AGP Executive Report

Aerospace Jobs: Airbus says it will invest more than $82 million in Mobile projects, including upgrades at its U.S. manufacturing site and a new Airbus Central Distribution Center slated to start in Q1 2027, creating 50 new jobs. Defense Contracting: The U.S. Army will outsource initial helicopter pilot training under its Flight School Next program at Fort Rucker, Alabama, using Robinson R66 aircraft and training 800–1,500 pilots per year while keeping standards and safety oversight in-house. Military Safety: The Army temporarily halted Apache training flights after a fatal crash near Fort Hood that killed two pilots; the stand-down remains until investigators determine the root cause. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows Marshall County hit the week’s low midgrade price at $3.73 (week ending Aug. 8), while Alabama’s midgrade average fell to $4.14. Tax & Investing: A Birmingham precious-metals dealer highlights Alabama’s dual tax advantage for physical gold and silver—no state sales tax on qualifying purchases and no extra state capital gains tax beyond federal. Local Business Help: Newbern will host a free small business support session Aug. 20 at Town Hall with one-on-one planning and ongoing support options.

Data Center Governance: State Sen. Arthur Orr backed giving local governments more say on data center siting, pointing to community concerns around a planned crypto mining facility near Somerville in rural Morgan County. Local Government Finance: Vestavia Hills ended fiscal 2025 in strong shape, with revenues up to $84.2 million and a growing general fund balance, driven largely by sales and use tax gains. Economic Development & Workforce: DeKalb Works earned an Innovate Alabama Network designation to launch talent attraction and workforce development initiatives in DeKalb County. Alabama Business Spotlight: Chris’ Hotdogs in Montgomery reopened after new owners overhauled operations and lifted its health rating to 98. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest midgrade prices in several Alabama counties/cities in the week ending Aug. 8, including $3.69 in Jefferson County and $3.36 regular in Montgomery County. Investor Housing Demand: Realtor.com research flagged Birmingham as a top metro for investor homebuyer share in 2025, reinforcing the “Magic City” growth narrative.

Defense Contracting: The U.S. Army awarded a $10 billion, 26-year “Flight School Next” contract to M1 Support Services to overhaul rotary-wing pilot training at Fort Rucker, shifting initial instruction to a contractor-run model and training 800 to 1,500 pilots annually. Aviation Procurement: Airbus Helicopters won a $115.4 million deal for up to 12 more UH-72B Lakota helicopters for the Army, with work through 2030. Local Economic Development: Brookwood set a Sept. 1 meeting to address proposed Industrial Parkway data center projects, with limited speaking slots for residents first. Workforce & Innovation: DeKalb Works earned an Innovate Alabama Network designation to expand talent attraction and workforce development in DeKalb County. Manufacturing Expansion: Gov. Kay Ivey announced 2A USA’s $32 million Auburn expansion, adding 50 jobs. Community Business Moves: West Alabama Ready Mix cut a ribbon on a new Jasper facility. Public Safety & Courts: A wrongful death suit dropped a former Escambia County deputy as a defendant, while criminal proceedings continue. Business Climate: Realtor.com’s investor report says Birmingham led major metros in net investor homebuyer share in 2025. Industry & Policy: Windom Galliher named Derek Trotter, plus two others, as partners.

Workforce & Training: Alabama’s economy is growing, but employers say the state still needs more skilled workers; one focus is expanding technical training for high-demand jobs, including new workforce programming at J.F. Ingram State Technical College for incarcerated students. Manufacturing & Local Investment: West Alabama Ready Mix cut a ribbon on a second facility in Jasper, a “large investment” that adds capacity and jobs in Walker County. Defense Contracting: The U.S. Army selected M1 Support Services for Flight School Next, a major Fort Rucker overhaul that shifts helicopter pilot training to a contractor-owned model and could reshape aviation training costs and capacity. Healthcare Funding: Hale County Hospital is using $250,000 from Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program to buy a new CT scanner, ultrasound equipment, and IV pumps. Aviation Safety: The Army temporarily halted Apache training missions after a fatal crash near Fort Hood killed two pilots, pending a root-cause review. Food Supply Chain: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño recall tied to salmonella, with Mississippi affected differently than other states. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports diesel prices in Baldwin County hit a low of $4.84 in the week ending Aug. 8, reflecting ongoing fuel volatility.

