LG Electronics to open Alabama solar panel plant, creating 160 jobs
LG Electronics, a leading provider of residential solar panels in the United States, announced plans on Wednesday to invest $28 million to open a world-class solar module assembly plant in Huntsville, Ala. creating 160 jobs. LG will establish the new factory with two production lines at an existing building on the company’s 48-acre campus in Huntsville, where the company has had operations for four decades. The new jobs will increase LG’s employment by 60 percent, to more than 400 workers. “LG has a long history as a leading corporate citizen in Alabama. Now, LG is launching our state’s first solar manufacturing plant, which represents a major milestone both for Alabama and for the company,” Governor Kay Ivey said of the announcement. “We look forward to seeing where this great partnership takes us in the future.” Soon Kwon, global president of the LG B2B (Business-to-Business) Company, said the new solar panel assembly plant in Huntsville underscores the company’s commitment to investing in the U.S. and to driving environmental sustainability. Starting in early 2019, LG’s new Alabama factory is expected to produce 500 megawatts of the company’s high-performance N-type solar panels annually. “That’s over a million solar panels a year,” Kwon said. The new solar plant will help LG better serve its U.S. customers, Kwon said. The company selected Alabama after conducting a competitive, multi-state search, he added. “We’re thrilled that LG selected Huntsville for its new solar panel assembly plant because the company considered many other locations for this project,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “LG is a world-class company, and its decision represents a powerful endorsement of Alabama’s advantages and its workforce.” The company’s new solar module plant builds on LG’s legacy of leadership in Huntsville. After starting as the company’s first U.S. manufacturing subsidiary in 1981, Huntsville became the home of LG’s service division in 1987, which expanded over the years to support LG’s growing presence in the United States. Today, as the headquarters location for North American service operations, LG Huntsville includes the technical call center, service training center, field service operations and parts warehouse. “LG has long called Huntsville home, and the solar panel assembly factory will add a significant new dimension to our Alabama campus,” Kwon said. “Huntsville’s high-quality workforce and LG’s established presence in the Rocket City point to a bright future for LG in Alabama.” The new factory will assemble LG’s “Neon 2” series 60-cell modules, which are high-performance solar panels, generating over 17 percent more power than most conventional panels. “LG has been a strong community partner in Huntsville for many decades — a relationship that has deepened through visits to the company’s headquarters in Korea and successful advancements in technological innovation,” added Mayor Tommy Battle. “LG chose Huntsville as the place to do business in the U.S. more than 30 years ago, and they’ve chosen Huntsville again as a place to prosper with the new solar module plant.” “With the expansion of LG in the Huntsville-Madison County, Alabama region, LG will utilize the latest technology in a high-growth market to produce these solar panels,” said Dale Strong, chairman of the Madison County Commission. “The diversity and worldwide recognition of the Madison County economy demonstrates we continue to thrive with our finest hours still ahead.”
Five things you need to know about Jim Zeigler
Incumbent State Auditor Jim Zeigler ran circles around his opponents in the June primary, taking home 55 percent of the vote. But now that the primaries are over, the real battle has begun. Zeigler one again faces Democratic nominee Miranda Joseph in the November 6 general election, creating a bit of a déjà vu for voters as the two ran against one another in 2014. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Jim Zeigler: 1. He’s been Alabama’s state auditor since 2014, and has served in one other state office. Zeigler served on the Alabama Public Service commission in the 1970’s, and after running several unsuccessful campaigns for statewide offices in the early 2000’s, he was elected State Auditor in 2014. Since then he has been working hard: announcing a budget plan to save the state’s park system in 2015 and launching a volunteer-based program within his office to investigate claims of waste, fraud and abuse within Alabama state government, to his most recent quest to solve Alabama’s infrastructure problems; he’s become a public fixture nobody expected. 2. His background is in law and he practiced law for over 20 years. Originally from Sylacauga, Ala., Zeigler earned his JD from the Jones Law Institute at Faulkner University in Montgomery; obtaining his license in 1978. In 1993, he opened his own private practice, practicing as a mediator, arbitrator, and attorney until 2015, when he was elected State Auditor. Zeigler recently voluntarily relinquished his law license, after deciding not to run for Alabama Attorney General. 