TuscaloosaAlabama. TuscaloosaAn International Attraction!

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1 TuscaloosaAlabama is a southern community that offers a world of surprises to first time visitors. The traditional atmosphere of antebellum homes and acclaimed hospitality is of no surprise. Many anticipate the rolling hills of southern pines. What most don t expect is a quality of life abounding with cultural and educational opportunities, and the thriving business development that is making Tuscaloosa a staple in business vocabularies around the world. With its productive workforce, excellent quality of life and positive business climate, Tuscaloosa has attracted such international businesses as Mercedes-Benz and JVC America while fostering the growth of such locally based organizations as The Westervelt Company and Randall-Reilly Publishing. The enclosed information will give you, the site selection executive, a little insight into our thriving locale. You will find information about those community elements that impact today s businesses competing in both domestic and foreign markets. And, though the information is telling, a visit to Tuscaloosa will testify to our success and dedication in developing a prosperous environment for our current corporate citizens and for those to come.

2 Table of Contents Preface The Southeastern Market Population Trends of Tuscaloosa County Facts About Tuscaloosa County Highway Mileage From Tuscaloosa County Business Climate The Region Top Employers Excellence in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Human Resources Training Wage Information Fringe Benefits Quality of Life Quality of Life Elements Health Care Education Locational Advantages Support Services International Aspects Taxes and Incentives Incentives for New and Expanding Industry Taxes in Tuscaloosa County Site Information Transportation Utilities Environmental Aspects Building and Site Information Contact Information

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4 Population Trends of Tuscaloosa County Population Source: Population Projections US Census Bureau and UA Center for Business and Economic Research, August Estimates 173,688 Total Population Female 51% White 66% Black 31% Male 49% Other 3% Male/Female Population Male 84,254 Female 89,434 Race Population White 114,910 Black 53,100 Other 5,678 Source: ESRI Business Information solutions Report for Tuscaloosa County, July 2009

5 Facts About Tuscaloosa County Size: Population: Total Civilian Labor Force: Median Household Income: Per Capita Income: 1,336 sq. miles (3,460 km²) in Tuscaloosa County 181,557 (2009 Est.) 86,695 Tuscaloosa County (2009 Average) 96,790 Tuscaloosa MSA (2009 Average) $41,818 (2009 Est.) $23,045 (2009 Est.) Total Retail Sales: $1.55 billion (2001) Industrial Investment: $3.46 billion+ ( ) International Manufacturing Investment: Belgium Canada France Germany Italy Japan New Zealand 2009 Est. Median Age: Est. Median Home Value: $136,067 Incorporated Cities/Towns in Tuscaloosa County: Tuscaloosa Northport Brookwood Coaling Coker Lakeview Vance Urban: 70.49% Rural: 29.51% Surrounding Counties: Walker Jefferson Bibb Hale Greene Pickens Fayette Sources: Tuscaloosa County Claritas Report-2010, Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, and the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority

6 Highway Mileage/Kilometers Highway miles/kilometers from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to major cities. Highway Destination City Mileage Kilometers Atlanta, Georgia Birmingham, Alabama Boston, Massachusetts... 1, Charleston, South Carolina Charlotte, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois Cincinnati, Ohio Columbia, South Carolina Dallas, Texas Denver, Colorado... 1, Detroit, Michigan Huntsville, Alabama Jackson, Mississippi Jacksonville, Florida Little Rock, Arkansas Los Angeles, California... 1, Memphis, Tennessee Miami, Florida Minneapolis, Minnesota... 1, Mobile, Alabama Montgomery, Alabama Nashville, Tennessee New Orleans, Louisiana New York, New York... 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Phoenix, Arizona... 1, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Raleigh, North Carolina Seattle, Washington... 2, St. Louis, Missouri Tampa, Florida Washington, DC

7 Business Climate The Region Tuscaloosa, Alabama is part of a prosperous region that features all of the needed elements for a business climate suitable for corporate growth and development. This emerging area is referred to by many as the I-20/59 Corridor, which encompasses Tuscaloosa and the city of Birmingham, Alabama s largest city. The Tuscaloosa and Birmingham metropolitan areas have a combined population of more than 1.3 million and a combined civilian labor force of over 625,000. The Tuscaloosa/Birmingham region is recognized for its favorable business climate by numerous economic development and business sources. The region serves as the backdrop for corporate headquarters of such Fortune 1000 companies as commercial bank Regions Financial (280), building materials company Vulcan Materials (592), insurance company Protective Life (776), and healthcare provider HealthSouth (940). Alabama s business incentives support the startup of new and expanding business and have attracted such world-class companies as Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Boeing and JVC. As part of a growing and enhanced region, Tuscaloosa enjoys:

8 National Rankings Tuscaloosa received the 2009 Entrepreneurial American Community Award from the Partners for Livable Communities (December 2009) Tuscaloosa ranked 11 th in the nation for Best Places to Launch a Small Business for small metro areas by CNNMoney.com (October 2009) One of the top 50 Hottest Cities in America for expanding and relocating companies by Expansion Management magazine (January 2002) Tuscaloosa/Birmingham region of Alabama among the best places in the nation to start and grow a business, according to numerous economic development and business sources including Forbes magazine and Kiplinger s Personal Finance magazine Birmingham-Tuscaloosa metro area ranked in the Top 15 Large Metro Area Entrepreneurial Hot Spots (2000 Study by Massachusetts-based Cognetics, Inc.) Diverse industrial base featuring automotive, primary metals, plastics and specialty fibers Two research universities Prime medical services and facilities, including one of the top three medical facilities in the country (UAB) and the fourth largest hospital in the state (DCH) Transportation network that includes an interstate system that provides access to all major markets and 10% of the nation s navigable waterways International elements integrated throughout our quality of life Cultural amenities that include symphony orchestras, nationally-recognized art exhibits and theater performances Professional and collegiate sporting events year-round Automotive Presence The automotive industry has become a prominent manufacturing sector in the region due to the location of Mercedes-Benz, Honda and other automotive component makers, establishing the area as a developing automotive hot spot. In addition to the Tuscaloosa County location of Mercedes-Benz, Honda Motor Company is located just 80 miles (129 km) northeast of Tuscaloosa in Lincoln, Hyundai is located approximately 107 miles (172 km) southeast in Montgomery, and the new Nissan facility is located 200 interstate miles (322 km) west in Jackson, MS.

9 Top Employers Top Ten Employers Organization Product Employees The University of Alabama Higher Education 10,195 DCH Regional Medical Center Medical Services 3,486 Mercedes-Benz U.S. International All Activity Vehicles 2,932 County Board of Education Public Education 2,000 Jim Walter Resources Coal Mining 1434 Michelin/BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing Aftermarket Tires 1,413 City Board of Education Public Education 1,320 City of Tuscaloosa City Services 1,285 Phifer Wire Products Aluminum/Fiberglass Screening 1,211 Northport Medical Center Medical Services 940 Top Manufacturing Employers Organization Product Employees Mercedes-Benz U.S. International All Activity Vehicles 2,932 Michelin/BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing Aftermarket Tires 1,413 Phifer Wire Products Aluminum/Fiberglass Screening 1,211 Nucor Tuscaloosa Coil and Cut Plate Steel 408 ZF Industries Axle Systems Assemblies; Metal 350 Stamping (automotive) Coral Industries, Inc. Bathroom Enclosures 290 Johnson Controls Automotive Components 285 Inteva Products, LLC Automotive Dashboard Assembly 247 Faurecia Auto Seating Automotive Seating 198 JVC America, Inc. DVDs/Compact Discs 185 Elk Roofing Corporation Roofing Shingles 170 Hanna Steel Corporation Steel Coils/Steel Tubing 150 Southern Heat Exchanger Corp. Shell/Tube Heat Exchangers 131

10 Top Mining/Refining/Processing Employers Organization Product Employees Jim Walter Resources Coal Mining 1,434 Peco Foods Poultry Processing 530 Hunt Refining Company Oil Refining 310 Hardin's Bakery Bread Products 161 Top Commercial/Retail Employers Organization Product Employees Wal-Mart Supercenter-Tuscaloosa Discount Retailer 418 Wal-Mart Supercenter-Northport Discount Retailer 392 Randall-Reilly Publishing Publisher - Trade Publications 272 Target Discount Retailer 266 Rite Aid Pharmaceutical Retailer 250 Belk Department Store Department Store 178 The Tuscaloosa News Publisher - Daily Newspaper 171 Regions Bank Banking Services 120 Sears Department Store 105 Top Government/Public Employers Organization Product Employees The University of Alabama Higher Education 10,195 DCH Regional Medical Center Medical Services 3,486 County Board of Education Public Education 2,000 City Board of Education Public Education 1,320 City of Tuscaloosa City Services 1,285 Veterans Administration Hospital Specialized Health Care 1,050 Northport Medical Center Medical Services 940 Shelton State Community College Higher Education 708 Bryce Hospital Specialized Health Care 472 Tuscaloosa County County Services 510 Alabama Dept. of Transportation State Services (multi-county) 400 City of Northport City Services 288 Alabama Power Company Electric Utility 250 Indian Rivers Specialized Health Care 185

11 Top Contractors/Construction Company Employers Organization Product Employees McAbee Construction Company General Construction 589 Racon Inc. Site Preparation 180 Bunn Construction Company Infrastructure Construction 200 Construction numbers may fluctuate throughout the year based on seasonal employment. Effective: First Quarter 2013 (periodic updates as information becomes available) Many of Tuscaloosa County's top employers also represent top employers at the state level. Alabama's top employers include such Tuscaloosa-based organizations as DCH Healthcare Authority, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Phifer Wire Products, and the University of Alabama.

