Anniston, AL – Eleven Innovate Alabama Network members were recognized Monday morning for advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce development efforts in their communities during a regional event at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.
The gathering, held Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., marked the third stop in a six-region statewide roadshow highlighting Alabama’s expanding innovation economy. The series aims to spotlight initiatives in both rural communities and major metropolitan areas, emphasizing collaboration and shared growth across the state.
Innovate Alabama leadership was joined by local elected officials, including Sen. Andrew Jones, Sen. Keith Kelley and Rep. Ben Robbins, as well as community and regional partners working to strengthen East Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.
During the event, network members shared early successes from their initiatives and discussed opportunities for stronger cross-county collaboration. Leaders emphasized the importance of aligning regional strategies to support entrepreneurs, small businesses and workforce development pipelines.
Local officials pointed to the region’s growing economic momentum and innovation potential. Sen. Kelley, who represents Calhoun County and Talladega, highlighted the role Innovate Alabama plays in supporting entrepreneurial growth.
“Innovate Alabama helps those with an entrepreneurial mindset take an idea, put feet on it and turn it into action. We see a lot of small businesses come out of the program. It also allows people to fail, learn from their mistakes and try again,” Kelley said.
Organizers noted that connecting rural and urban innovation efforts remains a central focus of the initiative, with the statewide roadshow designed to encourage partnerships across county lines and strengthen Alabama’s broader innovation infrastructure.
The East Alabama stop follows previous regional events and will be followed by additional visits as part of the six-region series.
