Presidents Report: Activity remains heavy at the Alliance as we start to wrap up 2007 events and priorities and begin planning for 2008. It appears that our year-end job creation and investment numbers will be slightly lower than our exceptional 2006 year-end numbers, but still very strong when compared with peer counties.
Our Investor’s Reception held September 26, 2007, at Cottages on the Greene was our largest ever, with over one hundred in attendance. We really appreciate Wayne and Betty Musgrove hosting and sponsoring the event.
Each of our staff members is currently working on recommended plans for 2008. We will then get the plans together, eliminate duplications, discuss ways to improve efforts in each area, and present a final draft to the 2008 Executive committee and Board for their input.
High paying jobs, strong new capital investment, existing business support, and workforce recruitment will certainly remain priorities. The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance was created to increase the size, strength and diversity of our overall economy by working with great partners like our area Chambers of Commerce, our Convention and Visitors Bureaus, public officials and our investors.
This is a great team and we appreciate the help of everyone.
Robert Ingram
President/CEO
On many of these trips one thing stands out as being "way more than expected." On this trip, it was the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. Bioworks shared a great deal on the process they used to successfully establish a research park in the center of the downtown medical complex. The process - which included a strong board, a very competent, energetic full time executive, and thinking "big" - may prove to be an excellent model for similar initiatives in our area.
Bob
Higgins
Vice President
COASTAL COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SUMMIT AND MARKET REVIEW
Mark your calendars for the first Coastal Commercial Real Estate Summit and Market Review scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at the Mobile Convention Center. It is sponsored by the USA Center for Real Estate Studies.
The event includes nine speakers selected from the Coastal market to present the latest price and value trends. Their topics cover most of the areas and subjects important to Coastal residents such as Multi-Family, Retail, Office, Industrial, Wind and Water, and the Economy.
The Alabama Real Estate Commission has awarded 7 hours of continuing education credit, and the Alabama Accountancy Board has awarded 8 hours. Additional credit will be announced when received.
Registration includes lunch. Advertising tables are available. Visit our website for registration information. http://www.southalabama.edu/mcob/realestate/professionalclasses.shtml
Thanks for your support!
Don Epley, PhD CCIM
MAI
Director, USA Center for Real Estate Studies, Mobile