12 Excellence in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Industries located in Tuscaloosa excel in their respective fields. JVC America, Inc. ( Tuscaloosa facility has achieved a higher production rate than its sister plant in Japan. JVC Disc America is considered one of the premier manufacturers of Compact Discs and CD-ROMs in the world. DVD replication is also a focus of JVC Disc in Tuscaloosa. Nucor Tuscaloosa (formerly Corus Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa Steel Corp.) ( Tuscaloosa Steel was the first steel plant erected in America in nearly 20 years with its decision to build a $75 million hot strip/plate mill facility in Alabama in First U.S. steel mill to implement Steckel technology. One of the first flat-rolled steel mill in the United States to receive Japanese Industrial Standard Certification. Nucor Corporation is the largest steel producer in the United States and has over $6.2 billion in sales annually. RadiciSpandex Corporation (formerly Globe Manufacturing) ( Tuscaloosa plant technologically the most advanced Spandex plant in the world. Second largest Spandex producer in the United States and third largest in the world. Randall-Reilly Publishing ( Publishes 32 magazines, directories and periodicals, and maintains 35 Web sites. Established Who s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges, today one of the most prestigious awards programs in the scholastic community. Experienced a decade of solid growth from 1984 through 1994 with sales volumes climbing from $4 million to $21 million. Coral Industries ( Nation s largest independent manufacturer of quality bath enclosures Products marketed in all 48 contiguous states and Canada. Operates CoraGlass, one of the largest glass fabricators in the Southeast, and Central Alabama Transport, a full service delivery fleet with Contract, Common, and Brokerage authority Corporate headquarters located in Tuscaloosa. Fitts Industries, Inc. ( Manufacturer of quality stair parts Largest stair parts exporter to Japan in the United States Family-owned business founded in 1947 Corporate headquarters located in Tuscaloosa

13 Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. ( First passenger vehicle assembly plant outside of Germany. Alabama-made M-Class, All-Activity Vehicle named Motor Trend Truck of the Year for Production capacity of 160,000 units. Alabama s largest exporter and has contributed over $1.5 billion to the Alabama economy each year since In 2000, announced an historic partnership to build and install a fuel cell power plant at the Mercedes- Benz production facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala., along with includes Southern Company, Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, and FuelCell Energy. The $2 million plus, 250-kilowatt pilot demonstration project is the first in the U.S. based on unique Direct FuelCell Design. The purpose of the project is to study the performance of new technology to further the advancement of environmentally-friendly energy sources. Phifer Wire Products, Inc. ( Awarded the Presidential E Star for excellence in exporting. Produces more than half the world s aluminum insect screening and more than 60% of the world s fiberglass insect screening. Does business in all 50 U.S. states and 125 foreign countries.

14 Human Resources Human resources represent one of Tuscaloosa County's strongest assets in developing a strong and conducive business climate for existing and future businesses. Local plant managers describe their Tuscaloosa labor force as: Dependable Qualified Skilled Tuscaloosa's people have extraordinarily strong values, morals and work ethics that collectively create an extremely dependable workforce. Tuscaloosa's people have a willingness to learn and still believe in old-fashioned hard work. These attitudes are reflected in the high productivity rates of existing industry. In addition to Tuscaloosa County's Metropolitan Area (MA) average civilian labor force of 98,729 for 2008, our area s potential labor pool includes persons from the entire West Alabama region that consists of seven counties with a total population of approximately 311,000. Tuscaloosa provides a labor force that enables any proposed operation to conform to its hiring schedule and to build a workforce without compromising its skill and productivity requirements. Human Resources Notes of Interest Civilian Labor Force has continued to grow during the last decade. Tuscaloosa County has experienced no work stoppages in almost two decades.

15 Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Area (MA) Tuscaloosa County s Metropolitan Area (MA), which includes Greene, Hale and Tuscaloosa counties, consists of an average Total Nonagricultural Employment of 98,400 for The manufacturing sector accounts for 15,100 employees that directly contribute to the success of our local manufacturing business. Government 26.0% Trade, Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 15.4% Manufacturing 15.3% Other Services 8.4% Mining & Construction 9.0% Professional & Business Services 8.4% Education and Health Services 7.6% Leisure & Hospitality Services 9.7% Manufacturing Notes of Interest Tuscaloosa County s MA 2008 Average of 15,100 manufacturing employees reflects a stable base of Tuscaloosa s manufacturing sector. Estimates based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

16 Training New and expanding industries in Tuscaloosa County have access to a variety of programs for training new employees or upgrading skills of existing employees. Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute (AIDT) is a post-secondary education program that is "committed to workforce recruitment and development for new or expanding industry," without charge. Since 1971, more than 382,000 Alabamians have learned the skills they need for better paying jobs with Alabama companies through programs designed and conducted by AIDT. More than 2,750 companies have relied on AIDT for pre-employment start-up, upgrade and on-the-job skill training programs, and more than 900 of those companies have benefited from the management and frontline supervisory training offered free of charge to industry and citizens of Alabama. AID Training features a fleet of 35 mobile training units (MTU) that are customized with special equipment to meet the particular needs of a company. AID Training has established its own printing capabilities and publishing system that allows in-house development and production of technical manuals and other training materials. AID Training also offers training in telecommunications and management as well as numerous other services. T.I.P.S. (Training to Improve Presentation Skills) is a five hour program designed to give people the skills necessary to fill out a job application correctly, how to build a resume, how to conduct themselves in an interview (dress, body language, etc.), and the importance of a follow up. It is offered as needed/requested around the state. ( Shelton State Community College offers training through their technical division. On-site training for industry can be scheduled 24 hours a day through the Industrial Training Department of the college. Coursework and training programs are customized to company requirements. Programs include industrial electricity, industrial electronics, programmable logic controls (PLC s), hydraulics and pneumatics, geometric dimensioning and tolerances (better known as precision measuring), and machine tool technology (MTT). In addition, customized training is available in industrial applications, computer applications, customer service, welding, supervisor and leadership development, workplace Spanish, forklift safety, and truck driving. Furthermore, the college offers a series of supervision courses including: foundation, fundamental and interpersonal skills courses. Shelton State is also an authorized WorkKeys Service Provider, with trained ACT Job Analyst on staff with the capability to provide manufacturing jobs and administer all of the ACT authorized assessments. All courses can be provided on campus or at company facilities. ( Training for Existing Business and Industry (TEBI) is a unit of Shelton State Community College with the singular focus of training and educating the workforce of dynamic, aggressive business and industrial firms and governmental agencies. TEBI provides a comprehensive range of courses that focus on entry level training, workplace literacy, advance management skills and computer-based maintenance training. Customized courses are available. Bill Taylor Institute administers an apprentice program through a specialized technical training program that is open to high school graduates with certain aptitudes. The maintenance technician class is a four-year program - two years of instruction and two years of on-the-job training. The twoyear automotive program will focus on welding, electronics, and engine and ignition systems repair.

17 Training occurs eight hours a day, five days a week, 48 weeks a year. There is no tuition for either program. Successful candidates must meet established eligibility requirements for consideration. ( Bevill State Community College, located just 30 miles (48 km) north in Fayette County, offers both academic transfer coursework and occupation/technical programs. The college has a business and industry building that offers training to the local labor force in new industrial skills. ( Alabama Career Center-Albertville provides services similar to those offered by AIDTraining. Recruitment, screening and testing are provided through the Job Service program. On any one day, Job Service has access to thousands of job seekers locally, statewide and across the nation. Like AIDTraining, Job Service is provided free of charge and is open to all employers. The State Employment Security Office offers other services and programs including Employer Relations, Professional Placement, and the Job Training Partnership Act. ( Secondary Education Training Technical training tailored toward today's industrial needs is provided to interested students enrolled in local public secondary schools through a specially designed curriculum and vocational school. Tech Prep (Technical Preparation) is a program of study designed to provide students with a firm academic and technological foundation for success in a changing world. This four-year high school course of study, which parallels college prep, leads into additional study at a technical/community college or university. Tech Prep provides four pathways to a future career: engineering/industrial, business, health/human services, and arts/communication. Tech Prep is a partnership effort between secondary schools, postsecondary schools, business/industry, community leaders, parents and students. ( Tuscaloosa Center for Technology, a secondary vocational education facility, works to prepare city and county school students for careers during the next century. The school's focus is to expand Tech Prep courses and vocational-technical class offerings. The facility plans to update equipment as necessary so to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment for our future workforce. (

18 Wage Information Tuscaloosa County offers competitive wages in both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. The following list of selected occupational classifications is intended to inform prospective industry of the average cost of labor throughout our three-county metropolitan area. Wage rates are listed in the form of an average hourly wage unless otherwise noted. Information provided by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. (www2.dir.state.al.us/oes/wage/wagesbyalpha.aspx) 2009 Wage Estimates-Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Area Classification/Title Mean Wage (USD) Entry Wage (USD) Experienced Wage (USD) Accountants & Auditors Assemblers & Fabricators, General Automotive Service, Technicians & Mechanics Bakers Bookkeeping, Accounting, & Auditing Clerks Bus/Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialist Carpenters Cashiers Chefs & Head Cooks Chemical Equipment Operators & Tenders Chief Executives Child Care Workers Coating, Painting & Spraying Machine Setters Compensation & Benefits Managers Computer & Information Systems Managers Computer Operators Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal Construction Laborers Customer Service Representatives Cutting, Punching & Press Machine Setters, Operators Data Entry Keyers Dental Hygienists Electrical & Electronic Equipment Assemblers Electricians Elementary School Teachers (yearly) 44,470 35,910 48,750 Employment, Recruitment & Placement Specialist Engineers, General Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Production General & Operations Manager

