Trump sees ‘big trade deal’ with EU, repeats auto tariff threat
President Donald Trump is gearing up another attempt at trade talks with the European Union and is hopeful the two can reach a “big trade deal,” with the head of the European Commission calling on the sides to draw on their similarities as the process unfolds. “A deal between ourselves and essentially Europe is something we all want to be able to make,” Trump told reporters Tuesday in Davos, Switzerland, repeating a threat to impose tariffs on imported European cars if trade talks don’t succeed. – Bloomberg
Growing Alabama Credit fuels improvements at Etowah County mega-site
Plans are underway for a $2.7-million site-improvement project for the Little Canoe Creek Mega-Site funded through the state’s Growing Alabama Credit program. The Etowah County Commission’s application was approved by the Renewal of Alabama Commission in December, and funding has been secured through a Norfolk Southern Corp. donation. – Made In Alabama
Dick’s Sporting Goods looks to open in February, hire 65
Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to open its new concept store with Golf Galaxy in Birmingham next month, and is hiring 65 employees. The store, located at The Village at Lee Branch at 310 Doug Baker Blvd., was announced last year. It will feature athletic, golf and outdoor apparel and footwear and the team sports and fitness gear. – AL.com
Pier 1 Imports to close five Alabama stores in 2020
Pier 1 Imports, which announced it at the beginning of the year it would close up to 450 locations nationwide, will close several Alabama locations. The Texas-based retail chain announced the stores would be closed to “better align its business with the current operating environment.” The company will close five of its 10 Alabama stores in 2020, and plans to close certain distribution centers and lower its corporate spending, as well as lay off workers at the corporate level. – Patch
MI Americas to revive Alabama latex plant with growth project
Medical Industries of the Americas plans to re-launch latex production at a shuttered factory in Barbour County as part of a plan to expand the site into a comprehensive manufacturing complex for medical commodities, Alabama officials announced Jan. 21. MI Americas plans to begin production at the former Ameritex Corp. facility in Eufaula during the second quarter of 2020, boosting the local economy by creating up to 400 jobs. – Made In Alabama
2020 has first misstep: Krystal declares bankruptcy
Krystal, a popular fast food chain in the Southeast, has filed for bankruptcy. In its filing, Krystal cited several contributing factors toward its bankruptcy: Increasing competition, shifting consumer tastes and the rise of online delivery platforms all have made it difficult for the 88-year-old brand to thrive. – CNN
