Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance

Located in South Alabama, the counties of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe offer 36 industrial sites; 36 industrial and spec buildings; and 7 municipal airports. I-65 and US Highways 84, 43, 31 and 29 cross the region providing an excellent transportation infrastructure. The Coastal Gateway Region, with a population of 112,427, is located one hour from the Port of Mobile and the Mobile Regional Airport, and is within 45 miles of I-10. Many communities are less than 5 miles from Interstate 65. The Alabama River and Tombigbee River flow through the center of the region, which also boasts two Class I Railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX; and two Class III railroads: the Alabama and Gulf Coast Railway, and the Alabama Railroad. Major economic opportunities impacting the area include ThyssenKrupp USA, Austal USA, Vector Aerospace, Georgia Pacific, Alabama River Cellulose, Boise Cascade, Lakeside Steel Alabama, Guyoung Tech USA, and T.R. Miller Mill Company. Local schools rank among the top in the nation in terms of test scores, and both public schools and private academies are available. Higher education includes Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville, Thomasville, Jackson and Gilbertown; Faulkner University in Atmore; Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton and Atmore; Alabama State University in Brewton; Reid State Technical College in Evergreen; and McCullough Christian Center Bible College in Atmore, as well as several universities and colleges in nearby Mobile. Housing costs are well below the national average and quality of life is among the highest in the nation. The region also offers an attractive year round climate (annual average mean temperature of 64° F), lower utility costs, shorter commutes and a skilled workforce.