Economy
Birmingham Denies Application For Woodlawn Charter School
The Birmingham school board denied the application Thursday for a proposed charter school in Woodlawn.
Gas Tax Is a Top Priority in 2019 Legislative Session
A gasoline tax increase to fund road improvements is expected to be a major topic of the 2019 Alabama legislative session.
Ready, Set, Action: Birmingham’s Become a Film-Making Destination That Brings Jobs, Millions of Dollars to Economy
The Magic City is not quite Hollywood, yet. But Birmingham’s economy is getting a show business-sized boost with millions of film dollars flowing into the local economy. The city’s Red Mountain substituted for the Hollywood Hills, wearing the famous HOLLYWOOD sign in “Bigger,” one of dozens of films made in metro Birmingham in recent years.
Birmingham Pursues Two Federal Agencies to Fill Downtown Building
The City of Birmingham hopes the federal government will move two agriculture agencies to Birmingham and fill downtown office space that's been vacant since 2010.
Coal Coming Back in Some Alabama Communities
Coal mines are coming back in some parts of Alabama. Industry observers say easing of regulations and a steady demand for coal overseas means more mining jobs. That's welcome news in places like Brookwood in Tuscaloosa County, where coal is mined to produce steel.
Amazon Breaks Ground Oct. 2, Laying Path for Western-Area Development
The official groundbreaking on the new Amazon development in Bessemer will be Oct. 2, Jefferson County commissioners said Thursday.
$25 Million Alabama Futures Fund: ‘This state is open for business for startups.’
The new $25 million dollar Alabama Futures Fund will try to attract and grow promising startups in Alabama.
UAB Opens New Business School Building
UAB's business school has a new home. Officials cut the ribbon Friday in the new Collat School of Business building.
Tariffs Imposed By U.S., Trading Partners Hit Home In Alabama
President Donald Trump is battling with countries he says are unfairly hurting America’s foreign trade, but some of his moves may adversely affect industries in Alabama in the process.
Uncovering Elder Financial Abuse? It’s Tricky.
The elderly can be easy targets for financial abuse. First, they might have money saved from a lifetime of working. Plus they might not be as alert to scams or people taking advantage of them. Banks and other financial institutions can sometimes spot potential problems early. That’s just the beginning of what can be a sticky issue.
Seniors Find Opportunities and Challenges Returning to Work
It’s a good time to be in the market for a job in this state. And that goes for older adults too.
Amazon’s a Big Deal, but West Jefferson’s Economic Rebirth is Bigger and Broader
Bessemer reinvents itself. Again.
Data Center Announced for North Titusville Land
A major data center is coming to downtown Birmingham. Atlanta-based DC BLOX announced it will build what it is calling a technology and innovation campus at the former Trinity Steel site. The development has the potential to invest $785 million over 10 years.
Amazon Expected to Change Bessemer’s Economy
Bessemer city officials and Amazon have confirmed that the nation’s largest e-commerce company will build a $325 million fulfillment center along I-20/59 near Bessemer City High School.
Facebook to Build $750 million Data Center in Huntsville
State and city leaders announced Facebook's plans to build a $750 million data center in Huntsville. Gov. Kay Ivey discussed the project during a news conference Thursday in Huntsville. Ivey's office said the center will employ 100 people with an average annual salary of nearly $80,000.
Jefferson County Approves Incentives for $325 million Amazon Project
A new Amazon facility in Bessemer is one step closer to reality. Jefferson County Commissioners approved a package of incentives for the anticipated Amazon fulfillment center Thursday morning.
Amazon Eyes Bessemer for a Fulfillment Center
Amazon is strongly considering a Bessemer site for a new fulfillment center. If the project happens, it would likely bring at least 1,500 jobs.
Networking Company Wins Birmingham Startup Pitch Contest
A Birmingham startup focused on networking won $100,000 in a pitch contest for entrepreneurs.
Birmingham Startups Take a Turn in the Spotlight
AOL co-founder Steve Case will bring his "Rise of the Rest" tour to Birmingham Wednesday.
Birmingham Economy’s Prospects? Study Under Wraps Takes Exacting Look
This story by Robert Carter and Carol Nunnelley originally appeared in BirminghamWatch. In January, Alabama’s Department of Labor reported online help-wanted ads for 2,089 openings for registered nurses in the state. Only truck drivers were more highly sought. In metro Birmingham, the help-wanted website indeed.com listed more than 600 openings for jobs with the keyword […]
Apple CEO Commemorates King’s Legacy in Birmingham
Apple CEO and Alabama native Tim Cook returned to his home state today to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cook spoke to a diverse group of high school and college students at a Southern Christian Leadership Conference forum at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.
“Opportunity” the Key Word for Birmingham’s New Economic Development Director
Josh Carpenter, Birmingham's new director of economic development, says his focus is to create opportunity for people to become empowered.
Toyota, Mazda Announce Huntsville as Site for New Plant
Mazda and Toyota announced Huntsville as the city of choice for a new manufacturing plant on Wednesday.
Trump Plan Would Open Most US Waters to Drilling, Including Gulf
The Trump administration announced Thursday it’s planning to allow new offshore oil and gas drilling in more than 90 percent of U.S. waters, including the Gulf of Mexico. The administration would also offer a record number of leases to energy firms. Of those 47, 12 would be in the Gulf if the plan is approved.
How the Shipt-Target Deal Could Affect Birmingham
Target wants in on the same-day delivery business. And last week it announced it’s spending $550 million to buy the Birmingham-based startup, Shipt. The deal could have ripple effects for Birmingham.
Why Only Four Major Airlines Out of Birmingham?
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and for many of us that means traveling to see family. For those who have to fly, the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is the place it all begins. In a national ranking earlier this year, Birmingham’s airport was 63rd on the list. It lost points mostly stemming from the airport’s $50 million dollars […]
As Flu Season Begins, Shots Boost Health and Bottom Lines
It’s the start of flu season, which for many people means a date with a needle. If you’ve been to a drug store lately, you may have noticed some strong encouragement to get the shot. So why the big push? Is it just about health?
Birmingham Doesn’t Need a Headquarters to Take a Bite Out of Amazon
Birmingham is among dozens of cities fighting for Amazon's second headquarters. But another type of Amazon facility is more likely for the Magic City.
Will the Return of UAB Football Boost the City’s Bottom Line?
Sports economist Victor Matheson explains the potential economic impact of reviving UAB Football.
State Film Incentives Have Limited Impact in Birmingham
Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West discusses the affect of Alabama's film tax credits eight years after they were implemented.
Innovate Birmingham Aims for a Generational Economic Boost
Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West explains about the new economic initiative Innovate Birmingham.
Republicans Prepare for Battle in Senate Runoff
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses this week's U.S Senate primary and next week's municipal election in Birmingham.
