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Alabama isn’t just another state. It’s an economic hub, driving the world forward. And not just our state, but our rural areas, too. Rural Alabama is bringing in new investment, creating thousands of new jobs and initiating countless high-impact growth projects. Here down South, we just can’t stop winning.
44
Rural Counties
42.3%
Alabamians in Rural Areas
$7B
New Capital Investment (2020-2024)
8,800+
New Jobs Created (2020-2024)
Rural Sectors

Targeted and Jumpstart Counties Map
Alabama’s primary incentives platform can provide projects with a tax credit for qualified capital investment expenses and an annual cash rebate for payroll expenses for job creation. Enhanced incentives are possible for projects in ‘Targeted’ counties.
Latest Rural News
Rural, Manufacturing
Southern Classic Food to invest an additional $14.2 million at Pike County facility
BRUNDIDGE, Alabama – Southern Classic Food Group LLC plans to invest an additional $14.2 million at its facility in Pike County, a project that is expected to add 82 jobs over the next two years. The company’s Brundidge operation supports the production of a variety of sauces, dressings and related food products for branded and private-label customers. Increased demand across key product lines is driving the expansion. The work will include adding manufacturing lines, upgrading equipment and supporting infrastructure, which will position the facility for continued growth and operational improvements. During 2025, Southern Classic became part of Trillium Foods LLC, based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, headed up by the Reddy family. “We’re excited to continue investing in our Brundidge operations and the Pike County community,” said Chuck Caraway, company representative. “This expansion supports growing demand across our product portfolio and allows us to enhance our capabilities, improve efficiency and better serve our customers. We appreciate the partnership from the state of Alabama and local leadership as we move forward with this next phase of growth.” The continued growth of Southern Classic in Pike County shows the company’s confidence in the local workforce and the overall vitality of the region, said Margaret Henderson, south rural development project manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Rural Alabama is home to vibrant businesses that prioritize innovation and high-quality products,” she said. “We know that the strong community support for Southern Classic will continue as the company enters this next chapter of growth in Pike County.” John Ramage, chairman of the Pike County Economic Development Corporation, said supporting and strengthening the local business community is at the core of the organization’s mission. “Southern Classic continues to play a significant role in our local economy, and we are excited about the opportunities this expansion will bring for Brundidge and Pike County,” Ramage said. Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd said the company is a key contributor to the local workforce. “We are so excited about this expansion project with Southern Classic. They are one of our most important employers, and the city is very proud to partner with them to bring these 82 new jobs to our community,” Boyd said.
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