Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority (The EDA)

06/10/2026

The Selma & Dallas County EDA recently hosted its annual Celebration of Existing Industry event. EDA Chairman Owen Peak recognized Executive Director Brenda Tuck for her dedication and accomplishments during her first six months in the role and expressed appreciation to former Executive Director Wayne Vardaman for his many years of service and contributions to the EDA's success.

Executive Director Tuck highlighted the EDA's workforce development initiatives, including ongoing workforce and industry meetings and the development of virtual resources to support employers.

Dr. Donitha Griffin, President of Wallace Community College, shared updates on the new advanced manufacturing facility planned for the college. Lunar Sawyer of Air Show 360 also provided information on upcoming air shows scheduled at Craig Field.

Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Joyce's Catering.

The EDA extends its appreciation to Mayor Moss, Probate Judge Nunn, Council President Randolph, Councilwoman Jannie Thomas, as well as the EDA investors, for attending and supporting this event.

06/01/2026

June and Summer are coming soon! We invite you to plan now to be a part of our volunteer activities at SAFB throughout June on the dates mentioned below.

Show your support for our community by serving our neighbors in the battle against hunger and food insecurity!

For more information about volunteering at SAFB, or to schedule a group date, please call 334.872.4111 or email us at
[email protected]!

June's Volunteer Dates:
* Senior Box Packing: Thursday, June 4th at 8:00am
* Senior Box Distribution: Thursday, June 11th at 8:00am
* Box Building can be done during any of our regular business hours (M-W 8am-3pm, TH 8am-1pm) or by scheduling a requested time slot using the contact information above.
* Looking to create a custom experience at SAFB for your group? Let us help you build something your group will never forget!

06/01/2026

USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4 (MPPEP 4)

This initiative is designed to fortify the American beef industry, expand local supply chains, and enhance competitiveness.

Why You Should Apply!

• $60 million in grant funding is available for beef-focused processing facilities.
• Funds are divided equally across two categories:
o Very Small & Small Processors
o Intermediate Processors
Each category has its own competitive evaluation process.
Grant Options & Matching Requirements
1. Processing Expansion Projects
o Award range: $50,000 to $2 million
o Eligible for equipment-only purchases over $250k and facility upgrades, renovations, or retrofits
o Requires 50% cost share from applicant.
2. Simplified Equipment-Only Projects
o Award range: $10,000 to $250,000
o Covers equipment costs only (excludes labor, installation, etc.)
o Requires 25% cost share.
Who Can Apply
• Facilities must primarily process cattle and have been operating for at least one year.
• Eligible applicants include:
o For-profit entities
o Nonprofit organizations
o Producer-owned cooperatives
o Tribes and tribal entities.
Important Dates & How to Apply
• Application window: Open now until August 7, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
• Submit your application via Grants.gov—search using Funding Opportunity Number: RD RBS 26 04 or title “Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4.”
How This Helps You
• Gain flexible funding to invest in new equipment and facility enhancements.
• Expand your operation’s processing capacity and efficiency.
• Strengthen your role in local supply chains, supporting regional growth and resilience.
Next Steps
1. Assess your needs: Decide between expansion or equipment-only projects and confirm cost-share funding.
2. Prepare application materials such as project narrative, financials, and cost-share documentation.
3. Submit your application through Grants.gov by August 7.
Additional information about the program can be found on the USDA website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-4

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 provides grants to help eligible entities that primary process cattle expand their capacity.

06/01/2026

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If you’re ready to take control of your future, we’re ready to help you get there.

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🌐 www.advancedatc.com
📞 1-866-938-0398

05/27/2026

Interns Unite in FuelAL Program hosted by the
Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority

If you are participating in an internship anywhere in our area now or this summer, you will be in or you are from Selma & Dallas County, and want to participate, please click follow either link below to fill out an application to participate. Space is limited, so register soon! Eligibility: All 2026 Alabama Summer Interns are eligible to apply to a FuelAL Host Community near them. Applications are open now and roll through May 31, 2026.

Contact: For more information, please reach out to Brenda Tuck at [email protected] . You can also visit fuelalabama.com for more information.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfDFcA2RRKuo7I5qdapuFGgvNc7ZQU9IBdzSf5uOLlivQUWg/viewform

05/12/2026

Join us as we connect with Communities Unlimited at the Oasis Room located at Reflections Coffee Shoppe May 21st, 11:00 a.m. Communities Unlimited is non profit organization based in Fayetteville, Arkansas and helps Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses. Contact 901-412-0168 to register.

05/12/2026

Mark Your Calendars and Save-The-Date! Dallas County Department of Human Resources invite you to their annual JOB and Resource Fair. Please visit your local Selma Career Center for resume assistance before May 13, 2026.

12/19/2025

The Selma & Dallas County Centre for Commerce will be closed Monday, December 22, through Friday, December 26, 2025, for the Christmas holiday. We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.