GOOD NEWS: The United States is in the space race again. And what an appropriate and nostalgic time in history as this week, we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of man on the moon. Whether you are from here or just passing through, a drive along I-565 clearly depicts the role Huntsville, Alabama played in space exploration.

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2019/07/16/ivey-to-speak-at-dinner-commemorating-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-launch-of-apollo-11/

GOOD NEWS - Rural Broadband Grants Administered: Access to broadband is a request that almost every large-scale employer makes when choosing a site within our state. As a response to the growing need for connectivity, in March 2018, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act into law, which authorized the creation of a broadband accessibility grant program. The bill, sponsored by Senator Clay Scofield and Representative Donnie Chesteen, created the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. This is a great start to achieving the goal of accessibility in all areas of Alabama.

Many rural counties do not initially have the tax base or level of population to fund the infrastructure needed for high-speed internet. The Broadband Accessibility Fund provides financial assistance in the form of grants for service providers to supply high-speed internet services in rural areas with 25,000 residents or less. Under the law, awards shall not exceed 20 percent of the total project cost.

A team effort is needed to help achieve the goal of broadband accessibility, which includes state assistance for the infrastructure administered by ADECA, federal assistance through the USDA, and private sector investments. High-speed internet is needed for jobs, health care, public safety, and education - all which are integral to Alabamians' quality of life.

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
https://www.alreporter.com/2019/07/16/ivey-awards-grants-to-provide-high-speed-internet-to-several-communities/

GOOD NEWS: Gerhardi, Inc. Plant Now Open - Alabama has positioned itself as a leader nationally and globally in the automotive industry. Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield announced at the ceremony that our state currently ranks at number five for automobile production, with an anticipated rise to number two by 2024.

Gerhardi’s investment in Alabama will create an anticipated 235 direct jobs in the River Region. Gerhardi, a supplier, supports the automobile industry through innovative technologies related to plastics that include injection molding, electroplating, and assembly. Gerhardi executives shared that currently, the company has contracts with BMW and Mercedes and is seeking to do business with additional brands. Gerhardi’s decision to locate in the United States, and specifically, Alabama, is an important part of the supply chain and a testament to the creation of an environment conducive for business.

Gerhardi has been in existence almost as long as the United States has been a nation and has a reputation for creating innovative, world-class components. Thank you, Gerhardi, for choosing Montgomery, Alabama as the site of your first plant in the US.

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
https://www.alreporter.com/2019/07/12/gerhardi-opens-auto-parts-plant-in-montgomery/

​Over the past two weeks I have spent time in 15 Alabama counties. A favorite included Monroeville (Monroe County), where we stood in awe as we gazed upon the recreation of the famous scene in To Kill A Mockingbird. #Our67 #MonroeCounty

GOOD NEWS: It was a joy for my son and I to witness the camaraderie and sportsmanship on the field and in the stands of Nationals Park. We are proud of our friend and Congressman Mo Brooks for his bravery when he assisted a fallen comrade during a senseless act of domestic terrorism two years ago. Mo remained steadfast and took the field along with his colleagues for the subsequent games.
The 2019 Congressional Baseball Game raised over 1.3 million dollars for children's charities. It was a beautiful evening to celebrate America's pastime with thousands on and off the field who banded together to help others.

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: 
​https://www.alreporter.com/2019/06/28/brooks-starts-at-first-base-in-congressional-baseball-game/

My son and I spent a beautiful evening in DC with watching our friend Mo Brooks play in the Congressional Baseball Game. The event yielded over 1.3 million dollars for children's charities. #TeamBrooks #CBG2019 #Our67

​Thank you all at the Alabama Bicentennial and the Huntsville Botanical Garden who coordinated the opening reception and the next stop for Making Alabama: A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit. The exhibit is now on display in the Propst Guest Center and is free and open to the public during garden hours. #Our67

Today marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. Let us take a moment to reflect upon the courage of the 156,000 troops willing to risk their lives to save the free world. #Our67 #TheGreatestGeneration

More here in USA Today, which features Alabama native George Mills: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/06/06/d-day-anniversary-veterans-recall-landing-changed-world/1358160001/

Photo credit: John Fritze, USA Today

Since 1974, Dynetics has been an integral part of Huntsville’s business climate. Started by two engineers, Hershel Matheny and Dr. Steve Gilbert, the company grew from 25 employees in its early days in Huntsville to over 2,030 employees in nine locations throughout the United States. Dynetics is now a 100% employee owned organization, making it the seventy-sixth (76th) largest majority employee-stock ownership plan (ESOP)-owned company in the nation and the second largest in Alabama. It brings us great joy to witness this fantastic organization’s steady growth over the years; Dynetics employs a deserving group of leaders always willing to give back to our community.

More here in the Alabama Political Reporter: https://www.alreporter.com/2019/06/04/dynetics-opens-new-manufacturing-plant-in-huntsville/