Industrial Activity Increasing As Jobless Rate Drops

With the economy showing some signs of improvement as the unemployment rate drops locally and statewide, interest in industrial expansion is beginning to increase, according to Mike McCain, executive director of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority. The county’s unemployment rate …

Guyton Gives Upbeat Report On Economic Development

Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton gave an upbeat report Wednesday, saying things are looking up concerning economic development. Guyton told the Gadsden Kiwanis Club there has been a good bit of industrial development activity recently, including the startup of Fehrer Automotive, …

Airport Improvements A Big Plus For Economic Growth

An Instrument Landing System at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport is expected to make a difference in economic growth in Gadsden and Etowah County. The system was dedicated Thursday in a ceremony at the airport. The ILS is expected to …

Bentley Wants Job Master Plan By Year’s End

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday announced creation of an alliance of business and education groups that will develop a state economic master plan. The Alabama Economic Development Alliance created by executive order is to produce a statewide economic …

Etowah County Unemployment Drops

Etowah County’s unemployment rate declined for the second straight month, according to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. The county’s unemployment rate in March was 9.1 percent, down from the February level of 9.8 percent. The January unemployment rate was …

McCain: Industrial Recruitment Better Than Expected

Industrial recruitment for Etowah County in 2010 was better than expected, according to Mike McCain, executive director of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority, and he is optimistic about 2011. Etowah County tied for second in the state in new industries, …

Auto-Parts Supplier Celebrates Grand Opening

Company and county leaders gathered Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the Fehrer Automotive plant in Gadsden. Fehrer’s Gadsden location will be a Tier 1 supplier for the new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., as well as a supplier …

Chamber/IDA Announce Industry Appreciation Week

Industry Appreciation Week has been scheduled for Oct. 24 to Oct. 30, Tom Quinn, president of The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County, announced Wednesday. The Chamber and the Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority are sponsoring the week. So far …