Jim Searcy will resign his position as Executive Director at Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance (CGEDA) effective July 5th to take a position as Executive Director at the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA).

The EDAA is a membership based organization with the mission to promote economic growth throughout the state.  Members of EDAA are economic development professionals, as well as companies and individuals in related economic development fields.  Searcy will be responsible for further implementing the association's current strategic plan and identifying additional opportunities for professional development, meaningful legislative action, and enhanced communications.

Larry Woods, Chairman of CGEDA said, "We are appreciative of the contributions Jim has made as CGEDA Executive Director and wish him well in his new position. Jim has provided the organization with a strong base in which to go forward.  His confidence remains strong in the Coastal Gateway area and its regional approach to economic development."

Searcy said, "My time at Coastal Gateway has been rewarding both personally and professionally. I remain convinced that a regional approach to economic development is the most effective means to create sustainable economic growth in each of our five counties".

CGEDA is made of up the counties of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe. It's Board of Directors consist of investors from the public and private sectors. Coastal Gateway's rural communities are not only competing with Alabama, but with the world. Marketing and combining the assets of five large counties enables the region to compete globally.

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About Coastal Gateway

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.

For more information please contact:

Laurie Swift

info@cgeda.net

Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance

(251) 248-2143