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.