Searcy speaks on economic development at Chamber luncheon

At the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Tuesday, June 17, the keynote speaker was Jim Searcy, executive director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA). Xceligent, a real estate information service, sponsored the luncheon.

Searcy spoke about the goals of the EDAA and his own beginning in the economic development business. He also listed the keys of success for drawing new business into the state: a well-educated work force, existing infrastructure and competitive incentives. Searcy said Alabama has difficulties in providing these attractions, which is why it sometimes loses major businesses to other states.

At the end of his speech, Searcy answered questions from the audience about economic development in Alabama.

During the luncheon, the Chamber also recognized longtime members Rilla Foley, a former Chamber president who is retiring from Harmony Landing on June 30, and Dorothy McDaniel, who is relocating her flower shop to downtown Birmingham. Pattie Lovoy and Jennifer Stevenson of the Lakeshore Foundation spoke about the foundation’s upcoming Amazing Race fundraiser, and Steve Preston shared details of the Chamber golf tournament in October. The Chamber also gave away tickets to the golf tournament, a pass to the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest at Red Mountain Park and a $100 gift card to Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market.

There will not be a Chamber luncheon in July. The next luncheon will be Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club. The speaker will be Mary Helmer, the president and state coordinator for the State of Alabama Main Street program.