Fairhope, Ala. – The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and significant economic impact on Baldwin County, Alabama. As the organization commemorates the anniversary, it honors its past achievements and envisions a promising future for all of Baldwin County.
Former board members, chairs, staff, and current investors and partners, including President and CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Donna Watts, gathered at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear to celebrate. Donna played a pivotal role in the organization’s origin in 1994. BCEDA emerged from a shared vision among the county’s commissioners, chambers of commerce, and business leaders – a vision for a unified approach to economic development that would shape the future of Baldwin County.
“Thank you to all of the leaders who saw the vision and stood alongside us,” said Watts. “Creating BCEDA is one of the best things we have ever done together. BCEDA always puts their best foot forward for jobs and careers in Baldwin County.”
From Coastal Baldwin to North Baldwin, the county has experienced exponential growth in both population and economic prosperity. “Our board of directors and organization have worked tirelessly with our partners and supporters to see project opportunities across Baldwin County come to fruition,” Lee Lawson, President & CEO of the Alliance, said. “From the single largest investment in Alabama history to being recognized as one of the country’s top economic development organizations, our successes have been transformative.”
Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth was also at the investor reception and spoke about the economic development momentum Alabama and Baldwin County have experienced in recent years. BCEDA’s efforts are nurturing growth, creating jobs, and generating capital investment in Baldwin County.
Since BCEDA was established in 1994, the organization has contributed to the creation of almost 15,000 jobs in Baldwin County’s current job market and generated $7.7 billion in capital investment. The organization’s annual economic output is $3.9 billion for the Baldwin County economy.
As BCEDA celebrates its 30-year milestone, it acknowledges the remarkable progress made possible through strategic initiatives and partnerships. Looking forward, BCEDA is committed to fostering a thriving business environment, driving economic growth, and ensuring an exceptional quality of life for all Baldwin County residents and employees.