Innovative Alabama is a groundbreaking economic development program celebrated by former Governor Kay Ivey. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the program's “father”, state Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed.

Last month's event was attended by lawmakers, business leaders and dignitaries from across the state and nation.

Reed (R-Jasper), who authored the bill establishing Innovate Alabama, discussed Innovate Alabama's impact on the state's economy: capitol journalTodd Stacy.

“This is a great occasion because tonight we're celebrating,” Reed said. “We've seen companies winning award after award for storytelling in today's networks. All day today we're talking about, 'I hired 10 people,' 'I hired five people. ” “We got a $20 million contract from the U.S. government.'' “This happened.'' “It all happened as a result of what Innovate Alabama has been working on.''

“When you look at Innovate Alabama's efforts, we are preparing Alabama for the economy of the future: a knowledge-based economy, high-tech opportunities, talent retention, and the ability to hire highly trained workers. Some of those things are beneficial to every part of the state.”

Innovate Alabama has a grant program to help businesses expand and grow.

“Comparatively, the grant program is just a small grant. But it's about helping these entrepreneurs bridge from one place to the next so they can see their business grow. has been one of our goals from the beginning,” Reed said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun tonight to see all of that come to fruition.”

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Reed said the big thing both parties have in common is economic development, and Innovate Alabama is a bridge between them.

“It impacts every legislator when it comes to economic development and how to grow Alabama's economy,” he said. “It affects everyone in Alabama. We want to address issues in rural Alabama, issues in urban Alabama, and broadband internet access that provides options for our economy to continue to grow.” That's what I think.

“I think we’ve seen a true bipartisan approach over the years on the subject of economic development, and that’s important.”

Reed said Innovate Alabama's success also made it easier to ask Congress for more resources for similar initiatives and economic development projects.

“If I could go back to my colleagues and say thank you for helping me, thank you for supporting me,” he said. “I know it wasn’t your idea, but you were willing to listen to me and here are the statistics.

“It worked, and it will get better as time goes on. This will make it a lot easier the next time we propose a request or assignment, such as Innovate Alabama.”

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Reed said the regular legislative session will begin on February 6 and economic development will be discussed.

“I think we'll see more economic development news,” he said. “I think there will be more economic opportunities as we add things to our game plan to take the next step. A lot of that is currently in development, and I think a lot of that will be realized in the future.” important. “

Despite criticism of economic incentives and development spending by Congress; This approach resulted in the lowest unemployment rate in state history and increased state revenue to record high levels despite tax cuts.

“Alabama has a great economy and brings in a lot of budget revenue, so we will carry over the additional surplus into the budget,” Reed said. “It's going to be very important because we have to decide what to do with them. A lot will happen right from the start and it's going to be a very busy session.”

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