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International Biomass Energy will invest more than $100 million in a wood pellet plant in Jackson. Read more in our
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International Biomass to invest $100 million in Jackson wood pellet plant
Members of the Clarke County Industrial Development Authority and Jackson Industrial Development Board joined local developer Debra Mathews, Jackson Mayor Richard Long, developer Tom Bolton and the Jackson City Council for the announcement of the location of an International Biomass Energy plant to Jackson. Photo courtesy of Evan Carden.
Developer Tom Bolton, who is largely responsible for bringing the Hampton Inn and SET Enterprises to Jackson, announced during the Tuesday, August 21 Jackson City Council meeting that a new industry would locate to the city's industrial park located on J.W. Andrews Highway.
Bolton, who is a managing partner of International Biomass Energy (IBE), LLC, said the company would invest more than $100 million in a wood pellet plant, which would ultimately create between 75-100 jobs with an average salary for workers of $48,000 per year. "This will make Jackson an international site," he said during his comments, referring to the fact that the company has partners from New Zealand and will be shipping products to customers overseas.
"Jackson was selected largely due to the efforts of your mayor (Richard Long), this council, the city's industrial development board (IDB) and the Clarke County Development Authority (CCDA)," continued Bolton. "There were several other options that were, frankly, never real options. When they (company officials) met with the mayor and the IDB there was no contest. The council, mayor and IDB responded to their every need and made them feel welcome. The other communities under consideration did not exhibit the level of support and professionalism they experienced in Jackson."
According to Bolton, once in operation, the plant would produce upwards of 500,000 metric tons of wood pellets per year. He said in addition to international sales, the plant would be an energy generating facility, capable of selling fuel for power generation on the national grid. "This will enable them to offer reduced power rates to future industries looking to locate here, making Jackson a more attractive site."
Bolton said the residual effects of IBE would be far reaching creating an estimated 200-500 indirect jobs locally. He said approximately 100 million green tons of biomass would be purchased from local land and timber owners, increasing business for wood producers. "We have talked with a number of landowners and have their support," he added.
Projections made by Bolton have the deal being finalized by the end of this year, with ground being broken at the site during the first quarter of 2013. He said construction would last between 12-16 months, which would put production at the facility beginning around mid-2014.
In addition, Bolton said he has also been in negotiations with a developer for the city's port on the Tombigbee River. "With 500,000 lbs. of pellets being shipped out by truck or by barge, it makes sense to utilize the port," he said. "I prefer the barge option."
Bolton pointed to his past successes in Jackson as a reason for continuing to work in bringing new industries and businesses to the city. He said the Hampton Inn remains in the top 10 percent, in its class, of the Hilton Hotels chain. As for SET Enterprises, he said Jackson was one of three sites considered and was chosen by the company's CEO Sid Taylor due in large part to the welcoming attitude of the mayor, council and IDB.
Carden, Evan. "New Industry Announced for Jackson." The South Alabamian (Jackson) 23 August 2012, Page 1A & 9A. |
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Jim Searcy: Ignoring the importance of existing industry
"Do you really think they will leave?" This was a question voiced to me, years ago, regarding an existing company in Birmingham. The person asking that question was a county commissioner; we had been working with an existing industry to facilitate an expansion of their operation that would have entailed a large capital investment and created new jobs. Discussions had not gone well and the company was considering relocating their entire operation to a neighboring state. My response, to the Commissioner, was simply that I generally assumed when a company is in the process of investing capital there is always a possibility that they can invest it in another location. Unfortunately, the company in question did relocate, although not to another state, but rather to an adjoining county. Ultimately, the community lost a company that had been founded in Birmingham and had operated there for almost a century. That company had grown from a local operation to a regional one and ultimately to a company poised to begin serving a national market.
The company that relocated from Birmingham to St. Clair County was Red Diamond, a beverage and foodservice company. The company invested millions of dollars in a new corporate headquarters, which includes a state-of-the-art production and distribution facility located on the same campus. Thus, St. Clair County welcomed a new corporate citizen and the hundreds of jobs that accompanied its relocation. Birmingham and Jefferson County were left with another empty facility in an already economically distressed area simply because the political leadership took for granted a company that had "always been there".
