Alabama Courts Foreign Investment at SelectUSA Summit!

The Alabama Department of Commerce is boosting its efforts to attract global businesses to the Yellowhammer State. They recently made a splash at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, the country's top event for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Big Numbers, Bigger Opportunities

Alabama's been raking in the FDI dough! We're talking $3.6 billion last year alone, and over $19 billion since 2020, according to official Commerce data.

Why Alabama? The Commerce Perspective

“Foreign investments in Alabama grow each year," says Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. She highlights the state's move-in-ready spaces, skilled workforce, and supportive partnerships as key attractions. "The Department of Commerce continues to seek new investments in the state that will result in continued growth for the state and high-quality employment opportunities for Alabamians. SelectUSA is a premier place to do that.”

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Commerce teamed up with AIDT (their workforce training arm) and EDGE Partners to chat with international companies looking to expand into the U.S. EDGE Partners specializes in FDI and international market expansion.

Targeting the Right Industries

Christina Stimpson, Commerce’s chief officer of Global Business, notes that EDGE Partners helped Alabama land "curated, senior-led investor meetings aligned with the state’s target industries, investment priorities and long-term economic development goals.”

What Alabama Brings to the Table

Alabama's recruiters were touting the state's deepwater port, research universities, and awesome workforce training programs at the summit. They're focusing on industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, tech, bioscience, and advanced/chemical manufacturing.

Building Relationships

The Summit provided valuable face-to-face time with decision-makers from companies eyeing U.S. expansion, as well as those already in Alabama.

International Reach

Commerce's managing directors for Korea and Europe were also on hand, meeting with potential investors and participating in country-specific events.

Connecting with Key Players

A reception connected Alabama with attendees from Austria, Germany, and Slovenia, including the U.S. Ambassador to Austria and Austria’s Ambassador to the U.S.

Seeing is Believing

Delegations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Czechia all stopped by the Made in Alabama booth.

The FDI Heavy Hitters

Since 1999, Germany ($11 billion), Japan ($10.4 billion), and South Korea ($10 billion) have been the biggest FDI players in Alabama, according to Commerce.

Alabama's All-Star Performance at SelectUSA!

The Alabama Department of Commerce is turning up the charm offensive, showcasing the state's killer business opportunities to the world! They recently made a splash at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, bringing their "Made in Alabama" brand to the forefront. This summit is THE place to be for foreign direct investment (FDI), drawing over 5,500 attendees from more than 100 countries!

Alabama: A Magnet for Foreign Investment

And for good reason! Alabama's a hot ticket. Last year alone, the state snagged $3.6 billion in FDI, and since 2020, that number jumps to over $19 billion!

What's the Secret?

"Companies worldwide are waking up to Alabama's amazing assets," said Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. "We're talking move-in-ready facilities, a skilled workforce, and state and local partners ready to roll out the red carpet."

Partnering for Success

Commerce teamed up with AIDT (their workforce-training gurus) and EDGE Partners to make the most of the summit. EDGE Partners specializes in connecting Alabama with international companies looking to expand into the U.S.

"EDGE Partners hooked us up with senior-level investor meetings, perfectly aligned with Alabama's target industries and economic development goals," explained Christina Stimpson, Commerce's chief officer of Global Business.

Alabama's Key Selling Points

Alabama's business recruiters were busy touting the state's deepwater port, research universities, and comprehensive workforce training programs. The state's particularly keen on attracting businesses in automotive, aerospace, defense, tech, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing.

Making Connections

The Summit was a goldmine for connecting with companies interested in expanding to the U.S., as well as those already calling Alabama home. Commerce's managing directors for Korea and Europe were also on deck, representing Alabama in meetings with potential investors and country-specific events.

International Flair

The week kicked off with a reception connecting Alabama with folks from Austria, Germany, and Slovenia, even drawing the attention of the U.S. Ambassador to Austria and Austria's Ambassador to the U.S.! Delegations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Czechia also stopped by the "Made in Alabama" booth.

The Big Players

Germany, Japan, and South Korea have been the biggest investors in Alabama since 1999, pouring in billions!

(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)

Rep. Rogers Stands Strong for Law Enforcement!

Our man in Washington, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), is throwing his weight behind a whole stack of pro-police bills in Congress, just in time for National Police Week!

A Bedrock Issue

“Support for law enforcement has always been a big deal for me,” Rogers declared. “We owe these brave men and women a huge debt, and National Police Week is the perfect time to recognize their sacrifices.”

Backing the Blue

What's on the table? Rogers is co-sponsoring a resolution to honor fallen officers and another showing general support for all officers. He's also tackling retail crime with the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, and working to keep violent offenders locked up with the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025.

Strengthening Background Checks

Rogers is also pushing for the NICS Data Reporting Act of 2026 and the Criminal History Access Act of 2026. Both are designed to make sure the background check system is as accurate and accessible as possible.

