Progress 2025: Limestone County economic development: ‘Efficient, effective and responsive’ – Athens The News Courier

1 of two

Courtesy Photograph | Fly Leaf Pictures. From left; Blake Williams, Stefania Jones, Charlie Durham, Bethany Shockney, Tom Hill and Amber Turner pose for an image throughout LCEDA’s seventieth anniversary assembly in Could 2024.

Justin Travis | The Information Courier. Limestone County schooling leaders. From left Robert Fudge, Beth Patton, Stephen Murr, Vince Inexperienced, Jimmy Hodges, Catherine Wehlburg and Randy Shearouse pose for an image on the 2024 State of Training Deal with Tuesday, Oct. 29.

“We’re very blessed to be on the middle of a lot progress, each inhabitants clever and economically,” Limestone County Financial Growth Affiliation (LCEDA) President and CEO Bethany Shockey advised The Information Courier. “We’ve been the quickest rising county for the previous 4 out of 5 years. There are round 11 individuals per day transferring into Limestone County, and a number of that’s due to the place we’re regionally — and in addition due to all of the industries coming right here as effectively.”

Shockney accredited a majority of that financial progress in 2024 to the strategic partnerships she and LCEDA have been capable of construct and foster throughout county and state strains.

“Limestone County could be very engaging to those industries due to the sources we’re so lucky to have,” Shockney mentioned. “We profit from that progress in Huntsville and Tennessee. Quite a lot of our progress was instantly associated to the truth that the town limits of Huntsville prolong into Limestone County. We’re in a enterprise the place you can’t see these county and state strains as a barrier. If you happen to do, you’ll not achieve success.”

Shockney additionally highlighted how Limestone County has cemented its place in 2024 as a hub for automotive and superior manufacturing industries each nationally and internationally.

“Geographically, we have now so many main transportation corridors, like I-65, which have actually created a hotbed for us to make the most of in concentrating on enterprise,” Shockney mentioned. “These sorts of companies care about speed-to-market, or how briskly they’ll get their product to the customers. So, corporations that assist Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Huntsville come right here — that’s how we develop our assist footprint.”

From the numerous groundbreaking ceremonies all through 2024 — because of all these new developments — to the enlargement of current industries trying to meet up with the expansion within the area, the outcomes of LCEDA’s tireless efforts this yr was nothing wanting “explosive.”

“I might describe 2024 as progressive and explosive,” Shockney mentioned. “We’ve been very open to issues we’ve by no means skilled earlier than this yr. We’ve got additionally been capable of shift after we’ve wanted to shift as effectively, our mantra round right here is ‘environment friendly, efficient and responsive,’ so we are able to deal with any problem that’s introduced to us.”

Along with the deal with the amount of companies coming into Limestone County, Shockney additionally mentioned a big focus this yr and transferring ahead into 2025 shall be on the standard of companies coming in.

“I believe we’re going to see a number of spill over of a number of these constructive issues we have now seen this yr,” Shockney mentioned. “Sustainability is extraordinarily vital for us, regardless of which method the financial system goes. There’s going to be loads of ebbs and flows, there’s nonetheless going to be that progress as effectively, however now we are able to market towards all these positivities right here. We’ve by no means skilled this earlier than as a county, so how we keep forward of that transferring ahead into 2025 shall be very important.”

Shockney mentioned it’s higher to be proactive to the entire attainable points that might come up, somewhat than reactive when a difficulty does come up. From advertising to enhancing the standard of life through higher companies — she is happy with the excessive expectation residents have for the way forward for Limestone County.

“We’re enthusiastic about the place we’re headed, as a result of we’re lucky sufficient now to be ready the place we could be selective on what involves our county,” Shockney mentioned. “That speaks extremely of the residents of Limestone County, as a result of that’s who we’re listening to when deciding this stuff. We need to maintain a very good sturdy household atmosphere, which is on the middle of our focus. That’s not for everyone, and that’s okay, as a result of our group is aware of we are able to do something — we simply don’t should do every little thing.”

The schooling business in Limestone County, and all of North Alabama, can also be on a pointy upturn with increasingly income flowing into the area, based on a launch from Calhoun Group Faculty.

Calhoun Group Faculty isn’t simply shaping futures, it’s serving to drive Alabama’s financial system with a outstanding $802.8 million financial influence, based on a complete examine carried out by Lightcast, a worldwide chief in labor market analytics.

This substantial contribution represents practically 1.8% of the whole gross regional product (GRP) of the school’s service space, which incorporates Madison, Morgan, Limestone, and Lawrence counties, supporting a powerful 10,627 jobs throughout various industries.

“Calhoun Group Faculty is greater than an academic establishment; we’re an financial engine for North Alabama,” mentioned Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Group Faculty President. “We’re extremely proud to contribute to the expansion and prosperity of our area. Whether or not college students want in-person, on-line, or hybrid studying, Calhoun is right here to satisfy them the place they’re, providing versatile choices for these with demanding schedules,” Hodges provides.

Calhouns influence is multifaceted, reflecting the universities position as an educator, employer, and group accomplice:

— Alumni Affect: The universities alumni generated an astounding $723.3 million in added revenue for the regional financial system in FY 2023-24, supporting 9,274 jobs.

— Operations Spending: With 915 full-time and part-time college and employees, 88% residing inside the service space, Calhoun’s payroll of $46.4 million and extra expenditures contributed $58.5 million to the native financial system, supporting 1,017 jobs.

— Building Affect: Investments in campus infrastructure added $9.9 million, supporting 130 jobs.

— Pupil Spending: The spending habits of relocated and retained college students contributed $11.1 million to the financial system, supporting 206 jobs.

For each greenback invested by college students, Calhoun delivers $4.60 in larger future earnings. Graduates with an affiliate diploma from Calhoun can anticipate annual earnings $10,800 larger than these with solely a highschool diploma, amounting to $421,200 in extra lifetime revenue.

This native success mirrors the broader financial affect of the Alabama Group Faculty System (ACCS), which contributes $8.1 billion yearly to Alabama’s financial system, supporting 114,043 jobs, or one in each 26 jobs statewide.

“Our college students and graduates are working, incomes, and reinvesting in Alabama’s communities,” mentioned ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Companies throughout the state depend on them to maintain operations sturdy. No different entity has a higher attain in schooling and workforce coaching, and we’re dedicated to making sure each pupil leaves our faculties ready to contribute to their communities, their industries, and Alabama’s financial progress,” Baker provides.

Calhoun Group Faculty stays steadfast in its mission to gasoline financial prosperity, foster innovation, and empower people to realize their potential. This report underscores Calhoun’s pivotal position in shaping not simply careers, however the very material of North Alabama’s thriving financial system.