Bentley going to France, Germany looking for jobs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley was leaving Montgomery Friday evening on an industry-hunting trip to France and Germany.
Bentley said he was going to the Paris Air Show, where he would spend several days meeting with industrial prospects, mostly in the aerospace and automotive industries. Press Secretary Jennifer Ardis said the governor would travel to Germany on Tuesday.
Ardis said Bentley is scheduled to meet in Germany with officials with Mercedes, which has a large manufacturing facility near Tuscaloosa. Bentley did not comment when asked the purpose of his meeting with Mercedes officials.
The mayor of Columbus, Ga., also traveled to Germany this month to explore economic development opportunities.
Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson has said her Georgia city is on a short list of cities being considered for a $67 million, 500-job manufacturing project.