Alabama Manufacturing Now!

In this episode of Alabama Manufacturing Now, we sit down with Keith Phillips, ATN Executive Director and ACCS Deputy Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, to discuss how the Alabama Training Network (ATN) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) are bridging the gap between education and industry. From workforce development and customized training to enhancing Alabama’s...

In this episode, we sit down with the 2025 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year – Large Manufacturer Winner, ArcelorMittal Calvert, to talk about what it takes to lead at the highest level of manufacturing excellence.Joining Paige and Whitney, the ArcelorMittal Calvert team shares insight into their operation, workforce culture, innovation strategy, and the commitment to continuous improvement that...

Alabama Manufacturing Now EP 22

In this special episode, Paige and Whitney sit down with Gregg Bennett, retired ATN Center Director, to explore the history of the Alabama Technology Network and the origins that shaped who we are today. Gregg takes us back to ATN’s earliest days, sharing the vision, challenges, and milestones that built the foundation of the statewide network we know today.Understanding where ATN began is...

In this episode, Whitney and Joey, with the Alabama Technology Network (ATN), sit down with Rob White, with the Alabama Rural Water Association (ARWA), and Amanda Rials, ATN Project Engineer in Food Industry, to discuss the essential role ARWA plays in supporting Alabama’s water and wastewater systems. From technical training and certification programs to advocacy and system management, ARWA...

In this episode, Whitney and Joey highlight ATN’s partnership with Sonoco, where ATN is providing Leadership Management and Development training tailored to strengthen and empower Sonoco’s workforce. Listeners will hear from Sonoco's Plant Manager, David Lugo, and ATN's Mike Pierce, as they discuss how this customized approach is helping leaders enhance communication, boost team performance, and...

Listeners step inside the ACCS Innovation Center, a statewide hub designed to close skill gaps and connect Alabamians with high-demand career opportunities. In this episode, we sit down with Julie Frizzell, Executive Director of the ACCS Innovation Center, to explore how the center is reshaping workforce development through innovative training programs, flexible learning models, and strong...

In this episode of Alabama Manufacturing Now, we’re joined by Barbie Peek, Chief Business Development Officer for the Port of Huntsville. Barbie shares how the Port, which includes Huntsville International Airport, the International Intermodal Center, and Jetplex Industrial Park, plays a critical role in advancing Alabama’s economy and supporting industrial growth. From logistics and air cargo to...

Lindsay Fray and Phillip Marks with Apex Accelerators sit down with Paige and Whitney to discuss how Apex Accelerators are helping small businesses across the country break into the world of government contracting. Apex Accelerators offers free, personalized guidance to businesses navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local contracting. From understanding regulations to preparing...

In Episode 15 of Alabama Manufacturing Now, Paige and Whitney sit down with Jim Searcy, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA), to explore the strategies shaping Alabama’s economic future. With decades of experience in economic development, Jim shares valuable insights into the role of manufacturing in driving growth, the importance of workforce development,...