AGP Executive Report

Advanced Manufacturing in Alabama: Deep tech unicorn Advanced Navigation is opening its first U.S. manufacturing hub in Huntsville, Alabama, after raising $158M in a Series C—aiming to ramp production to supply at least half of its U.S. sales within 12 to 18 months. Defense Spending: Lockheed Martin won a $2.2B contract for F-35 Lightning II air systems upkeep and maintenance, with work largely in Fort Worth and completion targeted by December 2028. Local Courts & Business Licensing: Alabama’s Court of Criminal Appeals reversed convictions of newly elected Baldwin County Commissioner John “Tater” Harris tied to golf cart rentals, saying the city failed to prove he lacked a valid business license. Housing Policy Fight: U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt defended opposing votes on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, as Trump delayed signing pending a separate SAVE America Act. Food Assistance Risk: Alabama’s SNAP error rate rose to 9.52% for FY2025, putting the state on track for a potential $200M price tag unless it improves. Community & Health: Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz was elected chair of the Alabama Hospital Association board, as the state’s hospital sector pushes for long-term sustainability. Workforce/Leadership Training: UWA’s Division of Lifelong Learning will host FranklinCovey’s “6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team” in Livingston in July. Weather & Safety: A heat advisory is in effect across parts of Alabama with heat index values up to 105 degrees.

Hospital Leadership: Huntsville Hospital Health System CEO Jeff Samz was elected chair of the Alabama Hospital Association Board of Trustees, tasked with helping hospitals strengthen access, quality and long-term sustainability across the state. College Sports Policy: A bipartisan Protect College Sports Act (SAFE Act) cleared committee and is headed to the U.S. Senate floor, with a major debate over athlete compensation, NCAA governance and enforcement. Manufacturing & Defense Tech: NASA tested an in-orbit refueling docking component developed with L3Harris at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, a step toward deep-space missions. Data & Cybersecurity: AssuranceAmerica says a breach may have exposed sensitive data for at least 1.1 million people across seven states, including Social Security numbers. Alabama Business & Jobs: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Alabama small businesses and nonprofits hit by the Dec. 1, 2025 drought, with coverage across dozens of counties. Local Economy/Environment: Alabama is seeking a U.S. Army Corps permit to fill wetlands and streams for the Northern Beltline highway project north of Birmingham, drawing environmental pushback. Consumer Watch: A viral report alleges an AT&T store upgrade removed a grandfathered $20 plan and added charges, highlighting how phone-service changes can get costly fast.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity: AssuranceAmerica says a breach may have exposed sensitive data for at least 1.1 million people across seven states, including Social Security information, after “suspicious activity” was detected March 17. Food Safety: USDA recalled Reser’s “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad” after mislabeling it as pasta salad when it may actually be chicken salad, affecting distribution that includes Alabama. Manufacturing & Defense Tech: NASA tested an in-orbit refueling “cryocoupler” developed by L3Harris at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, a step toward refueling deep-space missions. Small Business Relief: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Alabama small businesses and private nonprofits hit by a December 2025 drought, covering dozens of counties including Hale and Mobile. Local Economy & Growth: Shreveport is paying a consulting firm $130,000 for a three-year downtown revitalization plan, with safety concerns like panhandling, vacant buildings, and lighting driving the strategy. Energy & Weather Risk: Property insurance experts are cautiously optimistic about storm season as Florida’s market shows some softening, but risks remain. Sports & Talent: ESPN’s SC Next 300 wideout Osani Gayles committed to Alabama, giving the Crimson Tide a recruiting boost for the 2027 class. Business Regulation: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Alabama, sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance. Transportation & Infrastructure: Alabama’s Marbury Volunteer Fire Department completed a new permanent station after the 2023 tornado, consolidating operations that had been spread across multiple sites.

Manufacturing Investment: U.S. Steel says it will put $75 million into a new premium thread line at its Fairfield Tubular Operations in Alabama, aiming to expand capacity for energy-sector pipe and tube products. Defense & Industrial Expansion: L3Harris broke ground on two new PAC-3 propulsion facilities in Camden, Arkansas, part of a broader push to ramp interceptor production. Local Economic Shock: Michelin announced it will close the BFGoodrich Tuscaloosa plant by 2028, with at least 1,200 jobs affected; local leaders met to plan for the transition. Big Tech Incentives: Birmingham approved major tax abatements for Nebius’ planned AI data center in Oxmoor Valley, a deal that’s already sparked questions about who’s responsible for the incentives. Critical Minerals Policy: The U.S. Army is moving to place mineral processing on military bases via partnerships, including a graphite purification site tied to Alabama’s Anniston Army Depot. Entertainment & Tourism: Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater hit its highest-ever Pollstar midyear ranking, placing No. 8 worldwide for gross ticket sales. Community & Health: Auburn psychology professor April Smith says younger generations report higher fear of adulthood, with worries easing as they gain experience.

