Fishers, hunters contribute $1.1 billion to Black Belt economy
The 23 counties in Alabama’s Black Belt are a nationally known hunting and fishing destination that contribute more than a billion dollars to the state’s economy. That’s according to a study released today by Southeast Research of Montgomery. In addition, most of those who came to Alabama to hunt and fish in 2018 headed for the Black Belt, generating more than $1 million in lodging tax revenue. – AL.com
PowerSouth invests in gas turbine to replace coal-fired units
Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems announced today that PowerSouth has ordered an M501JAC gas turbine power train to power the Lowman Energy Center located in Leroy, Alabama. This new 640 MW combined cycle power plant will replace three aging coal-fired units with a combined output of 556 MW. PowerSouth is investing in modern power generation to help power Alabama’s economic growth as they retire aging coal-fired power units. – News release
Wealth management firm moving HQ to downtown Birmingham
A wealth management and investment advisory firm is moving its headquarters from the U.S. 280 area to downtown Birmingham. Bridgeworth plans to relocate from its 15,000-square-foot office to a new location off Red Mountain Expressway on 101 25th Street North this coming spring. Corporate Realty, Hatcher Schuster Design and Rives Construction are project partners leading the leasing, design and construction of the 18,000-square-foot space. – AL.com
Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns luxury theater chain
The Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns a luxury theater chain, following that company’s bankruptcy filing. Boca Magazine is reporting that Florida-based IPIC Theaters is now a new company created this month. IPIC Entertainment, a chain operating in seven states with plush seats and restaurant offerings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in August. Among its debt was more than $200 million to RSA. – AL.com
MORE Act takes us a step closer to legalizing the Devil’s Lettuce
The United States is one step closer to legalizing marijuana at the federal level with the MORE Act. It’s is one of the most comprehensive marijuana reform bills ever introduced in congress. MORE stands for Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, and with it, the debate over whether to legalize weed at a federal level takes a new turn. – ABC3340
Bamboo thieves rip off family-run farm in Lillian twice
The owners of Emerald Coast Bamboo and Palm Trees in Lillian, Alabama, are recovering after a second burglary this year. Barbara Orth said they’ve lost thousands of dollars in plants and equipment. The losses hit a small business like theirs particularly hard. The thefts mean they’ll be in the red this year, unable to invest in new equipment or other improvements. – WEAR
