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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.

Fairhope, Ala. – Hatch Fairhope, Baldwin County’s premier technology and entrepreneurial hub, proudly announces the successful completion of its first cohort in the Powered by Bessel accelerator program. The program culminated with a showcase on August 22^nd, where eight tech startups had the opportunity to pitch their companies to potential investors and community stakeholders to receive equity-based funding.

Multiple companies in the Hatch Powered by Bessel program have already secured funding, advanced to the commercial development stages, and signed distribution and exclusive licensing deals to introduce their devices to the market this year. For example, DNA Nanobots, a biotechnology leader in DNA nanoparticles engineered for targeted therapeutics, received exclusive commercial licensing for gene editing technology from the University of California Berkeley. Endeavor Orthopaedics also signed a distribution contract with Point Clear Solutions for their Summit Patella Plating System and raised over $400,000 during the program. In addition, MACB, a company owned by local orthopedic surgeon and medical school professor Dr. Dan Matthews, licensed its technology designed to enhance the efficiency of total knee arthroplasty procedures. Other entrepreneurs who completed the accelerator program include NEMS Recovery, Nevent, PERCY, and The Shape Sensing Company.

Over the course of the last ten weeks, the eight participating startups received mentorship and attended specialized workshops with technology experts, preparing them to bring their innovations to market. The Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel program launched in June and is specifically designed for startups aiming to scale breakthrough innovations. “The Powered by Bessel program marks the exciting first step in an ongoing journey of technological innovation in Baldwin County,” said Keith Glines, Hatch Fairhope Experience Architect and Creative Director.

Many local and state leaders attended the program finale, including keynote speaker Ben Fulmer, MD. Dr. Fulmer is a board-certified neurosurgeon in Mobile, Alabama, and co-founder and CEO of Fulmer Instruments. Dr. Fulmer’s company is driven by his vision to transform the operating room with cordless, handheld instrumentation that integrates data analytics and artificial intelligence. 

Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama, also attended the cohort finale and delivered remarks at the event. Innovate Alabama is a statewide public-private partnership implementing programs and policies that empower entrepreneurs, business owners, and students to build a business, a career, and a life in Alabama. “Our tax credit program is specifically designed to cultivate a flourishing ecosystem in Alabama, where tech accelerators and businesses can thrive,” said Crutchfield. “Through tax credits, we aim to empower entrepreneurial support organizations to achieve their goals.” Because of Innovate Alabama’s funding, Hatch is better positioned to provide tech opportunities for the region and boost the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Innovate Alabama admitted the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF), one of Hatch Fairhope’s partners, into their Innovate Alabama Network in 2023 and granted it $250,000 to support Hatch Fairhope and its programming. The BCEDF is a nonprofit under the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA). “We are honored to partner with Innovation Alabama, the City of Fairhope, Coastal Alabama Community College, and PNC Bank in developing the local innovation economy,” said Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the BCEDA. “The accomplishments of all of the entrepreneurs in this new program are just beginning, and we look forward to the many opportunities their success will bring.”

As Hatch Fairhope’s inaugural cohort completes this milestone, the future of innovation in Baldwin County looks brighter than ever. The achievements of these startups serve as a testament to the strength of Baldwin County’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the continued support of local, state, and private partners, Hatch Fairhope is positioned to encourage technological advancements and grow businesses in Baldwin County.

About Hatch Fairhope
Hatch Fairhope is a business hub that provides facilities and resources for technology-based entrepreneurs to learn and grow their businesses in Baldwin County. Hatch Fairhope is funded by the Coastal Alabama Community College, The City of Fairhope, PNC Bank, and the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF). The BCEDF is a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, which positions Hatch Fairhope as one of the state’s leaders in nurturing Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hatch Fairhope’s new home at the former Fairhope K-1 Center in downtown Fairhope is currently under construction and is expected to be operational in 2026. Find out more at HatchFairhope.com.

Loxley, Ala. – Port Alabama Industrial Center, Baldwin County’s newest industrial development, celebrated its Phase 1 groundbreaking in Loxley today with elected officials and local business leaders. The 2 million square feet of space in Phase 1 will help accommodate the increasing demand for industrial product in the Alabama Gulf Coast market.

