February 13, 2024 Group Watch: Firm Acquires North Alabama Industrial Facility

AE Industrial Partners (AEI), a private equity firm specializing in aerospace, national security and industrial services, announced that its affiliate Rocket Shoals LLC has acquired a sprawling industrial facility in Colbert County with plans to redevelop it as an “aerospace center of excellence.” The facility is on 638 acres and contains 2.27 million square feet of industrial zoned manufacturing capacity. AEI says the space is well suited for aerospace manufacturing and will become the new headquarters for a select portfolio of companies, as well as other aerospace suppliers, manufacturers and innovators. AEI is partnering with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to provide joint capabilities and bring innovative solutions to federal customers.

February 24, 2024 Group Watch: AL Workforce Competitiveness has “Transformative” New Plan

A commission tasked with crafting a path to modernize Alabama’s workforce competitiveness has released what it calls a “landmark plan.” The 21^st Century Work Force Commission, created by the Alabama legislature in 2019 and led by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, is pushing to grow the state’s economic recruitment abilities, labor force participation rate and developing effective training and employment of Alabamians. The multi-pronged plan includes merging unaligned and duplicative workforce development agencies; collaboration with Alabama employers; development of an Alabama workforce plan; accountability benchmarks for workforce outcomes; workforce pathways diplomas and investment in county career technical centers; recruitment into in-demand jobs; public-private solutions to barriers; creating easier access to scholarships for military transition; child care tax credits; mental health and addiction diversion programs; and housing tax credits.

February 13, 2024 Group Watch: Manufacture Alabama Elects New Members to Board of Directors

Manufacture Alabama represents hundreds of companies, from the most recognized international corporations to small, family-owned operations, all integral to the economy in Alabama and across the globe. The group announced the election of two members to its board of directors, including Donna Jackson from International Paper and Craig Savage from Airbus. The Board of Directors also approved the nomination of Karen Johnston from Toyota North America to the position of Vice Chair. Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama, voiced his excitement for the changes and the contributions they will make going forward.

February 13, 2024 Group Watch: AL Senate Committee Oks Bill Allowing Local Removals of Library Board Members

Last Wednesday, an Alabama Senate Committee approved a bill that would allow local governments to remove library board members from their positions. The Senate County and Municipal Government Committee approved the measure, sponsored by Senator Chris Elliot, on a 7-3 party line vote after Democrats on the committee said they were concerned it was tied to recent efforts to limit the availability of certain books in libraries. The bill would allow any governing body that appoints library board members to remove that member of the board. The bill would also require library board members to serve four-year terms instead of staggered terms. 

January 2024 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House

The Alabama Legislature is gearing up for its 2024 regular session, which convenes on February 6. House Speaker Nathan Ledbetter has shared his thoughts on the issues and topics that should take priority for the law-making body.

State budgets will for sure be on the agenda, and further decreasing the state sales tax on groceries will be considered as legislators review the education revenue numbers. Also, Governor Ivey has announced her intention to stand up to unions that have their sights set on Alabama automakers, saying her position protects jobs. 

And speaking of jobs, a few economic development wins for the state are bringing new employment opporunities.

We’ve got more information on all this, as well as other important #alpolitics topics below.

January 2024 Group Watch: Tweet of the Month

@thebloomgroup
Jan 18
Proposed Demopolis health care high school gets $26.4 million pledge.

January 2024 Group Watch: House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter Outlines 2024 Priorities

Alabama House Speaker Nathan Ledbetter stressed that issues preventing Alabamians from working and ways to improve workforce participation should take center stage during the legislative session, noting the need to “think outside of the box” for solutions. At a Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce event, Leadbetter said he wants to continue to make Alabama a business-friendly state, and addressing issues in transportation, underemployment and child care is the way to do it. The workforce participation rate (percentage of residents working or looking for work) was 57.1 percent in November, compared to 62.8 percent nationwide. Alabama’s participation rate historically lags the nation. Ledbetter said there will also be focus put on education legislation and continuing support for existing programs such as Numeracy and Literacy Acts. 

January 2024 Group Watch: Sources Say Lottery and Gambling Bill Will Come Up this Session

While it remains in flux as details are hammered out, according to Representative Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), a lottery and gambling bill will come before and be debated in the House this session. Whitt is likely to be one of its sponsors, and he noted that this time around, bill sponsors and supporters are putting emphasis on finding middle ground and specifics that will make the legislation more palatable to more lawmakers, thus boosting chances of its passage. Read more here.

January 2024 Group Watch: Alabama National Guard’s New Leader On the Job

In a ceremony at the Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Brigadier General David K. Pritchett officially assumed command of the Alabama National Guard. Pritchett was promoted after the retirement of former Adjutant General Major Sheryl E. Gordon, the first woman to ever hold the position. An Alabama native, Pritchett began his military career in 1988 with the U.S. Marine Corps before entering the Army Reserve Officer Program at Auburn University.  He was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Alabama National Guard in 1991.

January 2024 Group Watch: State Ed Superintendent Calls for “Guardrails” on Any Voucher Bills

Legislation to offer parents and students broader school options , including the use of vouchers, is likely to come up during the 2024 session, according to Republican leaders and Governor Ivey. In response, State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey has called for certain parameters and “guardrails” to be put in place, including ensuring money goes directly to schools, not parents. Read more here.