MAXIMIZING ECONOMIC MOMENTUM FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE CAPITAL RIVER REGION
PARTNERS IN GROWTH
A REGIONAL CHAMBER FOR A REGIONAL FUTURE
Advancing economic growth, defense partnerships, and workforce opportunity across the Capital Region.
The work of the Montgomery Regional Chamber is made possible by the leadership and investment of businesses and partners who believe in the future of the Capital Region.
In 2025, investor support helped advance economic development recruitment and expansion, strengthen the defense mission at MaxwellGunter Air Force Base, expand tourism and quality-of-place initiatives, grow the region’s innovation ecosystem, and align workforce and talent strategies with the needs of employers.
As the capital city, Montgomery serves as a central hub for collaboration across the Central Alabama Capital Region. Through this coordinated approach, the Chamber brings together public and private partners to move projects forward, attract investment, and strengthen the regional economy.
This report highlights what that investment made possible in 2025.
CAPITAL REGION (MSA) PERFORMANCE
(Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes Counties Combined)
TOTAL PERFORMANCE 2022–2025
MONTGOMERY COUNTY TOTAL 2022–2025
$5.4B $4.62B
2,891 in announced capital investment in announced capital investment jobs created jobs
3,368
DRIVERS OF PERFORMANCE
• Existing industry reinvestment leading growth, accounting for 90% of project activity
• Targeted infrastructure and federal funding accelerating site readiness and access
• Career tech and workforce systems aligning to current and future industry demand
• Regional talent strategy strengthening recruitment and retention capacity
• Sustained project pipeline supporting continued capital investment and job creation
STRATEGIC PILLARS
Positioning the Capital Region for long-term economic growth, expanded tourism and visitation, and an enhanced quality of life for residents and guests.
TARGETED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Recruitment & Expansion
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Logistics
• Tech
• Military Mission
• Innovation
TALENT AND WORKFORCE
• Attraction & Recruitment
• Education & Workforce Development
• K12 Career & Technical Education
• Sector Alignment to the Pipeline
TOURISM AND EXPERIENCE
• Sales & Marketing
• Event Recruitment
• Quality of Place
• Earned Media & PR
• Gateways
CORE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Regional leadership requires collaboration beyond traditional economic development. The Montgomery Regional Chamber convenes partners across government, healthcare, education, and business to advance these shared priorities for the Capital Region.
PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY STABILITY
Advancing best practices and cross-sector leadership collaboration to strengthen safety, stability, and community confidence across the region.
HEALTHCARE ACCESS & ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Working alongside healthcare, government, and business leaders to strengthen systems of care that support community wellbeing and regional growth.
WORKFORCE & CAREER-TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Connecting students to clear career pathways by aligning education partners with existing and emerging industries across the Capital Region.
MILITARY MISSION & DEFENSE PARTNERSHIPS
Supporting mission sustainment and strategic defense partnerships while strengthening the mission at Maxwell Air Force Base and building a defense industry hub that drives regional growth.
REGIONAL GATEWAYS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Advancing transformational corridor and infrastructure investments that improve mobility, strengthen connectivity, and unlock economic opportunity.
AVIATION & AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY
Enhancing air service and airport assets to expand market access, support logistics growth, and connect the region to global commerce.
INVESTMENT, EXPANSION, AND MARKET GROWTH
The Montgomery Regional Chamber is driving industry recruitment and supporting the expansion of existing employers—delivering measurable results across key sectors.
In recent years, this work has generated sustained investment and job creation across advanced manufacturing, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
The companies below represent major investments that are expanding opportunity and reinforcing the region’s economic foundation.
Logistics & Distribution
Logistics & Distribution
Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF)
DC Blox
META
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Diageo Beverages
Manna Beverages
Genpak LLC
HD Hyundai Power Transformers USA, Inc.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
Hyundai Transys
DAS North America
Mobis North America
* Data reflects the most recent available information and is subject to revision.
Logistics & Distribution
Digital Infrastructure
Digital Infrastructure
Beverage Manufacturing
Beverage Manufacturing
Beverage Manufacturing
Foodservice Packaging Manufacturing
Advanced Energy Infrastructure
Automobile Manufacturing OEM
Automotive Supplier Manufacturing
Automotive Supplier Manufacturing
Automotive Supplier Manufacturing
BY THE NUMBERS
Governor Kay Ivey’s 2025 New & Expanding Industry Report highlighted a historic year for economic development across Alabama, confirming record-breaking statewide investment — the highest annual total in state history. Within that record performance, Montgomery ranked among the state’s top-performing metros:
$1.2B 9% 500+ 22 in announced capital investment year-over-year growth in investment jobs announced economic development projects executed
REGIONAL & NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Montgomery’s outstanding performance continues to earn widespread national recognition among economic development leaders and industry publications.