19 Classification/Title Mean Wage (USD) Entry Wage (USD) Experienced Wage (USD) Helpers-Production Workers Hotel, Motel & Resort Desk Clerks Human Resources Manager, General Industrial Machinery Mechanics Industrial Production Managers Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, Weighers Installation, Maintenance & Repair Workers Janitors & Cleaners Laborers & Freight, Stock & Material Movers Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers Machinists Maintenance & Repair Workers, General Network & Computer Systems Administrators Nursing Aides, Orderlies & Attendants Office Clerks, General Painters, Transportation Equipment Payroll & Timekeeping Clerks Procurement Clerks Production Workers, General Purchasing Managers Receptionists & Information Clerks Registered Nurses Retail Salespersons Sales Managers Secretaries, General Security Guards Shipping, Receiving & Traffic Clerks Stock Clerks & Order Fillers Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters Team Assemblers Telemarketers Telephone Operators Teller Tool & Die Makers Truck Drivers, Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services Waiters & Waitresses Welding, Soldering & Brazing Machine Setters Word Processors & Typists

20 Fringe Benefits Fringe Benefits Of Manufacturing Organizations in Tuscaloosa County Overtime: Company policy varies with some companies paying after eight hours per day and others paying after 40 hours per week. Shift Differential: Under FLSA (Federal Labor Standards Act), employers must pay time and a half for hours worked over 40 hours in a pay period for non-exempt employees. Average of 10 cents to 25 cents per hour. Holidays: Average of eight to eleven per year. Vacation: One (1) week to five (5) weeks depending on years of service. Health Insurance: Portion (80/20) or all paid by company. Retirement: Most offer 401(k) plans. Contributory plans average 20/30 month times years of service. ALABAMA HAS BEEN A RIGHT-TO-WORK STATE SINCE 1953, ALLOWING MAXIMUM LABOR FLEXIBILITY.

21 Quality of Life Tuscaloosa has appeared in Money magazine s annual list of the country's best places to live. The ranking is based on qualities most valued in a place to live as stated by a representative sample of 254 Money magazine subscribers. In recent years, the Greater Tuscaloosa-Northport area was selected as an All-America City, as designated by the National Civic League. The Tuscaloosa-Northport area was selected from 30 finalist communities and recognizes citizen involvement leading to community improvement. Government: Tuscaloosa County features seven (7) incorporated communities: Tuscaloosa, Northport, Brookwood, Vance, Coaling, Lakeview and Coker. Each of these communities has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected at-large and one council member is elected from each district within the community. The seat of the county government is located in the City of Tuscaloosa. The Tuscaloosa County Commission is composed of a probate judge, who serves as chairman, and four commissioners. The probate judge is elected at-large for a term of six years and one commissioner is elected from each of the court districts for a term of four years. Law Enforcement: The Tuscaloosa Police Department employs sworn officers and a support staff to serve the City of Tuscaloosa. The community is equipped with a modern computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) and an Enhanced-911 System. To aid in patrolling the square miles (148 km²) of the city, the department utilizes two helicopters, while Lake Tuscaloosa's 5,885 acres (2,382 ha) are monitored by air and water patrol. In addition to helicopter and boat patrol, bike, motor and canine patrols protect the Tuscaloosa community. The Tuscaloosa Police Department also utilizes specialized divisions and programs to aid in the protection of Tuscaloosa residents. The City of Northport is protected by the Northport Police Department. Officers utilize both patrol and motorcycle units in their efforts to serve the Northport community.

22 The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Department provides countywide protection. Along with patrol units, the department utilizes a personal watercraft patrol for the Black Warrior River, and a mounted patrol for rough terrain. Three metropolitan law enforcement divisions enhance communications between law enforcement agencies and their efforts in suppressing serious crime. The cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport, and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Department provide personnel to staff the three specialized units: narcotics, homicide (specializing in serious crimes against persons) and youth aid. The University of Alabama Department of Public Safety has an officer assigned to the Metro Narcotics Unit. This concept insures that investigations against serious crime in the county are not hampered by jurisdictional boundaries. State law enforcement is provided by the Alabama State Troopers office located in Tuscaloosa. State Troopers enforce State highway laws and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies to protect the residents of Tuscaloosa County. Fire Protection: The City of Tuscaloosa's fire protection is provided by nine strategically located fire stations. The Tuscaloosa Fire Department provides fire protection to 55 square miles (143 km²) in the city limits of Tuscaloosa, with a majority of that being Lake Tuscaloosa. The protection area includes the police jurisdiction as well as the City. This is mandated by a State law unique to Tuscaloosa County. The City's fire department provides a complete rescue service, including water rescue service. The City and police jurisdiction have a Class 4 Insurance Rating. The Northport Fire Department provides fire protection to the City of Northport. The department covers approximately 11 square miles (28 km²). Protection is provided by three fire stations and four pumpers. The City has a Class 4 Insurance Rating from the insurance service office. Outlying communities in Tuscaloosa County receive fire protection from 18 fire departments, some of which are staffed by volunteer fire fighters. Zoning: The City of Tuscaloosa has an enforced zoning ordinance that promotes the health, safety, morals and general welfare of Tuscaloosa residents. The ordinance seeks to lessen traffic congestion; provide adequate light and air; prevent the overcrowding of land; avoid an undue concentration of population; facilitate the adequate provisions of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks, and other public requirements; conserve the value of buildings; encourage the most appropriate use of land; and to protect and ensure the safety of residents. Cost of Living: Tuscaloosa County ranks below the national average in most categories that collectively create the "Cost of Living" average. Housing: During most months, there are more than 1700 active property listings available for occupancy in Tuscaloosa County. The average sales price of a home in Tuscaloosa County in 2008 was $179,845

23 Cultural Facilities: Tuscaloosa reflects the best of all worlds in the cultural universe. From historic landmarks to corporate collections, Tuscaloosa County offers a variety of sources for cultural growth. Many sources are unique and world-renown. Arts and crafts events as well as museums and exhibits are accessible year-round. Efforts are continuously made by the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and other organizations to bring new and exciting cultural activities to our community. With the location and cooperation of the University of Alabama, local industry and an active cultural base, Tuscaloosa enjoys numerous and varied cultural activities throughout the year. Art and Special Collections The Westervelt-Warner Museum at NorthRiver Yacht Club: Over 400 pieces of artwork from artists such as: Thomas Cole, Duncan Phyfe, Paul Revere, Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sergeant, Mary Cassatt and many more! Sarah Moody Gallery of Art (Garland Hall) W.S. Hoole Special Collections (University of Alabama) Performing Arts Theatre Tuscaloosa and Stage Center Company Moody Music Facility Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra University Celebrity Series Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre on the Riverwalk (under construction) Museums of Distinction Children s Hands-On Museum Moundville Archaeological Park/Museum Alabama Museum of Natural History Paul W. Bryant Museum Mercedes-Benz Visitors Center Kentuck Museum Annual Festivals and Celebrations Kentuck Festival of the Arts Heritage Week Sakura Festival Moundville Native American Festival ( (tour.ua.edu/tourstops/moody.html) ( ( ( photos/album.php?cn=9) ( ( (amnh.ua.edu) (bryantmuseum.ua.edu) ( ( ( (moundville.ua.edu) Recreational Facilities: A variety of parks provide facilities for sporting and leisure activities. There are four private golf courses and three public courses; four recreational lakes and three rivers; 150 campsites; and six miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails. NorthRiver Yacht Club, a private facility, features a premier golf course. Designed by Gary Player, the course has been recognized by numerous publications. First time visitors are in awe of the breathtaking greens. (

24 As the site of one of the Civil War's most important iron furnaces for weapon making, Tannehill Ironworks State Park is beautifully set in the foothills of the Appalachian mountain range. Tannehill, located just 25 minutes from Tuscaloosa, features an array of sights such as an old country church and a waterwheel grist mill. During an annual show, arts and crafts enthusiasts visit the park to view the craftsmanship of local talent. ( Family outings and overnight camping are just minutes away at Lake Lurleen State Park. In addition to 86 campsites, the park features a beach area complete with a bathhouse and refreshment stand, and over five miles of hiking trails. Visitors can tour beautiful Lake Lurleen in canoes and paddleboats that are available. ( Second to none are Deerlick Creek Campground s recreational facilities. With its 46 campsites, fishing piers and swimming beach, Deerlick Creek provides fun for all nature lovers. The Campgrounds are located on the popular Holt Lake. ( According to a 2009 Sporting News survey, Tuscaloosa was ranked in the top 20 th percentile of best sports towns among all U.S. cities, with at least one professional sports team or an NCAA Division I football or basketball program. Spectator sports of national prominence are accessible to area residents at University of Alabama facilities such as Bryant-Denny Stadium, with a seating capacity of 92,138; Coleman Coliseum seating 15,316; and the University of Alabama's Aquatic Center. There is greyhound racing at nearby Greenetrack and at the Birmingham Race Course. The local Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) and YMCA offer a full-range of services and activities for the entire family. (UA Athletics: edu/athletics.html) (PARA: Shopping Facilities: A total regional market of more than 250,000 persons is served by downtown Tuscaloosa, 28 shopping centers, and four shopping malls, as well as other municipal retail districts. Midtown Village offers a combination of more than 30 specialty stores, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and incorporates residential living on-site. Approximately 50 miles (80 km) east, a shopper's haven exists in the Riverchase Galleria, which features 200 specialty stores and 30 eateries and restaurants. Public Accommodations: There are 28 hotels/motels, exceeding 2,360 rooms, as well as a private 66-room conference and resort lodge, located in Tuscaloosa County. The Bryant Conference Center and Hotel provides Tuscaloosa with premier conference center facilities. The Conference Center enjoys traditional and technologically advanced media equipment and systems throughout the 63,000 square foot, 13-room venue. (Bryant Conference Ctr : Financial Institutions: As of June 2010, more than $2.6 billion in deposits were made to 17 FDIC- Insured institutions in Tuscaloosa County. Through 57 offices, a wide-variety of financial services are available to meet the needs of our expanding economy and growing population. They represent local, state and regional levels. In addition, credit union facilities are located throughout the community. (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: www3.fdic.gov/sod)

