The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the economic impact it has promoted, developed and celebrated in Baldwin County.

Former board members, chairs, staff and current investors and partners, including South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Donna Watts, gathered at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear recently to celebrate. Watts played a pivotal role in the organization's origin in 1994 emerging from a shared vision among the county's commissioners, chambers of commerce, and business leaders — "a vision for a unified approach to economic development that would shape the future of Baldwin County," according to a news release.

"Thank you to all of the leaders who saw the vision and stood alongside us," Watts said. "Creating BCEDA is one of the best things we have ever done together. BCEDA always puts their best foot forward for jobs and careers in Baldwin County."

From coastal to North Baldwin, the county has experienced exponential growth in both population and economic prosperity.

Since BCEDA was established 30 years ago, the organization has contributed to the creation of almost 15,000 jobs in Baldwin County's current job market and generated $7.7 billion in capital investment. The organization's annual economic output is $3.9 billion for the Baldwin County economy.

"Our board of directors and organization have worked tirelessly with our partners and supporters to see project opportunities across Baldwin County come to fruition," said Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Alliance. "From the single largest investment in Alabama history to being recognized as one of the country's top economic development organizations, our successes have been transformative."

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth was also at the investor reception and spoke about the economic development momentum Alabama and Baldwin County have experienced in recent years. BCEDA's efforts are nurturing growth, creating jobs and generating capital investment in Baldwin County.