The state’s largest business organization handed down three major endorsements through its political action committee on Monday.
The Business Council of Alabama’s (BCA) Progress PAC endorsed Governor Kay Ivey, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and Attorney General Steve Marshall for reelection to their respective offices. All are seeking a return to office during the 2022 election cycle.
Progress PAC chairman Angus Cooper, III noted that each has displayed a commitment to the state which coincides with the BCA’s mission.
“We are proud to endorse and support these three outstanding pro-jobs leaders for reelection in 2022,” Cooper said in a release from the group. “Governor Ivey, Lt. Governor Ainsworth and Attorney General Marshall are prime examples of public servants who go to work every day with the goal of moving Alabama forward.”
“They are keenly aware of our state’s challenges and opportunities and don’t shy away from the tough issues. From workforce development to high-speed broadband internet service to recruiting new and expanding existing industry, Alabama is forging a strong future for generations to come under their bold leadership,” said Cooper. “The business community depends on steady, pro-business elected officials with high ethical standards to create and sustain jobs for the future.”
“Governor Ivey, Lt. Governor Ainsworth and Attorney General Marshall recognize and embrace the role that government plays in sustaining a pro-business climate, and the BCA and its members look forward to working cooperatively with them in the future,” Cooper added.
The organization outlined that $19 billion in new capital investment has taken place during Ivey’s term in office. In addition, 44,000 new jobs have been created.
And the state’s recovery from pandemic restrictions has been historic under Ivey.
“Alabama is experiencing one of the strongest post-pandemic comebacks, and that is possible because of hardworking Alabamians and our strong partners in the business community,” Ivey said in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “We continue proving to the world that Alabama is not only open for business, but that this is the best place to do business. As we continue working to recruit business and industry to our state, I am proud to have the endorsement of the Business Council of Alabama. With the BCA as a strong and reliable partner, I am confident that Alabama’s best days are ahead.”
Ainsworth’s first term has been marked by his heavy involvement in the state’s economic issues. He has overseen the Alabama Small Business Commission, a panel tasked with recommending policies and legislation benefiting small businesses operating across the state. Ainsworth has also served as chairman of the Aerospace States Association, a national group whose mission is to support and promote the interests of the aerospace industry in Alabama and across the nation.
The organization highlighted the fact that Marshall “has worked tirelessly to protect consumers, promote safe communities, weed out corruption and combat the opioid crisis.”
BCA represents the interests of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
Editor’s note: This story was updated from an earlier version to include a statement from Gov. Kay Ivey.
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
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