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Economic development is a crucial aspect of any region’s growth and prosperity, and partnerships play a vital role in fostering sustainable progress. Here in The Shoals, we are fortunate to have many top-tier partners who frequently bring their best to the table. A great example of partnerships at work is Governor Ivey’s recent grant announcementthat the Florence-Advantage site will receivefunding under the new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS).To better understand how this came about, let’s travel back to the beginning. Situated within the prestigious Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park, the Florence-Advantage Site stands as a testament to strategic planning and collective effort. Established as the oldest and most renowned industrial park in Lauderdale County, boasting over 50 thriving industries and a record capital investment exceeding $300 million, it symbolizes our community’s commitment to progress. In 2012, the Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) seized an opportunity for expansion by acquiring the approximately 160-acre Florence-Advantage Site. This strategic move aimed to bolster the Industrial Park’s footprint and streamline the site’s marketing process for prospective projects. Even preceding this acquisition, the Shoals EDA, alongside the Florence-Lauderdale Expansion Committee and Industrial Development Board, had collaborated to designate the site as an Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Advantage Site back in 2009. The history of the Florence-AdvantageSite is clear: with site

 In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, communities must adapt and innovate to thrive. The Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) exemplifies this ethos through its multifaceted approach to fostering economic growth and enhancing community prosperity in the Shoals area. From traditional industrial recruitment to cutting-edge incentive programs, the Shoals EDA is at the forefront of driving positive change and transformation. At the core of the Shoals EDA’s mission is a commitment to improving the economic well-being and quality of life for the community. This entails not only attracting new businesses but also supporting existing industries that form the backbone of the region’s economy. Among the EDA’s programs is the Employment Growth Program, designed to incentivize full-time employment growth among existing industries. Eligible companies are provided financial assistance for each new job they create, thereby fostering economic expansion and prosperity in our region. In addition to this program and other efforts, the Shoals EDA collaborates closely with the Shoals Manufacturer’s Association to promote a conducive business environment for local manufacturers. This partnership aims to facilitate expansion opportunities and encourage the retention of existing companies within the Shoals area. However, the Shoals EDA doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, the authority has

The Shoals area has always had a thriving economy. From the Tuscumbia Railway Co. to Reynolds Metals, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Ford Motor Company, major players have been drawn to our natural resources and unique positionings. These employers and businesses provided vast opportunities for Shoals area citizens. One unique aspect of The Shoals is how our counties and cities, each with their own notable history, learned they are stronger together and have closely worked to develop our region. Our musical history makes harmony an appropriate word when describing what our key players are striving for. Through the Shoals EDA’s history, you can see these efforts towards harmony and how The Shoals truly is better together. As the post-World War II economic expansion ended, the entire country began to experience economic troubles. High inflation and high unemployment meant businesses and people had to learn what it meant to do more with less. In The Shoals region specifically, unemployment rates skyrocketed into the high teens by 1985. Coupled with inefficient community development efforts, regional leaders knew something had to change. Enter the Shoals Industrial Development Authority (SIDA). Through leaders’ solid efforts and the leadership of the University of North Alabama and the

Economic Development Association of Alabama Welcomes Kevin Jackson as Newly Elected 2024 Board Member The Economic Development Association of Alabama: The Shoals, Ala. – January 31, 2024 – Kevin Jackson, a prominent figure in the field of economic development, is pleased to announce his recent appointment to the board of directors of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA). His extensive experience and dedication to advancing economic growth make him a valuable addition to the organization. Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge and a successful track record in the realm of economic development to his new role on the EDAA board. With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Smith has played a pivotal role in shaping economic strategies and fostering growth within the state of Alabama. “I am honored to join the board of the Economic Development Association of Alabama,” said Jackson. “Alabama holds immense potential for economic advancement, and I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to drive progress and prosperity across the state.” Jackon’s professional background includes senior leadership positions in both public and private sectors, where he has championed initiatives focused on job creation, investment attraction, and community development. His expertise in economic

All the Festivities Where to See Santa! Christmas Parades! All the Festivities Event Name Date & Time Location Additional Information Dashing Through The Shoals (Public Ice Skating Rink!) November 26th- January 14th Thursdays & Fridays: 3pm- 8pmSaturdays & Sundays: 12pm- 8pm Muscle Shoals Amphitheater Public Ice-Skating Rink Hours will be: Thursdays 3-8 PM Fridays 3-8 PM Saturdays 12-8 PM Sundays 12-8 PM Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Now through January 14th.Ice-Skating is $12 and includes the skates2010 Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals 35661. Follow Shoals Chamber for any potential weather updates. For private rental inquiries email Alyssa at acrow@shoalschamber.com Tuscumbia Christmas Parade November 28th | 6pm Downtown Tuscumbia Come join in the holiday cheer as we celebrate Christmas this year! The Tuscumbia Christmas parade is November 28th at 6:00 p.m. https://fb.me/e/10bQK4zKZ John Paul White- Home for the Holidays 2023 November 29th | 7pm Norton Auditorium in Florence Join John Paul White, on November 29th at Norton Auditorium, in celebrating the holiday season with a special holiday show featuring some of his friends! https://fb.me/e/8e6hWPt78 Muscle Shoals Christmas Parade and Open House November 30th | 5:30pm- 7:30pm Bank Independent Muscle Shoals QUENCH food truck with your favorite festive treatsSanta and Mrs. Claus to arrive at 5:45The

MUSCLE SHOALS/FLORENCE, ALABAMA – Doster Program Management and The Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) break ground on two speculative industrial building projects in Northwest Alabama. Click Here To View Building Details In 2023, The Shoals EDA committed to an ambitious endeavor to enhance the industrial product of The Shoals area to lure new manufacturing investment to the community. Thus, the 2023 Product Development Plan was passed by The Shoals EDA Board of Directors. “To further our mission of promoting new businesses and employment opportunities for The Shoals community, our team and Board are committed to this Product Development Plan. These two new buildings will solidify The Shoals as a leading location for industrial projects. We eagerly look forward to starting the construction and are committed to finding the ideal tenant.” Kevin Jackson President of The Shoals EDA As an integral part of the plan, the Shoals Research Airpark speculative building represents the best The Shoals has to offer in industrial building property. Located in a premier industrial park in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the building stands at an impressive 250,000 square feet on an oversized building pad for additional expansion opportunities. The building is currently under construction and will be available in 2024.