By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The state has been selected for Area Development magazine's Golden Shovel award. It recognizes the nation's top state in recruiting new jobs in 2005. The magazine's editor says it's the first time the business magazine has presented the award. Governor Bob Riley says the recognition builds upon earlier awards in which Alabama was named State of the Year by Southern Business and Development magazine for 2003, 2004 and 2005. Riley says it shows Alabama is not only leading the South, but that it's also beginning to lead the nation.