MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that Alabama has received a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from business publication Area Development, recognizing the state’s success in attracting major investments, creating jobs and expanding industry opportunities.
The annual Silver Shovel Awards honor states that demonstrate significant achievements in economic development based on factors including job creation, capital investment, new facility growth and industry diversity.
Governor Ivey said Alabama’s record-setting economic development performance reflects the state’s competitive advantages and long-term planning efforts.
“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,” Ivey said. “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.”
According to Area Development, Alabama’s recognition was largely driven by growth in the defense, aerospace and pharmaceutical sectors. The publication highlighted the decision to establish U.S. Space Command’s permanent headquarters in Huntsville, bringing 1,312 defense-related jobs to the region, as well as Eli Lilly’s $6 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Huntsville, which is expected to create 450 jobs.
The announcement of Huntsville as the permanent home for U.S. Space Command came in September 2025, while Eli Lilly revealed its investment plans in December.
The projects contributed to Alabama’s record-setting economic development year, which included $14.6 billion in new investments and 9,388 announced jobs across 234 projects, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce’s annual New and Expanding Industry report.
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the recognition reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to attract investment and create opportunities for residents.
“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,” McNair said. “To be recognized by Area Development for the results of that work is always appreciated.”
In addition to the defense and pharmaceutical sectors, the publication cited continued growth in automotive manufacturing and raw materials industries. Notable projects included CPT America’s $163 million automotive investment in Tuskegee, Samkwang’s expansion in Tuskegee, ArcelorMittal Calvert’s $1.2 billion investment in Calvert and Alabama River Cellulose’s $800 million commitment in Monroeville.
Other major projects recognized included investments by Northrop Grumman in Huntsville, Diageo North America in Montgomery, Owens Corning in Prattville, Pilgrim’s in Russellville, Butting in Loxley and AGS America in Opelika.
Alabama has frequently been recognized by Area Development, earning Gold Shovel Awards in 2006, 2013, 2019 and 2021, along with multiple Silver Shovel Awards over the past two decades.
This year, Alabama joined Tennessee and South Carolina as Silver Shovel Award recipients among states with populations between 5 million and 8 million residents.