3. He’s fought hard against government waste while in office and continually seeks to keep Alabama lawmakers in check. The Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) long contested “bridge to nowhere,” was a battle against wasteful spending Zeigler was willing to fight. Calling on ALDOT’s transportation director John Cooper to answer his questions about the need for an $87 million state-funded bridge project in Baldwin County — which would be a second bridge to Orange Beach, later saying the department needed to redirect funds from the bridge to the Mobile River Bridge and the I-10 Bayway Project. Zeigler has continued to “stir the pot” during his time in office, and seeks to continue what he sees as his job; keeping Alabama legislative officials in check. “I have a plan to turn the State Auditor’s office into a watchman against government mismanagement and waste,” Zeigler told Alabama Today. “It is starting to work.” 4. He was Student Government Association President at the University of Alabama. While in college, Zeigler served as President of the university’s Student Government Association (SGA) from 1970 to 1971. While there, he also served on the Athletic Committee with Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Note: Several members of the Alabama legislature have begun their political careers in universities student government associations. Governor Kay Ivey was a member of the SGA at Auburn University and Secretary of State John Merrill served as President of the University of Alabama’s SGA from 1986 to 1987. 5. He was one of the first legislative officials to file a complaint with the Alabama Ethics Commission regarding former governor Robert Bentley In March of 2016, before former governor Robert Bentley‘s impeachment process began, Zeigler filed a report with the Alabama Ethics Commission requesting they investigate Bentley’s affair with senior advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason. A frequent critic of Bentley’s Zeigler released a statement saying; “the governor continues to disgrace the state of Alabama, and in my official capacity as state auditor, I am required to report these suspected violations.” Bentley was later impeached for his inappropriate affair with Mason, resigning from office in April of 2017.
Steve Marshall’s wife Bridgette passes away
According to a release sent by Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office, Marshall’s wife Bridgette Marshall passed on Sunday morning after a long-time struggle with mental illness. “Bridgette was a devoted and much beloved daughter, wife and mother,” the release continued. “We ask that the people of Alabama keep the Marshall family in their prayers during this most difficult time.” Opponent Troy King issued a statement following the news of her passing saying, “Paige and I just learned of the tragic death of Brigette Marshall. Today is a sad and difficult day. Today we are not in different political campaigns or camps. We are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. We cannot imagine the deep sense of loss and grief the Marshall family must face.” “We offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for Attorney General Steve Marshall and his family and pray that God’s grace and peace and hope will enfold and sustain them.” “Out of respect for the Marshall family, I have paused my campaign during this time of mourning. I have directed that all of our advertising be stopped.” “May God hold them in the palm of His hand.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to the tragic news as well; “this morning, I was incredibly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Bridgette Marshall,” Ivey said. “Bridgette was the loving wife of Attorney General Steve Marshall and the caring mother of their daughter Faith. A mother is the backbone to a family and especially important to her daughter. I pray that Steve and Faith are comforted in this extremely difficult time.” “It is never easy to lose a loved one and certainly not as suddenly as this. I have spoken with Attorney General Marshall and offered my support. I know the people of Alabama will show the Marshall family great love and sympathy during this time.” After the news broke Sunday morning, condolences from Alabama’s legislative officials came pouring in. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt sent out a statement of his own, saying “My heart breaks for the family of Steve Marshall upon hearing of the passing of his wife Bridgette. I ask you to join me in lifting him, their daughter, family and friends in prayer at this tremendously difficult time.” Lieutenant Governor candidate Will Ainsworth express his sympathies via Facebook: My wife, Kendall, our children, and I send our prayers of comfort and solace to Attorney General Steve Marshall and his family. As fellow residents of Marshall County, Steve and his family are our neighbors, our friends, and our partners in Christ, so we share their hurt. I ask all Alabamians to join us in raising the Marshalls up in prayers of supplication as they seek the strength to move beyond this deeply personal tragedy. Alabama Public Service Commission President, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh also expressed condolences via Facebook, saying: Jeff and I are heartbroken after hearing of Bridgette Marshall’s passing today. Please join us in praying for Attorney General Steve Marshall, their daughter Faith, and the entire Marshall family. May God hold Steve and Faith in His arms and bring them peace and comfort in the days ahead. John 14:1-4
Amazon to create 1,500 jobs at Alabama fulfillment center
