Along with growth in the northern part of the state, southern rural Alabama is also seeing more than its share of new projects. For example, when Vanity Fair, the largest textile employer in Clarke County, announced plans to close one of its Jackson mills, jobs for local workers and the rural economy appeared in jeopardy. However, within three months of that announcement, another company had already taken up residence in the empty building. Welcoming this new industry not only created jobs and helped maintain a stable economy, but it also demonstrated the resilience of rural Alabama—and the easily recognizable appeal for growing industry.

New Era, a textile-based industry that manufactures and markets caps under licenses of the NBA, NFL, NHL and NCAA, moved into the Vanity Fair building in September 2000, investing $6 million and creating 200 new jobs. Filling the vacancy in this rural area so quickly required the team efforts of the Alabama Development Office, the Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corp., Alabama Electric Cooperative (AEC), the city of Jackson, and other local and state offices. For new and expanding companies, the attitude of teamwork in this region can help provide a seamless corporate move.

Why choose rural Alabama? In the words of the company’s leader, “New Era is expanding and becoming a more global company,” said Christopher Koch, president. So, it’s important that we maintain a distribution and operating presence in the southeast, where we are closer to many retailers and suppliers. A new production facility in Jackson allows us to grow our business throughout the country, particularly in the southern states and internationally.”