Economy

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices this week named Alabama to a select group of states chosen to mentor peer-states on building and scaling high-quality work-based learning programs. Crucial to the 21st century workforce and economy, work-based learning better prepares student-employees for high-wage, high-demand jobs through on-the-job training that simultaneously provides key experience … Continued

Manufacture Alabama has announced Amanda Salazar as their Director of Member Engagement. Salazar will be responsible for all external communications as well as membership recruitment and retention for Manufacture Alabama.  “We are thrilled to have Amanda join the team at Manufacture Alabama,” said George Clark, founder and CEO. “With her vast past experiences, she brings … Continued

Thursday, the Lawrence County Industrial Development Board announced that an automotive supplier and a pipe fabricator will open new industrial facilities in Lawrence County, creating a combined 78 new jobs. CCI Manufacturing USA Corp., a Tier 1 auto supplier, is investing $21.5 million to construct an advanced production facility that will include a rail served … Continued

Wednesday, President Donald J. Trump (R) was joined by the Vice Premier of China in the East Room of the White House. Together, they signed phase one of a new trade agreement that rebalances this vital trade partnership between the two economic superpowers while boosting American businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and innovators. The deal, which includes … Continued

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Doug Jones, D-Alabama, voted to advance the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The historic renegotiation and replacement of NAFTA is expected to go to the full Senate for a vote this week. “I have consistently supported the idea of a new strategic trade … Continued

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will attend today’s ceremonial signing of the Phase 1 trade deal between the United States and China at the White House. President Donald Trump will sign an 86-page agreement with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. That preliminary deal between the two economic superpowers marks a thaw in the tensions between … Continued

Poarch Band of Creek Indians is offering the state a billion dollars for a state-guaranteed monopoly on its gambling operations and allowing it to expand its casinos to include Birmingham and a yet unnamed location in North Alabama. How much is a billion dollars? PCI gaming, using revenues from its gaming operations in Alabama, last … Continued

Thursday, Congressman and Senate candidate Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said that Airbus’s decision to expand “is exciting news.” Earlier that day, Airbus announced that Airbus will be expanding its operations in Mobile and adding an additional 275 jobs. “Today’s announcement that Airbus will be expanding its Southwest Alabama footprint is exciting news and a further testament … Continued

Monday, First Congressional Candidate Kiani Gardner (D) warned that there would be devastating impacts on the District’s aerospace industry and local economy if the latest proposed tariffs on European goods were implemented. She also was highly critical of Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) who currently represents the district. “While I greatly appreciate the leadership being demonstrated … Continued