Shoals Economic Development Authority

09/03/2026

Life Data Labs Inc. is hiring!

Life Data Labs is looking for a Packaging Line Operator to operate an automated packaging line, perform regular maintenance, and handle minor equipment repairs.

Requirements:
• High school diploma
• Forklift training and experience
• Ability to routinely lift 50 lbs.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience operating and troubleshooting machinery, including mechanical equipment, robotics, motors, and electrical sensors, as well as experience with computer systems.

If you're interested, call them today at (256) 370-7555 to find out more information!

09/03/2026

This is great news for PROJECTXYZ, Inc.! Partnerships like this are important, and we’re proud to see the work Project XYZ is doing right here in The Shoals.

📣 EDPA to Expand Corporate Pilots Statewide

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) today announced that PilotAL, one of EDPA's tools for connecting growth-stage startups with established Alabama companies, is expanding through a partnership with Innovate Alabama. The funding, which runs through July 2027, will build on the momentum established in its first phase, which launched last year.

PilotAL pairs vetted startups with established Alabama corporations to run milestone-based pilots — giving early-stage companies direct access to enterprise customers and giving corporate hosts a low-risk way to test emerging technology.

"Alabama's economy grows stronger when entrepreneurs and established companies have more opportunities to work together," said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. "PilotAL creates those connections, helping promising startups gain access to customers, while giving Alabama companies a practical way to explore emerging technologies. We're proud to partner with EDPA to support initiatives that strengthen our innovation ecosystem and help prepare Alabama for the economy of the future."

PilotAL is one piece of a comprehensive statewide strategy to recruit and support high-growth technology companies, developed by EDPA in coordination with the Alabama Department of Commerce and Innovate Alabama, announced in October 2025 under the banner "Alabama Puts Founders First."

Read the full story 📲 https://edpa.org/news-item/edpa-to-expand-corporate-pilots-statewide/?preview_id=23691&preview_nonce=91a02b8b49&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=23692&preview=true

09/03/2026

September is National Workforce Development Month! We’re kicking off the month by sharing more about Hadrian and the workforce opportunities coming to The Shoals.

As Hadrian continues preparing for F4 in The Shoals, workforce development is an important part of what comes next. Hadrian plans to build its workforce by bringing together experienced manufacturing professionals and individuals who are ready to begin a new career in the industry.

Hadrian is also engaging with technical schools and colleges throughout the region to help prepare for future workforce needs. These partnerships, along with training opportunities for those entering manufacturing for the first time, will help create more pathways for individuals in the area to build careers in advanced manufacturing right here in The Shoals.

Keep an eye out for more Hadrian updates! Apply today to join Hadrian’s team: https://www.hadrian.co/careers?location=Cherokee%2C+AL -roles

09/01/2026

The Shoals has been named one of Good Grit Magazine's “10 Alabama Places We’d Move to Tomorrow!” From growing opportunities to the music, culture, education, and quality of life that make our area special, The Shoals continues to stand out as a place to live, work, and grow.

Read the full article here: https://goodgritmag.com/10-alabama-places-wed-move-to-tomorrow/

08/31/2026

ALL.SPACE wins federal agreement to scale satellite communications

ALL.SPACE, which operates a U.S. technical and manufacturing hub in Muscle Shoals, has received a federal agreement under a program seeking to accelerate production of space and defense equipment. The company will use its Hydra technology to demonstrate faster production and qualification of resilient satellite communications terminals.

08/31/2026

The August Monthly Scoop is here, and there’s a lot happening in The Shoals! Hadrian is making moves, local industries are making headlines, and exciting things are happening across our region!

Read the full newsletter here: https://conta.cc/4hq50fL

08/28/2026

Shoals EDA recently joined leaders from across Alabama for a visit to Hadrian’s Factory 2 (F2) facility in Torrance, California, where the group had the opportunity to see Hadrian’s operations firsthand and gain a better understanding of the impact Factory 4 (F4) in Barton will have on our region.

Plans for F4 are already moving forward, with site surveying and design underway and construction expected to begin in Q3 2026. The first equipment is projected to arrive later this year, followed by production efforts in 2027 and a production ramp in 2028.

The project is also expected to bring significant job growth to our region. Hadrian anticipates roughly 120 hires by the end of 2026, around 350 by the end of 2027, and approximately 900 by the end of 2029 as operations continue to grow. While these timelines may shift as the project progresses, they provide an exciting look at the opportunities ahead for The Shoals.

Beyond the local impact, Hadrian’s investment will help strengthen Alabama’s role in the national maritime and defense supply chain while creating a long-term pipeline of manufacturing careers for Alabamians. We are excited about the opportunities that F4 is bringing to The Shoals and the impact this investment will have for years to come.

** For a better breakdown of the hiring and project timelines, please refer to the pictures below. Hadrian has already posted a few open positions on their website. If you’re interested in joining their team, please use the link provided and apply today! https://www.hadrian.co/careers?location=Cherokee%2C+AL -roles

08/28/2026

Forsythe & Long Industries is growing its team! Check out these great job opportunities right here in The Shoals.

Big things are happening at Forsythe & Long—and we want you to be part of it!

We’re growing our team and looking for hardworking, skilled individuals ready to build a future with us. Here, you’re more than just a name on a schedule—you’re part of a team where people know your name, support one another, and take pride in what we accomplish together.

If you’re ready to grow your career in a workplace that feels like family, we’d love to have you join us!

✨ Full Benefit Package
✨ Retirement Benefits
✨ A Team That Knows Your Name

Come grow with Forsythe & Long!

08/27/2026

This is amazing PROJECTXYZ, Inc.! We love seeing innovation make a meaningful impact.

08/27/2026

Our team enjoyed attending the 2026 Mayors Luncheon yesterday!

Emceed by Rep. Kerry Underwood, the luncheon featured Mayor T.W. Billings, Mayor Billy Hudson, Mayor Ron Tyler, and Mayor Bryan Van Devender, who discussed what's happening in their communities.

Thank you to the Shoals Chamber for organizing another great event!