The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama represents one of Tuscaloosa's strongest assets to the business community. The University believes in strong business partnerships and has demonstrated that belief over the years. In 1983, the University stepped forward to assist Rochester Products, an automotive component manufacturer. University faculty and students teamed up with Rochester representatives to meet an astonishing challenge: cut annual operating costs by almost half a million dollars. The plant would close without the savings. Through a cooperative effort, the team accomplished its goal in just eight short months. Business partnerships also attracted JVC and Mercedes-Benz to the area. In addition to partnerships, the University offers a vast array of resources that can be utilized by local industry. Some examples include the Center for Materials for Information Technology, the Alabama International Trade Center, the Alabama Productivity Center, Safe State Onsite Consultation Program and the College of Commerce and Business Administration Division of Research and Service.

Shelton State Community College
Shelton State Community College has proven to be an essential resource for many local manufacturers. Shelton is one of the largest two-year institutions in Alabama with more than 6,000 students enrolled each semester. To meet the needs of business and industry, Shelton's technical programs offer students the chance to learn the skills needed for a career in tomorrow's fast-paced world. Shelton's Center of Advanced Productivity (CAP) offers many specialized courses and programs including an exclusive program for plant maintenance personnel that enhances skills and supports multi-skilled and cross-training programs. Shelton's state-of-the-art facility can house 10,000 students.

Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute
The Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute (AIDT) represents the State's efforts toward supporting a trained work force for Alabama's new and expanding industry. AIDT provides work force training free of charge. The program also develops and produces technical manuals and other training materials to the specifications of participating industries. More than 900 companies have relied on AIDT for pre-employment start-up, upgrade and on-the-job skill training programs, and more than 300 of those companies have benefited from the management and frontline supervisory training offered free of charge to industry and citizens of Alabama.

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is composed of Alabama businesses and industries committed to enriching the quality of life within our State by supporting efforts and providing resources to encourage new and expanded economic development in Alabama.

An International Influence
Tuscaloosa... An International Attraction proves more true with each day. As our international community continues to grow, we pursue opportunities to accommodate and encourage that growth. The Tuscaloosa community strives to welcome new residents and assist with any transitional concerns.

International Supplementary Schools recognize the concern of parents that their children be able to reenter and adapt to their native country's education system after attending local Alabama schools. Programs currently exist for students native to Germany and Japan. Also, the Tuscaloosa City School System administers the International Baccalaureate Programme. The University of Alabama features both the Capstone International Program Center and the English Language Institute.

And Tuscaloosa continues to encourage cultural growth of all its citizens through festivals recognizing our international relationships. International CityFest represents Tuscaloosa's relationship with Mercedes-Benz while the Sakura Festival celebrates Tuscaloosa's friendly ties with Japan and its sister city, Narashino City. These are just a few of the ways Tuscaloosa County supports positive cultural exchanges within our community.