Defense & Safety: The U.S. Army identified two Fort Hood Apache pilots killed in a maintenance test crash near Salado, with an investigation led by Fort Rucker’s Combat Readiness Center. Aviation Oversight: After a deadly Reagan National crash, NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy says safety progress is still slow, with nearly all recommendations still open. Alabama Business & Community: Cullman was named a Hallmark “Merriest Christmas Town” Top 25 finalist, a boost aimed at driving tourism and local retail. Healthcare Deal: Memorial Hermann and DASCO formed a joint venture to run and expand home medical equipment services in the Houston area. Retail Expansion: Bealls announced plans to open new stores across multiple states including Alabama by spring 2027. Food & Consumer Risk: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak continues to ripple through grocery shelves via multistate recalls. Education: Alabama released spring 2026 ACAP results showing modest statewide gains in ELA and math, with performance still closely tied to poverty. Energy & Growth: Southern Company reported data center power usage up 55% year over year, driven by large-load customers.

Space & Defense: Sen. Katie Britt pushed the Space Superiority Readiness Act of 2026 to expand Space Force training and improve visibility into China’s space sector, underscoring Alabama’s role in national space priorities. Public Safety Tech: Alabama sheriffs weighed in on Flock Safety’s policy changes, including shorter data retention and tighter access rules, as privacy concerns continue to swirl around license-plate camera systems. Broadband & Workforce: Alabama Community College System colleges are the first “anchor” sites in a statewide fiber push, with seven schools getting high-speed connections now and all 24 targeted by end of 2027. Local Business & Growth: 2A USA is set to invest $32 million to expand manufacturing in Auburn, aiming to create 50 jobs. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Mobile County’s lowest regular price at $3.22 for the week ending Aug. 8, with Alabama’s average regular gas at $3.65. Innovation & IP: Alabama A&M was named a USPTO innovation ecosystem partner, adding a community engagement office to boost patent and commercialization support.

Economic Development: Cullman City Council approved the $58 million “The Shoppes at Heritage Park,” a 156,000-square-foot retail project expected to bring 15–20 new businesses, with construction starting by June 1, 2027. Healthcare Expansion: Hoover broke ground Friday on the $35 million, 80,000-square-foot South Haven Surgical Plaza—an outpatient, longevity-focused medical campus with a multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center and imaging. Workforce & Training: Alabama Community College System approved up to $10 million in Industry Certification Initiative Fund allocations for 2026–2027 to expand employer-aligned training and certifications. Business Growth: Brasfield & Gorrie is expanding its Birmingham headquarters with an $88,000-square-foot, four-story building investment expected to add at least 80 jobs. Energy & Policy: Doug Jones renewed calls for a one-year data center moratorium in Lowndes County, arguing for public economic impact studies and more transparency. Small Business Compliance: NFIB of Alabama praised a Treasury final rule ending Beneficial Ownership Information reporting for U.S. small businesses. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-linked products after a salmonella outbreak sickened hundreds across multiple states. Local Government & Public Safety: Parents are urged to avoid posting back-to-school “identity” signs online, warning they can fuel child identity theft and scams.

Public Health: Alabama has surpassed 100 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, with 67 in North Alabama and many tied to a Mexican restaurant chain, while officials say linked iceberg lettuce has been removed. Health & Safety: A separate “flesh-eating bacteria” (Vibrio vulnificus) spike is being reported across the Gulf Coast, raising new concerns for coastal exposure. Defense & Jobs: Raytheon won a $745M contract to produce and maintain SM-3 Block IIA missile interceptors, with production in Tucson and Huntsville; Alabama’s defense footprint also gets a boost as Boeing unveils a second interceptor design for an Army competition. Broadband & Workforce: The Alabama Community College System is partnering on a statewide fiber expansion to connect all 24 colleges by end of 2027, aiming to narrow the rural digital divide and upgrade training. Local Government & Infrastructure: Dallas County begins the final phase to rebuild the tornado-damaged Dallas County Jail, with a $21M budget and construction expected to start Sept. 1. Energy & Regulation: Alabama Power faces a Shelby County property easement fight, while a separate coalition led by West Virginia AG McCuskey argues against shutting down Michigan’s Line 5 pipeline.

