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.
Three other Alabama-based companies, American Cast Iron Pipe of Birmingham, AAA Cooper Transportation of Dothan, and Austal USA of Mobile, are among the best midsized employers in the country, according to the magazine.
"UAB is changing the world for the better across all areas of our mission in education, research, health care, community service and economic development," UAB Chief Human Resources Officer Alesia Jones said in a statement. "We support our faculty and staff with resources, facilities, learning opportunities and an array of benefits including multiple choices in health insurance plans, parental leave, expanded sick leave for probationary employees, paid leave benefits for organ donors, an increase to the minimum wage and plans for expanded child care on and off campus. UAB employees invest themselves in their work and take pride in UAB's growth and reputation, and we invest in their success."
IN VIDEOS: A look inside Birmingham's Coca-Cola United plant (Video)
The Birmingham Business Journal toured the production facility in Birmingham, learning more about their operations from where the plastic bottle comes from all the way to delivery in the store.
We will publish four videos from the tour and a photo gallery for readers to learn more about how their favorite Coke beverage is made and how it the path it takes to get to their hands at the grocery or convenience store.
Adam and Miriah Brink didn't know how their 2-month-old baby would behave in February at the Alabama Launchpad competition in Tuscumbia.
The couple, who run a baby swaddle blanket company in Florence, was competing for a share of funding in the inaugural Shoals Alabama Launchpad Regional Competition.
During the first round of the "Shark Tank" style event, the Brinks were without family and had to bring Ellis with them.