CALHOUN COUNTY
Calhoun County has been described as “near Atlanta, near Birmingham and near perfect.” All of the above are correct, but the description goes beyond logistics. The county is thriving with new industries, strategic military operations, healthcare expansion, higher learning breakthroughs and more.
Anniston
The Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) supports the world’s largest and most technologically advanced land combat vehicle in the Department of War inventory — the M1 Abrams tank. With more than 3,000 employees, the depot is Calhoun County’s largest employer.
On the civilian side, Calhoun County is expanding medical facilities for greater access and healthcare. In 2026, Regional Medical Center (RMC) announced an agreement to join Orlando Health, a private not-for-profit healthcare system. Pending final approval, the merger will strengthen healthcare options in Northeast Alabama.
In December 2025, an RMC partnership with Jacksonville State University (JSU) was announced. The move benefits Jacksonville residents as well as providing training opportunities for JSU students.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Mayor Mark Jones says, “It’s hard to say Jacksonville without saying Jacksonville State University.” The school and the city often are interwoven. In addition to a top-notch education, JSU provides entertainment venues, sporting opportunities and one of the best college bands in Alabama.
JSU’s band will perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on Jan. 1, 2027.
The city of Jacksonville is upgrading its city square, which features restaurants, shops and a city hub for civic space.
Oxford
Oxford recently completed a transportation infrastructure study called “Oxford on the Move.” The analysis evaluated opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian connections on all local roadways of the city.
TALLADEGA COUNTY
Talladega is perhaps the most singular county in Alabama. For instance, Sylacauga is the only known town on earth where a resident was treated by a physician for a meteorite injury (Ann Hodges was struck by a meteorite fragment while napping. She was treated for the bruise).
The meteorite is not Sylacauga’s only rock of distinction. The city’s marble is among the purest in the world. Omya marble quarry recently expanded to continue supplying Sylacauga marble for a number of industries and products.
Lincoln
Another Talladega standout is the town of Lincoln.
Lincoln’s population is about 8,000 — except during the YellaWood 500 and the Jack Link’s 500 races at Talladega Superspeedway, when more than 100,000 people visit and Lincoln’s population exceeds that of Tuscaloosa.
Benefits from the fabled NASCAR raceway go far beyond Talladega. The Talladega Superspeedway generates $400 million or more annually in economic impact for the state.
Talladega County also benefits from other automotive engines — some assembly required. The Honda Alabama Auto Plant, in Lincoln, employs 4,500 workers, building Honda Odyssey minivans, Passport SUVs, engines and more.
In addition, Talladega County is recognized for its recently released EARTH project. The multi-disciplinary, integrated, whole-life workforce development program is dedicated to the growth of human capital and the increase of sustainable, economic and social growth within communities.
EARTH’s core mission is to provide East Alabama an efficient and effective workforce development system that is responsive to current needs of individuals and businesses while also looking forward to future economic development initiatives.
Childersburg
From human to robot training, Automation Robotics and Controls (ARC) is expanding to Childersburg. ARC has grown from a small local automation service into a trusted regional leader, serving thousands of businesses across the Southeast and beyond. With expertise across every area of automation and controls, ARC now serves as a single, comprehensive source for companies’ operational needs.
Emmett Burnett is a Satsuma-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
For more on Calhoun and Talladega counties, see the links below:
This section appears in the July 2026 issue of Business Alabama.
