EDPA Developments Blog

Say “startup” and most think Silicon Valley, Boston or Boulder, not anywhere in Alabama.

But the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation is working to create a start-up-friendly environment to provide resources to help startups stay in the state and become companies that ultimately will help create high-wage, high-growth jobs for Alabama.

On May 3, five start-up teams from Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Mobile pitched their “pre-seed” businesses before a five-judge panel in the seventh annual Alabama Launchpad Start-Up Competition Final.

The teams competed for this first round of the “Proof of Commercial Relevance” competition after registration opened on Dec. 12. They were aiming for a share of up to $100,000 in prize money to help advance their business ideas.

By 2 p.m. on finale day, the judges chose three startups to receive funding.

Exscien Corp., a Mobile-based biotechnology firm that develops drugs to repair damage to mitochondrial DNA, was awarded $54,000, while Nutripilot, a Birmingham-based company that provides a collaborative healthcare solution for corporations, people and doctors using the combination of smartphones and web-based portal, took home $38,000 and Carbon Nanotube Engineered Surfaces, an Auburn company that uses nanotechnology to enhance the surface composition of engineered materials improving interlaminate strength by as much as 40 percent, won $8,0000.

We started the competition with 22 teams, double the number from 2012. Twelve were selected to pitch to our five-judge panel of entrepreneurs, investors and corporate stakeholders on March 4. The judges narrowed the 12 to seven at that time.

Throughout the Launchpad process, teams were provided mentors and received important feedback.

Alabama Launchpad paid for valuable market assessment reviews that evaluated the market viability of the seven teams.
Those reviews took a comprehensive look at the business and helped the startups refine their plans. Angela Wier, EDPA vice president, described a commercial assessment “effectively a prize in itself.”

After the assessments, our judges cut the number to move forward to the May 3 finale to five.

Alabama Launchpad participants raved about how valuable the competition proved to be. Dr. Mark Gillespie, principal investigator for Exscien, credits the process with helping them become more convinced in the value of their product, but also it helped align what was done in the laboratory with a business plan.

“There’s no doubt it accelerated the pace of development,” Gillespie said, even before finding out the startup won $54,000.
We had a great turnout for the finale, which was held at Evonik Corp. Auditorium, 750 Lakeshore Parkway. We were impressed with the startup teams arising out of Alabama.
Wier sums it up best.

“The enthusiasm of these young companies keeps Alabama Launchpad energized as we develop programs to help them advance.” Wier said. “We are excited at the opportunity to help Alabama increase its supply of entrepreneurs and create more high wage jobs in the state.”

We are working to make to make Alabama a start-up hotbed through the Alabama Launchpad Competition, which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and is reflective of the Renewal component of state’s larger economic development plan, Accelerate Alabama, that also focuses on Retention and Recruitment of industry.

Alabama Launchpad has a track record of success. More than $1 million has been awarded to competition winners. In 2012, four teams from across the state earned their shares of the $100,000 via the start-up competition and are today moving more quickly toward creating high-wage, high-growth jobs.

We look forward to the talent the second round of Launchpad’s “Proof of Commercial Relevance” competition will highlight. Registration continues until May 22. This is the first time back-to-back “pre-seed phases” will occur.

Stay tuned. For more information, visit www.AlabamaLaunchpad.com

Feb. 26, 2013 — Earlier this month, Gov. Robert Bentley visited the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.

He met with our President Bill Taylor and offered his appreciation for the role the private sector plays in the state’s economic development through EDPA. We were honored by his visit and are proud to be a partner in the effort to bring economic opportunity to Alabama’s citizens.

The International Economic Development Council defines economic development as “a program, group of policies, or activity that seeks to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community, by creating and/or retaining jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base.”
For 22 years, EDPA has worked to be a catalyst for economic development in the state. We are proud to represent more than 80 corporate partners – which represents some of Alabama’s best corporate citizens – in our efforts. The Partnership has contributed to some of Alabama’s greatest economic victories, including having top manufacturers such as Mercedes- Benz U.S. International Inc., Honda Manufacturing, Hyundai, ThyssenKrupp, Austal USA, and, soon, Airbus America to locate here.
From our AdvantageSites and Community Partners programs to our annual Alabama Launchpad Start-Up Competition, EDPA is working to create favorable conditions to put Alabamians in high-quality jobs.
EDPA is in alignment with Gov. Bentley, who is passionate about creating jobs for Alabama residents. During his campaign for governor, Gov. Bentley promised that he would not accept a salary until the state reached full employment (5.2 % unemployment.) So far, he has never accepted a salary as governor since his 2010 election, and the unemployment rate in Alabama continues to drop. In 2011, Accelerate Alabama, the overall economic development plan for the state, was created by Gov. Bentley’s executive order to provide direction for the state’s economic development efforts.
At this very moment, other states are competing to take high wage jobs out of Alabama. In response, we must continue to aggressively protect and grow existing business, while competing successfully against other markets for much needed job creation. In 2013, just as we have for the past two decades, EDPA is committed to partnering with our allies in making Alabama communities the best places to build and grow a business.
So, it was rewarding to have Gov. Bentley stop by on a Monday to recognize our work.

