Alabama economy

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977. Those ports, like the one in Mobile, handle roughly half of the nations’ cargo from ships. A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages.

Widespread strikes at AT&T are being predicted to expand to both coasts. The Communications Workers of America announced Sept. 13 that its ongoing strike at AT&T Southeast, already the largest in the United States, may spread even further. Workers in Alabama first walked off the job in an alleged unfair labor practice strike nearly four weeks ago.

Touting Huntsville as a championship city with a long list of wins during his tenure, Mayor Tommy Battle delivered his 16th State of the City address on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the Von Braun Center’s Saturn Ballroom.

Huntsville and Madison County are celebrating all things culinary. Throughout August, locals and visitors alike are invited to join Culinary Month. The “main course” is Huntsville Restaurant Week, which extends ten tasty days, from August 9 to August 18.

A national business confederation is working to bring more exposure to a tax incentive being taken off the table for some businesses in Alabama. This comes as the IRS suspends the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Governor Kay Ivey is announcing appointments to the newly established Alabama Workforce Board and its Executive Committee. Her administrations reports this marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Working for Alabama legislative package.

Governor Kay Ivey is announcing that Innovate Alabama is set to receive nearly $98 million to continue its support of Alabama small businesses. The funding is made possible based on Act 2024-74, a piece of legislation passed through the Alabama State Legislature earlier this month and signed into law.

The City of Mobile Office of Supplier Diversity and Community Affairs Department will host a free financial boot camp for interested community members on Saturday, April 27. This is for those looking to improve their personal finances or start a business.

Alabama lawmakers have voted to withhold economic incentive dollars from companies that voluntarily recognize a union without holding a secret ballot election. The legislation would impact future incentive packages.

Findings from the latest Alabama Kids Count Data Book are being released. The data measures how children are faring in the state and highlights several areas that policy and lawmakers need to prioritize to improve Alabama’s child well-being.