Luther Strange bids farewell to Senate colleagues, recaps Senate accomplishments
Senator Luther Strange on Thursday had a final lunch with his colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference. At the lunch, Strange was presented with the Golden Gavel in recognition of 100 hours presiding over the Senate, and thanked his colleagues, especially Alabama’s senior Senator, Richard Shelby, for supporting his work on behalf of the state. Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Kentucky-Republican U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell paid tribute to Strange’s contributions: “In this historic year for the Senate, Luther quickly emerged as a strong voice on policy and an important vote on landmark legislation. And on a personal level, it didn’t take anyone long to realize that this newcomer would rank among the most diligent, dedicated, and public-spirited members of this institution,” said McConnell. “We wish him every success in his future endeavors, and we salute him for the dedicated service to the people of Alabama.” Since succeeding Jeff Sessions, Strange amassed several accomplishments to advance a conservative agenda benefiting the families and businesses that call Alabama home, including: Delivering one of the 51 votes needed to pass a once-in-a-generation tax relief package, which will increase take-home pay for Alabama families and make American businesses more competitive. Casting a generational vote to send Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court and filling a record-breaking 12 Federal circuit court vacancies in less than a year with qualified, conservative judges, including Alabama’s own Kevin Newsom to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Repealing the onerous burden of the Obamacare individual mandate, which for too long had taxed hardworking Alabamians for a product they did not want and could not afford. Rolling back the regulatory state by voting to repeal 15 oppressive Obama-era regulations that restricted freedoms and hampered economic growth, saving American taxpayers $36 billion. Joining the Senate Armed Services Committee to deliver the largest annual increase in resources for America’s armed forces (NDAA), bringing the F-35A fighter program and $3 billion in capital investment to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, and fighting to secure a record-high Senate authorization of three Littoral Combat Ships, made in Mobile, AL. As a member of the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, championing American energy independence by passing a bill to unlock domestic energy resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and by designing the Strange-Cassidy amendment, passed to support Alabama’s coastal communities. Giving Alabama a voice on the Senate Agriculture Cmte. for the first time in over 20 years, and securing visits to the state from Ag Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to hear from Alabama farmers. Upholding second amendment rights by leading an NDAA measure to transfer surplus handguns to the Civilian Marksmanship Program in Anniston, AL, for public sale. Fighting for better access to quality care for America’s veterans by revamping hiring procedures at 1,200 VA health facilities to attract top-notch medical providers, and passing a bill that extends veterans’ access to healthcare choices. Securing the future of cutting-edge space and missile defense development in Huntsville, AL by ensuring the shift of orbital missions to American-made rockets and exceeding President Donald Trump’s request for increased missile defense spending to meet North Korea’s threat. “When I arrived in the Senate, I knew that the people of Alabama wanted results, not rhetoric,” said Strange. “From day one, I’ve been working hard to serve them honorably and get things done that matter to them. The achievements won alongside President Trump and my colleagues are already having a concrete impact on Alabama’s families and communities, and I am proud of this record of success. ”
Will Davis: AMEXIT — It’s time to ditch the U.N.
“A forum for anti-semitism & anti-americanism.” Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a former presidential candidate, and one of the country’s leading voices on foreign policy had these harsh words for the United Nations in a Tweet back in February. Rubio also questioned the continued funding for an organization that treats America and her allies with such hostility. This followed a general assembly vote 128-9 to condemn the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Now it’s time for Rubio and his GOP colleagues to put their money where there mouth is and cease funds to this wretched organization. Make no mistake, I am not an advocate of isolationism, and alliances with countries that we can count on are of the upmost important. But, it is now clear that the United Nations has outlived it’s purpose. Today, the institution that was created to prevent war has done more to inspire it. The institution that was created to promote freedom and democracy now promotes tyranny and authoritarianism. Nearly half of the security council’s recent condemnations have focused on Israel, while ripping the U.S’s relationship with them. Since Israel was officially recognized as a state in 1948, the security council has issued 225 resolutions against the democratic state, while by comparison, ignoring the theocratic, terror-supporting states that surround them. This is the exact opposite of what the U.N. was created to do. It is time for the U.S. to ditch this failed institution and form coalitions with countries that we can count on. Countries that share our values. The communist, socialist, and radical islamic states that dominate the discourse at the U.N. can find a forum elsewhere, but there is no reason that forum should be on our soil. Last year, the people of Great Britain stood up for their sovereignty and against unaccountable Bureaucracy, leaving the corrupt European Union. This year, it’s time for the United States to do the same. It’s time for our own Brexit. Our Amexit. ••• William Davis is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. There he is involved in various conservative groups and organizations.
