Ivey to be sworn in today for her first full term
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who said she “steadied the ship of state” after taking over for a scandal-battled predecessor nearly two years ago, will be sworn in for her first full term Monday. Ivey takes the oath of office during inauguration festivities at the Alabama Capitol. She is the state’s second female governor and the first Republican woman elected to the position. – AP
Birmingham’s business community readies for the 59/20 project
When it comes to the disruption expected from the impending Interstate 59/20 downtown shutdown expected later this month, Birmingham businesses, like travelers, might find themselves looking for a detour – both literally and figuratively. A one-mile stretch of the interstate highway running through the city’s Central Business District will be closed for an estimated 14 months, as contractors demolish and replace the interstate’s aging bridges. – AL.com
Toyota executive on how tariffs will affect the Mazda-Toyota plant
Chris Reynolds was promoted by Toyota late last year to one of the toughest jobs in the U.S. auto industry. He’s in charge of North American manufacturing, as well as human resources, legal, finance and communications. It’s manufacturing that will present the biggest challenge for Reynolds, who must navigate uncertain U.S. trade policies including tariff threats and possible replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. – AP
Car maintenance app Yoshi launches in Birmingham
Birmingham today becomes the 20th U.S. city where Yoshi is active, and the first in Alabama. Its availability will be in Birmingham, Homewood, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Highland Park and Cahaba Heights, to begin. Dubbed the “Uber of service stations,” the Palo Alto, Calif.-based company has been in business since 2015. – AL.com
Byars Wright opening new office in Homewood
Birmingham-based independent insurance agency Byars Wright is opening a new Homewood office. Gabe Clement, currently a producer within the agency, was recently promoted to lead the new office, to be located at 1701 28th Ave. S. The office is expected to open this spring. – AL.com
