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
EDPA Partner.
Birmingham figure named among top developers in North America
By William Thornton
An agency connecting developers with site consultants has named a Birmingham figure one of the top 50 economic developers in North America.
Jeff Traywick, the Birmingham Business Alliance's vice president of economic development, made the list from Consultant Connect. He will receive the award at Consultant Connect's ECONOMIX conference in Nashville in December.
Airbus kicks off construction on Flight Works Alabama education center
By Jerry Underwood | Made in Alabama
Flight Works Alabama, a new aviation experience center near Airbus' manufacturing facility in Mobile, is ready to begin its take off.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey joined
Airbus executives, city and county leaders from Mobile, and industry and educational partners in breaking ground for the hands-on instructional facility.
In May 2017, Ivey
announced plans to build the center, with a goal to bolster Alabama's workforce development efforts and inspire young people to pursue careers in aerospace. Wednesday's event officially launched construction of the facility, which is due to open in late 2019.
The Alabama Power Company and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative were both named this month to Site Selection's annual
list of "Top Utilities in Economic Development" that recognizes a very select group of utilities across the United States.
"Dependable and affordable power still lies at the root" of site selection, the publication said about the honorees.
The write-up also praised the companies' tremendous impact on their respective local communities, saying, "Lest we forget, utilities' own operations do their part too, with the power company contributing to overall community welfare in a multitude of ways from job creation to taxes."
Many Americans grew up riding bicycles as their primary form of independent transportation until they learned how to drive automobiles. In recent years, cycling enthusiasts have taken their sport to higher levels, literally and figuratively. Today, Alabama offers riders abundant trails running through terrain as varied as sandy beaches and mountaintops.
"When it comes to mountain biking, Alabama is a hidden gem," says Philip Darden, manager of
James Bros Bikes in Opelika and the Alabama representative on the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) executive board. "The state really has a lot to offer bikers from beginner to expert levels. The quality of rides is exceptional. I've ridden many different trails and some of my favorites are right here in Alabama."
Join us on September 27th at LogiCore in Huntsville, Alabama
for the Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition Finale
powered by imerge!
With up to $150,000 on the line and expert judges deciding the winners, this competition is high stakes for six early-stage companies. Beyond the competing startup teams, the event features a meet and greet and also a panel discussion. The night concludes with live music.