At the conclusion of last week’s legislative spring break, Tim and I took a trip to Mississippi. We visited Square Books in Oxford and found hard-to-find Dr. Suess treasures that he since gifted to the Arley Public Library (#Our67), and we received a sneak-peek of Morgan Freeman’s restaurant, Ground Zero Blues Club, which reopened in Clarksville on 1 April. #TimWadsworth #NicoleJones #ArleyAL
Tim and I found beautiful signs of an Alabama spring. Happy Easter weekend to all of our friends and loved ones! #Our67
Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield for serving as the guest speaker for today’s Manufacture Alabama Government Affairs Committee meeting. Sen. Scofield talked briefly about the importance of state parks for travel and tourism. Sen. Scofield also reiterated the importance of Alabama remaining a pro-business state committed to attracting jobs and industry. Regarding the latest federal coronavirus funds that will be awarded to the State of Alabama, he stated that the State must be deliberate and wise with disbursement. We have until 2024 to spend.
Golfers, on Friday 23 April, Manufacture Alabama is hosting the 2021 Government Affairs Golf Tournament at Robert Trent Jones at Capitol Hill in Prattville. Make sure to register for this fun event! Dine Local: The Bright Star - The iconic dining establishment has been in downtown Bessemer since 1907 and is America's oldest family-owned restaurant. #Our67
GOOD NEWS 🧵 Red Land Cotton expands: Family-owned businesses are part of the heart and soul of Alabama. Red Land Cotton’s bed linens and bath towels are crafted in the US with cotton sourced directly from their north Alabama farm. The company takes great pride and care in recreating historic-inspired heirloom pieces and is dedicated to making the United States a manufacturing powerhouse again. The growth of Red Land Cotton is proof that the American Dream still exists. Congratulations to Red Land Cotton and to Lawrence County on the recent expansion. #Our67
Dr. Nicole Jones Photo credit: Red Land Cotton More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2021/03/17/red-land-cotton-invests-1-5-million-in-expansion-efforts/ Peanuts are an important part of our economy at the local, state, and national levels. Approximately one-half of the peanuts grown in the United States grow within a 100-mile radius of Dothan, Alabama. Producers and suppliers market peanuts as an inexpensive source of protein when compared to meats and cheeses. The commodity remains attractive to consumers because they are nonperishable and packed with vitamins and minerals. According to the Alabama Farmer’s Federation, last year, farmers in Alabama harvested approximately 189,000 acres of peanuts and produced 400 million pounds valued at 118 million dollars. The Coastal Growers peanut processing plant in Atmore will bring tremendous economic benefits to our state, particularly with the 150 new jobs created as well as a co-op opportunity for 100 Alabama farmers.
Dr. Nicole Jones Photo credit: Governor's Office More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2021/03/16/governor-attends-groundbreaking-of-coastal-growers-peanut-processing-plant/ Secretary Greg Canfield and the team at the Alabama Department of Commerce work diligently with the private sector to facilitate high-quality job creation and projects that benefit communities throughout our state. Even amidst a pandemic, Alabama continues to rank high, which is testament to an environment conducive for business. Site Selection Magazine is a leading, respected publication in our industry. For multiple consecutive years, Alabama has earned placement in the Top Ten in several categories. Companies here are able to create jobs that enable Alabamians to earn a good living that they can be proud of. We all benefit from these partnerships and from Alabama working.
Dr. Nicole Jones More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2021/03/15/alabama-ranked-no-9-by-site-selection-magazine/ The Fitzgerald Museum is back open in Montgomery. Do you remember reading The Great Gatsby? Stop by! This beautifully preserved, hidden jewel in Cloverdale is dedicated to the life and works of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. #Our67
SHOP LOCAL: Many great finds and a record-breaking sales day at the two-year anniversary of Smith Lake Flea Market in Arley! #Our67
Thank you, Cumberland Law Review, for hosting an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) CLE today. The content presented will help me serve mediation clients well. For more information or available mediation dates, call Jones Mediation at (205) 523-5995. #Our67
Today Governor Kay Ivey joined us at the Manufacture Alabama Governmental Affairs Committee meeting. Governor Ivey recently signed notable bills that passed in the House and Senate with bipartisan support. These include Act No. 2021-4, which provides a “safe harbor” for small and large businesses by preventing frivolous lawsuits related to COVID-19. Also, Alabamians who received CARES Act payments will not be taxed on those funds. A few priorities to note from her office include a 2% COLA for teachers and a fourth mental health crisis diversion center in the Birmingham/Tuscaloosa area. (Three already exist in Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville.) Thank you, Governor, for all you do. #Our67
GOOD NEWS - Construction begins on ALDI corporate operations and distribution center in Loxley: Corporate Operations, as well as Distribution & Logistics, are some of Alabama’s Foundational Business Targets, meaning these types of businesses intrinsically provide core competencies for a variety of industries. ALDI grocery has a growing footprint in the Gulf Coast. Because of the close proximity to interstates and the Port of Mobile, a regional headquarters and distribution hub in Loxley, Alabama (Baldwin County) will allow ALDI to efficiently meet consumer needs. The jobs created and services provided as a result of the project will have positive effects on the local economy and our entire state. Thank you, Aldi, for choosing Alabama. #Our67
Dr. Nicole Jones More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2021/02/18/aldi-begins-construction-on-regional-headquarters-distribution-center-in-loxley/ GOOD NEWS - AM/NS Calvert breaks ground on steelmaking facility: ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel's joint venture construction of a new steelmaking facility in Calvert allows us to witness immediate results from terms outlined in the United States Mexico Canada trade agreement (USMCA), specifically the requirement for the automobile industry to utilize more steel made in North America. Metals and advanced materials is one of our state’s dominant industries. Alabama Department of Commerce data from 2018 shows that primary metal manufacturing exports valued at nearly $1.6 billion, and fabricated metal manufacturing exports valued at $382 million. The direct and indirect jobs resulting from this project will provide significant economic benefits for south Alabama and our entire state. #Our67
Dr. Nicole Jones More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2021/02/19/steelmaker-breaks-ground-on-new-facility-in-calvert/ US History: Today is Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday).
Learn more about how the Uniform Monday Holiday Act enhanced the scope of this holiday here: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/presidents-day Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my soul loves.
Song of Solomon 3:4 Happy Valentine's Day, Tim. I love you. The Buy Alabama's Best campaign, a partnership between the Alabama Grocer's Association and Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, creates awareness on the importance of purchasing made in Alabama food products. Our state's food retail industry supplies over 70,000 jobs. Next time you are at the grocery store, look for the "Buy Alabama's Best" section. Pictured is Blue Spring Living Water, bottled at the source in Blount County. #Our67
Today the Manufacture Alabama Governmental Affairs Committee met to discuss upcoming issues and bills that affect the manufacturing and business community. Thank you to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth for serving as our featured speaker. #Our67
This is the largest stained glass US flag in the world, bookended by two steel beams from the World Trade Center.
When in south Alabama, Tim and I make a point to visit Jesse's, one of our favorite restaurants, and last week's meal was beautiful as always. It was good to take the time and enjoy a moment prior to the busy weeks ahead. #Our67
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Nicole Jones
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Tags: Nicole Jones, Huntsville, AL, Montgomery, Arley, Tuscaloosa, Nicole Jones Alabama, economic development, #Our67
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Dr. Nicole Jones
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