State of Alabama News

Alabama Economic Alliance Announces New Members, Enacts Implementation Model

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:01:21 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] Montgomery - Three new Alliance members were announced during the Alabama Economic Development Alliance quarterly meeting: Dr. Thomas Bice, Alabama State Superintendent of Education; Susan Price, Interim Postsecondary Chancellor; and Dr. Robert Witt, UA System Chancellor.

Alabama Economic Alliance Announces New Members, Enacts Implementation Model

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:59:04 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] Montgomery- Three new Alliance members were announced during the Alabama Economic Development Alliance quarterly meeting: Dr. Thomas Bice, Alabama State Superintendent of Education; Susan Price, Interim Postsecondary Chancellor; and Dr. Robert Witt, UA System Chancellor.

Pike County Man Arrested in Recovery of Stolen Logging Trailer

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:03:11 GMT

[Forestry Commission, Alabama] A joint investigation by the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) and the Pike County District Attorneys Office has resulted in an arrest for theft of a 1995 logging trailer valued at $10,000. John David Mills, Jr., aged 36 of Goshen, was charged on May 7 with Theft in the First Degree.

Export-Import Bank Reauthorized by Senate

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:30:00 GMT

On a broad bipartisan vote of 78 to 20, the Senate voted Tuesday to extend the life of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and expand its authority to make loans to U.S. exporters.

Export-Import Bank Reauthorized by Senate

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:34:43 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] On a broad bipartisan vote of 78 to 20, the Senate voted Tuesday to extend the life of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and expand its authority to make loans to U.S. exporters.

Missing Children - BRIONE COWART

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

BRIONE COWART, a Black Female was last seen in Enterprise, Alabama.
Comments: On 05/14/2012 BRIONE COWART failed to report to school and there has been no contact since. If you have any information on the whereabouts of BRIONE COWART contact the Enterprise PD at (334) 347-1211.

SBA Deadline in Alabama to Apply for Economic Injury Loans Due to 2011 Drought and Excessive Heat is June 14

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:31:12 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes that June 14 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available in Alabama as a result of the drought and excessive heat that occurred from Jan. 1 through Aug. 30, 2011. The SBA's disaster declaration includes the following counties in Alabama: Choctaw, Lamar, Mobile, Pickens, Sumter and Washington.

Statement on ThyssenKrupp

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:23 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] The Alabama Department of Commerce has been in contact with officials from ThyssenKrupp since the release of the Executive Boards statement that it intends to examine strategic options in all directions for the plants of Steel Americas in Brazil and the USA.

Statement on ThyssenKrupp

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:59:21 GMT

SBA Deadline in Alabama to Apply for Economic Injury Loans Due to 2011 Drought and Excessive Heat is June 14

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:30:00 GMT

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes that June 14 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available in Alabama as a result of the drought and excessive heat that occurred from Jan. 1 through Aug. 30, 2011. The SBA's disaster declaration includes the following counties in Alabama: Choctaw, Lamar, Mobile, Pickens, Sumter and Washington.

On the Record: Susan Matlock, CEO and President of Innovation Depot

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:18:20 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] It's the fifth anniversary of Innovation Depot, an incubator at 1500 Second Ave. North downtown created from the merger of the Entrepreneurial Center, an incubator Matlock founded over a decade ago, and Office for the Advancement of Developing Industries, a high-tech incubator formerly at UAB. In an interview, Matlock talked about the success of Innovation Depot, which last year won the 2011 Technology Incubator of the Year from the National Business Incubation Association.

ADPH urges awareness of hepatitis during May

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:06:06 GMT

[Public Health, Alabama Department of] The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge the public to learn the risk factors of viral hepatitis.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Initiates Status Review of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:03:41 GMT

[Forestry Commission, Alabama] The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced a 90-day finding on a petition to list the eastern diamondback rattlesnake as threatened and designate critical habitat for the species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

National Health and Fitness Day Walk set for May 18 at the State Capitol

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:03 GMT

[Public Health, Alabama Department of] Get your walking shoes ready, and make your plans to take part in the Alabama Employee Health and Fitness Day Walk which will be held at noon Friday, May 18, at the State Capitol.

