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Ivey provides update on Alabama’s workforce development efforts

Tuesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) provided an update on her efforts at improving the state’s workforce development. The Governor promises that through her ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish’ initiative, she is making improving Alabama’s education system a top priority for the state. The initiative, announced in July 2017, focuses on three stages of education: 1) … Continued
July 3, 2019

Finally, something that might work

Expanding workforce development and rural broadband could very well be the most significant accomplishments of the 2019 Legislative Session. Both actions have the potential to change Alabama’s future by fostering middle-skill jobs and connecting rural communities to the global economy. The education budget passed in the Senate includes a $6 million increase for workforce development … Continued
May 29, 2019

Forestry industry is driving the rural economy

The Alabama Department of Commerce released a new report this week showing that the forest industry is having a large impact on rural economies. In 2018, Westervelt Company, Rex Lumber and Great Southern Wood all announced plans for production facilities in Alabama. All combined, over 300 jobs were created at the facilities alone. In 2018, … Continued
May 10, 2019

GD Copper announces expansion

GD Copper USA announced plans today to invest $3.5 million in its Alabama precision copper products manufacturing facility, expected to create between 30 and 40 new jobs in Wilcox County. GD Copper USA operates a $100 million plant in the Thomasville/West Wilcox Industrial Park. The new jobs will push total employment at the Alabama facility … Continued
April 11, 2019

Community Colleges System enters agreement with Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation

Monday, the Alabama Community College System and the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation’s University Consortium announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that fosters the advancement of programs which center on a number of emerging technologies. The ACCS is the first community college system to participate in the multi-state consortium. The … Continued
March 19, 2019

Shelby: West Alabama Works will receive an $1.5 million ARC POWER Grant

Thursday, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission announcement of a grant for the West Alabama Chamber Foundation’s West Alabama Works in the amount of $1,459,335. The grant will be awarded through ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization initiative and will provide funding for workforce development activities that include … Continued
February 22, 2019

Ivey addresses PARCA event

Friday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey addressed the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual Albert Brewer annual meeting at the Harbert Center in Birmingham. This year’s focus was on workforce development. “More Alabamians are working than ever before in history,” Ivey told the group. “It proves that what we are doing is, in fact, effective.” … Continued
February 19, 2019

Department of Education makes budget request

Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey addressed the budget committees Tuesday for both the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate. Mackey appeared to be asking for more funds for almost every area. “There is nothing more important that we can do beyond getting the best prepared five year old that we can,” Mackey said of … Continued
January 30, 2019

Ivey awards $3.1 million in block grants to assist low-income residents

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $3.1 million for programs that help low-income residents take steps to secure gainful employment and improve their quality of life. The Community Services Block Grants will enable 20 community action agencies throughout the state to help low-income residents achieve self-sufficiency and address barriers to success through a variety … Continued
December 14, 2018

Moore working to implement governor’s strategic education to workforce plan

During her first State of the State address nearly a year ago, Gov. Kay Ivey staked her ground on workforce development, job creation and education under her Strong Start, Strong Finish plan, which, if successful, will transform the state’s education and labor opportunities. If Ivey succeeds, her legacy as one of the state’s most consequential … Continued
December 10, 2018