ALDOT releases travel advisory, urges caution on roads during holidays
The busiest travel period of the Christmas season begins Friday, and many Alabamians are hitting the roads to be with friends and family. Experts are predicting a record year-end travel volume for the 2017 holiday season, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasting 107.3 million Americans taking various forms of transportation from Saturday, Dec. 23 through Jan. 1. Some reports are predicting road trips may take as much as three times longer than normal and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is reminding travelers to have patience and drive responsibly this holiday season. To ease holiday traffic congestion statewide and as an added safety precaution, ALDOT officials said no temporary lane closures will be made on Alabama interstates from noon, Friday, Dec. 22, through midnight, Monday, Dec. 25, and after noon, Friday, Dec. 29, through midnight Monday, Jan. 1. “During the 2016 Christmas and New Year holidays, fatalities on Alabama roads were up 44 percent over the previous year,” said Allison Green, the Drive Safe Alabama coordinator with ALDOT. “Reversing that trend in 2017 is in the hand of drivers, as they make safety a priority while out enjoying their holiday celebrations.” ALDOT’s three highway safety tips for the holidays: Drive sober. In December 2016, there were 781 people in the United States that lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes. Always wear a seat belt, including passengers in front and rear seats. The odds greatly favor those wearing a seat belt. The latest data shows that about 60 percent of Alabamians who die in vehicle crashes are not buckled up. In comparison, about 98 percent of people involved in vehicle crashes that are unharmed were reported to have been wearing their seat belts. Put away cell phones and other distractions. Drivers are 23 times more likely to be in a crash if they are texting and driving. For more safe driving tips visit the Drive Safe Alabama Facebook page.
API presents the 2017 Naughty and Nice List
The Alabama Policy Institute staff made a list and we’re checking it twice as we think back on 2017 and what was “naughty” or “nice.” What made your list this year? Nice: The legislature passed four pro-life bills this year… This year, the legislature passed four bills each that aim at protecting the sanctity of life, plus a bill that legalizes midwifery in Alabama. The pro-life bills included a ban on assisted suicide, a provision that ensures the right-of-conscience of health-care providers, a bill that allows adoption agencies to operate and place children under faith-based policies, and a constitutional amendment affirming the right to life of unborn children. It is great to know that our lawmakers are unafraid to stand up for individuals’ rights and the right to life. Naughty: But the legislature did not pass the changes to the Alabama Accountability Act, which would have broadened access to school choice for more of Alabama’s schoolchildren. Amendments to the Alabama Accountability Act (AAA) would have expanded the pool of donors and donations to the AAA, thus enhancing opportunities for children to have school choice who otherwise would have none. In 2016, donations to the AAA dropped from $25.8 million to $19.9 million.* If the system is not funded, schoolchildren will be forced to return to the failing schools they left. These amendments addressed the funding problem, but unfortunately, they did not pass. We’ll try again next time! Nice: Alabama has a female governor! Governor Kay Ivey has faithfully served our state in many different capacities over the course of her career. Now, she’s Alabama’s top-ranking government official. Among other things in her first year, Governor Kay Ivey has met with President Donald Trump to discuss infrastructure, dissolved several Bentley-era task forces, and unveiled a gubernatorial initiative called “Strong Start, Strong Finish,” which focuses on early childhood education, computer science in middle and high school, and workforce preparedness. You go, Gov. Naughty: Unfortunately, the events leading up to her appointment were not the best. I really don’t want to relive the saga of former Governor Robert Bentley and I don’t think that you do either. He used state resources on activities related to his alleged affair. He reportedly asked Alabama’s top cop about arresting his own wife for recording his phone calls. According to testimonials, he threatened state employees. