Shelby honored with Manufacture Alabama's 'Friend of the Industry' award - Yellowhammer News

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) is this year’s recipient of Manufacture Alabama’s “Friend of the Industry” award.

Alabama’s senior senator was recognized with the honor during the association’s annual Washington, D.C. fly-in earlier this month.

Manufacture Alabama is the state’s only trade association solely focused on representing the interests of the industry. Its membership includes companies ranging from family-owned businesses to international corporations that conduct business in Alabama.

According to a release, the award recognizes public officials, community leaders and industry representatives for their contributions to the manufacturing industry.

In a statement, Manufacture Alabama president George Clark praised Shelby for his efforts in the upper chamber of Congress to advance pro-business policies.

“Senator Shelby has been a strong voice for Alabama manufacturers in Washington and we have been blessed to have his presence as one of the most influential leaders,” said Clark. “Throughout his remarkable career, Senator Shelby has stood up for Alabama manufacturers, fighting federal bureaucracy and focusing on the true needs of Alabama which has enabled historic growth in the industry. Alabama is a better state because of the dedicated service of Senator Richard Shelby.”

First elected to Congress in 1978, the senator has prioritized issues relating to economic growth, making his mark in the U.S. Senate in demonstrating his ability to land impactful appropriations for the Yellowhammer State.

Manufacture Alabama described Shelby as being instrumental in expanding the Port of Mobile and lauded his work to support the Yellowhammer State’s robust defense industry.

In recognizing Shelby, Manufacture Alabama advised that the senator’s efforts had led to the creation of thousands of jobs for the state’s manufacturing sector.

The long-serving senator expressed gratitude to the association over its recognition of his work and asserted that investment in the manufacturing industry is vital to maintaining Alabama’s recent economic successes.

“I am honored to receive this award from Manufacture Alabama,” said Shelby. “I have long-believed in our state’s manufacturing sector, as it plays a vital role in generating a well-trained workforce, high-paying jobs, and significant economic growth. If Alabama is to remain successful, we must continue to focus on enhancing our manufacturing industry and supporting the lasting effects it has on the entire state.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

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