Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that Alabama has received a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from Area Development, a business publication, recognizing the state's significant achievements in job creation and economic impact, particularly from its growing defense presence and a major pharmaceutical facility. This highlights Alabama's success attracting high value-added jobs and substantial investments.
Performance anchored by key projects in defense and aerospace. U.S. Space Command's permanent relocation to Huntsville brings 1,312 defense jobs, reinforcing the region's role as a national hub. Additionally, Eli Lilly's $6 billion pharmaceutical investment in Huntsville, a manufacturing project of the year, is set to create 450 jobs, signaling Alabama's serious ambitions in life sciences.
Governor Ivey said, "Alabama saw a record-breaking amount of industry investment in 2025 as more companies recognize we have the space, prime locations, infrastructure and skilled workforce that will make them successful." She added, "That investment – and this latest Silver Shovel Award – is further proof that the economic development policies developed in Montgomery and the work by local community leaders are creating quality jobs and opportunities for our citizens."
In 2025, Alabama achieved an all-time high of $14.6 billion in investments and 9,388 new jobs across 234 projects. Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said, "The Alabama Department of Commerce's paramount goals are to attract quality jobs for Alabamians and better the state's communities through long-term investments." She added, "To be recognized by Area Development for the results of that work is always appreciated."
Growth was also seen in automotive and raw materials sectors, with investments from CPT America in Tuskegee, ArcelorMittal Calvert in Calvert, and Alabama River Cellulose in Monroeville. Other projects included Northrop Grumman in Huntsville, Diageo North America in Montgomery, and Owens Corning Corporation in Prattville. Alabama shares this year's Silver Shovel Award with Tennessee and South Carolina.