25 Climate: Tuscaloosa County enjoys typical weather for Southern climates. Mean average temperature Lowest mean temperature Highest mean temperature Annual average rainfall Annual average snow fall Greatest amount Least amount Average clear days Average growing season Prevailing winds average 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (17.4 degrees Celsius) 46.9 degrees (8.3 degrees Celsius) in January 84.7 degrees (29.3 degrees Celsius) in July inches (860 ml) 0.0 inches (0 ml) 6.02 inches (98.7 ml) falling in March 2.92 inches (47.9 ml) falling in October 101 days 210 days 7.4 mph (13.7 nautical miles) southwest. Religious Facilities: More than 300 churches and synagogues representing approximately 48 denominations and faiths exist in Tuscaloosa County. Regional Activities/Facilities/Events Alabama Ballet Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Alabama Theatre Barber Motorsports Park and Museum 740 acre racing facility and museum, which includes more than 1,000 vintage and modern motorcycles ( Birmingham Botanical Gardens includes a Japanese Garden City Stages three day music and art festival The Civil Rights Institute The Kirklin Clinic renowned medical facility McWane Center Science Museum Rickwood Field world s oldest ballpark Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail selected by Frequent Flyer magazine as one of the top 10 destinations in the world Sloss Furnace one of the few industrial historical landmarks Talladega Superspeedway home of the Diehard 500 NASCAR Race Wedgwood at the Museum of Art Statewide Activities of National Prominence Alabama s Gulf Coast (Mobile/Gulf Shores) some of the world s most beautiful white sand beaches located less than 300 miles south U.S. Space and Rocket Center (Huntsville) the nation's leading hands-on space science museum. Home to the U.S. Space Camp. (

26 Health Care Quality health care is a priority in Tuscaloosa County. In addition to one of the state s largest hospitals, our community benefits from numerous outpatient facilities and a medical education operation. Hospitals: Comprehensive health care for complicated and uncomplicated illness is available in hospitals in Tuscaloosa County. All hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. DCH Health System serves West Alabama through four medical centers. Two medical centers are located in Tuscaloosa County -- DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Medical Center. Both hospitals have been named among the Top 100 hospitals in the country in orthopedics, and the Regional Medical Center has been rated among the best in the nation in treating lung disease and performing peripheral vascular procedures by Money Magazine. The DCH Health System operates a regional cancer center, two outstanding centers for women and children and a center for occupational health directed and staffed by physicians board-certified in occupational medicine. From the introduction of open-heart surgery in West Alabama in 1978 to today s development of procedures that can dissolve blood clots without surgery, physicians at DCH Regional Medical Center offer patients many of the latest advances in cardiovascular care. The DCH Center for Occupational Health is West Alabama s only complete occupational health program which offers services to decrease worker s compensation cases and to reduce time off work. At the DCH Cancer Treatment Center, physician specialists in hematology, medical oncology and radiation oncology lead a dedicated team of nurses and technicians who provide advanced treatment and emotional support. Other services available at DCH Regional Medical Center include DCH Home Health Agency and a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program. Northport Medical Center has been a part of the DCH Health System since The 204-bed facility houses several important specialty services, in addition to the full range of inpatient and outpatient services you expect from a community hospital.

27 The DCH Rehabilitation Pavilion uses the latest advances in rehabilitative care to help patients with spinal cord injuries, head injuries, strokes or other neurological or orthopedic disorders return to independence. North Harbor Pavilion offers inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services for adult and geriatric patients. Fitness One at Northport Medical Center features an indoor track and pool. It offers wellness and aerobics classes, screenings and special programs to keep families fit and healthy. West Alabama is fortunate to have two excellent facilities that offer both family-oriented childbirth and intensive care for critically ill newborns. The Women s Center at DCH Regional Medical Center offers rooms decorated in a homelike atmosphere, and two-room suites and private accommodations are available. At the Women s Pavilion at Northport Medical Center, a mother can stay in the same comfortable, well equipped room form the time she arrives until the day she goes home. Both hospitals feature neonatal intensive care units directed by physician specialists and staffed by experienced nurses. ( Specialized care units and one of the premier medical institutions in the country are located just 50 miles (80 km) north in Birmingham. UAB Medical Center, one of the pioneers in heart transplant surgery, has consistently ranked as one of the top three medical facilities in the country. U.S. News&World Report named the Center as the number one up-and-coming medical school in the country. Children s Hospital, a full service medical facility especially for children, is also located in Birmingham. Children's Hospital of Alabama has been ranked one of the top children s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report magazine. Five pediatric specialties at the Birmingham hospital were listed among the top 30 nationwide: pediatric neurosurgery and neurology, neonatology, respiratory services, nephrology and orthopedics. The hospital is the 15 th largest pediatric outpatient center in the nation and the largest pediatric burn center in the Southeast. ( Outpatient services and surgery are available through multiple medical facilities. Tuscaloosa Surgical Center routinely performs more than 200 different procedures. The Phelps Outpatient Center at DCH Regional Medical Center offers the region s most comprehensive range of services, including surgery, imaging, lab, occupational therapy, physical therapy and neurological studies. U.S. Veteran s Administration Medical Center houses 381 beds and has embarked on numerous facility improvements in recent years. Mental Health and Rehabilitation Services: Mental health and rehabilitation services are provided through the University of Alabama, local hospitals, city, county and State programs, as well as private organizations. A variety of service programs are available to address special circumstances. Other Facilities: As a growing and productive region, Tuscaloosa enjoys expanded health care services. Traditional hospice services are available as well as specialties in sports medicine. Tuscaloosa is fortunate to have additional services and facilities to supplement our health care industry.

28 Quality healthcare is an important element of Tuscaloosa living. Through numerous facilities and specialties, state-of-the-art services are afforded to our residents, therefore, improving the overall quality of life for our total community.

29 Education Proclaimed as the "Capstone of Education," Tuscaloosa County features public and private educational facilities that produce excellence through a positive learning environment. Tuscaloosa benefits from the location of a nationally recognized university; a community college that features junior and technical divisions; and a private liberal arts college. The institutions collectively promote our quality of life and contribute to the successful endeavors of our business community. At the primary and secondary level, public and private schools strive to provide a quality education that allows its students to continue their studies anywhere in the nation or world. Innovative programs and challenging curriculums address the needs of all students, including those with special needs. The level of excellence is evidenced in achievement scores that exceed national averages, and in the fact that students and teachers from our school systems at all levels consistently earn national and academic awards, scholarships and honors for excellence. National merit scholarship finalists and semi-finalists are produced each year from local institutions. Through a support network of partnership programs and task forces, the business community contributes to the educational development of tomorrow's workforce. Education and business work together to ensure that our future workforce can compete in and contribute to the global marketplace. Educational opportunities in Tuscaloosa County enhance an already well educated community allowing for continued education in almost every area of interest imaginable.

30 Primary and Secondary Education Tuscaloosa County is served by two public school systems, the Tuscaloosa City School System and the Tuscaloosa County School System. Both systems are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Alabama Department of Education. (Alabama Dept. of Education: Tuscaloosa City School System serves students grades K-12 residing within the Tuscaloosa City limits. The City School System continually explores opportunities to prepare for the future while benefiting its students. ( Serves a city population of approximately 80,000 and a student population of 9,608 Facilities include 21 campuses Personnel includes 811 certified and 459 support employees Consistent year-to-year success and improvement in standardized test scores including Alabama High School Basic Skills Exit Exam, Stanford Achievement Test and Alabama Basic Competency Test An innovative TECH PREP program designed to provide students with a firm academic and technological foundation for success in a changing world A Special Education program which provides services for challenged conditions as well as gifted learners The 2001 graduating class earned more than $6 million in academic and athletic scholarships Seventy percent of graduates attend two or four year colleges after graduation; twenty-five percent attend vocational/technical schools In 2002, Central High School produced thirteen National Merit Scholarship Finalists In addition to the required course of study, high school students may earn an Advanced Academic Diploma or receive technical training through the area Vocational School International Baccalaureate Programme is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum for students in the eleventh and twelfth grades. It is one of only four programs in Alabama. The general objectives of the program are to provide the student with a balanced education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding. The program is designed to offer differential education for the gifted students and to meet the highest standards required of any school in the world.

