Alabama part of $550 million contract; Shelby, Baldwin best counties for small businesses; Publix to offer parental leave; Wallace State will offer free workforce training

Alabama part of $550 million contract

VT Halter Marine Inc., based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has been awarded a $550 million modification to a previously awarded contract for design and construction of the second Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter. Two percent of the work will be done in Mobile. – Naval News

Shelby, Baldwin best counties for small businesses

Shelby County tops the list of SmartAsset ranking of best counties for small business owners in Alabama. Baldwin County is 2^nd, followed by Jefferson, Marshall, Houston, Winston, Cullman, Lee, Clay and Mobile.  – SmartAsset

Publix to offer parental leave

The Publix grocery store chain, Florida-based but with a number of stores across Alabama, will start offering paid parental leave to employees who are new parents. The benefit wil be available for full-time and part-time workers. — Alabama Public Radio

Wallace State to begin offering free workforce training

Wallace State Community College’s Adult Education Department is teaming up with the Center for Career and Workforce Development to offer free training for specific skills beginning in January. Training is available in automation technician, computer applications, diesel technology, phlebotomy and welding.  – Wallace State Community College