Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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Tuscaloosa company plans new lumber mill
By Stephen Dethrage / Staff Writer
A 130-year-old Tuscaloosa company is preparing to build a new lumber mill in south Alabama, which is expected to create more than 100 jobs and produce 250 million feet of board annually.
The Westervelt Co. said in a news release the new facility is still in the planning phase, but its specific location and design should receive final approval from its board of directors soon.
The new mill will complement Westervelt's existing lumber facility in Moundville, which the company called the second-largest southern yellow pine production facility in the United States.
more...
Industry growth spurt drives opportunities for Alabama auto workers
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama's robust auto industry has transformed the state economy over the past two decades, as well as communities scattered from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast.
But perhaps nowhere has the industry's prosperity been more acutely felt than in the lives of the companies' employees who each year build about 1 million cars, nearly twice as many engines and countless parts for customers that span the globe.
Proposed Birmingham industrial park, residential community to receive $6 million grant
A proposed high-tech industrial park and residential community near Barber Motorsports in Birmingham could receive $6 million in federal grants to spur development of the projects.
U.S. Steel, Birmingham, Southern Museum of Flight, Jefferson County and Leeds has partnered on the project called Grand River Technology Park and Grand River Homes.
The project could create more than 1,200 jobs and generate an economic impact of more than $85 million in the Greater Birmingham area, according to information from the Alabama Department of Labor.
more...
Mazda-Toyota $1.6B auto plant to create new supplier pull toward north Alabama
By Michael Tomberlin
March 30, 2018
"This is a transformational project for north Alabama because of the sheer magnitude of what Mazda and Toyota are combining to do," said
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. "This is a major automotive manufacturing facility, manned by 4,000 workers, and serviced by a constellation of suppliers, many of them new and located nearby. The economic impact will be massive and long-lasting. We know this because we have seen it play out before."
more...
BJCC answers burning questions about stadium project: taxes, timeline, location
The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is preparing to break ground on a $174 million open-air stadium before the end of the year.
The stadium will be built on four blocks adjacent to the existing complex. The site is bordered by Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard to the south, 12th Avenue North to the north, 22nd Street to the west and 24th Street to the east.
The BJCC Authority, Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and corporate partners are funding the stadium construction as well as more than $100 million in renovations to Legacy Arena and other improvements at the BJCC. A 3 percent tax on car leases and rentals in Jefferson County will also go towards the project.
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Don't miss this Wednesday's Auburn Regional Alabama Launchpad Finale event!
Get your tickets today to attend the Auburn Regional Alabama Launchpad Finale Event on Wednesday in Auburn!
Hear pitches from some of the best and brightest startups in the Auburn region during an evening of great presentations, panel discussion, & networking.
Click on the image for more details and to purchase tickets!