FDA Oversight in Alabama: The FDA carried out the most inspections in Alabama in Q2 2026 for food and cosmetics companies, with 24 inspections across the state; Rice and Company, Inc. led citations. Healthcare Deal: East Alabama Health will take over management of Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula starting Oct. 1, aiming to preserve rural access to care. Data Center Push (Brookwood): Brookwood’s planning panel recommended annexing and rezoning 374 acres for a second major data center, setting up a Sept. 15 city vote amid ongoing local transparency and pollution concerns. Manufacturing Expansion: 2A USA announced a $32 million Auburn expansion to boost die casting and machining capacity, creating 50 jobs. Defense & Aerospace Momentum: Collins Aerospace won a contract valued up to $472 million for Chinook avionics modernization, with work in Huntsville. Small Business Pulse: NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index rose to 99.8 in July, while uncertainty stayed elevated. Local Government Watch: Phenix City approved a budget after a low-turnout public session, citing a “solid” financial outlook.

Alabama Politics: U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer won Alabama’s 6th Congressional District GOP special primary, beating Case Dixon 86%-14%, and will face Democrat Maurice Mercer in November. Congressional Map Fallout: Democrats Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell won unopposed in redrawn districts, while Republicans picked Rhett Marques for the 2nd District GOP nomination to challenge Figures. Defense & Shipbuilding: Hanwha’s U.S. push is back in focus as a Hanwha unit offered more than $1B for Austal USA, with due diligence underway for Mobile-area and other shipyard assets. Local Education: Birmingham City Council approved $3.5M to expand Small Magic early literacy and childhood education, growing the program from 90 children to about 1,500. Energy & Recreation: TVA funding helped expand accessible outdoor recreation at Lake Guntersville State Park with a mobility all-terrain vehicle for visitors. Business & Compliance: FinCEN finalized a rule exempting U.S. companies from Corporate Transparency Act beneficial ownership reporting. Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño-related salmonella recalls tied to a multistate outbreak, including products sold at major retailers.

Defense & Manufacturing: Raytheon won a $745 million Missile Defense Agency contract for SM-3 Block IIA production and sustainment, with Huntsville work tied to RTX’s Alabama capacity expansion. Lockheed Martin and L3Harris also cleared a key Next Generation Interceptor rocket motor test milestone, as the Army seeks to adapt a 50mm cannon for counter-drone use. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods expanded a multistate jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, reaching Alabama and 26 other states via major retailers, after Coast Citrus Distributors’ jalapeño recall triggered downstream actions. Local Business & Economy: Auburn National Bancorporation declared a quarterly dividend; Regions Financial announced leadership changes ahead of Dave Keenan’s retirement. Community Development: The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is taking RESTORE Act project proposals through Oct. 1, targeting coastal restoration, workforce, flood protection and related economic projects. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported Elmore County’s lowest premium price at $4.37 for the week ending Aug. 1, as national fuel prices eased but stayed above year-ago levels. Scams & Consumer Risk: Alabama ranked tied for 21st in July scam reports, with 392 cases tracked by BBB Scam Tracker.

Data Center Fight in Brookwood: Residents and environmental advocates are pressing Brookwood officials for answers after ADEM approved a permit for a large data center near Brookwood Middle School, raising questions about water impacts to Hurricane Creek and power-grid strain. Alabama Politics: Republicans will pick a nominee Tuesday to challenge U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures in the redrawn 2nd District, a race that could affect House control; Alabama also holds special primaries in districts 1, 6 and 7. Critical Minerals Financing: The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved $58 million in loans tied to critical minerals, including $25 million for Westwater’s Alabama graphite project. Defense & Space in Huntsville: The annual space and missile defense symposium returns to Huntsville, with organizers expecting major out-of-town attendance and economic impact. Shipbuilding Deal Watch: South Korea’s Hanwha has made a preliminary bid up to $1.2 billion to acquire Austal USA, aiming to expand U.S. naval shipbuilding capacity. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products after a Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh jalapeños, with items distributed across 26 states. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Lowndes County at $3.56 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 1.

