MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley announced Wednesday that job creation success during the past year has earned Alabama the nation’s top Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine.Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Kansas were named the winners of the magazine’s 2013 Gold Shovel Awards, presented annually to states that have achieved significant success in job creation and economic impact.
“It is rewarding that our work to make Alabama the best place to do business is being recognized by Area Development,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “My top priority is job creation. This award shows Accelerate Alabama, our state’s strategic economic development plan, is working. Accelerate Alabama is in its first year of implementation and is producing industry-leading results and creating job opportunities for Alabamians.”
Area Development magazine’s Annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive 
significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities.
Robert Bentley
“We are proud to be one of only 4 states awarded Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel Award for our economic development success in 2012,” Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said. “With the execution of Accelerate Alabama and the continued leadership of Governor Bentley, we are confident Alabama will continue to provide a business climate and the resources necessary for business and industry to flourish in our state.”
Alabama received a Gold Shovel Award in 2006 and Silver Shovel Awards in 2007 through 2012.
A report on the 2013 Shovel Award winners can be found online at www.areadevelopment.com/awards
