Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow

Value Statement - Financial Institutions

Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow is a community-wide initiative of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce to stimulate economic and community development on the Eastern Shore. This bold five-year program continues the progress established through the Blueprint for Tomorrow initiative and re-energizes cooperation between our private corporate community and our elected officials for the good of our entire community.

Financial institutions are contacted regularly by non-profit organizations seeking their philanthropic support for a variety of worthwhile causes. Considering the competitive nature of their marketplace and ever-shrinking profit margins, many banking institutions have had to tighten their budgets for special economic and community development projects. However, Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow is not a “cause” or a charity. Rather, this initiative is a sound business investment in Baldwin County’s future economic growth and well-being.

The mission of Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow is simple – to create sound economic growth by defining and addressing the Eastern Shore’s needs and opportunities. Here are just a few benefits that will accrue to your business and our community through your support of this important initiative:

• Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow will enable the Chamber to accelerate its recruitment of new business and industry to the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County. In addition, the Chamber’s five-year Business Action
Plan provides for assistance to the area’s existing businesses so that they will grow and expand. All of this translates into the creation of 200 new jobs and $7.4 Million in expanded payrolls over the next five years. Financial institutions will enjoy a sharp increase in deposits, investments and related financial services.

• Millions of dollars in new capital investments and the expansion of existing business and industry will enhance business opportunities for financial institutions. Real estate purchases, financing of new construction, increased retail business and financing of public sector infrastructure projects will be needed to support the Eastern Shore’s vibrant new economy.

• As our existing businesses expand, and as new business and industry relocate to the Eastern Shore many new jobs are created. New jobs mean new families moving into our community. All financial services, from lending to deposits, will increase as a result of Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow.

• New business and industry recruited to the Baldwin County area as a result of Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow will increase local tax revenues. This increased tax base should maintain the countywide tax rates for existing business at or near their current levels over the next five years, a substantial savings for financial institutions.

The success of Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow is dependent on the strong leadership and pace-setting financial commitment of Eastern Shore and Baldwin County’s business leaders. The men and women who are leading Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow are strongly committed to the future of our community. Now we urge you to partner with us and join Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow.

For further information on Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow, please contact Patrick Brennan at The Chamber of Commerce Office 251.928.6387 extension 3141 or BBT@eschamber.com.