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Community Heroes Series
From the May 2003 issue of Alabama Living magazine
Article by Kay Marshall
Community
Development Foundation of Marion County, West Alabama Economic Development
Association, Guin IDB, Hamilton IDB, and Winfield IDB . What do
these organizations mean to the denizens of Marion  and
Lamar County? A lot.
These industrial recruiting organizations are striving to provide
economic and industrial stability and progress for our areas. Having
these organizations working for us is an asset for our communities
of untold value. Let’s get up-close and personal with the two
most prominent of these organizations for Lamar County and Marion
County. Each of theorganizations was contacted and six questions
were put to each one.
But first an introduction...
Community Development Foundation
of Marion Co.
www.CDFAL.org
The CDF was organized out of concern for the people who had lost
jobs and concern about the long-term viability of the communities.
This organization also supports the efforts of three other community
Industrual Development Boards in Guin, Hamilton, and Winfield. CDF
Director, David Graham, explained that although the CDF is the main
entity, in Marion County, for ecomonic endeavors all of the IDB’s
work in conjunction with the CDF as well as looking out for their
own cities opportunities.
“We have to develop a nitch that sets us apart from the others
and many times that nitch amounts to the incentives the communities
are willing to offer,” said Graham. “Our board has members
from every town and the county. I see our organization as the champion
for the county- the one organization that stays focused on the big
picture items that will make a real positive difference for everyone,
“ Graham continued.
The CDF has another very hard-working public face in assistant Debra
Cochran. Their office is in the Bevill Community Building on the
Hamilton campus.
For more information call 205.952.9274, or email them at
ContactUs@CDFAL.org.
As a special note - Tombigbee.Net is pleased to annouce the launching
of the CDF site through our own web developing team. We’re
proud to be a part of the CDF’s global success!
West Alabama Economic Development
Authority
www.WestAlabamaEDA.org
The West Alabama Economic Development Authority (WAEDA) is a quasi-public
agency encompassing three counties in West Alabama. The counties
represented by the organization include Fayette, Lamar and Pickens
counties. WAEDA was formed in October 2000 by state statute, with
the sole purpose of promoting economic development throughout the
tri-county region.
Their mission is to promote and enhance the economic well being
of all citizens, businesses and industry in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens
counties through effective planning and proven development strategies.
WAEDA, at this writing, is under the guidance of Deanna Morgan and
is run from their offices on the campus of Bevill State Community
College, in Fayette, Alabama.
For more information call 205.932.3221, or email Ms. Morgan
at contactus@WestAlabamaEDA.org.
Tombigbee.Net is also pleased to have had the opportunity of developing
WAEDA’s website as well. Check out their site today.
SIX QUESTIONS
These questions were asked to the following:
CDF Director - David Graham
West Alabama EDA Assistant / Interium Director: Deanna Morgan
Winfield Mayor - Bill West
Guin IDB Chair - Bobby Bellew
Hamilton IDB Chair - Bobby Holliday
1. What would you most like for the readers to understand
about your position as an economic recruiter in our area?
CDF: To be patient. Economic
development is a long-term process requiring a lot of commitment.
Right now the greatest concern is how to lower our unemployment
rate and get more people to work. About 25% of our workforce drives
out of the county to work. When people have to do this they will
buy their gasoline, groceries cloths and many other items in those
communities where they work, just out of convenience and availability.
We want to keep that money here. We're in an area that has lost
a great number of jobs (about 5000 total) out of a population of
31,000 people. We are experiencing a depressed economy almost everywhere
in our nation due a number of factors including the tremendous competition
from China for our manufacturing base. Labor there is very cheap,
they are becoming more technologically advanced, and when our US
companies build new plants there, the people are working with completely
new state of the art equipment. The activity of companies looking
to expand seems to be much slower than just a few months ago. Recruitment
of an industry is difficult because we are competing with so many
other communities.
WAEDA: Economic Development
is a team effort. From the mayor to the plant manager to the librarian
to the football coach, everyone should do their part in selling
the community and making it a better place to live and work. Our
job is to help everyone understand the role each person plays and
to develop and facilitate plans that will expand the economy.
Mayor West:
Personally, you have to keep a positive attitude because
you make so many contacts and most are not successful. But in my
opinion, to be successful you just have to be very persistence.
Persistence is the key.
I've always tried to make something positive out of something negative
and that's difficult to do sometimes but if you're going to be successful
that's very important.
Bobby Holliday: That we're
exploring the potential of purchasing 400 acres in Weston and 300
acres in the Fulton Bridge area with an
option on 45 acres at Fulton Bridge for commercial developmenet
such as grocery stores, etc.
IDB: Our greatest concern is
the welfare of the people here in Guin and in Marion County and
that's why this organization was founded. Lost jobs and having to
drive great distances just to make a living are what we're trying
to put an end to. We want to bring the jobs back into Guin and improve
the quality of life for our citizens here.
2. What are the goals you have for the remainder of 2003 and
2004?
