The message Gov. Bob Riley sent April 21 was clear, he believes Alabama’s citizens can do and accomplish anything they desire.
“We know how to compete; we know how to win,” he told attendees at a unity breakfast hosted by the Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
He cited Tallassee’s conversion from dependence on textile manufacturing to a technologically advanced industrial base as one of the success stories that helped Alabama lead the nation in economic development efforts for two of the past seven years.
“For 100 years Tallassee’s economy was built around an industry with low-paying, unskilled jobs,” Riley said. “Now at places like GKN, people are skilled in complex, advanced technologies.”
Alabama also led the South in economic development efforts during four of the past seven years, Riley said.
“The recession did slow us down, because some of the things we’re best at are the banking, automotive and construction industries,” Riley said. “But I think there’s a pent-up demand out there that will lead to an upswing in our economy for the next 15 to 20 years.
“I think we can lead the nation in so many qualify of life issues for a generation.”
Riley said he is convinced Alabama can lead the nation in manufacturing, “but we’ll never be as competitive as we could be if we don’t have the best education system.”
“Education has to be the foundation of everything we do.” he said. “I know that in five years, we’ll be as good as anyone in education.”
The ECEDA was set up to advance regional interests, and attendees took advantage of the governor’s presence to do just that: Several officials lobbied him for improvements to Highways 14 and 143.
“I think I was set up,” Riley said. “By the time I had gotten in the door, seven people has asked me about Highway 14.
“I can tell you that before I leave office, we’re going to do something about 14 and 143,” he said.