By Staff
Our View
Gov. Bob Riley announced Wednesday that Alabama has been named "State of the Year" by "Southern Business and Development" magazine for the fourth year in a row.
According to a release issued by the Governor's Office, the trade journal, which covers the economic development activities of 17 southern and border states, bases the award on the number of job announcements in each state.
Over the past year, the City of Atmore has been fortunate to secure a handful of businesses, and has announced several business expansions and developments that will assist in the state's booming growth.
Though in its early stages, the newly announced Rivercane project off Hwy. 21 and Interstate 65 will contribute greatly to the state's growth throughout the next several years. As each phase is completed and more and more businesses commit to the project, Atmore will offer many job opportunities for residents, which will also add to the many job announcements.
The Atmore Industrial Development Board, Atmore city officials, the Atmore Utilities Board and all the other players involved with this complex project should be commended. Not only have each of them committed to the growth of Atmore, but to the growth of the state as well.
This is the first time in the magazine's history that a state has won the title four consecutive years. Not only have large metropolitan city's such as Birmingham and Mobile contributed to the prosperity of the state, but so have small towns like Atmore. With teamwork between cities, Alabama can make it five in a row.