BFGoodrich/Michelin Restructuring: Michelin says the BFGoodrich Tuscaloosa tire plant will close by end of 2028, with workforce impacts starting in phases in the first half of 2027; local chambers and city leaders are coordinating career-transition help for about 1,200 jobs. Energy Assistance: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $6.3M in Weatherization Assistance grants, including West Alabama awards, to cut energy bills and improve home safety for low-income households. Defense Supply Chain: Titan Mining’s subsidiary received conditional U.S. Army notices tied to graphite-refinery plans at Anniston Army Depot and Pine Bluff Arsenal, advancing domestic critical-minerals processing. Housing Policy Fight: A 21st Century Road to Housing Act signing was delayed as President Trump tied it to the SAVE America Act; Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville opposed the housing bill while Sen. Katie Britt supports both. AI and Legal Risk: A Huntsville attorney warns chatbot legal guidance may not be private and could surface in court, including during depositions. Local Business/Community: Alabama’s Tourism Department launched the Alabama Catfish Trail highlighting 50+ waterways and dining stops, aiming to boost tourism and jobs.

Defense & Industry: Lockheed Martin won a up-to-$35 billion, seven-year THAAD procurement to quadruple interceptor production, with Alabama tied to the company’s broader munitions buildout. Manufacturing Investment: U.S. Steel will invest $475 million to expand its Fairfield Tubular Operations plant, adding equipment, training, and storage to boost higher-value steel output. Workforce & Policy: Alabama Arise and the Institute for Policy Studies say public transit funding could help close the state’s workforce shortage, projecting thousands of jobs if lawmakers appropriate $25 million to unlock more federal dollars. Healthcare Leadership: Huntsville Hospital Health System CEO Jeff Samz was elected chair of the Alabama Hospital Association board, while Flowers Hospital’s Jeff Brannon received the association’s Gold Medal of Excellence. Economic Development & Events: Gov. Ivey announced Alabama’s participation in the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., highlighting the state’s economy, defense, agriculture and Civil Rights history. Local Business & Jobs: PuroClean named top franchise performers, including an Alabama location in Fort Payne recognized for major rural growth. Community & Growth: JPMorganChase plans to more than double community banking centers and add about 300 jobs, including a new Huntsville, Alabama Community Center.

Manufacturing Shock in West Alabama: Michelin says it will gradually wind down BFGoodrich Tire production in Tuscaloosa and consolidate “nearly all” output to its Fort Wayne, Indiana, plant, with Tuscaloosa operations ending by end of 2028; about 1,200 jobs are expected to be impacted as the company cites inefficiencies and intensifying competition. Workforce Response: Tuscaloosa officials and the Alabama Department of Labor say they’ll support affected workers as the transition ramps up. Industrial Investment in North Alabama: U.S. Steel’s Fairfield Tubular Operations in Alabama is set to receive about a $475 million quench-and-tempering line investment approved by its board, aimed at strengthening domestic supply and improving product quality. Defense Supply Chain Push: The U.S. Army is moving ahead with critical-minerals processing on military bases, including Alabama-linked graphite purification and other rare-earth and battery-material projects tied to new public-private efforts. Local Business & Growth: In Spanish Fort, Infirmary Health bought a former Kohl’s building to redevelop into a regional operations and support facility for South Alabama. Energy & Land-Use Fight: Silicon Ranch says it has conditional approval to proceed with a large Baldwin County solar project despite a zoning referendum, while ALDOT seeks federal permission to fill wetlands and streams for the Birmingham Northern Beltline.

Defense & Industry: The House Appropriations Committee advanced a $1.072 trillion FY27 defense bill, with North Alabama Rep. Dale Strong singled out for his “deep understanding of the warfighter’s needs,” as the package boosts hypersonics, missile defense and munitions. Missile Defense Contract: Lockheed Martin won a seven-year, up to $35 billion deal to expand THAAD interceptor production, aiming to lift output from about 96 missiles a year to as many as 400. AI for Defense: Aurex says it’s advancing GHOST-AI and CASTER-AI for hypersonics and battle-management decision support. Trade & Economic Development: Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair led a delegation to the SEUS-CP forum in Greenville, highlighting $4.3B in 2025 Alabama exports to Canada and new supply-chain talks in life sciences, advanced energy and mobility. Health Care Enforcement: DOJ says an Alabama provider will pay $300,000 after alleged false Medicaid claims for services not performed. Plastics Legal Fight: Seventeen Republican AGs, including Alabama’s, sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and improperly reach across state lines. Local Business: Take 5 Oil Change opened its first Madison shop, and Birmingham named three inductees for its Business Hall of Fame. Education & Weather Tech: University of South Alabama partners with Climavision to use radar data for instruction and research.

