Riley touts city as economic 'rock star'

Gov. Bob Riley flew to Alabama's largest cities Wednesday to tout the state's strong economy, but the Huntsville visit likely provided him the best material.

Riley's trip was timed to highlight the fact that Alabama was selected Tuesday for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year as "State of the Year" by Southern Business and Development magazine, which ranks 17 Southern states.

The magazine called Huntsville "the South's newest economic development rock star," and Riley happily announced that description during a stop at Signature Flight Service in Huntsville.

"Alabama's economy has never been stronger," Riley said. "And economic development doesn't get any better than it is in Huntsville-Madison County right now."

The magazine ranks Southern states and cities on economic development activity levels, and Huntsville, the governor noted, was picked for the second straight year as "Mid-market of the Year."

Huntsville was cited for the 900-job Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology announced last August and an expected 4,700 jobs included in the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations for Huntsville.

Huntsville-Madison County had 7,017 new jobs announced last year, a record for the area and by far the largest share of Alabama's roughly 25,000 new jobs announced in 2005.

Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said the recognition of success in job growth locally and for the state is very meaningful. He said it reflects public officials who understand and are committed to economic development, an attractive work force and quality employers.

"It's a process that continues to serve itself," Hilson said. "While we still have to market ourselves and compete, we have a very good product to work from."

The magazine, published in Birmingham, uses a ranking system that awards points for job announcements that include at least 200 jobs or a business investment of at least $30 million, said Mike Randle, the magazine's editor and publisher.

Randle said for 2005 Alabama had 58 such announcements, not only the best per capita in the South, but a straight-up better performance than neighbors Georgia and Tennessee.

"Ten years ago that was unthinkable," Randle said, pointing to the recruitment of Mercedes Benz as a key turning point for the state. "This may be the best state economy in the country right now."

Riley said when he took office he recruited the "best economic developer" in the country, Alabama Development Office director Neal Wade. Riley said Wade built a "world class" team and the state is benefiting from his results.

During Wednesday's visit Riley heaped praise on the leaders of Huntsville-Madison County and their track record of economic development. Several officials responded by saying there had never been a governor with a better understanding of economic development.

"The reason they are successful is they are absolutely committed to this area," Riley said.