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Manufacture Alabama, the state’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to manufacturers and their suppliers, has released its 2024 year-end review, highlighting a year of progress, innovation, and advocacy that underscored its pivotal role in shaping the manufacturing landscape in Alabama. The association’s efforts spanned legislative victories, environmental advocacy, international outreach, and industry engagement, leaving a lasting mark on the state’s economic and industrial growth.
Throughout the 2024 Legislative Sessions, Manufacture Alabama made significant strides by hosting weekly Government Affairs Committee meetings and facilitating dialogues with high-ranking officials, including Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and legislative leaders. The association provided continuous updates on key issues and played a decisive role in the successful reelection campaign of Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh. Additionally, its collaboration with business community partners resulted in the passage of the “Working for Alabama” legislative package, a landmark achievement aimed at increasing workforce participation, enhancing economic development, and fostering local community growth.
A standout accomplishment of the legislative year was the passage of the Child Care Tax Credit, a transformative policy championed by Manufacture Alabama. This initiative provides tax incentives for businesses investing in childcare solutions for their employees, addressing one of the most significant barriers to workforce participation: affordable and accessible childcare. By easing financial burdens on working parents, particularly women, the tax credit strengthens Alabama’s talent pool, boosts productivity, and supports families across the state. Manufacture Alabama led the charge in drafting and advocating for this legislation, mobilizing its members to provide real-world insights and hosting awareness campaigns to garner widespread support.
In the realm of environmental advocacy, Manufacture Alabama facilitated over 19 direct engagements with key personnel at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and represented industry interests before various state commissions, the Legislature, and the Governor’s Office. These efforts ensured that the manufacturing sector’s environmental concerns were addressed while advancing sustainable practices in the industry.
The association also showcased Alabama’s manufacturing prowess on the global stage at the Farnborough International Airshow. Engaging with aerospace executives and industry leaders, Manufacture Alabama positioned the state as a hub for innovation and excellence in aerospace manufacturing. These discussions aimed to attract investments and forge partnerships that would further elevate Alabama’s role in the aerospace and defense sectors.
A key highlight of the year was the July D.C. Fly-In, which brought over 20 members of Alabama’s manufacturing community to the nation’s capital. Participants engaged with all nine members of Alabama’s congressional delegation to discuss pressing issues, including workforce development, infrastructure, trade, and regulatory reform. This event strengthened relationships between policymakers and industry leaders, fostering collaborative solutions to challenges facing the manufacturing sector.
Manufacture Alabama’s commitment to fostering industry engagement was evident in its robust calendar of events throughout the year. From large-scale networking opportunities to focused luncheons on critical issues, these gatherings reinforced connections among members, partners, and policymakers, further solidifying the association’s role as a catalyst for collaboration and growth.
As Alabama’s manufacturing sector continues to evolve, Manufacture Alabama’s achievements in 2024 reflect a deep commitment to advancing the interests of its members while contributing to the state’s economic development and community well-being. With a focus on innovation, advocacy, and partnership, the association remains a driving force in shaping a prosperous future for Alabama’s industries.