Internet retail giant Amazon confirmed plans today to open a fulfillment center in Jefferson County with 1,500 full-time employees working alongside advanced robotics technology. Amazon will build the 855,000-square-foot facility on 133 acres of property being purchased from U.S. Steel off Powder Plant Road in Bessemer, just minutes away from Birmingham. Investment in the project is expected to be $325 million. The Seattle, Washington-based company confirmed its plans for the Alabama facility today in an announcement that said the project is moving forward, following a series of public meetings with local governments. “We are thrilled to bring our first fulfillment center to the state of Alabama, creating 1,500 full-time jobs,” said Mark Stewart, Amazon’s vice president of North America customer fulfillment. “Alabama has a talented workforce and we look forward to making a positive economic impact in a state where we are committed to providing great job opportunities and an exceptional customer experience.” Employees at the Bessemer facility will work with technology created by Amazon Robotics to pick, pack and ship items to the company’s customers. “Amazon is one of the world’s most dynamic companies, and we couldn’t be more proud to see the company select Alabama for one of its high-tech fulfillment centers,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “This facility represents good jobs for our citizens and the beginning of a long partnership that I believe will see Amazon expand and grow in Alabama in the future.” Significant impact An analysis projects that the Amazon fulfillment center will generate a significant economic impact on Jefferson County and Alabama. The center will contribute $203 million to the county’s economic output annually, while adding $123 million to the county’s GDP, according to the study prepared by the Center for Business and Economic Research in the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business. The facility will contribute $232 million to Alabama’s economic output each year and add $137 million to the state’s GDP, the study says. Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley said the Amazon project represents the largest single private investment in the city’s 131-year history. As an added bonus, the company has pledged to create a tuition-assistance program for its workforce. “Amazon is bringing jobs and opportunity to our residents and students. I am particularly proud of the educational incentives Amazon will offer our young people: Get your high school diploma, work one year and receive $3,000 the next four years toward furthering your education,” he said. Growing tech jobs Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Amazon’s project perfectly aligns with a strategic emphasis to facilitate the growth of tech jobs across the state. “Amazon’s new fulfillment center in Bessemer will create a large number of high-quality jobs and feature cutting-edge automation and technological innovation,” Canfield said. “We’ve made recruiting technology-focused jobs a priority, and Amazon’s presence in the state will help us advance toward our goal.” This is Amazon’s second project in Alabama. In June 2017, the company announced plans for a $30 million “sortation center” in Mobile to accelerate delivery of online purchases. The facility will have 1,000 part-time workers during peak periods. Lee Smith, chairman of the Birmingham Business Alliance, said the successful recruitment of Amazon’s fulfillment center in Bessemer stemmed from a team effort that included a number of economic development agencies, utilities, transportation departments and others. “Amazon’s investment in our community is a big win for the Birmingham region,” Smith said. “This state-of-the-art facility will be able to accommodate an expanding workforce and a changing economy as Amazon continues to prepare for its future.” Amazon said full-time employees receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one. Amazon also offers generous maternity and parental leave benefits and access to innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will prepay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, more than 16,000 employees have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, to name a few. Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
Pro-life group warns voters against Walt Maddox: he’s ‘unwilling to fight to defend the unborn’
An Alabama pro-life group, Alabama Citizens for Life, is warning pro-life voters about voting for Walt Maddox in the November general election saying he is “entirely unwilling to fight to defend the unborn or oppose his party’s radical pro-choice agenda.” On Thursday the group sent out a news release claiming Maddox is “charading” as a pro-lifer and that if elected, Alabama babies who make it to 22 weeks could lose their legal protection of the right to their lives. The group also compares Maddox to Alabama’s newly elected senator Doug Jones. During his campaign for U.S. Senate, Jones went on record saying “the law for decades has been that late-term procedures are generally restricted except in the case of medical necessity. That’s what I support.” However, when H.R. 36: The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act came before the U.S. Senate for a vote to be brought to the floor, Jones voted against it, essentially killing the bill. “When it comes to protecting innocent human life, you either have a track record like Governor Kay Ivey or you have campaign promises like Doug Jones,” said the release. “All you will get is a candidate who falls in line with the entrenched and well financed pro-abortion lobby. Over the past several months, Democratic candidate for Governor Walt Maddox has been quick to label himself ‘pro-life’ but when pushed for more specifics, he evades the issue and calls it a ‘distraction.’” “The fact is Walt Maddox has refused to state he will support legislation that bans late term abortions, he will not commit to defunding Planned Parenthood, and he has repeatedly stated he will not try to fight any federal pro-abortion laws,” continued the release. “In other words, Maddox is entirely unwilling to fight to defend the unborn or oppose his party’s radical pro-choice agenda including abortion through all 9 months of pregnancy.If Maddox is elected, it becomes a reality that Alabama babies who make it to 22 weeks could lose their legal protection of the right to their lives.” The group warns pro-life voters to not be fooled by Maddox, saying that he’s using the term “pro-life” as campaign slogan, but will refuse any legislation to actually change any laws on abortion in the state.