CDF: To continue to diversify
our manufacturing base. We are targeting some 2nd and 3rd tier suppliers
for the automotive industries such as plastics and metal moldings.
We want to continue retraining the workforce and some of our new
companies are doing this. People here have a lot of ability and
they are proving it. Those that were sewing garments just a few
years ago have been retrained to work in the new customer service
centers for major computer manufacturers. Of course first and foremost
is working to bring in jobs during these hard economic times. We
will continue to work with our existing industries to help them
remain viable and hopefully expand their operations.
WAEDA: We have adopted a five-year
plan that outlines our goals for our counties future. You can view
a copy of this plan on our Website.
Mayor West:
To try to create more jobs in a very difficult environment
and also to try to come up with funding sources to create economic
opportunity... and that's the most difficult of all.
Bobby Holliday: We are working
to create more and better jobs, particularly for the unemployed,
now and for the future people entering the workforce. We're trying
to plan for the future and our children's futures.
Our goal is for people to experience the American Dream here in
our area and not have to go to other areas to achieve that goal.
IDB: As a whole, one of our
goals locally is to get going on our land annexation that we're
trying to do. It's a very important part of Guin's future. We're
going to attempt to do what we can with Corridor X Commercial and
Industrial properties and to recruit industries to the buildings
that we already have. However, we can't do anything with it until
we can get it annexed.
3. What represents the county (counties) most important factor
in getting industry here?
CDF: There's more than just
one. From an organizational standpoint it takes a LOT of teamwork
- our primary function is to work countywide. The county commissioners,
mayors and town councils have to support each other and usually
are involved at some point in the recruitment effort. We are very
fortunate that all of our public bodies partnered to form CDF. Senator
Roger Bedford and Representative Mike Millican have been very supportive
of our efforts to recruit industry. It would have been very difficult
to recruit some of our new companies without their help. Another
factor is the fact that we have available land owned or controlled
by the towns with most of the water, sewer, gas, power and other
infrastructure already in place. It's a sad fact that one of the
most important factors is having a high unemployment rate, which
was created by the very problem we are trying to solve, the loss
of industry.
WAEDA: There must be prepared
sites available for industry. If we do not have available sites
with appropriate infrastructures in place then we really are not
in business to promote our communities.
Mayor West:
I think that one reason that we've been reasonably successful,
in very difficult times, is that the cities and counties are working
together more than anytime in recent history. Of course, we have
the CDF and all of the cities in the county are participating in
it which is successful in and of itself… and I think we've
done that.
Bobby Holliday: Available land…
and available trainable workforce.
We have a lot of unemployed so we've got people. But the key thing
is that they are trainable. Just about any industry that we bring
in here we can supply the numbers and an adequate workforce and
we can pull from the surrounding counties that have relatively high
unemployment as well. Our workforce is reliable; we're finding that
from our existing industries. We were over in Tupelo interviewing
a company and they told us that they wished that they had a whole
plant full of Marion County workers because they are so very dependable.
IDB: The proximity to Corridor
X. It will really boost our chances in getting industry into the
Hamilton, Guin and Winfield areas.
The training centers that have been developed in Hamilton and Winfield
know as the AIDT (Alabama Industrial Development Training) is a
program that is a major entity when it comes to bringing industry
in to a community.
Competition is good between the cities but when it's used against
each other it hurts everyone. When we work together we all benefit.
4. What about the education status and the general workforce?
CDF: We have a labor force with
many skills but the average age of the workforce is 39 years and
is higher than most every other part of the state. This means we
don't have enough jobs to keep our young people here so this increases
our average age. That doesn't speak well for our future in recruiting
companies.
On education, if we were really serious about having better education
systems, our high schools would be consolidated in counties with
several small high schools. More courses could be offered because
more students in a single high school would justify the class. Some
of our schools are struggling to offer the basic required curriculum.
We would be able to support more sports and compete with larger
schools. Certainly industry executives that might move to an area
want the best education their children can get.
Tax dollars need to be allocated for things such as industry recruitment,
developing more property to bring in new industries; otherwise,
we are spending tax dollars to educate the future workforce for
Birmingham, Atlanta, Tuscaloosa and other cities where higher quality
jobs are available. We seriously need to look at our tax structure
because there is not enough revenue for the county and towns to
go to the next level of development. Taxes have been kept too low
for too long and now this generation will likely have to pay the
price or continue in a downward spiral. We boast about having the
lowest taxes in the state and nation, but what's there to boast
about when we can't assure our children of a good job?
WAEDA: Our area has lost over
3,500 jobs over the past five years. What's important is that we
have an available workforce that is ready, willing and able to perform.
Mayor West:
In Winfield we usually have scores in the top 5, as far as
SAT scores, in the state. That's important attribute when trying
to recruit high-tech industry.
Bobby Holliday: Most everyone
in our area is a high school graduate. The key again, is being TRAINABLE.
Take Service Zone, for example… 90% of the employees there
did not have computer experience but have been able to be trained.
