Regionalism in AL

This week is my regionalism week. Earlier, I reported on an impressive four county regional effort in NW KY. Today, I’ve found a similar project ongoing in AL.

Wiley Blankenship is the president of Coastal Gateway, a five county ED effort that encompasses 25 towns in southwest AL. They’ve raised $3.7 million for the next five years to promote these five counties in a very focused manner.

Their four areas of emphasis are:

Wood Products
Aviation
Transportation and Distribution
Manufacturing

I am impressed with the Coastal Gateway’s start. I plan to see how they develop and succeed.