Just Around the Corner PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, July 23rd

Last week, it was disappointing to hear the news of Volkswagen's decision to build their newest U.S. plant in Chattanooga, given that the Tennessee site was chosen over a location in Huntsville.  We missed a big one here, but looking back on a week of reflection, a lot of good came out of our efforts.  While VW went the other way, we still have great potential to attract valuable industry to the region.  Our robotics facility in Decatur at Calhoun College will be a big lure for manufacturers in the automotive and aerospace industries, and other opportunities are just around the corner.

Our area and the site in Huntsville/Limestone County also received a lot of media attention both nationally and around the world.  While we did not win, we did gain positive recognition as a great place to do business and raise a family.  I would like to congratulate Governor Riley, Mayor Spencer, and Commissioner Seibert on their hard work in trying to bring these jobs to north Alabama.  This was a true example of what we can do when we work together as a community.  I was proud to have played my role by sponsoring and passing key legislation to increase the incentives we could offer VW.  While the incentives were not needed for Volkswagen, the legislation is in place and we can use those incentives for the next prospect that is sure to come soon.

Even though it chose to locate in Chattanooga, the VW  plant is yet another opportunity for our economy to grow.  Many of our sites are now ideally positioned for parts suppliers, both for VW and for other companies.  North Alabama is only a few hours away from Mercedes in Tuscaloosa, Saturn in Spring Hill, Tennessee, Honda in Lincoln, Hyundai in Montgomery, and the new Toyota assembly plant being built in Tupelo, Mississippi.  With the newest plant in Chattanooga, our area is now ideal for suppliers of auto parts who want to serve as many of these potential customers as possible.

On November 4, we need to send someone to Washington who can fight for quality jobs so we can weather any economic storm that might come our way.  North Alabama needs to elect to Congress someone who will not let the region miss a beat after Bud Cramer steps down.  I am looking forward to fighting for you and working to bring new jobs to our region as our next Congressman.


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Parker Griffith
 
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