Economic optimism on the rise as Alabama’s business community bounces back

Not only is light at the end of the tunnel, but the sun is shining on Alabama’s business community.

Alabama businesses are actively hiring as the unemployment rate continues to drop and economic optimism rebounds. Our state is poised for a robust recovery from the pandemic — with the best days ahead.

The state’s unemployment rate has fallen each month this year and is quickly approaching the historic lows enjoyed before the COVID-19 pandemic shook the nation last spring.

“Not only is the unemployment rate dropping, but businesses are actively hiring,” said Business Council of Alabama President and CEO Katie Boyd Britt.  “Alabama truly is open for business, and we have a lot of reason for optimism moving forward.”

According to the latest data, both metropolitan and micropolitan areas have seen significant declines in joblessness in recent months. For many employers, the task now is finding qualified, willing workers for vacant positions.

Currently, there are over 66,500 job openings in Alabama, and many employers predict their workforce needs to continue to increase.

“Chamber of commerce members throughout the state have indicated immediate hiring needs as well as planned employment increases throughout the remainder of 2021,” stated Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) President and CEO Paige Hutto. “CCAA represents our “boots on the ground” local chambers and through them we know that their members are actively looking for qualified workers. Through our partnership with the Business Council of Alabama, we are working with state and local leaders to assist our members with the resources they need for continued growth.”

“BCA is proud to continue offering unparalleled support and resources for our member businesses as they look to put the pandemic in the rear view mirror,” added Britt. “From advocating for pro-jobs policies to delivering innovative tools, the forward-thinking team at BCA is thrilled to help foster a climate in which businesses of all sizes and sectors can thrive far into the future.”

BCA is firmly committed to continuing to offer unmatched expertise and assistance to Alabama businesses. Visit our website to learn more about what BCA can do for you.

The Business Council of Alabama is the state’s largest business association representing nearly one million working Alabamians to ensure that businesses of all sizes can grow and flourish in our state.