This month, the CGEDA is in the process of setting up a new, investor directed organization. YES, it's true!!

During interviews conducted by National Community Development Services, Inc. (NCDS) in October, and Program Refinement meetings conducted January through March, you, the investors and stakeholders in Coastal Gateway, clearly stated what you want the organizational strategy to be and how you want the organizational structure to function. You have been heard, and we have responded to you in a very dramatic way. 

At this very moment, there is a local team spearheading the formation and establishment of a newly incorporated public-private regional alliance. What will not change is the focus on regional economic development, serving Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, and Monroe counties. What will change is the leadership structure. 

The Board of Directors' seats of the new corporation will be populated by you, the investors. Beginning almost immediately, you, the investors, will become the new leadership of Coastal Gateway, directly driving regional economic development strategy as soon as late spring-early summer 2010. 

Investors who we have discussed this with thus far have expressed a high level of excitement in anticipation of the great opportunities that we'll work on together as a reinvigorated and highly energized unified regional team. Details are still being finalized but will be released within the next couple weeks. 

The formation of the Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance, Inc. is a monumental event for all stakeholders to celebrate!