Team developing new strategic growth plan selects research partners

When I became Commerce Secretary, Governor Kay Ivey gave me some marching orders - lead a team effort to create a new economic development strategic plan that will drive growth in Alabama well into the 2030s.

I'm pleased to report that we're making progress. Days ago, Governor Ivey announced that global consulting firm McKinsey & Company has been selected to perform a key research role in the development of this plan.

In addition, Troy University and Alabama A&M University will also be important collaborators going forward. And we continue to work with the Hoover Institution, a leading economic policy research organization.

This is an exciting time because we're really starting this effort with a blank sheet of paper and completely reimagining Alabama's economic development strategies.

It's early, but we know we want to incorporate new concepts into the plan such as realizing the full potential of the state's human capital, energizing entrepreneurship through innovation, and elevating a focus on quality placemaking through leveraging our outdoor recreation resources.

Joining me in the development of the plan are leaders from the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Innovate Alabama and the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

We're going to have move fast - Governor Ivey has set an ambitious deadline of Oct. 1 for delivery of the plan.

Stay tuned for important updates.

Ellen McNair (CEcD) is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce