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Alabama’s unemployment rate dropped 2 points in June

The state added 42,300 jobs in June, bringing the unemployment rate to 7.5 percent, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. That’s down from 9.6 percent in May. June’s rate represents 165,770 unemployed people, compared to 216,043 in May. There are about 100,000 more people out of work than last June, when 65,389 unemployed put … Continued
July 17, 2020

Seven counties get grants to expand internet access

Seven internet providers will receive $2.9 million in grants between them to extend broadband services in seven Alabama communities, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office announced on Thursday.  The grants were awarded through the Alabama Accessibility Fund that was created to extend service to homes, businesses and “community anchors” in unserved or underserved areas of the state. … Continued
July 17, 2020

Pinnacle Renewable Energy gets Alabama’s Job Act incentives

Pinnacle Renewable Energy on Tuesday announced that its subsidiary, Alabama Pellets, has signed an agreement with the state of Alabama that provides Alabama Pellets with incentives for job creation under Alabama’s Job Act Incentives program. Canada’s Pinnacle holds a 70 percent interest in Alabama Pellets with The Westervelt Company and Two Rivers Lumber Co., LLC … Continued
July 17, 2020

C Spire expands its high-speed internet to Jasper and Trussville

Mississippi-based telecommunications company C Spire announced Thursday that it has begun taking customer pre-orders in Alabama in the first two cities where it will provide high-speed broadband internet later this year. The company has franchise agreements to expand its service to additional sections of those communities as well as to Helena and Tuscaloosa in 2021. … Continued
July 16, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey announces creation of “Innovate Alabama”

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the creation of a first-of-its kind statewide commission on entrepreneurship and innovation, meant to promote innovation across the state and cut red tape for those seeking to start new businesses. The 15-member Alabama Innovation Commission, to be known as Innovate Alabama, will allow innovators to “engage policymakers, exchange ideas … Continued
July 16, 2020

Alabama highlighted in Governors Association guide for building a resilient workforce

As COVID-19 accelerates disruptions impacting the American workforce, the National Governors Association (NGA) issued the findings of a comprehensive two-year project examining ways that governors and other state policymakers can nurture a technologically resilient workforce ready to thrive in an evolving economy. The State Guide for Preparing the Future Workforce Now presents findings and recommendations … Continued
July 15, 2020

Alabama Innovation Fund, Auburn support development of saliva COVID testing device

The Alabama Department of Commerce and the City of Auburn’s Industrial Development Board have teamed to award $250,000 in funding to accelerate the development of OraSecure LLC’s breakthrough patent-pending saliva collection device intended to help in the ongoing battle against the novel coronavirus. Support from the Alabama Innovation Fund and the City of Auburn will … Continued
July 9, 2020