Economic Alliance Celebrates 10 Years

By Marlane Bundock

Staff Writer

FOLEY During a special gathering at the historic Gift Horse Restaurant in Foley, members of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance gathered for a reception and briefing last week.

This years BCEDA meeting of investors and county leaders was of special significance, as it marked the 10th anniversary of the organization's establishment.

Board Member Jim Currie welcomed the group and recognized the elected officials in attendance. Currie, the immediate past chairman of the alliance said 2004 had been a better year for the alliance compared to the previous year.

"You look back over 2003 and there were a lot of things that were impacting the economy at that time.  Not the least of which was 9/11," he said.

A presentation was then given by BCEDA President and CEO Lance LaCour who used an overhead projector to show audience members highlights of the alliance's recent accomplishments and future objectives.

"The purpose of BCEDA is to implement an economic development program which promotes an improved quality of life for residents of Baldwin County," LaCour said to reiterate the group's focus.

LaCour told the attendees this meant creating and retaining quality jobs. LaCour said higher wage jobs were of particular importance to the group.

The Keynote Speaker was BCEDA board chairman Elect for 2005 Larry Merrihew. His address to the investors noted the growth and success of the alliance over the past ten years.

"We are second in the state for the percent change in the amount created from 1996 to 2003," he reported.

Shirley Phillips, a member of the Industrial Development Board, for the Town of Loxley, attended the gathering and said she is proud of the economic development that has occurred in Loxley.

"We have a lot of activity going on as far as businesses, good industrial sites," she said. "They say Loxley is the up and coming place. We are located close to I-10, which makes a major difference."