​GOOD NEWS : Alabama has to be creative to stay competitive amidst uncertain times. Aimed to do just that, the program will allow companies in Alabama to continue dialogue with current international partners during the global pandemic. Online conversations and a focus on digital marketing also provide businesses an opportunity to gain new customers and, in the COVID-19 environment, is the next best alternative to in-person meetings. We look forward to the presentation of the new Alabama Online Global Program business development tools this Wednesday.

Dr. Nicole Jones

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter:  
https://www.alreporter.com/2020/11/16/alabama-commerce-department-providing-new-tools-for-exporters/

GOOD NEWS : Through collaborative efforts between the public and private sector, our state has positioned itself as a national and world leader the automotive industry. Since opening in the Montgomery area in 2005, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), has produced over 4.75 million vehicles and 6 million engines. The plant employs approximately 3,500 Alabamians educated from a high school diploma to the doctoral level. HMMA sits on approximately 1,744 acres of land and encompasses 3.4 million square feet of space.

Hyundai follows the just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing model, cross-trains workers, employs a variety of amenities to retain employees, and emphasizes community engagement. Thank you to the team at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama for your continued contributions to our state and national economies.

Dr. Nicole Jones

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
https://www.alreporter.com/2020/11/11/hyundai-adds-new-suv-to-vehicles-manufactured-in-montgomery/

GOOD NEWS : Distribution centers are one of the State of Alabama’s foundational business targets, meaning services they provide support a myriad of industries within our state. Products distributed through the Lowe's Home Improvement facility in Bessemer (Jefferson County), for example, contribute to both the trucking and retail industries.

Ease of access to interstates is a key factor in the site selection process for distribution centers. Lowes' strategic selection of a location in Bessemer – with immediate access to Interstates 65 and 20/59 – will help the home improvement powerhouse fulfill its goals to quickly and efficiently serve customers in the Southeast.

Lowe's Home Improvement's construction of an 1.2 million square foot facility in Bessemer will create 150 jobs and demonstrates confidence in our state’s workforce. The project is a testament to the pro-business environment and continued high rankings Alabama has earned in studies conducted by national economic development publications. Thank you, Lowe's Companies Inc., for your investment in Alabama.

Dr. Nicole Jones

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
https://www.alreporter.com/2020/11/10/lowes-will-locate-distribution-center-in-bessemer/