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Local officials estimate the impact of the Alabama China Partnership symposium was more than they imagined. Read more in our
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Alabama China Partnership Symposium gave economy big boost
Chinese professionals participate in a Q&A session. Photo courtesy of Mike Qualls.
Local officials estimate that the economic impact of the Alabama China Partnership Symposium in Monroeville March 15th-16th was more than they imagined.
Both Monroeville Mayor Mike Kennedy and Glen Haab, director of the Monroeville/Monroe County Economic Development Authority, said the economic impact had to be very close to $500,000.
Over 300 out-of-town guests, including about 100 Chinese business executives, arrived in the city Wednesday of last week to attend the symposium Thursday and Friday at Alabama Southern Community College's Nettles Auditorium.
Haab noted that while in Monroeville the guests ate at local restaurants, shopped in local businesses, bought gas for their vehicles and stayed in the local hotels and motels. The symposium's organizers had 125 rooms booked for the event.
"It served as an economic boost for us as well as provided the city with international exposure," said Kennedy. "I hope this eventually translates into jobs and maybe it will.
"I can't imagine the symposium being any better. Everyone is to be commended for the job they did. Citizens responded and the city employees worked extra hard last week.
"And, on Friday night about 400 people attended the Mobile Symphony's performance at Alabama Southern, and it was a big success. We appreciate the sponsors. Without them it would not have been possible to have the Symphony here. We're already looking forward to next year."
Haab echoed Kennedy's comments about the Symposium and the symphony and added that ASCC President Dr. Reginald Sykes and his staff should receive special consideration for the job they did in serving as the host site for both events.
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Manning the check-in table are from left, Toni Kelly, Jeanie Smith, and Montez Ouderaarden. Photo courtesy of Mike Qualls. |
"I can't say enough about the people who jumped in and helped make this happen," he said. "It might be several months, or a year or more before we realize the rewards, but if we continue to open up the city and county in this way good things will eventually happen."
Haab noted that a second symposium is being planned for the middle of May in Monroeville with more Chinese business executives scheduled to attend. He said the event may possibly be split between Monroeville and Montgomery this time, but it will still be a great opportunity for the city and county.
Ray Cheng, president of the SoZo Group, Inc., an economic development group based in California, and his staff planned and coordinated the Alabama China Partnership Symposium, which was the first of its kind in the continental U.S.
During the event Chinese and U.S. business professionals, journalists, financiers and industrialists shared and discussed trade issues as well as the possibility of bring Chinese manufacturing plants to Alabama.
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Former UA Coach Gene Stallings speaks on the strength of Alabama's workforce. Photo courtesy of Mike Qualls. |
They were also entertained by an award-winning vocalist and former University of Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings, who led Bama to its 12th national championship in 1992.
Stallings, who has since retired and lives on his ranch in Texas, talked about the strong work ethic of the people of Alabama and the dedication and determination they have toward their employers.
"They show up on time, work hard and all you (the employer) have to do is to be appreciative of that," he said. "Being appreciative is important in the work place, on the football field, everywhere.
"When I coached I constantly reminded the starting players to be appreciative of their teammates who never got to play on Saturdays," he said. "I told them to be appreciative to the fact that those players gave everything they had each week to get them ready to play on Saturday. Without their dedication and determination to make the starters the best they could be, we couldn't compete like we did."
Stallings said employers should be appreciative of their employees and the employees should be appreciative of their employer. He said it works both ways.
"That's what makes the workforce in Alabama so special," he said.
In another segment of Thursday's program, six young native Chinese men and women from different professional sectors participated in a forum. Cheng and George Harris, an American citizen who is employed by the SoZo Group, asked the panel members several questions pertaining to China and America culture, lifestyle and career opportunities.
In closing, Cheng asked each member of the panel to describe in one or two words what they will remember most about Monroeville. Words that they used included "genuine, caring, friendly, heartwarming, open spaces and clear skies."
The entire symposium was broadcast to China via CCTV and the symposium received coverage from WSFA-TV12 in Montgomery.
Cheng was in Monroeville earlier this week laying the foundation for the second symposium to take place in May. And, being his familiar optimistic self, he believes that, like the first, the second will be a huge success, too.
Qualls, Mike. "Officials: ACP gave big boost to economy." The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) 22 March 2012, Page 1A & 8A. |
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Conecuh Sausage plant in Evergreen, to add 30 jobs in $6 million expansion
Conecuh Sausage executives announced February 21st that the company is expanding its manufacturing plant in a move that will add over 30 new employees in Conecuh County.
Conecuh Sausage reported that the company is adding 41,000 square feet of space for production infrastructure, representing an investment of $6 million. The company's additions include packaging machines, stuffing equipment and smoke ovens.
The company expects to complete the expansion by December 1st, 2012.
