Dale projects highlighted at ODEDC meeting

Dale projects highlighted at ODEDC meeting Main Photo

13 Jun 2019


News

Economic development projects for Daleville, Pinckard, Midland City, Newton and Ariton were among accomplishments of the Ozark Dale County Economic Development Corporation highlighted at the annual investors dinner meeting May 30.

New StatMed facility opening in Daleville, $330 million projects in Pinckard, Midland City and Newton and downtown revitalization in Ariton were among the projects ODEDC President Veronica Crock outlined.

The Dale Medical Center StatMed Clinic, to be located at 808-B on Donnell Boulevard in Daleville, will offer urgent care, family medicine and industrial medicine, according to DMC Chief Executive Officer Vernon Johnson. It is expected to begin seeing clients in mid-June, he said.

The mission of ODEDC is to improve the economy through the creation and preservation of jobs for all of Dale County, Crock said in her report to investors. “We’re really here to celebrate you and your dedication to this community,” she said. “It’s been a really great year for us.”

Since ODEDC’s inception in 2012, 1,584 new jobs have been created in Dale County and more than $204 million in capital investment in the county. As of Jan. 1, ODEDC has 52 active projects and 333 jobs created.

“We have received FDI designation,” Crock said about the Transatlantic Business and Investment Council’s designation signaling readiness for foreign direct investment. “That means that we are a site that is right for international work.”

Other economic development highlights that Crock cited are Trident Aircraft coming and Coast Flight Training opening its third United States location, both at Blackwell Field in Ozark. “We are definitely an aviation-heavy county,” she said. “The sky’s the limit.

“I got approval today to talk a little bit about this,” Crock said with a smile. “Frit Industries is completing extensive facility upgrades in advance of potential expansion.”

GlobalStar Aero has been in the county business incubator and has expanded to the point that the company will move into their own facility. “We’re excited to see them go into the community and expand,” Crock said.

At the Alabama Aviation College campus, a Mechtronics and Commercial Driver’s License Training Program have been started, she added. “We’re always working with out schools and colleges to make sure the technical course offerings are relevant.

“I also got approval from the Ariton mayor today to talk a little bit about the revitalization efforts there,” Crock said. “We are working with state, county, city and community leaders on the Ariton Revitalization Project.

“We’re looking to relocate the commercial district, demolish old buildings and add a splash pad,” Crock said about the Ariton project. “The Dale County Commission has been instrumental in getting some of these things off the ground.”

Source: The Southeast Sun