The teams are chosen, and the location is secured.

We are gearing up for the next phase of our seventh annual Alabama Launchpad Start-Up Proof of Commercialization Competition on March 4. That’s when 12 teams from Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Auburn to Mobile will make their pitch presentations at Evonik Industries, 750 Lakeshore Parkway.

In all, 22 teams – twice as many as 2012 – registered by the Jan. 13 deadline to participate in this year’s competition, in which teams with business ideas in the “pre-seed” stage will compete for awards totaling $100,000.

The teams were whittled down by an impressive five-judge panel comprised of entrepreneurs, investors and corporate stakeholders.
Greg Sheek, Launchpad programs director, applauds the number of applications and the diversity of talent in terms of technology and business ideas.

EDPA had the chance to meet team members at a kick-off event held at EDPA office earlier this month.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the EDPA Foundation, is itself an innovative public-private partnership that brings together the state’s university, business and economic development communities to encourage and support high-growth entrepreneurship.

The EDPA is working to boost Alabama’s standing as a national leader in entrepreneurship and innovation through Alabama Launchpad by promoting, rewarding and increasing the pipeline of high-growth ventures that have the potential to become companies that create jobs across the state.

EDPA President Bill Taylor stresses that Alabama Launchpad is aligned with Accelerate Alabama, the state’s larger plan for economic development announced two years ago that focuses on recruitment, retention and renewal.

We’re excited about the competition that continues through May.

Alabama Launchpad, started seven years ago as a pilot program, is a valuable program. With Alabama’s vast entrepreneurial history and robust resources, the elements are in place to launch the state to the top of national rankings.
More information can be found by visiting www.AlabamaLaunchpad.com.

Dec. 19, 2012 –The Christmas season is in full swing among us. In the midst of decorating, shopping and entertaining, it’s also a great time to remember those who are not as fortunate as us.

That’s why the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama staff makes the choice annually to participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

Dozens of angel tags represent a local child, or angel, in need and his or her wishes for clothing and toys. EDPA employees pick a tag, or tags, and buy the gifts listed and return the gifts for the non-profit charity to distribute to Birmingham area children.

The Salvation Army started the Angel Tree program 33 years ago in Lynchburg, Va., with the aim of giving gifts to children, up to age 12, who might not otherwise have anything for Christmas. The organization works hard to make sure there are no “forgotten” angels and relies on the kindness of others to fill the needs.

Brian Wallace, a Birmingham Salvation Army spokesman, said the organization started the program this year with 7,391 angels in both Jefferson and Shelby counties. More than 3,000 of the angels were adopted by corporate partners, Wallace said.

EDPA is proud to be in that number.

By Val Walton

December 2012 – When Cotina Terry, one of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama’s Community Partners, got the idea for an economic development summit, she turned to the EDPA for assistance in putting the event together.
The summit’s goal, Terry said, was to bring in presenters from across the state to provide an opportunity for residents there to learn even more about economic development.
“EDPA was immediately contacted for help on facilitating a summit,” said Terry, executive director of the Randolph County Industrial Development Council.
EDPA staff was instrumental in streamlining topics to be covered at the summit and suggesting a luncheon speaker from Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Terry said. Having Allyson Edwards, new model division manager, was a big coup for Randolph, a rural county that neighbors Honda’s Lincoln plant in Talladega County, Terry noted.
The end result was a summit that drew more than 60 people and a myriad of speakers with a wealth of economic development expertise, including EDPA President Bill Taylor. The summit also left those who attended empowered.
“I got a clearer vision of economic development ideas for Randolph County,” said Mellie Parrish, owner of New Journeys Consulting, which provides job readiness training. “The speakers were excellent. It really helped to hear from other people working in the area of economic development and to help us think outside of the box for ideas. ”
The EDPA was pleased to assist Randolph County in facilitating the Nov. 14 summit at Southern Union State Community College’s Renaissance Center in Wadley. The RCIDC is one of the 22 local and regional economic development organizations in our Community Partners Program.
Started in 2010, our Community Partners Program allows us to work with the organizations on important initiatives such as strategic planning that mirrors the state’s strategic economic development plan; support existing industry in the communities; and provide economic development marketing support and services.
Our staff also is available on an ongoing basis to offer resources, support, counsel and other assistance in our partners’ efforts to attract, secure and retain jobs.
It is a valuable program we are extremely proud to have launched. We also are proud that as the Community Partners Program continues to grow, it is making a positive difference and building connections.
Mack Arthur Bell, a 24-year Roanoke City Councilman, left the Randolph County summit inspired by the economic development success occurring in the city of Thomasville, another participant in our Community Partners Program.

