On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Resicum International LLC plans to open an aviation training academy at Craig Field in Selma. The company provides flight training and maintenance support to government, commercial, and general aviation customers.
“I am proud to stand before all of y’all to announce Resicum International, a world-renowned woman and veteran-owned small business with a global reach will open an aviation training academy here at Craig Field!” Ivey announced at a public announcement event held in Selma.
Resicum plans to invest $1.3 million, creating 70 jobs over three years at its new operational hub at the former Craig Field U.S. Air Force base in Dallas County. The new jobs will pay an average wage of $30 an hour.
Resicum has signed a 10-year lease for a 50,000-square-foot hangar on the Craig Field flight line. Renovation work has already begun to prepare the historic facility for its new mission.
“We are exceptionally pleased to invest in Craig Field and expand our company in Selma,” said Resicum CEO Jeanine Ziervogel. “The location is ideal for our company’s expansion, and we look forward to ongoing growth of our aviation operations in this storied place.”
The Warrenton, Virginia-based company has made the decision to locate its aviation training academy at Craig Field, a facility where thousands of American and British pilots received flight instruction during World War II.
“Craig Field has aviation training in its DNA, so it’s great to see Resicum establish a facility in such a historic location that will tap into this rich heritage while also solidifying the future for this Selma landmark,” Ivey said. “This project has significant potential, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.”
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Resicum International‘s partnership with Craig Field will be an asset for Selma and Dallas County. Alabama has a history of leadership in aerospace and aviation. Not only will the training facility enhance Selma’s workforce, the redevelopment of the historic Craig Field will serve as a catalyst to bring other companies to the area.”
Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, praised the company.
“Craig Field offers growing aviation companies a lot of advantages, particularly when it comes to the preparation of the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Secretary Canfield. “Resicum represents an ideal partner as Craig Field continues to capitalize on these possibilities.”
Canfield explained that Craig Field’s long runway, large parking apron, and excellent hangar facility make it a perfect match for Resicum’s project. The groundbreaking of a new remote tower facility and Air Traffic Control Training Academy will further enhance the complex’s flight safety and training opportunities.
The Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority coordinated meetings with representatives from state agencies, including AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, to assist in the recruitment of the project. AIDT, a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, will work with Resicum to develop a local workforce training and hiring program.
“I am extremely happy that I had a part in bringing more jobs and economic development to Selma and Dallas County,” said EDA Executive Director Wayne Vardaman. “This is a quality company with a great reputation in the aviation community.”
“Our company is growing our aviation footprint nationwide and globally, and we look forward to welcoming students from around the U.S. and the world who wish to begin or enhance their aviation careers,” said Robert Baird, Resicum’s chief of operations.
Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority Executive Director Jim Corrigan said that he expects Resicum’s operation to act as a catalyst for growth in the region.
“We are extremely happy to help bring Resicum International to Craig Field,” said Corrigan. “Their credibility and growth potential will bring more jobs and economic prosperity to the Selma and Dallas County area.”
“It is exciting to have Resicum International expanding into Dallas County and providing such incredible career opportunities to our citizens,” said Judge Jimmy Nunn, chairman of the Dallas County Commission. “I am so grateful for our local leadership making Dallas County such a great place to invest and do business. Thanks to everyone for a job well done.”
“Once again, this is great news for Selma,” said Selma Mayor James Perkins. “Our logistics planning strategy starting with aviation is working even better than I predicted. Thank you, Resicum, for choosing Selma. Great job, Team Selma.”
Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce, stated, “Aerospace and aviation are key industries for Alabama’s economy, and the contributions of the state’s rural communities are vital to their success. Resicum made a great choice in selecting Selma because all the resources are in place to make this venture a success.”
Resicum is a corporate partner for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Special Operations Command.
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