MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) —Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday, Nov. 12, that Alabama is partnering with Heartland Forward to help communities across the state attract new investment, create jobs and strengthen local economies.
According to the governor’s office, the partnership will bring Heartland Forward’s Center for Investment Readiness (CIR) to Alabama, making it the second state to partner with the program.
The initiative will work alongside the Alabama Department of Commerce to provide participating communities with economic data, resources and connections to potential investors.
For the Wiregrass region, the statewide partnership could create opportunities for communities such as Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark and surrounding areas to strengthen economic development efforts and compete for future business investment.**
Heartland Forward focuses on helping communities attract investment through economic research, strategic partnerships and workforce development initiatives. Its Center for Investment Readiness is designed to help smaller communities access resources and investor connections that can be difficult to obtain independently.
Although the partnership extends across Alabama, the governor’s announcement did not identify which communities will participate or whether any Wiregrass communities will be selected.
“For nearly a decade, my Administration has been committed to building a strong economy that creates jobs, attracts new investment and provides opportunities for families in every corner of our state,” said Governor Ivey. “Through this partnership with Heartland Forward, we are equipping our communities with the tools, resources and connections they need to compete for investment and achieve lasting economic growth. By working together, we can build on Alabama’s momentum, strengthen our local economies and ensure our state remains a place where businesses can grow and Alabamians can succeed.”
The Alabama Department of Commerce will serve as a liaison between selected communities, local leaders and the CIR team, helping communities prepare for economic development opportunities.
The department also plans to partner with Heartland Forward on a 2027 event designed to connect investors directly with communities seeking economic growth.
“Communities across the heartland have shown that with the right data and investor connections, they can compete for capital with any market in the country,” said Heartland Forward President Angie Cooper. “We are grateful for Alabama’s leadership in partnering with Heartland Forward. I am confident that together we can unlock new opportunities for growth in communities across Alabama.”
Heartland Forward has previously recognized Alabama communities for their economic development efforts. Huntsville received recognition as a Secret Sauce Community during the organization’s 2026 Heartland Summit, while Birmingham received the honor in 2022.
Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the partnership will help communities better position themselves for future business opportunities.
“Alabama’s economic success depends on strong communities that are prepared to turn opportunity into investment and investment into jobs,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “With CIR, we can help communities across Alabama strengthen their investment strategies, connect with the right partners and showcase the assets that make them attractive places to do business.”
The Center for Investment Readiness is working toward a goal of partnering with 30 communities and generating $100 million in economic impact by 2030.
The initiative initially launched in 10 communities across the nation’s heartland, including locations in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin.
JPMorganChase has supported the program as a founding partner. Additional funding has come from Edward Jones, the Ford Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation.
For communities throughout southeast Alabama, the partnership represents a potential new resource for attracting investment and supporting long-term economic growth. However, any direct impact on the Wiregrass will depend on which communities are selected and how the program is implemented.
Additional information about the program is available at https://heartlandforward.org/center-for-investment-readiness.
