Alabama, along with 14 other states, is actively recovering from the recession, according to a report compiled by Moody's Economy.com
Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina were also listed as recovering.
There were 34 states listed as moderating. Nevada was the only state listed as being in recession.
The report ranked several Alabama cities as leading the nation in "Employment Growth Rate," ranking Huntsville second and Mobile fourth of 387 metropolitan areas in the U.S.
"Alabama could really lead the South, if not the nation, out of this recession," said Todd Stacy, governor's office press secretary. "Alabama doesn't have to take a back seat to anyone."
The Auburn-Opelika area received high marks for its economic growth. It ranked 23rd nationally and third in the state.
"We've been active in trying to attract industries to our technology parks," said Auburn City Manager Charlie Duggan. "We've recruited companies internationally. We have international companies located in our parks from German to Korean to Dutch."
This is not the first time Auburn's economy has been rated high for its economic growth. In October 2009, Auburn was ranked first of 179 small metro areas for job growth by Forbes, and the 16th best place to launch
a small business by CNNMoney.com.
"What's really growing in Alabama is knowledge-based jobs, the information industry and bio-technology," Stacy said, "especially in the Huntsville area, pharmaceuticals and medical in the Birmingham area, aerospace and aviation and the maritime industry in the Mobile area and the Wiregrass."
The report is compiled over a five-year period and records current employment trends, top employers, house prices, per capita income and other factors to forecast economic trends of different metropolitan areas nationwide.
Gov. Bob Riley is proposing a bill in Alabama to help create stimulate more job growth, and the Moody's report could help it pass.
The "Jumpstarting Jobs" bill promises to save taxpayers $33 million a year through proposed tax credits and incentives.
"The Moody's report was really about the potential for job growth," Stacy said. "Gov. Riley wants to make sure that that potential is met with real job growth. And that's what the 'Jumpstarting Jobs' plan is all about."
The major points of the bill include a tax credit for companies hiring workers that are currently unemployed and a tax credit for companies that create new jobs in the 25 Alabama counties where unemployment ranks the highest.
The bill also proposes tax incentives for small businesses that provide health insurance, allowing the company and its employees to deduct 200 percent of their health coverage costs from their state income taxes. Huntsville leads the state in employment growth with its many industries, steady servicebased jobs, and above average incomes, according to the Moody's report.
"Huntsville has received many accolades over the years," said Rex Reynolds, Huntsville city administrator, "and it is our diverse industry, strong community and a well-educated and trained workforce that keeps us in the forefront."
Reynolds said Huntsville focused on economic growth even in the face of the national recession.
"Early on, Mayor Battle made a decision to continue major capital projects despite the turn in the economy," Reynolds said, "this has prompted jobs and continued growth."
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