One of the most important tasks an economic development organization can engage in is the creation and maintenance of an effective existing business program. Understanding the needs and variables that impact our local companies is vital to sustaining a stable and strong economy. Too often we overlook the importance of these companies as the economic foundation of our community. CGEDA is committed to establishing and maintaining a dialogue with existing business throughout our region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 60% of private job creation comes from existing industries. To ignore that reality is not only foolish but could be disastrous. Assisting our existing companies in growing and creating new opportunities requires far fewer resources than attracting new investment and is a proven tenant of sustainable economic development.
CGEDA is hosting an Existing Business Appreciation Summit on Tuesday, October 9th. This event will accomplish two goals. 1) To establish an educational program, providing information and support to those companies continuing to create opportunities in our region and to consistently assist them as they grow and prosper in our communities. 2) To show our genuine appreciation for what these companies mean to the region but more importantly what they mean to the economic future of the citizens in our entire area. The health of our existing businesses is critical to our success as a region. |
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150-plus businesses start recruiting future workers with annual SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo
Photo courtesy of Terry Wilhite with Baldwin Co. Schools
On Wednesday, Sept. 26 and Thursday, Sept. 27, more than 150 businesses and organizations hosted area eighth grade students at a hands-on, interactive career expo - the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) Worlds of Opportunity - at the Mobile Civic Center. Now in its third year, the event offers an exciting career exploration experience showcasing 12 industries for more than 10,000 students representing 80-plus public and private schools in eight Southwest Alabama counties.
Business representatives designed and facilitated student activities within their respective "worlds." For example, students visiting the World of Maritime welded and competed in building boats that float. In the World of Aerospace, students had access to a flight simulator and riveted a plane fuselage. Students produced energy by riding a bike at the World of Energy. And in the World of Construction, students erected a brick wall and built rooms with lumber. Highlighted industries included: aerospace; automotive technology; communications; construction; energy; engineering and architecture; healthcare; hospitality; manufacturing; maritime; public service; and safety.
The expo's mission is to show students, parents, teachers and counselors the careers that are available "right here at home" by linking subjects studied in school and careers available in the region. However, regional industry leaders also look at the event as an opportunity to build a workforce for the future. SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity is a signature program of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council and coordinated by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. This is an opportunity for students to see their future," said Laura Davis Chandler, executive director of SAWDC. "We've seen how students get inspired and motivated when they get a true picture of the type of work they can do and impact they can have with the right classes, education and training."
"The SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity demonstrates to students that their education has real value and a tangible outcome," said Larry Mouton, executive director of career and technical education for the Mobile County Public School System. "It is obvious by the commitment that business and industry has made that they believe that they must take an active role in guiding students to high-wage / high-demand careers in our region."
"Depending on the level of skill required, careers in our region offer high-paying annual wages and salaries as well as employee benefits. And while many do not require a four-year college degree, students must have solid school preparation, stay out of trouble and take the right high school courses to prepare them for their future," explained Chandler.
For more information about the SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity, visit www.sawdc.org. |
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Alabama China Partnership holds fall symposium
The small town of Monroeville has been known for years as the Literary Capital of Alabama, but now it has become the historic place that has brought together China and Alabama as a major economic force.
On September 26th and 27th, 500 Chinese and American business and political delegates and community leaders joined in Monroeville at Alabama Southern Community College for the Alabama China Partnership Fall Symposium.
They met to understand each other's business and find opportunities for Chinese companies to invest or do business in the Southeast United States.
The Chinese companies who attended last week come from a broad group of manufacturing and financial industries, including automotive, bioscience, electronics, textile, insurance, professional services, and retail industries.
Speakers traveled from around the globe to be a part of the historical event. Senior US congressional members and members of the Hong Kong government, world renowned Asian thinkers/authors and members of the world's most prestigious news media were all in attendance.
