While the newly incorporated public-private regional alliance leadership structure has changed, the focus on regional economic development, serving Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, and Monroe counties has not. The Alliance Board of Directors' seats are now populated solely by the investors of the public and private sectors, aggressively developing and implementing an economic strategy for the five county region.

During the Board meeting, led by Co-Chairs of the former Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority, Chip Harrigan and Yank Lovelace, Charter Board Member attendees expressed a high level of excitement in regards to the great opportunities that the new organization will bring to the region.  At this monumental meeting, the new Alliance Board adopted the newly formed By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation and elected Interim Officers.

The Board voted to elect Chip Harrigan of Fulton Logging Company as Interim Chair and Escambia County Commission Chairman David Stokes as Interim Treasurer/Secretary. With their leadership during the interim period, the Board will proceed in setting up all operations and procedures of the new Alliance.

The progress the Alliance has made thus far is astounding and a direct indication of the region's desire to excel in economic growth.  CGEDA would like to encourage your involvement as well.  The Alliance is filing incorporation papers with the IRS seeking 501(c)(3) status so that investments could be eligible for favorable tax treatment as a charitable donation.  To properly fund the Alliance we need to secure a minimum of $2,000,000 in pledges. We need your help; become a member of the Board of Directors.

Anticipated sometime in the month of August, the Alliance will hold a Kick-Off celebration event.  At this event we will make several significant announcements relating to our communities' exciting future and commemorate the launching of one of the most exciting programs our area has ever seen. 

The strong and committed group of 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 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 formation and launch of the Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance, Inc. is a monumental event for the region to celebrate!  

The next board meeting will be held in July 2010. More information regarding the meeting and newly formed alliance will be sent out at a later date.

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