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Alabamians have so much to be proud of, but this whole ordeal was particularly embarrassing. Nice: In a recent survey, Alabama ranks fourth in the nation in charitable donations. According to a survey by WalletHub, Alabama is fourth behind a three-way tie of Utah, Georgia, and Wyoming in highest percentage of income donated to charitable causes. That doesn’t come as much of a surprise in a state as conservative as Alabama. The truth is that government aid does not compare to the abilities of individuals who give to private charity. I’m proud to live in a state where people realize the importance of giving. Naughty: The events leading up to the resignation of Superintendent Michael Sentance were an actual debacle… (And even naughtier were several of the school board members) Michael Sentance was hired as the State Superintendent of Education in August 2016. Almost immediately, his tenure was surrounded by controversy, at no fault of his own. While Sentance came to his job with an abundance of fresh ideas from his time working in education in Massachusetts (which ranks 46 places higher than Alabama in overall education) members of the state school board seemingly felt threatened. For months, rumors swirled about the school board taking steps to fire him. In September, he resigned from his post. The search for a new superintendent begins again. When will we put Alabama students above politics? Naughty: But Sentance’s resignation pales in comparison to the fiasco of the U.S. Senate Special Election. This election was one of the ugliest in recent Alabama history. Friends turned into enemies, and you couldn’t turn on the TV or radio without having to endure political ads. In the general election, 21,000 voters were so disgusted with their choice of candidates, they showed up to vote but did not cast a ballot for either one. The Alabama Secretary of State’s office estimates that between $10 million to $15 million were spent to hold the special election, and over $10 million were spent by the two candidates in the general election. In a state as charitable as Alabama, imagine how much could have been done for others with all that money. Nice: Over the last year, Alabama has added a net of close to 30,000 jobs. In the most up-to-date numbers from October 2017, Alabama added 29,400 jobs to its economy since January 2017. Even better news, the unemployment rate is the lowest on record at 3.8%. According to the latest numbers from U.S. News and World Report, Alabama ranks seventh in the nation in poverty. You know what’s a guaranteed way to pull people out of poverty? Having a job. Way to go, Alabama. ••• Taylor Dawson is Director of Communications for the Alabama Policy Institute (API). API is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to strengthening free enterprise, defending limited government, and championing strong families. If you would like to speak with the author, please e-mail communications@alabamapolicy.org or call (205) 870-9900.
How a Birmingham man needed a team of bankers to save his marriage proposal
The plan percolated in Mark Adams’ head for weeks, months even. Scratch that. It actually began at his little sister’s wedding 18 months earlier, when he first met Maeve Johnson, a friend of the groom. The attraction between the two was instant. Now Adams was already contemplating wedding plans of his own. But before there could be a wedding, there had to be a proposal. He had the moment, a Friday evening after work trimming the Christmas tree. He had family on alert and friends scheduled to stop by and celebrate. And he had an engagement ring, snug and protected in a safe deposit box. Then it began to snow. “I’m at the office early on Friday, for just a little while, and it starts to snow,” Adams said. He brushed the initial flakes off because a dusting was expected throughout the state, including Birmingham. Then the snow continued. “It’s Alabama. Everything shuts down,” Adams said. “It hadn’t crossed my mind to take the ring out before because it was supposed to snow a quarter of an inch, then stop.” Worried that his dream date was falling apart, he headed to his bank branch to retrieve the ring. The bank was closed. “Now it’s snowing hard. I’m already nervous and stressed about the entire day. Now I’m hitting the panic button. I’d worked on this since Thanksgiving and didn’t think I could go another day.” Adams called Maggie Cornelius, Johnson’s sister and an attorney who had connections. She called two execs with Adams’ bank – Regions Bank Deputy General Counsel Jeff Lee and Marc Bromstad, part of the Mergers & Acquisitions team. Adams called Kate Danella, the head of Private Wealth Management at Regions. In return, they made calls, and up to a dozen people at Regions began figuring out how to salvage the young man’s big day. It meant someone would have to risk the elements. Leslie Nilges, the manager of the Crestline branch, was with her family in suburban Trussville when she got a call asking for her help. “There was no way I was going to tell his gentleman ‘no,’” she said. She left everyone behind, hopped in her car and began making a 45-minute, nerve-wracking commute not knowing what to expect in terms of road conditions. “I’m from the Midwest, so I’m used to driving in the snow. But that’s on treated roads,” Nilges said. “When I got on I-459 and saw a salt truck in the