“Yamaha’s presence in Jackson County has the potential to create jobs within the community,” said Alabama Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston. “I’m encouraged by the recruiting possibilities which could occur between Yamaha, the local school system and the community college which could lead to future workforce development in northern Alabama.”

Livingston and State Representative Mike Kirkland (R-Scottsboro) visited the Yamaha Test Facility in Bridgeport, Alabama, on June 18 to meet with employees and learn more about Yamaha’s workforce development opportunities as well as the company’s economic impact within the state of Alabama. Senate Majority Leader Livingston and Representative Kirkland also toured the 47,000 square-foot facility, which is used to test the durability and reliability of new and existing Yamaha Marine products.

Livingston was first elected to represent the 8th District of the Alabama Senate in 2014, then reelected in 2018 and 2022. His Republican colleagues elected him Majority Leader of the Alabama Senate in 2023. He is responsible for spearheading many projects including the transformation of the Alabama Department of Labor into the Alabama Department of Workforce Development, ensuring state residents can enter the workforce and secure skilled, good-paying jobs.

Government Relations Sr. Specialist, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, John O’Keefe and Site Manager, Bridgeport Marine Testing facility, Travis Watkins jointly led the tour of the facility.

“Inviting elected officials to tour our facilities provides Yamaha with an opportunity to share our story,” said John O’Keefe, Sr. Specialist, Government Relations, Yamaha U.S Marine Business Unit. “More importantly though, it gives officials an occasion to meet and connect with the men and women who make up the Yamaha team and gain a better understating of the workforce development options available through the company.”

Livingston and Kirkland walked the entire facility, from the offices to the warehouses. They also enjoyed a boat ride on a 44-foot Pursuit OS 445 Offshore boat powered by three Yamaha 450-horsepower XTO Offshore outboards.

“It’s been about 20 years since I was last here, and I am just amazed at Yamaha’s progress. The Tennessee River is an economic engine for our communities here, and I think it’s great that Yamaha recognized the importance of the river and decided to build an important facility right here in our backyard,” said State Representative Mike Kirkland. “Jackson County is a great location, and this facility is outstanding.”

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced the appointment of J. Scott Brewer as district judge in Talladega County’s 29th Judicial Circuit. Brewer will fill the vacancy left by Judge Jeb Fannin, who announced his retirement effective June 1 after serving for 15 years.

“A well-known lawyer and prosecutor throughout the 29^th Judicial Circuit, Scott Brewer brings to his judgeship position decades of experience serving the people of Talladega County,” Ivey said. “Given his strong record of public service, I am confident in his new role he will continue to ensure that the law is applied correctly and fairly to all.”

Brewer earned his law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. He worked as an attorney for a private practice in 2004 and an assistant district attorney in 2008.

“I am excited about this new opportunity and am looking forward to working with the other judges, attorneys, court staff and the citizens of Talladega County,” Brewer said. “I want to thank my wife, family and others who supported me throughout this process. I also cannot thank District Attorney Steve Giddens enough for hiring me 16 years ago.”

Brewer plans to begin serving on July 8, 2024.

Victor Hagan is the Alabama Election Reporting Fellow for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at vhagan@gannett.com or on X @TheVictorHagan. To support his work, subscribe to the Advertiser.