Cullman’s leaders have put together an exemplary economic development program that continues to bring job growth to area, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Among Alabama’s 67 counties, Cullman County is at the top of the hill in expansions by new and existing industries. In fact, 90 percent of the capital investment and 81 percent of announced jobs in Cullman County over the past 10 years came from existing industries.

Economic development professionals have long recognized that long-term economic growth comes from expansions of companies in communities that provide the essentials for success.

In Cullman County, the essentials have been providing incentives, a trainable workforce and building relationships ensuring industrial and business leaders have an open line of communication to local government.

An additional competitive advantage is that Wallace State Community College is a reliable, effective partner in providing expert training to prepare workers for an assortment of jobs through certification programs.

Also, the Fast Track for Industry program, which allows local high school students to attend Wallace State while juniors and seniors to earn college credits in manufacturing or welding while getting their high school education, at no cost to the student is a great partnership.

The partnerships building economic success in the community also includes a program with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce that establishes a student-to-employee pipeline guiding students to quality jobs available in Cullman County, beginning in the eighth grade.

As a moderate-sized county, Cullman saw 39 expansions announced from local industries in 2018, along with three new companies planning to move into the area, combing for 691 new jobs and a capital investment of more than $180 million.

Ted Clem, director of business development for the Alabama Department of Commerce, said at Thursday’s Industry Appreciation Reception that Cullman’s success stands as an example throughout the state. He noted efforts are afoot to implement more of the methods that sustain growth in Cullman to other areas of Alabama.

Economic development officials in Cullman have long understood the competitiveness for jobs and have taken some creative steps to continue success. While available land, workforce quality and other factors play a huge role in growth, building relationships throughout the community has been vital for the area.

These local leaders, educators and agencies building this success story deserve the community’s gratitude. We’re confident these efforts will continue to evolve and extend the growth that makes our community tops in Alabama.