From homegrown businesses and local entrepreneurs to the global marketplace, Tuscaloosa County is built on and around abundant natural resources; a stable, diverse economic base; and people who possess a combination of old-fashioned work ethics and energetic, optimistic spirits.

These vital elements combine to foster an economic formula that works creating an environment for prosperous local enterprises, entrepreneurial initiatives, and linkages to the global market. Simply stated, Tuscaloosa County is an ideal home for business.

Economic Profile

A diverse economy, Tuscaloosa County is home to a broad array of major businesses, industries, education and health care. With consistently one of Alabama’s lowest unemployment rates and one of the South’s most stable economies, Tuscaloosa County proudly boasts a balanced economic base.

With a total nonagricultural workforce of about 83,000, approximately twenty-seven percent of the workplace is employed by government, which includes major health care and education related employment; twenty-two percent in retail and wholesale trade; sixteen percent in manufacturing; nineteen percent in services; and the balance of the workforce spread among construction, transportation, finance, insurance, real estate and public services.

Cornerstones of Tuscaloosa County’s economy include The University of Alabama, one of the nation’s most outstanding research universities, with more than 19,000 students; and major health care centers, including DCH Health System, which operates Alabama’s fifth largest hospital, DCH Regional Medical Center, and Northport Medical Center; Bryce Hospital, Partlow Developmental Center, and Veterans Administration Medical Center.

An array of international manufacturing facilities balance the area’s economy that includes major investments from Germany, France, Japan, Italy, United Kingdom and Canada. In today’s global economy, Tuscaloosa County has emerged as an international player and continues to attract investment from quality corporate and industrial leaders, and we sell our products worldwide.

A wide range of products made in Tuscaloosa County are exported to more than 150 countries around the globe, accounting for over $1.5 billion in shipments. The Tuscaloosa area’s manufacturing base includes automotive, electronics, plastic injection molding, steel, wood products, food products, and chemical industries whose products are recognized and sold throughout the world.

Tuscaloosa County is home to an exceptional cadre of quality manufacturers that read like a who’s who of industry, and that include: Mercedes-Benz U. S. International, Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Manufacturing (Michelin), Hunt Refining, Corus Tuscaloosa (British Steel), Phifer Wire Products, Gulf States Paper Corporation, Johnson Controls, Delphi Packard, and a host of other nationally-known industrial firms.

Financial

The community’s financial industry continues to be a strong, integral component of Tuscaloosa County’s economy and provides a competitive and varied base of financial services and opportunities. 13 major banks, with almost $1.9 billion in deposits; 12 credit unions, and other financial services provide an exceptional base for meeting the needs of an expanding economy and growing community.

Small Business

As a major generator of jobs and economic activity, the entrepreneurs and small businesses of Tuscaloosa County are at the heart of the area’s success and economic vitality. Small business enterprises of every type, shape and form dot the landscape.

Family-owned, homegrown professional firms, franchises..... old fashioned, service-oriented businesses...... Tuscaloosa County has become an outstanding investment opportunity for small business development, startups and technology transfer. The Tuscaloosa-Birmingham corridor consistently ranks in the top twenty markets in the nation for entrepreneurial success.

In addition, a myriad of support services and resources are available to small businesses, entrepreneurs and existing firms. The innovative Business Resource Center at The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama provides a wide array of services and assistance programs including the innovative “One Stop Permitting” Center. In addition to The Chamber’s ongoing programs and networks for business development, services are available to assist with strategic planning, technology development, training, site assistance, marketing and other business-related initiatives.

Among other business partners in the community’s varied development network that are available for assistance include: Alabama International Trade Center; Small Business Development Center; Small Business and Family Business Institute, the Alabama Institute For Manufacturing Excellence, and the Center For Business and Economic Research, all at The University of Alabama; Entrepreneurial Development Center and the Center For Advanced Productivity, both at Shelton State Community College; Stillman College’s Disadvantaged Enterprise Program; and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) at The Chamber.

Tourism & Conventions

Again, the diversity and strength of Tuscaloosa County’s economy can be seen in the growing hospitality sector. With over 2,400 quality rooms, Tuscaloosa’s lodging facilities continue to grow along with the expansion of new locally owned restaurants and regional chains.

The hospitality industry is comprised of tourism; conventions and conferences; major, nationally-known athletic events; and a diverse array of festivals, all of which have combined to create an exciting environment for not only local residents, but also for a growing number of visitors to the area.

An abundant supply of meeting facilities provides the community with a diverse menu for conferences and conventions, including the state-of-the-art Bryant Conference Center. Hotel occupancy rates are consistently above state averages. Tuscaloosa continues to be a favorite site for state and regional conventions and conferences.

Retail Marketplace

Great and growing. That's the way to describe the retail marketplace in Tuscaloosa County.

With two large shopping malls, 50 or so smaller malls located sround the county, two downtown areas (Tuscaloosa and Northport) undergoing revitalization, and specialized small businesses and unique shops scattered all around, shopping in Tuscaloosa County draws from all of West Alabama. Retail sales perennially top the $2 billion mark, and expectations are that sales will grow steady in the years ahead.

Shoppers have money to spend. The effective annual buying income for the average household in Tuscaloosa County is more than $41,000; that level is expected to rise five to six percent a year in the next half-decade.

Developers are seizing opportunities to build new retail sites and expand existing ones. Growth along U.S. Highway 69 south toward Moundville has spurted in the last few years, and continues at a brisk pace. Growth east and north of Tuscaloosa is dramatic.

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has made retail development a high priority in its strategic programming. Both Tuscaloosa and Northport are developing plans for their riverfront areas, and some of that usage is expected to be retail establishments.

Economic Advantages

A key to Tuscaloosa County’s prosperity and economic success is its natural and human resources. There are natural advantages of a moderate climate, fertile soil, rich forests, abundant water, energy and mineral resources. Energy resources are reliable and costs are low and competitive. Combined with an energetic, competent, skilled and motivated workforce, Tuscaloosa County has all of the advantages.

Diverse, innovative, aggressive..... these descriptions coupled with a growing connection to the global market place and a positive entrepreneurial spirit; frame the portrait of Tuscaloosa County’s economy.

From successful homegrown businesses to our newest international investments..... from manufacturing to retail to small service-oriented businesses..... from health care to tourism to education......Tuscaloosa County is building a vibrant, 21st century economy. And it’s built on a tradition of quality and a belief that Tuscaloosa County is the ideal home for business.