for May 17 in Birmingham
Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, is hosting the LEAP - Leading Entrepreneurs, Accelerating Progress - Alumni Mixer for entrepreneurs, mentors and investors on May 17.
Come out and learn what past Alabama Launchpad startup teams are doing, while enjoying a night of networking with drinks and food.
The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. and is being held at EDPA's new office, 1320 1st Avenue South, Birmingham.
Guests are always welcome, and RSVP'ing is highly encouraged to reserve your space.