EDPA Developments Blog

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

By Bill Taylor, EDPA

Sept. 26, 2011 – Apple’s Steve Jobs has been known to throw out an oft-quoted quip from Wayne Gretzky, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

It makes sense for a company founded on, and known for innovation to follow this advice. Visionaries who can show results make leaders.

For those of us in economic development it’s a challenge. It’s easier to look at the puck at our feet and rally the team to address the current situation. But that won’t lead to a sustainable economy, and it certainly won’t prepare us for the future.

On Friday more than 200 people – economic developers, leaders from business and universities, and key State officials gathered at Alabama’s first statewide conference dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship, the Alabama Launchpad Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference. During the day, attendees heard from Rich Karlgaard, the publisher of Forbes magazine; Sherwin Greenblatt, director of MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service and the retired president of Bose Corp.; resident innovators Tim Pickens of Dynetics and Marty Kress of the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation; and state leaders such as Alabama Development Office Director Greg Canfield and The University of Alabama System Chancellor, Dr. Malcom Portera.

This event officially kicked off the sixth season of the Alabama Launchpad Business Plan Competition – a cooperative program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation, the Alabama Research Alliance, and six of the state’s research universities: Alabama State University, Auburn University, The University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the University of South Alabama.

But the purpose of the conference is much larger than kicking off a competition: Bringing together stakeholders from Alabama’s innovation economy for a collaborative look at Alabama’s successes, and more importantly, at its future.

The day opened with Governor Bentley issuing a proclamation declaring Sept. 23, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day” in the state of Alabama. But for many in the state, this is a passion that is lived out daily.

Alabama already has a thriving innovation economy.  It is thriving in three research parks, eight research universities, a leading contract research organization (Southern Research), and a world-class genomics research institute (Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology). It is thriving in a network of business incubators and other support networks, including Alabama’s angel and venture communities. And of course, it is thriving in Alabama’s existing industries who know that skating to where the puck is going to be is a matter of survival.

As a state, mere survival is not an option. To succeed in the future, we must plan today.

Governor Bentley’s Economic Development Alliance is working towards that goal with the development of Accelerate Alabama, a strategic plan for economic development in the State of Alabama. The plan is organized around a three-pronged approach to economic development focused on the recruitment of new industries and businesses, the retention of existing industry, and “renewal,” defined by innovation and entrepreneurship-driven activities.

For this plan to be successful, the right people have to not only contribute, but take action.

Through the Alabama Launchpad Business Plan Competition, a small difference is already being made. To date, the competition has already awarded $875,000 to Alabama start-ups and put a network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and service providers to action by volunteering as mentors and judges.

I believe the Business Plan Competition is a microcosm of larger successes that can be achieved in the state. Even small steps make a difference if they are moving in the right direction.

A one-day conference is a small step, as is a proclamation, or even a business plan competition. But these successes can build momentum to something larger.

Together, we can reach the point when everyone is chasing Alabama’s puck. And that’s leadership.

This appeared in the Sunday, Sept. 25 edition of the Birmingham News as an opinion piece.

How to leverage emerging technologies

By Ashok Singhal, President of CFD Research Corporation

September 12, 2011.

As we all know, both innovation and partnerships are essential for the economic success in today’s technology-driven marketplace with ever increasing global competition.  Fortunately for the development of new technologies in Alabama as well as in the whole United states, there is continued significant progress at various universities, research institutes, large corporations and now also at high-tech small businesses.  In addition there are various channels, such as conferences, symposiums, newsletters, journals and magazines, for communicating such developments.  Yet, the utilization of new emerging technologies continues to be rather limited.

An important question is “so what can be done?  The answer is rather simple: Partnerships. 