Port Alabama Industrial Center is a more than 900-acre site positioned directly on the south side of I-10, along Highways 59 and 90. Upon its completion, the development will contain three phases and total approximately 12 million square feet of Class A industrial space, making it the closest and largest contiguous site to the Port of Mobile.

The site’s proximity to I-10 makes it an ideal locale for industrial, light manufacturing, data, and distribution users, being twenty minutes from the Port of Mobile, Mobile International Airport, and I-65. Port Alabama Industrial Center is located within Loxley’s growing industrial corridor, which has added 350 new direct jobs and over $150 million of investment in the area within the last few years.

With sites like the Port Alabama Industrial Center, Loxley is continuing to invest in and expand its industrial corridor’s capacity, trying to swiftly address the continued demands within the region for more industrial space.

“The master plan for Port Alabama Industrial Center, which will initially offer abundant space to support significant new industry, is bringing the much-needed industrial product to our market,” said Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Lee Lawson. “There has been increasing demand for Class A industrial space in our area for many years as Baldwin County continues to grow and as the Port of Mobile continues to expand. Having readily available sites like our site here is essential as we continue attracting businesses and economic projects to Baldwin County.”

Gulf Corporation, the Dallas-based real estate development and investment firm, is proud to provide an industrial product like this to the market. “Gulf Corporation is excited to have the privilege to acquire such a special property in Baldwin County, a property that has not changed hands since the mid-1800s,” said Gulf Corporation Chief Executive Officer Austin Ames. “We believe our planned development activities will be the tip of the iceberg in the logistics and industrial capabilities of the entire Gulf Coast. The Port Alabama site is not only the premier industrial site of the Gulf Coast and Southeastern region, but one of the premier sites on the entire I-10 corridor from coast to coast.”

Local elected officials, including the Baldwin County Commission, are looking forward to the type of business and industry Port Alabama Industrial Center will bring to Baldwin County. “The close proximity to 1-10 and the centralized location in Baldwin County between Mobile and Pensacola will attract quality tenants that will provide good, high-paying jobs for the citizens of not only Baldwin County but of the entire Southwest region of Alabama,” said Baldwin County Commission Chair Billie Jo Underwood. “These types of good, stable jobs will help increase the quality of life of the citizens of Baldwin County and help us continue to ensure a stable local and regional economy.”

As the Port Alabama Industrial Center project moves forward, its strategic advantages are expected to drive significant investment and provide opportunities for businesses seeking to thrive in a growing market. “With the migration shift to the southern region due to positive economic tailwinds as well as post covid ‘on-shoring,’ we are on the precipice of a major shift in how the nation and world view this region,” Ames said. “With the growth of the port in conjunction with the substantial growth of the area, Port Alabama Industrial Center is primed to become one of the nation’s major industrial centers.” Port Alabama Industrial Center is a transformative project that will help further meet the region’s growing demand for industrial space. With its strategic location, ample site footprint, and strong local support, the development will further position Baldwin County as a hub for industry, opportunity, and economic success.

For more information about Port Alabama Industrial Center, visit PortAlabama.com.

As Baldwin Preparatory Academy (Baldwin Prep) opens its doors to the inaugural classes of career-tech students this fall, the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA) is thrilled to provide an inside look at this pioneering educational institution. This innovative school is positioned to leave a lasting impact on Baldwin County’s academic landscape, workforce, industry engagement, and overall community growth.

A New Kind of Education

Baldwin Prep is more than just a school; it represents a visionary approach to education and work-based learning. Designed to be a competitive and academically rigorous full-time campus, Baldwin Prep prepares students for diverse paths, including college and vocational careers. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility in the center of Baldwin County near the City of Loxley, the school seamlessly integrates academics with real-world, on-the-job experiences, ensuring students are well-equipped for the future. 

This unique approach is further enhanced by the active involvement of business and industry partners, strengthening the curriculum’s relevancy and impact. Baldwin Prep’s curriculum includes a diverse range of career pathways, such as automotive engine repair, diesel repair, construction, welding, aviation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechatronics engineering, health sciences, cybersecurity, graphic design, teaching, culinary arts, cosmetology, and barbering. Industry partners play a crucial role in shaping these offerings, and additional courses will be introduced to meet evolving workforce needs.