Bell said hearing Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day outline the revitalization and growth that has occurred in that city of about 4,200 people motivates him to reach out to Day as avenues are sought to improve the quality of life in Roanoke and Randolph County.
“It was very informative and interesting just listening to the speakers talk about what they are doing in their cities to move economics to another step,” Bell said. “One city that definitely caught my attention was the mayor of Thomasville and what he was doing in Thomasville. That was a great inspiration to me as a community leader. To hear this and more at the summit was just outstanding.”

To learn more about our Community Partners Program, visit http://edpa.org/community-data/commptnrsoverview.asp?target=about

As strategic consultant and director of the Macon County Economic Development Authority, Joe Turnham sees firsthand the need for an educated and highly-skilled workforce.

He fields queries from business and industry looking to expand, and he knows that Alabama communities compete not only with their in-state counterparts to land potential jobs, but also out-of-state communities.

“At the end of the day, we have to be able to fill those opportunities with the best and the brightest workers,’” he said.

That’s why he was impressed that during our November Community Partner Roundtable, Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice and Alabama Community College System Chancellor Dr. Mark Heinrich addressed how the state’s K-12 and two-year systems are teaming up to provide opportunities for students to be prepared for either a career immediately following high school or college.

Dr. Heinrich noted that Alabama has a vast number of adults working below ability, but a large percentage could be upgraded with additional skills training through a remedial standpoint. Dr. Bice said efforts are underway to repurpose high school programs to sync with the two-year system for workforce preparation.

Dr. Bice also is committed that K-12 in Alabama will focus on giving our students the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for technical programs, two-year or four-colleges. Likewise, Dr. Heinrich is focused on making sure that the two-year schools in the state will align programs and curricula with the necessary skills that businesses in the region must have in order to be sustainable.

“I was very impressed with both gentlemen in their candor, their commitment to understanding and to get outside the box with the educational situation as it relates to economic development,” Turnham said.

For EDPA, it was inspiring to see top education leaders in Alabama speaking at our fall Roundtable luncheon in Montgomery who are aligned so closely in both philosophy and commitment when it comes to meeting the needs of business.

EDPA President Bill Taylor has been vocal in the need for Alabama to develop a strategy that knits together its two-year and four-year college systems and agencies offering job-specific training.

“That’s a great leadership role for EDPA to play,” Turnham said.

When work began on the state’s strategic plan for economic development nearly two years ago, we enlisted the active participation of Alabama’s two-year system and the universities. We believed that education must be a part of the effort to develop a plan for economic growth, given its critical role of educating and preparing a workforce that will be needed to help companies meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Now the alliance is even stronger with the addition of Dr. Bice as the state’s K-12 superintendent to the Alabama Economic Development Alliance, which manages implementation of the strategic plan, Accelerate Alabama.

We’re fortunate to have both Dr. Bice and Dr. Heinrich at this critical time for our state’s and our nation’s economy.

“The collaboration is absolutely necessary,” Turnham said. “We are going to have to be innovative.”

Val Walton

July 2012 - The Airbus decision to establish its A320 final assembly line at Mobile’s Brookley Aeroplex makes a strong statement on two fronts:  1. Alabama is still one of the most competitive states in the country for a global manufacturer to accomplish something bold and big, and 2. This state and its local communities know how to put together a team to compete, and win, at the highest and most competitive level in economic development.

We think it says something about Alabama that the state has demonstrated its competitiveness in multiple industries – from automotive to primary metals to aerospace/aviation and other advanced manufacturing – and it has occurred in multiple regions and communities of the state. While we haven’t won every major project for which we’ve competed, our record of success over the last couple of decades has been nothing short of outstanding.

The recent Airbus announcement has again brought attention on the reasons for Alabama’s success. As usual, the state’s competitive business environment, an excellent labor force with an outstanding work ethic, strong state and local leadership and commitment to business and industry, have all been cited. We would agree that those are all major factors that make the state attractive.

However, there’s one reason that is most important when it comes to maintaining the momentum we’ve enjoyed:  When major companies have located in Alabama, they have achieved, and in most cases exceeded, even their most ambitious goals. As evidence, look only to the growth and expansion of company after company that have located here.