True partnerships (long-term, multi-level, two-way partnerships) between relevant organizations can be of great value to both the technology developers and the user organizations (product manufacturers, system integrators, etc).   How such partnerships can be developed and sustained is discussed a recent article I wrote that appeared in the June 2011 issue of R&D Magazine: “Leveraging Innovation: Both small and large organizations struggle to bring innovation to market; what can be accomplished if they work together”  http://www.rdmag.com/Featured-Articles/2011/06/Policy-And-Industry-Leveraging-Innovation/

Some examples of technology transition successes are also being discussed in the Technology Transition panel, organized by DARPA manager, Susan Nichols, in the National 2011 Beyond Phase II Conference, in Atlanta on September 15, 2011. www.beyondphaseii.com.

Likewise, there will be useful discussions at the innovation and entrepreneurship conference being organized by EDPA in Birmingham on September 23.  It seems that we all understand the opportunity and challenges of partnerships.  All we have to do is to begin to “Walk the Talk”.

August 29, 2011

By Steve Sewell, EDPA; AAMA Board Member

Ten years ago, at the same time Alabama was aggressively working to build an automotive industry by recruiting leading companies, it was just beginning to come to terms with what it means to be an automotive state.

At that time, Mercedes-Benz was less than five years into production at its facility in Tuscaloosa and Honda was about to begin operations at its new plant in Lincoln. Navistar had recently located an engine plant in Huntsville, and major investments from Hyundai and Toyota were on the horizon.  Dozens of component suppliers were locating facilities in the state and many more would follow.

Amid the efforts to attract automotive companies, there was a realization that the state needed to focus on meeting the needs of a growing and important industry.  

One effort was born out of a simple vision to establish an organization that would support the “growth and continuous improvement” of the auto industry. The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association was created and went to work in the areas where it could make the greatest contribution.

In AAMA’s first decade, its best work has included continuous improvement programs, other professional development and training opportunities, and a scholarship program to two-year institutions that has prepared students for careers in the auto industry. At the same time, AAMA has become the place – through its website, communications and quarterly meetings – where companies can connect and get information about the state’s auto industry.

Key to the association’s success is participation of the automotive companies themselves. Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Navistar, Toyota, ZF Industries and others have given their time and expertise to make sure that AAMA is as effective as possible in its efforts.

AAMA has also had the benefit of an executive director who himself was a driving force behind the creation of the association and who saw that programs were executed successfully. Dr. Bernard Schroer is retiring this year after leaving his mark on an organization that continues to play a critical role in supporting one of Alabama’s most important industries. At the 10^th Anniversary Celebration this month, he was honored with the re-naming of the scholarship program in his honor.

And, while AAMA has spent ten years focusing entirely on supporting auto companies in Alabama, its very existence has also served to make the state more attractive to companies looking to locate in the state.

By Greg Knighton, EDPA; EDAA Summer Conference Chair

Aug. 22, 2011 - Just over a week ago, the Economic Development Association of Alabama held its 2011 Annual Meeting and Summer Conference in Orange Beach, Ala. The theme of the this year’s conference was Reset and Renewal in the Economy, which reflects a reality we are all facing. At a time when the economy has been reset, the economic development profession is renewing itself to meet the challenges of the times.

The conference agenda and speakers addressed these challenges: Labor trends, creative financing options, entrepreneurship, university-based economic development, a strategic plan for economic growth in Alabama, trade, biotechnology, innovation in existing industry, and current site selection trends.

Ironically, the EDAA conference was held in a community that is renewing itself after one of the largest oil spills in history.

As economic developers, we must understand the economy we are operating in, and adapt our practices accordingly. That is why Reset and Renewal is so important to our profession – just as it is to successful businesses.

The economic development community must remain focused on its core mission: Job creation.

And, we must celebrate the positive news.  The number of project announcements in Alabama increased in 2010, and continues on a similar trend for 2011. As these jobs come online, Alabamians can take hope in opportunity. Especially gratifying is the fact that many of the announced jobs come from existing Alabama companies that set roots in Alabama over the past 15 years.

The week before the conference was capped off with an announcement from one such Alabama company. Topre, in Cullman, announced a $109M expansion creating 250 additional jobs. Such news is a testament to the state’s strong business climate.