ditch, I was a little concerned.” Crestline is a hilly Birmingham neighborhood, on the spine of Red Mountain, and is accessed with hairpin turns and up-down streets like a paved roller coaster. She navigated slowly and defensively towards her destination. She still needed help. “We have to have two people to open the door, and there has to be a second person (from the bank) in the vault,” Nilges explained. “That’s operational procedure.” Lisa Law, senior vice president for Branch Support Services, was working nearby from home when she got an instant message from Denise Canfield, the head of Branch Support and Branch/ATM Delivery. “A customer needed our help at the Crestline Branch and I was asked if I could assist,” Law said. “I had no idea what the issue was but I made a call and offered to help. Once we learned it was an engagement ring, we all agreed we were going to make sure he got it. Really, it was just another day at Regions and another reason I love working with the people I do.” Nilges and Law were soon joined by Mike Jordan, a Private Wealth Management executive who was part of the original phone calls. “Lisa and Leslie were there for him, and it was a great outcome for the customer,” Jordan said. On the worst/best day of his life, Mark Adams had his ring. “I wanted to go across the street to the Pig (Piggly Wiggly) and get them a bottle of champagne to celebrate, but they wouldn’t let me,” Adams said. “This is what we do every day,” Nilges explained, “and that’s what makes it gratifying. Of course, it’s not every day that your heart’s beating a mile a minute and you’re racing through snow to help save someone’s day.” Back home, Adams launched his plan by lighting the tree before Johnson’s arrival to cut down on pregaming. They hung ornaments, then talked about Christmas and futures. Then Adams stopped and dropped to a knee, offered his heart and presented the ring. “I was shocked and thrilled when Mark proposed,” Johnson said. With a “yes” to seal the deal, Adams shared his snow day misadventure. “I can’t believe what he went through and the lengths that so many went to make this happen for us,” Johnson said. “I’m thankful to everyone for making this a day I’ll truly never forget.” A week later, Adams can laugh at what transpired. “It’s great how it all worked out, even better than scripted,” Adams said. “But I couldn’t have pulled it off without a lot of help and a lot of tough logistics. I’m grateful to Regions for making this happen, for letting me in and getting me on our way.” All in a day’s work, Nilges said. “We are here to make things happen,” she said. “We are dream makers, not dream crashers.” Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
GrowSmart helps small businesses in Alabama help each other
The Alabama Small Business Development Center Network has some business-savvy instructors leading GrowSmart but the true genius in the program is the collaboration of participants. GrowSmart is the signature program within Alabama SBDC aimed at entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses. Through five modules held one day per week for five weeks, companies learn the secrets behind self-analysis and management in the modern business climate. “GrowSmart is not death by PowerPoint. It is not a lecture,” said Michael Brooks, associate director of the Alabama SBDC at the University of Alabama. “It is working on your business – using the tools and talking about the tools business owners need to grow their business. (It’s) interactive and also helps to build community because you’ve got small businesses – not competitors, nobody competing directly with each other – working with each other, sharing notes, commiserating and then sharing successes of how they’ve overcome and how they’ve succeeded.” Suzanne Howell, supplier diversity analyst with Alabama Power, said the company has sponsored the program for two years and sponsors small businesses to participate in the program. “People are able to bounce ideas off each other,” she said. “Each of the business owners have shared things that they’ve experienced over the years. We’ve had people who have been in business for 30, 35 years and then there have been some businesses that are just early stages – three or four years – so it’s been interesting to see some of the businesses that have been in business for years share things and then you see those young business owners have an ‘Aha!’ moment.” One of those moments came from Joe Daniel, president and owner of Streamline CXO. “I was cautiously optimistic about what to expect. I wasn’t real sure but I figured I would come explore because you can always learn something,” he said. “What I got out of it was much more. It’s been very beneficial. The information that was shared was not just relevant, but it was timely. It wasn’t just the same old business class information. It was actually things that are going to help us in our efforts.” Brooks said the program started in Georgia, where