Defense contractor making a big move
A renowned defense contractor who has called Research Park home for many years is relocating to a brand new headquarters building in Redstone Gateway. The 470-acre development at the Gate 9 entrance of Redstone Arsenal is already home to a number of big-names. Expect the announcement in the coming weeks.
ALDOT shake up?
Could big changes be coming to the Alabama Department of Transportation? The rumblings of recent weeks have gotten louder. The state agency employs approximately 4,000 people and expends or disburses more than $600 million per year.
Welcome to North Alabama
Mobile Congressman Jerry Carl is rapidly making the Rocket City a second home. He has visited the area several times in the last few months since the talk of him moving to the Appropriations Committee. He made the move in this Congress and local companies have been happy to brief him on Redstone’s needs. The second-term Congressman is well respected on Capitol Hill and around the state.
The more you learn, the more you earn
Fresh off a new economic impact report that shows their graduates gain an additional $11,300 annually, Calhoun Community College is expected to be a big part of workforce training and development conversations as the upcoming legislative session gets underway in Montgomery. With a total annual impact of 733.2 million, the largest two-year system in the state will be in the spotlight as legislators continue to address Alabama’s workforce woes.
‘Our Town’ going big
The Our Town Podcast will celebrate its first anniversary on April 4. Based on the number of episodes released thus far, its first year will conclude with 60-plus episodes in the books. However, 2023 is rumored to be a huge year for the podcast with a major announcement coming. The host, Troy Bye, has hinted at it in some of the episodes but sources say that the big announcement could come within the next couple of months. North Alabama’s newest favorite son won’t say much, but we hear it’s record-breaking.
A silver anniversary in Madison
Has it been 25 years? It was quite the uproar a quarter of a century ago when the “bedroom community” of Madison voted to leave the Madison County School System. Now, it is one of the top systems in the state and the “bedroom community” is a thriving city, now the 9th largest in Alabama. Congratulations to all.
Faster and faster
Broadband and gig speed internet service continues to be the talk across the region. Some spots from Huntsville to Stevenson have secured the service through Google and local electric cooperatives but other communities have been left on the outside looking in. With federal and state dollars floating around, leaders from Priceville to Hazel Green are looking at options to “wire” their neighborhoods as well with many of those working to woo Google Fiber whose service to much of Huntsville now carries speeds up to 2 gigs.
New resident for Town Madison
There’s been a lot of red clay moving lately around the Town Madison development. The latest addition will be a BJ’s Wholesale Club, their permit was obtained this week. The retail giant will be between Duluth Trading Co. and the Hilton Garden Inn, right along I-565. It will be the Massachusetts company’s Alabama location.
New Favorite?
Are Alabama Trump supporters jumping ship for Ron DeSantis? You might think so, based on the RSVPs for an upcoming dinner featuring the Florida governor in Birmingham. The Alabama Republican Party is hosting the possible 2024 presidential candidate and has already changed venues in order to accommodate ticket demand.
Who’s in, who’s out?
Candidates who will be on the ballot for the 2024 primaries for state and county offices can start raising money in a little over two weeks. It will be an early gauge to see which incumbents are seeking election. Races from U.S. Congress to county commission and local judgeships will be on the ballot.
Have a rumor or rumbling to share? Email [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
