MONDAY, OCT. 16 – SUNDAY, OCT. 22
RESEARCH
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE REMAINS HIGHER THAN 10-YEAR AVERAGE — Business confidence among Alabama’s industry leaders remains high heading into the final quarter of 2017, according to a recent UA report. The Alabama Business Confidence Index, a quarterly survey of statewide business sentiment by the Center for Business and Economic Research in UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce, showed a slight dip in statewide business confidence, from 61.6 to 58.7, but the overall index score remains higher than the 10-year average. Manufacturing and technical services lead industry confidence heading into the fourth quarter. For more information, contact David Miller, Strategic Communications, at 205-348-0825, david.c.miller@ua.edu.
BEST BETS
UA TO LAUNCH SUPPORT FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS THROUGH DOJ GRANT — Many people and agencies work to combat human trafficking in Alabama, but resources and infrastructure vary by region. And, as perpetrators of human trafficking evolve, so must police, prosecutors and social workers. UA’s School of Social Work will soon begin a statewide program to align resources, improve training and strengthen treatment and services for child victims through a three-year Department of Justice grant titled, “Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking: A Jurisdiction-wide Approach.” For more information, contact David Miller, Strategic Communications, at 205-348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.
PARTNERSHIP WITH CITIES TO BOOST TECH INNOVATION – UA has created “Technology Villages,” a unique spin on economic development that focuses solely on technology startups, in Cullman and Fairhope. UA will provide real-time distance learning, patent research and other business-related development services to each city, where business and government leaders have provided funding and space for each hub. For more information, contact David Miller, Strategic Communications, 205-348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.
BEAT AUBURN, BEAT HUNGER – The annual food drive to benefit the West Alabama Food Bank is underway. For more details, contact Richard LeComte, communications, richard.lecomte@ua.edu or 205-348-3782 or go to the Facebook page here.
QUICK HIT
LOOKING FOR A FEEL GOOD PHOTO OR VIDEO OPPORTUNITY? — Capstone Village, a residential community on UA’s campus that caters to active living for those 55 and older, hosts multiple events this month of potential interest. On Mondays throughout October, at 2 p.m., UA dance students lead a dance exercise class for residents in the Activity Room. Each Thursday at 2 p.m., throughout October, two trained, four-legged therapists visit residents at Traditions Way and Hallmark Manor in Capstone Village Healthcare. Pet therapy shows particular promise for residents, organizers say, and at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, a drum group from Holy Spirit High School will engage residents in the facility’s backyard. For more information on covering any of these events, contact Troy Cannaday, executive director of Capstone Village, at 205-347-0084 or tcannaday@capstonevillage.ua.edu or Jamon Smith, UA communications, 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
EVENTS
RESEARCHER TO DISCUSS SOCIAL CLASS, INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS — A social science researcher from the University of Pennsylvania will discuss how middle-class youth — African American and white — have more cultural knowledge, a greater sense of entitlement, and more resources to manage challenges they face during the annual Julie C. Laible lecture Thursday, Oct. 19 at UA. The lecture will begin at 5 p.m. in 118 Graves Hall. A brown-bag lunch will be held at noon in 211 Carmichael Hall. For more information, contact David Miller, Strategic Communications, at 205-348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.