By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The state will still send a delegation to Israel Friday to strengthen economic ties between the two governments. The delegation includes about two dozen representatives of the business and higher education fields. They'll spend a week discussing potential job and trade opportunities. Governor Bob Riley had planned to go on the trip. But, he says he wants to stay behind to help with hurricane recovery efforts. State House Speaker Seth Hammett and Neal Wade, director of the Alabama Development Office, will lead the effort instead.