April 2026

 

Shoals Industrial Park Receives $3M+ SEEDS Investment


More than $3 million in SEEDS funding is headed to the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park—strengthening our ability to compete for high-impact projects and create long-term economic growth.


This investment will expand the site to 131 acres and further position our region for opportunities in advanced manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and beyond.


Thank you to Made in Alabama - Alabama Department of Commerce and Governor Kay Ivey for their support of this program.

Launching a Torrent of Youth Apprenticeships

in Florence, Alabama

LAUNCH was inspired by a successful model started by a global cable and wire manufacturer, Southwire, which partnered with Florence City Schools looking to hire, train, and support students who were at risk of disconnection from school. The 12 for Life program, started by Southwire, laid the foundation for what is now a thriving youth apprenticeship. With over 25 percent of Florence high school students in grades 10-12 (1,075 total) eager to participate, LAUNCH has offered youth apprenticeship slots with 117 business and industry partners in the community. Finding a way to make schedules work for over 300 students was initially a challenge. 

Sheffield City Schools Launching Manufacturing Program this Fall

The Modern Manufacturing Program will begin when students return to class in August. It will offer courses is manufacturing safety, quality, production and maintenance, among other hands-on lessons designed for entry-level workforce preparation. The school district has partnered with the diversified technology company PROJECTXYZ Inc. to invest resources into this program.

Click on each company's name to see their job opportunities!


Chemical Blending and Production Associate

Arcadian Services is now hiring a Chemical Blending and Production Associate in our Florence, Alabama location! Position is Full-time, Monday – Friday 9AM – 6PM....

 

Contour Airlines Announces Return of Seasonal Flights from Muscle Shoals, AL to Pensacola, FL

Contour Airlines is excited to announce the return of its seasonal nonstop service from Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals, AL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Pensacolar, FL.

Where the river sings: Muscle Shoals and the sound that crossed every line

Explore the Muscle Shoals Sound and discover its impact on American music through a unique exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

 

The 7 Friendliest Little Towns In Alabama

The 7 Alabama towns featured here all have a special something that makes you feel like you are at home even when visiting from far away. Tuscumbia gives you several major stops within a compact area, so it is easy to build a full day here.

Iconic Music in Sweet Home Alabama

In the “Hit Recording Capital of the World,” the newly renovated Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa in Florence now welcomes guests with an immersive, music-themed experience that celebrates the region’s rich musical heritage. Soon, the Rolling Stones Memorabilia Museum will open its doors, showcasing more than 1,000 items from one of the world’s largest private collections, with daily guided tours planned for early next year.

The purpose of the Shoals Manufacturers' Association (SMA) is to foster a working relationship among Shoals area manufacturers and to promote a healthy business climate, making it feasible for existing companies to expand and/or remain in the Shoals area in a working partnership with the Shoals Economic Development Authority. Shoals area companies involved in the manufacture of products and parts for profit are invited to join SMA.​


For more information, including the cost to join, visit our website. To join or for any questions, contact Rob Jones, Shoals EDA, at (256) 349-5632 or e-mail at rjones@shoalseda.com.


The Shoals Employment Growth Program is designed to encourage full-time employment growth through a streamlined process that provides assistance to eligible applicants offering new employment opportunities for Shoals citizens. Shoals area for-profit companies that operate under certain business activities listed in the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) can be reimbursed up to $8,000 for each new qualifying full-time employee hired, up to ten new full-time employment positions per year.


Click here for more information on the Shoals Employment Growth Program or contact Rob Jones, Shoals EDA, at (256) 349-5632 or e-mail at rjones@shoalseda.com.



SHOALS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | www.shoalseda.com

(256)349-5632

info@shoalseda.com