Bobby Skipper, economic developer for the City of Evergreen, said "Conecuh Sausage has steadily grown over the past 65 years it has been in business. Now is no exception, with plans to add about 30 people to a payroll that now funds 100 jobs."
Representative Martha Roby was on hand February 21st at the announcement ceremony at Conecuh Sausage in Evergreen.
"Conecuh Sausage is a widely known and well respected name throughout southeast Alabama and our state. For decades, its owners have successfully managed this booming business which continues to contribute to our local economy and create jobs here at home. I am glad to join in the announcement of this business expansion. The groundbreaking marks the proven success of a local Alabama business that we are so proud to call our own," said Roby.
Evergreen Mayor Pete Wolff said, "This is a great day for the City of Evergreen! Conecuh Sausage is a symbol of resiliency and quality and we are delighted that they are deepening their ties to the city. The economic impact of their capital investment and the additional payroll will have a lasting value to our city. The team work of the Evergreen City Council, the city's Office of Economic Development and the Evergreen Industrial Development Board has brought this project to fruition and I look forward to many more announcements in the future."
John Crum Sessions, Owner of Conecuh Sausage, said "The growth of Conecuh Sausage is a tribute to our employees and our commitment to the highest level of quality in our product. Conecuh Sausage is setting a new standard for the industry. This investment in both facilities and people demonstrates our intent to expand our markets and deepen our roots in Conecuh County and the State of Alabama."
Jim Searcy, Executive Director of Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance, said "Conecuh Sausage is a brand that resonates throughout the southeast and beyond and they are a valued member of our region's industrial community. The company's decision to expand in this location is a testimony to the quality of the workforce, our transportation infrastructure, and the business climate. Assisting our regions existing industries is not only a wise economic development strategy but the right thing to do."
About Conecuh Sausage
The plant, opened in 1947, uses only the best meats and prepares them with their patented blend of seasonings, then smokes them over a pure hickory fire for a true southern flavor. Products range from hickory smoked sausage, ham, bacon, turkey, steak & hamburger seasoning, pork, poultry and wild game seasoning, and other grilling accessories. Kept extremely cold, the pure pork southern delicacy is boxed, packed, and stacked for shipping straight from Evergreen to locations throughout the southeast. Along with John Crum, Sheilah, John Henry and Justin, keep the family business running today. If you are travelling on I-65, there is a gift shop that offers cooked Conecuh sausage located at the facility. |
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Choctaw General Hospital now open
Photo courtesy of Rush Health Systems.
It's official ... Choctaw General Hospital is now open.
Owned and operated by the Meridian, Miss. based Rush Health Systems, the state-of-the-art, 25-bed "critical access" facility is located on Vanity Fair Drive.
"We still have some last-minute details to complete, but as of (Monday, March 5), Choctaw General Hospital is open for business," Administrator J.W. Cowan, Jr., told the Sun-Advocate.
The hospital's emergency room will be staffed with an in-house physician 24-hours a day, and the dining room will be open to serve the public with three meals a day, five days a week plus lunch on Sundays.
Cowan said that a grand opening is planned for later this spring with a date and time to be announced soon.
The hospital's telephone number is 205-459-9100.
Campbell, Tommy. "Hospital now open". The Choctaw Sun-Advocate. 7 March 2012. Page 1A. |
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CGEDA wants your help! Existing Industry Program expanding
Many new jobs in Alabama develop from the expansion of established industries. It is important for economic and community leaders to express their appreciation to these industries and acknowledge their contributions to the community.
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance (CGEDA) kicked off their new existing business program in July 2011. Since that time, CGEDA has held an existing business training session and conducted numerous visits with existing companies located in the 5-county region.
The existing industry program is designed to assist local companies with expansion plans and other issues affecting the manufacturing and industrial community in the Coastal Gateway area. The program also has the ability to identify local sourcing opportunities for companies and potential customers within the region.
The program is implemented by CGEDA staff along with volunteers, which include local economic developers from the region. The program utilizes a comprehensive interview and data driven process by means of the Synchronist format.
Synchronist is a software tool and interview system that communities across the country use to gather intelligence about their existing companies.
The Synchronist format is recommended by the Alabama Department of Commerce (formerly Alabama Development Office), and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) as well as numerous local, regional, and statewide economic development organizations. The program addresses two objectives: 1. Gathering useful information at a volume that can provide meaningful analysis for the entire region and 2. Strengthening relationships with companies throughout the region with an emphasis on identifying potential opportunities to retain and grow jobs.
Existing business visits will be coordinated through local economic development offices and CGEDA. Volunteers will meet with companies along with the local economic developer and a Coastal Gateway representative when possible. Company information gathered during interviews will be held in the strictest confidence.
