Gov. Bob Riley

Riley met with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie and officials from Redstone Arsenal before the event. Riley said that he has never seen a community work together like Madison County does. He attributed the team approach to the community’s success.

“I have been coming up here for a long time and I can say that you understand how to work together,” Riley said. He added that he would like to model the rest of the state after Huntsville/Madison County.“Huntsville and Madison County is what I would like to see the rest of Alabama become.”

Regarding infrastructure in Madison County, Riley said that the two cities working with the county and Redstone Arsenal would increase the chances of getting infrastructure projects accomplished. Riley said that he was aware of Madison County’s needs.

“I am aware of the seven [infrastructure] projects that this community needs. You have the county and the two cities working together with Redstone Arsenal. If everyone does their part, we won’t have to choose one or two projects because we will be able to do all seven,” he said.

Riley admitted that Alabama was going through a “rough patch,” but that economic development project activity was still moving.

“When you look at the economic development model, Alabama has as many projects as any other place. We have led the South for about five of the last six years in number of projects and that is directly attributed to Madison County. We are taking this to a whole new level.”

Riley said it is important to continue to diversify Alabama’s industry.

“Diversify more than ever. That gives us the ability few other states have. Projects in Alabama are dependent upon keeping up with what you are doing here,” Riley said.

Part of that diversification will come from the recent economic development incentives package the Alabama Legislature approved and Riley signed into law. The new incentives will help the state compete for projects in knowledge-based industries and for corporate headquarter relocations. He said that a company is already contemplating a move and that the State would know something soon.

Riley ended his address by taking questions from the audience, including his plans after his final term as governor is finished.

“I’m going back to Clay County to a little town called Ashville where I plan to retire and help raise some grandchildren and some cattle, but not necessarily in that order.”