Service Zone is very pleased with the efforts of our local workforce.
IDB: The lack of having a four-year
college close by hurts our communities. There has been a tremendous
loss of jobs in the past few years. We've found that instead of
finding another job the jobless have gone BACK to school to re-educate
themselves and have, in the process, become more qualified workers.
That benefits our total workforce. But let me stress that even the
people who didn't go back to school are still quite willing to work.
We have able hands that are very willing and able to work and learn
new job skills. Think Service Zone.
5. How many new industries have been bought to the area as
a direct influence of your organization?
CDF: Service
Zone - Hamilton & Winfield, Bunk House Conversions, Southeastern
Converting, Modular Engineering, Metal Components Mfg., Tullahoma
industries, worked with existing local companies, Hardin Mfg, Hamilton
Bathware, and Door Components. These companies have created about
1200 jobs that are in place now, with a commitment of 1900 total
jobs after all of the companies are in full operation. This amounted
to about $40 million in new investment in the county.
WAEDA:
Our organization is only two years old. What's important
for everyone to understand is that our work is long term. There
are 15,000 ED organizations across the U.S. vying for projects.
First we must have good product to sell (industrial sites) and we
are currently focusing our efforts on this and in assisting our
existing industries.
Mayor West:
Well, through the efforts of the city of Winfield and the
help of the CDF, in the last 2 years we've recruited three new industries.
Service Zone, an inbound call-center; Southeastern Converting, a
tire-cord manufacturer; and Bunkhouse Conversions which makes high-end
horse-carriers.
In this area, Marion County & NW Alabama, we've been tied to
the coal-mining industry, the mobile home industry and the textile
industry and unfortunately they have declined… and that's putting
it mildly. We're trying to use this opportunity to diversify or
to cushion any downturn in the future.
The Fruit of the Loom mill that closed had an attendance rate of
99.4 and won all kinds of awards. They had wonderful employees but
the problem was that the machinery was worn out. Our city and our
employees cannot control that and I promised the employees that
I might not bring it back but that I would try to replace the jobs
that were lost.
When you're talking about jobs, you're talking about people's LIVES.
We spend money trying to make our kids smart then they have to move
off because there are no jobs here for them.
Bobby Holliday: We've helped
to recruit and bring in Service Zone, Bunk House conversions, Southeastern
Converting, Modular Engineering, Metal Components Mfg., Tullahoma
industries, and we've worked with existing local companies as well.
These companies have created
about 1200 jobs that are in place now with a commitment of 1900
total jobs after all of the companies are in full operation. This
amounted to about $40 million in new investment in the county.
IDB: Right now we've not had
a major industry in this area... yet. Hopefully we'll have something
here soon. The main thing is to keep on persuing these goals and
working toward being ready for the opportunity when it comes our
way.
6. How can citizens help your organization?
CDF: People can help by informing
us of any rumors of a business that's looking for a place to expand
or relocate. There could executives of major corporations around
the country who grew up in some part of Marion County that could
influence a company's decision to locate here.
WAEDA: The best way the public can help is by supporting the efforts
we make. Support your city councils and mayors because we can do
more as a group than as an individual.
WAEDA: The best way the public
can help is by supporting the efforts we make. Support your city
councils and mayors because we can do more as a group than as an
individual.
Mayor West:
Well, we'd like their support and support for the CDF. Also,
if they hear of any tips on industry we'd be glad to follow-up on
it. Because one of the new industries that we have was due to a
tip from a local person that was then followed up on. It's a lot
easier for 5000 people to recruit than one.
Bobby Holliday: Support the
efforts. Give the council-people and the Mayors the support they
need. It takes time. You must have the land, or control of the land
with the infrastructure in place before you can even get a prospect.
So give encouragement to those that are elected. The Hamilton IDB
is appointed by the city council and they have rotating terms. When
appointment time comes they'll have a list of people to choose from
of people who have let their desire to be a part of the team known.
Attending IDB meetings or expressing a desire to do something other
than just saying that they support it is always welcome.
We have to remember that every town in Alabama , particularly
in NW Alabama, is competing for prospects. We have to be very competitive.
We really need the support of all local peoples to get out there
and attract the potential of industrial recruitment.
With NAFCA - a lot of our industries have gone to other countries
so it's a bidding war and we must do whatever we possibly can so
that we can be ready to land It for our area.
The CDF is the greatest thing to happen to Marion County - we would
not have these new industries w/o the aid of the CDF, it is a tremendous
contribution to our county.
IDB: Our board members rotate
so basically when there's an opening within the board itself, nominations
are made. The individual(s) that is nominated is then contacted
and the city council has to approve the nomination.
The way people can help the most is by informing us of prospects.
As well, when new industries come into town it would be great if
people from the area would go by and welcome the newcomers and let
them know you're happy that they're here.
If there is any industrial-type function we would encourage our
citizens to attend it. For example: Auburn University has a program
where they're revitalizing the community and the public is invited
to attend and show their support. That's what we're encouraging
people in our area to do as well.
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