DTI Shoals Named an Innovate Alabama Network Designee and Project Grant Recipient

Tuscumbia, AL – Downtown Tuscumbia, Inc. (DTI Shoals) is proud to announce its selection as a designee and project grant recipient by the Innovate Alabama Network, a statewide initiative dedicated to fostering innovation by supporting key organizations that shape Alabama's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
 
Innovate Alabama recently awarded nearly $15 million to 58 organizations in its third round of designations, aiming to catalyze innovation by focusing on three essential components: people, places, and resources. DTI Shoals, through its partnership with PROJECTXYZ, INC., was selected for its commitment to these pillars.
 
“The Innovate Alabama Network is a catalyst, creating and strengthening our statewide network for innovation programming and bolstering entrepreneurship in all types of communities across the state,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “We are encouraged by the continual growth of interest in the program, spurred by momentum built in the first two rounds of awards. Innovate Alabama is eager to harness this excitement to support designees through our most engaging and connective resources yet.”
 
DTI Shoals and its corporate partner, PROJECTXYZ, Inc., collaborated to create the EDGE program (Education, Development, Growth, Experience) that will utilize the grant funding to enhance local innovation initiatives, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen community resources. DTI’s vision to build a skilled workforce by fostering strong relationships within the business and education sectors will support local talent pipeline development initiatives that prepare students with hands-on and interpersonal skills that meet industry needs. This alliance not only enhances employability for these students, but fuels innovation and drives progressive thinking across the multi-generational workforce.  EDGE focuses on engaging students in schools across Colbert and Lauderdale counties in a work-based learning program at PROJECTXYZ in Muscle Shoals, and specifically focuses on skills within additive manufacturing, plastic injection molding, metalizing, digital printing, and product assembly.
 
“We are grateful for the inclusion within the Innovate Alabama Network and the financial support, resources, and connection to the broader network of organizations dedicated to driving innovation across our state. The partnership with DTI Shoals and our local school systems allows us to be a leader in economic growth and talent retention within the Shoals by creating educational pathways in advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurial development,” stated Larry Lewis, president of PROJECTXYZ, INC.
 
For more information about DTI Shoals, please visit www.downtowntuscumbia.com. For more information about Innovate Alabama, please visit www.innovatealabama.org.