DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY)—A representative from the Alabama Business Council stopped in Dothan to discuss the state of the state’s economy.

“I think because of the things we have put in place, Alabama is in a much better place and is stronger than it has ever been,” Helena Duncan, the president of the Business Council of Alabama, said.

Alabama’s economy is making strides thanks to its diversification into several sectors.

“We have been a very heavy auto manufacturing and we are now ranked number 1 in that area, but what we are starting to see is a very diverse economy, whether it is clean energy, whether it is clean chemicals, whether it is technology,“ Duncan said.

Business Council of Alabama President Helena Duncan and Chairman Kevin Savoy say the state has come a long way since 2018.

From investments in infrastructure and workforce development, to making the state attractive for business, driving the economy forward.

“We are a pro-business state. We love that title, and we are ranked in that area. We are in the top 20 in the nation for being business-friendly and a pro-business community. We want to preserve that.” Duncan said.

However, one concern impacting the state’s economy is Alabama’s workforce participation, which ranks below the national average.

Leaders on a local level are working to address this in several ways, such as bringing a possible career center to Henry County, as well as on the state level with policy.

“I think the biggest thing we have an opportunity with is the restructuring of the Department of Labor into the Department of Workforce. That won’t change in a year; that is a multi-year task. That’s our primary focus in 2025 and into 2026,” Kevin Savoy, BCA chairman and a local businessman, said.

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