By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP – Managing Editor
The Southwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance (SWAEDA) met recently in Evergreen to discuss this past year's economic development activity.
Among those in attendance was Escambia County Industrial Development Board Director Marshall Rogers. She said the group has stayed busy since learning about the opening of a Hyundai plant in Montgomery.
SWAEDA became more active in advertising the area as a result of the announcement. Members attended a Detroit auto show and a Korean cultural seminar in Greenville, Ala. A multi-county article about four of the represented counties appeared in "Business Alabama." Also, SWAEDA participated in The South Alabama Aviation Advantage by developing a brochure and attending a trade show in Orlando.
SWAEDA has been working especially close with the Alabama Ecomomic Development Office on attracting Hyundai spinoffs.
Rogers, who has served as secretary-treasurer of SWAEDA for about 10 years, was re-appointed to that post during the recent meeting. Eric Basinger, of the Conecuh County Economic Development Authority, was named president for 2003.
SWAEDA is comprised of Baldwin, Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia and Monroe counties.