MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley will share with other governors the story of Alabama’s economic development success.
Governor Bentley is assuming the chairmanship of the Economic Development and Commerce 
Committee of the National Governors Association for the 2013-2014 year. Governor Bentley was asked to serve in this position by the NGA Chair, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, who recognized the economic progress being made in Alabama.
“My administration is working every day to recruit new companies to Alabama and to help existing companies expand and hire more people,” Governor Bentley said. “Our efforts are guided by Accelerate Alabama, which is a long-term strategic plan that we commissioned to help us better organize economic development and attract more jobs throughout the state. We’ve made several major economic development announcements over the last few years, and I look forward to sharing our story with governors from other states.”
Governor Bentley also plans to highlight AIDT, Alabama’s workforce training program that provides specialized training to thousands of Alabamians who receive jobs at new and expanding companies. AIDT (Alabama Industrial Development Training) is a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“AIDT helps me recruit more jobs to Alabama,” Governor Bentley added. “Companies know that when they come to Alabama, we will help them succeed. Part of that success is connecting them with a highly-qualified workforce, and AIDT helps us do that.”
As part of his committee chairmanship, Governor Bentley will meet with other governors at upcoming NGA conferences to discuss Alabama’s economic development achievements.
Over 40,000 new jobs have been announced in Alabama since Governor Bentley took office in early 2011. In September of 2013, Alabama ranked among the top five states for doing business according to Area Development magazine. Alabama has been given this distinction for four consecutive years.
