Cullman, Alabama: Industrial Speculative Building Program Diversifies Economic Base

Abstract

Prior to the 1980s, Cullman, Alabama was an agriculture town with a significant portion of its manufacturing base in poultry production. Today, Cullman continues to lead Alabama in poultry production, but also has a diversified economy that offers a wider range of job opportunities for its residents. Cullman realized that its lack of industrial space limited its economic development potential. The Cullman Community and Economic Development Agency, City of Cullman Industrial Development Board, and Cullman County Industrial Development Board created an industrial speculative building program to address the shortage of industrial space as well as meet the diverse needs of any manufacturer. Cullman's industrial speculative building program has enabled it to control and shape the type of development that occurs. Also, it has become an innovative marketing agent for the whole community.