Talladega, AL – On Thursday, September 19, East Alabama celebrated the official launch of ONE East Alabama, a newly formed regional economic development 501(c)(6) organization, during a high-profile event held at the iconic Talladega Superspeedway. This event marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to position East Alabama’s nine counties—Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, Tallapoosa, and Talladega—as a premier business destination.
ONE East Alabama’s mission is to attract investment and generate high-quality employment opportunities through a coordinated strategy encompassing economic development, education, workforce development, and tourism. The organization seeks to unite the strengths of the region to enhance the overall prosperity and quality of life for all communities involved.
Terry Smiley, Board Chair of ONE East Alabama and Eastern Division Vice President at Alabama Power Company, spoke passionately about the initiative. “ONE East Alabama represents a unified approach to economic development that will position East Alabama as a top-tier destination for business and industry,” Smiley stated. “By coming together as one, with a unified approach to industrial recruitment and retention, education and workforce development, and tourism, we will empower the future success of the communities across the region.”
This strategic initiative is designed to create a more robust economic framework, focusing on the unique strengths of each county while promoting collaboration among them. The overarching goal is to ensure that the economic benefits of development are felt across all communities, particularly in smaller towns that often lack resources.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, educators, and community representatives from each of the nine counties. The attendees had the opportunity to learn about ONE East Alabama’s strategic initiatives and how they could contribute to and benefit from the region’s growth.
Brian Creighton, President of Talladega Superspeedway, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of hosting such a pivotal event at a venue synonymous with speed and excitement. “This is the biggest, the baddest, and the fastest racetrack on the planet,” Creighton declared, highlighting the significant economic impact of NASCAR events, with over 200,000 visitors expected during race weekends. “These events drive tourism and local spending, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and businesses in the region,” he added, expressing pride in being a part of the launch of this new initiative.
Dr. Don Killingsworth, President of Jacksonville State University, underscored the importance of collaboration between local businesses, educational institutions, and community leaders. “This partnership is vital to the university because it’s laying the groundwork for a thriving regional economy that our students can step into when they graduate,” he stated. Dr. Killingsworth noted that the university has seen a record enrollment of nearly 10,000 students this fall, which he linked directly to the economic potential of the region.
The concept of regional collaboration is not new but has gained momentum in East Alabama, particularly in light of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local leaders recognized the need for a cohesive strategy that transcends individual county efforts. “By joining forces, our region, with a combined population of around 700,000, will have more influence when seeking business opportunities and government support,” stated Commissioner Danny Shears. He emphasized how bringing new industry to the area benefits everyone, fostering local commerce and community growth.
Anniston City Councilmember Ciara Smith, stated, “Regional efforts are vital in advancing workforce development, tourism, and economic growth, which collectively enhance the quality of life for all. The City of Anniston proudly supports the progress happening in our region, and we are committed to playing our part in driving these initiatives forward. I am truly excited for the future!”
Mayor Alberta McCrory of Hobson City shared her enthusiasm about the new alliance, stating, “Collaboration is key to success. Being part of a larger initiative gives small towns like Hobson City the opportunity to grow and benefit from shared resources.” She highlighted Hobson City’s efforts in cultural heritage tourism and expressed optimism for the future impact of the initiative.
The event featured prominent local and state leaders who expressed their support for the ONE East Alabama initiative. Mike Raida, regional director for Senator Tommy Tuberville, emphasized the significance of a regional approach to economic development. “This is the regional concept I have been pushing since 2016. I appreciate Alabama Power and all those who have been involved in getting this kicked off,” stated Mayor Alton Craft. His recognition of collaborative efforts underscored the importance of building relationships between various levels of government.
Jo Ann Fambrough, Mayor of Munford, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “ONE EAST can open many doors for our area.” This optimism was shared by Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge, who remarked, “It’s great to see the region working together for a common goal.” Such statements reflect a growing sense of unity among local leaders who understand that collaboration is essential for driving economic growth.
Commissioner Lee Patterson expressed admiration for the turnout at the unveiling. “I was very impressed with the support that showed up for the unveiling of ONE East. There was representation from the local, state, and federal levels, with a special video message from Gov. Ivey. I see a bright future for East Alabama in this new venture. I am honored that the commission has decided to support ONE East,” Patterson remarked, highlighting the importance of regional support.
Melissa Battles, representing Senator Katie Britt, praised the dedication of all attendees to advancing economic development in East Alabama. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Such partnerships will benefit the region for years to come.”
Commissioner Danny Shears shared his excitement about the One East Alabama initiative, where multiple counties and cities are collaborating to create a unified voice for economic development and grant applications. By joining forces, the region, with a combined population of around 700,000, will have more influence when seeking business opportunities and government support. Shears highlighted how bringing new industry to the area benefits everyone, from small business owners to local communities, as it leads to more residents, families, and local commerce. He emphasized that regional cooperation has been successful in other parts of the state, and One East will build on those examples to strengthen East Alabama’s collective impact.
“This is the regional concept I have been pushing since 2016. I appreciate Alabama Power and all those who have been involved in getting this kicked off,” said Mayor Alton Craft.
“It’s great to see the region working together for a common goal” Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge
With its mission to unite the region’s strengths and enhance economic prospects, ONE East Alabama is poised to usher in a new era of growth and opportunity. As stakeholders rally around this initiative, the collective efforts aim to create a thriving environment that benefits everyone in the East Alabama community.
Education is a cornerstone of ONE East Alabama’s strategy. The organization aims to bridge the gap between local industries and educational institutions to ensure that students are prepared for the workforce. By aligning curricula with industry needs, ONE East Alabama hopes to create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to fill available jobs.
Dr. Killingsworth emphasized the critical role that education plays in economic development. “Our goal is to ensure that students are not only educated but also trained in the skills that employers are looking for,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by other leaders who noted the importance of internships, apprenticeships, and workforce training programs that provide students with hands-on experience.
Local businesses are encouraged to actively participate in this process by offering internship opportunities, mentoring students, and collaborating with schools to develop programs that meet the needs of the local economy. This proactive approach will help ensure that East Alabama’s workforce is competitive and ready for the future.
As the event concluded, it became clear that ONE East Alabama is more than just an economic development initiative; it is a vision for the future of the region. With its focus on collaboration, education, and community engagement, the initiative aims to transform East Alabama into a thriving hub for business and innovation.
The enthusiastic response from local leaders and stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to making this vision a reality. “Together, we are building something that will impact generations to come,” remarked Jackie Lowry from Alabama Power, highlighting the significance of this collective effort.
In summary, ONE East Alabama stands poised not only to boost local economies but also to create pathways for students and businesses to thrive without leaving the region. As the collective spirit of East Alabama continues to grow, so does the promise of a prosperous future for its communities.
Videos and Photos by Shasta Jones
