$70,000 Grant from USDA Rural Development for a Research and Training Center Study

Steve Pelham, USDA Rural Development State Director, presented a $70,000 check to representatives of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce on Friday. The presentation was made during the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama’s summer conference in Gulf Shores. Accepting the check on behalf of the Eastern Shore Chamber were Darrelyn Bender, President/CEO, Scott Koser, Chairman, Business Technology Committee, and
Greg Loughlin, Director of Business Development and Joe Bullock, incoming Board Chairman.

“USDA Rural Development is pleased to make these funds available to the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce to help create business opportunities in the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County,” said Pelham. “These funds combined with the commitment by local leadership will help to ensure this area is prepared to meet the challenges of a changing economy in south Alabama. Today's investment by USDA Rural Development will have a positive impact on the future of this region.”

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, as part of its Blueprint for Tomorrow strategic plan, is commencing a feasibility study concerning the establishment of a research and training center on the Eastern Shore. This key Blueprint for Tomorrow initiative will determine the support for, and the economic impact of establishing a campus like center for businesses working with cutting edge technologies as well as training workforce for these same technologies. Another integral part of this feasibility study will be identifying possible partners in this effort.

“The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is very pleased that USDA Rural Development has chosen to partner with our Chamber as we work to improve the economic vitality and stability of the Eastern Shore”, said Bender. “We value their partnership and pledge to leverage their financial commitment with our own and continue to work to make the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County a great place to grow businesses.”

The $70,000 grant was provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. This program offers grants to public bodies and nonprofit organizations to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging businesses located in rural areas and towns with less than 50,000 population. To assist with business development, RBEGs may fund a broad array of activities, such as acquisition and development of land, construction of buildings, repairs and expansions, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility and service extensions, equipment, revolving loan funds, fees for professional services, and technical assistance.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce serves the entire Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, Alabama, from historic Blakeley State Park, all the way to Weeks Bay. Municipalities include Spanish Fort, Daphne and Fairhope. Unincorporated areas served are Malbis, Montrose, Point Clear and Barnwell. Their mission is to support stability and growth for the business community by providing services that cultivate economic expansion and community development.

During the Bush Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested over $76.8 billion to support homeownership, infrastructure, business and community development in rural America. As a result, over 1.5 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. “Since 2001, USDA Rural Development has invested over $2 billion in Alabama, helping to improve the quality of life in rural areas and towns through projects like we are recognizing today,” said Pelham.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development and critical community and technology infrastructure. Information on all programs available through USDA Rural Development may be obtained by calling the Bay Minette office at (251) 937-3297 ext 5, or by visiting the agency’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/al