Top 10 in the nation among Tier 2 metros for projects per capita by Site Selection Magazine
Magazine
Top Economic Development Organization, 2 years in a row
WalletHub ranked Montgomery #5 in the nation for employment growth in its Best Cities for Jobs 2026 report
Montgomery is a competitive market where companies choose to reinvest, expand, and grow.
Double Gold Shovel by Site Selection
LOGISTICS ADVANTAGE
• Direct interstate access (I-65, I-85)
• CSX rail connectivity
• Inland port connection to the Port of Mobile
• Montgomery Regional Airport cargo capability
REDUCING RISK FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT
The Chamber, in partnership with regional and state leaders, is advancing infrastructure and site readiness for largescale industrial and logistics investment. Through strategic land development, logistics connectivity, and coordinated infrastructure efforts, barriers are being reduced and project readiness is accelerating for companies evaluating expansion or relocation.
Key initiatives advancing the region’s competitiveness include:
• SEEDS Industrial Site Development: $1.28M secured to acquire and prepare a 112-acre industrial site, expanding Montgomery’s inventory of shovel-ready locations.
• Montgomery Inland Port Development: Advancing the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF), targeted for Q1 2027, connecting regional manufacturers and logistics providers directly to the Port of Mobile and global supply chains.
• Multimodal Infrastructure Investment: Continued advocacy and coordination supporting airport modernization, interstate connectivity, and freight mobility across the Capital Region.
• Dual GOLD-Level CSX Select Sites (2025): Montgomery is one of the only locations in the CSX network with two Gold-level certified sites.
• Proximity to major Southeastern markets Montgomery is proactively removing friction from expansion decisions through infrastructure alignment and site preparedness.
POLICY ALIGNMENT & EXECUTION
The Capital Region’s economic performance is strengthened by consistent alignment between business leadership and government partners at the city, county, state, and federal levels. We work to keep business and government aligned to drive execution across the Capital Region.
• Coordinated advocacy at the state and federal levels
• Alignment of infrastructure and defense funding priorities
• Career and technical education aligned to industry workforce needs
• Public safety and healthcare coordination supporting workforce stability
DEFENSE ECONOMY ANCHORED BY MAXWELL
Montgomery is strengthening a regional defense economy anchored by the missions at Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex. Together, these installations support a military-connected population of nearly 70,000 active-duty personnel, civilian employees, contractors, students, and families, generating an estimated $2.6 billion in annual economic impact across the region.
STRATEGIC MILITARY ASSETS
Montgomery is home to Air University, the U.S. Air Force’s center for professional military education, where officers from across the United States and allied nations develop strategic leadership capabilities.
In addition to education missions, Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex support critical cyber, logistics, acquisition, and operational missions that contribute directly to national defense readiness.
These missions bring military leaders, federal partners, and industry representatives from across the nation to Montgomery, strengthening the region’s role in supporting national security operations.
DEFENSE & CYBER OPERATIONS
$2.6B
Annual Regional Economic Impact
70,000
Military-Connected Population
Operations connected to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and other cyber-focused units at Gunter Annex continue to reinforce Montgomery’s role in supporting modern defense operations and digital infrastructure. These missions contribute to a growing ecosystem of defense contractors, technology firms, and federal partners supporting military operations and cybersecurity initiatives.
Montgomery also hosts the Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference (DAFITC), one of the nation’s premier defense cybersecurity conferences, bringing thousands of military leaders, technology companies, and cybersecurity professionals to the region each year.
A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR GROWTH
With a strong defense foundation, expanding cyber operations, and continued collaboration between military leadership, government partners, and industry stakeholders, Montgomery is strengthening its position as a strategic hub where military missions, national security priorities, and economic growth intersect.
The Montgomery Regional Chamber works with employers, educators, and workforce partners to strengthen talent pipelines that support industry growth across the Capital Region.
KEY 2025 TALENT & WORKFORCE INITIATIVES
• River Region FAME: Strengthening advanced manufacturing training pipelines aligned with employer demand.
• Education-to-Industry Alignment: Strengthening high-demand training pathways with Trenholm State, AIDT, and industry partners.
• FuelAL River Region: Program engages interns from various universities in immersive experiences showcasing career opportunities, community assets, and quality of life across the Capital Region.
• ADVON: Connecting military spouses and families to employment, education, and community resources.
• Rapid Response Workforce Support: Mobilized career fairs and transition services for displaced workers.
