Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
How sales professionals will thrive in a new economy + more Huntsville business news
Reading time: 5 minutes
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A hot-button issue these days has been the state of the U.S. economy and how certain industries are affected. In this month’s Huntsville business roundup, we sought input from a local expert on the sales industry and how those professionals will prosper in the current economy.
Read more on this and more business news below:
Sales jobs in high demand
Dr. Brian L. Morgan, a professor at the University of North Alabama’s Sanders College of Business & Technology, gave us some valuable insight into the sales profession and where those careers are headed.
Morgan said those looking for a career in sales are coming in at a good time, as demand for high-functioning sales professionals continues to be strong.
He added that the economic outlook for firms expanding within the U.S. is encouraging and they are looking for high-potential students with sales team experience. He said programs like UNA’s Steele Center for Professional Selling help facilitate quality candidates.
While recent government cuts have affected contractors throughout the country, Morgan said these cuts are actually “a very positive factor for future growth.”
“As government programs are cut and taxes are reduced, we will see disposable income increase for families and business will increase investing at home. An America-first policy ensures strong long-term economic growth for Alabama.”
Dr. Brian L. Morgan, Lecturer of Marketing and Director of the Steele Center for Professional Selling
Speaking specifically about Alabama, Morgan said the outlook right now is favorable for sales professionals here with companies eager to invest in infrastructure and growth.
Economic factors affecting the sales industry
Morgan said several key economic factors influence sales jobs, with capital investment in technology and infrastructure leading the charge.
In essence, when businesses invest in infrastructure, it signals their long-term commitment to the state, creating a ripple effect that benefits the local economy.
Simply put, the current economic climate is conducive to businesses moving forward with capital investments, which means a greater willingness to spend money. This is always a plus for the sales industry.
Technology affecting the sales industry
On the technology front, Morgan said Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the sales industry. With advanced predictive analytics, AI helps sales teams better understand client needs and buying behaviors, allowing them to offer more tailored, personalized services.
“This technological advancement not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives sales, positioning Alabama’s businesses for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
Dr. Brian L. Morgan, Lecturer of Marketing and Director of the Steele Center for Professional Selling
GE Aerospace invests $22 million into Huntsville operations
GE Aerospace made an announcement in March that it is investing nearly $1 billion in its operations throughout the country.
This new investment is nearly double last year’s commitment and will help increase engine safety, quality, and delivery, benefitting more than two dozen communities across 16 states. The company also announced it will hire around 5,000 U.S. workers this year, including both manufacturing and engineering roles.
This means more than $70 million for its Alabama operations — $22 million of which goes to GE’s Huntsville-Limestone County facility.
In Huntsville, where GE Aerospace is adding machines to produce materials for ceramic matrix composite engine parts, which are one-third lighter and can withstand higher heat than most metals.
The investment will supply additional machines to produce materials that are the building blocks for ceramic matrix composite engine parts.
“GE Aerospace’s investment in Huntsville-Limestone County is great news for North Alabama. It reinforces our region’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation, creating new opportunities for our workforce and strengthening our local economy. We’re excited to see this growth and the positive impact it will have on Limestone County and the entire region.”
Bethany Shockney, President & CEO, Limestone County Economic Development Association
Unemployment rates up slightly in Huntsville metro
While not a major shift downward, unemployment rates in February were higher than in January, and higher than this time last year. In the Huntsville metro, unemployment stood at 3.0%, up from 2.8% in January and 2.7% in February 2024.
State unemployment stands at 3.3%, under the U.S. rate of 4.1%.
Here’s where unemployment rates in North Alabama counties stood at the end of February:
| Madison County | Feb. 2025: 2.9% | Jan. 2025: 2.6% | Feb. 2024: 2.7% |
| Morgan County | Feb. 2025: 2.9% | Jan. 2025: 2.6% | Feb. 2024: 2.7% |
| Limestone County | Feb. 2025: 2.9% | Jan. 2025: 2.4% | Feb. 2024: 2.6% |
| Marshall County | Feb. 2025: 2.9% | Jan. 2025: 2.8% | Feb. 2024: 2.9% |
| Lauderdale County | Feb. 2025: 3.5% | Jan. 2025: 3.6% | Feb. 2024: 3.3% |
Look for our monthly North Alabama business news roundup this time next month, brought to you by the University of North Alabama Sanders College of Business & Technology.
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