The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Governor Kay Ivey
August 7, 2024 MONTGOMERY – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced the appointment of eight distinguished business leaders to the Alabama Growth Alliance. These include: Jimmy Rane, (the richest Alabamian), Business Council of Alabama (BCA) CEO Helen Duncan, Alabama Power Company CEO Jeff Peoples, and Regions CEO John Turner.
The Governor's office describes the Alabama Growth Alliance as a key initiative aimed at supporting efforts to drive economic growth and innovation through the governor's new economic development strategy. The Governor's office claims that this will be a "cutting-edge approach to economic development" bringing public and private leadership together to coordinate and strengthen the state's ability to bring about economic development success.
"The experienced business leaders on the Alabama Growth Alliance will be able to lend key support to the forward-looking strategies outlined in the new economic development plan," said Gov. Ivey. "By working together, we're building a stronger, more prosperous Alabama for generations to come."
The Governor claims that the eight Alabamians appointed bring unique knowledge and skills to the new alliance. The eight members include:
Angus Cooper, III, President of the Mobile-based Cooper Group., has a deep understanding of international trade and the maritime and logistics sectors.
Helena Duncan, President and CEO of the Montgomery-based Business Council of Alabama, brings a strong background in business advocacy and policy.
Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of Bank Independent in Florence, is recognized for his extensive knowledge in banking and finance.
Jimmy Rane, Chairman and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving in Abbeville, is a prominent figure in the wood products and construction industry.
John Turner, President and CEO of Birmingham-based Regions Financial Corp., offers expertise in financial services and economic strategy.
Allison Ross of Huntsville is a consulting, real estate and public relations entrepreneur and former owner of Yellowhammer News. (Appointed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth)
Jeff Peoples, Chairman, President and CEO of Birmingham-based Alabama Power, is a leader in the energy sector. (Appointed Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed)
Bruce Culpepper of Guntersville, former President and U.S. Country Chair of Shell Oil Co., has extensive experience in the energy and petrochemical industries. (Appointed by Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter)
Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce Ellen McNair said that the Alliance will be a tremendous addition to the economic development team.
"The business leaders appointed to this public-private partnership will assist us as we move to capitalize on high-impact growth opportunities that will make a difference in the lives of Alabamians," said McNair.
Governor Ivey serves as chair of the Alliance, with Secretary McNair serving as co-chair. Joining them as ex-officio members are Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed; Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter; Finance Director and Innovate Alabama Chair Bill Poole; Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton; and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels.
The Alliance officially begins its work on October 1, when a task force led by Secretary McNair delivers a comprehensive new economic development strategic plan to Governor Ivey.
Governor Ivey spoke with members of the Growth Alliance Monday and expressed her confidence and appreciation in the group she assembled. The appointments to the Growth Alliance follow the governor's selections for both the Alabama Workforce Board and its Executive Committee, which she announced on Monday.
With an annual population growth of over .5% per year, rising home prices, high inflation, a June unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a state population that is in excess of 5.2 million people (the all-time high for the state – up over 400,000 since just 2010) it is highly debatable whether the average working class family in Alabama actually benefits at all from the state pushing a pro-growth strategy. Of course, no typical working-class persons will be serving on this board.
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