31 Tuscaloosa County School System serves students grades K-12 residing outside of the city limits but within the designated county limits. The County School System incorporates necessary curriculum changes to better prepare our future workforce. ( Serves a student population of more than 18,000 through 32 campuses System employs 1100 teaches, 61% with advanced degrees School day contains seven periods in Middle School, four periods in High School of educational coursework which allows more schedule flexibility for students working on specialty degrees such as advanced academic diplomas and technically-oriented diplomas Operates a regional education center designed for exceptional students; and a student adjustment center, which is an alternative school for at-risk students. The Regional Education Center is designed for special classes for the handicapped and the TARGET program provides a challenging curriculum for the gifted students In 2009, graduates from five high schools earned a record $8.1 million in scholarships. Two hundred and nine members of the class of 2009 received 569 scholarship offers from more than 300 academic institutions and organizations of higher learning throughout the United States 99% of teachers are considered highly qualified In 1998, Tuscaloosa County High School produced two National Merit Scholarship Finalists High School Athletics are prominent and successful at both the county and city levels. Both school systems offer athletic programs that compete and excel on the local and state level. In addition to football and basketball programs, both school systems offer track and field, and baseball programs. Tuscaloosa County High School s Wildcats won the 6A State Football Championship in 1997, while the Central High School Falcons won the recognition the previous year. In basketball, Central s women earned the 6A State Championship in Technical/Vocational Education Tech Prep, offered through both public school systems, is a concept designed to meet the need for more students to enter the American workplace with at least an associate degree level of education. The program was developed to guide students into courses which will form a firm academic and technological foundation on which to build their futures. Currently, four courses of study have been developed. These areas include engineering/industrial, health/human service, business, and arts/communication. Within each of these four study areas, an outlined course of study has been developed for high school students which provides a structured sequenced curricular focus for students during their high school experience. Tuscaloosa Center for Technology provides vocational-technical training for students in both public school systems. The school's focus is to expand Tech Prep courses and vocational-technical class offerings. (

32 Available programs include: auto body repair automotive technology business education child care and parenting services clothing and housing services commercial art data processing electricity electronics food production and services graphic arts maintenance technology masonry and concrete welding Instructors work closely with post secondary institutions to assure that the competencies taught at the secondary level will flow smoothly into those taught at the postsecondary level. Business/industry craft committees are an important part of each instructional program. Primary/Secondary Education for Adults Adult Literacy Programs are offered through both the Tuscaloosa City School System and the Tuscaloosa County School System. Through a variety of programs and courses, adult students are provided with the essentials needed for the General Educational Development (GED) Test. Free instructional classes to prepare for the GED Test are offered through the Tuscaloosa City and County Adult Education Programs. Vocational education programs for adults are available through both school systems for those who want to sharpen their work skills by continuing skills training or learning a new trade.

33 Private Education American Christian Academy serves grades K-12. Students in grades 7-12 have an eight period school day that includes academics and a half-hour Bible period. Computer science and music curriculums have been expanded. ( Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School serves more than 600 students in preschool through twelfth grade. The school started in 1963 as a grade school program and expanded to a four year high school in ( North River Christian Academy professes its primary objective and purpose is to train the student in the knowledge of God and the Christian way of life and to give the student an excellent education. The school enrolls students for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Currently, the school has 130 students. ( Tuscaloosa Academy is a non-sectarian, independent, co-educational, college-preparatory school serving 400 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades. International students comprise five percent of the total enrollment. Typically, one hundred percent of Tuscaloosa Academy graduates attend four-year colleges and universities. In recent years, Tuscaloosa Academy has won the State Excellence in Education Award twice and was Runner-up twice. In 1993, the chess team won the state championship; the Math Team won the Southeastern Math Competition; and the National Geography Olympiad Team was 2nd internationally against teams from throughout the world, including Germany, Japan, and Korea. In 1996, the boys basketball team won the State Private School Tournament. Tuscaloosa Academy produced two National Merit Scholarship Finalists in ( Tuscaloosa Christian School continues to adhere to its founding group - the 100-year-old Cottondale Baptist Church. Today's facility draws students from kindergarten to high school and offers a nondenominational approach in teaching. High-school math classes are taught through the Saxon method, a non-traditional approach that has helped improve test scores across the United States. ( The Capitol School is certified as an International Accredited School. It is the only school in Alabama with this certification. The school has been created as a model learning environment for children to grow and learn in a developmentally appropriate way. Children ages 2 1/2 through 14 progress and learn at an individual rate in a non-graded integrated curriculum. Foreign languages, creative arts and athletics are included as essential components of the school day. (

34 Residential Schools The Alabama School of Fine Arts offers talented young people, grades 7-12, the opportunity to study Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theater Arts or Visual Arts with the guidance of highly qualified instructors with strong professional backgrounds. The graduating class of 2009, which was composed of 57 students, received $7.5 million in scholarships, grants, and awards. The ballet program of the Alabama School of Fine Arts has been described by Mikhail Barishnikov as "one of the three best schools of ballet in the U.S." In addition, ASFA has been recognized as the 10 th best high school in America by Newsweek magazine (based on Advanced Placement tests). Students living outside commuting distance and out-of-state are required to live on campus. ASFA is located approximately 45 minutes away in Birmingham. Admission to the state-supported magnet school is by audition and application. ( The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is a public, residential, co-educational institution for high school juniors and seniors with special intellectual ability and a commitment to scholarship in mathematics and science. It is one of only ten such schools in the nation. ASMS students have ranked eighth in the nation for top ACT scores. The primary goal is to help prepare the state and its people for a complex technological age and competition in a global economy. The ASMS Class of 1998 earned more than $6.5 million in college scholarships. ASMS offers free tuition, room and board and students are required to live on the Mobile campus. ( Indian Springs is a small co-educational college preparatory school for students in grades eight through twelve. Both day and boarding students are welcomed. The College Board recently cited Indian Springs for both the numbers and the excellence of its students taking Advanced Placement exams. Admission is by application. Indian Springs boasts a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 as well as 7 National Merit Semifinalists and 3 National Merit Finalists in Additionally, the class of 2009 consisted of 73 students who achieved over 4.3 million in scholarship funds. ( Marion Military Institute offers an Academic Advantage Program that is designed to assist students to accommodate to their learning differences and thereby to be successful in regular academic coursework. Marion Military is consistently one fop the top U.S. Army ROTC commissioning programs in the nation and has produced over 200 Generals and Admirals for the U.S. Armed Forces (

35 Higher Education The University of Alabama, founded in 1831 just 12 years after Alabama achieved Statehood, serves more than 28,500 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and more than 70 foreign countries. The freshman class of 2009 was also the largest in school history with 5,207 students! The University has achieved the distinction of awarding more graduate degrees and educating more Alabamians than any other institution in the State. The University is a major source of arts and entertainment for the community. The campus is a constant reminder of Tuscaloosa's historical significance with its many landmarks and points of interest. UA offers 213 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its 11 degree-granting colleges and schools. ( For eight consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named UA one of the national top 50 public universities UA students claimed 5 of the 82 spots on this year s USA Today All-USA college Academic Team (36 in the last seven years). UA graduates include 15 Rhodes Scholars, 15 Goldwater Scholars and nine Truman Scholars Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at the University of Alabama is a comprehensive business college offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees ( In 1995, The Princeton Review cited UA s Master of Business Administration program as one of the most low-cost, sought-after M.B.A. s A national survey of U.S. business deans ranked the College among the top three in the South in providing the most worthwhile business education The MBA Program within the college recently was cited by Business Week magazine as one of 20 quality MBA programs nationwide that offer consumers "the most bang for the buck." As the State's only public law school, the University of Alabama law school has a long history of producing judicial leaders, lawyers and politicians. The law school has been recently ranked the 30 th in the nation by U.S. News and World Reports A survey appearing in the National Jurist in 1991 indicated that UA led the nation's public law schools in number of alumni in Congress, with seven. ( The oldest engineering college in Alabama, the University of Alabama first offered engineering courses in In 1936, the College of Engineering was among the first to be accredited by the Engineers' Council for Professional Development. Distinguished alumni of the College have headed Exxon, Texaco Inc., NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and served as a U.S. Ambassador to France, just to name a few examples. The college takes pride in its reputation as a "teaching" institution, while conducting original research in the technologies of simulation, space travel, alternative fuels, energy development, environmental studies, wireless communications, highway safety, mining safety and

36 petroleum extraction techniques, metal casting and foundry operation, and total quality management. The college is a nationally recognized leader among engineering colleges in the recruitment of minorities and women for its programs. ( Shelton State Community College consists of junior college and technical divisions and is one of the largest community colleges in the Alabama College System. Shelton experienced an enrollment of 5,708 for fall At the junior college division, Shelton State has developed their program with transfer to the University of Alabama in mind. Shelton offers many courses in the UA's core curriculum, as well as associate degrees in arts, science and applied science. Occupational, technical and specialized training programs are offered at the technical division. Flexible schedules offer classes on days, evenings and weekends. New Options offers free training for displaced homemakers and single parents, and senior adults may take tuition-free classes. ( Shelton State's Technical Division is a technical and vocational training institution. The curriculum offers training in auto repair, barbering, carpentry, food service, commercial sewing, electronics, graphics and printing, masonry, plumbing, secretarial, small engine and upholstery work. Through the Center for Advanced Productivity (CAP), Shelton addresses the continuing education needs of business and industry through customized and established programs. Stillman College is a four-year coeducational, fully accredited Liberal Arts college of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is the only senior college supported and sponsored by the Church. Stillman averages an enrollment of more than 1,100 students working toward one of 13 majors. Stillman works in cooperation with the University of Alabama and other campuses programs in engineering, nursing, ROTC, social work, allied health and law. ( (Alabama Commission on Higher Education: (