Here’s what the SCOTUS ruling that states can collect online sales tax means for Alabama
In a decision that will impact online shopping for all Alabamians, on Thursday the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a South Dakota law that required online companies to collect and remit state sales taxes, even if that company did not have a ‘physical presence’ in the state. In the landmark ruling, the court reversed a 26-year-old decision and in saying that states can require internet retailers to collect sales and use tax in states where they lack a physical presence. In Alabama Alabama is expected to be among the states most likely to see the biggest percentage increase in revenue based on the Barclays research. The ruling is likely to lead the Yellowhammer State to collect sales tax on purchases from out-of-state online businesses more aggressively. Translation: many consumers will likely pay more at the online checkout. History behind the opinion Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote the majority opinion in the 5-4 decision, said the 1992 decision, known as Quill, resulted in “a judicially created tax shelter for businesses that decide to limit their physical presence and still sell their goods and services to a state’s consumers — something that has become easier and more prevalent as technology has advanced.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 1992 to 2018 internet and mobile sales have grown from zero to nine percent of all retail sales. Online sales are growing at four times the rate of total retail sales – 16 percent vs. 4.4 percent. The pre-internet era physical presence rule put “local businesses … at a competitive disadvantage relative to remote sellers,” and it “produced an incentive to avoid physical presence in multiple states,” Kennedy wrote in his opinion. Prior to the SCOTUS ruling In 2015, Alabama was looking for a solution to the problems they were encountering due to the Quill decision. That year, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) adopted a Simplified Sellers Use Tax program (SSUT) that took effect October 22: “Pursuant to this rule, an out-of-state seller with a substantial economic presence in Alabama will be required to collect and remit Alabama tax on its sales into the state, regardless of whether it has an Alabama physical presence. The rule imposes a collection obligation on out-of-state sellers who engage in one or more of the activities listed in Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-23-68, activities subjecting out-of-state sellers to the state’s sellers use tax levy, and who had $250,000 or more in retail sales sold into Alabama in the previous year. Out-of-state sellers may satisfy the rule’s requirements by collecting, reporting and remitting tax on sales made into Alabama pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, Chapter 23 of Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, or by participating in the Simplified Sellers Use Tax Remittance Program.” SSUT allowed, and continues to do so, participating sellers to collect, report, and remit an eight percent simplified sellers use tax on sales of tangible personal property delivered to Alabama purchasers, covering both state and local taxes. If SSUT is collected, neither the purchaser or the seller are liable for any additional use taxes on the transaction, regardless of whether the actual combined local and state rate is higher than eight percent. Before the SSUT was launched in 2015, online sellers with no physical presence in the state had no obligation to collect and remit use taxes on sales made within the state. Not only did this result in millions of dollars of revenue lost, but it also meant that brick-and-mortar retailers in the state, who did collect and remit sales tax, were at a disadvantage. In April 2018, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law HB470, which amended the 2015 SSUT law by requiring online marketplaces to collect and remit use taxes on sales made through their marketplaces by third-party sellers, or to report such sales to the Alabama Department of Revenue and notify customers of use tax obligations. The legislation also allows existing sellers participating in the SSUT that establish a physical presence in this state, only through the acquisition of an in-state business, to continue to participate in the SSUT program. What the changes mean for Alabama? Since it’s inception, approximately 185 online vendors have voluntarily joined the state’s SSUT program. They are protected from a change in the physical presence rule. Only if the change in law is caused by “the enactment of federal legislation” is their grandfather protection voided (see Ala. Code § 40-23-191 et seq.). What they’re saying “The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that online-only sellers should have to play by the same rules that in-state retailers do. Local retailers have been playing by the rules and collecting state sales tax on every purchase, every year since the Supreme Court’s original decision,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “This is a victory for Alabama’s Main Street retailers. No longer will the federal government select winners and losers in the retail industry. Our 4,200 retail members and our association have advocated for this decision for decades.” Brown added, “Out-of-state, online-only businesses will no longer have an unfair advantage over our friends and neighbors who own local businesses. This ruling clears the way for a fair and level playing field where all retailers compete under the same sales tax rules whether they sell merchandise online, in-store or both.” Ivey says the decision “will promote parity between our state’s brick and mortar businesses and competing out-of-state sellers.” “Technology and the advent of e-commerce has drastically changed the retail landscape and the states’ ability to collect sales taxes. The Supreme Court’s ruling related to online sales taxes is a common-sense approach that modernizes existing limitations on the taxation of e-commerce sales and will facilitate collections in our global, technology-driven economy,” said Ivey. “The change effected by the Court’s decision will promote parity between our state’s brick and mortar businesses and competing out-of-state sellers.” ADOR has not responded to request for comment at the time of publishing. *This article will be updated as the decision is reviewed further.
