The 2006 New and Expanding Industry Report, released by the Alabama Development Office, reveals that Madison County led the state in jobs announced for new companies with 1,352. Baldwin County was second with 1,135 jobs. In the expanding industry category, Madison County was the runaway leader with 43 companies announcing 3,250 new jobs. Jefferson County was second with 44 companies announcing 1,610 new jobs.

Overall, Jefferson County was second with 59 companies announcing 2,203 new jobs, followed by Mobile County with 31 companies announcing 1,593 new jobs and Baldwin County with 26 companies announcing 1,502 jobs. Cullman County rounded out the top five with 87 companies announcing 1,175 new jobs.

Evans Quinlivan, chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, praised Governor Bob Riley and the Alabama Development Office for their leadership in statewide economic development. He said Madison County's growth is a compliment to the strong economic partnership that exists between all elected officials, business leaders and the community.

“The fact that this area continues to lead the state is a tribute to our elected officials, business leaders and organizations that, working together, make this such a viable business preference for new and existing companies,” he said.

Quinlivan also cited the diversity of the companies that help create the platform for growth.

“When you look not only at the new companies that are choosing Huntsville and Madison County – but also the companies here that are expanding – you see great diversification in our industrial and manufacturing areas,” Quinlivan said. “Obviously the announcement of Verizon Wireless choosing Huntsville and announcing 1,300 jobs was great. It is equally impressive to see 47 other companies announcing significant job growth here.”

Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, said both new and expanding business in Madison County is the recipe for successful economic growth.

“This marks 14 of the last 17 years that Madison County has led the state for jobs created by new and expanding companies within the primary business sectors. In my opinion, the number of jobs created by the combined companies is the most important criteria and while the rest of the state is not our competitor, it is still important to know how we compare because we do depend heavily on the state for support,” Hilson said. “Madison County normally represents from 15-20 percent of all jobs created statewide, and last year was no exception. Our having 48 projects representing 4,600 jobs is a tribute to our community.”