37 Locational Advantage Support Services The Tuscaloosa community is dedicated to supporting its existing industry. Both the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama have established efforts to enhance local industry by providing a forum in which they can discuss business strategies, innovative employee training programs, new management tactics, investment opportunities, etc. In addition to the efforts of the Industrial Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce, Tuscaloosa offers other unique advantages that contribute to a manufacturer's success in today's competitive market and provide Tuscaloosa with a competitive edge when considering a site. Center for Materials for Information Technology's (MINT) mission is to establish a center of excellence for multi-disciplinary research on materials and devices potentially useful for information storage. The Center is housed in the Bevill Research Building on the University of Alabama campus with twelve labs and a 1,000 square foot (93 m²) clean room. The Center has the most modern equipment for materials-science related information technology research. ( Alabama International Trade Center (AITC) is one of the nation's first university-based trade centers established to promote international business. AITC, located at the University of Alabama, assists companies and public agencies successfully conclude international projects and business activities. Since its creation in 1979, AITC has served over 3,500 small businesses throughout the state, resulting in more than $110 million in new sales. AITC provides foreign market research, strategic planning, consulting, and export training to Alabama companies and public agencies to help them

38 enter the global marketplace. There is no charge for AITC research services for manufacturing firms with less than 500 employees. ( Alabama Productivity Center is a joint effort of the University of Alabama and Alabama Power Company. The mission of the Center is "to focus research and educational resources on the enhancement of productivity and quality in Alabama firms and thereby stimulate the economic climate within the State." The Center has identified annual savings of between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 for participating Alabama companies. The Center works in the following areas: forecasting, white collar productivity, quality improvement, inventory management, preventive maintenance, scheduling and routing, productivity measurement, and employee involvement. ( Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute (AIDT) is a major benefit to companies locating within the State of Alabama. AIDT provides workforce training for new and expanding industry free of charge. The program develops and produces technical manuals and other training materials to the specifications of participating industries. AIDT also assists in the area of retraining or advancing a company's current workforce to meet the needs of tomorrow's competitive marketplace. Since 1971, over 1,000 industries and 140,000 Alabamians have received services, job opportunities, and other benefits from the AIDT program. ( Bill Taylor Institute at Mercedes-Benz (MBI) represents a new source for advanced technical training. Two- and four-year programs of classroom and on-the-job training in industrial maintenance or automotive technology are available. Apprentices are paid a starting hourly wage for participating in the program. Businesses can sponsor an employee or can recommend a student for the program. Eligibility criteria have been established for the concentrated program. In addition to Mercedes, Bessemer State Technical College and Shelton State Community College cooperatively operate the program. ( Center for Advanced Productivity (CAP) is a resource for both new and expanding business. CAP s mission is to enhance productivity through value-added assessment, instruction, and supporting services. In addition to training and retraining in a timely manner, the Center will tailor training to a company s specific, immediate and long-range needs and will provide flexibility so to permit current production to continue while provision is being made for the future. A skilled labor force is available in Tuscaloosa County due to the location of multiple educational facilities and options. With three colleges representing both academic and technical institutions, a continuous supply of educated workers enter the local labor force. Technical institutions offer companies the advantage of employees being locally trained to meet the specific needs of its particular operating environment. Government with a pro-business point-of-view exists in Tuscaloosa County. The three dominant governmental bodies of Tuscaloosa County support the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority in its recruitment efforts and continue that support for companies that select Tuscaloosa as

39 a plant location. The city councils of Tuscaloosa and Northport, and the Tuscaloosa County Commission cooperate to provide a positive business environment for new and existing industry. Safe State Onsite Consultation Program is a free, confidential safety and health consulting service provided by the University Of Alabama College Of Continuing Studies. At your invitation, Safe State consultants will come to your office or plant to perform an inspection survey and to advise you of any existing potential health or safety problems in your facility. Safe State will help you find the most economical and effective approach to achieving occupational health and safety standards in your place of business. (alabamasafestate.ua.edu) College of Engineering at the University of Alabama plays an active role in the industrial community of Tuscaloosa. In 1983, the College was responsible for "saving" the local Harrison Radiator Division plant from closing. Their efforts saved the plant nearly $1 million a year in operating cost - cost that only a few years earlier threatened to shut down the plant. Based on the project, the University expanded its modest computing resources into a first-class system based on IBM 3081D mainframes and a growing inventory of IBM PCs. The College boasts a group of students and educators who excel in their specialized field year after year. The College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate co-op programs in chemical, civil, industrial, mechanical, mineral, electrical, and aerospace engineering. ( Accessible Industrial Parks owned and/or managed by the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority provide excellent property opportunities for new operations. Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park consists of 1,000 acres (405 ha) located adjacent to the Tuscaloosa Municipal Airport. The Park has access to U.S. Highway 82 and borders a main line of the Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railroad. Switching agreements exist for Norfolk Railroad and CSX Railroad. Cedar Cove Technology Park is our newest generation industrial park designed to meet the needs of those industries requiring direct interstate access. Cedar Cove is located just one mile (1.61 km) from Interstate 59/20. Both parks feature all utilities, protective covenants, and unrecorded subdivisions, enabling sites to be configured to specific company requirements. ( University of Alabama College of Commerce and Business Administration Division of Research and Service provides economic research and services to Alabama's public and private sectors as well as to the University of Alabama. The Division contains several units including the Center for Business & Economic Research, Systems Support Services, Executive Development Program, and other units. ( Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is composed of Alabama businesses and industries committed to enriching the quality of life within our State by supporting efforts and providing resources to encourage new and expanded economic development in Alabama. The Partnership is an alliance between the State's business community, government, the Alabama Department of Commerce, and local economic development organizations throughout the State. (

40 Alabama State Employment Security Office - Tuscaloosa offers services and programs to employers and applicants in Tuscaloosa County. The Employment Security Office can assist any business with job placement, screening and testing. They participate in the Job Training Partnership Act which includes Skill Training and On the Job Training. The Alabama State Employment Security Office will access their resources to assist any business. ( University of Alabama Career Center has on-file graduating seniors and alumni information for companies to access. The Center can be of great assistance in the area of locating degreed personnel. Many University students and alumni have the desire to stay in Tuscaloosa. The Career Placement Center will assist a company in locating qualified applicants. (

41 International Aspects "Tuscaloosa... An International Attraction" proves truer with each day. In today's global economy, Tuscaloosa County has emerged with an international presence and continues to attract investments from some of the world's corporate and quality leaders... and products manufactured here are sold worldwide. International Investments. Tuscaloosa boasts a diversified group of international manufacturing investments representing seven foreign countries. A German affiliation exists with the location of Mercedes-Benz, Brose, Borgers, Eberspaecher, ISE Innomotive Systems, and ZF Industries, all leaders in the automotive arena, and Sherman Utilities. ( Japan's Nihon Victor has investments in Tuscaloosa with JVC America. The plant produces compact discs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs. ( A Belgium investment is present with the location of Recticel. The automotive supplier supports production at the Mercedes-Benz facility. ( A Canadian interest exists with the presence of StressCrete Inc. The company manufactures spun concrete utility poles for a variety of markets worldwide. ( France's Michelin Tire Corporation owns BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing, which produces the famous T/A Radial tire. ( With its purchase of Globe Elastic, Italy s RadiciSpandex became a member of Tuscaloosa s business community. The Radici Group s business activity ranges from synthetic fibers to chemicals, plastics, engineering services, packaging and textile machinery. ( An influence from New Zealand can be found in Southern Heat, a corporation specializing in shell and tube type heat exchangers that is also regarded as one of the largest manufacturers in the industry. ( Alabama International Trade Center (AITC) is one of the nation's first university-based trade centers established to promote international business. Located in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama, AITC takes a results-oriented approach to international trade and, through its staff of consultants, helps firms and public agencies successfully conclude international projects and business activities. AITC's resources include a staff of full-time consultants trained in international business; foreign language capabilities in the major languages; information from university business, law, industry, and government libraries; and access to domestic and international data bases. (

42 The Sakura Festival celebrates Tuscaloosa's friendly ties with Japan and its sister city, Narashino City. The Festival is held each spring and celebrates fresh beginnings and the renewal of spirit that comes with spring. (Sakura Festival: International Supplementary Schools recognize the concern of parents that their children be able to reenter and adapt to their native country's educational system after attending local Alabama schools for several years. A program currently exist for students native to Germany. (German Supplementary School: gss.ua.edu) Sister City affiliations exist between the city of Tuscaloosa and designated cities in Japan and Germany. The program encourages exchanges between communities, predominantly in the areas of education and cultural enrichment. Both exchanges have developed into very strong friendships that have strengthened a mutual understanding in the areas of education, culture, economics and sports. Currently, Tuscaloosa enjoys sister city affiliations with Narashino City, Japan and Schorndorf, Germany. ( Capstone International Program Center's basic objectives are to assist in the expansion of the international dimension of the activities of all students and faculty members of the University of Alabama community and to extend the benefits of international programs and studies to Alabama, the Southeast, and the nation. The center offers visiting professorships and exchanges with faculty as well as three student-oriented programs to study abroad. The year/semester abroad programs are offered in cooperation with seven institutions in Europe, five in the Pacific Rim, and two in Central America. ( English Language Institute (ELI), located on the University of Alabama campus, offers a program in English as a second language which prepares students for successful academic work at U.S. colleges and universities. The six levels provide intensive English language instruction in speaking and listening, grammar, reading, vocabulary development, and writing. The Institute has a fully equipped language laboratory which is an integral part of each student's program. A variety of audio material, including an Interactive Video Laboratory, is used to assist students with learning all aspects of the English Language. Other English Language programs are offered. (eli.ua.edu) The International Insurance Society, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was incorporated in The mission of the Society is to facilitate international understanding, the transfer of ideas and innovations, and the development of personal networks across insurance markets through a joint effort of leading executives and academics on a worldwide basis." The Society, located on the University of Alabama campus, administers The Insurance Hall of Fame which includes its Gallery and Museum. In order to fulfill this mission, the Society hosts a seminar each year in a different region of the world. The Society is managed and governed by leading executives and academics drawn from around the globe. It has nearly 1,000 members from 90 countries representing senior executives in the insurance industry, and is the largest multinational organization of its kind. ( (