Defense & Jobs: Duotech Services cut the ribbon on a new 25,000-square-foot Huntsville facility, a $4 million investment aimed at missile and missile-defense electronic test, repair and remanufacturing, creating 50 quality jobs. Local Government & Infrastructure: Cherokee County Commission approved road, technology services and juvenile detention items, while staff reported the courthouse project is complete and work continues on the animal shelter with an extension already granted. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing prepared foods tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak; products were sold at Walmart, Target, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and others, including in Alabama, with “best if used by” dates running through mid-August. Healthcare Deal Watch: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said the city won’t add money to save Jackson Hospital until the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama agreement is finalized, leaving the future unclear. Workforce & Education: Northeast Alabama Community College hosted a Google-funded robotics camp where 60+ students built and raced robots, feeding interest in mechatronics and technical careers. Business & Compliance: RxBenefits released a guide for evaluating “transparent” PBMs, stressing that transparency alone doesn’t guarantee savings—execution and clinical depth matter.

Food Safety: Walmart, Target, Whole Foods and other major grocers are recalling jalapeño-linked Salmonella products after 345 illnesses in 27 states, with Alabama among the distribution states. Public Safety & Privacy: Red Bay City Council will hold a special Aug. 17 meeting on residents’ concerns about Flock license-plate surveillance cameras and a proposed license plate recognition policy. Energy Infrastructure: FERC has granted construction permission for the 208-mile Mississippi Crossing natural gas pipeline, running from Greenville, Miss., to Butler, Ala., with local leaders weighing jobs against environmental worries. Workforce Development: West Alabama’s WOW (Worlds of Work) returns Oct. 14-15 at Shelton State, with sponsor/exhibitor registration open for 4,000+ students exploring local careers. Local Business & Real Estate: Evanston is considering a vacancy tax and a retail incubator to address a reported 21% downtown commercial vacancy rate. Healthcare Policy: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill allowing eminent domain to seize Norwood Hospital and transfer/lease it to a qualified nonprofit to restart stalled construction. Defense & Industry: Lockheed Martin touts a surge in missile-defense business, including PAC-3 and THAAD contracts, as it reports major Q2 gains.

Defense & Manufacturing: Lockheed Martin is expanding its “Arsenal of Freedom” push, including major missile-defense work, after reporting a blockbuster quarter and renewed momentum in U.S. military contracting. Health & Courts: A federal jury ordered Medtronic to pay $88 million to an Alabama couple over alleged inadequate warnings tied to a hernia mesh used in a 2017 surgery. Energy & Regulation: Alabama regulators held hearings that could lower profit allowances for Spire’s gas utilities for the first time in more than 40 years, as the state’s rate-setting fight heats up. Local Economy & Jobs: Flourish of Cullman is hiring job coaches to help people with differing abilities get and keep competitive work, with support ranging from assessments to workplace coaching. Business Climate & Growth: At the Business Council of Alabama conference, Eli Lilly executives highlighted why Alabama won a major Huntsville manufacturing site, while Tommy Tuberville pressed cities to embrace data centers for tax revenue. Food & Retail: Sister Schubert’s sausage wrap rolls are returning to Alabama grocery shelves after years off the market. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy price reports show premium gas in Clarke County hitting a weekly low of $4.29 per gallon.

Amazon Data Center Power Debate: Amazon says its Pecos County, Texas data center will be powered by an on-site natural gas plant, but reporting based on permitting records flags the facility as potentially the nation’s biggest single climate polluter, raising questions about the company’s 2040 net-zero pledge. Alabama Recruitment & Industry: At the Business Council of Alabama conference in Point Clear, Eli Lilly executives credited Alabama’s cross-agency teamwork for landing a major Huntsville manufacturing investment, while Marzetti confirmed Sister Schubert sausage wrap rolls are returning to Publix shelves soon. Defense Tech Showcase: Teledyne plans to highlight end-to-end space and missile defense sensing and microelectronics capabilities at the 2026 SMD Symposium in Huntsville. AI Data Center Politics in Alabama: U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell backed a moratorium on large AI data center construction until federal safeguards are in place, pointing to local concerns about water, energy, and community impacts. Public Safety & Local Governance: Jasper approved ordinances targeting camping, aggressive panhandling, and nuisance enforcement as part of its homelessness response. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Alabama regular gas averaging about $3.74 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 1, with local lows like $3.54 in Marshall County and $3.64 in Coffee County.