By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – Publisher
The Coastal Gateway Economic Development Authority is considering a partnership with a southwest Alabama tourism group.
Linda Spinks Vice with the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission spoke Wednesday to authority board members about the benefits of promoting tourism, which she said can supplement Coastal Gateway's economic and community development goals.
The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission is a partnership of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties.
Authority board member Sam Covert said the CGEDA has considered promoting tourism in the tri-county area of Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe counties, especially the birding opportunities.
Vice said tourism brings money - and attention - to a region.
The board asked CGEDA Director Wiley Blankenship to work with other board members on a proposal to contract with the Tombigbee commission.
Sandy Smith, a board member and executive director of the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce, said partnering with the Tombigbee group could boost the EDA's tourism efforts.
In other business Wednesday: