Most commonly known as “the” state agency for economic development, the Alabama Development Office (ADO) has one mission – simply to create jobs in Alabama. The department is led by veteran economic developer Neal Wade.

According to Wade, “We work very hard to build relationships with site consultants and keep them up-to-date on information about our state because they are vital in supplying companies."

"We also work with economic development professionals across the state – some are specific to economic development organizations, some work with chambers and some are with companies. They are our allies and are a supplier of projects to us.”

Please allow us to introduce you to ADO’s team.

Director of Business Development

David Hutchison and his staff of project managers work through a combination of efforts identifying prospects to grow and broaden Alabama’s industry base. His staff markets Alabama to the world identifying companies who could have an expansion project in the Southeast over the next three to five years. The business development division also fields calls from site consultants who are hired by companies to find a location for their company.

The major objectives of the division are to attract industry to Alabama, to encourage and promote foreign manufacturing investment in the state, and to support expansion and retention of existing businesses. The department works closely with economic development allies throughout the state, facilitating a cooperative effort to recruit domestic and foreign based companies.

Marketing efforts are targeted and incorporate direct contact, pavilion events at selected trade shows, and business prospecting trips. ADO also recognizes the importance and potential of the state’s existing industries and considers retention and expansion of Alabama companies to be an integral part of recruitment strategies.

International Trade

Hilda Lockhart and her staff helps companies establish working relationships with export and other professionals, building knowledge that results in lucrative international business. The department accomplishes this mission through several specific activities designed to complement the existing trade promotion programs of other state and federal agencies.

Activities include special programs and trade events including trade missions, trade shows, and catalog missions. Foreign buyers are encouraged to include Alabama in their U.S.A itineraries, and the state’s exporters and importers receive mass mailings and special publications such as the Alabama International Trade Directory. The department co-sponsors and supports a variety of export development activities for other Alabama organizations.

Small Business Advocacy

Eddie Postell and the Small Business Office of Advocacy foster the growth of Alabama’s small operations by giving them a variety of assistance. The office provides information to businesses, and the needs and concerns of small-business owners are regularly addressed. Working closely with the Small Business Development Consortium, the agency’s Small Business Office is working in coordination with the consortium’s eleven Small Business Development Centers at universities throughout the state and jointly publishes Alabama’s Answers, a guide to doing business in Alabama.

The department also participates in joint efforts with ADECA’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise, as well as other groups around the state involved in the development of small business.