“It’s a Chamber of Commerce Day” said Provalus’ president Chuck Ruggiero just before Wednesday’s ground breaking ceremony for the new IT company.

More than 100 people attended the event, among those was Gov. Kay Ivey.

Mayor Yank Lovelace credited those who helped make the project possible including city council members, city staff, economic development officials and local legislators.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and this day is proof of that,” Lovelace said.

Ruggiero echoed Lovelace’s appreciation.

“So many people made this day possible,” he said. “A big ‘thank you’ goes to Coastal Gateway (Economic Development Alliance) who helped formulate solutions. They were the glue when things were broken and the oil when things needed to move faster.”

Ivey said the project is a perfect illustration of the state’s willingness to welcome new business.

“I know Provalus will be impressed with the bright people they can employ in Brewton,” Ivey said. “Today shows businesses that if you’re coming to expand jobs, then Alabama stands behind you. When Alabama businesses thrive, employees thrive, and the state thrives. It’s a win-win-win.”

The $6.5 million Provalus project will bring, at its peak, 300 new jobs to Brewton’s former Dogwood Hills Golf Course property. Construction on the first of three buildings will begin once Provalus has employed 50 people. Expected start date is mid-2018. Construction will take approximately one year. Once staffing levels reach 150, construction will begin on building No. 2 and at 200, on building No. 3.

The company will offer third party IT solutions and help desk for Fortune 2000 companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Apple, ExxonMobil and Toyota.

Ruggiero said the corporate mission is to “connects those in the tech field such as project managers, business analysts and technologists with positions in mobile technology, network design and cloud and application development careers.”

For more, see the Wednesday edition.