TCEDA: More Large-Scale Projects In The Works For Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Local economic development officials forecast big things on the horizon as the economy emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

On Wednesday, Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) Executive Director Danielle Winningham provided an update to the Tuscaloosa County Commission after taking over the organization last August.

In her short time at the helm, the former Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority has been given an extensive makeover, with a rebrand and retooling of online services, along with a cultural shift in the approach to attracting site selectors for large-scale projects.

"Over the next 18 months, we should see drastically-increased project activity," she said.

Quick facts

• 14 potential projects currently underway, ranging from advanced manufacturing to corporate operations. Of those potential projects, Tuscaloosa County is shortlisted for four.
• From September 2020 - May 2021, $92 million in investments have been announced by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, IAC and SMP, resulting in 496 new jobs.
• TCEDA secured a Growing Alabama grant in the amount of $1.5 million for an access road to the Airport Industrial Park.

Apart from the on-paper investment, Winningham said the focus on brand recognition will help better promote the area to outside investors.

"We will continue to be in the news," she said," Over the past 3-4 years, we haven’t had a lot of traction in terms of getting site development companies and consultants to take a close look here. But we’re going to stay in the front of their minds now."

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