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FLORENCE, AL – The Center for Learning and Professional Development on the East Campus of the University of North Alabama, along with the Shoals Economic Development Authority have partnered to launch Code Alabama. The program will begin in June, and 12 scholarships are available for the first group of students. “We are pleased to be able to offer these scholarships and partner with Shoals EDA to launch this workforce-focused program,” said Mary Marshall VanSant, Director of the Center for Learning and Professional Development. “Coding is a lucrative and desired skill in today’s workforce, and this program provides a valuable opportunity to anyone seeking to enhance their proficiency.” Code Alabama is a 96-hour/eight-week course, and Dr. Mark Terwilliger, a Computer Science

The beginning of the year is a new and exciting time. Everyone seems to be making resolutions or participating in challenges. These can be a great way to establish and focus on your goals for the coming months. We have four new ‘Shoals-centric’ things for you to explore in 2023 to learn more about The Shoals. 1. Learn About a New Company! The Shoals is home to many organizations and industries producing exciting products and components! • DURA Automotive Systems produces battery trays for electric vehicles.• Constellium produces aluminum sheet for soda cans and aluminum automotive coils.• North American Lighting supplies lighting systems to major automotive brands.• TASUS & Project XYZ also provide components to the automotive industry.• Kith Kitchens produces high-quality cabinetry.• Southwire produces half of the cable used to transmit and distribute electricity

 Check out some of the events happening during the Holiday season here in The Shoals!  Event Name Date City More Information Pictures with Santa (Sokoll’s Christmas Tree Farm) November 25th Florence https://fb.me/e/qW3iypqMK Free Pictures with Santa (Pioneer Furniture) November 25th Killen https://fb.me/e/2iITflFOY North Court Street Median Christmas Tree Lighting November 27th Florence https://fb.me/e/1Zbqi3A7H Tuscumbia Christmas Parade November 29th Tuscumbia https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=498237605676378&set=a.241874191312722 Cookies with Santa November 29th Florence https://fb.me/e/27R4gPzfy Rejoice! Shoals Chamber Singers Christmas Concert November 29th Florence https://fb.me/e/2iCrK0IrX Sing the Holiday! November 29th Florence https://fb.me/e/2XXQoTxW0 John Paul White- Home for the Holidays November 30th Florence https://fb.me/e/21eUIBcnn Muscle Shoals Christmas Parade December 1st Muscle Shoals  https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=424678716517582&set=a.181839064134883 Mistletoe Marketplace December 2nd Muscle Shoals https://fb.me/e/27BRyczWk First Fridays December 2nd Florence https://fb.me/e/45dOhoTrO Holiday Classics with

The Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) strives to improve The Shoals area economy through partnerships, programs, and innovation. One of these initiatives is our Employment Growth Program (EGP). Created in 2011, this program’s mission is to promote the increase of quality employment opportunities within The Shoals community. Through the EGP, we hope to encourage full-time employment growth through a streamlined process and incentive that provides assistance to eligible applicants offering new employment opportunities for Shoals citizens.   In 2022, 11 companies participated in the EGP. These applicants have created a combined 76 jobs with an average wage of $16.01/hr. We have committed $292,500 to these companies who are bringing a combined capital expenditure of ~$2.923 million. Chad Epperson, Owner/CEO of United

Check out some of the events happening this fall in The Shoals!   Date Event Name Location Website September 8th @ 7pm Fight for Freedom Benefit Concert Shoals Theatre https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8245888/fight-for-freedom-benefit-concert-florence-shoals-theatre?language=en&country=US&searchType=venue September 9th Tedx Wilson Park The Mane Room https://tedxwilsonpark.com/ September 10th @ 8am  The Walk of Life Tuscumbia Landing  https://www.visitflorenceal.com/events/the-walk-of-life/ September 10th @ 7pm  T.G. Sheppard in concert with Special Guest Jeff Bates Shoals Theatre https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/4839793/tgsheppard-in-concertwith-special-guestjeff-bates-florence-shoals-theatre?language=en&country=US&searchType=venue September 10th @ 6pm UNA vs UVA Wise (Football) Braly Stadium   https://roarlions.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=172 September 12th- 17th  North Alabama State Fair Fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals www.northalabamastatefair.org September 12th 2022 Lauderdale Commissioners Cup (Disc Golf) Brush Creek Park https://www.visitflorenceal.com/events/2022-lauderdale-commissioners-cup/ September 16th @ 7pm The Dylan Leblanc Band with Special Guests The Leblanc Family Band Shoals Theatre https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8421104/the-dylan-leblanc-band-with-special-guests-the-leblanc-family-band-florence-shoals-theatre?language=en&country=US&searchType=venue September

 The Shoals is synonymous with legendary hit music. No one can deny the heritage and musical pedigree of our community and its influence across the world. The Shoals is pound-for-pound the largest hit-making area in the world, rightfully once known to the world as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World.” To continue the recording tradition and invoke a revival of growth in the industry, The Shoals EDA is excited to launch the Shoals Music Makers Recording Incentive. Eligible and approved recipients will receive up to a 30% reimbursement incentive on their entire budget, provided the project is recorded in Colbert or Lauderdale County. “We are excited to play our part in encouraging the growth of the music industry and

June 2022 July 2022 Recurring Events Splash Pads & Public Pools Arts & Culture June 2022 Event Name Date Location Additional Information  Website Sweetwater Pop-Up Market June 4th Sweetwater District- Huntsville Road @ the roundabout We are excited to invite you to kick off summer at the Sweetwater Pop-Up Market on Saturday, June 4, from 9:00 am-noon. The family-friendly event will feature local businesses, live music, local product vendors, and fresh produce. https://florenceal.org/calendar_app/calendar_event_detail.html?eventId=150&date=6/4/2022&show=no 51st Muscle Shoals Street Rod Ron June 4th Spring Park, Tuscumbia One of the largest antique & vintage car shows in Alabama displays all makes and models of street rods through 1988. Gates open at 7am, show until 2pm. $5,000 in cash prizes, $20 registration at the

 THE SHOALS, ALA. – North American Lighting celebrated their newest expansion on April 29, 2022., in Muscle Shoals, Ala. The Shoals Economic Development Authority and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce were present, along with the Mayor of Muscle Shoals and several executives from NAL’s corporate headquarters. North American Lighting Inc. (NAL), a division of Koito Manufacturing Co., is the largest manufacturing employer in The Shoals. In 2005, NAL announced a new 200,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, committing an investment of $22 million and creating 320 jobs. In 2010, the company announced an investment of an additional $10.2 million in the Alabama facility adding 96 new jobs. NAL’s success in Alabama continued as the company announced multiple