Montgomery – Governor Riley and other state officials are expected to return today from a meeting, called "Sweet Home Alabama," aimed at encouraging business officials to locate new industry in the state.
The event was held in Hawaii at the PGA's Mercedes-Benz Championship golf tournament at Kapalua Resort in Maui. It was the third year in a row Alabama hosted the economic development event, but the previous two years it was held in Birmingham.
Two-year college system chancellor Bradley Byrne was one of the speakers at the event along with executives from Mercedes-Benz and ThyssenKrupp Steel. Alabama's two-year colleges offer training programs for workers at industries locating in the state.
Riley's press secretary, Tara Hutchison, said it would be several weeks before the cost to the state for the event and the trip to Hawaii are known. Miller said most of the expenses are being paid by sponsors, which include economic development organizations, businesses and local governments.
While in Maui, the governor visited the Hawaii Superferry in Maui. The ship was built in Mobile by Austal USA.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)