Ozark-Dale County Strategy: Diversification and Planned Growth

Ozark-Dale County has a diversified economy: agricultural commodities, industries, manufacturing, retail, services, and the military. From our target industries to mom-and-pop businesses and entrepreneurs, Dale County is the launchpad and mission control for your success.

TBIC FDI-Qualified sealYou can have confidence in our excellence in infrastructure, workforce preparedness, community leadership, cultural competence, and intercultural communication because we are certified! As a member of the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC), Ozark-Dale County’s business location assets for international investors underwent a comprehensive examination, including an extensive community survey, site assessment, and in-depth leadership training. In completing these steps, Ozark-Dale County demonstrated with distinction its readiness for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Many new businesses have opened their doors in Ozarks Downtown Square and Entertainment District. The next goal for Ozark-Dale County Economic Development (ODEDC) is growth along Highway 231. Let ODEDC expertly guide you through site selection, permitting, incentives, utilities, and more. We are your first step to putting your best foot forward. Contact us today!

“We visited Ozark in January 2023 for a [FDI-Qualified Community] re-certification assessment. The new executive director, Ms. Holle Smith, and her team impressed us with the quality of the preparation of information and the flawless execution of the on-site visit. Community and utility stakeholders joined her in highlighting the community’s location assets. With a county population of 50,000, this community excelled in areas that we rarely see in large metros as we focus on Leadership, Community, and Sites.

Comparing the overall rating given to Ozark-Dale County in our holistic assessment of community workforce, workforce training schools, talent pipeline, logistics, industry, economic trends, quality of life, and local leadership, Ms. Smith and her team achieved one of the highest scores of the 12 communities which have participated in this certification program. The detail and quality of their work stood out during our entire visit.”

— Mr. James Blair, Managing Director & Founder, Navigator Consulting LLC

Ozark-Dale County Advantages:

  • Location Advantages: Proximity to the Florida border, but with lower costs of doing business
  • Transportation Advantages: Four-lane access to interstates, a regional airport, rail, and convenient port access
  • Customizable Incentives: ODEDC specializes in connecting you to resources
  • Enhanced Incentives: Dale County is designated a “Targeted County”
  • Two Managed Industrial Parks: Prime real estate ready for your company
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)-Qualified Community: certified excellence in infrastructure, workforce preparedness, community leadership, cultural competence, and intercultural communication
  • Foreign Trade Zone Program
  • HUBZone Program
  • Enterprise and Opportunity Zones
  • Tax Advantages: Property taxes among the lowest in Alabama and the U.S. and no inventory tax, plus a Free Trade Zone
  • Skilled and Ample Regional Workforce: 200,000 labor shed in a 45-mile radius
  • Workforce Training: Alabama Aviation College, Troy University, Fortis College, AIDT (state worker training agency), and two community colleges provide training programs for specific industries