On the Record: Susan Matlock, CEO and President of Innovation Depot

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:30:00 GMT

It's the fifth anniversary of Innovation Depot, an incubator at 1500 Second Ave. North downtown created from the merger of the Entrepreneurial Center, an incubator Matlock founded over a decade ago, and Office for the Advancement of Developing Industries, a high-tech incubator formerly at UAB. In an interview, Matlock talked about the success of Innovation Depot, which last year won the 2011 Technology Incubator of the Year from the National Business Incubation Association.

ADPH reopens areas to oyster harvesting

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:19:07 GMT

[Public Health, Alabama Department of] State Health Officer Dr. Donald E. Williamson announced today the reopening of portions of Areas I, II and III of Mobile Bay that were temporarily closed to the harvesting of oysters on May 5, 2012. This includes Portersville Bay, Grand Bay and Heron Bay.

More Farms Vie for the $1 Billion Spent at Farmers Markets

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:01:31 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] There are 7,175 farmers markets in the countrytwice the number in the mid-2000s, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While a growing breed of consumer hungry for locally sourced food is obviously contributing to the uptick, competition from foreign and domestic agribusiness is also encouraging more independent farmers to try direct retail, says Larry Lev, a professor in the department of agricultural and resource economics at Oregon State University.

More Farms Vie for the $1 Billion Spent at Farmers Markets

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:55:00 GMT

There are 7,175 farmers markets in the countrytwice the number in the mid-2000s, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While a growing breed of consumer hungry for locally sourced food is obviously contributing to the uptick, competition from foreign and domestic agribusiness is also encouraging more independent farmers to try direct retail, says Larry Lev, a professor in the department of agricultural and resource economics at Oregon State University.

Health care mission to Black Belt deemed a great success

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:29:32 GMT

[Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs] Federal, state and local officials are calling a mission to provide short-term health care in three Black Belt communities one of the most successful ventures in the programs four-year history. An estimated 22,000 people received free dental and medical services at temporary clinics set up in Lowndes, Dallas and Marengo counties by military reserve medical personnel.

Payment Adjustment for Provider Preventable Conditions

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:57:41 GMT

[Medicaid] CMS has recently approved an Alabama Medicaid State Plan change effective October 1, 2011. Federal regulations mandate that all providers must report Provider Preventable Conditions (PPCs) to Medicaid.

Company To Provide 68 New Jobs at ThyssenKrupp Stainless

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:41:01 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] CALVERT -- A company that will provide melt shop scrap services on site at ThyssenKrupp AG's stainless steel division will provide an estimated 68 jobs by its second year of operation, officials said today.

Bernanke Says Lending Spigots are More Open Now

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:19:18 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Thursday that many businesses and consumers are finding it easier to borrow as banks shore up their balance sheets. "Notwithstanding the various headwinds, credit conditions in the United States have improved significantly in a number of areas," Bernanke said.

Bernanke Says Lending Spigots are More Open Now

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:15:00 GMT

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Thursday that many businesses and consumers are finding it easier to borrow as banks shore up their balance sheets. "Notwithstanding the various headwinds, credit conditions in the United States have improved significantly in a number of areas," Bernanke said.

Bentley awards grant to equip Sherriffs Office with new vests

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:02:49 GMT

[Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs] The Lowndes County Sherriffs Office is purchasing new bulletproof vests and other needed equipment thanks to a $4,997 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.The department is buying 12 ballistic vests that provide an added measure of protection from bullets or knife attacks. Rechargeable flashlights also are being purchased with the grant funds.

Awards Presented to Huntsville's 'Best Places to Work'

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:54:27 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] A three-time "Most Valuable Employee" led the way as the city's top employees and "Best Places to Work" were honored at the fifth annual Best Places to Work awards luncheon. The program, held Tuesday at the Von Braun Center North Hall, was co-hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and the North Alabama Society for Human Resource Management. First Commercial Bank was the presenting sponsor.

