State and Local Leaders Welcome New Economic Development Corporation

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct. 7, 2011 - Approximately 150 local and state leaders gathered at the Ozark Civic Center and heard the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation loudly proclaim that they have developed a foundation for a strong economic development organization.  The countywide organization kicked off the official start of the new organization to a crowd of leaders from the local community and across the State of Alabama.  In September, Eric Basinger began his role as the Executive Director of the organization.

The Economic Development Corporation’s Chairman John Fergusen said, “I am privileged to work with the wonderful group of individuals who serve on the Board of Directors.  We all know how much of a jewel Ozark and Dale County is and now we will market that message to prospects around the globe.”  

Leadership in attendance included several executives from the Alabama Development Office whose primary function is to recruit business to the State of Alabama.  Alabama Development Office Recruitment Division Director David Hutchison remarked, “We're glad to have Eric back in Alabama to rejoin the economic development team.  Dale County is fortunate to have someone with his experience and expertise to lead their effort.  We look forward to working with him and his leadership to bring jobs to Dale County and Alabama.”

“The Dale County Commission is proud to be a part of this process to bring about a countywide economic development organization.  With the County Commission, the City of Ozark and the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce moving forward in the same direction on economic development the sky is the limit for what we will be able to accomplish,” said Dale County Commissioner Doug Williamson whose organization was one of the founders of the Economic Development Corporation.

“We know that there is strength in numbers and by unifying the City of Ozark, the Dale County Commission and the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of economic development we will be providing our community with a more prosperous future,” said City of Ozark Mayor Billy Blackwell whose organization also founded the Corporation.

“The local business community is excited and energized by the public and private partnership that has been created and the job creating opportunities that will be created by the Economic Development Corporation,” said Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce President Trent Dillard representing the a founding organization of the Corporation.

About the Economic Development Corporation:
The Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership that’s sole purpose is to promote economic development within Dale County.  Representatives from the City of Ozark, the Dale County Commission, and the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce comprise the Board of Directors for the EDC.  The office of the Economic Development Corporation is located on the campus of the Alabama Aviation College.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11687594/1