NEXT PHASE: CAREER-TECHNICAL PATHWAYS
Looking ahead, the Chamber will place a stronger focus on career-technical education and direct connections between schools and employers.
Priorities include:
• Expanding career-technical pathways aligned with industry needs
• Strengthening partnerships between K-12, community colleges, and employers
• Creating clearer education-to-career pipelines for regional students
REGIONAL TALENT INITIATIVE
The Chamber is also preparing to launch a regional talent initiative, LiveCentral that will provide employers with tools and resources to recruit talent and promote career opportunities across the Capital Region.
Strengthening careertechnical pathways that connect education, employers, and opportunity across the Capital Region.
AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING FOUNDATION
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) established more than an automotive plant—it established a manufacturing foundation for the Montgomery region. What began as a single investment 20 years ago has evolved into a system supporting large-scale production, supplier growth, and sustained capital investment. Today, that foundation continues to shape how companies evaluate and succeed in this market.
A SYSTEM THAT MULTIPLIES INVESTMENT
HMMA’s presence catalyzed the growth of a regional supplier network and strengthened the broader advanced manufacturing base and now extends beyond automotive.
The result is not a one-time success, it is sustained performance. Continued reinvestment from existing industry, ongoing capital investment, and consistent expansion reflect a system that continues to generate returns.
What began with HMMA continues to generate investment across the Montgomery region.
A PROVEN DRIVER OF REVENUE, DEMAND, AND VISIBILITY
Tourism is not a supporting asset, it is a core economic engine for the Capital Region. In 2025, Montgomery’s visitor economy generated $1.4 billion in economic impact, increasing hotel demand, driving visitor spending, and elevating national and international visibility.
Through targeted recruitment, strategic marketing, and coordinated servicing, Experience Montgomery is actively strengthening the region’s position across conventions, sports tourism, reunions, and cultural travel.
DRIVING DEMAND & BUILDING FUTURE PIPELINE
40,156
120 qualified leads representing
118 meetings and events in pipeline generating
potential room nights
This pipeline reflects a sustained demand strategy, not one-time wins.
DELIVERING AT SCALE: CONVENTIONS & EVENTS
150+
room nights booked in 2025 conventions and groups serviced
127,989 30,000+
delegates hosted
future room nights
87,833 2,400+
visitor inquiries generated
Major events driving measurable impact:
• National Baptist Convention Congress of Christian Education → 8,200+ attendees | 6,000+ room nights | $4.7M impact
• DAFITC (Department of the Air Force IT & Cyberpower Conference) → $2.97M direct impact | $4.66M total impact
• Gospel Music Workshop of America → 1,200+ attendees | 2,600 room nights | $1.4M impact
CONVERTING VISITATION INTO REVENUE
$16.9M in Lodging & Tourism Improvement District (TID) collections (+2.9% YoY). Tourism is actively circulating dollars through the local economy while funding its own growth with direct reinvestment into marketing, recruitment, and visitor services. Continued growth across hotels, restaurants, retail, and attractions.
SPORTS TOURISM: HIGHVOLUME IMPACT
• 40+ major tournaments hosted
• 1,000+ teams
• 25,000+ room nights generated
• $15M estimated economic impact
Future wins already secured:
• DYB Regional World Series (2026): $3.5M projected impact
• DYB World Series (2027): $4M+ projected impact
TOURISM: VISIBILITY, DEMAND, AND WORKFORCE IMPACT
• 475M earned media impressions: National coverage across top-tier outlets including New York Times, Forbes, BBC, Southern Living, and Sports Illustrated
• 6M+ digital ad impressions | 117K clicks | 800K video views | 74K engagements: Performance-driven marketing generating measurable demand
• International market reach expanded: Hosted media and tour operators from UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Denmark, Finland, and Canada
CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE: A NATIONAL TOURISM ASSET
Montgomery anchors one of the most visited and historically significant corridors in the country, the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. As a primary destination along the trail, the city attracts visitors from across the United States and around the world seeking authentic, place-based experiences tied to the American Civil Rights Movement. Civil Rights Trail visitor spending across Alabama reached $345.8M in 2025.
Montgomery captures a significant share of this demand, driving:
• Overnight stays and extended visitor duration
• Year-round visitation not tied to seasonality
• Consistent traffic to museums, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC IMPACT
• Montgomery demonstrated strong tourism job growth in 2018—leading Alabama’s largest counties—and has continued to build on that momentum1
• Tourism supports employment across hospitality, retail, food service, and transportation sectors
1 Source:
Recognizing Montgomery as a top meeting and event destination based on planner and industry votes
Alabama Tourism Department, Economic Impact of Travel on Alabama Counties 2018.
