MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Growth in Alabama’s defense presence and a major pharmaceutical facility announcement helped the state earn a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from the business publication Area Development.
The awards are presented annually to states that achieved noteworthy success in job creation and economic impact. For 21 years, the publication has determined winners based on the number of high value-added jobs per capita, the amount of investment, the number of new facilities and the industry diversity of the projects.
“Alabama saw a record-breaking amount of industry investment in 2025 as more companies recognize we have the space, prime locations, infrastructure and skilled workforce that will make them successful,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “That investment – and this latest Silver Shovel Award – is further proof that the economic development policies developed in Montgomery and the work by local community leaders are creating quality jobs and opportunities for our citizens.”…