Mobile City Council asks Kay Ivey for Amtrak money
Members of the Mobile City Council are asking Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to approve funding to help restart passenger train service between New Orleans and the port city. WALA-TV reports members sent Ivey a letter Wednesday saying renewed Amtrak service would help increase tourism and economic development in Mobile. The governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi must commit almost $35 million total over three years by Thursday to be eligible for the same amount in federal funds that would let Amtrak trains travel the northern Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. Officials say Louisiana and Mississippi have committed money, but Alabama is refusing. Ivey’s office says she supports renewed rail service but isn’t committing money to the project. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Five things you need to know about Brad Mendheim
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Supreme Court, Place 1. Incumbent Brad Mendheim and Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Sarah Stewart both garnered enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election set for July 17. With that in mind, here are five things you need to know about Brad Mendheim: 1. He was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to replace Justice Glenn Murdock. In January 2018, Mendheim was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey after Alabama Supreme Court Justice Glenn Murdock announced his resignation. “In appointing someone to serve on the Alabama Supreme Court, it is imperative to appoint someone with impeccable legal credentials and with unquestioned character and integrity; Judge Brad Mendheim exceeds those requirements,” Ivey said in a news release. “With more than 17 years of judicial experience, Judge Mendheim will bring the valuable knowledge of a trial judge to the highest court in our state. As an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, I know Judge Mendheim will follow the law and serve with honor.” 2. He has served as a judge for over 15 years. In 2001 Mendheim was elected to serve as district judge in Houston County, a position he held until 2008 when he was elected to serve as a circuit judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit covering the Henry and Houston Counties near the Georgia and Alabama state lines. He was then reelected in 2014 for another six year term before Ivey appointed him as a Supreme Court judge in 2018. 3. He’s presided over 300 jury trials. According to Mendheim’s campaign page, he’s presided over 300 jury trials and has twice been called upon to has been called upon to sentence men to death for their convictions for capital murder. He’s also presided over numerous cases of crimes against children, violent felonies, criminal cases, and small claims cases over the course of his career. “I’ve been a trial court judge for most of my career, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the Supreme Court, while working with my new colleagues to ensure justice is achieved in every case we hear,” Mendheim said when he was appointed to the Supreme Court. 4. He served six and a half years as an Assistant District Attorney Before he became a judge, Mendheim worked at a law firm in Dothan for several years. He was then given an opportunity to serve as an assistant district attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit where he served for just over six years. “As a local prosecutor, he handled every type of criminal case, from the most minor traffic ticket to death penalty cases. Brad personally tried over 120 criminal jury trials, most of which were serious felonies and crimes of violence,” said Mendheim’s campaign page. 5. He was born in Dothan and still lives there. Born to the late Brady and Nancy Mendheim in Dothan, Ala. Medheim attended Auburn University to obtain his bachelors degree and Samford’s Cumberland School of Law for his J.D. But Mendheim had a love for his hometown, and returned after school to begin his career in law, and has spent 17 years serving the area as a judge.
