A Life-Critical Hedge Bet

VAP Diagnostics’ cholesterol test solves the 60 percent inaccuracy of standard tests. New investors bet this critical technology will flourish, after an earlier fumble by private equity.

Text BY BILL GERDES // Photos by cary norton

Municipal Multi-tasking

Frank Brocato knows about recruiting technology companies, dousing high-rise fires and birthing mall babies.

Text BY CARY ESTES // PHOTO BY ART MERIPOL

Movers & Shapers, April 2018

Spotlight on Covington & Butler counties

A Look at the Biosciences Industry in Alabama

The bioscience sector is gaining critical mass and attracting top researchers and new industry to the state.

Text by By Peggy Sammon // CEO, GeneCapture Inc. // Chair, BIO Alabama

Alabama Biotech Investment 101

A strong support network has led Alabama biotechs to land $101 million in venture capital since 2012. Working in one of the toughest investment sectors, research-based startups have well defined paths to commercial success on home turf.

Text By GAIL ALLYN SHORT // Photo by DENNIS KEIM

Proctors on Tuition/Debt Inflation

Chief academic officers at Alabama universities tell us what they are doing to assist students in a climate of rising tuition and debt.

Text By KATHY HAGOOD // PHOTO BY MIKE KITTRELL

Woman Dominant Mosquito Busters

Gail Yongue of Daphne became her own boss when she transitioned from health care to pest control management.

text by Dave Helms

Tax Incentives Reawaken History

Twelve aging but historically important structures will get new life thanks to the latest iteration of a state historic tax credit program.

Text by Dave Helms

Spanish Supplier T&W Rolling at Mercedes

Spain-based auto supplier Truck & Wheel Group reveals its 127,000-square-foot manufacturing site in Vance.

text by Dave Helms

Lightning Swift Jackpot Cashout

Four years from launch to cashout, Shipt’s $550 million sale to Target is a new high for Alabama startups and a beacon for Birmingham’s emerging community of business innovators.

Text By TOM LITTLE // Photo by JOE DE SCIOSE

Charity App Secures $1.5M Seed Funding

Planet Fundraiser makes donating to your favorite cause a more seamless digital experience.

text by Dave Helms

Partners Ratify $300M Air Assembly Line

Top brass from two international aircraft companies flew in to Mobile in February to affirm a big deal for Alabama.

Text By NEDRA BLOOM // Photos by MIKE KITTRELL