Shelby: Huntsville ‘on fire’ from economic viewpoint
Alabama‘s senior senator says the FBI’s investment in the northern part of the state could reach $1 billion. News outlets reported that Sen. Richard Shelby met with business and community leaders in Huntsville on Monday. Shelby said more construction by the FBI is expected at the Redstone Arsenal in coming years. “Huntsville is on fire” from an economic point of view, he added. – AP
Some seem embittered by Airbus investment in Alabama
Alabama politicians just gifted European aerospace giant Airbus a $26 million subsidy package to assemble airplanes in Mobile. That’s on top of a previous $158 million taxpayer-financed handout for another Airbus plant. The notion that a company with a $76 billion market cap can’t assemble planes without assistance from state taxpayers simply doesn’t fly — but special treatment for privileged corporations is all too common across the United States. – The Hill
Caddell awarded $143.5M dormitory project for USAF
Caddell Construction has been awarded a $143.5 million contract for construction of the Airman Training Complex Dorm #5 and Dining Classroom Building #3 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Under the new contract, Caddell will construct a 1,248-person basic military training (BMT) dormitory and a dining/classroom facility that supports two BMT dormitories. The dormitory will stand four stories. – News release
State hospitals say Alabama stands to gain with Medicaid expansion
Alabama hospitals say the state would see vast health and economic benefits by expanding Medicaid. The Alabama Hospital Association presented the results of studies Friday that they say make a strong case for expanding Medicaid. Alabama is one of 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. One study estimated that Medicaid expansion would provide care to 340,000 Alabamians. It found the state’s cost would be $1 billion over four years. – AP
BBVA Compass gets high ranking from Federal Reserve
BBVA Compass has announced that the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta rated the bank “Outstanding” for CRA performance for its most recent examination period. From 2015 to 2017, the rating means the bank achieved “excellent performance” for community development lending and investments, and “high satisfactory” for service, culminating in an overall “Outstanding” mark. – AL.com
Montgomery chamber to have changing of the guard
The Board of Directors of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that President Randy George will retire on April 1. Chamber Executive Vice President Anna Buckalew will take the role effective April 2. “The Chamber has been richly blessed to have had Randy George leading this organization for the past 30 years as president, and, prior to that, serving for 16 years as head of economic development,” said Board Chairman Willie Durham. – ANN
Waymond Jackson, Blair King selected for 40 Under 40
Waymond Jackson, senior vice president of public policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 Awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development industry. Also from Birmingham, Blair King, manager of economic development and existing industry with Alabama Power Co., was selected for the honor. Both Jackson and King were nominated by the BBA. – News release
