This annual Forum provides the opportunity for corporate leaders to interact with regional leaders, economic developers and Auburn University faculty and staff. Drawing on the area’s success in attracting national and international corporations to locate operations in the region, the Forum highlights technology programs, economic initiatives and innovative business climate occurring at Auburn University and along Interstate 85 in Alabama. Major sponsors for this program include the Cities of Auburn and Opelika and Alabama Power Company.

I-85 Corridor Alliance™ sponsors a regional stakeholder workshop for local partners and a network of more than 160 citizens, government officials, educators and business leaders.  The workshop serves to update these partners on the progress of the Alliance™, but also provides an overview of regional growth, partner initiatives, and opportunities for involvement.  Most importantly, the workshop supports networking among regional stakeholders, thus creating even more potential for the I-85 Corridor.

*Auburn University Research Park
This project brings together the involvement and participation of a number of stakeholders, including Auburn University, local communities, the Governor and State of Alabama. This joint initiative draws on the university’s reputation as a major research institution to creating new academic, research, and entrepreneurial opportunities, thus promoting economic development within the region and state.

*Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport Expansion
Strategically located in the heart of the Corridor, the Auburn-Opelika Airport is a public use facility that is owned and maintained by Auburn University. This facility serves the local communities with excellent customer service, quality performance and efficient facilities. Expansion plans include extension of runways and construction of new state-of-the-art facilities which will enable the Airport to provide a desirable regional link for expanding corporate aviation.

* Workforce Development Initiative
Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University have created this education partnership to launch a joint Manufacturing Minor for Non-Engineers.  The program responds directly to workforce needs identified by regional industries. A program prototype is under development and a number of local manufacturers are interested and ready to provide support for the summer internships.

* Civic Projects

• Valley-Langdale Mill Project
  A once vital industry, many historic textile mills have been closed throughout the region. The City of Valley has purchased Langdale Mill and other facilities and is working to reclaim these historic mills for commercial development.
• Tuskegee-Exit 38 Gateway Project
  The City of Tuskegee is home to some of America’s greatest tourism assets, such as the Tuskegee Institute Historic Sites and Tuskegee Airmen Museum.  The city is working to create a visitor gateway at I-85 exit 32 to draw motorists off the interstate and into the heart of these historic sites, thus maximizing the tourism potential of the area.