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A Message from the President
January is typically a time for reflection and a time to set goals for the new year. Here at EDPA, we're doing just that. We're moving full steam into the new year with goals that will allow us to do our share to encourage growth in Alabama. Our state is already blessed with corporate citizens whose growth is a testament to our world-class workers, and I foresee continued growth both from these companies and those who continue to find good fortune here. If your goal this year is to grow your company, I encourage you to take a look at Alabama. Give us a call, and our team will work to ensure that you meet your goals.
Honda building best-sellers in Alabama
Honda is putting its two best-selling vehicles in the hands of Alabama workers. Honda is consolidating North American production of its redesigned Odyssey minivan to its Lincoln plant. Billed as one of the nation’s most flexible plants, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama’s Lincoln plant is also adding the Pilot sport utility to its production list. The eight-passenger SUV will be built on the plant’s second assembly line, part of a $425 million expansion set to double production at the plant as well as raise employment to 4,300.
New and expanding industry
Alabama continues to roll out the red carpet for new and expanding industries. During 2003, Alabama's expanding industries created more than 3,500 jobs and invested more than $600 million. New projects brought close to 6,000 jobs, with an investment totalling nearly $650 million. Following is a breakdown of fourth quarter announcements:
Company
County
Investment*
Jobs
Industry
Alloys Intl. Inc.
Marshall
n.a.
40
Scrap metal processing
Clarke Co. Pole & Piling Co. Inc.
Clarke
$0.750
15
Timber products
C&W Ind., LLC
Bullock
n.a.
50
Metal displays
Fasco America Inc.
Colbert
$0.127
7
Fasteners
Gulf States Intl., Inc.
Bullock
n.a.
21
Cleaning products
Hisan Inc.
Jackson
n.a.
85
Automotive supplier
Johnston Textiles, Inc.
Covington
n.a.
150
Fabrics
Listerhill Total Maintenance Ctr.
Colbert
n.a.
100
Machine shop service
Madix, Inc.
Elmore
n.a.
80
Store Fixtures
TST Technologies
DeKalb
n.a.
30
Cable harnesses
Witt Heat Transfer
Jackson
n.a.
150
Refrigeration units
*in Millions; n.a.=information not available.
Sources: Economic development organizations, news stories & other internet resources.
Company
County
Investment*
Jobs
Industry
AlaTrade
Marshall
n.a.
310
Poultry processing
Armstrong Foods
Franklin
$0.15
10
Food products
Conrad Yelvington Dist., Inc.
Houston
n.a.
11
Aggregate dist. rail terminal
Conrad Yelvington Dist., Inc.
Mobile
$5.25
16
Aggregate dist. rail terminal
Decoma Systems Integration Group
Jefferson
$2.50
80
Plastic exterior parts
Exotic Foods
St. Clair
n.a.
40
Food products
FMI Hearth Industries
Franklin
n.a.
100
Fireplace inserts
Tire Wheel Assembly, Inc.
Montgomery
$11.40
36
Tire & wheel assemblies
Williams Manufacturing
Franklin
$0.30
36
Pool & patio furniture
*in Millions; n.a.=information not available.
Sources: Economic development organizations, news stories & other internet resources.
Top 10 reasons to visit Alabama in 2004
From the Alabama Bureau of Travel & Tourism
Alabama pooling young talent
Alabama metro areas Birmingham, Decatur and Montgomery each plugged the brain drain, according to a recent Census Bureau report. Only 77 of 276 metro areas studied exhibited positive growth in their young, single, college-educated populations. Placed as the 35th highest metro area nationally and 15th in the Southeast, Birmingham’s rate outshined San Diego, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and New York. Using 1995 estimates and 2000 Census figures, the report tracked the growth rate of single, college graduates between ages 25 and 39.
Local Economic Development News
Hadley joins Huntsville Chamber
As part of its new Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County has selected Ethan Hadley, former representative of the State of Alabama in Japan, as its new vice president for economic development.
Harper joins City of Northport
Alan Harper was recently named director of economic development for the City of Northport. Harper was formerly director of recruiting for the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.
Simmons joins Alabama Electric Cooperative
Mickey Simmons has joined the Alabama Electric Cooperative as a business development representative. Simmons was formerly executive director of Enterprise Coffee Geneva Economic Development Corporation.
Basinger joins Elmore County
Eric Basinger has been hired as the first economic development director for Elmore County. Basinger was formerly executive director of the Conecuh County Economic Development Authority.
EDPA News
Cowart earns CEcD
Ernie Cowart, senior economic development analayst for EDPA, recently earned his Certified Economic Developer designation from IEDC.
Wallace named to PARCA Roundtable position
Wendy Wallace, director of marketing and communications for EDPA, has been selected as the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama Roundtable for 2005.
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500 Beacon Parkway West
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.943.4700 phone
205.943.4703 fax
info@edpa.org
www.edpa.org
| WHERE TO FIND ALABAMA | ||||||||
| Upcoming Events: | ||||||||
Look for Alabama representatives at these events!
| Intl. Poultry Expo | Jan 27-28 Atlanta National Manufacturing Week | February 23-36 Chicago Asian Aerospace | February 24-26 Signapore SAE Annual Congress | March 8-11 Detroit SpeedNews Annual Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference | March 15-17 Los Angeles CeBIT | March 18-24 Hannover, Germany Hannover Industry Fair | April 19-22 Hannover, Germany MRO 2004 | April 20-22 Atlanta |
| Need INFORMATION? |
| Whether you're a consultant or community, EDPA's Business Information group is your source for proposal assistance. Working as a liaison between state and local groups, EDPA's Business Information team provides one-stop, prompt, confidential responses for your information needs. In the last five months of 2003, EDPA has: |
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- Fulfilled over 200 demographics requests for nearly 50 clients. - Visited 9 Alabama communities to document available buildings & sites. - Assisted with or fully developed 35 proposals. - Fielded 4,593 searches on its statewide buildings and sites database. |
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For proposal assistance or general information, contact EDPA: 205.943.4700 or info@edpa.org For demographic requests, contact: Greg Sheek, 205.943.4724, gsheek@edpa.org. For assistance on buildings and sites, contact: Tammy Radmard, 205.943.4720, tradmard@edpa.org. |
| ATTENTION: News Media |
Since our inception in 1991, reporters from across the globe have turned to EDPA for quick, accurate information relating to economic development in Alabama.
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