Fairhope, Ala. – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has named the Baldwin
County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA) an Excellence in Economic Development Award
recipient among three categories in the 200,000-500,000 population size range. BCEDA received an
IEDC Excellence Award for Best Special Event, Best Use of Federal Economic Development Resources,
and EDO of the Year.
BCEDA received the Gold Award in the Special Event category for the Novelis Procurement Event they
hosted earlier this year. This event supported economic development in Baldwin County, Alabama, by
facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities between local industry leaders and Novelis, a
company making a substantial capital investment of $2.5 billion and creating over 1,000 new jobs. This
event ensured that local partners and service providers had the opportunity to work with Novelis and
keep the project efforts local to continue enhancing the community’s economy.
IEDC also awarded the Bronze Award for Best Use of Federal Economic Development Resources
regarding the $2.5 million grant the Economic Development Administration awarded the City of
Fairhope to establish a business resource hub for technology entrepreneurs at Hatch Fairhope through
the renovations of the former Fairhope K-1 Center.
Lastly, BCEDA received the Bronze Award for EDO of the Year for its efforts in economic development
in Baldwin County, recent accomplishments, and other initiatives and programming to support the
community. “The Alliance represents the best of the best due to our long-term strategic planning,
organizational development efforts, significant community impact, innovation and creativity, and
collaboration and support from stakeholders,” says Lee Lawson, President & CEO of BCEDA. “Our
commitment to strategic planning ensures that economic development efforts align with the
community’s vision and needs.”
In addition to these awards, the Alliance has received three other awards this year. The Business
Concept designated Baldwin County an Excellence Award for Local Aerospace Industry Development
Services. Area Development awarded Alabama a Silver Shovel for setting a state record of $10.1 billion
in new capital investment, of which Baldwin County garnered $2.5 billion. Area Development also
awarded Novelis a Manufacturing Project of the Year for their investment in Baldwin County and for
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19th, 2023
creating over 1,000 jobs. This represents one of the largest economic development projects in the
State of Alabama’s history.
The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance is a partnership of local public and private
professionals, leaders, and officials dedicated to providing opportunities for businesses in Baldwin
County, growing and improving the county’s economy, and ensuring exceptional quality of life for
Baldwin County’s residents and employees. Our organization focuses on developing a diverse industry
base through economic and business development endeavors that will ultimately create jobs, generate
capital investment, and increase the quality of life in our area. The Alliance’s strategic efforts include
marketing, business recruitment, talent and workforce development, state and local government
affairs, data-driven research, existing industry support, and entrepreneurial assistance.
The International Economic Development Council is a non-profit, non-partisan membership
organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest
organization of its kind. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s
members are engaged in the full range of economic development experiences. IEDC’s members create
high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. As the
largest membership organization for economic developers, IEDC is the top resource for economic
development organizations and provides services that position our members for success in the United
States and worldwide.
For more information about the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and its work, visit
www.baldwineda.com.
