Top Headlines: Job openings at Mazda Toyota Plant, Credit union growth

First wave of employees sought for Mazda Toyota plant
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA on Thursday announced the first in a series of job updates for the new $1.6 billion manufacturing plant located in Huntsville. Facility maintenance, multi-skilled maintenance as well as tool and die team members are being sought. Rate of pay is based on experience and skill level, ranging from $23.50 to $33.00 per hour. Visit: https://www.aidt.edu/jobs to apply. – WAAY

Birmingham’s ‘best opportunities lie ahead,’ says outgoing business alliance CEO
Brian Hilson still isn’t revealing anything about his next step, but he seems excited about it. “I’ve got a unique opportunity to do something I’ve always had in the back of my mind,” he said. “The opportunity came along, and I’m really excited about it.” Earlier this month Hilson, the outgoing president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance, announced he is stepping down from his post effective March 29 to take another economic development position in the state. – AL.com

‘Hope for the best’: Trump, state’s auto industry at political odds
Toyota is an economic powerhouse in Alabama, promising yet more hundreds of millions in new investment. Donald Trump is a political darling among Alabama conservatives, and a heavy favorite to again win this deep red state in 2020. But these two titans could be on a collision course if uncertainty over a potential 25 percent tariff on foreign automobiles and auto parts isn’t resolved soon. – AL.com

Alabama, Florida credit unions show double-digit growth
Credit unions in Alabama and Florida delivered double-digit growth in member business loans last year. For credit unions in Alabama, member business loans increased by 18.5 percent in 2018, which topped the 12 percent national average, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates said this week. Member business loans in Florida surged by 16.6 percent during 2018. – CU Insight

Motor Trend weighs in on new Kia SUV
The new 2020 Kia Telluride debuts on a practical front-drive-based unibody platform aimed directly at big sellers like the Honda PilotNissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The Telluride makes a strong first impression based on styling alone, especially compared to the aforementioned competitors. Sure, it has a simple and boxy silhouette, but Americans can’t seem to get enough of boxes on wheels. – Motor Trend

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Bill to donate wall funding moves through state Senate
Alabamians would be able to donate part of their state income tax refunds to help build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, according to a bill the state Senate advanced Thursday. Senators voted 23-6 Thursday to approve the bill that would allow residents to check a box on their state income tax form and donate to We Build The Wall Inc., a nonprofit started by a veteran. The organization is focused on privately building portions of a border wall with Mexico, its website says. – AP

U.S. Steel adopting more modern employee benefits
United States Steel Corp. said Thursday it was expanding its paid leave benefits for non-union employees and rolling out a slew of new benefits such as gender reassignment surgery coverage and adoption assistance, a sign that the swift expansion of work-life perks across corporate America in recent years has been adopted among even some of the most traditional companies. – Washington Post

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