Alabama Shines As One of the Top States for Doing Business in 2024

29 Oct 2024
News
Alabama was named one of the Top States for Doing Business by Area Development, a leading economic development magazine. The report credits two main reasons for Alabama’s success: a favorable property tax structure and strong investments in workforce development. AIDT (Alabama Industrial Development Training), a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, continues to provide new services and customized technical training programs at no cost to both employers and trainees.
“Many businesses already know that Alabama – and especially Covington County – offers ample space, favorable taxes, and low utility costs,” says Rick Clifton, president and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Commission (CCEDC). “However, fewer companies know just how much Alabama is investing in workforce development. Our goal is to make staffing one of the easiest parts of moving your operations to the state.”
Learn more about the value of AIDT’s service and the thriving workforce in Covington County.
AIDT Ranks Third in the Country for Workforce Training Services
AIDT has consistently ranked in the top five state workforce development programs for many years, so it comes as no surprise that it was ranked third in 2024. The program plans to keep climbing up the list by providing value to both job seekers and employers.
"Alabama’s strong commitment to workforce development and favorable tax policies positions
us as a prime destination for businesses seeking to thrive," said Jacqueline Allen, Assistant
Director of Communications at AIDT. "We are proud to support initiatives that not only attract
new investments but also foster economic growth across the state."
AIDT provides comprehensive workforce training services to support new and expanding businesses in Alabama. The main goals of its operations include:
- Recruiting candidates to fill open positions, making staffing easier.
- Screening applicants to evaluate their strengths and skills opportunities.
- Customizing training to meet the specific needs of industries, upskilling Alabama’s workforce.
Each of these three steps ensures that Alabama’s workforce is equipped with the skills required to succeed in today’s competitive market. Residents can have an easier time finding work and launching lasting careers, while employers can pull from a strong labor pool.
Covington County is Stronger Because of Its Workforce Development
AIDT is an asset to the state and is one of many workforce training resources available to Covington County residents. Here are a few additional partners that the CCEDC is thrilled to work with:
- Southeast AlabamaWorks: this organization recruits, trains, and places employees with companies across the region.
- Lurleen B. Wallace Community College and its MacArthur Campus: this is an accredited institution that offers several programs, including courses for non-degree-seeking students who want to grow their skills.
- Enterprise State Community College’s Alabama Aviation College: located in Covington County, this school has provided the aviation industry with well-trained, certified technicians for more than 50 years.
Alabama is also home to several nationally recognized universities that are leaders in research, education, and training. Troy University, Auburn University, and the University of South Alabama are all within a short drive of Covington County.
Covington County Boasts a Workforce of 15,000
Alabama is packed with counties that offer favorable business environments, but Covington County stands out because of its strategic location near the Gulf of Mexico – including several military institutions – and because of its workforce.
There are nearly 15,000 workers in Covington County, including 2,000 non-resident commuters. People in the region drive 24 minutes on average for their morning commutes, with some driving more than 90 minutes each day. We have an expanded labor pool of over 288,000 with a 45-minute drive time. Workers are happy to drive to Covington County because that’s where the jobs are.
“You can get an idea of the skillset of the region by looking at the major employers in Covington County,” says Clifton. “We have several manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, all of which rely on local residents to succeed.”
To tap into the local workforce, tour some of the top sites available in Covington County. The Twin Hangar Complex is ideal for military contractors, aerospace companies, or any business that benefits from operating near the airport. The former MFG buildings in Opp provide move-in-ready space for manufacturers, including companies that need to store and handle chemicals safely.
Meet the Workforce of Covington County, Alabama
AIDT and the other workforce development organizations in Alabama make the Yellowhammer State shine as one of the leading places to do business in 2024. Bring your business to Alabama by choosing Covington County. Whatever you put into the local workforce and community, you are sure to get back with a strong return on investment. Read more about Covington County and why you should already be working here.
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