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A Message from the President

Second consecutive victory as “State of the Year;” home to nation’s absolute best workforce development training program; one of our utilities recognized for excelling in economic development—these accomplishments are not merely a stroke of luck, but instead are a reflection of Alabama’s dedicated work ethic, skilled workforce and our overall drive to succeed. At EDPA, we share the drive to ensure that all roads in Alabama lead to success. That is why we are involved in a constant effort to stay on top of our research information and to find new and innovative ways to market Alabama to prospective business.

Toyota to double size of Huntsville plant

Toyota Motor North America recently announced a $250 million, 300-new-job expansion at its Huntsville plant, which will nearly double the facility’s size. In July 2003, just two months after unveiling the first V-8 engine built outside of Japan, Toyota announced a $20 million expansion. The combined expansions will more than double employment at the Huntsville facility, bringing the total number of jobs created to approximately 800 employees. What began only three years ago as a $220 million investment has now more than doubled into a $490 million total capital investment in Huntsville, Ala.

New and expanding industry

Alabama continues to roll out the red carpet for new and expanding industries. In the second quarter alone, companies invested more than $240 million and created more than 1,900 jobs. Following is a breakdown of second quarter announcements for 2004:
 
 
 

AIDT: #1 workforce training program in the nation

When searching for the best to ensure business success, look no further than Alabama to find Expansion Management magazine's number one pick in workforce training programs. When more than 70 corporate site consultants were surveyed to judge the nation's workforce programs based on criteria such as financial value and ease of use, the answer rang back loud and clear: Alabama has the country's best with the Alabama Industrial Development Training! To learn more about AIDT, visit www.aidt.edu. To view the Expansion Management article, click here.

Alabama Power Co. excels in economic development

Alabama Power Co. has landed on Site Selection magazine's top 10 list of utility companies excelling in economic development. Decisive factors examined by the magazine include: total capital investment, investment per capita, total new jobs created and jobs per 10,000 residents. According to Site Selection editor Mark Arend, "Utilities play a key role as participants in the economic development efforts of cities, regions and all areas work to improve their local business climate."

Local Economic Development News

Cullman Economic Development Agency's Susan Eller was recently elected to the City Council of Good Hope in Cullman County.

Bill Greene recently joined the Gadsden Etowah County Industrial Development Authority as a project manager.

International Development Representative William H. "Bill" Ingram has retired from the Alabama Development Office.

Leigh Davis is moving from Alabama Power's Economic and Community Development department to accept the position of Compliance and Support Manager at Miller Steam Plant.

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