Speakers included Senator Jeff Sessions and Congressman Jo Bonner of Alabama, as well as retired US Ambassador Nicholas Platt - a former president of Asia Society and a lifelong expert on U.S. diplomacy in Asia. Alabama's National Championship Coach, Gene Stallings, delivered an inspirational keynote address.
The ACP Symposium was a "no holds barred" forum for both Alabama and China leaders and business executives to learn about each other, collaborate, inspire change and bridge gaps between the two super powers. Following on the heels of a successful inaugural event in March 2012, the Fall Symposium was the "first of its kind" - presenting a road map for Chinese companies not only to invest in the US but to lead the way to a strong international partnership between the two countries.
"This is the beginning of a relationship with China and Alabama that will go on for many years", says Raymond Cheng, the CEO of Alabama China Partnership.
The people of Monroeville offered a warm welcome to the international guests. Prior to the conference, 500 people gathered in front of Monroeville's Historic Courthouse to shoot a video to welcome the Chinese guests. The local people hung welcome signs all over the city in Chinese, cooked southern desserts for the Symposium and printed their local paper in both English and Chinese.
Chinese delegation members were thrilled after learning of the welcome given out by Monroeville people. "When I read about Monroeville people warmly welcoming the Chinese guests, I felt touched. At a time when the U.S. economy is undergoing some difficulty, I choose to visit this country to get to know its direct investment environment, including government policies, hoping to find possible investment opportunities," says Diana Ding, President of Eden Information Service Co. Ltd.
"The people of Monroeville understand the strength in diversity and welcome new people and ideas to our community. The city of Monroeville looks forward with excitement to forming a lasting friendship with the people of China. I am grateful that our city has the opportunity. Our community welcomes our Chinese guests with open arms," says Monroeville Mayor Mike Kennedy.
Alabama China Partnership, Inc. (ACP) is a non-governmental organization that promotes better business and cultural relationships between China and the USA, in particular the State of Alabama. Since its formation, ACP has conducted trade missions, seminars, press tours and the groundbreaking Alabama China Symposium Spring in March this year.
For more information, including list of speakers and full program, please visit www.AlabamaChina.com. |
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Spotlight on Sam Covert, Mobile Division Area Manager at Alabama Power
 One of our goals at the CGEDA is to have everyone in our region know who we are and what we do. That includes knowing our board members. Because our board is constantly growing, we will continue highlighting board members in Gateway News, so that you will know who is representing the region. This month, we would like to introduce Sam W. Covert, Jr.
Sam currently serves as Mobile Division Area Manager for Alabama Power Company. He is responsible for the Division's efforts in economic and community development, local and state governmental affairs, and business office management in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Clarke, Choctaw and Monroe counties.
Sam currently serves on the following boards : Chairman - Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC); Board Member - Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama; Board Member - Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance; Board Member - Mobile Area Education Foundation; Member - HIPPY Advisory Board; Member - Alabama State Advisory Council for Career/Technical Education; Immediate Past President - Downtown Mobile Alliance and Business Improvement District; Board Member - Gulf Coast EXPLOREUM, Chairman - 80/20 Graduating Ready Business Roundtable and a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Sam is a graduate of McGill Institute and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of South Alabama.
A Mobile native, Sam and his wife, Debbie, have three children, Ashley, Erin and Natalie.
Spotlight on Alabama Power Company
 Alabama Power is one of four U.S. utilities operated by Southern Company, one of the nation's largest producers of electricity. Alabama Power is the second largest subsidiary of Southern Company, serving homes, businesses and industries in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. More than 78,000 miles of power lines carry electricity to customers throughout 44,500 square miles.
Alabama Power provides electricity supply to 1.4 million homes, businesses and industries in the state.
Alabama Power's top priority is taking care of their customers. The company works to accomplish this by keeping reliability high and power rates low. For years, the company has consistently provided electricity more than 99 percent of the time while keeping their prices below the national average.
Alabama Power was one of the first electric utilities in the U.S. to establish an economic development department. The company works closely with companies in their site-selection process, as well as helping existing companies expand.
