By Staff
The Tri County Industrial Development Authority has launched a public/private fundraising campaign to raise $1.5 million over a five-year period.
The Tri-County Industrial Development Authority (TCIDA) is an alliance designed to leverage the combined resources and assets of Monroe, Conecuh and Escambia counties, creating a regional approach to economic development.
In November, the group agreed to undergo a regional assessment to better position the Tri County region for success. Funding Solutions, Inc., an economic development consulting firm based in Austin, Texas, was hired to conduct the assessment.
TCIDA chairman Yank Lovelace said, "The regional economic development initiative is working in other areas. The go-it-alone theory will not work to compete against larger communities. This $300,000 a year budget for economic development will put our three-county area on the map."
Lovelace said the fundraising currently underway will fund everything the authority needs, from a director, to operational funds, and economic development activities.
The group's new program of work will include marketing and recruitment, retention and expansion, flexible resources and special opportunities, and planning development.