Blog

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

 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 Cirque De la Symphonie & Shoals Symphony @ UNA December 2nd Florence https://fb.me/e/3WAYkPGU8 Rogersville Christmas Parade December 2nd Rogersville https://fb.me/e/2kbIL4WFr Kruzn Christmas Comedy with Heather Land December 2nd Sheffield https://fb.me/e/3ayIXcUTS Legacy’s Christmas Market December 3rd Killen https://fb.me/e/2nCVG1Uce Breakfast with Santa December 3rd Muscle Shoals https://fb.me/e/32CeEf0E8 Meet and greet: The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who December 3rd Muscle Shoals  https://fb.me/e/1ZixgoTc0 Merry Market December 3rd Florence https://fb.me/e/3683uozEV Festival of Yule  December 3rd Tuscumbia https://fb.me/e/25ToAeKw6 North Alabama Christmas Market December 3rd & 4th

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 Treating & Distribution (UTD), says the EGP has been “an excellent resource for UTD.” He continues to add, the program “offers us the challenge to consistently hire additional long-term team members while allowing us to reinvest in our growing business and team.” 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

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 17th @ 10 am Young Learners Series: The Tennessee River Florence Indian Mound Museum https://www.florencealmuseums.com/calendar/young-learners-series-the-crawfish September 17th @ 10am Shoals Nonprofit Center Cornhole Tournament Singin’ River Brewery https://www.shoalsnonprofits.com/cornhole September 17th @ 7pm  Mark Collie & Friends The Ritz Theatre https://tennesseevalleyarts.org/events/mark-collie-friends/ September 24th @ 11:30am UNA Homecoming Parade Downtown Florence https://www.una.edu/alumni/homecoming/parade-route.html September 24th @ 6pm  UNA vs Tarleton State (Football) Braly Stadium https://roarlions.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=172 September 25th @ 2pm Inventing the “Pilgrims of the South”: Historic Preservation and Cherokee Erasure at Brainerd Mission