Cullman earns No. 2 national ranking among Micropolitans

Cullman is ranked as the number two Micropolitan in American for the second consecutive year, according to Site Selection magazine.

Micropolitans are cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000. There are 575 Micropolitans in the United States.

Findlay, Ohio ranked number one again this year for total number of qualifying new and expanding industrial projects.

Findlay had 22 qualifying projects in 2016, while Cullman had 19.

To qualify, a new or expanding company must meet one of three criteria: a capital investment of more than $1 million, building construction of more than 20,000 square feet or creation of 20 new jobs.

“This is an outstanding recognition for our community and the industrial base here,” Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Peggy Smith said.

Site Selection is a recognized leader in the economic development field and Smith said the lofty ranking of Cullman validates the tremendous industrial growth here.

“We ranked third in the nation in 2014 and improved to second in 2015,” Smith said. “I am excited that we closed the gap on Findlay and I am optimistic that we can be number one because of the strength of the workforce here and the quality of the industries in our community. It is disappointing in some respects to be second, but there are 573 other communities envious of this Cullman ranking that would gladly trade places with Cullman to move up on this list. We are the number one Micorpolitan in the South.”

Smith said the Cullman Economic Development Agency Staff did an excellent job of collecting the data and submitting documentation on the qualifying projects.

“The Site Selection team verifies the submittal, but it all starts with our agency presenting those facts for the judges. I want to acknowledge the efforts of our office team. However, the real winners are the new and expanding industry that continue to create jobs and invest capital here. We are so appreciative of their role in the economic stability of this community,” she said.