Sen. Richard Shelby's stance against failed Republican Senatorial candidate Roy Moore played a pivotal role in the state landing the $1.6 billion Toyota/Mazda plant, according to the head of the Business Council of Alabama.

"With the recent announcement of the F-35 Lightning landing in Montgomery and the decision for Toyota/Mazda to choose Huntsville Alabama this week, only one man made that happen...Senator Shelby," BCA President and CEO William Canary said in a statement to AL.com. "Because of his unwavering courage and leadership, he made this happen. Without his principled stands, (Toyota and Mazda) would have gone to North Carolina, especially if Mr. Moore was elected."

Reports recently emerged that Shelby was the target of a censure campaign by backers of Moore, who lost his U.S. Senate bid in December to Democrat Doug Jones. Shelby publicly said he would not support Moore in the wake of allegations theformer Alabama Chief justice had improper sexual contact with teenage girls in the 1970s.

Shelby did not back Moore's opponent but said he wrote in the name of a "distinguished Republican" on election day.

Jones' victory made him the first Democrat to win a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama in more than 20 years. Shelby was the last Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama - winning in 1992 - before switching to the Republican party in 1994.

Weeks after Jones' victory, the Air Force announced the state would serve as the home base for the Air Force's F-35 jets. Then, last week, Toyota and Mazda announced their new joint plant would be built in North Alabama, with the state beating out rival North Carolina for the coveted facility.

BCA chief: Shelby deserves commendation, not censure

Shelby's stance against Moore have led to a push for an official censure from the state Republican party and robocalls backed by a Texas financier called for his resignation.

Shelby's office has called the efforts a "shortsighted attempt to divide the party over Sen. Shelby's noble stance."

Canary agreed.

"I publicly would urge the GOP to adopt a resolution that commends Senator Shelby for his service to Alabama," he said.