?? 2024's top economic stories ??

Alabama once again saw billions of dollars in new investment in 2024. It was a year for growth, reflection and consolidation.

A few highlights for the year:

• Huntsville is the site of one of the largest construction projects in the Southeast.
• UAB Health System this month celebrated its $450 million acquisition of Ascension St. Vincent’s hospitals, culminating a mammoth deal involving two major Birmingham institutions.
• Coca-Cola United’s new $330 million campus in Birmingham will take three years to complete.
• Meta announced in May that it will build an $800 million, 715,000-square-foot data center in Montgomery, creating 100 jobs.
• Wawa mania hit South Alabama.

Read AL.com's roundup here.

A year of goodness

Alabama is a state filled with good people and good news stories everywhere you look.

And luckily for us, it's our job to tell those stories.

All of us here at This is Alabama looked back at some of our favorite stories we told in 2024, whether it was an article, video or newsletter. We loved finding all the wonderful places, people and food that make our state amazing, and can't wait to tell even more in 2025!

Read our list here.

Alabama craftsman creates unique guitars

Joel Teel spent a couple of decades working a day job and dreaming of building guitars. Then the dream came true.

In a small shop next to his Fairhope home, Joel Teel builds guitars. Exquisite guitars.

Check out Joel's story.

More good news

?? Vulcan Materials just acquired this California company.

?? This Andalusia bar is on our bucket list.

?? We love these Alabama small towns!