Ozark-Dale County EDC Celebrates 15 Years With an Evening of Appreciation

The Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) recently celebrated 15 years of progress during its annual Evening of Appreciation dinner. This event brings together ODEDC investors, board members, elected officials, community leaders, public partners, and news media who all play an essential role in growing the county.

Holle Smith, president of ODEDC, spoke about the importance of economic development and the organization's accomplishments throughout its existence.

“Our story and community attract growth and drive prosperity,” she says. “We want to thank each of you for being a character in our story that has worked in some way to help it unfold.”

Storytelling was the central theme of the night, and Smith and her team told ODEDC’s history through the lens of a fairytale. Here’s how ODEDC grew its economic development efforts, turning a few magic beans into a thriving beanstalk. 

Ozark–Dale County Economic Development: A Story of Progress

Once upon a time (in 2010), a group of community leaders met in Dale County. The goal was to create new opportunities to work and thrive in this particular corner of Southeast Alabama. What started as “Project Liftoff” turned into the formation of the Ozark–Dale County Economic Development Corporation.

Its mission was simple but powerful: “Let’s build a brighter future for everyone who calls this place home.” The team looked at what made Dale County special to play up its strengths:

• Proximity to Fort Rucker, where soldiers train to protect the nation.
• Skilled workers with strong hands and bright ideas.
• Land and infrastructure that are ready for new companies.
• A community that cares deeply about its home and each other.

The economic development team rolled up its sleeves and got to work. It identified and prepared industrial parks, further improved infrastructure, and developed local partnerships.
The newly-formed ODEDC wanted businesses to know, “Dale County is open for growth!”
And soon, progress began. New industries came, offering jobs in aviation, manufacturing, and technology. Local entrepreneurs opened shops, restaurants, and services that made daily life brighter.

With every new project, opportunities grew. Parents found stable jobs. Young people discovered reasons to stay and build their future right at home. Retirees enjoyed a safe, welcoming, and full-of-life community.

The ODEDC team knew economic development wasn’t just about buildings and businesses. It was about people. They supported schools, strengthened partnerships, and created programs that lifted families. Neighbors saw progress everywhere, from the better educational opportunities for students to parks and playgrounds where people could gather. The downtown started coming to life.

Dale County: The Story Continues

As more people and organizations heard about ODEDC and how it helped Dale County, they decided to get involved. Many hands made light work, and the economic development team could take on more projects and work with other community leaders to make dreams a reality.

Fifteen years after Project Liftoff began, ODEDC evaluated the fruits of its labor. Since its creation, ODEDC:

• Worked to create more than 1,000 industrial jobs in the county.
• Bought in more than $350,000,000 in industrial investment.
• Recruited national brand retailers, supporting job creation and quality of life investment. 
• Has secured nearly $1million in grant funding.
• Assisted countless small business establishments and 35 entrepreneur incubator graduates.

The people of Ozark worked so hard that the Alabama League of Municipalities even recognized it as an Alabama Community of Excellence (ACE) for all of its hard work – a designation ODEDC maintains to this day.

ODEDC isn’t ready for a “Happily Ever After.” There’s still plenty to do and new opportunities to bring to the region. Instead of an ending, this is a beginning. When a place invests in its people, everyone grows together. Our story is “To Be Continued.” 

Thank You to Everyone Who Contributed to the Story

Anyone in Dale County can shape this region and help it grow. ODEDC would specifically like to thank members of the legislative delegation for advocating for the region and representing Southeast Alabama. These elected officials include:  

• Alabama State Representative Steve Clouse
• Alabama State Senator Donnie Chesteen 
• Alabama State Representative Marcus Paramore
• Alabama State Senator Josh Carnley 
• Representatives from the offices of Tommy Tuberville, Senator Katie Britt, and Representative Barry Moore.

“Everywhere I go, people mention how the Wiregrass has the absolute best legislators,” says Smith. “This reiterates the collaborative and helpful sense of regionalism in our corner of the state.”

ODEDC would also like to thank local education leaders for their support, including Dr. Kathy Murphy, President of Wallace Community College, President Danny Long from Enterprise State Community College, and Stan Smith, Director of Alabama Aviation College.

This night could not have been possible without the event’s sponsors: Dale Medical Center, Pea River Electric, Southeast Gas, C Spire, and The Ozark Warehouse. Thank you for your continued support. 

Join the Quest to Grow Dale County 

If you want to be part of our “To Be Continued,” consider becoming an investor in ODEDC. There are multiple investor benefits, including being involved in the growth of your local community. Together, we can continue to develop opportunities in Dale County that will create jobs and support life here. Let’s make something amazing together.

Contact us if you want more information on ODEDC and its investor program.