Economic Development Association of Alabama recognizes governor's leadership after more than $55 billion in investment, 93,000 new jobs and record-breaking business recruitment efforts statewide.
POINT CLEAR, Ala. | Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey received one of the state's highest honors for economic development leadership this week as the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) presented her with its Distinguished Service Award during the organization's 2026 Summer Conference.
The award recognizes Ivey's nearly decade-long commitment to expanding Alabama's economy through aggressive business recruitment, workforce development and strategic investments designed to strengthen the state's competitiveness for domestic and international industries.
Presented at the Grand Hotel Resort and Spa in Point Clear, the award comes as Alabama continues one of the strongest periods of economic expansion in its modern history.
"Thank you, EDAA, for the Distinguished Service Award, and for helping make this the most historic period of economic growth in Alabama's history," Ivey said after accepting the honor.
"Our future depends upon those who work hard to bring local jobs home," the governor added. "I am truly humbled by this acknowledgment."
A RECORD OF INVESTMENT
Since taking office in 2017, Ivey has made economic development a defining priority of her administration.
According to the Governor's Office, Alabama has attracted more than $55 billion in new capital investment while creating more than 93,000 jobs during her tenure. The state has also experienced record employment levels and historically low unemployment rates as the manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defense, logistics, and technology sectors continue to expand.
Economic development officials credit a coordinated partnership among the Governor's Office, the Alabama Department of Commerce, local economic development organizations, utility providers and private industry for sustaining Alabama's recruitment success.
BUILDING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Ivey's administration has pursued several major initiatives aimed at positioning Alabama for long-term economic growth.
Among the most significant have been:
- Expansion of the SEEDS Act, providing funding for industrial site development.
- Modernization of the Alabama Jobs Act to enhance business recruitment incentives.
- Continued support for the Growing Alabama program to strengthen site readiness.
- Workforce development investments designed to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense and technology employers.
Together, these initiatives have focused on preparing communities for large-scale industrial projects, improving infrastructure, and expanding Alabama's inventory of "shovel-ready" development sites.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Distinguished Service Award follows another major achievement for the state.
Earlier this year, Area Development magazine awarded Alabama a 2026 Silver Shovel Award, recognizing the state's exceptional economic development performance and the significant capital investments announced throughout 2025.
The recognition further reinforces Alabama's reputation as one of the nation's most competitive destinations for industrial recruitment and corporate expansion.
PARTNERSHIP DRIVES SUCCESS
The Economic Development Association of Alabama represents hundreds of professionals engaged in recruiting business investment and expanding employment opportunities throughout the state.
Its annual conferences bring together elected officials, economic developers, utility representatives, site selection professionals, higher education leaders and private-sector executives to discuss emerging trends and strategies for strengthening Alabama's economy.
While accepting the award, Ivey emphasized that Alabama's success reflects a statewide team effort rather than the work of any one individual.
She credited local economic development professionals with helping communities compete for transformational projects that create jobs, strengthen tax bases and improve quality of life across Alabama.
As the state continues to pursue major industrial investments in manufacturing, defense, aerospace, electric vehicles, and advanced technology, economic leaders say maintaining strong public-private partnerships will remain critical to sustaining Alabama's record-setting momentum.
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-- By James W. Thomas
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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