New South Alabama Group Has $1.25 Million For Economic Development

July 7, 2010

A new alliance has launched with over $1.25 million pledged to foster economic development in several South Alabama counties, including Escambia.

Organizers say the new Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance has $1,255,000 in secured written pledges from public and private investors to market and promote the assets of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe and Escambia counties.

The Alliance will work to market and recruit the area as a top-tier destination location, work to retain existing business and expand income potential, work to prioritize issues that impact the area as a whole and work to maintain a fund for lobbying and the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities. In order to completely meet their  goals, the Alliance says it need about $2 million.

Charter board members include: Bryan Jones of Crowne Management; Sam Covert and Peggie Byrd of Alabama Power Company; Chip Harrigan of Fulton Logging Company; Mayor Terri Carter of the Town of Repton; Mayor Richard Long of the City of Jackson; Escambia County (Ala.) Commission Chairman David Stokes; Mayor Sheldon Day of the City of Thomasville; John Barnett of BankTrust; Mayor Pete Wolff of the City of Evergreen; Mayor Jerry Newton of the City of Grove Hill; Mayor Ted Jennings of the City of Brewton; Commissioner Karen Bradford of the Clarke County Commission; Mayor Ben Smith of the Town of Butler; Mayor Mike Kennedy of the City of Monroeville; and Mayor Howard Shell of the City of Atmore.

The group is taking over for the former Coastal Gateway Economic Development Authority. In order to obtain a seat on the board of the new Alliance, members must meet an undisclosed financial contribution level.

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News