By Staff
EDA working to improve entire region
Working out of a tidy little trailer just off the interstate for the past year, the Coastal Gateway Economic Development Authority has been helping to build the future for Escambia, Monroe and Conecuh counties.
The EDA began as a tri-county partnership designed to improve the economy and attract jobs and industry to the region.
Why a partnership among the counties? Because what's good for the region is good for everyone. A new industry in Castleberry, for example, can draw new residents to the Brewton area - who will also shop in our stores and bring sales tax revenue to our community.
So far, the EDA - working in conjunction with local economic development groups - has helped draw several industries to the area. But perhaps even more important, the EDA board and its staff have laid a foundation for greater success in the future by making contacts, establishing relationships and making community improvements a top priority.
Investors in the EDA have ranged from county and municipal governments to banks to small businesses. Each one of these investors sees the importance of a public-private regional partnership that will help us improve not only our economy but also our quality of life.
As these businesses and governments look to a new year for the EDA, we hope they will continue their investment. What we have seen is only the beginning of success for our economy and for our communities.