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News / Economy / Legislature

Bill lets small local farm wineries compete for business

A Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, would allow small farmer-owned wineries the ability to sell and distribute their products more competitively. In a time when more consumers are clamoring for locally sourced produce, it might seem odd that Alabama’s homegrown wine industry is grossly prohibited from selling its products to Alabamians. For … Continued

Bill Britt

April 16, 2019

Opinion

Clean, renewable biodiesel industry adding jobs, reducing pollution across U.S.

If only Rudolf Diesel could see highways across America today. The inventor of the Diesel engine, which ran perfectly on peanut oil not long after its debut around the turn of the 20th century, would certainly be amazed to see that biodiesel has grown into an industry that supports more than 64,000 jobs, $2.5 billion … Continued

Mark Bentley

April 1, 2019

Jones appointed to powerful Senate Armed Services Committee

After a brief stint with no representation on the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, Alabama is back in the mix. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones has been appointed to the influential committee tasked with overseeing the nation’s armed forces, national security and military research and development. Jones will assume his position on the committee when the … Continued

Chip Brownlee

December 14, 2018

Opinion

Alabama Black Belt Adventures celebrates long, successful relationship with Raycom Media

For almost a decade, the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) has worked to share the good news about outdoor tourism – the most profitable and attractive industry in a historically economically challenged region of our state. ALBBAA was formed in 2009 to promote outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing, as well as its rich … Continued

Pam Swanner

September 21, 2018

Opinion

Gerald Dial is a steady hand for Alabama

Alabama’s economy is growing…but it can do so much more. The key is having the right leadership in all elected positions, people who have vision. So far, Governor Kay Ivey has shown she has what it takes to make important changes and place our state in a position to win. Did you know agriculture and forestry together are the biggest industry … Continued

Charles Bishop

July 13, 2018

Opinion

Supporting Alabama’s number one industry

Agriculture is our country’s oldest industry. Since the beginning, America’s farmers have worked the land and sustained our communities. Today, agriculture is the top industry in rural America, and it remains the number one industry in Alabama. As our manufacturing industry continues to grow, I have made a commitment to never forget about the backbone … Continued

Bradley Byrne

June 26, 2018

Senate approves extension to payday loan repayment periods

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Those hoping to reform the payday lending industry marked down a win Thursday when the Senate passed a hotly debated bill that would extend the repayment period for the typical payday loan, giving borrowers more time to repay their loan without racking up excessive interest. The move will effectively cut … Continued

Chip Brownlee

March 9, 2018

Panel working to attract spaceport to Alabama will hold first meeting Tuesday

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A panel of officials and university representatives will gather in Huntsville Tuesday for the first meeting of the Alabama Space Authority, a group created by the Legislature earlier this year to attract a federally licensed spaceport to Alabama along with other space-related industry. The group will meet at the … Continued

Chip Brownlee

December 19, 2017

Opinion

“Buy America” policies are good for Alabama

By U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) President Trump recently devoted a week to celebrating the importance of “Made in America” products with special events at the White House. I was pleased to see the President shining a spotlight on the many first-class items produced here in the United States. I often meet with manufacturing leaders … Continued

Bradley Byrne

July 24, 2017

Institute Will Promote Job Creation, Clean Reliable Energy

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The newly formed Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA) promises to promote reliable, affordable, and clean energy to help grow Alabama’s economy, create high-paying jobs, and build public support for Alabama’s energy industry. “Our group intends to be a clearinghouse for strong research that will separate political fancy from reasonable … Continued

Bill Britt

April 25, 2016