Defense & Manufacturing: L3Harris broke ground on two new PAC-3 propulsion facilities in Camden, Arkansas, aiming to boost U.S. Army interceptor output and speed delivery. Banking Deal: Colony Bankcorp agreed to buy First Reliance Bancshares in a stock-and-cash deal valued around $163 million, expanding a Southeast footprint across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Local Economy & Infrastructure: ALDOT opened the final section of the Linden Bypass, a four-lane link meant to improve safety, mobility and reduce downtown congestion in west Alabama. Workforce & Hiring Pressure: Alabama graduates say job searches are dragging on—while the state’s unemployment rate ticked up to 3.0% in May, wages and employment rose, leaving many still struggling to land matching roles. Power & Storm Recovery: Alabama Power reported restoration to about 86% of affected customers after Tropical Storm Arthur, urging residents to avoid downed lines and use outage tracking for updates. Business Community: East Alabama Chamber of Commerce earned Alabama Accredited Chamber designation, highlighting ongoing support for local businesses and community work. Policy & Compliance: Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a multi-state legal challenge targeting California’s plastics law, arguing it unfairly raises costs for businesses and consumers. Higher Ed & Talent Pipeline: UA named thousands to its Spring 2026 dean’s and president’s lists, reinforcing the state’s education-to-workforce pipeline.

Big Manufacturing Investment: U.S. Steel is fully funding about a $475 million Quench & Tempering line at its Fairfield Tubular Operations, aiming to boost heat-treated capacity for growing oil-country demand, with full production targeted for Q2 2029. Defense & Aviation Jobs: Neptune Aviation Services took delivery of its first Airbus A319, to be modified at Commercial Jet’s Dothan facility for aerial firefighting airtanker work ahead of the 2028 wildfire season. Economic Development Recognition: Alabama earned Area Development’s 2026 Silver Shovel Award, citing growth tied to U.S. Space Command in Huntsville and Eli Lilly’s $6 billion investment. Auto Supply Chain Expansion: Italian supplier Vulcaflex plans nearly $70 million and 130 jobs for its first U.S. plant in Auburn, making synthetic leather components for vehicles. Workforce & Training: The ACCS Innovation Center is promoting 20 job-training courses in construction and architecture, with no-cost options available. Policy Watch: Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it’s unconstitutional and raises costs for businesses. Local Business/Finance: Huntsville-area Innovate Alabama board gets Danny Windham, and Auburn’s municipal election qualifying sets up mayoral and council races.

Alabama Economic Development: Alabama earned a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from Area Development, citing record 2025 investment and job growth tied to U.S. Space Command expansion in Huntsville and Eli Lilly’s $6 billion North Alabama facility. Housing & Growth: A Realtor.com study says Alabama fell eight spots to No. 21 for housing affordability and homebuilding, with weaker permit-to-population performance dragging the state down. Supply Chain & Retail Tech: Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. expanded traceability by joining ReposiTrak’s Touchless Traceability network across all food categories to improve recall readiness and supplier accountability. Education & Workforce Pipelines: Alabama State University and Morris Brown College signed an MOU creating a direct master’s pathway for Morris Brown graduates, including business, cybersecurity, data analytics, and health care administration. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT opened the final section of the Linden Bypass in Marengo County, routing trucks around downtown to improve safety and freight efficiency. Public Safety & Fraud: DOJ announced a $300,000 settlement with an Alabama Medicaid provider over alleged false claims for services not delivered. Community Services: Shelby County opened its first Safe Haven Baby Box in Helena, offering an anonymous, legal surrender option with medical evaluation and foster-to-adopt placement.