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44 Taxes and Incentives Taxes in Tuscaloosa County Alabama offers a competitive tax environment for new and established companies. Combined with property and sales tax incentives, qualifying businesses experience tax relief during the start-up of a new or expanding project. In addition, Tuscaloosa County is a business-friendly community imposing minimum local taxes on its corporate citizens. Tax Rate Notes Ad Valorem Tax (Real and Personal Property)-State and Local Property assessed at 20.0% Tax abatement available to qualifying companies for up to 10 years Business Privilege License/Tax- State Corporate Income Tax-State City of Tuscaloosa: 51.5 mills Tuscaloosa County: 27.0 mills Minimum Tax: $ Maximum Tax: $15, % (Deduction allowed for federal income tax paid or accrued making Alabama's effective rate approximately 4.8%) City of Tuscaloosa: 27.5 mills eligible for abatement 24.0 mills non-abatable education tax Tuscaloosa County: 14.0 mills eligible for abatement 13.0 mills non-abatable education tax Sliding scale per $1, net worth (taxable income) Replaces Franchise Tax

45 Tax Rate Notes Corporate Income Tax-Local None Personal Income Tax-State Personal Income Tax-Local Married filing jointly: 2% - First $1,000 taxable income 4% - Next $5,000 taxable income 5% - all taxable income over $6,000 None Other individuals assessed at the same percentages but at one-half of the taxable income amount for each item. Inventory Tax None Inventory and goods-in-process are not taxed. Motor Vehicle Sales Tax-State and 3.25% Local Occupation Tax None Sales Tax-State and Local 9.0% Temporary 1.0% education tax effective 7/1/05-6/30/16 Abatement effective during construction phase only 7.2% eligible for abatement to qualifying companies School District Income Tax-Local None 1.8% non-abatable education tax Unemployment Compensation Tax New Employers: 2.7% Established Employers: 0.20% to 5.40% of first $8, of wage paid to each employee in calendar year. Use Tax (Manufacturing)-State and Local 3.375% Temporary 0.375% education tax effective 7/1/05-6/30/16 Abatement effective during construction phase only 2.7% eligible for abatement to qualifying companies 0.675% non-abatable education tax Rate information effective July 2005/partially updated January All taxes assessed on an annual basis unless otherwise noted. Where jurisdictional location is a factor, rates assume a location in the City of Tuscaloosa unless otherwise noted. Additional information available from the Alabama Department of Revenue (

46 Incentives for New and Expanding Industry Tax Incentives Sales, Use, And Property Tax Abatements A new or expanding industry may apply to the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority for an abatement of the following: noneducational state, county and city property taxes state sales and use taxes noneducational county and city sales and use taxes mortgage and recording taxes Property tax abatement available for up to 10 years; Sales and use tax abatements available during construction phase of project. Predominate activity conducted at the project must constitute an "industrial or research enterprise. Qualifying projects include any trade or business in the 2007 North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) as: Sectors 31 (except National Industry ), 32, and 33; Subsector 423 and 424; 511 (except internet), 927; Industry Group 5417, 5415, 5182; Industry 11331, 48691; National Industry , , , ; Any process or treatment facility which recycles, reclaims, or converts materials, which include solids, liquids, or gases, to a reusable product; Headquarters facilities as defined in NAICS ; Data processing centers (where at least 50 new jobs are created); Renewable energy facilities; Research & development facilities; Projects owned by utilities that produce electricity from alternative energy resources; Projects owned by utilities that produce electricity from hydropower production. Subsector 493 (warehousing and storage), Industry Number (port and harbor operations), or Industry Number (marine cargo handling), when such trade or business is conducted on premises in which the Alabama State Port Authority has an ownership and are used as part of the operations of the Alabama State Port Authority. Any underground natural gas storage facility which is located in the Gulf Opportunity Zone, developed from existing geologic reservoirs

47 Capital Income Tax Credits The capital credit is a credit of five percent (5%) of capital costs of a project, to be applied to Alabama income tax liability generated by project income, each year for 20 years. The qualifying project must constitute either a "headquarters facility" (national, regional, or state headquarters), or an "industrial, warehousing, or research activity." Qualifying projects include any trade or business designated within SIC Code classifications Major Groups 20 to 39 inclusive, Major Groups 50 and 51, Industrial Group number 737, and Industry numbers 8731, 8733, A New project, expansion project or headquarters facility must represent a capital investment of at least $2,000,000 and 20 new employees. A small business addition must represent a capital investment of at least $1,000,000 and 15 new employees. Average hourly wage of new employees must represent not less than eight dollars ($8) per hour; or average hourly compensation, including benefits, of not less than ten ($10) per hour. Tax Exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds Tax Exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) may be issued by the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority. IRBs provide financing for land, building and equipment for new and expanding manufacturing facilities. Generally, total project investment must be less than $10,000,000. Other criteria/requirements apply. Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds Taxable industrial revenue bond issues may be issued by the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority for transactions that do not qualify for tax exempt bond financing. Taxable IRBs continue as one of the mainstays of industrial finance because they may be issued with fewer restrictions and in unlimited amounts while the user maintains tax savings. Solid Waste And Sewage Disposal Bonds Bond issues can be structured to the extent an engineering study justifies treating a portion of plant costs as attributable to solid waste or sewage disposal. Pollution Control Facilities Air and water pollution control facilities automatically exempt from sales, use, and property taxes, if taxpayer claims the exemption.

48 Non-Tax Incentives Alabama offers a number of non-tax incentives that assist in the start-up of a new or expanding project. These inducements include training assistance and financial assistance. The following summarizes the most significant programs: Alabama Industrial Development Training Training services offered in many areas, and are free of charge to new and expanding industries throughout the State. Program extremely flexible and custom-designed for each industry. Site Preparation Grants (also known as Industrial Development Grants) The State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) issues grants for the preparation of project sites. Qualifying projects include any trade or business designated in SIC Code classifications Major Groups 20 through 39, Major Groups 50 and 51, Industrial group 737, and Industry Numbers 0724, 8731, 8733 and Grants based on the following scale: Capital Investment: Grant Amount: Less than $200, % $200,000- $499, % (minimum $10,000) $500,000- $999, % (minimum $20,000) $1,000,000- $1,999, % (minimum $28,000) $2,000,000- $9,999, % (minimum $32,000) $10,000, % (minimum $100,000; maximum $150,000) Effective: June 2007 Alabama State Employment Service ( ASES ) ASES works with AIDT to provide job screening and testing, at no charge. Alabama Plan for Linked Deposits The Alabama Plan for Linked Deposits allows the State Treasurer to make deposits in state banks on which banks pay 2% below the normal interest rate paid to the state for its funds. The reduction in the interest rate paid by the bank must be passed on to the borrowers on loans qualifying for this program. It amounts to a 2% subsidy on the borrower's interest rates for two years to help stimulate economic growth in the state. Small Business Administration The Small Business Act of 1953, Section 7(a), as amended, guarantees loans to small businesses which are unable to obtain financing in the private credit marketplace, but can demonstrate an ability to repay loans granted. Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, Title V, Section 504 and 505, assists small business concerns by providing long-term, fixed-rate financing for fixed assets through the sale of debentures to private investors.

49 Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge Program The Alabama Industrial Access Road & Bridge Corporation provides funding for industrial access road and bridge construction in Alabama. The Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority can sponsor an entity for an Industrial Access Project. Eligible industrial access projects may be new road construction or road improvement to assist new or expanding industry (example: turn-lane, deceleration lane, pave unimproved road, widening, resurfacing, bridge replacement, etc.). Proposed road projects must be a public right-of-way and, if funded, shall constitute part of the public highway and street system of the state. Alabama Infrastructure Grants The State Economic Development Grant program administers a pool of funds available for infrastructure grants. These grants are made to a governmental body to facilitate the expansion or development of new industry by funding public infrastructure projects, including water and sewer lines, and access roads. Qualifying projects include any trade or business designated in SIC Code Major Groups 20 through 39, or consisting of major warehouse or distribution centers. At least 15 jobs must be created. Generally, grants do not exceed $200,000 per project. Source of funds include Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and State and Federal Governments. Other criteria/requirements apply. Rural Economic and Community Development Loan and Grants A business can qualify if not located in MSA. Loans guaranteed up to 75-80% of the loan. Small grants up to $100, also available. The information presented is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Legal advice should be sought before taking action based on the information provided.

50 Site Information Transportation Tuscaloosa has a strong transportation network that accommodates and supports new and existing industry. All forms of transportation are available in Tuscaloosa County while additional services are located in nearby Birmingham, just 57 miles (92 km) northeast. Air: The Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, Van degraaff Field, has a 6,500 foot (1,981 m) lighted jet runway. Charter air service is available from various carriers. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is home to 10 airlines that offer more than 100 daily flights to major cities throughout the United States and represent ranks in the country s top 75 airport in terms of passengers served annually. The Airport has three cargo carriers, INS and U.S. Customs on site. The Airport is one hour's distance by car from Tuscaloosa. Annually, air carriers serving the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport fly more than 3 million passengers in and out of the city. ( Rail: Four railroad systems serve the Tuscaloosa area. Passenger service is offered by Amtrak. Amtrak has departures from Tuscaloosa on its southeastern route with service to New York and New Orleans. Freight service is provided by Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Norfolk Southern Corporation. Intermodal, single source intermodal, and piggy-back transportation services are available in Tuscaloosa County. Motor Freight: Alabama has five interstate highway systems connecting to major U.S. markets. Tuscaloosa County is serviced by Interstate Highways 59/20 and 359; U.S. Highways 82, 43 and 11; and State Highways 215, 171, 76, 69 and 13.