Georgia Power, Alabama Power’s sister company, supported it and saw how it helped small businesses grow. “The SBDC provides training and technical assistance to small- and medium-sized companies that are in growth mode, and GrowSmart we identified as an established, proven training program with a very long track record,” Brooks said. “We work collaboratively with our friends at the Georgia SBDC. Just like Alabama Power and Georgia Power collaborate on projects, this was a great transfer of a program that worked really well in our neighboring Georgia and we wanted to bring that into Alabama to help our small businesses start and grow.” Coincidentally, Cheryl Estes Hollis, founder and CEO of Sweet Seats, commuted from Georgia each week to participate in Alabama’s most recent GrowSmart program at Innovation Depot in Birmingham. “Our company is headquartered in the Atlanta area and we are opening a second location here in the Birmingham area,” she said. The specialty chair rental company offers stylish seating for events and special occasions. It will soon open its first Alabama location in Homewood. Hollis said she will use what she learned in GrowSmart as she expands her business. “I had no idea, really, what to expect but the information has been priceless, the networking has been invaluable and there are just so many great nuggets that I was able to obtain and I’m looking forward to applying to my business,” she said. Brooks said the hope is that companies don’t just end up with useful notes but are actually able to put what is learned into practice. “We want people to walk away with the tools that they need to grow their business,” he said. “Each business had a different weak spot and they identified those. Some folks are changing the way they provide leadership within the company. Some are changing their HR issues. Others have experienced a whole new world of financial management that they were hesitant to explore before or they were very quick to turn over to a bookkeeper or CPA and they’re bringing that knowledge and expertise in-house.” SBDC is an outreach program of the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce. For more information on the GrowSmart program or to sign up for future classes, visit the Alabama SBDC Network’s GrowSmart page. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Montgomery lands Air Force’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission
For over two years, unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabama’s congressional delegation have worked together to bring the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala. On Thursday all of their efforts paid off when the U.S. Air Force announced Montgomery landed the coveted mission. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson made the announcement that the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing was chosen as the home for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet mission. “I am thrilled and very pleased that the 187th Fighter Wing has been chosen as the home for the new F-35 fighter jet,” Governor Kay Ivey said of the news. “This announcement is huge for the River Region, it is huge for Alabama and is certainly a welcome gift for us as we approach Christmas. The decision to send the F-35 to Montgomery is a testament to the quality of our people and our workforce, and further cements Alabama’s reputation as the leading aerospace state in the nation.” The F-35 is the military’s latest fighting machine and will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighter planes, which are currently in use. The 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard currently includes a squadron of F-16 fighter jets, a combat communications group, an RC-26 reconnaissance aircraft squadron, and an eagle vision unit. The 187th was one of five Air National Guard units on the short list to receive the F-35. “The Alabama Air National Guard is dedicated to excellence in protecting both our state and nation,” Alabama Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon commented. “We look forward to adding the F-35 to our slate of tools available to enable us to carry out our mission.” “Today is a historic day for Alabama and the River Region,” added Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby who worked to bring the project to her District. “I could not be prouder of the men and women of the 187th for how they demonstrated their capability to carry out this special mission. There’s no question that our community’s firm support for our military installations and units made a big impression on decision makers. With today’s announcement, we know this unique unit has a very bright future with the F-35.” The F-35 decision builds on the long and proud history of the 187th Guard Unit which is also home to the historic Tuskegee Airmen Red Tail Fighters. As a result of the decision, the City of Montgomery and the River Region will receive approximately $3 billion in new capital investment and $70 million in new construction. