Monroe County
“Our big news is Bad Boy Mowers is setting up here,” notes Monroeville Mayor Charles Andrews. Gov. Kay Ivey echoed the mayor’s proclamation. “This is a big win for Monroe County and rural Alabama.” She added in a written statement, “At least 50 new jobs will be generated from this $10.5 million investment.”
Bad Boy Mowers will manufacture several models of tractors at the Monroeville plant. It expects to assemble roughly 9,000 tractors per year.
The plant is moving into space once occupied by Vanity Fair.
Choctaw County
McCarty’s Ferry Public Boat Ramp, located just south of Butler on the Tombigbee River, underwent major renovations in 2025. The project resulted from a partnership between the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Choctaw County Commission.
A new launching slab was constructed directly into the river channel, and the existing launching slab also was extended for use during periods of high water. Two concrete parking lots also were constructed.
In 2025, Butler expanded its signature outdoor playground, Zack Rogers Park. “Over 4,700 feet long walking trails were added,” recalls Butler Mayor Mike Williams. “With the help of grant money, the new walking trail network expands our park for more opportunities including walking trails, ball fields, playground equipment and pavilions.”
Butler recently received roughly a half million dollars for infrastructure work, including water and sewer additions and repairs.
Escambia County
In 2024 Jack’s Restaurant opened in East Brewton. “This is notable,” says Jess Nicholas, CEO, Centerfire Economic. “Jack’s becomes the first fast-food establishment to locate in the city and does so as the result of a successful tax incentive deal struck between the company, the East Brewton City Council and mayor’s office.”
As for future business, East Brewton Mayor Joey Shell notes, “We have Highway 41 and 29 running right through town here. It has about 15,000 to 16,000 cars a day. We are seeking businesses that might be interested in locating in that area.”
Neighboring Brewton notes significant park and infrastructure improvements, including water and sewer improvements.
“In addition, we received an Auburn University Extension Service grant for $100,000 worth of trees to be planted throughout the city,” says Mayor Frank M. Nalty Jr. “We have already started that planting.”
He adds, “We have the Angel of Hope garden project going on downtown, with a grand opening and unveiling in February.” The centerpiece is an angel statue, serving as a reminder of the memory of children lost and families who still grieve them.
Another project set to open in 2026 is a Brewton city golf course repurposed as a driving-range-style facility.
Clarke County
Clarke County’s school system embraces technology and job skills training for the future. Both Clarke County High School, in Grove Hill, and Jackson High School, in Jackson, offer career tracks in business management and administration, cooperative education and work-based learning, finance, health science, human services, information technology, marketing and welding.
In addition, from day care to 12th grade, Clarke Preparatory School’s 20-acre campus houses computer labs and a state-of-the art science lab for high school.
Clarke County will soon have a Wendy’s. “The City of Thomasville and our Thomasville Alabama Chamber of Commerce are extremely excited to welcome Wendy’s to our city,” says Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day. “It has been a pleasure working with the Carlisle Corp. team as they have diligently prepared to break ground on their new Wendy’s location here.” The mayor and city also welcomed plans for a new Zaxby’s.
The city of Jackson over the past two years has welcomed new businesses including Pine City Outdoors, Bigbee Quilt Co., Stars and Stripes Carwash, Journey’s Market Place and Paradise Poke Bowl.
The city also has taken on major drainage and sidewalk projects.
“We are a strong community,” says Jackson Mayor Audra Raybon. “The people make Jackson a good place to live. We often compare ourselves to ‘Mayberry,’ but we have everything we need — good restaurants, shopping and outstanding recreational activities.”
In Grove Hill, during late 2025, area residents Tommy and Valerie Davis began transforming a 75-year-old garage and service station into Jay G’s, an upscale restaurant. The new eatery serves soulful, Southern cuisine. The restaurant is next door to On the Hill Garden and Market and slated to open in early spring.
While Clarke County enjoys its recent economic development success, the county is mourning the loss of Rosalyn Sales, who led economic development efforts for Clarke and Washington counties.
“Southwest Alabama owes a debt of gratitude to Rosalyn Sales,” says Grove Hill Mayor Ross Wood. “As our executive director for economic development in Clarke and Washington counties, Roz created new jobs and capital investments totaling $1 billion in her role. Her bright light was suddenly extinguished on Jan. 6, 2026, and she will be missed by all. We honor and remember all of her hard work as our biggest business and industry champion.”
Conecuh County
In October 2024, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Conecuh County would receive $1.2 million for site work and public infrastructure at an industrial site. The funding came from Growing Alabama, a program aimed at preparing sties for future development.
More recently, Conecuh Sausage, in Evergreen, announced it was investing $58 million in a new production facility in Andalusia in Covington County. While the production of sausage and its other products will move to the new facility, the company’s gift shop in Evergreen will remain open, offering visitors a place to purchase sausage, jellies, T-shirts and more.
This article appears in the March 2026 issue of Business Alabama.
