HUNTSVILLE — When it comes to business and manufacturing, Alabama is the envy of the nation and needs to stay on that path.
That was the tenor Thursday at the National Association of Manufacturers annual State of Manufacturing update. The event at Drake State Community and Technical College was to show the public and potential students how the advanced manufacturing industry plays a defining role in workforce development, training, and education.
“Alabama has prioritized lowering the cost of doing business and supporting business, investment, and growth,” association CEO Jay Timmons said. “Successful states do exactly that. The Business Council of Alabama is our state partner. They’ve been phenomenal at working with the state Legislature and the governor to ensure that competitive policy is not only taking root here but thriving in the state. So I’d give Alabama an A-plus for creating a positive environment in which to invest, grow jobs and raise wages.
“You just need to stay on the same path that you’re on because other states look to Alabama with envy because of some of the things that you’re doing.”
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong explained why schools like Drake State are important for advanced manufacturing in Alabama.
“Well, it’s critical of what we do here. You look at advanced manufacturing is how we diversified when I was chairman of the Madison County Commission,” said Strong (R-Monrovia). “It’s paid dividends for our community. You look at the jobs, you look at what’s going on here in advanced manufacturing.
“Other states could take note because our workforce is up to the task and it has worked for our community.”
Strong pointed to well-paying careers as an incentive to draw employees into manufacturing as retirements in the industry rise.
“I think the thing is you got to start early. You’ve got to let the students know what they can do,” he said. “They mentioned today you can make a six-figure income working in advanced manufacturing. I think that’s pretty unique to be in your early 20s and making a six-figure income in advanced manufacturing.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said advanced manufacturing gives students not interested in a traditional four-year degree a new avenue for success.
“Young people coming out of school weren’t necessarily going to be rocket scientists,” he said. “They weren’t necessarily going to be that degree professional or an engineer. But they needed a chance, they needed opportunity. And then their our opportunity came in advanced manufacturing.
“As we were able to bring on the Toyota motor manufacturing, as we were able to bring along the Navistars, the Mazda-Toyotas, the Polaris’, and all those companies that came in and provided for advanced manufacturing, we offered the opportunity. The young people coming out of school could come through, they could get some certification from our two-year colleges and go straight into those industries, or they could go straight in and do it with experience.
“What we did is make sure that everybody had the opportunity to succeed and grow.”
Don’t miss out!  Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