So, while we are all excited about the Airbus announcement, we know that the real measure of success will come when the company realizes the goals it has set for its project. While Team Alabama and Team Mobile have worked hard to bring Airbus here, we’ll work even harder to make sure that the company has everything it needs to be successful.

Bill Taylor

May 11, 2012 – Last Friday, we held our Community Partners (CP) Roundtable. A bi-annual event, this provides a chance to examine current economic development issues and is a forum for the exchange of ideas between our 21 Community Partners. 

The first presenter, David Thornell, President and CEO of C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, presented on work that EDPA has done with his group to create a strategic plan based on the statewide strategic plan for economic development, Accelerate Alabama. This is a great case study for the EDPA Community Partner program, as it embodies all that we believed the CP program could  accomplish.

Our work with C3 has been to facilitate the creation of a plan centered around the three “R’s” of Accelerate Alabama – Recruitment, Retention, and Renewal. And C3 has a good start on that, with participation from K-12, the local two-year college, local mayors, and others. There is a planning “war room” and there is a workable strategic plan spread over a few pages, not volumes.

The C3 example is an interesting one: Three counties, Marion, Lamar and Fayette, combined resources in the fall of 2012 to create an economic development alliance to market the assets of the area. Within the three counties are 17 cities. And the area is the beneficiary of I-22, the new interstate highway linking Birmingham and Memphis. So the region is poised to capitalize on this important transportation route, which will bring new opportunities. And although the interstate runs through only Marion County, the region understands its broader benefit.

During the course of the day, we looked at a number of other issues, from workforce development best practices in south Alabama, to Amendment 772 and a look at the Legislature. But at the end of the day, Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield brought us back to where we started – the importance of collaboration and common goals for economic development in the state.

So, even though the “R’s” embodies different goals for C3 than it does for the state, this alignment of strategic plans gets everyone speaking the same language and looking in the same direction. And that’s a good thing.

To learn more about the CP program:

To learn more about Accelerate Alabama:

And for information on our Partner C3 of Northwest Alabama:

May 4, 2012  - Alabama’s economy has been showing up in headlines nationally lately. Manufacturing is seeing growth. Unemployment is falling – last year, Alabama tied with Michigan for the steepest drop in unemployment rates. This is good news, but it makes it all the more important that economic  developers take a targeted approach in bringing new industry to the state, so that we create well-paying jobs that are sustainable and complement our existing industries.

K.A. Turner’s article, “State targets industry to good effect” is a good look at what we are trying to accomplish with Accelerate Alabama. Please take a moment to read, and let us know what you think.

 http://www.edpa.org/docs/news/PR042912.pdf

So why is this important? Well it’s been said that the only “constant” is “change” and nothing has changed quite so rapidly and dynamically as technology. In the last five years, cell phone technology, computer technology, and robotics technology have all been evolving at an exponential rate. Think about the next 5 years, the next 10 years even and how rapidly such technology will continue affect our lives, and Robotics Technology will play a major role in advancement of such technologies. Contrary to popular belief, robotics technology is not about cutting jobs. It is about creating more sophisticated opportunities that require a more advanced skill-level. In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, robotics and automation technology are changing just as rapidly as the cell phone technology. Of particular importance is the safety and defense of our nation, which depends highly on technology in order to combat ever-evolving threats. Missile defense and the threat of chemical warfare alone are enough to underscore this importance. We MUST have a workforce that is highly trained and skilled in robotics and automation technologies. This is why the RTP is so important.

The RTP is a collaboration of businesses in the region, our AIDT innovative training program, Calhoun Community College (and other Alabama two year colleges), and the state’s research universities. This three-phase campus approach offers opportunities for training and education, research and development and entrepreneurship.  Phase 1 is designed for educating and training robotics and automated technologies. Phase 2 is designed for research and development of ground-breaking robotics and automation technologies and Phase 3 is designed to integrate the new technologies into existing companies or grow the new technologies through a manufacturer.

All the major robot and automation manufacturers are represented at RTP and they work together. The objective is to train technicians in more than one robot brand so when they get into the manufacturing plant they will be able to operate and trouble-shoot multiple brands that are working together. For many of the robot and automation manufacturers RTP is the only training facility they have in the USA. We are proud to be their full partner as they assist us in developing the existing and future workforce of Alabama.

The collaborative efforts at RTP are helping to move Alabama to the forefront of the technology boom, which will position our state as the frontrunner in developing its workforce to meet the demands of business and industry. The Alabama workforce will lead a new generation of workers.

For inquiries or more information:

info@alabamartp.org

www.alabamartp.org