Awards Presented to Huntsville's 'Best Places to Work'

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:50:00 GMT

A three-time "Most Valuable Employee" led the way as the city's top employees and "Best Places to Work" were honored at the fifth annual Best Places to Work awards luncheon. The program, held Tuesday at the Von Braun Center North Hall, was co-hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and the North Alabama Society for Human Resource Management. First Commercial Bank was the presenting sponsor.

Governor Bentley Signs Unemployment Fraud Penalty Bill

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:35:54 GMT

[Governor Bentley's Office] MONTGOMERY Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday announced he has signed into law House Bill 72, a measure that increases penalties against those who commit unemployment compensation fraud.

Governor Bentley Praises Pension Reform Approval

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:15:36 GMT

[Governor Bentley's Office] MONTGOMERY Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday praised legislative approval of pension reform measures that will ensure the viability of the states retirement system while also saving taxpayers more than five billion dollars over 30 years.

Governor Bentley Returns School Calendar Bill with Executive Amendment

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:45:43 GMT

[Governor Bentley's Office] MONTGOMERY Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday returned House Bill 360 to the Alabama Legislature with an executive amendment that increases flexibility for local school systems.

Governor Bentley Signs Bill Prohibiting Texting While Driving

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:10:26 GMT

[Governor Bentley's Office] MONTGOMERY Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday signed into law House Bill 2, a measure that prohibits texting while driving.

NFIB Business Optimism Index Rises in April

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:24:04 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] An index of confidence at small U.S. businesses rose in April to its highest in over a year as companies stepped up plans for hiring and investing, a survey released on Tuesday showed.

NFIB Business Optimism Index Rises in April

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:19:00 GMT

An index of confidence at small U.S. businesses rose in April to its highest in over a year as companies stepped up plans for hiring and investing, a survey released on Tuesday showed.

Governor Bentley Praises Legislative Approval of Supply Money for Teachers

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:31:42 GMT

[Governor Bentley's Office] MONTGOMERY Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday praised legislative approval of Senate Bill 257, a measure that provides each classroom teacher in K-12 public schools $300 for school supplies.

Governor Bentley Comments on Passage of Bills Relating to Homeowners Insurance

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:30:44 GMT

[Governor Bentley's Office] MONTGOMERY Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday released the following statement regarding legislative approval of a series of bills related to homeowners insurance.

Changes to Intrauterine Devices (IUD) and Implantable Contraceptive Coverage

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:31:09 GMT

[Medicaid] The Alabama Medicaid Agency is making changes to how FQHCs and RHCs are reimbursed for Intrauterine Devices and Implantable Contraceptives. Effective May 1, 2012, Mirena, Paragard, and Implanon will be reimbursed in addition to the encounter rate.

Food Safety Inspectors Conducting Effectiveness Checks on Recalled Pet Foods

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:56:17 GMT

[Agriculture and Industries, Department of] The Department of Agriculture and Industries Food Safety inspectors continue to conduct effectiveness checks on several varieties of pet food that have been recalled after Salmonella was detected during retail surveillance sampling. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local officials to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections.

ADMH and Partners to Celebrate Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:02:10 GMT

[Mental Health, Department of] Governor Bentley will soon proclaim May 6-12, 2012, as Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week in Alabama, coinciding with both National Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week and National Mental Health Month, observed annually in May. The National Federation of Families for Childrens Mental Health sponsors Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week each year in an effort to increase public awareness of the triumphs and challenges in childrens mental health.

Missile Defense Agency Will Outline Opportunities for Smaller Companies at Small Business Conference in Huntsville

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:50:12 GMT

[Alabama Development Office] The Missile Defense Agency will outline opportunities for smaller companies and discuss how they can pursue them during a Small Business Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Von Braun Center South Hall. The event is sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association.

Missile Defense Agency Will Outline Opportunities for Smaller Companies at Small Business Conference in Huntsville

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:45:00 GMT

The Missile Defense Agency will outline opportunities for smaller companies and discuss how they can pursue them during a Small Business Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Von Braun Center South Hall. The event is sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association.