Alabama Power plays a major role in economic and community development. The company has helped bring hundreds of industrial and commercial customers to the state, which, in turn, has brought thousands of jobs, millions of dollars in tax revenue and an improvement in the general quality of life.
The Mobile Division comprises the five counties in CGEDA as well as Mobile, Baldwin and Washington.
For a full listing and photos of the current Coastal Gateway Board of Directors, please click here. |
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Edozien joins SET Enterprises
Photo of Clarke County Operations provided by Evan Carden with the South Alabamian
SET Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of steel processing, duct manufacturing and construction services with operations in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Alabama, today announced that Victor Edozien will be joining the company as President and CEO. Edozien brings a wide array of automotive and manufacturing experience and will assist the Company as it continues to execute its growth initiatives. Concurrent with Edozien assuming the role of President and CEO, he, through AG-Steel, LLC (an affiliate company of The Asaba Group, Inc), has also acquired a significant equity position in the company.
Sid E. Taylor, Chairman of SET Enterprises, Inc. commenting on the addition of Edozien stated, "With our recent expansions into Alabama, our entry into the Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Duct and Construction industries as well as our growth in our core businesses including automotive, we recognized the need to expand our organizational resources, and are very fortunate to be able to add a person of Victor's caliber to the SET team. In addition to Victor having been a SET Enterprises Board Member for the past five years, I have worked with Victor on other ventures and know he will bring significant strength to the organization on a day-to-day basis in the core areas of operations, quality and finance. Additionally, with Victor acquiring an equity position in the company, we set the foundation for a long-term succession plan that will carry the company well into the future."
Victor Edozien is the founder/Managing Principal of The Asaba Group, Inc - a strategy consulting/private equity holding company and is a veteran of the US Army. He has been in the automotive business for over 15 years and operates other automotive businesses under AG-Manufacturing Inc. (an affiliate of The Asaba Group) with locations in Harbor Beach, MI, Rochelle, IL, and Wetumpka, AL.
SET Enterprises, Inc., led by Sid E. Taylor, a Vietnam veteran and former Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient, has been a provider of steel processing services since 1989. SET has a long-standing reputation as a leader in providing high-quality, cost effective solutions to its automotive OEM customer base and their Tier I and Tier II suppliers and more recently to the HVAC duct and construction segments. SET Enterprises is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) as certified by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and a Veteran Owned Enterprise (VBE).
Additional information on SET Enterprises can be found by contacting Antoinette Turner at (586) 834-3028 or by visiting their web sites at www.setenterprises.com, www.setductmanufacturing.com, and www.setconstruction.com. |
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Evergreen Medical Center named Most Wired-Small and Rural Hospital  For the second year in a row, Evergreen Medical Center in Evergreen, AL has been named a Most Wired-Small and Rural Hospital by Hospitals & Health Networks. Evergreen Medical Center began its journey as a leader in Health Information Technology in 2003 with the installation of a laboratory information system, clinical order entry, a digital x-ray system, and point-of-care and medication verification. In 2008, EMC installed an integrated radiology information system. The installation of Chartlink, a virtual patient chart, and CPOE, computerized physician order entry, in 2009 allowed physicians to review real-time results of tests and place orders electronically. In 2010, EMC became the first Beta test site for their vendor's meaningful use software enhancements out of over 650 clients nationwide. As a Beta test site, EMC hosts representatives from hospitals across the nation and is recognized as a leader in Health Information Technology. For the 14th year, Hospitals & Health Networks has named the Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems, which is based on the Most Wired Survey. The methodology sets specific requirements in each of four focus areas. If any of these requirements are not met, then the organization does not achieve the Most Wired designation. The four focus areas are: Infrastructure · Identify management, access controls and audit capabilities · Data recovery plan testing and disaster recovery restoration capabilities within 72 hours · Security technology safeguards, including encryption for laptops · Regular risk analysis, security assessments and penetration testing · Wireless networks for clinical applications, accessible by clinicians and staff Business and administrative management · Expanded use of electronic payer transactions · Automation of revenue-cycle processes · Partially automated management systems for supply chain and use of bar code technology · Patient flow automation · Human