“As Montgomery moves into a new era of growth and progress, the Chamber’s unique ability to handle and provide expertise covering all aspects of economic development – from tourism and business recruitment to military, small business and quality of place initiatives – is as essential as ever,” said John Yelverton, 2021 Chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “In particular, the Chamber has worked together with the public and private sector to transform public education and fuel a new economy by launching the newest entrepreneurial learning center – The Lab on Dexter.”
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey celebrated Montgomery Public Schools’ removal from intervention with a sold out crowd of more than 600 business, military, community, and elected leaders in attendance.
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater delivered the keynote address. After the historic passage of the largest federal infrastructure bill, he shared the need for the public and private sectors to join together as Montgomery works to navigate its fair share in the dispersal of federal funding.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Cedric Campbell, Regional Vice President of Goodwyn Mills Cawood took over as the 2022 Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Through a collaborated effort, the Chamber produced several significant milestones this year that are moving Montgomery’s economic development strategy forward:
- For the second year in a row, Montgomery was named a Top Economic Development Organization in the Nation by Site Selection Magazine
- Announced and expanding projects experienced $226 million in capital investment, representing 24 total announced projects and more than 980 announced new jobs.
- Amazon choses Montgomery with a $100 Million Investment.
- Montgomery Whitewater breaks ground on historic project changing the landscape of Montgomery and the region.
- Hyundai rolls out its 5,000,000 vehicle and announces it will now produce five cars at the Montgomery plant – HMMA.
- Montgomery receives a new flying mission at Maxwell – the MH 139 Helicopter and the F-35 Bed Down is on track for 2023 and represents a $100+ Million investment.
- Maxwell secures $14.5 Million and launches the only DoDEA pilot program allowing off-base students to attend base schools.
- Launched The Lab on Dexter, an entrepreneurial and innovation center that fuels minority and small business development. So far this year, it has integrating partnerships with Apple Ed Farm and Go Daddy.
- Launched an elevated tourism experience by opening a brand-new visitor center, right on Dexter Avenue.
- Travel related expenditures grew 30% this year and Montgomery sold more than 1,000,000 room nights.
- Achieved national media attention for the city’s tourism, economic development and technology initiatives, earning more than $1 Billion media impressions through its targeted public relations activities.
Editor’s Note: For high-res photos, visit dropbox.
For more information on the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce visit www.montgomerychamber.com.
###
ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce is a fully integrated economic development organization that works to improve the business community of Montgomery, Alabama, through the creation and preservation of jobs. Key focus areas of the Montgomery Chamber include recruiting industry and expanding existing businesses, developing minority and small businesses, growing tourism and convention development, expanding military and federal affairs, and fostering cyber and innovation programs. A long history of trusted public-private partnerships has allowed Montgomery to grow its thriving workforce, improve quality of life and attract more jobs to the region.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lara Wilson
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
lwilson@montgomerychamber.com
334-261-1104
