US approves $7.5 billion in foreign weapons sales in one day
On Independence Day the U.S. State Department approved almost $7.5 billion in potential foreign military sales to five different countries, including $70 million Stryker infantry carrier vehicles to Argentina, with work to be done at the General Dynamics Land Systems facility in Anniston. — Defense News
UAB med school doctor named TCU Chair of Medical Education
The TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine has named Dr. Kelly Pagidas as its academic chair of medical education, where she will oversee faculty recruitment and retention. Pagidas previously served as professor adjunct and division director of the reproductive endocrinology and infertility department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine. — D magazine
Amazon pushes further into space with new Aerospace Business Segment
Amazon Web Services launched a new business segment last week dedicated to serving the aerospace and satellite industry. This follows recent other aerospace moves by Blue Origin, another venture from Amazon’s billionaire CEO Jeff Bezos — including a Blue origin a rocket engine production facility in Huntsville, Alabama, in February. — Aviation Today
Publix ranked No. 1 supermarket in America
Publix has been named to Newsweek’s 2020 America’s Best Customer Service list, ranking No. 1 in the supermarket category and No. 9 overall. Publix operates 1,251 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. — Perishable News
BBVA Research publishes July U.S. Regional Outlook
The report, authored by BBVA Senior Economist Kan Chen, notes that the ongoing pandemic is expected to continue damaging regional economies at an uneven pattern. As the curve flattens in New York and New Jersey, two early epicenters, the outbreaks have shifted south and west as California, Arizona, Texas and Florida become new hotspots. BBVA is the second largest Alabama-based bank holding company, with $92.6 billion in assets. — BBVA
Bank OZK exits Alabama market through branch sales
Merchants & Marine Bank has agreed to acquire Bank OZK’s Mobile, Alabama office, taking on $26 million worth of deposits and $23 million in loans, according to a press release announcing the deals. M&M Bank now has 13 locations across Mississippi and Alabama. — Banking Exchange
LGI Homes Inc. reports record-breaking June and Q2 2020 home closings
LGI Homes, Inc. today announced 760 home closings in June 2020, up from 651 home closings in June 2019, representing year-over-year growth of 16.7 percent. In addition, the Company announced record-breaking quarterly home closings. LGI is the the 10th largest residential builder in America, covering 18 states, including Alabama. — Globe News Wire
NASA invests $51 million in Innovative Ideas from U.S. Small Businesses
NASA has selected 409 technology proposals for the first phase of funding from the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Among those selected is “Intelligent Sensor Systems for Rocket Propulsion Testing” by Physical Sciences Inc. in Andover, Maryland, and Auburn University in Auburn. — NASA
