CULLMAN —
Some new economic statistics have been released by the state, and Cullman has maintained its position as one of the top economic areas in Alabama. The city led or placed in seven categories, ranging from industry expansions to job creation.
According to the recently released Alabama Development Office 2011 report, Cullman is No. 2 for new and expanding industries; tied for No. 1 for number of existing industry expansions; No. 1 non-metro area for new and existing industries; No. 6 in overall job creation; No. 2 in expanding job creation; No. 10 in overall investment and No. 7 in expanding industry capital investment.
For overall projects, Cullman is behind only Huntsville/Madison County in the state rankings.
Though the economy may have been down in 2011, it was still a big year for Cullman, with one of the biggest industrial expansions in the state announced in August. Topre America, which already employs hundreds of county residents, announced a $109 million expansion expected to create 250 new jobs at their Industrial Park 3 location. Officials say the Topre news, as well as numerous other announcements, helped buoy Cullman to the top of the list.
Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Peggy Smith credited the lively industrial climate to a combination of industrial reinvestment, and a quality community workforce.
“We are honored by our outstanding rankings in the State and the credit goes to our Cullman industries who continue to reinvest in Cullman. They keep us in the top l0 each year and we are grateful to each of them,” she said. “We may not always remember that goods and services in Alabama are based upon use, property and sales tax. Revenue generated by these local companies is the very foundation of the tax base for city and county government, roads and education. All of this creates the outstanding quality of life that we enjoy in Cullman County.”
Max Townson, Mayor of Cullman, said it takes a joint effort between numerous local entities to keep the area among the most attractive in Alabama.
“We believe it’s an absolute plus for the citizens of Cullman, because you have to have a workforce willing to work, and that’s an asset we have,” he said. “When industries are looking at us, and we also have Wallace State that helps train, that’s big. It takes everyone working together, from the Cullman Economic Development Agency, to the county, making sure we are getting quality companies and recruiting together. It’s a real team effort.”
* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
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