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The Shoals EDA’s Employment Growth Program is officially renewed! This program, designed to promote the increase of quality employment opportunities within The Shoals community, has been a great success and asset to our 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. From June 2022- June 2023, 11 companies participated in the EGP. These companies created a total of 51 new jobs with an average entry-level wage of $18/hr. This means over $1.9 million in new annual payroll has been created as a result of this program.  It is exciting to witness the positive impact that this program continues to have on the Shoals community and its existing industries! To learn more and/or request an application, contact Rob Jones at (256)349-5632 or rjones@shoalseda.com.  Below is a breakdown of the program’s details and processes:  The EGP provides reimbursement to eligible for-profit companies for hiring between one and ten full-time employees (FTE) per year. The reimbursement amount for each qualified FTE is based on the entry-level wage for the position. Eligible applicants for the EGP must operate under one of the business activities described in

Southwire Announces Expansion in Florence, Ala. Company’s growth will create approximately 120 jobs, add capacity and improve current facilities Florence, Ala. – June 9, 2023: As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, Southwire has announced an expansion at its campus in Florence, Ala., that is expected to increase production capacity by 30% and create approximately 120 jobs. For more than seventy years, Southwire has been delivering power responsibly to customers throughout the world. A leader in the multi-billion-dollar North American market, the company is enhancing its proven legacy, trusted reputation and longstanding, disciplined financial management by building upon its strengths to attain sustainable, strategic growth. “At Southwire, we’re making a multi-year investment of more than a billion dollars to integrate newer and better equipment, systems and technology into our operations to increase efficiency, enhance competitiveness and ensure the operational capability and capacity to support our strategic growth. The Florence expansion is a testament to those efforts,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. The Southwire Florence Plant was acquired from Essex in 2006 to support the company’s production of commercial and residential building wire. The 300,000 square foot campus has grown over time, and this expansion will include approximately 340,000 square feet of

June 2023 July 2023 Recurring Events Arts & Culture Splash Pads & public Pools Websites to Watch June 2023 Event Name Date Location Additional Information  Website First Fridays Florence June 2nd Downtown Florence Visit historic Downtown Florence every first Friday of the month to see a variety of booths from unique local vendors, listen to talented musicians, and grab a bite to eat from some of your favorite food trucks. https://www.facebook.com/FirstFridaysFlorence Friday Night Stars and Guitars June 2nd Wilson Park, Florence The City of Florence Parks and Recreation is excited to be adding a Friday night concert series called Friday Night Stars and Guitars to our annual Music in the Park concerts. Friday Night Stars and Guitars will consist of live bands playing at Wilson Park every Friday night during the month of June. The Florence Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite everyone to attend these free music events as we hope to enhance the family atmosphere of community in the downtown area. https://fb.me/e/3DKvIK7qu Muscle Shoals TVA Trail Clean-Up June 3rd TVA Trails, Muscle Shoals Grab a garbage bag and some gloves! (Or use some of ours) June 3rd is National Trails Day and we want to show

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become a crucial part of almost every industry, and the demand for professionals in the technology field is growing rapidly. A career in technology offers many benefits that make it an attractive career option for many people. High demand for tech professionals: With the increasing use of technology in almost every industry, the demand for professionals with technical expertise is at an all-time high. Companies are looking for skilled individuals who can develop, maintain, and improve their technological infrastructure. Competitive salary: A career in technology is often well-paid, with many opportunities for advancement. According to recent statistics, the average salary for a technology professional is higher than the national average, making it a lucrative career option. In 2021, the federal annual average wage was $58,260. The average yearly salary of software developers the same year was $120,990 (both statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Continuous learning and development: Technology is constantly evolving, and professionals in this field must stay current with the latest advancements. This requires continuous learning and development, which keeps the work exciting and challenging. Flexibility: Many technology jobs allow for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible schedules.

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 Professor at UNA, will be the lead instructor. Students who complete the program will possess a fundamental understanding of programming concepts, get exposure and hands-on experience with two popular programming languages, and begin to acquire skills necessary to become contributing members of a software development team. “The Shoals EDA is excited about the opportunity to partner with the University of North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley Authority Economic Development on Code Alabama,” said Adam Himber, Shoals EDA Vice President. “We

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 throughout the nation, and one in two new homes built in the US contain their wire.• nSide is a school safety platform with many components currently in 210 school systems. • Custom Synthetic Fiber – uses 100% recycled content to make fiber for pillows, mattresses, clothes, wheel wells, etc.• Thacker Casket – is the largest family-owned casket company in the United States and was once featured on the History Channel’s ‘Modern Marvels’ TV show.• International Fertilizer Development Center – an independent non-profit organization that combines innovative research, market