Exports Lead To Jobs

MONTGOMERY – Governor Bob Riley unveiled the state’s updated strategy to create new jobs through exports during a ceremony Thursday at the State Capitol, where he also recognized seven Alabama companies for their success in international trade.

Gov. Riley discusses Alabama's 2010 trade strategy during a ceremony to honor recipients of the Governor's Trade Excellence Awards (Photo by Robin Cooper, Governor's Office)

“Our 2010 trade agenda builds on Alabama’s outstanding success in exporting.  New international business and education ties forged this year will continue to benefit our citizens for years to come,” said Governor Riley.

The 2010 trade strategy includes pursuing business opportunities in emerging markets, such as China, India, and Russia.  The Governor will lead trade missions to India and Russia during 2010.  Exports from Alabama to India jumped 63% from 2008 to 2009, from $98.9 million to $161.4 million.  Exports from Alabama to Russia also saw an increase from 2008 to 2009, from $309 million to $343 million, an 11% increase.

The trade strategy also calls for a continued focus on helping Alabama’s small- and medium-sized companies to market their goods and services overseas.  A new effort for 2010 will help companies develop and modify their websites to reach potential customers in foreign countries.

Alabama Community of Excellence Leadership Classes

Registration is now underway for the 2010 Alabama Community of Excellence leadership classes. The program is designed for those interested in taking an active leadership role in the community and becoming actively engaged in the development of Haleyville and Winston County. Class participation is limited to 15. The "Engaged Leaders for Better Communities Program" is now accepting applications for participants at no cost.

For more information and registration forms, visit www.haleyvillechamber.org, or call Sue Southern at Haleyville City Hall at 486-3121.

State Unemployment Hits Highest Number Since 1984

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees announced today that Alabama’s January 2010 unemployment rate rose to 11.1%, up from December’s revised rate of 10.9%. The unemployment rate for Winston County rose to 18.9%, up from December's revised rate of 17.2%.

January, 2010, unemployment rates and numbers of jobless for Winston and surrounding counties

This rate represents the highest since February, 1984, when unemployment in Alabama dipped to 11.0%. The all-time high for Alabama was 14.3% in December, 1982, at the tail end of the 1980-82 recession. Winston County is close to its 20-year high of 19.0%, hit in February, 1991.

Counties surrounding Winston and their rates are as follows: Cullman, 11.2%; Franklin, 13.5%; Lawrence, 14.6%; Marion, 16.5%; Morgan, 12.0%; and Walker, 13.4%.

Five Injured in 3-Vehicle Collision

Highway 195 at County Road 6 In front of the "Free State" barn Tuesday evening

The Alabama State Trooper office in Hamilton reported an accident Tuesday afternoon at 5:06 p.m. on Highway 195 in front of the "Free State" barn. Transported  by ambulance from the scene of the collision at the intersection of County Road 6 were Earl Rice, 77, and Gladys Rice, 59, both of Double Springs, who were in a 2003 Ford. Also reported injured and transported were Hector Manzone, 31, passengers Juan Manzone, 26, and Santo Gonzales, 50, all of Jasper, who were in a 1998 Nissan. Christopher Everett, 21, Double Springs, driving a 1993 Ford was uninjured.

Crimson Casual Fired Up

Production is rolling at Crimson Casual

Crimson Casual, Inc., is shipping product. The plant went online March 1, and the first order will roll out the door Tuesday, headed for BM Ingram Co. in Florence. Six local investors got behind the project, envisioned in February, 2009.

Jonathan Bennett explains the production facility to members of government and the media Tuesday

The company currently employs approximately 20 people, with plans to increase that number within the next 8 weeks. 400 applications were made to work at Crimson. According to Joathan Bennett, one of the investors, almost 300 applications were from former employees of Winston Furniture. "Our work force is the Winston Furniture work force that was left here, stranded basically," Bennett said. He added, "One of our biggest goals ... was simply to put people back to work."

Weather Makeup Days

Haleyville City Schools will make up missed days on Tuesday, March 16, and Wednesday, March 17.