Riley skipping Ala. trade mission to Israel due to Katrina

Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Alabama Governor Bob Riley will not be on the Alabama trade mission to Israel. It is set to depart tomorrow.

Instead, Alabama House Speaker Seth Hammet and Neal Wade, director of the Alabama Development Office, will lead the mission. About 25 people will visit communities in Israel to further economic and educational ties, particularly in high-tech and medical fields. There will also be a visit to Rosh Ha’Ayin, Birmingham’s sister city.

The trip is being organized by the Birmingham Jewish Federation, American-Israel Chamber of Commerce Southeast Region, Tech Birmingham and ADO.