Addressing Workforce Challenges

Baldwin County boasts a robust professional landscape with abundant opportunities. However, there is a pressing need to address the declining prime-age workforce. Community leaders, including Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler, have prioritized investing in the workforce for years.

“Baldwin Preparatory Academy has been years in the making,” said Tyler. “We are set to finally open its doors this fall. With it being the first of its kind in our area and the state, we did not know how it would be perceived by the public, our parents, and our students. We knew the industry needed this. We knew our kids needed this, even if they didn’t.”

Tyler’s vision for Baldwin Prep is clear. He believes that not every student is destined for college, and that’s perfectly fine. The school aims to help students find their paths and fill critical roles in the workforce.

An Unprecedented Response

The enthusiasm for Baldwin Prep has been overwhelming, with around 1,600 applications received for the 2024-2025 school year. Tyler commented on the significant student interest in the career-tech school. “As soon as we started sending out information, the calls and emails started coming in. We held informational meetings in all our feeder patterns, and people showed up in droves,” Tyler continued. “We had so much interest on the first day of registration our system crashed. We have been blown away by the attention of our students and their families all over our region. To add to that, we have industry involvement we have never seen before. Big businesses to smaller shops all want to be a part of something that will change the lives of students and the face of industry on the Gulf Coast for years to come.”

Ultimately, 870 students were admitted, including 270 graduating seniors. The school boasts a dedicated faculty of 18 career-tech instructors and 18 core class teachers, all committed to providing an exceptional educational experience.

A Work-Integrated Approach

Baldwin Prep operates like a real-world work environment, teaching students fundamental responsibilities such as clocking in and out, wearing industry-recognized uniforms, and participating in team meetings. This practical approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.

Students can earn multiple industry credentials, such as certifications and college credit through dual enrollment with Coastal Alabama Community College. Many students will graduate with an associate degree or be at least 68 to 84 percent closer to earning one, free of charge. Additionally, all seniors are encouraged to participate in apprenticeships and internships and submit a culminating project to industry partners before graduation.

“We’re committed to pioneering programs that not only capture industry needs but set new benchmarks in educational excellence,” said Adam Sealy, Principal of Baldwin Prep. “Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures students have hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, preparing them for future challenges. What truly sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation and our personalized approach to nurturing each student’s potential. At Baldwin Preparatory Academy, we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping their future of Career College Choice.”

Investing in the Future

The Board of Education has invested $100 million in Baldwin Prep, with an additional $5 million dedicated to equipment that rivals the cutting-edge technology used in our local industries. The 200,000-square-foot career-tech campus features open-concept pods and labs for collaboration and training, meeting spaces, and classrooms for testing and tutoring. Postsecondary institutions, stakeholders, and industry partners are all part of the shared campus, offering multiple venues for corporate meetings and college courses in the evenings.

Christina Hellmich, the Industry Engagement Director for Baldwin Prep, emphasized the importance of industry involvement. “The world of work has changed drastically and will continue to change, so seeing our school system take the leap to meet the demands of business and industry with Baldwin Prep is astounding,” said Hellmich. “With this kind of investment, it is essential to have business and industry partners with us to ensure students’ success by bridging the gap from the classroom to the workplace. Your investment will help open doors and opportunities for learners. This career technical high school is a pathway for students to figure out what they want to do before graduating from high school.”

Partnering for Success

Business and industry engagement is crucial to Baldwin Prep’s success. The Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF) has been raising funds in the private sector through annual commitments to support Baldwin Prep. These funds provide essential resources, including additional equipment, instructor stipends, and programming, to ensure the students’ success.

“Baldwin Preparatory Academy is a game changer for our community from an economic development standpoint, showing business and industry leaders that we are addressing workforce development in a way that has not been done before in Alabama,” said Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the BCEDA. “I’m grateful to our private sector companies who have come alongside the BCEDF and the Baldwin County School System to not only financially support Baldwin Prep but also engage at a high level for student success.”

Partnering with Baldwin Prep offers numerous benefits, including being on the advisory council, developing curriculum, accessing premium student engagement opportunities, and delivering industry insight through regular “Tech Talks.” The BCEDF has already secured significant investments from various industry partners, with the Founder’s Circle including 68 Ventures, D.R. Horton, Infirmary Health, Novelis, and TF Warren Group. More partnerships are anticipated, further strengthening the school’s capacity.

