Blueprint for Tomorrow has had a tremendous economic impact on the Eastern Shore. Over the last five years, the BFT programs and projects have provided a team approach to economic and community development. We are uniting our Eastern Shore cities, elected officials and corporate leadership. We have laid a solid foundation for our future. The return on the investment in Blueprint for Tomorrow has yielded great dividends – jobs, educational programs, tax revenues and an improved quality of life.
We can’t stop now. The success of the past is only sustainable with our eyes to the future. We are our own best solution to economic stability and growth on the Eastern Shore. The pace and complexity of change and global competition facing businesses today puts a premium on regions like ours that can deliver distinct advantages for companies, talent and investment. The need for the Eastern Shore to compete at this level is unprecedented. It is imperative that we capitalize on our area’s assets and develop new programs and projects equal to the challenge. It’s time to implement Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow.
I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • Aggressively pursue the development of the Technology Innovation Center (TIC)
• Create and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote living, working, playing and business recruitment on the Eastern Shore
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT • Expand the “Life Skills” program (helping youth determine their career path)
• Expand the “STEPS” program (helping 10-12th grade students explore career opportunities in south Alabama’s high demand industries)
II. TOURISM • Expand the marketing of the Eastern Shore as a tourist destination
• Organize and market an Eastern Shore mega-sports venue utilizing existing and new sports facilities that will draw state and regional sports tournaments
III. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS • Improve alternative forms of transportation and educate the public regarding its importance
• Aggressively pursue the completion of all of the North/South transportation corridors as well as the implementation of the Mobile Bay Bridge project and encourage widening of I-10 from the Bay Bridge to the Florida border
• Develop and implement a governmental Action Plan to benefit the Eastern Shore on a regional /state/national basis
• Educate business and industry regarding “green initiatives” and ways local businesses can grow and profit by “being green”
For further information on Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow, please contact Patrick Brennan at The Chamber of Commerce Office 251.928.6387 extension 3141or BBT@eschamber.com.