Cashless Bail Under Scrutiny

Finally, he's backing the Cashless Bail Reporting Act, which would force a national report on the impact of cashless bail policies.

A Message to Law Enforcement

"For too long, our officers have been unfairly targeted," Rogers stated. "But with strong leadership in Washington, they can rest assured that they have our support. I'm honored to stand with them this week and every week!"

Rogers Backs Law Enforcement in Congress!

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is stepping up to support our brave men and women in blue during National Police Week! Rogers has always been a huge supporter of law enforcement, and he's showing it again with some serious legislative muscle.

Honoring Heroes and Fighting Crime

Rogers is backing measures to honor fallen officers and show broad support for all law enforcement. He's also tackling the rising tide of organized retail theft with the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, and wants to keep violent offenders where they belong: off our streets, with the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025.

Smarter Background Checks

But it doesn't stop there! Rogers is pushing for the NICS Data Reporting Act of 2026 and the Criminal History Access Act of 2026 to make sure background checks are accurate and accessible, strengthening the system for gun purchases and more.

Cashless Bail Under Scrutiny

Finally, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act would shine a light on cashless bail policies across the nation, tracking their use and results.

A Message of Support

"Our police officers have been unfairly demonized, but with President Trump and a Republican Congress, they know they're backed in Washington," Rogers said. "I'm proud to support this pro-police legislation in honor of their tireless dedication to keeping us safe!"

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Alabama's Future is Now, Says Walker!

Clay County rancher and fuel-industry whiz, Rodney Walker, is fired up and ready to shake things up in Alabama! He's tired of seeing the state lag behind and has unveiled a bold infrastructure plan to launch Alabama into the next decade.

The Four Pillars of Progress

Walker believes the key to Alabama's success lies in four crucial areas: roads, ports, rural hospitals, and energy. With the Republican primary just around the corner, he's making his case for why these areas need immediate attention.

Time to Build, Alabama!

"Our roads are packed, our ports are struggling, rural hospitals are shutting down, and our power grid is stretched thin," Walker declared. "If we want Alabama to be the leader in the Southeast, we've GOT to build for it!"

Road Warriors and Port Power

Walker's got big plans! He wants to expand I-65 to six lanes all the way from Huntsville to Mobile, calling it the very "spine of Alabama's economy." Plus, he wants to dredge the Alabama River to boost traffic to the Port of Mobile - Alabama's "front door to the world!"

Protecting Rural Hospitals & Powering the Future

He's also focused on protecting our vital rural hospitals through federal payment reform and ensuring a reliable power grid to meet the demands of data centers and advanced manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of Alabama being involved in crucial discussions about grid modernization.

Walker's Vision for Alabama

Walker is in the running for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat, and the Republican primary is fast approaching. He's ready to fight for a brighter, more prosperous future for the state!

Alabama's Election Shake-Up: Special Primaries Incoming!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Governor Kay Ivey just dropped a bombshell, calling for Special Primary Elections on August 11, 2026, in Congressional Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7. This all comes after the U.S. Supreme Court scrapped those court-ordered redistricting maps. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!

Quick Turnaround Time

This election is moving at warp speed. Qualifying for major-party candidates is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it affair, opening Wednesday, May 20, and slamming shut Friday, May 22, at 50 p.m. That's a mere 53 hours to throw your hat in the ring!

No Runoff, November General Election

There won't be a runoff, so make your voice heard the first time around! The General Election is still set for Tuesday, November 3.

"Alabama Knows Best" Says Ivey

"Alabama knows our state, our people, and our districts best," proclaimed Governor Ivey. She celebrated the Supreme Court's decision, seeing it as a win for representing Alabama's values in Congress.

Which Districts are Affected?

These special primaries are happening because the district lines have changed drastically between the court's 2024 map and the Legislature's 2023 map, which is now back in action. Districts 3, 4, and 5 are staying put and will have their primaries as scheduled on May 19.

Red State Domination?

With the new map, six of Alabama's seven congressional seats are looking pretty red. Can Alabama pull off a complete Republican sweep?

Get Ready, Get Set, Go!

The biggest takeaway? That super-short qualifying window! Potential candidates need to get their ducks in a row ASAP.

Normal vs. Now

Normally, qualifying for Congress in Alabama is a leisurely 10-week process. This time? Not so much.

Local Election Officials Gear Up

Secretary of State Wes Allen confirmed the May 19 primary is still on. Local election officials are already working hard to get the word out to voters.

The Saga Continues

Alabama's journey through redistricting has been quite the rollercoaster. From court battles to legislative sessions, it's been a wild ride.

Lightning-Fast Execution

Considering all the twists and turns, state officials have moved incredibly fast, earning them props for being one of the most coordinated Republican states in the nation.

The Team Effort

Governor Ivey thanked Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter for their hard work, paving the way for this quick action.

Full Republican Delegation Incoming?

Could 2026 be the year Alabama sends an all-Republican crew to Congress for the first time ever? Stay tuned, ChumCity, things are about to get interesting!