Gov. Kay Ivey, other leaders address Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce

Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama State School Supt. Dr. Eric Mackey provide updates to the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

The Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted Gov. Kay Ivey and other leaders, who briefed chamber members about the latest developments in state government.

Ivey addressed community and business leaders, along with local and state elected officials, on major initiatives, key legislative priorities and the challenges shaping state government.

Alabama State School Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey provided an update on education across the state, highlighting initiatives impacting Alabama’s students, workforce pipeline and the future of public education.

Dr. Mackey spoke on education strategy. He said the state is focusing on early childhood Pre-K through Third Grade illiteracy and numeracy. Mackey said another focus is on career tech, with the state providing facilities and transportation for about 40 high schools feeding into The Academy For Craft Training in Birmingham.

“What I wanted to do was help the business community and to let them know that we love what we doing,” Mackey said. “We are headed in the right direction, but we have to do more. We have to continue to accelerate this growth so that we make sure that every child in the state has an opportunity for a high-quality education so they can get good jobs, build good families and build a stronger Alabama in the future.”

He says a similar academy has been started in Mobile and Decatur and one will open in Montgomery this fall.