“We’re incredibly proud to invest in Baldwin Preparatory Academy as a Founders’ Circle Sponsor,” said Tori Holt, Novelis Plant Manager. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to fostering strong workforce-industry relationships that benefit not only Baldwin County employers, but also the broader community. By supporting Baldwin Preparatory Academy, we are investing in the future of our local workforce, ensuring that students receive the education and real-life skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market. We believe that this collaboration will create a pipeline of talented individuals who are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our industry for generations to come.”

Joe T. Stough III, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Infirmary Health, also expressed what investing in Baldwin County’s future workforce means to him. “We are deeply honored to be a member of the Founder’s Circle of the Baldwin County Preparatory Academy, underscoring our role as the premier healthcare provider in Baldwin County,” said Stough. “This affiliation serves as a testament to our steadfast commitment to fulfilling the needs of the communities we serve. Our ongoing dedication to nurturing the development of young individuals, thereby facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce, remains a key priority. We express sincere appreciation to the Baldwin County School System and the BCEDA for their visionary leadership in establishing this academy.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Baldwin Preparatory Academy represents a bold step forward for education and workforce development in Baldwin County. By fostering strong partnerships between education and industry, Baldwin Prep is poised to create long-term positive effects on the regional workforce and economy. As the first students embark on this exciting journey, the BCEDA, along with the community, looks forward to witnessing the transformative power of this innovative institution. 

For more information on engagement opportunities, please get in touch with Christina Hellmich at [email protected]. Together, we can shape the future of Baldwin County and create a thriving, skilled workforce for generations.

Fairhope, Ala. – Hatch Fairhope, Baldwin County’s technology village and entrepreneurial support hub, based in Fairhope, Alabama, is proud to announce the selection of its inaugural cohort for the Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel program. The participating startup companies started the program by presenting their technology innovations to investors on June 6th.

Each company was selected through a meticulous evaluation process, focusing on its potential for impact, innovation, and scalability. Over the next ten weeks, these startups will participate in the Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel program, preparing them to accelerate their growth and bring their visionary ideas to market.

Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel is a transformative accelerator program designed to equip startups aiming to scale breakthrough innovations. This ten-week hybrid cohort-based program offers startups a unique blend of in-person events, expert mentorship by industry veterans, tools, funding, and the comprehensive Powered by Bessel curriculum that includes specialized workshops and consulting in technology development. This collaboration aims to empower startups with the entrepreneurial ecosystem they need for long-term success.

“Hatch Fairhope is the perfect partner as we expand our successful Powered by Bessel accelerator to a cohort-based format,” said Chris Danek, CEO of Bessel LLC. “We help startups supercharge their strategy, execution, and fundraising. Now, with the help of Hatch Fairhope, we’ll also connect startups with the world-class research at the University of South Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham and broaden their exposure to sophisticated investors from the region.”

The Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel program was launched with a community investor preview at Provision in Downtown Fairhope. The cohort of entrepreneurs, including Avicenna Diagnostics, DNA Nanobots, Endeavor Orthopaedics, NEMS Recovery, PERCY, and The Shape Sensing Company, introduced their devices and other technologies, which ranged from blood glucose monitoring to ophthalmology solutions. Of the six startups, most are in the pre-seed and pre-clinical stages and on their way to fundraising and developing prototypes. Many of the companies are developing pioneering technology that saves time and money for healthcare providers and improves patient health and recovery.

In addition to the valuable knowledge and mentorship opportunities the cohort will receive at Hatch Fairhope, they will also have the chance at the program’s conclusion to pitch their companies to investors to receive funding for an equity stake, positioning them for sustainable growth. Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel is preparing these technology startups for success in a region known for its vibrant economy and job growth.

About Hatch Fairhope
Hatch Fairhope is a business hub that provides facilities and resources for technology-based entrepreneurs to learn and grow their businesses in Baldwin County. Hatch Fairhope is funded by the Coastal Alabama Community College, The City of Fairhope, PNC Bank, and the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF). The BCEDF is a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, which positions Hatch Fairhope as one of the state’s leaders in nurturing Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hatch Fairhope’s new home at the former Fairhope K-1 Center in downtown Fairhope is currently under construction and is expected to be operational in 2026. Find out more at HatchFairhope.com.