New report ranks Montgomery #1 in Alabama for new jobs

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Montgomery Alabama

2016 was strong year statewide for economic development, with 400 projects across diverse industries resulting in 14,707 new jobs and $4.2B in capital investment gained for the Yellowhammer State.

According to the 2016 New & Expanding Industry Report, released by Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Commerce Department, Montgomery county tops the list for creating jobs. With 1,704 jobs announced by new and expanding companies last calendar year, Montgomery led every other county in the state.

“Local communities depend on the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Governor to be our lead partners in economic development for the vital role they play in recruiting and retaining industries. These results show that the partnership is working,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.

Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean added, “We depend on the Chamber to be the economic development arm of the County and the City. When we speak here, we speak with one voice. And these announced new and expanding companies see the tremendous value in that.”

Also highlighted in the report, Montgomery ranked second in terms of the number of economic development projects announced last year with a total of 42, and fourth in terms of the new capital investment those announcements generated, at $371 million.

David Reed, Montgomery Chamber Chairman added the Chamber’s economic development strategy to diversify the regional economy and recruit and retain talent plays a major role in the rankings released on Wednesday.

“You are seeing the results of a great public-private team, that is committed to creating jobs and opportunities for Montgomery and the River Region,” said Reed. “Integral to that effort is our invaluable partnership with the Alabama Department of Commerce and we look forward to continued success with the support of Governor Ivey, a long-time champion for jobs in Alabama.”