Two of Alabama’s most dynamic regions — Huntsville and the Auburn/Opelika area — have been named recipients of the 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, a national honor presented annually by “Site Selection” magazine.
Named for “Site Selection” founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the award recognizes top-performing economic development organizations across the country based on metrics including job creation, capital investment and corporate facility project wins.
Rankings also draw on independent evaluations from the Milken Institute’s “Best Performing Cities” Index and Heartland Forward’s “Most Dynamic Cities” report. See the full list of winners.
The recognition underscores Alabama’s rising national profile as a destination for high-impact investment and job creation.
“This honor confirms what we already know — Alabama’s communities are delivering results,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“From Huntsville’s incredible growth in life sciences and aerospace to Auburn and Opelika’s remarkable momentum in advanced manufacturing, these regions reflect the strength, vision and collaborative spirit that define economic development success in Alabama,” she added.
Auburn/Opelika: A model for growth
In 2024 alone, the City of Auburn welcomed three new company locations and six business expansions, resulting in 350 new jobs and nearly $182 million in capital investment, according to “Site Selection.”
Mayor Ron Anders credited the region’s ecosystem of innovation and collaboration:
“Auburn has firmly established itself as a leader in economic growth in Alabama and the U.S.,” Mayor Anders said. “With the strength of Auburn University and a vibrant, forward-thinking business community, Auburn is well-positioned for continued success.
“We’re proud of the collaboration that drives our momentum and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Neighboring Opelika has also seen transformative growth. Economic Development Director John Sweatman noted that recent years have brought over $2.6 billion in capital investment and more than 5,700 new good-paying jobs to the community.
Significant recent projects from companies like Niagara Bottling and Miele Manufacturing have helped propel Opelika’s rise as a regional powerhouse.
“There is no doubt that what we have accomplished in our community would not be possible without a complete team effort with support from all of our stakeholders,” Sweatman said.
He added: “Opelika continues to be a great place to live, work and play.”
On the Milken Institute’s 2025 Best Performing Cities ranking, the Auburn/Opelika region placed No. 10 among small metros in the U.S.
Huntsville: A hub of innovation
Meanwhile, the Huntsville/Madison County region continues to cement its place as one of the most dynamic metro areas in the country. The area placed No. 4 nationally on the Milken Institute’s list, driven by activity across aerospace, life sciences and even music innovation.
“We are especially excited about growth in our life sciences sector with the announcement of Glaukos Corporation’s investment in Cummings Research Park,” said Lucia Cape, Senior Vice President of Economic Development and Workforce for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
“We have also seen a lot of activity associated with our music initiatives, including being named by “Fast Company” as the most innovative in economic development for building the Orion Amphitheater, creating the South Star Music Festival, and establishing the Huntsville Music Office, just to name a few,” she added.
Additional job announcements from both new and existing aerospace and manufacturing firms have helped power Huntsville’s continued success.
“With two Mac Conway Award-winning regions and a business climate designed for growth, Alabama’s momentum in economic development is unmistakable,” Secretary McNair said.
“From north to south, communities across the state are proving that strategic investment, workforce readiness and collaboration are the keys to creating lasting economic impact,” she said.
Courtesy of Made in Alabama