Housing & Policy: Sen. Katie Britt helped push the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act through the Senate on an 85-5 vote, sending it back to the House as Alabama families chase more attainable homeownership. STEM & Workforce: Gov. Ivey named new leaders to the Alabama STEM Council executive committee, including business and industry reps from Regions Bank, Airbus, GreenPoint Ag and ArcelorMittal Calvert, aiming to expand skills pipelines for a fast-changing economy. Alabama Economy: Alabama’s unemployment rate rose to 3% in May, while wages hit a record high, with gains reported in construction, leisure and hospitality, and government. Real Estate: The Alabama Association of Realtors says May home sales and median prices climbed, citing lower mortgage rates and “strong momentum” heading into summer. Local Business & Community: Coastal Alabama Business Chamber marked 45 years supporting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach growth, with advocacy and more than 120 events annually. Education Expansion: Nunez Community College will launch Plaquemines Parish’s first higher-education program this fall, starting with dual-enrollment welding and electrical courses at a temporary site. Sports & College Reform: Sen. Tommy Tuberville criticized the Protect College Sports Act as Congress getting too deep into college athletics, arguing for narrower federal rules on eligibility, transfers and scholarships.

Alabama Workforce & Business: The Better Business Bureau says employment scams are at record levels, with job-related fraud more than doubling in 2025; BBB warns that “no interview” offers that require you to pay to get paid are a red flag. Public Records & Local Governance: Montgomery is blocking an open-records request tied to its Office of Violence Prevention, citing direction not to release executive-staff information, while the office has paid more than $220,000 in overtime since 2022. STEM & Economic Development: Gov. Kay Ivey announced new Alabama STEM Council appointments spanning medicine, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, finance, agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing to better align training with Alabama jobs. Construction & Retail Growth: Auburn’s Sam’s Club is set for a $9.5 million renovation, and new $1M+ building permits across Alabama include projects in Auburn, Cullman, Huntsville and the Birmingham metro. Consumer & Corporate Watch: Reliance Worldwide says it will close brass manufacturing sites in Australia, affecting about 85 workers, as it reshapes operations and leans on automation at its Alabama facility. Legal & Policy: A 17-state coalition, including Alabama AG Brenna Bird, is suing to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully drives up costs nationwide.

Congressional Race: Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama endorsed former Rep. Jerry Carl for Alabama’s 1st District, citing support for small businesses and convenience-store employees. Manufacturing & Jobs: Governor Ivey announced Vulcaflex will open its first U.S. plant in Auburn, creating 130 jobs, as the company ramps up investment in Alabama. Energy Costs: A new report projects residential electricity bills could rise 10.5% this summer, with heat and grid repair costs pushing up rates. Healthcare Access: An Alabama election-opinion piece highlights low runoff turnout—only about 11%—raising questions about how much public spending is going to elections voters skip. Small Business: NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index fell in May, with owners pointing to labor shortages, labor costs, and inflation squeezing margins. Food Safety: FDA flagged a Walmart-distributed recall of Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-packs due to an oily substance on packaging surfaces. Education & Policy: Alabama’s Protect College Sports Act heads toward the Senate floor amid criticism from major conferences and concerns about federal overreach.

Cybersecurity & Federal Enforcement: Huntsville defense contractor LOGZONE Inc. agreed to pay $507,144 to settle federal False Claims Act allegations tied to missing U.S. Navy cybersecurity safeguards. Public Safety Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured $1.25 million for Atmore to repair and upgrade the city’s storm drainage system, aiming to cut flooding risk for homes and businesses. Workforce & Immigration Compliance: Alabama lawmakers are pushing to “Make E-Verify Great Again,” a bill aimed at tightening E-Verify requirements for certain employers. Legal/Prosecutor Update: The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Sean Costello to serve as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, moving him toward a full Senate confirmation vote. Housing & Growth: Huntsville topped a national “best places to live” list from Livability, citing affordability, jobs, education, and quality of life—an economic development signal for the Rocket City. Local Business & Community: Gulf Shores unveiled a new Wyland marine-themed mural at Surf Style, pairing tourism draw with marine conservation messaging.

NOAA-Aquaculture Partnership: University of Southern Mississippi is joining a new NOAA-backed effort (CIFARM) with $13.5 million in initial funding to expand safer, more cost-effective domestic seafood production through aquaculture research. Local Economic Development: Auburn is set to welcome Vulcaflex’s first North American manufacturing facility, following Gov. Ivey’s jobs announcement tied to the project. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices dipped below $4 nationally as summer travel ramps up, with Alabama also seeing declines. Housing & Consumer Credit Watch: WalletHub reports Alabama among states with elevated debt delinquency rates in early 2026, a risk factor for credit damage and higher borrowing costs. Infrastructure & Community Tensions: A proposed bitcoin mining data center near Somerville is meeting resistance from nearby homeowners who say incentives aren’t outweighing concerns about changing the rural landscape. Weather Disruptions: Scattered power outages hit West Central Alabama as Tropical Storm Arthur remnants brought heavy rain and saturated ground.