Alabama has had some unwelcome press in the past couple of months as its contentious senate race raised questions about its culture in the national spotlight. While some speculated the race had the potential to damage the state’s reputation among site selectors and business leaders, it’s unlikely to slow growth in its manufacturing sector.
Throughout November, Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore was plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls that allegedly took place in the ’80s. Moore retained support of his party and many citizens as articles in the national media said it reinforced Alabama’s image as being “backward” and behind the times in social progress.
Alabama has worked hard over the years to shed its image and has risen in many business rankings. It is one of the top states for manufacturing and is ranked #19 in Chief Executive’s 2017 Best & Worst States for Business. Jennifer Skjellum, outgoing president of Tech Birmingham, told NPR in early December that while she didn’t think the election would have a big effect on business, there was concern that it could drive away talent.
“Anything that shows Alabama voters or leaders not really thinking that this matters, that this is serious enough, is a problem,” Skjellum said.
“We have developed an almost unmatched track record in economic development over the years, and we’re going to work hard to continue that winning streak.”
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield told Chief Executive regardless of the news in the past couple of months, the state retains one of the strongest business climates in the country and will still be a top location for manufacturers. Alabama remains one of the top states for auto and aerospace manufacturing, and according to the National Association of Manufacturers, the sector accounts for 17 percent of total output and employes 13 percent of the state’s workforce. Companies that call Alabama home include Coca Cola Bottling, AT&T, HealthSouth and Vulcan Materials.
“News cycles, both positive and negative, are focused on topical interest of the day and they move on to whatever is topical in the next cycle,” said Canfield. “Companies are taking a long view and are basing decisions 20 to 40 years into the future as they make decisions on locating projects of substantial capital investment.”
Alabama has been awarded a number of big manufacturing projects in recent years. In December, Hexcel announced a $200 million expansion of its plant in Decatur, and Shaw Industries recently announced a $184 million investment in its manufacturing facility in Andalusia. Global auto supplier BOCAR Group recently announced a $115 million facility in Huntsville, and aerospace manufacturer Leonardo announced plans in March to construct its T-100 trainer jets in Tuskegee. Alabama also is one of two states being considered for a $1.6 billion Toyota-Mazda auto plant.
And while some may hold the perception its a backward state, Alabama has no shortage of highly skilled and educated workers. A recent analysis by SmartAsset put the Talladega-Sylacauga region as number one in the top best places to work in manufacturing. This was ahead of Rockford, Ill., Greenville, N.C., and Napa, Calif.
Canfield said it’s “business as usual” for the Department of Commerce and that they are actively working on a strong pipeline of projects in various industries across the state.
“We believe Alabama’s many advantages, including its skilled workforce and pro-business environment, will continue to attract investment from around the world. We have developed an almost unmatched track record in economic development over the years, and we’re going to work hard to continue that winning streak,” Canfield said.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
