McLane Dothan is expanding its grocery distribution center
by Lance Griffin
News reporter
on Oct 24, 2016
A 17-year tenant of the Houston County Industrial Park has announced a $17 million expansion.
McLane Dothan , a grocery distribution center, is expected to add 50 jobs in connection with the expansion, which will include an addition of between 70,000 and 80,000 square feet to its existing 320,000-square-foot distribution center near Cottonwood.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January and the target date for completion is December of 2017.
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BFG Ala. plant celebrates 70th
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.-Michelin North America Inc.'s BFGoodrich brand is celebrating 70 years of manufacturing at its Tuscaloosa plant, which produced its first tire on Oct. 23, 1946 and has churned out nearly 490 million tires since.
To celebrate the milestone, the brand is launching a consumer promotion in west Alabama.
Consumers who purchase a set of BFG tires during October through independent local dealers within 50 miles of the Tuscaloosa plant will quality for a Mastercard gift card worth $50.
Originally constructed to produce material for the military during World War II, the plant comprises more than 1.6 million square feet of manufacturing space and has supported a number of "firsts" in the tire industry, including:
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Auburn University to build new $12 million education complex in coastal Alabama
on October 24, 2016
Auburn University and the city of Gulf Shores are partnering on a new $12 million college facility that will be anchored by veterinarian medical services.
The new 25,000-square-foot building will also house programs related to organic horticulture, marine fisheries, specialty courses on unmanned aircraft systems, economic development research and 4-H extension.
The campus will sit on 26 acres within a 200-acre parcel located at the Foley Beach Express and County Road 8, which is northeast of the city's main business district. The entire property is coveted by Gulf Shores' leaders as a future educational complex that will include a new high school and other facilities.
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Tomberlin's Take: Evolution of economic development keeps Alabama in the win column
By Michael Tomberlin
October 24, 2016
When watching the
Alabama Crimson Tide roll over its competition this year, experts are unified about the reasons for the top-ranked football team's success.
On defense, Alabama is quicker and better equipped to face the fast-paced offenses of today. On the other side of the ball, Alabama has introduced its own version of the hurry-up offense with the read option.
In other words, head coach Nick Saban and the Tide have "evolved" to keep up with, and even surpass, the competition.
What can be said of Alabama the football team can also be said of Alabama the state when it comes to economic development.
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Classes offered for EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate
The EDAA Leadership Institute, a partnership between EDAA and Auburn University, educates and engages elected officials, Economic Development board members, and other community leaders about key issues in economic and community development.
Courses can be taken on a stand-alone basis, but the focus is to have students earn an EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate to obtain a well-rounded education. Classes are offered throughout the state and utilize regional economic development practitioners as instructors and panelists so program participants learn about local resources and issues and build relationships with key local and regional economic development leaders.
To earn an EDAA Leadership Certificate, participants must complete 4, 1-day courses and attend at least one summer or winter EDAA Conference.
Upcoming Courses:
Building Workforce
Monday, October 31, 2016
Hilton Perimeter Park, Birmingham, AL
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Central Alabama Electric Co-Op, Prattville, AL
For more information or to register, visit the website .