Governor Bentley to Highlight State’s Economic Development Strategic Plan at National Governor’s Association Meeting

NASHVILLE– Governor Robert Bentley on Friday will highlight Alabama’s strategic economic development plan with other state governors at the Summer Meeting of the National Governor’s Association in Nashville. Governor Bentley currently serves as chair of NGA’s Economic Development and Commerce Committee which will meet Friday afternoon.

“Alabama’s economic development plan is unique and has enabled our state to strategically recruit new industries, create jobs and foster a business climate so small and medium enterprises can compete in global markets,” Governor Bentley said. “During the committee meeting, we have a special opportunity to showcase Alabama’s efforts, and I look forward to sharing those efforts with other state governors at the meeting.”

The strategic plan, Accelerate Alabama, was put into place early in the Bentley Administration. The plan targets 11 business sectors and focuses on three economic drivers: recruitment of new industry, retention and expansion of existing business and renewal by creating jobs through innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization and research and development.

Governor Bentley will share Alabama’s success in the field of job creation through innovation and research and development. Jim Hudson, Founder of Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville will join Governor Bentley for a roundtable discussion. Governor Bentley’s remarks will focus on the state’s efforts to reward innovative businesses that have the potential to create and expand jobs in Alabama.

The Economic Development and Commerce Committee of the NGA will meet at 3p.m Friday at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.