51 Tuscaloosa County s first toll bridge is a six-mile (9.6 k), four-lane western bypass that connects U.S. Highway 82 with Interstate 59. The project represents a public-private partnership with the governing bodies of Northport, Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County contributing financially. Tuscaloosa is served by more than 27 motor freight and heavy hauling companies including Cummins Trucking Company, Inc., Fleetwood Trucking, Roadway Express and Service Express. Tuscaloosa companies also have access to liquid or dry bulk trucking and local cartage trucking. Barge: The Black Warrior River bisects the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport. A federally maintained waterway with a 9 foot (2.7 m) depth and minimum 280 foot (85 m) width connects Tuscaloosa County to the Port of Mobile and, via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, to the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Tuscaloosa County is located 339 river miles from the Port of Mobile. The Tuscaloosa-Northport Inland Dock, part of the Alabama State Docks System, is located in Northport. It has a 60 X 85 foot (18 x 26 m) concrete barge dock, mooring dolphins, a 24,000 square foot (2,230 m²) warehouse and a 570,000 bushel grain elevator. Private docking facilities are also located in Tuscaloosa County. Parker Towing Company, with headquarters in Tuscaloosa, provides regional and local barge service. In 2008, Alabama State Port Authority handled more than 28.1 million tons of cargo. The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) has more than 1,300 miles (2,092 km) of navigable waterways, the most in the nation, and is serviced by 11 inland ports. In 2006, the Port of Mobile was the 10 th largest port in the nation in total tonnage, providing shipping to every major international destination. The ASPA has invested more than $500 million in port infrastructure to attract new customers and to diversify their cargo base. (Alabama State Port Authority: Parcel Carriers/Postal Service: Parcel delivery services are provided by a variety of parcel carriers including Airborne Express, Emery Worldwide, Purolator Courier, USAir and Federal Express. Tuscaloosa County receives postal service through 18 strategically located United States Post Offices. The County has 26 designated zip codes including seven representing the City of Tuscaloosa, three representing the City of Northport, and one representing the University of Alabama. Bus: The Tuscaloosa County Parking and Transit Authority provides scheduled inner-city passenger service. Greyhound Travel Services provides local scheduled passenger, package and charter service. Additional charter and rental services are available through other companies including Capital Motor Lines, Patton's Leasing & Charter, Inc. and Victory Bus Lines.

52 Utilities Tuscaloosa County is served by utilities designed to accommodate any industry's needs. Local utility suppliers are dedicated to providing the best service to local industry. From Alabama Power Company, which supports programs that assist industry, to the Water and Sewer Department of the City of Tuscaloosa, which continues to expand and upgrade its facilities, Tuscaloosa offers the resources and suppliers to provide industry with the most modern utility services. Electricity: Alabama Power Company, an investor-owned utility, supplies electric power service in Tuscaloosa County. More than 74,000 local meters are currently in service. An affiliate of the Southern Company, the Alabama Power system is linked to other systems in adjacent States creating a grid of high voltage transmission lines resulting in very reliable service. While individual rates will vary based upon amounts, demand, type of use, and hours of operation, Alabama Power Company Industrial Rates are among the lowest in the nation. The average retail rates have decreased approximately six (6) percent over the past ten years. Alabama Power Company has over 50 rates to offer Industry. Some use declining block rate schedules, meaning the more hours in operation, the lower the unit kilowatt hour cost. Other rates offer time-of-use pricing, providing the customer with hourly pricing for electricity. Based on a recent benchmark survey rating 16 of the top electrical utilities in the nation, Alabama Power ranked first among the 16 utilities in customer satisfaction. ( (Economic Development: Gas: Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco) serves as the distributor for approximately 38,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Tuscaloosa district. The majority of industrial sites are served by high-pressure distribution lines. Alagasco offers firm (noninterruptible) service for any natural gas requirement, as well as service for users with interruptible requirements. While specific rates are contingent on quantity and end-use, Alagasco has been a successful leader in the gas industry in the area of rate design. To our knowledge, Alagasco is the only local gas distribution company in the nation that has on-file a Firm and Interruptible Transportation Tariff, a Competitive Fuel clause, and an Industrial Development Rate. These tools allow flexibility in meeting customers energy needs while demonstrating dedication to being responsive to a customer's particular circumstances. The Company's overall rate setting methodology, Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE), is the only one of its kind in the Southeast. RSE is designed to streamline the rate making process which provides Alagasco an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investment while holding rates as low as possible. (

53 Telecommunications: Local telecommunications services are provided by AT&T Telecommunications. AT&T is a leader in telecommunications, providing the latest fixed and wireless services to customers in the U.S. and overseas. AT&T provides a full array of broadband data and e- commerce solutions to business customers. In the residential market, AT&T offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. AT&T also owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation s second-largest wireless company, which provides innovative wireless data and voice services. AT&T s continued investment in new technology and improved services represents a substantial commitment to customers in the Tuscaloosa area. It has a network platform in place that allows the company to not only meet the needs of current customers, but positions it well to meet future customer expectations. ( AT&T s local telephone exchange in Tuscaloosa is served by three, state-of-the-art digital switching centers. All are equipped with stored program control and allow AT&T to offer leading-edge services to its customers. Inter-office links between the three digital switching centers are 100-percent fiber. In addition, all network feeder routes throughout the Tuscaloosa metro area are equipped with fiber-optic cable. AT&T has more than 11,000 strand miles fiber throughout its Tuscaloosa-area network. Fiber ring diversity allows many AT&T customers in Tuscaloosa to have instant, continuous service on alternative circuits if a principal cable is damaged or destroyed. BellSouth calls this architecture its self-healing network. Customers in the Tuscaloosa area have the option of selecting a "preferred" long distance company for calling points outside their AT&T calling zones. Tuscaloosa County has access to long distance service providers including major carriers AT&T, MCI Telecommunications and Sprint. Water: Supplied by the Water and Sewer Department of the City of Tuscaloosa, potable and industrial water is soft and low in mineral content. Lake Tuscaloosa, which encompasses 5,885 acres (2,382 ha) and 40 billion gallons (151 billion l), serves as the primary source of water. Two other municipal impoundments with a capacity of 2.1 billion gallons (8 billion l) of water are maintained as emergency reservoirs. The flow from Lake Tuscaloosa alone is 300 million gallons per day (mgd) (1.14 million cubic meters per day). The current use in Tuscaloosa County is only 26 mgd (98 million liters per day), approximately 20% of which is untreated industrial water. With the completion of its five-year capital improvement program, the City has the capacity to treat 45 mgd (170 million liters per day). In 1999, the plant was again named the best operated plant of its size in Alabama by the Alabama Water and Pollution Control Association. This is the sixth time since (

54 Wastewater: The Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by the City of Tuscaloosa Water and Sewer Department, has won the "Best Operated Plant in the State" award several times in recent years. The primary treatment facility was constructed in 1958 and, in 1974 was upgraded to activated sludge secondary treatment. The plant is designed to treat 24 million gallons per day (mgd) (91 million liters per day). The current usage is approximately 15 mgd, less than 63% of design capacity. The plant is in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, and a city ordinance complying with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting standards for industrial pre-treatment is in force. (

55 Environmental Aspects No Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) regulation exceeds federal standards. State Implementation Plan: The State Implementation Plan (SIP) has been approved with permitting power resting in the jurisdiction of ADEM. ADEM has established a "one-stop" permitting system that allows all permits to be obtained through one agency, at one central location. Environmental Impact Statement: The federal government decides if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required, depending on the type of business and where it intends to locate. The State of Alabama, at present, has no guidelines for the implementation of a state regulated EIS. Hazardous waste disposal: There is a hazardous waste disposal facility in Emelle, Alabama, approximately 60 miles (97 km) southwest of Tuscaloosa. This facility has been in service for approximately ten years. In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, Tuscaloosa is designated as an attainment area, meaning there are no restrictions concerning air quality purposes. ( Timing for all Environmental Permitting Processes Air - Not Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Completed Application Received ADEM Review Public Notice Review of Comments Public Hearing if needed Permit Issuance or Denial Entire process takes approximately 65 days. Air - PSD Completed Application Received ADEM Review Public Hearing Review of Comments Permit Issuance of Denial Entire process takes approximately 120 days. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Completed Application Received ADEM Review Facility Draft Review Public Notice Public Hearing if needed Permit Issuance or Denial Entire process without a public hearing takes approximately 120 days. Entire process with a public hearing takes approximately 150 days.

56 Tuscaloosa, a vital community that strives for a synergy between its residents and its corporate citizens. We have access to the most advanced technology yet we enjoy a true hometown atmosphere. Facilities of higher education support both our future workforce and our industrial base. A positive business climate allows both domestic and international companies to thrive while our citizens enjoy the benefits of good, quality jobs. These declarations are demonstrated each day in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. And we have the testimonials to prove it! Tuscaloosa has it all, and we invite you to see firsthand how it works, and how it can work for you. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact: J. Dara Longgrear Executive Director Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority PO Box 2667 Tuscaloosa, Alabama Phone: Fax: [email protected] Home page: TuscaloosaAlabama USA