resource management and training systems · Enterprise decision support and business intelligence Clinical quality and safety (inpatient/outpatient hospital) · Patient demographics, vital signs and status, and documentation recorded as structured data · Routine use of electronic health record and clinical information systems by nurses, pharmacists, and physicians · Physician access to clinical pathways/order sets and medical image review across care settings. · Clinical decision support enabled for drug allergy alerts and drug interaction alerts · Digital clinical imaging/PACS in hospital and clinic · CPOE for medication orders · Point-of-care medication administration systems and automated medication management · Electronic recording of quality data · Electronic recording of infection control data Clinical integration (ambulatory/physician/patient/community) · Physician office EMR connectivity for clinical documentation and results viewing · Physician office e-prescribing · Online health information for patient education · Interoperability of applications within hospital The survey will continue to recognize hospitals and health systems for excellence in IT, and will continue to separately recognize improvement (Most Improved Award) and achievements in small and rural hospitals (Most Wired-Small and Rural). This is an exciting announcement for the City of Evergreen, Conecuh County and the Coastal Gateway region as a whole. Congratulations to the Evergreen Medical Center for this accomplishment. |
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Goodwyn, Parker join PowerSouth economic development team
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative announced that Caleb Goodwyn and Bryan Parker joined the economic development staff as Economic Development Representatives for Alabama on October 1.
Goodwyn and Parker will work with PowerSouth's 16 Alabama distribution members, as well as state and local economic developers, to achieve economic development goals, recruit new companies and work with existing industry to facilitate growth within PowerSouth's service territory. Their responsibilities also will include targeting successful business sectors and industry clusters to market PowerSouth's service territory both nationally and internationally.
The two new staff members replace Lee Lawson and Taylor Williams. Lawson recently accepted a position as President and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, and Williams will be transitioning over the next several months to a full-time role with PowerSouth's Governmental Affairs division.
Goodwyn, a native of Jasper, Alabama, currently serves as District Director for Congressman Spencer Bachus, where he is responsible for developing relationships among federal, state and local elected officials as well as members of the business community. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from The University of the South: Sewanee and a master's degree in public administration from The University of Alabama.
Parker, a native of Greenville, Alabama, currently serves as Field Representative for Congressman Jo Bonner, where his duties and responsibilities closely parallel those of Goodwyn's. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Auburn University Montgomery and will receive a master's degree in economic and community affairs from Southern Mississippi University in December.
"We are excited to have Bryan and Caleb join our economic development team," said Seth Hammett, PowerSouth's Vice President of Business Development. |
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Economic Census information you can use
This fall, 1,260 businesses in the Coastal Gateway region will receive 2012 Economic Census forms from the U.S. Census Bureau. Selected companies will receive forms in October, but most will get them in December.
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke has called this census "indispensable to understanding America's economy." Taken every five years, the Economic Census "assures the accuracy of the statistics we rely on for sound economic policy and for successful business planning," said Bernanke.
There are a lot of interesting facts from the last Economic Census, available about our region at www.business.census.gov. Examples there illustrate how Census Bureau economic statistics are used by local businesses for marketing and planning, as well as by government agencies and researchers.
For more information, please click here. |
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Business/ Community Briefs
10,000 middle schoolers learned about possible careers at Worlds of Opportunity
10,000 middle school students from southwest Alabama learned about possible careers at the Mobile Civic Center Wednesday and Thursday. The expo featured booths and hands-on activities for 186 different careers ranging from healthcare to public service to construction. For the full story, please click here.
Alabama China Partnership makes final effort in wooing Chinese companies
The Alabama China Partnership Symposium wrapped up with a final push from the state's government and business leaders to attract Chinese companies to Alabama. For more information, please click here.
Fire named to Top 5 list
Atmore's Fire restaurant has been named to the Top 5 list of Alabama restaurants in the Alabama's Best Steak contest, sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. For more information, please click here.
