Cullman has, again, found itself in Site Selection Magazines’ Micropolitan top rankings. This year Cullman ranks #5 in the nation among 570 plus eligible U.S. communities.

“Despite a challenging year for Cullman, due to the outside forces the national economy and uncertainty about the future, Cullman stakeholders continued to believe in its ability to support strong economic success,” read a statement from Cullman Economic Development Agency. “That confidence allowed Cullman to stand strong with continued investment in our community and our future. The Cullman EDA Team and the Cullman Community at large are grateful to those who trusted and invested in our community allowing Cullman to continue to succeed on the national level.”

There are 570 Micropolitans in America and Cullman has ranked in the top 20 a total of 19 times in the 23-year history of the ranking program. Cullman has ranked in the Top 3 seven times, first appearing in 2005.

Cullman mayor Woody Jacobs praised CEDA and area leaders for putting Cullman on the list.

“We are grateful to be recognized again as a community that can grow even when it’s a down year economically for the entire nation. There are a lot of people whose efforts go into keeping Cullman in the top of these rankings,” Jacobs said. “I am grateful for a great team at CEDA and the city government as well as the efforts of our county commission, county and city schools and delegations on the local, state and federal level. You don’t win recognitions like this without everyone doing a great job and caring about fostering the success of our community. This wasn’t a win just for Cullman city, but for every Cullman county resident.”

During the annual industry appreciation reception in February, Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer praised local job creators.

“I’m so thankful for the many industries that are here tonight,” Greer said. “You know, the jobs you create, the capital investment in these communities and the goods and services that you demand to support your company. … I give y’all credit for where we are as a community today. People follow jobs. When you have jobs, you have the ability to get to everything else.

“This community has been the top two or three in the state every year for 10 years on the number of expanding projects. And I think the real vitality of the community is when you grow what you have here and retain it.”