CGEDA is about to take a more aggressive approach in scheduling and completing the existing business visits. In order to effectively implement this program through analysis, the alliance needs a clear picture of business needs throughout the entire 5-county region.
The Alliance will expand the use of volunteers participating in this program throughout the region to meet regularly with area businesses in a one-on-one setting. Please contact the Coastal Gateway office at (251) 248-2143 if you would like to volunteer in this program. Our success lies within the volunteers who make this program possible. |
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GEC Organics creates new jobs in Castleberry
Global Ecology Corporation has received the warm endorsement of city, state and county officials for its investment in a new soil amendment business in Castleberry, Alabama that is creating new jobs for the region.
Through its wholly subsidiary, GEC Organics Corp. the company has made a substantial investment in this project and is currently producing a high grade organic soil amendment that is already available to local farmers.
Four local leaders, (pictured from left to right) Castleberry Mayor J.B. Jackson, County Commissioner Leonard Millender, State Representative Harry Shiver and the Executive Director of Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance, Jim Searcy, recently toured the facility and pledged their support for the operation, which is expected to create many new jobs in the area.
Mayor Jackson said, "This is a great opportunity for our community and the region as a whole. New jobs are being created for our citizens and the economy of the surrounding area has already experienced a positive impact."
The company uses chicken litter and green waste purchased from local companies as raw material for its high potency organic compost. Initial marketing has begun in the Southeast. The proprietary, organic solid and liquid soil enhancements have been well received by all sectors of the agricultural community.
Commissioner Millender said, "This 70-acre facility is one of the largest of its kind in the country and we are pleased that GEC has chosen Castleberry for its home."
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AEDA begins work to implement Accelerate Alabama plan
The Alabama Economic Development Alliance held its first meeting in February focusing on implementation of the Accelerate Alabama strategic plan for the economic development of the state.
When he announced the Alliance's strategic plan last month, Governor Robert Bentley stressed the importance of ensuring that the plan is effectively implemented.
"It is important to Alabama's economy that this plan is carried out and is not just paper collecting dust on a shelf," Governor Bentley said. "We must ensure that Alabama remains competitive and that people can find good-paying jobs both now and in the future. This week's meeting is an important step in seeing this plan turn into results."
Greg Canfield, director of the Alabama Department of Commerce (formerly the Alabama Development Office), serves as the chairman of the Alliance and is overseeing the implementation. Accelerate Alabama has three key drivers, including recruitment of new projects and retention of existing business. The plan also focuses on renewal, or job creation through innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization and research and development.
"The plan identifies resources that are available to strengthen our state's economic development efforts, organizations responsible for each task, and deadlines for implementation," Canfield said. "We are in the process of prioritizing the accelerators that will drive this plan so that we can implement it in the most effective manner. We have assigned organizational responsibility for each accelerator."
The implementation meeting will be followed by consistent efforts to turn the strategic plan into action. Alliance members will gather again in the spring for an update on progress.
The Alabama Economic Development Alliance, a group created in July 2011 by executive order of Governor Robert Bentley, brought together agencies and organizations involved in the state's economic development activities. For more information on the strategy and its accelerators, visit http://www.alabamausa.org/ and click on Alabama's Economic Development Strategy. You can also contact the Alabama Department of Commerce at (334) 242-0476 or (334) 242-0421. |
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NDI accepts 7th ARTS Award at 23rd ARTS Gala
NDI's Carol Gordy, President/ CEO, accepting 7th ARTS Award win.
Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team (ART), the trade association representing the decorative accessory industry, announced the winners of the 23rd annual ARTS Awards during a gala event held in late January at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, with 650 in attendance from the world of home furnishings design.
Award presenters included: Donna Moss, interior designer, owner of That's Haute and star of HGTV's "Donna Decorates Dallas" and HGTV designer and lifestyle expert, Dann Foley.
The ARTS Awards, presented each year during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, is the premier awards program for the decorative accessory industry and recognizes excellence in product, service and marketing.
NDI, Natural Decorations Inc., located in Brewton, AL won their 7th ARTs Award as Manufacturer of the Year in the Permanent Floral category.
NDI was the first ever recipient of the ARTS Award as Manufacturer of the Year in the Permanent Floral category, upon the award ceremonies inception in 1989 and they also received ARTS Awards in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2006. NDI was inducted into the ARTs Hall of Fame in 2003, an honor currently shared with only 11 other Manufacturers.
Carol Gordy, President/CEO of NDI, thanked ART and accepted the award stating:
"NDI strives for excellence and consistency and sincerely; it is as gratifying winning the ART's Award this year as the first one 23 years ago." |
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Business/ Community Briefs
Waffle House coming to Rivercane
The City of Atmore has announced that Waffle House is coming to Rivercane. According to Mayor Howard Shell, Waffle House will be built north of the new McDonald's on the west side of Highway 21. Rivercane is home to four other operations including Hardees, McDonalds, Holiday Inn Express and the newly opened Hampton Inn. Construction is scheduled to begin late summer or early fall. For more information, click here.
