Gov. Kay Ivey received a Distinguished Service Award this week from the Economic Development Association of Alabama for her work supporting business recruitment and job creation across the state.
The organization presented the award during its 2026 Summer Conference, held July 19 through July 22 at the Grand Hotel Resort and Spa in Point Clear. EDAA represents economic development professionals and organizations working to recruit investment and expand employment opportunities across Alabama.
“Thank you, EDAA, for the Distinguished Service Award, and for helping make this the most historic period of economic growth in Alabama’s history,” Ivey said after receiving the honor.
“Our future depends upon those who work hard to bring local jobs home,” she continued. “I am truly humbled by this acknowledgment.”
Thank you, @EDAAInfo, for the Distinguished Service Award — and for helping make this the most historic period of economic growth in Alabama’s history!
Our future depends upon those who work hard to bring local jobs home. I am truly humbled by this acknowledgment. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/t1wBdcqGSN
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) July 20, 2026
Ivey has made economic development a central focus of her administration since taking office in 2017.
According to the governor’s office, Alabama has attracted more than $55 billion in new capital investment and created more than 93,000 jobs during her tenure. The state has also recorded periods of record employment and historically low unemployment.
Her administration has worked with the Alabama Department of Commerce and state lawmakers to expand incentives, improve industrial sites and strengthen workforce development programs.
Recent initiatives have included the SEEDS Act for industrial site development, revisions to the Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama programs, and the creation of new funding mechanisms intended to prepare communities for major projects.
Alabama also received a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine for its economic development performance, including major investments announced during 2025.
EDAA holds annual winter and summer conferences that bring together state officials, local developers, utility representatives and private-sector partners involved in Alabama’s recruitment efforts.
Ivey credited those professionals with helping communities compete for projects and create jobs close to home.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
