Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed four economic growth bills that she has called The Game Plan.
The Game Plan includes renewing the Alabama Jobs Act, supports underrepresented businesses in rural areas and takes steps toward more transparency when it comes to incentives and site development, among other things.
“The Game Plan will give Alabama’s team the tools it needs to extend our winning record in economic development and help us unleash a new wave of growth and innovation across the state,” Ivey said. “From our rural areas to our big cities, this is going to benefit every corner of Alabama.”
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the legislation will “modernize” the state’s methods to recruit new investment and job creation.
“The Game Plan will serve as our next-generation strategic economic development framework as we work to build a more dynamic economy for Alabama and its citizens,” Canfield said. “Neighboring states are aggressively escalating their economic development activities, and this will allow us to keep winning the projects that trigger lasting impacts.”
Helena Duncan, CEO and president of the Business Council of Alabama, welcomed the signing of the package.
“From creating jobs in rural communities to attracting new businesses and unique talent, ‘The Game Plan’ is a huge win for Alabama’s entire business community,” she said. “The Business Council of Alabama commends Governor Ivey for quarterbacking this historic effort, and we applaud the Alabama Legislature on their outstanding work in passing this bipartisan package of pro-jobs, pro-growth legislation. As Alabamians, we can all be proud of this accomplishment and look forward to the many ways it will advance our state for generations to come.”
Bradley Byrne, CEO and president of Mobile Chamber, also praised the governor’s move.
“There’s an incredible consensus in the state of Alabama on the need for these economic development incentive bills,” he said. “It also shows that people are seeing the tremendous success we’re having. Mobile’s been a tremendous beneficiary in these programs and we’ve used them to attract Airbus AM/NS Calvert, the stuff we’re doing to enhance what’s going on at Austal, so this package is very important to Mobile.”
