Autauga County, AL — Economic momentum is accelerating in Alabama’s rural counties, with impressive new investments and job creation reported over the past year, unveiled by Governor Kay Ivey. Speaking at the concluding day of the three-day Rural Summit at Central Alabama Community College, the Governor emphasized the positive outlook for rural communities, driven by Alabama's new strategic economic growth plan, Catalyst, and the successful SEEDS program aimed at expediting the development of industrial sites.

In 2023 alone, Alabama's targeted rural counties experienced over $1.7 billion in new capital investment and committed to 1,700 new jobs, resulting from multiple facility launches and expansion projects. Governor Ivey expressed her gratitude to Secretary Ellen McNair, praising her leadership of the Alabama Department of Commerce since she took office earlier this year. 

“I’m proud to say that thanks to Secretary McNair’s leadership and the commitment of our rural development partners, 2024 has brought exciting progress in attracting new investment and job growth across our rural counties,” Governor Ivey stated.

The Rural Summit, organized by Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager at the Department of Commerce, also featured notable speakers including Innovate Alabama CEO Cynthia Crutchfield and AIDT Director Ed Castile. The event coincided with the release of the 2023 Rural Report, which highlights sustained growth across rural Alabama. Following an impressive $1.8 billion in new investment and 1,900 job commitments in 2022, Alabama continued its robust economic activity into 2023.

Key growth sectors included automotive, forestry, aerospace, and advanced materials:

- **Automotive:** 11 projects with 329 job commitments and $278 million in investment.

- **Forestry:** 10 projects creating 185 jobs and $299 million in investment.

- **Aerospace:** 3 projects yielding 120 jobs and $4.4 million in investment.

- **Metals & Advanced Materials:** 3 projects adding 96 jobs and $22.6 million in investment.

In 2024, significant projects have already emerged, including the establishment of a LIFT Academy aviation training center at Tuskegee’s historic Moton Field and a $58 million production facility for Conecuh Sausage in Andalusia. These initiatives, combined with broadband expansion and over $7 million in SEEDS grants, are positioning rural areas for transformative growth.

Secretary McNair remarked, “Alabama’s rural communities are the backbone of our state’s economic strength, and the new investments in these areas are creating transformative opportunities. By teaming with local partners and leveraging strategic programs like SEEDS, we are committed to fostering sustainable growth that benefits every Alabamian. Our objective is to ensure that Alabama’s rural regions are well-positioned for a prosperous future that welcomes new industries and supports local workforce development.”

McNair also praised Brenda Tuck and her team for their collaboration with statewide partners, which has been vital in positioning Alabama’s rural areas for growth and job creation. “The conditions for growth are ripe in rural Alabama, and we are fully dedicated to ensuring that our rural communities reap the rewards of these new investments,” Tuck stated. “By working closely with our partners, we’re turning challenges into opportunities and delivering lasting economic benefits to the people of Alabama.”

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