October 2025

Talent drives business growth — and in The Shoals, higher education is fueling the pipeline. From hands-on technical training at Northwest-Shoals Community College to micro-credential programs at the University of North Alabama, local institutions are preparing skilled, career-ready professionals to meet industry's needs today — and tomorrow.

📘 Read the full story at the link above and see recent achievements from each school below.

Be Pro Be Proud Alabama Mobile Workshop

We had an excellent time exploring Be Pro Be Proud Alabama’s Mobile Workshop, where we got hands-on experience with careers like Commercial Truck Driving, Heavy Equipment Operation, and more!

Be Pro Be Proud is on a mission to inspire the next generation to pursue high-demand, high-wage technical careers through interactive learning, communication, and industry engagement.

Their work is essential in helping students discover all the paths available to them—and showing exactly how to turn those dreams into reality.

And while we might’ve had a little too much fun testing out the simulators, for students, that same spark could be the start of a lifelong career.

NWSCC Manufacturing Day Open House

Last week, our team stopped by the Manufacturing Day Open House at Northwest Shoals Community College!

This event allowed students, educators, and community members to explore hands-on career paths in manufacturing — from CDL training and welding to design engineering, industrial maintenance, and machining.

Local industries were also on site to share how these programs can lead directly to rewarding, high-demand careers right here in The Shoals.

We’re proud to see local partners like NWSCC inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals who will help our region continue to grow. 💪

Earlier this month, SMA members heard from leaders at the Alabama Technology Network. See below to hear from ATN about their time together!

Introducing a new newsletter section: The Shoals Spotlight!



Each month, we’ll spotlight a reason to choose The Shoals. This month, we’re highlighting how our prime location opens the door to unmatched business opportunities.

When it comes to doing business, location makes all the difference—and The Shoals checks all the right boxes.

Here, you’ll find easy access to major markets across the Southeast, thanks to our network of four-lane, high-speed highways that keep goods and people moving efficiently. Companies in The Shoals enjoy the advantages of strong transportation connections, without the congestion, delays, or high costs that often come with larger metro areas.

✅ Strategic Access

• Within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population

• Access to I-65, I-22, and I-20 corridors

• Served by Norfolk Southern rail and Tennessee River barge transport

• Muscle Shoals Regional Airport for travel needs

✅ Competitive Advantage

• Lower transportation costs = higher profit margins

• Rapid access to suppliers and customers across the Southeast

• Ideal for advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and logistics

It’s the best of both worlds: a connected community that keeps business running smoothly, paired with the quality of life that makes The Shoals such a great place to call home.

That’s what we call a location advantage—The Shoals way.

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.