Athens AL

4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9 The Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP) is a hidden gem located in Limestone County, just outside of Decatur, Alabama. The 85-acre facility opened in 2010 in response to the growing demand for robotics skills in Alabama and has since expanded into three phases, including an outdoor testing track, with room for additional growth. Each phase has a unique specialization, and continues to evolve based on the needs of the industries and clients that RTP supports. The RTP offers training in the latest robotic technology, helping to close the skills gap in this growing industry. The Robotics Technology Park’s mission is to provide a technically trained, highly skilled, and educated workforce for automation and robotics, to assist public and private entities in developing new robotics systems and technologies, and to promote the creation, growth, or expansion of companies through innovative technology solutions. Focusing on Industry 4.0, which is the digitization of manufacturing, RTP 2.0 gives Alabama companies access to the newest and most updated equipment for training their employees for the “smart factory” of the future. The Alabama Robotics Technology Park is a centralized hub that connects business and industry with the world-class training needed for their employees. The park’s commitment to the ever-evolving world of robotics technology continues to bring companies to north Alabama, foster economic development and build tomorrow’s workforce today. For more information, visit: www.aidt.edu ATHENS , ALABAMA We recently spoke with Mayor Ronnie Marks, who proudly told us all about his fair city and Limestone County, both of which are among the fastest-growing communities in all of Alabama. Marks was joined by Grant Co-ordinator and communications specialist Holly Hollman of the City of Athens; Garth Lovvorn, an agent for Alfa Insurance and the president of the Athens Arts League; and Pammie Jimmar, president of the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce. “We have a lot of excitement about our city,” says the mayor. “I think the energy level, the passion, and the volunteer work have created an atmosphere where people want to come here. They want to open businesses here. They see the opportunity here. It’s an exciting time to live in Athens!” Straddling two professional worlds gives Lovvorn a unique perspective. “I work in a space that’s midway between the banking industry and the construction industry,” he says, “so I do progress inspections for banks. I’m self-employed, and I work I think you have to be creative,” she says, “especially when you are trying to hold on to what makes you a unique city but also grow as well. I know the Chamber of Commerce works a lot with Athens State to help support entrepreneurs and small businesses.