A Note from the President

The year 2010 was challenging, to say the least. But as always, Baldwin County's greatest public and private leadership was equal to the task. Working together through the Coastal Resiliency Commission and in conjunction with the Coastal Recovery Commission, a plan is in place. This plan is not only to survive in 2011 but to thrive in 2011.We thank you for your past support and look forward to working with you in 2011 to move Baldwin County to the next level.

2011 Year in Review

    2010 brought a realm of challenges to our business community, some large, some small. It will always be remembered as the “Year of the BP Oil Spill.”

     Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the Alliance teamed up with the Alabama Gulf Coast and the South Baldwin Chambers to implement strategies to strengthen our business community. In conjunction with Faulkner State Community College, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, the Alabama Technology Network and other business partners, the Business Support Center was founded. This center consolidated local, state, and federal support in one location to allow our business owners to seek the assistance they needed immediately. Faulkner has been a strong supporter of our community and now on a path to become a strong, responsive partner with businesses. The Business Support Center has worked with over 400 existing businesses to guide them through the crisis times and to allow them to better position themselves for success. The BSC has been nationally recognized as a “best practice” following a business crisis and is being recommended as a template for similar situations all over the United States.

     Business leaders in the coastal cities also built a strong Coastal Resiliency Coalition. This team consists of the mayors of Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, county officials, two chambers of commerce, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism, and the Alliance meeting twice weekly in the “war room” to evaluate the needs and strategize on the best possible solutions with the minds that can make it happen. In the CRC War Room, five of our major state universities – the University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, University of Alabama/Huntsville, and the University of Alabama/Birmingham - stepped forward as partners in crisis and brought strong resources with them. . The “war room” has also been recognized as a “best practice” model to be used in similar disasters. A huge “Thank You” goes to Bill Taylor and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama for all the support and leadership throughout the crisis and the recovery.

     The Alliance continues to assist entrepreneurs in starting new businesses. This year the Revolving Loan Fund was awarded another $150,000 from the USDA in funding to allow us to continue helping businesses grow. The Alliance is optimistic about future partnerships with the USDA to build businesses in Baldwin County. In 2010, the Alliance has worked with 19 potential startup businesses. We are evaluating offering a physical location for our business incubator, as well as forming partnerships with other incubators for information sharing.

Other things that we were involved with for the year include:

     While 2010 brought challenges to the Baldwin County area, none of them were unsurpassable. With teamwork, dedicated elected officials, passionate citizens and the support of our business community, Baldwin County continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

Remember, together we are “good people, good business.”

2011 Staff Promotions

As of February 2011, we are proud to announce that Bob Higgins will be promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President in recognition of his work over his tenure with the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. His recent accomplishments include his work following the Oil Spill with the establishment of the Business Support Center on the Gulf Coast, which has been recognized nationally as a "best practice" for organization following a crisis. President Robert Ingram recognized Bob Higgins in the January Board of Directors' meeting, stating, "He has incredible private sector experience and outstanding leadership abilities.  Those attributes have enabled Bob to “wear a variety of hats” at the Alliance, and performed all of his duties extremely well." 

Also, Josh Thornton will be promoted from Director of Economic Development to Vice President of Economic Development for his exemplary work in the recruiting of new industries and expansions of current industries. Josh has been with our office since Fall of 2008 and has grown in his position in economic development. "Josh has progressed in the profession quickly and is now recognized by his peers for both his dedication and his abilities.  We are lucky and proud that he is a part of our team and his promotion is well deserved," states Ingram.