Alabama Named State of the Year By Business Magazine

Jun 21st, 2006

Governor Bob Riley made to trip to Mobile to thank Mayor Sam Jones, the Mobile City Council and other local officials for being economic catalysts as for the fourth year in a row, Alabama has been named “State of the Year” by Southern Business and Development magazine.

The trade journal, which covers the economic development activities for 17 southern states, bases the award each year on the number of new job announcements in each state. Governor Riley praised Mayor Jones for his passion for economic development and for creating a culture of prosperity in Mobile.

“None of this would be possible if not for people like Sam waking up everyday with developing new jobs and economic prosperity on their minds,” said Governor Riley.

The City of Mobile was awarded an Honorable Mention for “Mid-Market of the Year” for new industries like EADS and the expansion of Austal USA.

“We have a wonderful group of leaders in Mobile that put the city and the citizens first,” said Mayor Jones. “And we are just getting started. We are only going up from here.”