Alexander City Looks Forward to New Economic Development
Development leaders in Tallapoosa County say Alexander City is making strides in improving the economy.
The area lost hundreds of jobs over the last decade when longtime major employer Russell moved many of its textile manufacturing jobs overseas.
The last big round of layoffs came in May 2013, when Russell announced it was laying off 200 workers. At one time, the plants employed about 7,000 people. Since then, several of the old Russell buildings have been demolished. Others are still vacant.
However, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce leaders say the city has attracted new businesses, including suppliers to the automotive industry. Â
“We are seeing a lot of growth in first tier and second tier automotive, and so that’s a great fit for our labor force, and they’re seeing success with that, so I think they’ll continue to grow with that,” said Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ann Rye.
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is also raising money for a new campaign called “The Future is Now.”
The Chamber is using that money to try to recruit new businesses and industries to the area.
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