Ellen Galvin McNair

This document, "CATALYST: A Plan for Propelling Alabama's Economic Growth," outlines Alabama's updated strategic plan for economic development, replacing the "Accelerate Alabama" plan. The plan aims to energize the state's economic efforts into the next decade and prepare for the 2030s. Key focus areas include elevating human capital, spurring entrepreneurship, promoting rural development, energizing talent attraction, and enhancing quality placemaking. It identifies priority sectors such as Mobility, Defense, Metal and Advanced Materials, Chemical Manufacturing, Forestry and Wood Products, Agriculture and Food, Bioscience, and Technology, supported by enablers like Business Services and Logistics and Distribution. The overarching goal is to attract game-changing corporate growth projects, invigorate communities, and maintain Alabama's competitiveness.

This document outlines CATALYST, a strategic economic growth plan for Alabama focused on propelling the state's economic performance. The plan identifies eight priority sectors and two enablers, utilizing 'Prepare' and 'Pursue' initiatives to build a strong foundation for growth. Key strategic elements include developing talent and human capital, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, prioritizing infrastructure, enhancing the business climate, and leveraging quality placemaking. The overarching vision is to unlock Alabama's growth potential and prepare the state for the 2030s by closing macroeconomic gaps.

The strategic plan focuses on enhancing Alabama's economic development through recruitment, retention, and renewal. It identifies targeted business sectors and foundational targets, emphasizing the importance of aligning workforce skills with industry needs, ensuring infrastructure availability, and fostering innovation. The plan aims to create a one-stop shop for economic development, increase business intelligence capabilities, and promote the "Made in Alabama" brand to attract investment and support existing businesses.

The 2025 Trade Strategy focuses on expanding Alabama's presence in international markets by supporting businesses through trade missions, education, and networking opportunities. It prioritizes collaboration with allied countries to foster economic growth and job creation, with a special emphasis on rural exporter support. The strategy also aims to attract foreign direct investment and connect Alabama to the global economy through tailored counseling and resource allocation.