Local eatery on 'Fire'
The lights are down low and the fireplace flickers in the background as the maitre d' unfolds your dinner napkin for you. Meanwhile, servers in three-piece suits quietly make their rounds serving different meal courses to guests off rolling carts draped in a red satin-like material. For the full article, click here.
Foreign investment is the key to Alabama's economic success
That was the message at the Alabama China Partnership Symposium in Monroeville as more than 200 people, including delegates representing more than 100 Chinese companies, filled the auditorium at Alabama Southern Community College. For the full article, please click here.
ACP speakers: U.S. China partnership the most important relationship of generation
A partnership between the United States and China is the most important relationship of our generation and further generations to come, according to speakers at the Alabama China Partnership Symposium in Monroeville. For the full article, please click here.
What is Expected in the World of Capital Expenditures?
At the end of last year there was a surge of investment in capital equipment, and that was one of the prime reasons the economy responded so well. The last quarter of 2011 was reasonable from a retail perspective, but what seemed to play an even bigger role was the decision on the part of business to spend money on machines. For the full article, please click here.
Economic development in Alabama is flying high
Alabama is celebrating a series of great announcements this year that continue to prove the state is on the right path to economic prosperity.
For more information, please click here.
iBrewton: New phone app promotes city
Residents and visitors to the Brewton area now have access to a wealth of information - and it's right in the palm of their hands.
A smart phone application has now gone live making businesses, industries, events and amenities in Brewton available with a single touch. For the full article, please click here.
Revitalizing downtown
At 24, Latisha Henderson might be one of the youngest business owners in Atmore. Fabulous Fashions, on West Ridgeley Street, just opened in May 2012 but Henderson said business gets better with each passing month. For the full article, please click here.
Creek Travel Plaza opens
The official ribbon cutting for the Creek Travel Plaza on Jack Springs Road was held Saturday morning, September 1. For more information, please click here.
GP Brewton donates equipment to Pollard-McCall
Georgia-Pacific's Brewton mill recently donated new equipment to Pollard-McCall Junior High School for the use of faculty and students. GP donated laptops, computers and monitors that will be used in the school's computer lab.
Airbus growth forecast bodes well for coastal aerospace corridor
Opportunity and transformation are the words on the lips of both local and regional economic development officials in the wake of Airbus revised global aircraft forecast through 2031. For more information, please click here.
Chamber officials scouting Airbus suppliers, success stories at Berlin air show
Troy Wayman knew Mobile had truly arrived at the ILA Berlin Air Show when a random German aerospace vendor made the instantaneous connection between the port city and her ambassador's trek halfway around the world. For the full article, please click here.
Blacksher students chosen for laser engraving training
J.U. Blacksher's Agriscience program is one of 9 in Alabama that will expose students to computer controlled laser engraving. AIDT & SAWDC contracted Jeff Noble to install the equipment & provide training for the school's agriscience students and teacher. The school will be able to keep the equipment for 30 days so they may learn how to create laser-engraved products. This program will help students learn how these applications are used in today's high-tech industry. The students will learn to design a product in Corel Draw software, along with Protec, a software designed for use with laser engravers. Noble said Hyundai Motors uses similar equipment. Textile companies, the medical field and many other industries use similar equipment.
ATN offering new on-the-job training courses
Alabama Technology Network is excited to offer customized incumbent worker training in Motor Controls, Instrumentation, Commercial Electrical, Hydraulics/Pneumatics and Programmable Logic Controls. Offered through Jefferson Davis, the program brings training to you onsite in advanced training units. ATN provides the curriculum to fit company needs, as well as the instructor and materials. Interested companies provide electrical hookup and power for the course.
The college is prohibited from making a profit from the program, so companies receive the training at cost -a great deal. Pass the word along to businesses in the region served by Alabama Southern Community College and Reid State Technical College. Three additional advanced training units are also available for training -all with state-of-the art equipment installed.
For more information about the Community Based Job Training Program, please contact Al Bennett at 251.368.7642 or Connie Baggett at 334.328.2700.
Rivercane Waffle House Grand Opening
The grand opening for the Waffle House at Rivercane is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2012. |
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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 over 110 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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