ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHOALS

Our location in the Southeast, in the center of a triangle made up of Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham, makes us convenient to one of the fasting growing areas of the country. We call it the Growth Triangle. You'll call it "outstanding."

The Florence Metropolitan Area has a total civilian labor force of 68,030, which supports 270 manufacturing and distribution operations. The State of Alabama Department of Industrial Relations reported the April 2001 unemployment rate at 7.0% percent, which translates into 4,740 people seeking employment. Total non-agricultural employment is 56,700 with 27 percent of these individuals employed in the construction, mining, and manufacturing sectors. The area has a strong manufacturing heritage and supports an above average participation rate. Additionally, many of our local citizens are employed in jobs that do not utilize their skills and are looking for opportunities to put their high tech talents to use.

The 1995 US Census reported 310,000 people in the Shoals labor market and current calculations show a labor market of 344,540 (Woods and Poole Economics, 1999). The labor market for the Florence MA extends to eight counties in three states: Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin, Lawrence, and Limestone Counties in Alabama; Tishomingo County in Mississippi; and, Lawrence and Wayne Counties in Tennessee.

Manufacturing and related training is provided in various ways, all of which are designed to meet the individual needs of the client. The State sponsors the Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) program which designs and implements a client approved training curriculum at no cost to the new or expanding company. The training program can be operated on-site or at a company approved alternate facility. The AIDT program provides state-of-the-art services, including SPC and ISO 9000 certification workshops for the manufacturing client.

Locally, the University of North Alabama and Northwest-Shoals Community College are available to provide specialized training for persons whose skills may require upgrading. Both institutions have a proven track record in meeting the training needs of the manufacturing community.

For More Information, Visit the Shoals Economic Development Authority