One thing cannot change in Alabama’s economic development community – the teamwork that has brought so much success to our state. As a team, we must move forward. While the term “reset” may make some of us cringe, “renewal” is certainly something to celebrate.

July 11, 2011

Angela Wier, EDPA

Necessity has been called the mother of invention. And there is no doubt that the Gulf Oil Spill of 2010 created an important and immediate need to address the economic health of southwest Alabama and create a plan for long-term sustainability.  But how do you assist a distressed area during already tough economic times? Leverage.

 A few weeks ago, the University of South Alabama hosted a kick-off meeting for a work process funded by a grant awarded to EDPA from the Economic Development Administration. With federal and matching funds, more than $1 million will be invested in the development of a plan for an eight-county area. That’s leverage.

The kickoff meeting was a glimpse of progress in motion. In attendance were economic developers, regional planners, business leaders, local and state government leaders, shoulder to shoulder with university experts from across the state…all united to determine how to best serve these diverse economic areas, interlinked not only with each other, but with the state as a whole.

Even in this first meeting, conversations were fruitful and new relationships were forged. It will be exciting to watch the work program move forward – we hope to find in it a process that can be replicated throughout the state.

This project will culminate in April 2012 with the delivery of an implementation plan to the EDA and Governor Bentley. I invite you to follow our journey.  For more information, please visit http://www.edpa.org/about/grant.asp, and check often for updates.

June 7, 2011

Wendy Wallace Johnson, EDPA

Alabamians are known for their hospitality. Call it southern comfort, call it being a good neighbor, Alabamians don’t need to be told when to step in and help. 

As a private, non-profit entity, EDPA also depends on “help,” in the form of financial contributions from our Corporate Partners. Their participation represents the private sector investment in Alabama’s economic development efforts.

Each worthwhile program of EDPA’s—from the research we provide for companies looking to locate in the state; to the statewide buildings and sites database; to the services we offer communities, existing businesses; start-ups and industry associations—is dependent upon the support we receive from the 70+ corporate “citizens” who are our Partners. This makes Alabama unique, and we don’t take that for granted.

The term “citizen” is an important one. A buzzword gaining traction lately is “active citizen,” which implies a person (in this case a corporation), with an active stake in their community. Active citizens look for solutions to problems and take action. 

Alabama is blessed with active corporate citizens. Look at any major charitable event across the state, and you’ll see the logos of home-grown and international companies operating in Alabama.

And recently, you can see something else…employees of these companies working alongside others to aid recovery from the tornadoes that swept through the state a little more than a month ago.

Here is just some of the news coverage that these companies are getting. Please take a moment to read and appreciate. And don’t forget to say, “Thank you” when you see them…the next community they help may be your own.

Huntsville Toyota plant workers using downtime for tornado relief 

May 23, 2011

Steve Sewell, EDPA Executive Vice President

As a statewide economic development organization, we have no physical product to offer prospective businesses. Instead, we are a supplier of a different sort – information. The physical “product,” such as the buildings and sites that you can find in our web-based Available Properties database, is actually that of the state’s communities. In fact, the community itself can ultimately be considered the product.

Because strong, well-prepared communities make the state more competitive, EDPA has put greater emphasis on this area of economic development – call it “product development” for Alabama. To achieve this, we launched the Community Partner Program last year to enhance our work to support communities.

Currently, EDPA is working with 17 local economic development organizations through the Community Partner program on initiatives such as strategic planning, marketing support, target sector analysis and business retention strategies. In much of our work, we have offered an assessment of the community’s current condition and where we believe it has the greatest opportunity for success. Then, we provide assistance as the community develops a plan to leverage identified assets and take advantage of opportunities.

In addition, we are available on an ongoing basis to provide tools, resources, counsel and other assistance in the local economic developer’s day-to-day efforts to attract, grow and retain jobs.

It’s often said that the local economic developers are one of Alabama’s greatest strengths in economic development. You can also say that about the communities that they serve. We hope the work we are doing through this partnership will make them, and Alabama, even stronger.