Kay Ivey sides with Doug Jones, says import tariffs could hurt Alabama industry
Alabama’s Republican governor is separating herself from President Donald Trump on the issue of trade, saying import tariffs like those supported by the administration would hurt the state. Gov. Kay Ivey released a statement Monday saying import tariffs could cause retaliatory tariffs that would drive up the cost of items made in Alabama and sold abroad. The administration already has imposed duties on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, plus steel and aluminum from China, the European Union, Canada and Mexico. Ivey says growth in Alabama’s auto industry could be harmed if tariffs are imposed on U.S. goods around the world. Almost 60,000 people work in automotive-related jobs in the state. Both of Alabama’s U.S. senators, Republican Richard Shelby and Democrat Doug Jones, have previously said they oppose the tariffs. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Facebook to invest $750 million in Alabama data center with 100 jobs
Facebook announced plans [Thursday] to build a $750 million data center in Huntsville that will create 100 high-paying jobs and provide a boost to Alabama’s emerging technology sector. Gov. Kay Ivey joined Facebook officials and local leaders [Thursday] afternoon at an announcement ceremony for the data center project at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “We are excited to be joining the Huntsville community. As one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country, we knew it would be a great location for our newest data center,” said Matt VanderZanden, director of site selection at Facebook. “We are committed to having a positive impact at the local level and look forward to a strong partnership with the Huntsville community.” Facebook plans to invest $750 million to open a new data center in Huntsville with 100 workers. (Facebook) The Madison County facility will join Facebook’s global data center network, which keeps more than 2 billion users connected to the company’s family of services and apps, which include Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus. Once construction is completed, the Huntsville data center will employ 100 people in jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000. ”Every day, millions of people around the world use Facebook’s products, and this new Alabama data center will soon play a role in keeping the company’s popular platforms running flawlessly,” Ivey said. “Facebook has found a great location in Sweet Home Alabama, and we’ll do our best to help the company grow and prosper here.” Facebook’s data centers keep 2 billion users connected to the company’s apps and services. (Facebook) ‘Project Starbelt’ Known previously only by the codename “Starbelt,” the data center will be in the North Huntsville Industrial Park. Last month, the Huntsville City Council gave unanimous approval for the company’s project entity, “Starbelt LLC” to purchase 340 acres in the park for $8.5 million. Facebook said it chose Huntsville because of quality-of-life factors, the city’s pro-business environment and the area’s educated and available workforce. “Huntsville’s Gig City strategy to sustain our position as a leader in the knowledge economy has brought us a company that knows something about creating connections,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Facebook has built its business on connecting friends to family, businesses to customers, and people to the world. “Huntsville is proud to be the center of these connections with the construction of this data center.” Adding Facebook to the roster of high-tech companies operating in Alabama will serve to raise the state’s profile in the technology sector, which has been gaining momentum with new projects recently. “Facebook’s decision to locate its new, state-of-the-art data center in Huntsville reflects Alabama’s attractiveness to technology companies, and marks another important chapter in the growth story of our tech sector,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Facebook is a world-class company, and we look forward to building a lasting partnership that sets the stage for even more growth,” he added. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Kay Ivey awards grants to assist low-income, elderly Alabamians with bills
Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday awarded nearly $965K in grants to assist low-income and elderly Alabama residents with weatherizing their homes to lower energy costs. The grants, totaling $964,862, support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes. Priority is given to those with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children. “Many elderly and disabled residents are living on very limited incomes and often struggle to pay higher utility bills,” Ivey said. “These grants will help permanently lower the energy bills for many residents by making upgrades to keep their houses cool during these hot summer months.” Weatherization includes installing extra insulation in attics, walls and floors; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. The improvements, in addition to lowering energy bills, can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards. Ivey awarded the grants to 14 community agencies across the state that manage the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance. Below is a list of each grant, the recipient agency, counties served and the agency telephone number: $88,671 to Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Perry, Russell and Shelby) 334-262-4300 $33,145 to Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Coosa and Tallapoosa) 256-825-4287 $24,570 to Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) 334-821-8336 $62,990 to Community Action Partnership of Huntsville-Madison and Limestone Counties, Inc. (Madison and Limestone) 256-851-9800 $96,602 to Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (Jefferson) 205-327-7500 $93,956 to Mobile Community Action Inc. (Choctaw, Mobile and Washington) 251-457-5700 $61,247 to Montgomery County Commission (Montgomery) 334-832-1210 $78,713 to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston) 256-355-7843 $75,782 to Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair) 256-638-4430 $33,966 to Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale) 256-766-4330 $112,151 to Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes and Pike) 334-566-1712 $70,760 to Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox) 251-626-2646 $55,430 to Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne(Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega) 256-362-6611 $76,879 to Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa) 205-752-5429
Walt Maddox ready to debate Kay Ivey in gubernatorial bid
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey may not have been up for debating her GOP opponents ahead of the June 5 primary, but now Democratic nominee Walt Maddox is also calling her to the debate stage. Maddox, the Tuscaloosa-mayor who handily won the Democratic nomination, said he believes Alabama voters deserve to hear from both candidates on how they plan to address the state’s problems in health care, education and infrastructure. According to the Associated press, “Maddox campaign spokesman Chip Hill wrote Tuesday in a text message that Maddox looks forward to debating Ivey. Ivey campaign spokeswoman Debbee Hancock wrote in an email that, ‘There will be plenty of time for these discussions and decisions’ in the months ahead.” It remains to be seen whether or not Ivey will ignore Maddox’s request. Maddox and Ivey face-off Nov 6 in the general election.
