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Alabama timber groups applaud $10 million in coronavirus relief

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama TREASURE Forest Association on Monday expressed gratitude to Gov. Kay Ivey for awarding $10 million in federal coronavirus relief to help forest owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jimmy Parnell, president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, thanked Ivey and State Forester Rick Oates for the relief for landowners who … Continued
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August 31, 2020

New unemployment claims declined last week

There were 8,676 new unemployment claims filed in Alabama last week, down from 11,048 the previous week, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Of the claims filed between Aug. 16 and Aug. 22, 4,588, or 53 percent, were related to COVID-19. That compares to 56 percent the previous week and 65 percent the week … Continued
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August 28, 2020

PR firm urges businesses to adapt marketing strategies to crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has been hard on businesses, but it also presents new opportunities that can be taken advantage of, according to a Birmingham-based public relations firm that spoke at the Business Council of Alabama’s Engage Alabama conference. Louise Oliver, president and founder of Peritus Public Relations, headed a virtual presentation that exemplified what it … Continued
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August 28, 2020

Despite COVID, Ivey administration aims to build a stronger workforce

From record-high employment in February to today’s economic downturn, things have changed dramatically for the state’s workforce, but there is also some good news. One thing that hasn’t faltered due to the pandemic’s ravages is Gov. Kay Ivey’s commitment to preparing Alabama’s workforce for the 21st-century job market. The innovation and forward-thinking efforts of the … Continued
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August 26, 2020

Alabama’s unemployment rate increased to 7.9 percent in July

The state’s unemployment rate increased from 7.6 percent in June to 7.9 percent in July, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. That’s down from 9.6 percent in May. July’s rate represents 176,637 unemployed people, compared to 166,668 in June. That compares to a July 2019 rate of 2.8 percent, or 63,414 unemployed people. “Following … Continued
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August 21, 2020

New unemployment claims increased slightly last week

There were 11,048 unemployment claims filed in Alabama last week, up from 9,468 the previous week, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Of the claims filed between Aug. 9 and Aug. 15, 6,145, or 56 percent, were related to COVID-19. That compares to 65 percent the previous week and 76 percent the week before … Continued
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August 21, 2020

Alabama State Port Authority’s Short-Line Railroad recognized for achievements in safety

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has awarded two of its prestigious President’s Awards to the Alabama State Port Authority’s Terminal Railway – Alabama State Docks (TASD). The association annual releases those short line railroads that achieve rail safety standards. John C. Driscoll, director and chief executive officer of the Port Authority, … Continued
August 21, 2020

ArcelorMittal announces expansion of Mobile County steel plant

ArcelorMittal announced its intention to build an Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking facility at AM/NS Calvert. Once the new furnace is completed, the planned facility will be capable of producing 1.5 million metric tonnes of steel slabs for the Hot Strip Mill and producing a broad spectrum of steel grades required for Calvert’s end-user markets. Construction … Continued
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August 14, 2020