U.S. flag An official website of the United States government.

Dot gov

The .gov means it's official.
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser's address (or "location") bar.

SSL

This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that's been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted  — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

Month: August 2016

Federal grants could help Alabama recover from coal losses

  • August 31st, 2016

By: Kelly Poe, al.com

Alabama coal miners have recently faced mine closures, job losses and benefits reductions, and two recently awarded federal grants aim to ease some of the problems the industry decline has caused.

The federal government’s Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded two groups in Alabama grants to help the industry figure out what’s next.

Southern Research in Birmingham received a $60,202 grant to develop a strategic plan to increase entrepreneurship in Alabama’s counties that have been most impacted by the decline of coal.

“We’re going to have an energy industry in the state. What’s it going to be for the next 100 years?” Southern Research’s Director of Energy and Environment Corey Tyree said. “For the last 100 years, coal was a big part of that. I don’t see an economic driver that’s going to bring that back.”

Tyree estimates that since the industry’s peak in 1990, Alabama has lost 21,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in the coal sector throughout the entire supply chain. Tyree used Energy Information Administration data to develop that estimate.

“Coal is an important part of our historical economic base,” Tyree said. “This region, like others in the Appalachian region, was disproportionately affected by the downturn in the industry.”

The plan will focus on how to use existing research and development assets in the energy and agricultural sectors to encourage small business growth.

The Shoals Entrepreneurial Center in Florence was awarded a $997,150 grant for the “Shoals Shift” project. The funds will fund entrepreneurial programs to increase profitability of area companies and startups through more efficient use of broadband technologies.

ARC estimates the project will create or retain 110 jobs, start 20 new business, and leverage $10 million in private estimates.

Last year alone was a devastating blow to the Alabama coal industry, following a long history of decline in the coal industry. Walter Energy eliminated hundreds of jobs last year as it navigated bankruptcy, but it was far from alone. North American Coal Corporation closed its Jasper operation, and Cliffs Natural Resources laid off more than 200 workers.

Alabama is one of nine Appalachian states to receive grants totaling nearly $39 million that are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs. The other eight states to receive grants are Texas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Appalachian Regional Commission estimates that 23,000 Appalachian coal jobs have been lost between 2011 and 2015.

For the original article, click here.

Small Business Forum Web Conference

  • August 23rd, 2016

Does your organization or association work closely with small business owners? If so, please join us September 14 at 10 a.m. as we exchange ideas, gather information, and create new partnerships within the small business community. Our Virtual Small Business Forum is free and open to those with an interest in small business or self-employment. This forum will provide your organization with helpful resources to share with your clients, members, partners, etc.

The Forum will take place via WebEx from the comfort of your own computer. Please RSVP to Regina.P.Malisham@irs.gov or call 251-341-5937. Once your RSVP has been received, you will be sent the login information for attending.

Find step-by-step instruction for accessing WebEx: Attending a WebEx Session – Participant Info

You can view the original event event invitation here: SBF Flyer – 9.14.2016

Veteran-owned business receive official letters

  • August 8th, 2016

Eugene Overstreet is the owner of Street’s Restaurant and Street’s Seafood and Meat Market in Bay Minette. He is a Vietnam veteran and a member of the two veteran service organizations in Bay Minette. He regularly supports, donates to, and sponsors veteran events, veterans, and their families and the community. ADOL’s Nicholas Bowen makes the presentation of the official VOB letter and decal.

Bob Harry is a retired disabled Army veteran and the owner of Aabon Home Health Care Supply in Ozark. ADOL’s Larry Vaughn makes the presentation of the official VOB letter and decal.

Wiley McWhorter is a retired disabled veteran and the owner of Wiley’s Smuteye Grill in Banks. ADOL’s Dan Perkins makes the presentation of the official VOB letter and decal.

Justin Garner is a veteran and owner of Garner Technologies in Dothan. He started the business two years ago. As of now, he has two employees and of them is also a veteran. He also plans on hiring someone with sales experience in the future. ADOL’s Larry Vaughn makes the presentation of the official VOB letter and decal.