City of Evergreen launches new website
The City of Evergreen has launched a new, interactive website. The website offers a number of services. If you are a resident, get help with city services. If you are looking for something fun to do in Evergreen, check out the city's area attractions or outdoor recreation opportunities. The site also offers support for area businesses and new businesses. To view the site, please click here!
Poarch Band of Creek Indians continue economic expansion
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is set to spend $29 million on an entertainment development and a health and independent living center on their reservation, according to Tribal Treasurer Robert McGhee. For more information, please click here.
Burke's Mechanical announces expansion in Thomasville, AL.
Burke's Mechanical has announced an expansion in Thomasville. The company, who currently has a downtown office, has finalized the sale of ten acres in the Thomasville South Industrial Park. Around 12 employees will be located at the new site. In an article in the February 16th issue of Thomasville Times, Mayor Sheldon Day said, "The City of Thomasville, located at the heart of Alabama's new and expanding Metals Corridor, congratulates Burkes Mechanical on this expansion. We are proud to see the businesses in Thomasville thrive."
Reed named executive assistant at Evergreen-Conecuh Development Office
 The Evergreen-Conecuh Development Office has hired Carol Reed of Castleberry as Executive Assistant. Reed will work with Executive Director Bobby Skipper to bring developments to the county and city. Reed brings 21 years of experience in business and marketing to the organization. Reed previously held positions at OnMedia and the Evergreen Medical Center. Reed also owned and operated Reed's Gift Shop in Evergreen for 10 years. Reed is heavily involved in the community.
PCI to donate $1.2 million
A nearly $2 million donation from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will donate organizations as diverse as those dedicated to helping children, helping animals and helping eradicate drugs - many of them organizations whose funds have been cut over the past year. For more information, please click here.
Hampton Inn in Rivercane holds grand opening ceremony
The Hampton Inn located in Rivercane in Atmore, AL. held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 31st. Hampton Inn representatives welcomed guests with refreshments, tours of their facility and information on the hotel's new services. Hampton Inn broke ground on the project in March of 2011. The facility now employs 25 people.
SET Enterprises holds grand opening ceremony
SET Enterprises, Inc. held a grand opening ceremony on Friday, March 30th in Jackson, AL. SET, a steel processing service provider with operations in the Midwest, announced its plans to open a plant in Jackson in April 2011. The company is investing $12 million and is projected to create 40 jobs. The facility will include a 65,000 square foot processing and service center. It will process over 360,000 tons of materials to support steel production at the ThyssenKrupp location in Calvert as well as steel manufacturers and producers in the Southeast.
Thomasville mayor building economy on metal
Please click here to read a great article about all that is going on in Thomasville and Clarke County.
Hansel & Gretel opens in Choctaw County
A new children's clothing store, Hansel & Gretel, has opened in Gilbertown. Siblings Amanda Jackson & Nickie Singley say the store carries a wide variety of clothing item brands including Mud Pie, Petite Ami, Feltman, Carriage Boutique, etc. The grand opening was Feb. 24th. The location is 13690 Choctaw Avenue.
SARPC to host jobs fair
The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) will hold its 14th annual Business Expo & Jobs Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at the Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall.
This event typically draws around 100 vendors and over 3,500 visitors.
The event will give job-seekers access to workshops about resume development, networking skills, interviewing skills and private consulting.
This event is free to the public. Businesses that wish to participate may contact SARPC at 251-652-0585 or visit the website at www.sarpc.org.
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Follow Coastal Gateway on Facebook & Twitter!
The Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance Facebook Page is another good opportunity to help us keep in touch with you. Here you can view photos, happenings of the Alliance throughout the year and regional events as they relate to economic development.
There are almost 80 members on our page so far. We encourage you to join in and help spread the news about the Facebook Page. If you would like us to post specific information or include pictures from your region, please contact info@cgeda.net.
To visit or join the page: click here.
CGEDA is also on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date on news in the region! To follow us on Twitter: click here. |
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Coastal Gateway Mission Statement
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance's primary mission is to market and promote the assets of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe and Escambia Counties.
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance will accomplish its mission by implementation of four program goals: Marketing and recruitment of the area as a top tier southeast destination location, the retention and expansion of existing business to strengthen and expand all areas income potential, the creation of a planning and development program to assist in prioritizing county wide issues that impact the area as a whole and the development of a flexible resource fund to help execute entrepreneurial opportunities, regional networking and seed capital for initiatives.
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance will carry out its mission and fulfill its goals by partnering with the local chambers of commerce, the local county economic development authorities, local industrial development boards and local city and county governments. |
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