Alabama Power has once again been named one of the best economic development teams in the nation, according to trade publication Site Selection magazine.

The distinguished Top 20 Utilities in Economic Development list recognizes U.S. utilities with the best track record for recruiting and expanding industry. The ranking further solidifies Alabama Power as a national leader in economic, workforce and community development.

“Our team works each day to better lives and create opportunities for the people of Alabama, and I’m incredibly proud Site Selection is honoring this commitment yet again,” said Tony Smoke, senior vice president of Marketing and Economic Development for Alabama Power.

Smoke added that economic development is more than a department at Alabama Power and was a founding tenet of the company over a century ago, with employees from all organizations contributing to the success.

The publication cites as key wins for the company and the state Alabama Power’s 2019 efforts to attract an estimated $2 billion in new capital investment and the more than 2,500 jobs created through new and expanding facility projects.

Additionally, Site Selection cited the company’s work in the areas of community and rural development, innovation and entrepreneurship:

• Community and Rural Development: Development of more than 15 asset assessments to support multiple communities and plans for growth and development; partnership with CSX Transportation, the state of Alabama and Baldwin County for the South Alabama Mega Site; supporting the Economic Development Association of Alabama’s Rural Development Initiative; and working with Alabama Launchpad and Co. Starters to help build entrepreneurial ecosystems in these regions.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Creation of the Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator through a partnership with Techstars, an international tech accelerator. With support from the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), the accelerator works with startups addressing innovative technologies in the electrical and utility space to lead to new technology-related capital investment and job creation for the state.

Teamwork is key to the company – and the state of Alabama’s – economic development track record.

Leigh Davis, vice president of Economic and Community Development for Alabama Power, emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations and allies such as the Alabama Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Economic Development Association of Alabama, AIDT and local economic development groups.

“Our commitment to building long-lasting, strong partnerships allows us to work beyond traditional recruitment expansion to prepare our communities and workforce for opportunities and growth,” Davis said.

Learn more about Alabama Power’s Economic and Community Development initiatives at AmazingAlabama.com.