Innovate Alabama recently kicked off its statewide Network Roadshow in West Alabama, called “Connecting Alabama: Igniting the Innovate Alabama Network,” bringing together community leaders and elected officials to celebrate regional progress, strengthen collaboration, and highlight the people and partnerships fueling innovation across the state.
Hosted by Innovate Alabama Network member Main Street Marion, in partnership with the Marion Military Institute, the event marks the first stop in a six-region series showcasing Alabama’s growing innovation ecosystem — from rural towns to urban centers — demonstrating Innovate Alabama’s commitment to investing in every corner of the state.
“This Roadshow is about more than a celebration; it’s about connection,” said Sen. Bobby Singleton, Innovate Alabama board member and representative of Senate District 24. “Programs like the Innovate Alabama Network empower communities to work together, access new resources and build a stronger economic foundation for our region. It’s a powerful example of how collaboration and investment can move Alabama forward.”
During the West Alabama event, Innovate Alabama recognized 13 West Alabama organizations for their leadership and impact through the Innovate Alabama Network:
- CHOICE Uniontown, Perry County
- City of Marion, Marion County
- City of Selma, Dallas County
- City of Thomasville, Clarke County
- City of Uniontown, Perry County
- City of York, Sumter County
- Industrial Development Foundation of Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa County
- Main Street Marion, Perry County
- Town of White Hall, Lowndes County
- Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa County
- Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Foundation, Tuscaloosa County
- Tuscaloosa Sports & Tourism Foundation, Tuscaloosa County
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa County
The Innovate Alabama Network currently includes 168 total designees, representing 38 counties across the state.
“The Innovate Alabama Network Roadshow is designed to bring our partners together in their own regions — to listen, celebrate and build on what’s working,” said Karri Green, program director of the Innovate Alabama Network. “Each stop of this tour will help us identify opportunities to strengthen local economies through innovation and ensure that communities across the state have the tools and connections they need to prosper.”
In addition to celebrating local impact, the Innovate Alabama Network Roadshow provides a platform for discussion among Innovate Alabama leadership, local organizations and elected officials about how Innovate Alabama’s programs and funding are helping communities grow jobs, attract investment and expand opportunities statewide.
The West Alabama event featured remarks from Innovate Alabama board and staff leadership, local and state officials, and a community awards presentation recognizing organizations advancing innovation in their regions. Attendees also toured Main Street Marion’s Harris Technology Center, a local hub supporting education and workforce development in the Black Belt region, made possible through Innovate Alabama’s Network designation program.
Continuing its focus on strengthening innovation in Alabama’s rural communities, the Innovate Alabama Network Roadshow will travel across the state in the coming months, with stops planned in the following regions:
- Central East Alabama: Lee County, Talladega County, Tallapoosa County, Calhoun County, Cleburne County, Etowah County, Randolph County
- South Alabama: Mobile County, Baldwin County, Barbour County, Coffee County, Conecuh County, Convington County, Dale County and Houston County
- River Region: Montgomery County and Pike County
- North Alabama: Lauderdale County, Lawrence County, Limestone County, Madison County, Morgan County, Colbert County, Dekalb County, Marshall County, Franklin County, Fayette County
- Central Alabama: Jefferson County, Shelby County, Walker County and Chilton County
