BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama officials met with Hyundai Motor Co. representatives in Los Angeles Monday to persuade them to build a plant in Montgomery. <br>
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Hyundai narrowed its search for a $1 billion assembly plant to locations in Montgomery or Glendale, Ky. The factory would employ at least 2,000 people, who would build sport utility vehicles. <br>
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The Alabama officials from transportation, training, revenue and environmental departments worked on developing an incentives plan strong enough to lure Hyundai. <br>
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The officials wouldn't comment about Monday's meeting. <br>
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The group traveling to California included Finance Director Henry Mabry and Alabama Development Office Director Todd Strange. Attorneys from at least two Birmingham-based law firms also attended, as well as an official from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. <br>
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Gov. Don Siegelman suggested the importance of the California talks at the State Democratic Executive Committee meeting Saturday. <br>
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"Monday will be a big day for Alabama," he said, never mentioning Hyundai's name. <br>
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Representatives from Kentucky were scheduled for a similar meeting Tuesday. <br>
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Hyundai spokesman Chris Hosford declined comment. <br>
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Carrie Kurlander, Siegelman's spokeswoman, wouldn't respond to questions about Hyundai but said he's committed to economic development. <br>
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"The governor always looks to put the state's best foot forward to aggressively recruit high-paying jobs," she said. "He does that today and he will do it tomorrow." <br>
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