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who also represents part of Montgomery in Congress, joined Roby in celebrating the decision with her District. “What amazing news! I am thrilled that our district’s t Unit will become the first home in the Southeast to F-35 fighter jets,” said Sewell. “I am so proud of the unit commanders, federal, local and state leaders, and all those in Montgomery and the River Region community for working together to win the F-35 competition. The F-35 builds on the legacy of military excellence exhibited by the 187th Fighter Wing, which is home to the famed ‘Red Tails.’” Ala. Sen. Richard Shelby agreed, and said he looks forward to seeing the success of this new project. “This announcement by the Air Force is excellent news for our state and a true testament to Alabama’s work in the defense sector,” said Shelby. “The strong support of the community, along with the proximity of Dannelly Field to several other major military bases, saving both time and money, led Air Force Secretary Wilson to choose Montgomery for the new F-35A fighter jet program. I am extremely proud of the operational strength of the 187th Fighter Wing, and I look forward to seeing the success of this new undertaking.” Once production is concluded, the 187th Fighter Wing will receive the F-35 as a replacement of the F-16. The delivery of the F-35 fighter jets is slated for 2023.
Hexcel to expand Alabama plant, creating 90 jobs with $200M project
Alabama officials announced that the existing Hexcel Corp. production site in Decatur has been selected by the company for its first integrated U.S. carbon fiber and PAN production facility. When completed and fully operational, the expansion will add about 90 jobs to Hexcel’s existing workforce in Decatur. The expansion was announced at a ceremony in Decatur attended by Hexcel executives, state officials and local leaders. The project is part of the company’s strategic plan to ramp up production of advanced composites to meet increasing demand in the aerospace and industrial markets. Production is expected to begin in 2021. Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President Nick Stanage said the company conducted a comprehensive study for the project before choosing to expand in Decatur. “We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to Decatur, to the State of Alabama and to our existing team at the plant. We looked around the world at possible locations for this expansion, and the people of Alabama made it clear that Decatur would be the right choice,” he said. “Hexcel’s expansion plan underscores the company’s confidence in its loyal Alabama workforce and reflects the strong partnership that has been built in Decatur,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “I look forward to seeing Hexcel’s Alabama operation continue to grow and thrive.” Stamford, Connecticut-based Hexcel, which was founded in 1948, operates 22 manufacturing sites with more than 6,100 workers. Sales last year totaled $2 billion. The Decatur facility produces polyacrylonitrile, or PAN, a precursor of carbon fiber. “Alabama stands in the center of the emerging Southeastern aerospace cluster, and we want to penetrate all levels of the industry supply chain,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The growth of companies such as Hexcel shows that we are positioned for an expanding role in that supply chain.” $200 million investment According to the Morgan County Economic Development Association (MCEDA), Hexcel’s investment in the expansion project is approximately $200 million, adding to previous investment totaling $691 million in the facility. “This exciting announcement for Morgan County reinforces our qualified workforce and competitive location. We appreciate Hexcel’s investment and look forward to their continued growth in Morgan County,” said Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long. “The size of this capital investment makes it one of the largest in the history of Morgan County and will pay long-term dividends to local schools and governments,” state Sen. Arthur Orr said. “We are grateful for Hexcel Corp.’s renewed commitment to the people of this area and look forward to an enhanced, mutually beneficial relationship.” Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling said, “I have been associated with Hexcel since 1988, when they were known as Hispan. Since those early years, Hexcel leaders have continued to invest in Decatur, and they have remained a leader in the growing carbon fiber industry. This investment is a reflection of a wonderful economic development community led by our EDA staff, a strong workforce, and our logistical advantages.” Joining MCEDA and the Alabama Department of Commerce on the project recruitment team were the Morgan County Commission, Decatur’s mayor and City Council, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
